College Gift Guide

I feel like all I ever write about these days is college related. But you know what? It’s pretty relevant to my life as a, wait for it, wait for it…. college student. 

So, that being said, here’s yet another college related post. However, this one has a holiday spin to it. 

I think one of the best parts of the holiday season is gift giving. It’s so fun to pick out that special gift for that special friend that you know they’re just going to love. It screams “them” to you. And when they love it as much as you think they will, ugh, it’s just so rewarding. 

I also think one of the worst parts of the holiday season is gift giving. As much as I want to buy every single one of my friends the most perfect and dazzling present, I can barely afford a hamburger for myself. 

How do you show someone you care about them without spending your entire life savings? I’m not really sure to be honest. If you want that question answered, I’m sorry, I won’t be the person who does that for you. 

But, don’t you worry. I have a solution. There’s this dope website called UncommonGoods that’s essentially an online marketplace for artists to sell their products. Not only do you purchase a product, but you’re supporting an artist and buying a story. They also were created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people and have non-profit organizations. I think the one I’m most passionate about is RAIN which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Pretty cool if you ask this college student. 

That being said, they sent me a few of their products from their already created (amazing) gift guides and I decided to go with the college student theme: alcohol and home decor. Obviously fitting for a 21 year old. 

Whether you're in a house, apartment, or a dorm, there's nothing quite like having a doormat to make you feel like you're back in your childhood home. I know that might sound so wacky but for real, they really make your place cozier (and cleaner if you actually use it to wipe your feet and not just as decoration.)

My friends and I drink a lot of wine. A lot. A lot. Hence the empty bottles -- it's hard to find a closed bottle left so excuse the photographs. That being said, this wine rack is phenomenal. It can be used as a holder for pretty much any number of bottles. Definitely a great gift for the college gal (or guy) if you ask me. 

My friends always poke fun at me for being the "rainbows and unicorns" kind of happiness. I see the positives of every situation almost to a fault. But I thought this stamp was a great way to liven up any piece of paper. It's just so cute and I haven't had anything like it since I was much younger. I feel like it's a great stocking stuffer or a gift for a basket type deal. That pink tho. Amazing. 

Home decor is tricky in college, especially when you live with other people. I have five other roommates and while we all get along, we definitely have very different styles (clothes, music, home decor, etc.) However, this light box is super cool because it changes color (aka aesthetic) and you can constantly change out what it says, Having a holiday party? Perfect, change the words. Someones birthday? Perfect, change the words. Inspirational quote? Yeah, you know, change the words. 

If you're struggling with the holiday gift scene, definitely be sure to checkout Uncommon Good's remade guides. They have one for pretty much any occasion you can think of.

What are you giving to your friends this year?

Thanks for reading! 
xox,
Chloe

Getting Out Of A Rut

Summer is the time where you can just relax and enjoy doing absolutely nothing. It’s all great, until your doing nothingness becomes a rut. You know, you wake up, watch tv, surf the internet, work, workout, eat, sleep, repeat. 

I have reached my summer rut. I find myself doing the same thing day after day not truly taking the time to appreciate the fact that it might be my last real summer of doing nothing just being at home. I need to remember to appreciate it. To know that school is literally right around the corner and I’m going to be wishing for days of nothing. 

This morning I decided to go watch some sailboats on a little island near my house. You can watch from the cutest little park and it’s so peaceful just to sit and watch the boats pass by. It almost doesn’t even feel like I’m in the same country, let alone the same town. It was a nice little escape to get out of my little rut, even if it was just tan hour of my day and a five minute drive away. Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact.

And speaking of small things having a big impact, my Hawaiin Tropic sunscreen definitely was worn during my little excursion. Just spending the shortest amount of time outside you’re inclined to get some sun, so I made sure to wear my Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration® which offers experiential sun protection by pampering my skin with luxurious moisturization while indulging my senses with soothing scents and exotic island botanicals. Honestly, my favorite sunscreen out there.  You can find out more information about Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration® here! 

I hope you’re all having an amazing summer and are enjoying your days filled with relaxation. 
Thanks for reading! 
xox
Chloe

I’m sharing Hawaiian Tropic in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™ #AlohaTherapy

Wear What You Want

Have you heard the fact about how your tastebuds change every seven years? It’s weird how accurate it is too; I’m about to turn 21 (and enter into my third set of tastebuds) and everything food related that I previously enjoyed is taking a shift. I used to love spicy foods endlessly, but now, if something is just a little bit spicy, I have the hardest time eating it. Weird, right? 

The thing is though, not only have my tastebuds been undergoing a shift, but my fashion sense has as well. I used to be extremely preppy. We’re talking Lilly Pulitzer galore, but lately I’ve been feeling the more edgy vibes: chokers, mom jeans, cool sunglasses. Obviously transitioning your entire style is a process, but I’ve discovered what I feel more confident in and what represents me fully. I think fashion is so much fun because it really does represent who you are and it’s awesome because it can change daily. I can still be preppy one day and still be “edgy” the next… #WearWhatYouWant, you feel?

I don’t know if you already saw it, but Meghan Trainor worked with Tampax to inspire girls to wear what they want and to feel confidently doing so. I think this message is so important because fashion should be something that makes you feel like your best self. You should wear things because you want to, because you feel good in them, and not for any other reasons. I think it’s cool how Meghan Trainor’s fashion is also representative of her music — it’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s unapologetic. I love it.

But speaking of Tampax, let’s talk about confidence a little. I feel like, as girls, there’s this awkward space of ether being “too confident” or not confident enough. But you know what, my motto is be as confident as you can. There’s no such thing as “too confident,” ever. And if anyone makes you feel like there is, they don’t deserve to know you. To be completely 100% honest with you though, I feel my most unconfident when I’m on my period. All I want to do is lay in my bed and feel sorry for myself, but I promise you, when I remember what Tampx stands for and when I think about how fearlessly confident people like Meghan Trainor are, I’m inspired to get out of bed and get stuff done. 

The other day I was having one of those days where I literally could’ve stayed in bed all day and just moped around, but my friends and I decided to take a little day trip to this little lake near our school. It was honestly one of the best days I’ve had in a while. We got out there and seized the day. TMI, maybe, but I was on my period and didn’t worry at all because I know how leak free the Tampax Radiant Collection is. I was confident in my “edgy” outfit, even during one of my most unconfident days of the month. Seriously you guys, if you’re ever worried about leaking during your period you’ve got to try the Tampax Radiant Collection, they’re bomb. 

So my tastebuds might be changing regarding food, but I know that my tampon selection will 100% always be with Tampax. 

#WearWhatYouWant #BeRadiant #ad #sponsored

Thanks for reading! 
xox
chloe

Keurig Makes Life More Romantic

You know those pictures that show the contents of people’s bags organized in a perfect manner. The lines between each object are unbelievably straight, not one object looks out of place, and everything just flows? You know the ones, right? 

If not click here here or here. 

The way these pictures make me feel is the exact same way drinking coffee makes me feel. You know what I mean. Just like totally put together and with it. Obviously, I probably don’t look put together and with it, but they always said it’s what’s on the inside that counts the most. 

Coffee just has super powers, I swear. I don’t know what it is but there’s something about coffee that just makes me feel great. It’s probably the caffeine, but we’ll call it magic. 

Keurig sent me a ton of k-cups to sample, and lemme tell you, receiving the box made me weak in the knees.

Obviously, the first one I had to try was the Maple Cream one. With words on the box including “no milk or sugar needed” and “sweet and creamy” it was a no brainer. It’s a little too hot in Florida to drink hot coffee, so I decided to get minimally creative and freeze the coffee into ice cubes and then put the ice cubes into a cup of regular coffee.

I’m trying to stay humble, but this idea might be my breakthrough to finally becoming a member of Mensa. 

Basically, it’s like having two cups of coffee in one, iced, and no sugar or milk needed. 

When I go back to college, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to be filling my freezer with coffee filled ice cube trays. If you're going to college for the first time, going back to college, or living at all, you NEED a Keurig in your life. It makes life better, easier, and more romantic, honestly. 

Thanks for reading! 
xox
chloe 

gift guide : on a college student budget

When I was in high school I never believed the whole “college budget” thing. The thing was, I didn’t understand college finances. I mean, there’s a Starbucks five minutes walking from my dorm. There’s a huge fancy mall just a short bus ride away. And don’t even get me started on all of the delicious restaurants that can be delivered thanks to an on campus delivery service. College life is easy, but I’m spending way more money than I ever expected. Next year I’m sure to be a broke college student.

However, with the holidays coming up, it’s time to buy gifts for all of my friends. I have always been the kind of person that is obsessed with gift giving. I love brainstorming what to give who and then finding that perfect item. It’s somewhat of a scavenger hunt with such a rewarding ending. I’ve compiled a list of gifts that I want to get my friends and they all happen to be under $25 which is awesome. 

Let me know in the comments below what you’re giving and/or what’s on your list! I’d love to know! 

mug / candle / socks / banner / earrings / pouch / iphone charger

Thanks for reading.
xox
chloe

pre-college is hard

College is a topic that I haven’t really talked about on here. I don’t know why I’ve shied away from actually talking about it, but I think it’s mainly because I have absolutely no idea what college entails. I mean yeah, I’ve seen movies about it, read books about it, met my parents college roommates, etc. But, I’m the oldest kid in my family so I don’t really have a brother or sister’s experience to learn from. And quite honestly, I feel like I’m going in blind. 

via stripes and peonies

Applying for college was way easier than the stage I’m in now. Sending in final transcripts, enrolling in classes, finding a roommate, figuring out housing and meal plans, finding a time to buy stuff to decorate my dorm room, and deciding what to take to school and what to leave home. It’s all so stressful. In fact, it’s so stressful to think about that I’ve been avoiding thinking about it all together. I mean, I’m doing what I need to do but I’m trying to keep most of it out of m brain completely. College is weird, I’m telling you. 

I’ve decided to compile a list of helpful websites that I’ll eventually get down to studying/cramming in my brain. But for now, I’m just enjoying the sweet, sweet summertime before I need to start really worrying about what comes after the daunting world of college. And if college is daunting, I can only imagine what adjective there is to describe the after college experience. Ya feel? 

A Compilation of Guides for the Unaware Upcoming College Freshie 
for decorating my dorm room like a boss
8 week guide from move in 
15 dorm room essentials 
ultimate college packing list / another awesome packing list
a personal reflection of a first year in college
how to get along with your roommate 
things you didn’t know you would need in college
some freaky and weird hacks for college… 
advice for college students 
first day of classes guide

There you have it, a guide of multiple guides to college help. Does that even make sense? No? Ok, whatever, I’m still keeping that sentence in. I hope this helped you out, and I will certainly be writing all about my college experience once it happens. But for now, I’m going to continue to not worry about it. 
xox
chloe