What's in my backpack?

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday!

I can't believe that it's Labor Day weekend already!  This summer went by way too fast.

I start school on Thursday and I'm super nervous/excited.  

I've been shopping for last minute school supplies and packing my backpack for the first day of school!

Now onto what I carry in my backpack...

I've been using this Marc by Marc Jacobs tote for the past two years and I really love it!  The fabric is really sturdy and since it's nylon, it's so easy to clean!  

In my school bag I always always have my Lilly planner!  I would honestly go crazy without it.  

Another thing I always have to in my bag is gum!  Stride spearmint is my favorite!  And a bottle of water is a must.

I also keep a little cosmetics bag filled with translucent powder and concealer just in case!  You never know when your face could get oily or a blemish could pop up.  These come in handy especially after gym! And I always carry some kind of chap stick with me.  My favorite is the Maybelline Baby Lips!

What do you carry in your school bag?

xoxo

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!!

BTS: Homecoming

I always thought homecoming would be a huge deal in high school from watching movies growing up. With sparkly dresses and a homecoming queen and king.  At my school basically no one attends the homecoming dance.  I've always thought it would be fun to dress up and go!  Maybe this year I'll have to drag my friends with me!

Shop!

1. Free People 

2. Lilly Pulitzer

3. Free People

4. Tobi

5. Free People

So lately I've really been loving Free People dresses!  They are super trendy and sparkly!  I also love the kelly green Lilly laced dress!  Green is my schools color so I think this one would be perfect!  Lastly, the plum Tobi dress is so simple and I think would look cute with some fun jewelry and wedges!

What do you think of Homecoming? Is it a big deal at your school?  What would you wear?

xoxo 

BTS: Snacks

After school, the first thing I do when I get home is eat!  After a long day of school all I want is a yummy, filling snack.  I've been looking for new snacks to try online and I think I found some pretty good recipes!  What's great about these recipes is that you can make a batch on the weekend and save them for during the week!  I'm defiantely going to be trying these out soon so I'll let you know how they come out!

The perfect energy booster for after school.

Peanut-Butter Granola Balls

Ingredients:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

2 tbs unsalted butter

1 cup crisp rice cereal

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup dried fruit

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium, heat honey, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until loosened and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. 

3. Remove from heat; stir in cereal, oats, and dried fruit.

4. Drop mixture by tablespoon into mini paper cupcake or candy liners. 

5. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.

Great for grabbing on the go!

Oatmeal Snack Cakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (room temp.)

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tbs boiling water

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups rolled oats (pulsed several times in a food processor)

1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Cream together the butter, shortening and sugars.

2. Put the boiling water in a cup and add the baking soda to it and then add to the butter and sugar mixture.

3. Beat well and then add the rest of the ingredients.

4. Roll out on floured surface to your preferred thickness.

5. Cut into shapes and bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes or until they are golden brown.

For when you have those days.

Kooky Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 tbs butter, softened

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

2 tsp milk

several drops peppermint, almond, lemon, or orange extract or flavoring

2 - 3 tsp small, multicolored decorative candies

12 purchased chocolate chip or other cookies (about 2-1/2 inches in diameter)

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, beat together butter and one-half of the powdered sugar.

2. Beat in milk, extract, and remaining powdered sugar.

3. Spread on the bottom of 6 of the cookies.  Top with the remaining cookies.

4. Wrap and chill. Makes 6.

Whats your favorite after school snack?

xoxo

Check out my other back to school posts if you haven't seem them already!

- Back to School: Monogrammed Madness

- Back to School: First Day Outfits

- Back to School: Study & Organization Tips

- Back to School: Essentials

Back to School Essentials

Happy Friday (almost Saturday)!

Shop!

Cardigan - Old Navy

Flats - Tory Burch

Tee - Forever 21

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Jeans - J.Brand

Scarf - Old Navy

Light Weight Cardigan - I usually wear a cardigan in the morning when it's still chilly outside and throughout the day. But by 3 o'clock, it's usually much warmer out.  A light cardigan is the perfect for keeping warm in the morning, then removing when the temperature raises.

Sturdy Book Bag - I love my nylon MbMJ tote bag because it's easy to clean and fits all my notebooks and everything else I need for school.  Plus having a bag in a neutral color ensures that it won't clash with anything!

Basic Flats - A comfortable pair of basic black flats are an essential in everyones closet! They are perfect to just throw on in the morning and go with anything. 

White Tee - Another basic, it can be worn with virtually anything.

Dark Wash Denim - Finding the perfect pair of denim can be really difficult.  I've really been loving J.Brand jeans - especially their jeggings!  One pair of jeans that you really love is all you need.

Scarf - Lastly, a scarf can completely change an outfit.  They can add color, texture, dimension to any ensemble.  

What are your back to school essentials?

xoxo

Back to School: Study & Organization Tips

Getting organized is hard to do.  Staying organized is even harder.  So I thought I would just share some tips on how to start the school year off right!

• Basic Organization
• Have a planner to write down homework, due dates, and everything else that you will probably forget.  I have a Lilly Pulitzer planner and I honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  Basically it's my second brain.
• If you have an assignment due, plan what days and times you will work on it.  I'll admit, I'm a huge procrastinator.  But writing down what I need to do each day before an assignment or project is due really helps!
• Label everything.  I also love to color code - it makes finding everything so much easier!
• Creating an Organized Space
• Make sure you have an area where you can work.  A clean, simple, uncluttered desk works best.
• Also make sure that your space is quiet and free from distractions.
• Studying Tips
• Take breaks!  Letting your brain take a little break every now and then will make you be able to accomplish more without going crazy.
• Make sure you stay hydrated.  I always have a bottle of water with me while I'm doing homework or studying.
• Chewing gum has been proven to help your memory, focus and concentration.  It is also considered a stress reliever. So try chewing gum while working.
• Turn your phone off or put it in another room!  I swear twitter and tumblr are the biggest distractions ever!

Have any other studying/organization tips?

xoxo

ps. make sure to check out my other back to school posts if you haven't seen them already!
- Back to School: Monogramed Madness
- Back to School: First Day Outfit

Back to School: First Day Outfit

Picking out the first day of school outfit is always stressful.  You want to come back to school looking great, and be noticed for all the right reasons.  It's hard picking out an outfit that looks polished, appropriate, put-togehter - but not like you tried too hard.  Here are some ideas of what I've been looking at for first day outfits.

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I really love these lace shorts.  This outfit looks so effortlessly put together with a simple tank.

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These shorts are beyond adorable!  If I can find a similar pair, I think they could make a really cute outfit!

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I love the knitwear in this outfit!  I feels slightly more fall (which I cannot wait for!) with the sweater.

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This outfit is really casual but denim shorts with a nice white blouse and sandals could look really cute!

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I really love the navy lace shorts in this outfit!  They look really nice with a plain white button-up oxford.

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Lastly, this outfit is the most simple and casual out of all of them, but there is something so great about denim shorts and a striped top.  This can defiantly be dressed up with sandals and some jewelry.

What does your usual first day of school outfit entail?

xoxo

Back to School: Monogramed Madness

Back to school shopping is the only thing that gets me through the transition from summer to school.  There is nothing I love more than shopping for school supplies.  There's something about starting a new year with new stuff that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside (completely not normal - I know).
Anyway, speaking of new stuff for school, I love monogramming my stuff.  It's the perfect way to add a touch of personalization and fun to your school supplies!  Below are just a few items that you can monogram and personalize for back to school!

Shop!

1. Laptop/iPad Case

2. Agenda
3. Pencil/Cosmetic Case

4. Jewelry Case

5. Tumbler

What are your favorite monogrammed items?

Fun School Supplies!

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     With school starting in just a month, it's that time of year where everyone is starting to get ready to return to school!   I feel like this summer went by so quickly this year and cannot believe that September is just around the corner.  The back to school shopping is basically the only part of going back to school that I enjoy.  I love buying new notebooks and pens and sharpening new pencils.  The feeling of starting new and fresh is definitely really great.  While some may find shopping for school supplies boring and tedious, I love looking for all the things I am going to use throughout the year!  Take a look at some options below for some really fun & functional school supplies that will be perfect for starting out a  new year!

Pencil Cases

1. Converse Shoe Pencil Pouch $22.95

   This website (coolpencilcase.com) has just about any kind of pencil case you want.  Whether you are looking for a shoe or a chic Eiffel tower, they have it all!  I am kinda obsessed with the converse sneakers, they come in a variety of colors and are big enough to fit all your pencils, pens, and highlighters in it.

2. LeSportSac 3-Zip Cosmetic Bag (in Bogo Print) $20

     This bag is perfect for storing all your writing untensils plus more!  You can also put your calculator, a pack of gum, chap-stick or whatever else you need.  And since they are available in many different colors and prints, you can coordinate your pencil pouch with your school bag!

3. Johnathan Adler Weight Pink & Orange Coated Fabric Pencil Case $7.95

     I love bright, bold and vibrant prints like the one on this pencil pouch!  It's super fun and the perfect accessory to store your pens in!  

Technologies & Cases

1. ASOS Envelope Laptop Case In Faux Croc Effect $34.48

     I love the color of this bag.  Usually I'm not entirely someone who loves orange, but the color of this bag is super fun and super chic.  It doesn't even look like a laptop case to me!  I totally looks like something you could wear out as a clutch.  With no doubt, you will be the chicest in school with this case!

2. D-I-Y Bedazzled USB

    HP USB Flash Drive $9.99 

    Rhinestones 

     Instead of spending $45 on a Swarovski dazzled flash drive, you can easily make a look-alike for a fraction of the cost.   When I first got a flash drive, I just took a simple black one and put the stick rhinestones from the craft store onto it and got so many complements at school about how cool it looked.  It's definitely such an easy way to glam up your supplies!

Lunch
1. Cup-A-Cake Cupcake Holder $6.00

     I'm pretty sure this is just about the cutest, most amazing thing I have ever seen.  It is the perfect storing container for your treat to put in your lunch bag and bring it to school.  It completely solves the problem of having a smushed cupcake and is completely worth every penny.

  



2. Built Gormet Getaway Lunch Bag (in City Grid) $21.99

     This bag looks extremely modern and chic.  I love the black and white pattern and the handle design.  It's also the perfect size!  It's not to big but not too small.  And it's environmentally friendly!






3. Floaters Thermal by Lily Pulitzer $15.95

    
     Lily Pulitzer always makes things in such bright, colorful prints, which is one of the reasons I love her so much!  This thermal is perfect for putting your morning drink inside on those crazy, hectic mornings.














Pens&Pencils!
1. Wacky Packages Erasers $8.00

     So I'm pretty embarrassed to say this but I used to be obsessed with wacky packages.  I used to collect the cards and store them in a special binder, so when I saw these online, I was extremely excited!  I think they are so adorable!  They are the perfect way to add a little fun into the school day.








2. D-I-Y Pencil Decorating by Honeyflower3

     Fancy pencils can get expensive, and that is why I love this D-I-Y video for decorating your pencils to give them a little something extra.  This tutorial is super easy and is a super fun way to make your day sparkle just a little bit more!  

3. Smencils $11.68

     I'm sure many of you are fans of these yummy smelling writing utensils!  My favorite would probably have to be the cotton candy one along with the watermelon one.  This pack comes with one of every scent, so it's perfect for trying them all!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

     I know it's only July and we still have more than a month left of summer, but I can't help but to already think of back to school shopping.  Possibly my favorite shopping time of the year (besides Christmas!), I always look forward to Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale as a start of the joyous shopping weeks to come.  Fall would definitely have to be my favorite season, clothing wise.  I just love the boots, the big sweaters, and the scarves.  I've been looking though the sale catalogue and already have my eye on several key pieces for fall that I will definitely have to add to my wardrobe.  Here's what I'm coveting:

1. Hue Microsuade Legging (page 4) Sale Price - $23.90
     Texture pants are going to be huge this fall!  They are such an interesting way to add some texture to your outfit and since these are leggings, they are going to be super comfortable.

2. Hinge Faux Shearling Vest (page 18) Sale Price - $89.00

     I'm in love with the color of this vest.  It will look amazing with an oatmeal color sweater and some brown boots.  It's chic and edgy yet warm and cozy.  And it's friendly to the animals!

3. Trouve Fair Isle Sweater (page 18) Sale Price - $58.90

     Some may say this sweater is ugly, but I kind of have an obsession with big sweaters like these.  WIth a pair of leggings, like shown in the above picture, and some boots, this outfit couldn't be anymore me.

4. Trouve Faux Leather Front Leggings (page 18) Sale Price - $36.00

     Elle magazine just featured this month how in leather pants are going to be in for fall.  While leather pants may not be the most comfortable things, these will be.  The leather paneling in the front and spandex-like material in the back, these will be the pants you want to wear everyday.

5. Hard Tail 'Drop Back' Top (page 58) Sale Price - $44.90

     I love how versatile this shirt is.  You can wear it to school, to the gym, and even to bed.  There are so many ways you can wear it.  Dolman style tops like these are my favorite.

6. Nike 'Tempo' Track Shorts (page 58) Sale Price - $19.00

     I love track shorts for going to the gym, going running, and even just lounging around the house.  And with the amount of different colors they come in, you'll find one that you love!

     Also in the catalogue, they have great running shoes on sale on page 61, and on pages 63 though 65 they show cute looks from the juniors department.   The prices there are great and the looks are perfect for fall!

Check out the online catalogue here.

Make sure to check what time your closest Nordstrom opens this Friday for special sale times or shop online!

Happy Shopping!!

xoxo