Hey there! Welcome back to the blog or if it's your first time here: Hello! Nice to meet ya! This (long overdue) post is all about my must-have summer essentials. I'm not gonna lie, it is an eclectic set of items, so if you find yourself thinking "hmm ok" dw I'm prolly thinking it too. I hope you enjoy and maybe even find some new things you wanna try out! WAIT! Before I get into it, I just wanna plug my Summer Redemption playlist. I created it myself and added some bangerz! It's so lit I deff consider this a summer staple. You can check it out here (Apple Music). If you wanna quickly pause to go bump this playlist while you continue reading, I wouldn't be mad at it (tbh I'm pretty about it). 1. DON'T THROW SHADE, WEAR 'EM Feeling lazy and don't wanna do your makeup? No problem just pop on some shades! Wanna look fleeky and also protect those eyes of yours? Look no further! They really are a versatile accessory that I think everyone needs not just in the summertime, but all year round tbh. Most of my shades are from either Francesca's or Sunglasses Warehouse. Sunglasses Warehouse is great for those "on trend" glasses that could potentially go out of style soon. That way you can snag some trendy shades without breaking the bank. 2. BUMP THOSE BEATS IN THAT SUMMER HEAT I have this cute little portable JAM XT speaker that I use every single day. The sound quality is actually really nice for a tiny speaker like this. You can bring this with you poolside or to the beach, it even has a clip so you can hook it to your pants. It allows you to bring your music literally everywhere you go. In fact, i'm actually using it rn while I make this post (listening to my fire playlist ofc *always plug*)! 3. PLAN IT LIKE IT'S HOT I use this adorable Recollections planner to keep my day on point. It has a bunch of lists that I reference throughout the day so I don't forget anything important. It's slim and sleek so you can deff pop this in your purse when you're on the go. I also picked up some adorable stickers (Recollections) to give my planner an extra pop! These items are super cheap at Michael's, so if you're ballin' on a budget you can still cop 'em! 4. PORTABLE ILLUMINATI SHIELD This Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick has been an absolute life saver this summer. It's so small and portable, I always have it with me. It literally applies the same way you would use a glue stick. This one is my favorite sunscreen stick bc I find it's not as greasy as others. I absolutely hate getting any kind of sunburn so this product gives me life! 5. BIZ-CASUAL FEET SNUGGLERS These Jack Rogers have been my go-to sandals since the beginning of time. I have worn these bad boys from places like the beach to fancy nights out with the gals. Ofc you don't have to get these exact shoes, but I think everyone should have their own kind of staple nude sandals. A pair that you can literally wear with anything and everything. BUT if you were planning on splurging on sandals anytime soon, these Jacks are my number one suggestion! Hey! You made it to the end of the post! I hope you enjoyed reading it and found something new you wanna try. If you have some summer staples that you wanna share, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy summer stapling! (lol what?) With Love, Maria
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Hello friends! I can't believe it's September already! I'm so sorry, it's been a hot minute since I've posted. I have been v busy moving in & adjusting back into my college schedule. But, I promise I will get back into blogging more often! I decided to do something different this time and give y'all a little dorm tour. I'm finally all settled in, and definitely one-uped my room from last year. I wanted to share my decor ideas, and some bits and pieces that I think every classy college girl (or college student in general) must have!
Bed & Wall Decor
Lilly Pulitzer Inspired Wooden Letter: Etsy, Christmas Lights: Amazon, Frames: Home Goods, Bed Sheets: Target, Monogrammed Throw Pillow: Etsy, Koozies (*every classy girl needs a few of these): Country Club Prep (1,2), The Lucky Knot (1,2), Etsy, Hobby Lobby (similair).
Must-Haves:
Desk Space & Organization
dreamer
adjective \dree-mer\ Deliciously Delusional. Frivolous and fancy free. Wildly Whimsical.
If you would like to see where most of these office supplies are from, check out my previous blog post "Stationery Haul"!
Must-Haves:
Your dorm room is for you to decorate, and for you to enjoy. After all, you will be living in this space for the next 8 to 10 months! It's your very own place to do absolutely anything and everything with. Make sure to personalize your room exactly the way you want to, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Happy September! Happy decorating! Fill your life with nice shoes, warm smiles & plenty of dreams With Love, Maria
"Classy girls aren't wealthy in money or material things. Classy girls are wealthy in knowledge, love, & respect. I believe every girl is a classy girl."
Although there is no right way to be a classy lady, I do believe there are some qualities that every girl (including myself) should seek. Here are ten endeavors that I think are worth everyone's time.
1. Always say "please" and "thank you" with a smile.
A woman who is respectful to others is automatically 10 times more appealing, and if that woman is always wearing a smile... well gentlemen, better grab her while you can!
"Happy girls are the prettiest." -Audrey Hepburn
2. Listen to others with your mouth closed.
Sometimes, the best thing to say is nothing. There are some situations that don't require your opinion. Make sure when you're listening to somebody speak, you are really listening.
Even former bachelor, Ben Higgins, knows when to keep quite and just listen.
3. Live life like everyday is an excuse to dress up.
Sure apparel isn't everything, but sometimes looking good makes you feel good. Don't be afraid to overdress. Life is short, so make every outfit count!
Dress like your inner Marilyn...
4. Find a monogram you fancy, and put it everywhere!
I believe a monogram says more than a name, and I will use it any place that I can. In the wise words of Reese Witherspoon, "If it's not moving, monogram it!"
Credit to Marley Lilly
5. Stick to one fragrance and always smell nice.
Your perfume defines you whether you realize it or not. When you wear the same fragrance over and over, people will start to recognize your scent. So make sure you leave behind a pleasant one!
Spritz away darling!
6. DO NOT R.S.V.P. to drama!
Drama is never a good thing. A lady does not involve herself in places where she has no business being in. She is mindful of the situation and offers help without encroaching her boundaries.
The amount of time Grace Kelly has for drama...
7. There is a fine line between being honest and being rude. Do not confuse the two.
When asked for your opinion, take in consideration the other person's feelings. You should always tell the truth, but you should always be polite too. Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.
Don't get caught wincing at the sound of your own words.
8. Before you speak: know what to say, when to say it, and when to stop.
A lady should be able to speak her mind, but in order to be a lady, her mind must always be filled with thoughts of good will. If you want your opinion to be respected, then make sure what you say is respectful.
Sometimes, you just have bite your tongue and stop talking.
9. Have more than you show, say less than you know.
There is never a need to flaunt everything you have. Remember, nobody likes a show-off. Some things should remain private, it keeps the mystery alive.
Gotta keep Scooby-Doo on his toes!
10. Elegance and dignity will enhance your beauty!
Be wise with your words, ruthless with your knowledge, and caring with your actions. Sit up straight and sip your coffee you classy lady, for you are forever beautiful!
Meet me for breakfast at Tiffany's!
No matter who you are or where you're from, you are a classy girl. It is not the material you wear that makes you a lady, but your essence. Hopefully, you enjoyed this week's post! If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.
Keep your head up and stay classy darling! Fill your life with nice shoes, warm smiles, & plenty of dreams With Love, Maria
The school year is finally winding down, but there are a few things that need to be done before leaving for summer break. Throughout my first year here at Penn State, I learned a lot about college and myself. Although my experience has been lovely, there is always room for improvement. This blog post is all about my personal guide to moving on to bigger & better!
1. Have a solid support group
I believe this is the most important part of moving on. There are just some things that aren't meant to be done alone, and this happens to be one of them. Surround yourself with true friends who will support you no matter what. Sometimes, talking it out with someone who cares is the best way to mend a wounded soul.
2. Remember to cherish what you have
Whether you're having a beautiful day or a lousy one, you should always be grateful for what you have. Every morning, you should start fresh and give yourself the opportunity to really live. Let go of that negative energy to make room for a grateful heart.
3. Make yourself a priority
Although it is important to consider other people, you also need to do what's best for you. If you seek approval from everyone, you will never be able to move on. You should never settle for anything less than happiness. Only you can truly make you happy.
4. Be kind to the people around you
No matter how angry you may be, you should never take it out on the people who care about you. They are there to help you, and the least you can do is appreciate what they have done. Spreading kindness is a delightful way to not only lift somebody else's spirits, but yours as well!
5. Don't let the past define you
Everyone makes mistakes, that's what makes us human. You should never hold yourself to a standard of perfection. There are always things that you regret, but there's nothing you can do about it now. What happened in the past already happened. The only way to move on is to learn from your mistakes. Accept that you're not perfect, and let it go.
6. Keep a positive outlook
Even though nothing may seem to be going right, you have to keep on keeping on. You didn't come this far, to only come this far. Moving on is a journey that molds your character, and builds strength. If you allow yourself to grow and be happy, then the rest will come naturally.
7. Be proud of yourself
No matter what people say or do to you, they can never take away your self worth. You need to realize you are amazing and there is nothing that can change that. Never doubt yourself, even if other people seem to be doubting you. You know who you are and what you want, and at the end of the day, that's really all that matters.
Moving on doesn't mean you forget about things. It means you have to accept what happened and keep on living. Remember: this isn't a process that happens overnight. So, keep on fighting my friend! I'm rooting for you!
I really hope you found this post in some way helpful. Feel free to leave any questions or comments. And if you want, leave any advice you think is worth sharing! Fill your life with nice shoes, warm smiles, & plenty of dreams With Love, Maria
The weather here in State College has been getting much warmer. Spring is (hopefully) just right around the corner. Since the seasons are starting to change, I decided that I should make a few changes in my life as well. Time to do some new things, and get out of that winter hibernation. Here are a few things you can try to make you a happier college student, and end this year on a good note.
1. Venture out of your coffee (or beverage) comfort zone
As you know, I am a huge coffee fan. I realized every time I order or make a cup of joe, it's always the same thing (Pike Place roast). I decided to try a lighter roast when I went to Starbucks and it tasted amazing! If you haven't had the Blonde roast at Starbucks before, I highly suggest it! Even if you're not a huge coffee fan, you can still try this! Instead of grabbing your go-to beverage (OJ or Peach Tea, etc.) and get it in a different flavor (Apple Juice or Pumpkin Spice Tea, etc.)! Even if you don't like it, at least you tried something new!
There's no such thing as "too much Starbucks"
2. Add a little inspiration to your blank wall
Over winter break I went shopping and got a few frames to spice up my room. I put them on the painfully blank wall in my dorm. It will keep your morale up (at least enough to keep you from going insane) 'til the end of the semester. It's a quick fix to any boring patch of your house, apartment, or dorm. You don't even have to paint or hammer anything, you just gotta use a few Command Strips and you'll be all set!
Pink & gold are always a classy girl's fav colors
3. Start keeping a journal
I've always been meaning to start some kind of journal for quite some time now. Writing in a notebook is a great way to decompress and reflect on your thoughts throughout the day. I find this to be very therapeutic, especially if you're going through a rough patch (Tbh, who isn't having a hard time rn? We're in college, we're always having a hard time). Keeping a journal can also help you reflect on what happened in the past. Before you know it, you'll see how much you grew!
Always monogram your journal
4. Make a bumpin' spring playlist
It's simple: new season, new music. Listening to different music can really put you into a new mood. I decided to make this playlist for when I'm lounging by myself, cracking down on some homework, or just walking to class. I created a mix of some newly discovered songs with some older songs that I used to love (and still do), but haven't listened to in a while. Good music creates good vibes, so let those good vibes flow!
You can check out my playlist by clicking on the button below
5. Treat yo'self to a little something special
It's been an especially stressful time lately, so you deserve a little something for yourself! Whether it's as small as getting guac on your burrito at Chipotle, or as big as a new pair of shoes (or three... whoops), you should treat yourself to it! You just finished all those midterms and are halfway through the semester, I think it's time for something just for you. It's a good way to reward yourself for getting this far, and before you know it, you'll be done! Don't worry kids! Hold onto your sanity, it'll be over soon!!
The question isn't if you should have the cookie, it's how many cookies should you have?
Summer 2k16, here we come! I don't know about you (I'm feelin' 22), but I am so ready to be done with the school year! Freshman year has been great and I love it here at Penn State, but I can't wait to relax for almost four months! I hope my spring tips were able to help you in some way, and maybe you tried a few yourself! I know that we can make it and finish this year with a bang (a good one of course)! As always, please feel free to leave any questions or comments. If you want to contact me personally, you can check out my "Contact" page and use your preferred medium.
Happy spring from Happy Valley! Fill your life with nice shoes, warm smiles, & plenty of dreams With Love, Maria |
Meet MariaHello! I'm a professional shopaholic & monogram aficionado studying at Penn State. I hope you enjoy my blog!
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