Study Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello all!!!

 

With the spring semester approaching, or has already begun for some, I decided to share my "study space"!

 

As a commuter, I have TONS of options to get some peace and quiet both at home and on campus. But I love coming home to my own room and sitting down at my desk.

 

Interestingly, I don't actually do much school work at my desk let alone at home. I usually do most of my work on campus mainly because I get too distracted at home. I find myself most productive at school with a big iced coffee of course!! :-)

 

Aside from that, I have to say, I love the little corner in my room I have delegated for my desk area. I've had this desk since I was very young and never really understood what I would use it for. I always did homework at the kitchen table and instead found myself using the chair to put my clean clothes I needed to put away on, and using the top as a table for all of my stuff.

 

During my recent winter break I found myself using it more and I finally think I've found the perfect set up for myself and my desk. Surprisingly, I find myself actually wanting to sit at it and do a million different things.

 

I think part of it is because I love the way it looks.  On one corner, I have keepsakes from my boyfriend and many silly little things we've found or done throughout out four year relationship. I still smile every time I look that way and think of him.  I always wanted to keep pens on my desk and finally found the perfect container! How freaking adorable is this mason jar?? Yes, I bought it like this and it actually came with a gold cover. I filled it with colorful pens which I love to use for basically anything I can! I also LOVE keeping a coaster close. My favorite thing recently is to scroll through pinterest while drinking my coffee. I actually find myself doing that most days. I finish it with this adorable desk calendar which I actually found online and just put it in the frame to stay nice.

 

I also love keeping a calendar like this on my desk. Although I don't really use it, I love the way it looks and keeps my desk neat. You'll also notice I keep my planner and these adorable notepads I got. It just reminds me to actually use them!!

 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post!! I loved sharing my little corner with you all.

 

What does your study space look like??

 

With love,

Mariss

 

 

Desk Accessories:

Candles- Bath and Body Works

Gold Mason Jar- Dollar Section at Target

Desk Calendar (Frame)- History in High Heels Blog (Freebies Section)

*Thank you to this blog for sharing all of the awesome freebies!! The prints are amazing!! *

Desk Calendar- Walmart

Planner- Kate Spade Large Agenda

Notepads- Both from TJ Maxx

 

 

 

First Semester Thoughts

Hello All!!!

 Sorry I've been MIA, I just finished finals and the holiday was great but of course crazy.

After finishing my first semester, I wanted to share five important things I realized/learned as a freshman. I hope these help other fellow college students!

 

I hope everyone had a great holiday!!

 

See you again soon.

 

With love,

Mariss

Five Things I Learned Throughout my First Semester

1.       Always read, read, read!!

Professors always assign so much reading throughout the semester and I found myself asking, “Do I really need to read all of this?” By the end of the semester, I figured out the answer, YES! Although it is horrible and sometimes painful, just do it! It should benefit you in some way and if not, that’s a personal decision. I like to read the chapter right before we cover the material in class. Also- my suggestion is to read the chapters as they are assigned so that way you don’t get behind. And get rid of any distractions like a phone to help finish reading faster.

 

2.       Do what’s best for you!!!

There had been many times where I found myself in a little pickle. Whether it came to work or my studies, I found myself in a position I shouldn’t have been in. I always am proactive when I see a problem but with all of the craziness, I sometimes forgot. You have to put yourself first, especially as a student. If you can’t pick up that extra shift because you have a test then don’t! Or if all of your friends or boyfriend are going out but you know you should stay home and study, do what YOU think is best for you. If they are really your friends/boyfriend, they will understand a not give you a hard time about not going out.

 

3.       Stay Organized

Even though I am a little O.C.D. when it comes to planning and organizing, sometimes color-coding my assignments isn’t really a first priority. Sometimes I can be extreme but some kind of organization is 100% necessary. I would recommend getting some sort of planner, I personally love the large Kate Spade planners but any office planner would get the job done. Make sure to write down deadlines, assignments and important plans like club meetings. Also, I love post-its. They make all different kinds, colors and shapes. I use them in my notes to make a note of an important page or diagram in the textbook or I even put them in my planner as a to-do list. They really help me to stay focused.

 

4.       Take Good Notes

Depending on the class and the professor, you need to take good notes. Some of my professors did the annoying “you need to copy everything down on the PowerPoint” thing while others make simple PowerPoints that summarize the chapter. Whatever the situation, find a way to get all of the information down in the most organized and simplest way. Some of my professors actually posted the slides online. I always find for me personally, I need to actually write the notes down but having the slides as a guide is always helpful. In addition, some of the textbooks actually had a summary of the chapter which was just actually the PowerPoint. USE IT!!!! Include the date and underline important vocabulary. Whatever makes you understand the material do it!

 

5.       Be Active!

Throughout my entire life I have always cheered competitively and also for games. It was super intense during high school so I got great exercise. For my own reasons, I decided to stop in college. Although I don’t regret that decision, I regret my lack of physical activity this semester. As a commuter, I planned to work out at the school gym, which is a great facility. This didn’t exactly work out.  Then I decided I would just get a membership at a local gym five minutes from my house which didn’t exactly happen either. Yes, I am joining after the New Year (they run great promotions) but not exercising was really not a great idea. I found myself exhausted after sleeping long hours and feeling sluggish. I needed to get some sort of physical activity to stay focused and avoid that fatigue. And obviously, exercising is great for maintaining a healthy weight and diet.

 

 

Faux Fur and Leather

 

 

Hello again!!

I am back with another outfit post! I am obsessed with this look and will definitely be wearing it during the holiday season and during the winter.

Plus, it includes all of my favorites; leather and fur!!!

I found these adorable leather leggings from Forever 21 on Black Friday,  which are surprisingly thick. I paired it with a simple cream sweater and this fabulous fur vest that has leather accents. Obsessed.

 

Oh how I love accessories!!

These booties I saw back in July and immediately picked them up. They are super comfortable but have a little heel which I love!! In addition, the bag!!! I was SO happy when I found it, because who doesn't want a Celine bag? This look a like was like $20 from Windsor and even has a detachable cross body strap!

 

What did you buy on Black Friday?

 

(AKA the JCrew Sale??)

 

With love,

Mariss

 



 Leather Leggings-Forever 21

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=bottom&productid=2000120878

 

Bag- Windsor (not online)

 

Vest- Old from Forever 21 (similar)

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=LOVE21&category=Love21_Outerwear&productid=2000083639

 

Booties- Forever 21

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=Shoes&productid=2000101017

Welcome!!!

 

 

Hello all!!! Welcome to the very beginning of my blog Smart&Stylish! I will be posting lots of different things that a lot of different people can relate to. Posts will include post about, fashion, shopping, makeup and beauty in addition to some college advice and how-to's!! I hope you all enjoy and visit often!!

 

With love,

Mariss