Back to College Essentials: For the Day

Back to School Essentials by lilm2013 featuring canvas wall art

As the time has come for me to finally move back into my humble abode in which I like to call my college dorm room...I figured I would post a little follow up to my last segment "Back to College Essentials: For the Soul." These are just a few material things I like to use throughout my day-to-day routine in order to help make the time feel less monotonous. Hope you find these things helpful and maybe you might even find something in here that suits your fancy enough that you add it to your routine to help get your day off to a good start! 

1. Starbucks Refreshers: 

These drinks are my go to in the daytime... I love these because they are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up to get you through the heart of the day! They are made with real fruit juice and are lightly caffeinated with Green Coffee extract & they come in a variety of flavors. My personal favorite is the Strawberry Lemonade flavor. You can pick these up at your local Walmart or Starbucks.

2. Planner:

I keep a planner on my person at all times. It's been said that I have been known to have an extremely Type A personality; so to suit my inner organizational nerd, planners are the perfect thing for me to geek out to. Planners are perfect because they are small, quaint and help you to show off your personality all while helping you keep your cool while prioritizing the list of things you need to do for the week. If you like the one I listed above.. check out Kate Spade brand here!

3. Colorful Pens:

Again.. extremely Type A here; so if you're like me...that planner of yours you just bought, that's right, it's color coded. I love the InkJoy brand because they are inexpensive, come in variety packs of different styles, and are just so dang cute! I've found that having a color-coded system helps me keep track of the major events happening in my life. Also, not going to lie; the little pop of color never fails to put a smile on my face.

4. Jason Mraz:

Okay so if you know me.. you'll know that I'm actually really embarrassing & am a HUGE Jason Mraz fan. There's just something so soothing about the sound of his voice and the good vibes he sends out all around. So, if I find that I'm stressed .. he's my go to. While Jason may be my go to; be sure to find a nice playlist that you can jam out to throughout the work week. I promise you it will help you get through it quicker and make it much, much more enjoyable.

5. Red Lipstick:

Now, while red lipstick isn't exactly vital to my day. I've found that if you look good, you feel good. So I always like to keep it in my bag to know that I'm just a swipe away from a huge confidence booster. I mean hey, you never know who you're going to run into...But more importantly, do it because it makes you feel good. Don't just do it to impress. Don't forget you're beautiful the way you are. Dare I say, even without it. 

6. iPhone:

I admit it, I confess..I am addicted to my iPhone. It's literally attached to my hip; can't go anywhere without it. I love it because it's so useful since you can download an app for literally anything you could ever need; typically at a decent price or even for free! My favorite apps right now would probably have to be a tie between Snapchat, Dubsmash, Cartwheel by Target and Starbucks. While you can't beat entertainment with friends, you also can't beat a great deal... Check them out!

7. Inspiration:

If you were to step a foot into my dorm or even take a peek into my bag, you would see nothing but inspirational quotes everywhere. However, inspirational quotes doesn't just have to mean a few nice phrases and shifted commas written by some guy who has been long gone for years... inspiration can take shape in just about any form. Often I am inspired just by the mere company of my friends or even by something or someone in which I may have not even met before; a quick flash of a great memory, perhaps. Realize this and you may just wind up with the life you've always wanted.

8. Headphones:

For me, headphones are about the only way I function in order to get anything productive done. It's just something about grooving to a nice beat that helps you get through the tough work in front of you. My favorite music app to use is Spotify. The great thing about this app is that it comes with literally thousands of pre-made playlists with great songs that are perfect for any mood you're in. But, if you're more of a person who likes to create your own tailor made playlist, that's an option too! There is even a new feature called Discover in which logs the music you listen to & creates a personalized playlist weekly; specialized to your taste. This way you'll always be discovering new music & will never get bored because of those same Top 40 songs they play on the radio again.

9. Sour Patch Kids Gum:

If you're anything like me, you have a lot of nervous energy throughout the day. I've found that gum usually does the trick and keeps me preoccupied so I can ease my nerves, especially during exams! It just so happens that the red berry sour patch kids gum seems to have become my favorite. You can find this at your local Walmart for cheap if it seems to have struck your fancy as well. I highly recommend it though, you won't be sorry... ;)

10. Perfume:

Sooo... it may or may not have been said that I could probably open up a Bath & Body Works straight outta my dorm room.. (for all of those who love the "straight outta" memes). But, in my defense...it is so essential to smell good at all times of day! I know the saying goes look good, feel good. But, like seriously smell good & people won't run away from you. I don't know.. it's just a theory. And at least to me, for what it's worth grant you, that makes me feel pretty darn good. Long story short: perfume is love, perfume is life. 

11. Post-It Notes:

I absolutely love anything that comes remotely close to stationary & Post-It Notes are a great, cheap alternative. If you know me, you know that I love colorful things and the fact that these come in a variety multi-pack gives me that cohesiveness I need in my life to breathe easy. I know by this point, you're like this girl is cray, but bare with me! I particularly like this brand because it helps give your room, planner, etc.. that little pop of color that helps brightens a day. I mean hey, if you have to do it..at least do it in style. Am i right?

12. Netflix:

NETFLIX, yasssss. While I stand behind the theory that this explanation is solid enough to stand on it's own...... Netflix is the perfect companion to end a day or for just relaxing during those quiet hours. There are literally thousands of shows and movies to choose from and I especially love the fact that there is a streaming option for cheap so that you can take these shows everywhere with you at the drop of a hat; especially college.

So, that's it for this week all. Hope you enjoyed your time reading this post as I did writing it. See you all soon & thanks for reading!

Back to College Essentials: For the Soul

"Happiness is not found in things you possess, but in what you have the courage to release." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

As the first day of college continues to creep upon us all & the stresses of the ever-busy year continue to pile on us, I've come to find it very important to be able to take time out of each day for myself. Just to be able to go for a walk followed by some warm tea and a good read or maybe even just some simple heart-to-heart best friend session to help me unwind after a long day... But now the question comes to mind & you may be asking, "Yeah, but Lisa, what happens when I don't have time for all those things & I quickly become lost in my many anxieties and before I know it, I'm stuck in my head feeling far off on some unreachable island somewhere?" So I'm going to let you guys in on a few little secrets of mine that help me to get through the day so maybe (just maybe) they'll help you not just get through yours...

1. To start the morning off on a good foot... be sure to take some time to feed your soul with just the good stuff; journal, pray, meditate or even just sit and have a hot cup of coffee. For me, this is absolutely vital to be at peace in order to get ready for the day ahead of me.  

 2. Exercise! I know, I know..I'm hearing groans from all around.. one of those being myself included. If I'm being honest, I love to exercise (when I finally get motivated enough to do it consistently) but it's a struggle for me. If you didn't know this, exercising actually releases chemicals in your brain that literally can help you beat depression! And let me tell ya, just 30 minutes of exercise is cheaper than any anti- depressant I've ever seen. So instead of allowing college stresses to weigh you down... how about picking up an actual weight instead.

3. Breathe! Learning to breathe properly is absolutely essential in order to stay in the present moment. Let the past go & don't worry about the future, all will fall into place in due time. I'll let you in on a secret ... I actually "suffer" from bouts of anxiety and get symptoms of mild depression from time to time. I put the word suffer in quotations because in a lot of ways it's more of a blessing than a curse. It's forced me to become a lot stronger as a person & you can't grow unless you face your challenges, so for that I encourage all of you with similar issues to view your anxiety as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. 

4. Only dwell on things that make you smile and help you get to where you want to go. I especially love to think on 3 good things that happened to me during the day before I go to bed. This has helped me to develop an attitude of thankfulness. It's also helped me learn how to be on my own team..with all the negativity in the world it's easy to get swept up in it, so do yourself a favor & be your own friend. Check out Philippians 4:8 followed by Isaiah 41:10, and let that be something to think on at night instead of all the things you've yet to do.

5. Embrace change and try new things! College is the time to figure out who you are and who you really want to be. Take this time to really branch out of your comfort zone & you might just surprise yourself.

6. Treat others with love & kindness. Never hesitate to reach out  and embrace opportunities to learn & grow as a person. Showing compassion to others whether they be less fortunate or someone  who is exactly like you can always help you find moments of clarity, peace, and perspective. 

So there ya have it.. these are my tips to having not only a great school year, but my tips to having a better life. Remember that we all struggle..and that it's actually okay to; after all I mean, we're only human. But it's important to get outside your comfort zone.. because that better, amazing you you're looking for... can't happen if you stay right where you are.

So what did you think about these tips...were they helpful? 

Thanks for stopping by...be sure to come back for more posts!

Seven Fall Fashion Must-Have's ... (Under $25)

Hi, all! So, as you can see... fall is my favorite time of year. There's just something about the magic of the colorful leaves everywhere, the crisp air, those chilly days and cozy nights. But one of my most favorite things about fall is how you get to dress! So as the time grows nearer for us to retire our flip flops ... I'm here to help you look & feel your best this fall with these great looks for less! (Because I know how real the struggle is when trying to save in order to look fashionable while Chipotle & Starbucks exist) Let's get started!



1. The Cozy Scarf 

Cable Knit Infinity Scarf - Forever21.com

The great thing about the cozy scarf is that it is the perfect accent to almost any outfit. Whether you're going for a look that is more polished or you're long overdue for a lazy day and it's time to break out the sweatshirts again... the scarf is the best accessory to keep you looking warm & fashionable during those chilly fall days. My go to scarves are infinity knit scarves and you can snag this one priced all the way down from $10.99 to $5.99 online at Forever 21. *Currently this item is on back order..due to its great popularity, so don't waste any time & order yours today!



2. Boots 

Quipid Harnessed Riding Boots - CharlotteRusse.com

Boots are a fall fashion staple! Whether you are wearing a cute dress for a nice night out or going for a more relaxed look by wearing jeans, riding boots add just the right amount of structure to any outfit. These boots are on sale today for just $20.00 at Charlotte Russe (Online Only)! For the "effortless" look, pair these with an over-sized cable-knit cardigan or a sweater dress with textured tights.



3. Pullover Sweaters  

Waffle Knit Sweater - Forever21.com

I love cable knit sweaters because of their versatility. Literally, these sweaters pair well with just about anything in your closet. If you decide it's a skirt, jeans, or legging day...this piece is an absolute must to have in your closet this fall! This sweater is available at Forever 21 for only $17.80!

4. Chambray or Denim Shirt 

Classic Denim Shirt - Forever 21.com

I recently just purchased this and it's actually my first denim shirt and now I'm wondering what has taken me so long! This shirt looks incredible when paired with a darker denim for a more dramatic effect. But if you're all about layers.. pair this piece with that over-sized sweater we talked about or with a cardigan for a nice polished look. Another style I love is pairing your Chambray shirt with a skirt and skinny belt that brings to life your signature style!  Snag this versatile piece today at Forever 21 for only $22.90! *I checked online today & this particular Chambray is currently on a back order as well! But be sure to check out the site anyway though, there are tons to choose from to showcase your style perfectly! 




5. Statement Necklace  

Flower Statement Necklace with Ribbon - Target.com

If you're looking to make a "statement" this fall, this necklace is the one for you! I love statement necklaces because they give you a quick and easy way to add your personality to any look. To add a playful effect to your wardrobe this fall, get this necklace available at Target for $16.99.



6. Leggings & Tights 

Minicci Cable Cotton Tights - Payless.com

Okay..so if you are anything like me, you find yourself wearing leggings more than actual pants; but I mean, hey its hard trying to adult sometimes and leggings just give you that nice "ahh" moment that every girl needs to face the day. A brand I like to use for tights is by Minicci and you can find them at Payless for just $9.99! I also love using Charlotte Russe brand leggings that run as low as $6.. check out their styles here: http://www.charlotterusse.com/thumbnail/Bottoms/Leggings/pc/3390/2635.uts



7. Flannel or Plaid

Arizona Plaid Shirt - JCPenney.com

Last but certainly not least.. if there is absolutely anything a twenty-something like yourself should have in their closet, it is a flannel or plaid shirt! I love wearing plaid because it is an item in your closet that has the ability to be dressed up or down. For example, I can add a cardigan and pair it with a statement necklace and boots and instantly have a more preppy look. On the other hand, I can wear this look as is & still look great with a pair of boots and maybe even boot socks to add a bit more flare. This plaid shirt is on sale at JCPenney for only $19.99 marked down from $34.00 right now..talk about savings!

Well, it has been lovely hanging out with you for a little while friends..be sure to check back next week! Who knows what topics we will get into..But until then,

*Special mention to my fashionista for a friend I have in a certain Miss Sarah Selip. She was the  inspiration for this blog post this week! Check out her fashion-forward blog here! http://pittsburghandpearls.blogspot.com/ 

So what do you think of these fall looks? Which fall-fashion must have will 

you be embracing this fall?

Well Hello There...!

   

 Welcome to Young & Twenty: A Twenty-Something's Guide to Everyday Life! My name is Lisa  and I am a young twenty-something college student who goes to a small liberal arts school studying  Marketing and Management. Some of my favorite things to do are getting to meet new people,  discovering new things, and of course all while taking lots of pictures! Much like yourself, one of  my favorite things to do is search and read through tons of blogs and articles that help me get  through this crazy thing called life. If you are anything like myself, I know plenty of times I wish I  had a handbook to make "adulthood" just a little bit easier! So in response to this feeling, I decided  to take the step and create my own blog designed and dedicated specifically for twenty-somethings.  Through time, you can expect to see tons of posts about the things we all have to go through ...  ranging from love and relationships, to tips and tricks on how to become the best version of yourself,  to even advice on preparing for interviews and more! *Spoiler Alert.. I'm also an avid lover and  supporter of all things savings & Netflix, so who knows where this blog will take us!* Last but  certainly not least, I would love to hear feedback from you at any time..so feel free to comment  below!

 Looking forward to taking this journey with you,

          -Until next time, Lisa