Outfit of the Day Inspiration

Good morning! First of all, thank God its Friday! Secondly, too bad I have homework! Oh how lovely will the days be when I no longer have pointless homework assignments. 9 weeks and counting y’all!

Yesterday, little sister and I went to Starbucks with her best friend Grace and did our homework together. It was a sunny day with a hint of fall in the air. Ha, imagine that! It’s only October after all. Sarcasm intended. We ordered our drinks (vanilla bean frappucino with a pump of raspberry, pumpkin spice frappucino, and a java chip frappucino) and sat down to begin conquering a pile of homework that could rival Mt. Vesuvius. In between laughter and giggles I think we actually got a few things done.

And in case you were wondering what my #ootd was, I’ll enlighten you with a few pictures of my ensemble. Necklace is from Charming Charlies. Chambray shirt is from American Eagle. Shorts are from J Crew.

Enjoy your Friday!

Rainy Days at Starbucks

Yesterday was a rainy day in Maryland so the sister and I took some time in the afternoon to do homework at Starbucks. There’s something so nice about sitting in the coffee shop, listening to jazz music, doing work, and just watching the rain fall outside. Very peaceful. I just wanted to nap actually. When I got home, my furry gray cat, Tanzie, was sitting on my bed looking out the open window as it drizzled outside and the wind blew.

My sister was working most of the afternoon on her history and literature class. Poor kid has so much reading to do! I worked on discussion posts for two of my classes. We both got frappucinos too. Hers was a vanilla bean frap with a pump of raspberry. It tasted like cotton candy, no joke. I got a pumpkin spice frap, which was amazing and way better than the hot drink! I was surprised I liked it but I certainly did and have a new favorite seasonal drink.

Of course, Rebecca and I did the obligatory photo of our drinks that we got because they were ‘totes’ cute. I should have Instagrammed it but I didn’t. Oops. The other day I was with my best friend and her younger cousin and I took a picture of the iced latte I got from Dunkin Donuts. Her cousin, who is about 13, looked at me and said “Careful, your white girl is showing!” I about died of laughter. Then she added “hashtag ‘white girl problems.” I thought I would never recover from that one! She’s a funny kid and just says whatever comes to mind.

All in all, it was a decent day. I’m praying for motivation today because I have 2 papers, 2 quizzes, and about 12 response posts to do by Saturday night. Here’s hoping I’m productive and focused although it’s unlikely! Wish me luck and leave me good concentration tips below!

How to Get in the Mood to do Homework

Good morning loves! Today is a busy day of homework for me as I try to cram everything in before my weekend starts. If you’d like to know what I’ve got on my plate for this week’s assignments I have 3 discussion forum posts and 10 responses, 2 quizzes, and one paper due by Sunday. I, quite honestly, would like to hide underneath my blankets and pout about the work I have to do instead of actually doing it.

I’ve determined that a strategy like the one I suggested just doesn’t fly with professors. Let’s pray my Thursday is as productive as it needs to be. Here are a few things I’m doing to get in the homework mode!

Brewing my coffee:

Is there anything better than a fresh cup of coffee in the morning? I think not. I’m going to be drinking quite a few cups of it I think. That wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen just makes me smile. When I pour it into a favorite mug of mine, it doubles that happy factor. My final touches are French Vanilla creamer or whatever seasonal creamer is in at the moment (cheers for Pumpkin Spice) and whipped cream. Suddenly, sitting down at my desk isn’t such a big deal anymore.

Study music:

I get my best studying done when I don’t have anything to distract me- including sone lyrics. Turn on the easy listening station on the radio or create a station on Pandora. No lyrics whatsoever if you want to be successful in your work endeavors!

Comfy clothes:

No, I don’t mean your pajamas! Something you can sit for hours in and still feel at ease and be productive. In other words, sweatpants are acceptable as long as they aren’t ones you sleep in. I enjoy wearing ones I got from Victoria’s Secret Pink with a little hoodie or something. They just make homework less unhappy!

Light a candle:

Seriously, do it! I like scents that have vanilla or lavender in them. They calm and relax your mind while also making the room smell pretty. I also am loving the Bath and Body Works collection this fall.

Give your desk a make over:

Having a pretty desk makes sitting at it much easier. I’m trying to create a space for myself that is relaxing but makes me feel like I can run the world (think Beyonce’s song). Adequate lighting is probably the most important thing you can have too. Also, add a collage of things that inspire you to a bulletin board that hangs on the wall behind your desk. Clip images from Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar for chic pretty things. Check my Pinterest board for my personal desk inspiration!

Do you have any tips for getting in the homework mood? Comment below and share with friends!

How to Make Homework Enjoyable

Time for Homework by oceangirl15 featuring a queen bedding

It’s homework season and I’m already tired. There’s just some things I do not love and never will. Homework is one of them. I’ve compiled a little visual for all the college newbies and others of things that anyone with an intense study session ahead of them will need.

First, get yourself into a comfy outfit. I’m a hoodie and sweats kind of girl. I’m not comfy unless I’m in something of the sort. Treat yourself to a good pair of sweatpants and a warm hoodie. You’ll be needing them.

Second, have your laptop! I know you think you’ll just be reading that textbook, but chances are you will need to Google something that you don’t get. Or you might just procrastinate and post pictures of your “study sesh” on Facebook. Whatever, just have it ready and charged (hint: bring a charger!)

Third, invest in a warm, fuzzy blanket. It makes everything cozier! If I have a blanket to curl up in, I’m so much more inclined to sit there and work because it’s a warm and inviting atmosphere!

Fourth, have your agenda and pen near by to check due dates. You’ll need it trust me because you’ll think something is due next Friday but will want to double check to make sure.

Fifth, having earbuds are a must. I have to block out excess noise with these things. I love to listen to Andrea Boccelli and Michael Buble while working. Invest in a good pair that won’t break after 20 uses.

Sixth, have coffee near by for when you start to get drowsy. Long study sessions require maximum caffeine. I have a whole arsenal of creamers in my refrigerator ready to be added to my Columbian brew. Plus, getting cute coffee mugs to pour the drink into is also a highlight I enjoy!

Seventh, burn a candle! For a relaxing atmosphere, I burn a candle. It doesn’t make me sleepy but it does make me feel comfortable and like I want to stay in the space I’m in. That’s hard to do when homework is near by!

Eighth, have munchies on hand. I don’t mean you need to eat your way through your homework but just have a little pick me up ready after you’ve read so many pages. I use this reward system to get me to read faster.

Finally, have a pillow near by. Sometimes I can find a way to rest my head on my pillow and turn the book so I can still read. Other times, I just need to take a little nap to get me through the rest of the homework session.

Hopefully these ideas and tips have you looking forward to the next time you need to have a homework day. I have many of them and rely on these tricks to get me through them. Comment below with your thoughts and suggestions!