How To Survive Finals

Finals time is upon finally upon us. *Insert collective groan from entire student population.* Every semester we know that finals will inevitably be here before we know it, but somehow we never seem to be prepared. In honor of finals coming up, here are a few tips to help you survive!

Music
Music is a huge part of studying for me. Personally I listen to film scores because they don't have distracting lyrics, but it also doesn't put me to sleep like classical music does. A great way to hear a bunch of awesome film scores is to listen to the Harry Potter film score radio on Pandora. Another station a lot of people like is the Hans Zimmer radio. No matter what I kind of music you like, I would definitely recommend something without lyrics or anything super distracting for intense studying!

Caffeinate and Snackinate
I totally made those words up, but don't forget to keep your body fueled! Of course coffee is the natural go-to (because caffeine, duh!), but don't forget to drink plenty of water as well! (I like to drink 2 bottles of water for every cup of coffee) and eat plenty of snacks, but don't forget to eat real meals as well!

Plan Plan Plan!
When it comes to finals time, planning is key! Plan out your study times and when you are going to study for each class. First, make sure you write down when and where every single one of your finals is. As well as writing everything in my planner, I also printed out a calendar to hang on my wall above my desk so I have it readily available. I like to plan to study an hour then take a ten or twenty minute break (to read My Life As Hayden, duh!). Make sure when you are studying to be completely off of social media! I've found that putting my phone across the room (on silent or vibrate) is the best way to not get distracted! Don't forget to study plenty in advance (aka NOT the night before!) your final!

Write in all of your due dates and finals so it's easily accessible!

Make Your Space
Whether you're working at your own desk or at the library, a clear work area is a must! Not only does it help keep you from being distracted, but it helps you feel more productive as well. I like to spread out all of my notes and other study materials because it helps me feel less cluttered (and ultimately more productive) and I like to be able to see everything at once. Make sure you have everything you need (pens, notes, computer, flash cards, post-it notes, etc.) before you start studying so you aren't constantly interrupting your study time.

Learn How To Study
Figure out how you study best and utilize it! For me, color coding and flash cards help me best. Flash cards are my go to study tool (try Quizlet if you are in a pinch and want to use online flashcards), but if I can't do flash cards, I love to rewrite my notes and color code them. There are some awesome study tips on Pinterest that I would definitely utilize!

Study Comfy
I am a huge believer in oversized tshirts and leggings. If I'm going to hunker down for some intense studying, I want to be as comfortable as possible. Please, avoid wearing your onesie to the library at all cost, but make sure you're not dying because you're in "real pants"!

The Day Of…
Dress for success! On the days I have tests I love to dress up (aka wear real pants and not a tshirt) because it makes me feel like I have my crap together. There's nothing like walking into an 8 am exam looking -and feeling- super confident even though you stayed up until 3 the night before studying. "Dressing up" always puts me in a "YOU GO GLEN COCO" state of mind, which I think results in better test results!
When it comes to studying the day of the test, don't. Yes, you heard me right! In my first semester of college, my calculus professor told us "Cram, cram, cram the night before if you need to, but on the day of the test, take it easy. I wouldn't even open the book!" Now while I don't intensely study the day of an exam if I can help it, I do review the test material. Usually I'll make flashcards or an outline of important topics and quiz myself. In doing this, you are calmly going over the test material without the added stress of cramming the day of. Just relax, and you'll be in a better frame of mind for taking the test!

Stay hydrated in the cutest way possible…with a Future First Lady koozie!

Don't forget to reward yourself after studying, either! Head over to Future First Lady and get 10% off your purchase with the code HaydenL. Finals only come once a semester, it's totally ok to treat yourself with some retail therapy ;)

Desk Inspiration

I pride myself on having such a cute dorm room, and for the most part I do. But, my desk needs a little help. Right now it just collects junk and clutter and doesn't look cute at all! I've been trying to find inspiration for making my desk cute but also functional…so I took to scouring Pinterest! Here are some of my favorite desks/office spaces that I have found.

{via}

The first desk that I am in LOVE with is this one from The Monogrammed Life blog. I love the monogram (duh!) and the pink and gold theme!

{via}

 I love the way Shop. Teach. Georgia Peach. utilizes her storage. The cute tote bins make having stuff organized look too cute!

{via}

 I love I Believe In Pink's gold and pink theme. The way that she displayers her pictures are cute, too!

{via}

The Christmas lights above this desk from Bowtiful Life is probably my favorite thing! I love that she has her own artwork up, too!

Obviously my desk areas need a little work, so I'll be scouring Pinterest soon for more ideas! Check back to see the final results! What are you favorite ways to personalize your desk?

P.S. I've added something new to my sidebar! It's a link to some things I think y'all will love! Click on the links under Check Out These Items to see them!

#winning

This week has been a crazy, hectic, "I'm losing my mind" kind of week. That being said, I don't have one of my "normal" blog posts to post, so this is more of a post about some cool things I thought I would share.

1. HerCampus is giving away a $500 Lilly Pulitzer shopping spree! That's right, two of my favorite things (HC & Lilly) have teamed up to make sure summer never ends. Find details about this and other awesome giveaways here!

via

2. Remember my fabulous Custom Lilly shorts featured here? Well get excited, because now you can get 10% off of your first purchase by using this link!

3. Alex and Ani is on RueLaLa right now! You may have seen my post about wanting an Alex and Ani bracelet not too long ago, and I'm so excited that it's on RueLaLa! If you want to join RueLaLa and get awesome deals on crazy cute stuff, click here!

4. Last but not least, I'd love to hear some ideas on new posts! And if anyone is an up and coming graphic designer or knows anyone who designs webpages, I'd love to speak with you!

Don't forget to enter to win a SABRE alarm system here!

How To Stay WELL At College

*Original Image via*

College campuses are a breeding ground for all types of sicknesses! My freshman year of college, I seemed to stay sick! After my umpteenth visit to a doctor's office, my mom said it was like I was back in preschool. When you think about it, it's very similar. There's not really any place to escape sicknesses, especially if you live on campus!  So, here are a few tips to help you stay well:

1. Take your vitamins. I take Vitamin C and B12 pills, but talk to your doctor about what would be best for you!

2. Wash your hands! This seems like a no brainer, but some places on campus can be just plain g-r-o-s-s!!

3. Check your vents for dust and mold. One of the reasons I stayed so sick first semester was because we had mold in our bathroom air vents. Check all of your vents and make sure they're clean! If you live in on-campus housing tell your RA if you need anything like that cleaned!

4. Clean! The best way to prevent gross stuff from growing in your room/bathroom to make you sick is to keep it clean!

5. Keep up your personal hygiene.

6. Stay away from people that are sick!

7. Exercise. You don't necessarily have to go to the gym everyday, but a walk around campus won't hurt! I've been a lot more accountable with my daily exercise since I've gotten a FitBit!

8. Finally, drink LOTS of water! I started drinking a lot more water this summer, and I've already noticed a difference in my health! The best way to stay hydrated is to keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times!

Even though these seem like common sense, being aware of these tips will hopefully save you a few trips to the doctors office! Do you have any tips on staying well? Share them in the comments!

Also be sure to check out Her Campus's post about the illnesses you can catch in college!

Student Rate Partners With Alex and Ani

A few days ago I saw Kristin from The Dixie Daisy blog about the new Alex and Ani bangle she just got. I've been wanting one for a while, and seeing her post made me want one even more! With the semester just starting I am b-r-o-k-e! (Those textbooks will cost you your first born child, be warned!) But, I found this awesome site, Student Rate, that will definitely help you save money! Student Rate partners with major online retailers (think Alex and Ani, LuLu's, PB Teen, Charlotte Russe, etc.) and provides you with either a discount or cash back offer when you shop! Love all of the stuff that you have seen in my dorm room? You can get cash back or discounts when you online shop at places like PB Teen, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Wal-Mart, and even Anthropologie through the Student Rate website! Want to sign up and start saving money (to buy things like Alex and Ani bangles?), sign up here!

Meanwhile, my birthday is in September if anyone is feeling generous and wants to get me an Alex and Ani (totally just kidding, unless you just want to ;P )

via

via

via

via

via

Have you used Student Rate before? I'd love to hear about your experience!

Sophomore Dorm Room

I'm finally moved into my dorm room and settled down! I'm absolutely in love with how my room turned out and how homey it feels!

Here are some before pictures:

And AFTER!:

My awesome headboard is from Artist Tree

I actually painted the wall piece by myself! I'm super proud of it!!

You can find my wall monogram at Southern Proper Monograms

How cute is my monogrammed owl door hanger?! Another awesome Artist Tree product!!

How do you make your dorm room feel more homey? Share your ideas in the comments!

How To Survive Your Dorm Room - Everything Else

If you've been keeping up with my How To Survive Your Dorm room series, you know I've already told you how to make the most of your bed, bathroom, and closet! The response I've gotten on these posts is overwhelming! Now it's time for…everything else! In this post I'm covering your desk, dresser, and floor space. See anything I forgot? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email!

1. Desk

My desk/"kitchen area"

Most dorms come with a desk (check with your dorm to make sure yours does!), and for most people it functions as more than a desk. I used my desk to do homework, to eat, to use my computer…pretty much for everything! If you think "I'll never use my desk, I'll just sit on my bed!", you are WRONG. Try to do your homework on your bed a few times…if you're like me, you'll end up taking a nap. 

You're most likely going to have a lot of things on your desk because it's one of the only pieces of furniture in the room. On top of mine I had a printer, a lamp, a pencil holder, my vitamins, some picture frames, and some other miscellaneous things. I learned early on that I couldn't fit 5 picture frames on my desk, so I moved them on top of my air conditioner. 

Your desk is another part of your room (besides your bed) that is something that you should absolutely love! After a few weeks, you'll figure out a system that works for you! You'll definitely need a lamp, especially if you have a roommate that naps a lot ;), and a cork board is another must! I found mine at Burlington super cheap. It already had the chevron, I just added my monogram! You can always find some super cute cork board DIYs on Pinterest! I also kept a pencil holder from the dollar bin at Target on my desk. Put up artwork or something else that puts you in a good mood for the long hours you'll spend at your desk! I pinned my owl sign I got on bid day on my wall so I would see it everyday! Your cork board is a great way to put some personalization in your desk area without taking up any valuable space on your desk! 

TIP: Use pushpins in the wall to hang things like your keys so you won't forget and/or lose them!

I kept things that were special to me on my board, like a picture of me and my parents, my bid card, and a carnation I received.  I also kept things that I didn't need to lose on my board, such as coupons, business cards, my mailing address, and my game day pins. By the end of the year my board was completely filled! 

2. Kitchen area

Another important part of your dorm is your "kitchen area" aka your mini fridge and microwave (if your dorm allows). My fridge was old and ended up dying, so I got a new one with a separate freezer and refrigerator. I highly recommend it! We also had a microwave, and a single cup coffee maker (the kind that pours straight into your cup, not the kind with a pot). Because we had a very small sink that was hard to wash things in, we mainly used plastic utensils and styrofoam plates. When we had to wash cups or bowls, we would sometimes have to do that in the shower. A few more things you might need are: tupperware bowls, strainer, can opener, paper towels, and dishwashing soap. Don't forget to keep this area clean!

3. Dresser

My dresser housed our TV and DVD player, so I was unable to decorate it. But, my roommate did a great job decorating hers! She had a large mirror, candlesticks with pillar candles, a serving tray, and picture frames! She made it feel really homey, and you almost forgot you were in a dorm!

One of the things that I think is ESSENTIAL for your dresser are drawer liners! If you've read my bathroom post, then you know I'm kind of a germaphobe!  Drawer liners keep your things from getting icky in the bottom of the drawers, and some are even scented to keep your clothes smelling fresh! You can use a drawer liner like this, or even something like wrapping paper! Just use some double sided tape to keep it in place! Not only did I use it for my dresser drawers, but for my desk drawers as well!

4. Floor space

A rug is an absolute must! If your dorm has carpet, it is almost guaranteed to be icky, and if your dorm has tile then a rug is a great addition to make the floor comfortable! Rugs don't have to be super expensive, either! If you're having a hard time finding a rug you like, or one that isn't going to break the bank, check your local carpet store for scraps of carpet that have been bound to make a rug. I just got a 5x7 rug from Lowe's for $25 because it was actually a piece of carpet that they bound to make a "rug".

5. Decor

Decorating my dorm room was my favorite part! Check out Hobby Lobby for some great decor pieces, or even make your own! Canvases are super easy to paint, and you can make them any way you want them! Check out Pinterest for some great canvas inspirations!

Do you have any tips for surviving a dorm room? Leave me a comment! And don't forget to check back in August for pictures of my new and improved dorm room! Be sure to follow my College Board on Pinterest for more great ideas!

This were all of the remaining things I had to take back with me after my parents had come and gotten most of my stuff. Spoiler alert: it fit! (Barely)

How To Survive Your Dorm Room - Bathroom

Last week I posted on How To Survive Your Dorm Room Closet, and it's gotten some great feedback!(Off topic, but you can always email me if you have any questions about dorm living! See my Get To Know Me Page for my email!) One of the things I was slightly worried about was the bathroom situation in my dorm. Luckily, my dorm was a suite-style dorm, where two room shared one bathroom. I am a germaphobe so there is no way I would be able to sure a community bathroom! (Will you be in a community bathroom? Check out this post from A Peaker's Survival Guid to College and How To Survive the Residence Hall Community Bathrooms post from HerCampus!) I shared a bathroom (one shower, one toilet, and two vanity areas) with 3 other girls, so it wasn't too bad. (Again, I was bad at taking pictures of my actual bathroom, so there aren't many pictures. But don't worry! I have lots of pictures of the living area of my dorm room for that post!)

Here are the things I learned:

1. Keep it CLEAN!
This seems like a no brainer, but with busy schedules it is hard to remember to clean the bathroom until one day you realize it is DISGUSTING! Also, clean it before you even move your stuff in. Most colleges use the dorm areas to house students over the summer for various camps and orientation sessions, so chances are a lot of people have been using your bathroom. The maintenance and cleaning staff have a lot of rooms to clean, so sometimes it doesn't get cleaned very well.
You and your roommates can also try a cleaning schedule. We tried this second semester, but no one really followed it. It's kind of just a hit or miss thing.

2. Get a new shower curtain
Find out what kind of shower your bathroom will have, and get a new shower curtain. Be sure to keep the old one stored away so you can put it back up when you move out. The shower in our dorm room is a teeny-tiny little box, with a very small opening. I had originally bought a chevron fabric shower curtain, but I couldn't use it. (Keep reading to see what I did with it!) I couldn't find a plastic shower curtain that was small enough to fit when I got a great idea! I was at Bed Bath & Beyond (if you haven't figured out by now, it's one of my go-to dorm shopping places) when I saw an employee hanging the shower curtain samples (ya know, the little curtains that hang around to give you an example of what it looks like). So, naturally, I asked how they were able to order curtains so small, but she told me they take the curtains and fold them in halves or fourths to hang as displays. So long story short…I bought a cute plastic curtain in the smallest size the offered and folded it in half. It fit perfectly!
If you have a small shower like me, it's best just to get a vinyl/plastic curtain. Make sure it's not see through though! If you have a normal tub/shower combo, any curtain/liner combo will do!

Please excuse the face I'm making.

I love this adorable shower curtain! Find it here!

3. Get a shower caddy or rack

My roommate picked us up a 3-tier shower caddy, and it was a life saver! We didn't have to carry all of our stuff in and out of the shower or leave it on the floor. If something like this doesn't work for your shower, another great option is a shower caddy that hangs on the shower head.

Find it here!

4. If you have a window, get a curtain

Our bathroom had a very large window that faced directly across from an all-boys dorm (great planning, right…not.). It had blinds, but we didn't have very good lighting in the bathroom so we liked to keep the blinds cracked. Remember that shower curtain that I wasn't actually able to use on my curtain? Ta-Da! With a tension rod and some shower rings, I now had a super cute curtain for our window! Because it was light blues and white, it still let in a good amount of natural light while it covered the open blinds, and no one could see inside, either.

This made a perfect window curtain! Find it here! (PS it's on sale!!)

I'm sorry for the mirror selfie, but you can see how we had it hung up! (PS the balloons and Disney princess tattoos are part of how my roommates decorated for my birthday!)

5. STORAGE STORAGE STORAGE!

Storage is one thing you need a lot of! You'll need a place to keep your towels, washcloths, extra shower stuff, and girl stuff. We found this great idea on this Pinterest post with storage cubes, and we had a perfect spot in our bathroom to put it! We each had two cubes; in one I kept towels and washcloths. In the other I kept things like my blowdryer, curling iron, flat iron, hair products, facial cleansers, make up wipes, etc. Another great storage solution is to use small storage bins to keep all of your stuff organized in your bathroom cabinets. 

This was our "Pinspiration" 

We got these stackable cubes and cubby drawers from Target! We made a 2x3 tower. 

Great basket for keeping your stuff organized in the bathroom cabinet!

For things like feminine products, I made a "girl box" that I kept in my bathroom cabinet. I put my monogram on it so my roommates would remember that it was my stuff. 

6. Don't forget…

A rug for outside of your shower

Toothbrush holder

Soap dispenser

First aid kit

Towels/washcloths

Command hooks (to hang on the doors or walls if there are no towel racks)

Toilet paper/paper towels
Rubbing alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide (something you don't think about until you actually need it)

Have any more great ideas for a dorm bathroom or see anything that I forgot?! Leave a comment or email me!