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!