Over Memorial Day weekend my friend and fellow blogger, Shannon Germain aka The Time Traveling Foodie, and I planned a little dinner party. She created the whole menu and handled all the food aspects of the dinner party. If you would like to know more about Shannon and her side of the night, check out her blog here. Otherwise you can read my perspective of the dinner party!
The Invitations
Sending out the invitations was one of the things on my to-do list. This made the dinner seem a lot more formal than a usual hang out. Instead of just making a group message, I also wanted to give the girls a cute reminder that can also double as a keep-sake! We wanted everyone to know that this was going to require their best behavior & summer outfits!
The Dinner Table
The dinner table is one of the most important aspects of the party (not to mention the most Instagram-able). The set up determines how formal the evening is. We were able to use the Germain's old family china for the salad plates and silverware, giving the theme a little personal charm. The floating candles and flowers were set in mason jars for a rustic feel. This gave the dinner party a classy yet summer artsy tone.
The Guests
From left to right: Julie, Me, Lindsay, Anna & Sarah
LC X MC
The people you have over for an intimate dinner party like this is very important. When you're with good company, nothing else matters. Shannon and I decided that a party of six was the perfect size. We didn't want to overwhelm ourselves by inviting too many people. At the end of the day, as long as you're with the ones you love, everything will be just fine.
The Food
Good food & good people are all you really need to have a good time. Shannon pulled out all the stops with hors d'oeuvres, a delicious poppy seed salad, and a very filling entrée of lemon chicken, asparagus, and potato gratin stacks. For more on desert and the rest of the great eats, check out Shannon's post on The Time Traveling Foodie!
The Dinner Convo
They may be old friends, but the conversations will never be. You never run out of topics with the right company, but every once in a while, the convo needs a little steering. Shannon and I came up with a few conversation starters that can bring us to new discoveries. The topics ranged from cute and reminiscing like, "how did you meet everyone at the table?" to juicy and interesting like, "share something you haven't told anybody". By the end of the meal, there was definitely a lot of laughter at the table.
The Goody Bags
I was in charge of making the goody bags and handing them out to our guests. I wanted the goodies to stick to the theme of the night. Shannon and I both decided that "The Day After" kits would be best. I went on Pinterest and looked for ideas of what to put in the bag. I stopped by Target and picked up a pack of Kleenex, face wipes, mini packs of Advil, breath savers, and some Shout to go. It was a cheap and cute way to show our appreciation for their company!
"We didn't realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun."
At the end of the night, everyone was having a great time. No matter what we were doing or what we were eating, I knew we would all have a lot of fun. With a little planning and coordination, Shannon and I were able to pull this off, and I know for a fact you could too! I hope you enjoyed reading about my lively night with my friends, and hopefully you do the same this summer! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me! As always, if you have any type of blog post you want to see, please let me know! Happy planning! Happy partying! Fill your life with nice shoes, warm smiles, & plenty of dreams With Love, Maria
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"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
For those of you who have not picked up on it yet, I love coffee and I really love Starbucks. I decided for my next blog post I would do something similar to what I did in the fall, and write about my fav seasonal Starbucks drinks (What Starbucks Drink You Should Have This Fall). If you have a few extra dollars hanging around (or a sufficient meal plan) you should try some of these! I personally ordered all of these drinks (at least once) to give you the most accurate opinion. So without further ado, here are some Starbucks drinks you should definitely try this spring!
1. Iced Caramelized Honey Latte
This is one of the new drinks that Starbucks just released this month. It tastes great iced, especially on a warm spring afternoon. It has caramelized sugar to give it a little crunch. The little bit of honey really balances out the flavors. It is very sweet, but it tastes amazing! If you have a sweet tooth, this is your drink. It really makes you feel like summer is around the corner!!
Pro-Tip: Before drinking, make sure you mix it around because most of the sweet stuff (drizzle & honey) is at the bottom. *you can get this drink hot, cold, or in a frap
Sunny days always call for Starbucks
2. Iced Caramel Macchiato
The Caramel Macchiato is by far my absolute go-to drink. Iced or hot, this drink always knows how to hit the spot. The caramel drizzle evens out the bitterness of the espresso. If you ever "pick-me-up", this would be great. It tastes amazing and keeps me up for the rest of my classes. Even though this drink is sold year-round, it tastes especially good in the spring!
Pro-Tip: On the Starbucks secret menu, you can get this drink in a frap! Just ask for:
Classy girls love caramel macchiatos
3. Very Berry Hibiscus
This drink is without a doubt the "berriest" of them all. If you love raspberries, you my friend, have come to the right place. This drink is actually a refresher (which is true, it keeps me refreshed), so it's not overpowered with flavor. It's a great drink to order if you wanna sit outside and chat with a few friends for a bit (or in my case, gossip for 4 hours).
Pro-Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, ask for 2 shots of raspberry. It makes it a lot sweeter and much more flavorful! (shouts to my girl Julie for the suggestion)
Trust me, this is a "berry" good drink
4. Shaken Mango Black Tea Lemonade
I guarantee you, this will be one of the best lemonades you will ever have, ever! I am a huge mango black tea lemonade aficionado (tbh an all-around Starbucks aficionado as well). Sipping this drink on a sunny day will make you feel like you're at the beach. This drink actually includes a little bit of passion fruit, so it really is a tropical vacation in your mouth!
Pro-Tip: If you are a green or gold level member, this drink counts for a 50 cent refill at any participating Starbucks (you might have to go to a Starbucks off campus because the ones on campus don't normally offer all the rewards)!!
J chillin' by a tree with some mango black tea...
5. Iced Smoked Butterscotch Latte
"Smoked butterscotch" is one of those phrases that gets you intrigued because of its unfamiliarity. That was one of the main reasons I decided to try it (also it was new). This drink is very strong and has a very distinct taste. This is one of the few drinks I suggest for a rainy day, which in State College, we get a good amount of.
Pro-Tip: Just like the caramelized honey latte, you should mix it before you drink it. But if you got it iced, don't mix it too hard or else you will get the smoked butterscotch sauce stuck in your straw and accidentally slurp it up in the first sip (trust me, I learned from experience)!! *you can get this drink hot, cold, or in a frap
Can I have my (butter)scotch on the rocks?
6. Strawberry Açaí
Starbucks makes a lot of great refreshers, but this is definitely my fav one. Once you see this drink pop up on the menu, you know that warmer weather has to be coming soon! I promise you this refresher lives up to its name. I suggest grabbing one on the way to class, that way you can stay positive (and maybe focused) throughout the whole lecture.
Pro-Tip: Ask for a spoon when you get this drink, because you will be digging those strawberries out once you finish it.
All smiles when I'm sippin' on some strawberry açaí
Without a doubt, this was one of my fav posts to write. Sure it broke a little bank, but it was so worth it (plus I got a few bonus stars)!! I had a lot of fun writing the reviews and even more fun trying all those drinks. Hopefully all you Starbucks fanatics found a new drink to enjoy this spring, and hopefully some of you non-Starbucks drinkers found a reason to change your mind!
I wanna give a quick shout out to my roomies for taking all those pics (and for putting up with me), I couldn't have done it without you guys, thank you! As always, feel free to leave any questions and/or comments! I really hope you guys enjoyed reading this post! Happy spring! Happy Starbucks tasting! 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
"Hi, my name is Maria and I'm a shopaholic."
"Hi Maria." Everybody has their weakness, mine happens to be spending tons of money on things that I think I need, but really just want. It's been so bad that I even got my roomie into it. I have honestly created an online shopping monster (sorry Kim). In the long run, when I look back at this part of my life, I'll probably slap myself. Moving on; just in case you were wondering if you were a shopaholic as well, these are some common symptoms that I definitely have (in fact, I'm online shopping as I type this). Here are my confessions, from a professional shopaholic...
1. You LOVE getting packages in the mail.
Online shopping definitely has its perks. There's no driving to the mall, waiting in line, or having to search the entire store for the right size or color. But the one thing that gets me super excited is receiving those packages in the mail. Some stores put their products in cute boxes, increasing my excitement for any order. There's definitely something about expecting a package in the mail that seems to lift my mood (or maybe it's me trying to justify my purchase)...
Whoops...
2. You purchase the most random items.
I recently bought business cards a few days ago. Business cards are handy when you actually hold a position at a business, but as you know, I do not. This purchase came into my mind when one of my suite-mates showed me her business cards, and of course being the shopaholic I am, I went online and ordered some for myself. I thought that they were super cute and professional, so how could I not get them. Although I have no idea when I'll ever need to use them, they look really cute sitting on my desk...
They even match my agenda!
3. You think you're preventing an economic recession.
Trust me, I take Econ 104 right now, I know what I am talking about. When people read articles or see news segments about an upcoming recession, they start saving more money. The only thing they're doing is hurting the economy and even quickening the recession. What kills economic growth the fastest? Households no longer spending their money on goods and services. When people stop spending money, firms start losing money, and when firms start losing money we go into an economic recession. Now we wouldn't want that, would we? So instead of worrying about all the shopping I do, you should start thanking me for keeping the U.S. economy alive!
Don't worry, I'm majoring in this stuff...
4. You find going to the mall therapeutic.
Finding time to go to the mall in college is already pretty tough, so when you do get the chance to go, it's like the stars are aligning. You can even feel the excitement on the drive there! Finally stepping into your fav store makes your breathing uneven while your heart flutters with joy. When you finally find the perfect piece of clothing that completes your outfit that you just recently bought, you can't help but feel on top of the world (kinda like Beyoncé). At this rate, you might end up investing in real estate at the mall so you can sleep there...
Well said, Rebecca Bloomwood.
5. You always feel guilty right after a shopping spree.
Once you get home from a nice day at the mall, buyer's remorse hits you like a rock. You sit down and think to yourself, why the hell did I get this? Trust me, I've gone through this a few times. There are things in my closet that I haven't worn since the day I tried it on at the store. But then you remember how much you loved it when you first saw it sitting perfectly on display, so after all that you can never seem to stop your shopping addiction (probably going back to the same store the next day).
We feel you Ms. Bloomwood.
6. You lose track of your purchases.
You don't even want to know how many receipts I have stashed away in my desk drawer. With all this hardcore shopping going on, it's hard to keep an inventory. Just the other day, I went to the commons desk to pick up a package and I had no idea what I ordered. If you really think about it, it's like a little surprise! Kinda like, "Let's see what past Mar ordered to give to present Mar". OOOH, and if I guess what it is correctly I can reward myself with ordering something else! I like the sound of this game already.
Looks like I guessed correctly...
7. You can make anything a reason when shopping.
When shopping, a good shopaholic always has her Why to Buy It list handy. The reasons range from, "it matches the color of your eyes" to "you just finished a rough week, treat yourself". I'll let you into a little secret, all of those reasons equate to one sole thing, "I want it and I'm going to get it". If you went around thinking that every time you bought something, you might start feeling bad about your habits. That's why you come up with clever reasons that make perfect sense (maybe only to you, but that's all that matters). In the end, it really comes down to four words...
My life motto!
In all honesty, during the process of writing this blog post, I went online shopping and bought a few things already... Anyways, I hope you found this post entertaining (or helpful). Now, maybe you have a clue to if you're a shopaholic or not. And don't worry, even if you do emit some of these shopaholic symptoms, it's going to be alright! Welcome to my world (trust me it's a lot more fun anyways). Remember: Life is short, buy the shoes. Happy shopping!
Stay preppin', stay smilin', and most importantly, stay dreamin' With Love, Maria
The new year is finally here, and it's time for changes and many steps forward. 2016 is as good as year as any to broaden your horizon, and the best way to start is with your Instagram feed. To make this a "sweet '16", I have decided to follow some new accounts on Instagram. Whether they post pictures of adorable puppies or mouth-watering, delicious looking food, I'm sure you will find an account that sparks your interest. Without further introduction, here is my "who to follow on Instagram" list! Enjoy!
evelyn_henson
alroker
frenchwords
shopdogthreads
homepolish
ihavethisthingwithfloors
hankandhalyard
lindsaymaitland
vickiee_yo
coffeenclothes
Those were some of my personal fav Instagram accounts. I hope you enjoyed reading this post, and maybe even added a few accounts to your "following" list on Instagram! As always, please let me know what you thought of this post in the comments or directly contact me using the "Contact" page. If you have anything you want to see in particular, please tell me! We aim to please (Ms. Steele)... (sorry not sorry) (yes, I just referenced 50 Shades of Grey).
ANYWAYS, if you would like to check me out on Instagram, I have attached a link below! Instagram is a great place to express your creativity to your friends, family, and the rest of the world! I thoroughly believe these accounts will keep you entertained throughout this year. Happy 2016! Happy Instagraming! Stay preppin', stay smilin', and most importantly, stay dreamin' With Love, Maria
Thanksgiving is here! Along with being thankful for what we have, this holiday also includes A LOT of eating. When I got home the first thing I did was sit down and have a good home-cooked meal. The holidays are meant for a little indulgence. Even though the year is wrapping up, now is not the time to be slacking on your workouts. I decided to share with you guys my go-to workout playlist to keep you pumped for this Thanksgiving!
1. "Sorry" by Justin Bieber
I always play this song first to get me hyped up. JB's album Purpose just came out November 13th and it includes a lot of other songs that are great to dance to. Although Justin Bieber is not widely loved (trust me, I know), his music is really catchy. There's something about this song that makes me want to get up and hop on that elliptical.
2. "Random" by G-Eazy
G-Eazy is my favorite rapper. In fact, he is one of my favorite artists. His new album called When It's Dark Out drops December 4th. This song has a very dark and aggressive tone to it. I suggest listening to it when your running up a hill or bumping that resistance up a few more levels.
3. "Emperor's New Clothes" by Panic! At the Disco
I don't listen to a lot of Panic! At the Disco, but I love this song. It's got an upbeat tempo that can keep you going for days. The techno-esque sound gives you the energy to go on even when you wanna quit. I usually play this song mid-cardio workout.
4. "Back To Back" by Drake
Every girl loves herself some Drizzy whether she admits it or not. This song is a good one to bump if you're about to do free weights or do some heavy lifting. In all honesty, this song makes me feel like a bad ass. It keeps your reps going back to back...
5. "679" by Fetty Wap
What's a workout playlist without some Fetty Wap amirite? Fetty Wap is a new rap artist who made his debut with the single "Trap Queen" (which is a great workout song also). He's got a very unique sound that is so different you have to love it. This is a great song to pump when you need an extra boost of energy at the end of a set.
6. "The New Workout Plan" by Kanye West
Kanye West is a huge hip-hop icon. A lot of artists admire him and his work. This song is a personal fav, especially if you're at the gym. I mean just look at the title. This is a good song to play if you're about to start a new set or a new part of your workout. Always remember, "we just popped it".
7. "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
Tbh, if you're not a Beyoncé fan then you're definitely doing something wrong. Bey is the definition of every girls' dream. If I could trade places with her for a day, I totes would. Her body is goals not gonna lie. Add this to your playlist and all you single ladies (and those that are taken) will have a rocking body in no time!
8. "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift
No playlist is ever complete without a little T-Swift. Her latest album, 1989, has taken a new poppy spin on her old country music. Although country Taylor was my favorite Taylor, this new pop music is pretty awesome too. This song always gets me hype and ready to take on the rest of the workout.
9. "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna
Rihanna is one of the hottest musical artists right now. You can never go wrong adding her to your iTunes library. This song is one of her older albums, Good Girls Gone Bad, but is still a great song to bump. I suggest playing this song towards the end of your workout for that extra push.
10. "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled
THIS is my ultimate workout song. I always play this as I wrap up my day at the gym. This song always keeps me going as I finish the last set or hold that last plank. It can easily function as a great warm up song, but I love to play it last so I always know when my hour is up. All we do is win...
Thank you guys for reading my latest blog post. I hoped you found some songs that you'll be adding to your own workout playlist. I hope that those of you on break are enjoying yourselves. Eat a lot, sleep a lot, and love a lot. Safe travels, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Stay preppin', stay smilin', and most importantly, stay dreamin' With Love, Maria
The first semester of freshman year here at Penn State is starting to wind down and I have definitely learned a lot. As freshman we are probably the most clueless people on campus, especially at such a huge university. These past weeks have been quite the learning experience, and I wanted to share them with you! Here are 5 things that freshman at Penn State probably didn't know (at least me).
1. At the Berkey Creamery, you don't place your order at the cash register.
When ordering at the Berkey Creamery, you don't tell the cashier what you want if you're getting plain ice cream. You only tell them if you want a cone or a bowl, you pay, and then you go on your merry way down to where the ice cream bar is. I guess if you really think about it, based off of the formatting it makes sense. Sometimes if you get a really tired worker, they give you a funny look if you tell them the flavor you want at the cash register (yes, I've had my fair share of Creamery ordering mishaps). OH! And as a bonus fact, almost everybody calls the Berkey Creamery just the Creamery (drop the Berkey and you're golden). On a side not, my favorite flavor is most definitely the "Coffee Break", I could eat a whole tub of it!
Exterior of the Creamery
2. The bells at Old Main ring every 15 minutes.
Normally, bell towers ring on the hour or every half hour. I have never encountered a bell that would ring 4 times in an hour, but of course the bells at Old Main do. I learned about this the hard way. I was on the way to class thinking I had plenty of time to get there but then I heard the bells ring and thought the hour was over already. I sprinted to class, only to find myself one of the first people there. I think that was probably one of the most "freshman-esque" things I've ever done. Other than that, we'll call it an "incident", Old Main is pretty awesome. You can here the bells almost everywhere on campus, and on game days the bells play "Hail to the Lion".
(Did you know that Old Main is the second most Instagramed place on campus?)
3. The dining halls are closed in between meals.
During the first week of classes I already had a lot on my plate (see what I did there). I was trying to make sure I got to the right classrooms on time without having to pull out a map. I didn't have the time to plan my meals around my schedule (I should have anyways). After my last class on Wednesday ended (which was at 1:30) I went to the dining halls at North to eat. To my surprise, they were closed for the afternoon. I found out later that most of the dining halls are closed in between meals to prep for the next one. Safe to say I learned from that mishap (I ate granola bars for lunch that day)...
Should have looked at this beforehand...
4. There's a 4th floor to the Hub.
The Hub-Robeson Center is one of the nicest places on campus. There's a Chick-Fil-A (being from New York this a HUGE deal to me) and a Starbucks. The seating areas are nice with great lighting. It's a great place to eat, socialize, or do some studying. I love going to the hub in between classes since it's in the middle of the campus but I had no idea there was a fourth level filled with offices. There was this one time I had to go to one of those offices and I had no idea where they were. I went to the information desk and literally asked them, "Does this room exist?" It's safe to say it was one of my most embarrassing moments. So, YES! The hub doesn't end on the floor Alumni Hall is on, there's more!
5. The bells at Old Main aren't really bells.
As I said earlier, Old Main rings every 15 minutes. But the ringing sound isn't made from actual bells. They are an automated sound that come from a computer (how much of a killjoy is that). That is why the rings are always very precise and sound the same each time. Although this now ruins all the fun and tradition of the bell tower, I think it's still cool. Now next time your conversation is hitting a lull, you can hit them with this fun fact (or not, it may have the same effect)...
The supposed "bell tower" of Old Main.
It's safe to say, being a freshman is a learning process. I really hope you enjoyed reading this post. I decided to make this one specific to Penn State freshman, since this is one of the main reasons why I wanted to make a blog. As always, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me if you have any questions or feedback. I would love to hear what you have to say! Hope you have (or had) a lovely day. Onward State!
Stay preppin', stay smilin', and most importantly, stay dreamin' With Love, Maria
The prime season for Instagram is finally here. Get your cameras out because it's fall photo shoot time!! This past week I went out and took a few photos with the foliage. I really wanted to share them with you guys! Hopefully you enjoy looking at my pictures and are inspired to go take some of your own!
1. The stereotypical "pumpkin pic".
Every girl needs to have the stereotypical picture with a pumpkin. I can guarantee that if you search "fall photo shoot ideas" on Pinterest, a good amount of pins will consist of a girl holding a pumpkin in some way, shape, or form. Although everybody seems to Instagram photos like this, they can still be a lot of fun. The way you hold your pumpkin, or even the size can add some more creative detail to make the picture yours!
Possible Instagram Caption: Pumpkin spice & everything nice
2. The artsy photo with a name brand hat.
Instagram is the place to test out your creative ideas. You can use the sun as a tool to give your photo some natural light. Adding in the baseball cap gives it a touch of preppy. Don't be afraid to play around with the poses and angles. Photography is a learning process, it's normal for a lot of your photos to not make the "IG Worthy" cut.
Possible Instagram Caption: Anything is possible with sunlight and a little pink
3. The potential new pro-pic.
Most of the photos I take during a photo shoot don't include my face (such as the previous examples). Every now and then, I decide to take a fairly simple picture (and yes, include my face). And sometimes, if the picture comes out nicely, it may or may not become my new profile picture (spoiler: this one did).
Possible Instagram Caption: Autumn on my mind...
4. The not-so-candid candid.
If I had a dollar for every time I took a fake candid I would be a millionaire. The fake candids are easy to point out. They normally look too good to be true, because they're not. Although these pictures are "fake", they usually come out the best. Trust me, I was in that position for a good five minutes before I moved. I suggest you try it out, and if you like the way they come out, you don't have to tell anyone that it was posed...
Possible Instagram Caption: Keep calm & get your prep on
5. The for real candid.
These photos are the most genuine, the realest of the real. Candids are always desired because they show the subject in their natural, care-free state. They usually show the subject really happy whether they're captured smiling or in the middle of a laugh. You can also use props in your candids to make them seem more realistic, such as a cup of coffee :)
Possible Instagram Caption: Drink coffee & stay smiling
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! It was very "teenage girl", but I had a lot of fun writing it. I apologize about the in-activeness the past few weeks. I had a few midterms and papers due all around the same time. My academic calendar has since settled down, so expect more posts! As usual, let me know if there is anything in particular you want me to post. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me through my social media. Hope you have a good rest of your week and happy almost November!
Stay preppin', stay smilin', and most importantly, stay dreamin' 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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