WAYS TO GIVE YOUR DORM A LITTLE EXTRA SOMETHING!

It's back to college for many students! We want to make our dorms feel like we're right at home, however, sometimes it can just be too much! You don't want to dress your room up so much that it looks like a Sweet 16 exploded in it! Remember that there is a line between cozy and cluttered when it comes to decor. I'm one of those people who likes to have some decor floating around but also likes the ease of simplicity. If you can relate then definitely check out this post on how I gave my room a little something extra this semester! 

1. PICK A COLOR SCHEME FOR YOUR ROOM. My color scheme is black, white, and light blue so my zebra print bedding with a light blue accent color is perfect for my room! When you pick a color scheme you can dress your room up by having some accessories in those colors. As you can see in the top left, my magazine organizer (which actually doesn't hold magazines) suits my scheme with black and white horizontal stripes. I got it from Target for about $10. Next to it, I have a light blue cup and I put fake white pearls inside the cup so that my pens and pencils stand up right in there. Once again, these fit my theme perfectly! It's super simple but makes that corner of my desk super cute! 
2. PRINT AWESOME QUOTES FOR YOUR WALL. I didn't do this last year so my walls were really bare =( This year, however, I found a few cool things that I liked from Google Images, printed them out and taped them to my wall. I bought glitter tape from Scotch and created a glittery border around the print outs, just like the one above! It adds a little something yet it's so simple! One of mine reads: "SOME PEOPLE JUST NEED A HIGH-FIVE. IN THE FACE. WITH A CHAIR." So funny! I'm still in the process of adding a few more to my wall but this is a cool way to personalize your room. 
3. GET COOL ACCESSORIES. This is kind of what I was saying about the color scheme. Getting fun accessories like magazine holders, and pencil holders can be a fun way to dress up your room and make it a little more personal. You can use colors from your color scheme to do this and it'll look neat, organized, but fun! 
4. PICK A TRENDY STORAGE TOTE. These storage totes are a great way for you to organize small things in your room and they come in cool designs! I picked up a tote with a blue and white chevron design. In it, I store some food and snacks such as my favorite cereal, fruit cups, my mug, some forks and spoons, granola bars, and microwaveable macaroni cups. These storage totes add some color to your room and add some kind of decoration without going overboard! 
5. BUY POSTERS. Get some posters to cover up bare walls, too. I have an awesome ninja poster that my friend got me. My suite mate has a few big posters on her walls, which really adds a personal touch to your room, like the storage tote, without going overboard with everything. Most posters are relatively inexpensive and can be reused if you take care of them so this is a good idea. 
6. PUT YOUR CALENDAR TO USE. My favorite organizational item to have would probably be a dry erase calendar. I love being able to have my entire month planned out right in front of me, especially during a busy semester! I bought colorful dry erase markers to make all my writing super fun and aesthetically pleasing. This is actually a cool way to add a few pops of color to white walls in your dorm! Just pick up some mounting tape if you already have a calendar so you can safely hang it on your wall! 

There you have it - 6 easy ways to spice up your dorm without breaking any banks and while still keeping everything simple! Try out a few of these and see what you like! What's your favorite way to spice up your dorm? Let me know in the comments! =) 

"GOLD PIECE" NAILS

As you all know, I am completely loving my new gold nail polish from Sinful Colors! I created this cool angular design using just a striper brush, black nail polish, and black glitter polish. This is an extremely simple design that you can do with any colors you want! I don't have one set pattern, as you can see, each nail uses a different style of borders and lines. The striper brush is thin so it allows for precise lines. 

The black nail polish I used was Sinful Colors' Black on Black, the gold nail polish is Sinful Colors' Gold Medal, which you can read all about on my Review page, and the black glitter polish I used is from KleanColor and is called Black Out. As you can probably tell from my other nail art posts, I love the Sinful Colors brand so much because I feel like the nail polishes from that brand go on smooth and have a nice luster to them. They are very pigmented and true to the colors you see on the bottles, an they're only $1.99! 

Truth be told, I wished I had used a color other than the glitter nail polish. I was thinking that everything would look more defined if I had used my Sally Hansen's Electra-cute or Blue Me Away! since all the border lines are black. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with this outcome. 

My accent nail is just plain gold nail polish - did I say plain? How could gold nail polish ever be "plain?" This is a great quick and easy design that anyone can do for a party, wedding, and social events! How else do you like to use gold nail polish? Let me know in the comments! =) 

MY NEW NAIL POLISH STAPLE - BYE BYE BLACK NAIL POLISH

So I went to my local Walgreens yesterday for a few things and, of course, I gravitated towards the nail polish and care aisle. This time, however, there weren't too many colors that impressed me because I already had similar shades from a different brand or I just couldn't see myself using the color. Then, I spotted this gorgeous gold from Sinful Colors and snatched it up! Of course, I used it as quickly as I could, applying two coats, and here's what I had to say about it:

PROS:

• True to color: With some cheap nail polishes you tend to have a problem with the color pay off - it's often not true to the color you see in the bottle, however, this gold nail polish is perfection! 
• Gorgeous metallic: This has a gorgeous metallic sheen to it that is not overdone at all! I don't really like completely matte nail polishes but I don't tend to choose shimmery type ones either but I have never seen a more gorgeous metallic finish! 
• Great for the price: Sinful Colors nail polishes are $1.99 which definitely in no way breaks the bank! I was super happy I snagged the last gold nail polish! 

CONS: 

• Took longer to dry: For some strange reason, the second coat took longer to dry than the first one did. Maybe I subconsciously applied a thicker coat the second time? This seems likely but overall, the polish still took longer to dry than most of Sinful Colors' other colors. 

When I finish this bottle I will definitely high tail it back to the store for more! I've definitely found my nail polish staple! I'm a huge fan of black nail polish but I'd say this beats it! Just in time, too because I'm going away for college again and didn't want to bring a ton of nail polish with me like I did last year so this will without a doubt be included in my tiny college nail polish collection! 

The name of the color is called Gold Medal and is perfect for when you just need nice looking nails but nothing too fancy for class or a casual day. At the same time, I feel this is showy enough to wear at an event such as prom or a party! Seriously, this color is, like, Goddess status! 

CONVERSE NAILS

Wow, I am just now getting around to posting this! Anyway, I did these converse nails maybe a week ago! I am definitely a converse kind of girl and these nails are just super colorful and super easy to do! Even though I used a different color on each nail, the technique is the same: Apply two coats of whatever color or colors of nail polish you'd like the canvas of the "sneaker" to be - or use as many coats of nail polish as it takes to get the opaqueness you're looking for! On my middle finger I used my Sally Hansen Gel nail polish in Electra-cute. 

Once that dries, take a stripper brush dipped in white nail polish and create a line about one third of the way from the tip of your nail. Fill in from there down with the white nail polish. This is the toe of the sneaker. I just used a plain, simple white nail polish from New York Color. Take a dotting tool or whatever you use to make dots on your nails and make two dots on each side of the canvas. These will shape up to be your shoelace holes but we aren't done with them yet! 

Take a very thin brush and dip it into the white nail polish. Make zig-zag lines to connect the dots you made as though they were real shoelaces. Once everything has dried, make small black dots over, but not covering, the white dots you made. Now they really look like shoe lace holes! Take the black nail polish and finish off the toe of your sneakers by making a simple, curved black line. 

There you have it - super simple and cute converse nails! I always get tons of wows when I do this design! I realized after taking the picture that I didn't even do the classic, and my favorite, black converse! If I had remembered I probably would've swapped out the pink for the black! You can change it up anyhow you'd like. Use some colors from the rainbow or maybe paint all your nails one canvas color! 

TESTING: NYX LIPSTICK IN "HESTIA"

I had been looking for a pretty, dark almost wine colored lipstick for a few weeks now. I used to have the Jordana lipstick in Country Wine which was beautiful, moisturizing, and did I mention beautiful? I threw it out, though, because it was my mom's and she's had it for years upon years and I took it from her, used it a few times then realized she's probably had since I was in middle school and figured prolonged use wouldn't be good for my lips so I tossed it ^^ 

I was looking for a replacement lippie for myself and I've used NYX lip creams in the past but didn't really want a matte finish so I went to the store and picked up Hestia. This line of NYX lipsticks are named after things from Greek Mythology. The color I was originally looking for was called Siren which had a bit of violet to it that I was in love with but since I couldn't find it, I decided to take a chance on Hestia and was glad I did!! 

The lipstick is creamy and has a beautiful but not overdone shine to it so your lips look hydrated! Unfortunately, in the picture I took (shown above) you cannot see the actual color payoff because of the lighting. I tried taking the picture form multiple angles but this was the best I could take but, if it helps, IT IS TRUE TO THE COLOR SHOWN ON THE PACKAGING. This being said, if you're shopping around for a deep wine colored red, the Hestia you see on the packaging is exactly how it looks when you apply two nice coats. 

I am really happy with the way this lipstick looks, especially against my skin! Give this a shot for sure, and if you aren't into this shade of red, try other lipsticks from NYX. Before I forget to mention, I got this from a Beauty Supply store for only $4.99! =) 

5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS I'M DYING TO TRY!!

Hey y'all! Here I am with a list of beauty products that I really would like to try out! Nothing much to it, nothing too special here - just me and my wishlist =) 

1. HERBAL ESSENCES HONEY I'M STRONG SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: For the next year I will be working on repairing the damage to my hair that came as a result of dying my hair a lot. There are several things I'm looking for in a new shampoo and conditioner: First of all, it has to do it's job - in this case, strengthening my hair. Second, it has to make my hair feel soft. In middle school, I went through tons of products that left my hair dry, frizzy, and not in anyway touchable. I came out of those dark ages a long time ago and I don't intend to go back! Third, it has to cost under $10 because who doesn't love a quality product that fits the budget? Finally, it has to smell really nice because I am obsessed with products that smell really good and I want my hair to smell beautiful! I've used Herbal Essences products before and they smell divine! I've checked out some reviews on this product and I think that it will definitely work well for me so I can't wait to purchase this product! 
2. L'OREAL PARIS FALL REPAIR HAIR MASK: Another product I'm hoping to get my hands on in my quest to improve the quality of my hair! I've used the L'oreal Oleo Therapy hair mask for about a year now and the product leaves my hair feeling soft, shiny, and smooth so I definitely have a liking towards L'oreal masks. In the last few months, however, I've been experiencing some crazy kind of hair fall that I'd like to reduce. I have extremely thick hair so it isn't noticeable at all but I'd like to stop the hair fall in its tracks before it becomes a big deal. I looked at a review for this product on YouTube and the woman doing the review used the product for a period of two months and it significantly reduced her hair fall! She actually had more hair fall than I am experiencing right now so I really have high hopes for this product! Keep in mind that she used the mask with its respective shampoo and conditioner, however, she believes that the mask was what diminished her hair fall so I will use the mask and write a review for you guys after a few months! 
3. BURT'S BEES HERBAL DEODERANT: I've been using Secret deodorant for maybe two years now and it's great, it really is, however, I am suddenly on the lookout for a better drugstore deodorant. My concern with Secret is that after a while the yummy, fruity scent "mixes" with the odor from sweat and in my opinion it doesn't smell pleasant. I've never had anyone tell me that I stink or that I should change deodorants but since I am hauling products to take back to college with me I figured I might as well try to combat this before it turns into an issue. I have read reviews and I am very well aware that this deodorant does not stop you from perspiring!! I'm okay with that because first, sweat is a natural way to release toxins from the body and second, I've never had a big problem with sweat and I don't mind a small stain on my clothes under the armpit area. 
4. MAYBELLINE PUMPED UP MASCARA: I am super excited for this one!! I know, I know, I raved about the Maybelline MegaPlush Mascara in one review and I am still in love with it but I'd really like to give this product a go! The Pumped Up Mascara promises volume which is what draws me to this product - that and the adorable pink packaging! I've seen reviews and watched demos and I'm pleased with what I've seen so I hope that this mascara can amp up the volume more than MegaPlush can! Don't be alarmed - I will use this product in combination with MegaPlush! Another reason why I am more likely to pick this product over another one of Maybelline's mascaras (just by looking at it) is the style of the brush. It's similar to that of MegaPlush, which I love, because it should be able to give me lashes in full bloom! Unlike many of the other brushes with very short and sometimes sparse bristles. Also, I saw this at my local target for only $5.99 so this is definitely a steal! 
5. ELF STIPPLING BRUSH: I really would like a stippling brush, finally. I feel like, for me, they are difficult to come by and I hate those flat foundation brushes! I stipple my foundation into my face because I feel like it's quick and helps give me great coverage! Currently, I am using an Ecotools BB/CC Cream face brush that works better than any other foundation brush I've used thus far. Its bristles are somewhat stiff like those of a stippling brush, which I like, but I would really love to get an actual stippling brush! If I don't get the Elf brand brush then I would love the SOHO London brand, I'm sure! 

So that's it for my beauty wishlist! Let me know in the comments what beauty products you're dying to try! 

6 USEFUL THINGS THAT YOU WILL VERY LIKELY FORGET TO BRING TO COLLEGE WITH YOU!!

I know I definitely forgot a thing or two! 

Packing for college can be crazy hectic - there's so much you need to bring with you! Clothes, shoes, school supplies, and shampoo just scratch the surface! I've created a list of a few very useful things that some people end up forgetting at home, miles away, when they first move into college. Be warned - I will not tell you about flip-flops, and high heels because in my opinion, those just aren't super necessary and for the record, I took like three pairs of ankle booties with 3-inch heels to college with me during my freshman year and wore ONE pair ONE time! 

1. AN UMBRELLA: This is an essential that, believe it or not, some people forget to bring with them when they initially move in! Rainy weather will really be your worst enemy if you don't have an umbrella! You'd probably have to make a mad dash to class or pray that the rain clears up whenever you have to leave a building! The area my college is located in is known for heavy downpours so I was extremely glad I remembered an umbrella, though I can't say the same for one of my old roommates! 
2. COMMAND HOOKS OR OTHER COMMAND PRODUCTS: These are super useful tools that I would never want to forget at home! In college you aren't allowed to damage the walls by hammering in nails so using command products that you just stick to the wall is a great alternative! During my freshman year, I put two command hooks on the back of my dorm door so that my roommates and I could have a place to hang up our towels. You can also use command tape or other brands of mounting tape to mount things that you don't want to clutter your desk, such as a calendar! 
3. DISH SOAP: Maybe you're a baker and will constantly use your building's kitchen to bake cookies and cupcakes - I sure did! Dish soap will help you get out all that food gunk from your bowls and spoons and things. Even if you don't bake, lots of people bring silverware from home if they want to enjoy cereal for breakfast straight out of their room, so dish soap is something to have so that you can properly clean your dishes! 
4. INTERVIEW CLOTHES: I am definitely guilty of forgetting this one and almost instantly regretted it! When you go for interviews for jobs and positions on campus, you need to present yourself in a respectable and professional manner - jeans and a leather jacket most definitely will not cut it! Some people will definitely overlook this one and scramble to find a last minute interview outfit (like I did!) Plan to bring a blazer, a button down, plain black leggings (if you're not a fan of dress pants or skirts) and a comfortable pair of flats. If you like skirts and dresses then make sure you pack a simple and professional piece! 
5. A SURGE PROTECTOR: A surge protector seriously saved me during my first semester. I was tripled and there weren't enough outlets in that room for three people! We each had a minimum of two devices we needed to plug in to charge, not to mention blow dryers, straighteners, and such! A surge protector easily let us double the number of outlets in the room! It was extremely useful, too, because I was the only one of my roommates who actually remembered to bring one! 
6. ENOUGH PAIRS OF UNDIES: Once again, I am super guilty of forgetting this! Like, I brought tons of pairs of undies but apparently I didn't bring enough! There were a handful of times when I was getting towards the end of the week and my supply of underwear was dwindling and I knew I had a lot but it seemed like some mysteriously disappeared! Please pack more than enough underwear. Whatever amount you think you need, add like five to it or maybe even ten! 

So that's that for my list of 6 things that people will forget to bring to college to them! Obviously, it happens, so you can't beat yourself up about it - you'll just learn from your mistakes! What things have you forgotten your freshman year at college?