Inspire- Morning Routine

I used to not be a morning person at all simply because mornings can often feel rushed and stressful for me and I hate starting my day off with those feelings rushing into my system.

However, I find that when I do mornings the right way, I am most productive and happy in the quiet hours before the hustle and bustle begins.  Let me assure you, I am not waking up before the sun rises but I am waking up with adequate time for me to feel fully awake and feel at peace before school starts.  Here is my morning routine and why I love it:

1.  Waking up:  I like to wake up at least an hour and half or more before my class begins.  It works nicely for me since my first classes aren't until 9:30 or 11:00.  When my alarm wakes me up, I usually stay in bed for an extra ten to fifteen minutes just getting accustomed to not being asleep.  One thing I really love when I wake up is my alarm sound.  I use my iPhone as an alarm clock and I have it set so that I can choose a song to wake up to rather than the blaring beeping sound.  I pick a song that it is upbeat yet soft so that I do in fact wake up, but am not scared by the sound.

2.  Getting Ready:  After I have made it out of bed I immediately go to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth, etc.  This helps me feel more awake.  As I sit down to put on my makeup, I almost always light a candle (usually Vanilla) and put on a gentle  Ed Sheeran-esque playlist to create a soft and cozy environment rather than a harsh and rushed one.  I always take my time getting dressed and I also like to put on clothes that will make me feel more productive (so not sweats or Uggs).

3.  Breakfast: For breakfast I usually head to the coffee shop on campus and get some coffee or tea and a light breakfast.  During this time I find that I am most productive in either finishing up some homework or planning my day.  I think I am most productive simply because I am not trying to get it all done.  I leisurely do my work and when I do this I find I am most efficient.  Kinda backwards but it works!

I think for me, the trick is to take my time as well as be centered and calm throughout the morning.  If I save an important assignment for the morning of, it will lead me to a day of nervous energy and stress.  If I set aside that chunk of time in the morning to have my personal time and also get some work done, it makes an immense difference in how my days go.

Let me know what you do in the morning or what kind of playlists you like to listen to for the morning!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Autumn Fashion- Menswear for Women

Happy November!  Quick apologies for my hiatus, school has got me busy every second of the day, but I am back now :).

I personally love shopping in the Men's section of clothing stores; I think it offers a ton of great basic pieces that girls can wear in so many different ways.  It is especially easy to wear men's clothing during the fall since they do tend to fit looser which is nice for fall time and layering.  I came up with three different looks with a few of the pieces I have from the men's department.  Let me know what you think!


Look 1:  Girly with  military edge

I took this camo T-shirt that I got on clearance from Urban Outfitters and put it over a simple cotton black dress.  To give the tee a bit more shape on my body I tied a simple knot above my waist and this also helped show off the dress a bit more.  I wanted to be bold so I took a textured circle scarf that I got from a second hand store and added this to my look.  I really like how this added a lot more femininity to the outfit as well as made it more autumn appropriate.  To complete the look, I paired it all with my black Steve Madden boots to complete the edgy look.  I thought about wearing knee high boots but I felt that the military style boots kept the theme of the camo without overdoing it.  This look is casual yet put together so it is perfect to wear anywhere!  It is definitely one of go-to's for the rest of autumn.











Look 2:  Comfy, Casual, Classic

This outfit is basically my go to for class everyday since it is very simple, yet also put together.  The Hane's T-shirt is from the Men's section and was only $9.00 for a pack of 3 shirts.  What a steal!  To look more presentable than someone just wearing an oversized men's shirt, I paired it with some dark wash American Eagle skinny ankle jeans that I got on clearance for $30 dollars.  I rolled up the bottoms, added some leopard print flats, and a long gold chain necklace to keep this look classic and chic.  If it gets colder, add any jacket that adds some shape to your figure and you are good to go!  I love this look for everyday running around and staying comfortable in a cute way.

Look 3:  Oversized Sweaters

This is another go-to look for me.  I actually saw my brother wearing this long sleeve shirt, and I decided I needed it so I went and got one for myself.  This a simple long sleeve thermal in a dark maroon/ purple color that goes with EVERYTHING.  It is easily one of the most comfortable items in my closet which is good since I wear it so frequently.  Since it is thermal, it keeps me warm and cozy and since it is oversized it works well with leggings and boots.  I got mine in a size up just to really emphasize the "baggy sweater" trend.  This the easiest look out of the three to put together since it is just boots, sweater, and leggings.  Perfect right?!  If it is colder, you can add a chunky scarf or a military style jacket to give it some edge.

My advice is to not automatically skip over the men's section!  As I mentioned previously, it offers a lot of really great staple pieces that can be dressed up or down for an effortless look everyday.  

Hope you like it!  Let me know if any of you shop in the men's section also.

xo,

Alexandra S.

Blogger Diary- Sunday Thoughts

To be honest, I am not sure where I want to take this however I am in the mood to ramble so hello...

I woke up neither happy or sad, stressed or calm.  I just was if that makes any sense.  Unsure of what to make of this feeling (or lack thereof) I felt a walk would best clarify my clouded thoughts.  I wanted to just sort through my head and make sense of everything happening in my life.  Last week a lot of things happened that were hard for me to wrap my head around and so I needed to understand why these things were difficult for me.

Lately I have been feeling like I am in a strange middle ground between adulthood and youth and it is an interesting internal conflict that I am sure most other 20 year olds are going through as well.  An overwhelmingly large part of me is screaming: you are twenty years old, you don't need help and you should figure everything out on your own!  And I want this; I want to be able to know myself so thoroughly and completely that every bump that comes along I can work through systematically and handle in a mature manner.  However, this has been really hard for me and is proving to be more confusing than I planned on.  I have always considered myself someone who is rather in touch with my thoughts and emotions, so why am I still wanting to get my parents advice on matters? It is a strange feeling of wanting to assert my independence and do things on my own and then realizing that I am not necessarily at that point in my life.  I feel that since I have now reached my twenties, I should have life and everything figured out perfectly.  But that is not what the reality is and that is what is so scary to me.  I remember as a child thinking that twenty was so old and that twenty was the 'real grown-up age', but when I think about myself now, I don't feel like a grown-up.  Being in school is so incredibly rewarding and challenging and stimulating, but at the same time is so limiting to the outside world that it is a struggle to find the balance between independence and needing a little parental advice.

I have come to the conclusion that it is okay to not have everything figured out.  It is hard in college where every student seems to have their life plan figured out and already five steps ahead of tomorrow, but in the end it is okay to not know the answer to everything.  Chances are, all the other students are feeling the same way.  I think what is important is to keep your life in perspective and take every day one step at a time.  Whether it is school, friends, family, or everything that is proving to be challenging, the best way to find yourself is to find a perspective that makes it all fit together.  In life, there is SO much more to focus on than the next internship or what your friends think.  I feel that if I live my life in a way that continues to help me grow and figure out who I am, then I am on a good path.  The rest will come in time, because that is what happens and that is okay.

So for now, I am just going to take life as it comes because what else is there really to do?

This was quite a ramble, but hopefully it is relatable in some ways.

xo,
Alexandra S.

Health- Apple Cider Vinegar

Between hearing about this product from my friends and reading about it everywhere, I have picked up on the ever amazing apple-cider vinegar.  Yes, vinegar.  While this seems a bit random, it is actually a very beneficial and multi-purposed solution to many things.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cleanser, it is great for cleaning and detoxing in a gentle yet effective manner.  Here are some of the ways I like to use apple cider vinegar in my everyday life.

1. Internal Cleanser.
  You are in college therefore, it is bound to happen that between parties and late night study sessions, your stomach and liver will start to feel not so great; this is because your body needs to be cleansed and refilled with pure ingredients!  I like to sip on a mug of hot water with a about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to help cleanse my system.  And it works amazingly.  It seems to be some sort of miracle ingredient because literally five minutes later I feel so refreshed and like a new person.  I like to add a dash of agave for a natural sweetener too since it can be a bit harsh at first.

2.  Hair Rinse
     I recently tried this and fell in love. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to remove excess buildup from your hair.  Between styling products, heat, and just the days general buildup, apple cider vinegar can really help your hair.  The main ingredient in this vinegar is acetic acid which helps balance your hairs pH levels as well as promote hair growth, treat dandruff, and give your hair lots of bounce and shine.

To make this hair rinse all you need to do is mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar with a quart of water (distilled) and you are good to go!  To use it, shampoo your hair as normal, then spray the rinse in your hair...leave it in for only a few seconds and wash it out with cold water to lock in all the properties.  Don't condition your hair after because you won't need to and it could actually reverse the effects.  I would recommend doing this once a week.

3.  Face Mask
    I have yet to try this because I haven't had time to get the other ingredient, but apple cider vinegar is supposed to make a great face mask.  It is said to reduce inflammation and prevent break outs-  AKA the perfect remedy for every college student.  All you need to do is mix some apple cider vinegar with calcium bentonite clay powder (which you can find at any vitamin shop or health food store) and mix it together.  Coat an even layer all over your face for about 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water.  I read that when it is on your face you can actually feel your skin pulsating, how crazy is that?! I am definitely going to try this out.

4.  All purpose Cleaner
     As if those weren't enough reasons to convince you why Apple Cider Vinegar is a magical product, it can also be used as a a natural all purpose cleaner since it is a natural disinfectant.  Just mix up 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 Cup water, put in a spray bottle and you can clean almost every surface.  This is great for cleaning your dorm room when a deep cleaning is necessary and you know you aren't filling your room with hardcore chemicals that are not good for your body.

I think my favorite part about apple cider vinegar is the multiple purposes I can get out of it.  It makes my life extremely cost efficient and I can treat my body with amazing care with only one product!  Apple Cider Vinegar is so cheap and can be found in any grocery store.

Let me know what you think!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Motivational Monday

I found this quote the other day and I thought it was perfect to start the week off on a good foot.  I know a little Bob Dylan can always pick me up!

Enjoy the Monday!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Outfit of The Day- Sunday Brunch

While most of the kids on campus roll into the dining hall on Sunday morning in last night's makeup and sweatpants, I like to dress up a bit.  I think it is fun and also putting on an actual outfit usually helps me be more productive in the day since I am not tempted to crawl back in bed.  For this lovely Sunday I channeled my girliest self and created this outfit that is perfect for fall.  I especially love this outfit because I got the best deal out of it!

My white lace dress is Urban Outfitters and I found it on clearance for $9.00.  When I saw it, I didn't know if I wanted it mostly because it is fairly short, but for $9.00 I felt like I couldn't pass it up and I am so glad I didn't.  It is fun and girly but since it is also basic, you can add anything to it to make it edgy or soft.

I paired it with this denim jacket that is technically my mom's (sshhh), some black tights from Forever 21, and suede booties.

The booties are probably my favorite part of the outfit.  They are Dolce Vita and originally over $100 but I found these adorable shoes at Marshall's for around $80 over the summer.  While they are still a bit of a splurge, you are getting such an amazing deal on them. If you ever want designer or pricier items, go to Marshall's first because they have the best deals on everything!

I added a simple gold necklace to keep the theme of simplicity but add a subtle pop.  I am not normally one for lace, but I really like the lace detailing paired with the rougher texture of the denim; it adds an unexpected dimension.

This outfit goes perfectly for a fall Sunday and I am sure I will be re-wearing this again, since it is casual and cute.

xo,

Alexandra S.

P.S.  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexandraRedein

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Confessions- 6 Things To Tell My Freshman Self

When I think back to my freshman year of college I just get a strong urge to laugh because of how clueless I was to everything.  But of course, that is normal for a freshman!  It would not be right if someone came in to college 100% dialed in.  However, here are six things that I wish I knew when I was a freshman to help me get through the daily obstacles a little bit more gracefully.

1.  Take the professor, not the class.
     Ever heard of Rate My Professor ?  I hadn't until halfway through my first semester.  Although a class may sound stimulating and interesting, chances are if the professor is boring the class will be boring too.  It is actually amazing to me how much a good professor can make a mediocre subject so interesting!  I am in a class right now that does not particularly interest me subject wise, but the professor who is a highly established literary scholar in his field, is so knowledgable and passionate about the class, that I find myself practically clinging to every word in class; and really, it can't get better than that.  It will make homework, exams, and papers a hundred times easier to get through. Trust me, take the professor, not the class.

2.  Your new best friend- H20.
     Seems a bit random, but I never realized how little water I was consuming in college until it starting impacting my daily activities big time.  Carry a water bottle with you to class because it will not only save you from dehydration, it is definitely a good item to keep in your hands if you have the urge to start tapping your pen.  Also, prepare a water bottle before you go out at night.  There is absolutely nothing worse than coming back to your room at 2 AM and waking up at 5:30 AM with that pounding headache- signs of a good night.  Get water ready before you go out so when you come back you can drink the whole bottle and feel good as new in the morning!  Learned that one the hard way when I first came to college.

3.  Look for everything FREE.
     Although as my dad says, nothing is every actually free.  As a college student though, you may beg to differ.  Since it seems to be inevitable that every college student has a lack of dollars in their wallets, it becomes a mission to find every free opportunity that presents itself.  I now have the largest collection of random things in my room that I pick up from every booth or festival that occurs and it is a bit baffling how often I actually use them.  For example, the last time I bought pens was actually my freshman year of college.  All my sleep shirts are the shirts that are given out for free at every school event.  Get on that free stuff hype, it's worth it.

4.  Dining hall steals
     There was a big debate in my philosophy class if borrowing/stealing fruit, cups, plates, snacks from the dining hall was moral or not.  In my opinion go for it.  As a innocent freshman I actually went and bought silverware and plates from target.  Don't do it.  If you have a backpack it is easy to swipe whatever you need and just keep it in your room for the semester or year then give it back at the end!  I don't see it as wrong if you give it back at the end.  Also, most freshman don't have access to cars to go to the market all the time.  Definitely grab some fruit or cereal to go for those late night munchies in the library.  It's not wrong, just go for it.

5.  Don't stay on campus every weekend.
     Although it can be difficult to get to places without a car, find a way! If you go to school away from your hometown, make the extra effort to find cool concerts, festivals, shows, events, that are off campus.  Not only is nice to get a break from campus, it is super fun and a great way to get to know the city you go to school at.  There is usually a way to get anywhere you want so make it happen!  It also makes your Instagram more interesting and you can document your adventures on Facebook or Twitter, then everyone can see how much fun you are having!

6.  Social Media YES
     Some people may disagree, but I am an avid social media user and I think it is the best possible thing for every college student to get on board with.  Not only is it super fun and a good way to connect, more and more companies are using social media as a way to promote their business so it looks really good if you know what you are doing.  It helps foster connections, get answers quickly, and keeps you updated on the latest news and trends.

Those are the first things that popped into my head for things I wish I knew as a freshman.  A bit random, but hey that's college right?

xo,
Alexandra S.