Study Necessities

Since I was student teaching this semester, I didn't really have traditional classes. I had my student teaching seminar where we essentially met and discussed student teaching. Well, now its time for my final project. I have to write a 10 page paper...gasp! Ok I've written papers way longer than that during my college education, but I haven't done any school work all semester so I'm struggling.

So, since everyone else in college is going through the end of the semester too I thought I'd share some of the things I can't get through finals without. These are not really things I use to study. So this post isn't really a practical how I get down to business kind of post. Its more like how I stay sane when I have tons of work.

So first off is my lovely geek chic glasses, mine are Prestons from Warby Parker. I love love love these glasses in case anyone was wondering. I love to wear these while I'm paper writing because they make me feel smarter, duh! Also, my eyes don't really like contacts so my eyes get super uncomfortable and dry if I wear them while focusing a lot, plus if you accidentally fall asleep no contacts suction cupped to your eyes. 

Next up are my Bose AE2 headphones. Remember in this post when I was debating which headphones I want? Well my boyfriend decided for me and got the Bose pair for my birthday and I love them! Highly recommended. Music sounds awesome and even though they aren't noise canceling headphones, you can't hear anything if you have music on. Which is great because you can just get in the zone and not get distracted by library chatter or noisy first years running around on your hall (#RAproblems). 

A cozy throw is also a must have. I don't know about anyone else, but my dorm room is always cold. Having a snuggly blanked to wrap up in makes everything better. I don't really know if it helps my productivity but it certainly makes me a happy girl. How amazing is this one from Pottery Barn? I don't think I've ever seen something so soft in my life. It needs to come live at my house end of story.

Tea is another must have. I try to avoid coffee at night or in copious amounts. Having a ton of work messes with my sleep schedule enough without adding the effects of caffeine on top. Red Rose tea is my favorite for during the afternoon (since its caffeinated), then I switch to herbal tea as the night wears on. Something about a warm drink makes everything better, plus a cute mug cheers me up too. I can never have too many mugs.

Last but not least candy. I live my life on a rewards based system. Write a paragraph get a peanut butter cup, finish three pages watch a tv show. Whatever it takes to get things done am I right? Mini Reeses are my favorite and I have an uncomfortable amount of gold foil wrappers sitting on my desk right now...whoops.

What gets you though the end of the semester (or a tough project for those grown ups out there)? 

P.S. Yes I did write this post as a way to procrastinate on my paper.

Stocking Stuffers for Him

Boys are definitely tough to shop for, but I think I've come up with a pretty good list for stuffing boy's stockings.

Fossil Leather Phone Case | This phone case has man written all over it. Who wouldn't want their phone encased in leather?

Zippo Lighter | I think every guy needs one, I'm not really sure why though. Most of the guys I know never smoke anything, but all of them have a zippo lighter. I guess its a guy thing that ladies just don't get. Plus you can find a lot of cool custom ones to fit your guy's personality.

Socks | Everyone needs socks and guys don't buy them for themselves (at least the ones I know) or if they do its an 80 pack of white ones with a nike swoosh. Do them a favor and get a cute pair once in a while. 

Boxers | See above. I really love this red checked pair, its festive without being too festive.

Kaweco Fountain Pen | I've said before how much I love fountain pens. This is a great started pen thats pretty cheap and still has a manly feel to it.

Whiskey Stones | Real men don't want watered down drinks. End of story.

Small Bottle of Alcohol | For all the boys over 21 of course. This is great because doesn't everyone need a little help getting through the holiday with family? Disclaimer: If they are spending time with your family, they may need a bigger bottle.

I hope this helps everyone who as the what to get guys blues. Are there any others that I missed?

Stocking Stuffers for Her

So, here's my first gift guide of the season. I decided to start small with stocking stuffers. I love opening my stocking because its all surprises! Who asks for stocking gifts? I typically get lots of candy, some nail polish, and socks. All of my favorite things!

Here are some great ideas for stuffing the stocking of a lady in your life.

Essie Polish Set | This set is their fall collection minus After School Boy Blazer (which everyone and their mother already bought anyway). The cute mini bottles are great to tuck away in stockings. 

Kate Spade Pencils | This pencil set is too adorable, typical Kate Spade. These would look great in a cup on any girl's desk

J. Crew Socks | If I only got cute socks for Christmas, I'd be ok with it. 

Julep Mini Polish Set | Another mini polish set. Nail polish is my weakness and a definite mush have for any stocking. I love the cute glitters in this one.

Pinch Kit | This kit has everything you could ever possibly need. Its perfect for the girl on the go who always needs everything at her fingertips... Or the complete klutz who's always spilling, losing a button, or has an embarrassing piece of salad in her teeth. 

Tarte Lipsurgence | I know I mention these all the time, but I'm obsessed! I love these because they add some color with out being anywhere near as intimidating as lip stick. 

Tarte Cheek Stain | Another Tarte product I couldn't go without. You put on this blush and it just stays on! It blends so easily and its perfect for the days you don't really feel like putting on makeup but still want a little color. No brushes necessary, just roll on and go. 

Check back tomorrow for some ideas for boy stocking stuffers! 

My Christmas Wish List

Now that Thanksgiving is over, its definitely Christmas season! I am so excited, I've been scheming for weeks what I want to get my friends and family. My boyfriend and I also went to get a Christmas tree for his house!

So, I want to do a couple gift guides over the next week or so, but I thought I'd start with what's on my wish list this year.

1. Pilot Cavalier Fountain Pen | I love fountain pens, they are just so elegant and they add a little wow factor to your writing. I have been drooling over this particular pen for a while. It writes with such a fine line, which I love. Plus the color is to die for. 

2. Tarte Lipsurgence Holiday Set | This is a great set. You get 8 mini lipsurgences in both matte and regular finish. I love all of the colors and its a great excuse to add some bolder colors that I would usually shy away from 

3. Essie Nail Polish | I love Essie polish and their holiday colors are great this year! I especially love Toggle to the Top. The red glitter is just so festive! 

4. Crate and Barrel Copper Shaker | My boyfriend loves making mixed drinks and I love when he does. I think this is a fun unique piece that would look great on my future bar cart. Thats a story for another day though

5. L.L. Bean Peacoat | This is the only thing on my wish list that I really want. I currently have the most awful bright green winter coat that I've had for years. What was my 10th grade self thinking!? It really started to stick out when I had to wear it with my work clothes. I knew I needed to get a grown up coat thats classy, timeless and still warm enough for PA winter. This one is absolutely perfect! 

6. Drybar Blowout in a Box | I mentioned in another post that I am obsessed with Drybar's at home line. This kit is just too great! QVC had a pretty good deal in November, and now that its gone I'm having pretty big not-buyers remorse. Funny because its usually the other way around. 

Whats on your wish list this year?

Clarisonic Mia

I have wanted a Clarisonic forever, I have heard so many great things. However, the price tag was a big deterrent for me. Spending $125-150 was just too much for something to clean my face!

So, as my student teaching semester was drawing to an end, I was looking for a gift to get myself as a reward. I thought an accomplishment that big deserved a big splurge. I bit the bullet and ordered a Clarisonic Mia. I got my light blue one on QVC.com for a little cheaper than anywhere else, they actually have some pretty good deals. I decided the Mia 2 was not worth the extra price for just adding another speed. After I bought mine, Clarisonic came out with the Mia First for only $99. It seems to be very similar if not the same as the original Mia. So, if you're skeptical about the price that may be the way to go.

I was so excited when I got my Clarisonic, I had to use it! No way could I wait until I finished my student teaching. Besides, my skin was a mess from all of the stress.

At first, I was seriously considering returning it. I broke out pretty bad, but I was expecting this "purge," but my skin was also super irritated. I didn't really notice any significant change for the positive my first two weeks using the Clarisonic. I was so disappointed, but I cut down how much I was using it and decided to give it another week.

Then one morning I washed my face and my skin looked great! Seriously it was like night and day. My skin was so smooth and clear. My makeup applied so much nicer. My face just felt cleaner which was great. So, if you're thinking about getting one, I definitely recommend it (based on my three weeks of experience with it). I also recommend giving it plenty of time for your skin to adapt and starting with light use and building up your tolerance to it because it can be irritating.

I use my Mia at most once a day, usually only once every other day. I use it with my Cetaphil cleanser and finish with Olay Complete moisturizer. This is the same combination I've used for years, so for me its tried and true. I am thinking about upgrading my face wash and moisturizer next time I run out. I feel like I've reached the point in my life where I can splurge a little.  

Does anyone have any good suggestions for a good face wash or moisturizer? Have you tried the Clarisonic, what do you think?