Life Lately

Well, a lot has been happening lately! I've been reading a lot, mostly for school, but I've also been reading Insurgent and really getting into it. I did homework at Panera with my friend Avra while she studied for a test and we were literally there all day and it was amazing to be both productive and have someone to chat with when I needed a break. 

Some sad news: I'm currently not doing anymore blog posts for Jewelissima's blog. It's not that I did a terrible job (at least, I hope not!), it's just that the owner is focusing on opening a storefront, which is really cool and obviously takes a lot of time. So hopefully when all is settled, I can go back to writing more. 

In other sad news, my beloved 1990 Acura Integra (I know, ancient car) has to be retired because it's costing too much to fix even though it still drives fine. I might as well start using the 2006 Nissan Altima that my dad has taking up space in his driveway. So maybe this isn't bad news after all!

A friend gave me a typewriter! // Goodies from Jewelissima (GET 20% OFF WITH CODE SARA) // Yum! 

Exercising // I helped live-tweet at a NYPL event! // Scarf + cardigan

New polka dot cardigan & hot pink ice pack from T.J. Maxx // Sunny day // Lots of rings

Homework // Fro-yo // I won an InStyle giveaway! 

New AEO jeweled sweater & LC top // Eating apples // Apple picking with Avra

More apples! // New books from a book sale // More homework

Below are more pictures from my apple picking adventure...

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Happy Friday! 

Don't forget to check out my amazing sponsors:
The Biker Store / Faith in Families & Ten Penny Dreams!

What have you been up to lately?

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Favorite Things

Can you tell I'm ready for fall and for school? Even though it's been eighty degrees, I've been wearing these booties with dresses and skirts (which you'll see come Tuesday). I also went school shopping with my friend Avra since she's about to start grad school for forensic linguistics. Pretty amazing, right? 

While in Staples, I picked up these colorful pens to edit my own and other people's stories and a tiny monthly planner to help me with blog posts when life gets hectic. I've also been loving this necklace from Motherland that I won via giveaway, Bite lipsick, this colorful tray from Lulu & Georgia that I got via giveaway, and using a calligraphy pen when I write letters.

I wrote an article for Look Addict about transitioning summer clothing into fall!

You can check it out here!

{Aeropostale boots, Motherland necklace, Lulu & Georgia tray, Bite lipstick in Vouray, 

EK Tools calligraphy pen from Target, & pens and At-A-Glance organizer from Staples}

A few fun links:

♥ My friend Brittany had a story published by Defenestration! Read it because it's hilarious!

♥ I can't get over how amazing this Supernatural-themed dress and photo shoot!! (You can also buy the fabric!)

♥ What to do if you want to wear a backless dress and you've got, um, big girls. This is pure genius!

♥ Love these pictures of people in NYC in 1969.

♥ 6 things you never knew about Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

♥ How to turn your life into Amelie's life. This is perfection! (P.S. -- I heard Amelie the Musical is coming to Broadway! So psyched!)

♥ The Greatest Vines! This made me laugh so hard!

♥ Disney Princess for equal pay!

♥ Love this: "When something goes wrong in your life, just yell, 'Plot twist!' and move on." (via Pinterest)

♥ Fashion loves: cute bucket bag, floral scarf, flippy skirt, I heart travel dress, chunky heel booties, heart elbow patch cardigan, and printed poet shirt.

♥ Sponsor love: Starburst Pendant Necklace from Jewelissima. Kristin of My Life as a Teacup recently blogged about loving different books for different reasons. I 100% agree with her that it's so hard to pick only one favorite novel! Also, check out my swap sponsors: Introvert's Introduction, Catching Cody K, Tiffany Khyla, Beyond the Aisle, Becoming Fab, and Rowdy Fairy.

Last chance to enter to win all sorts of wonderful goodies!

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Have a great weekend!

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Back to School Wishlist

It's my last first day of school today! I only have one class a week (a novel workshop) and then meetings with my thesis adviser to work on my novel. I've made a lot of changes to the story this summer, so I'm excited and nervous to see what everyone thinks. I'll let you know how it goes.

P.S. -- Check out my guest post on My Life as a Teacup!

{Click for item info}

Back to School Wishlist:

♥Recycled Spiral Notebook -- Target has some really cute notebooks right now! Love these too!

♥Rose Boyfriend Cardigan -- Seriously, how cute is this cardigan?! (Not available online anymore)

♥XOXO Sticky Notes -- I love using sticky notes

♥Buddy Sticky Notes -- These little guys are too cute

♥American Eagle Jeans -- I can't get over how amazing their jeans are

♥The 7-Year Pen -- I already have one (thanks, Brittany!) but this pen is so great I had to share!

♥Aeropostale Ankle Bootie -- Who doesn't love getting a new pair of shoes for school?

♥Billabong Pencil Pouch -- Need a cute place to store all my pens

♥Polka Dot Circle Scarf -- To spice up an outfit or to keep warm when fall arrives

♥Jeweled Owl Keychain -- A pretty addition to my key fob

♥Feed USA Water Bottle -- It's a cute way to stay hydrated!

What's on your wishlist right now?

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Looks I Love {Summer Lovin'}

I just realized it's about a month and a half until my last semester at grad school starts, and it's causing me to panic a little. I've been working on later chapters of my novel, but haven't edited the first 100 pages, which I really need to do. I think this stress is getting under my skin, even though I keep telling myself I have time, because my left eye has developed a twitch. I'm really not one to over-stress, but I guess I'm just worried. 

Let's switch over to good news: In September, I'm going to Slice Magazine's Literary Writer's' Conference! I went my very first semester of grad school and now I'm going before my last semester. Oh, symmetry! Luckily, I get to go for free since students in MFA programs can apply for a scholarship. 

 Mostly white outfit, wide brim hat & metallic sandals

{With Love From Kat}

Flowy, bohemian dress with booties

{Cupcakes and Cashmere}

 Knotted top and tribal maxi skirt with a slit

{Flying Elephants}

Stripes + floral

{Kendi Everyday}

Mint, polka dots & A-line skirt

{Refinery29}

Black dress with neutral accessories 

{Like Fresh Laundry}

Mixed patterns & striped sneakers
{Introvert's Introduction}

Which look is your fave?

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Looks I Love

So I finally feel like I'm in the swing of things for school. Driving, being in class, reading, more reading, writing, editing, and then doing the whole shebang all over again. This semester I love all my classes, all the professors, and the students in class with me. To me, that's what really counts -- the people. I'm so lucky to be taking classes with people who make me laugh and to be taught by teachers who are so insightful and smart.

Plus, Linsey Abrams (my novel workshop professor) brings cookies to every class. Cookies, guys! She's the best. Also, Cynthia Zarin (my poetry prof.) recently published a new novel!

Anywho, onto the looks I'm loving...

Black & white (& hot pink lipstick)

{Brooklyn Blonde}

Soft colors & black accessories

{Coco and Vera}

White lace dress & bright purple tights

{Holly Dolly}

Polka dots, teal blazer & metallic cap toe flats

{Selective Potential}

Wide brim hat, stripes & brown oxfords
{Flashes of Style}

Shades of green, burgandy & brown (& cool spiked shoulders)
{Pinterest}

Love this dress from Paper Crown
{Lauren Conrad}

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What's In My School Bag!

I love seeing people's "What In My Bag" posts. Every person carries around such a different assortment of things, and it really showcases what their favorite products are for daily life. Some people carry a camera, five different lipsticks, a book (or two), and a notepad, while others carry nothing but a phone, credit card, and lip balm.

 

In case you're interested, here's what I bring to school!

 

 

What's Inside:  

• Bag
• Custom Leather Tag
• iPod Touch
• Samsung Phone
• Bow Charm
• City College I.D.
• Credit Card & License & Metrocard (not pictured)
• Glasses Cleaner
• iPhone / iPod Case (free from Sephora)
• Business Card Holder (DIY with washi tape)
• Keys & Key fob & Lego Hermione (from Legoland in Florida)
• Water Bottle
• Notebooks (for class)
• Smaller Notebook (if inspiration strikes) (from Staples)
• Benefit's Some Kind-A Gorgeous Mini
• Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Cherish
• Maybelline's Baby Lips in Pink Punch
• Blistex Lip Balm
• Eveready Pen Light
• Bic Round Stic Grip Ballpoint Pen (my fave kind of pen!)
• Small Bottle of Chewable Pain Relievers
• I'm OK! Mini First Aid Kit (from The Container Store)
• Victoria's Secret Hand Sanitizer
• Also: Tissue Packet & A Novel

What do you keep in your bag?

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Etsy Faves

My first class of the semester is tonight! Even at 23 and even after having what feels like a million first days of school, I still get nervous. There's the dreaded class introduction where everyone has to say their name, why they're there, and other random bits of useless information, as well as the receiving of the syllabus, where I look at it and panic because there's so much to do.

 

At least I know people who are going to be in the class, so we can all struggle together! Ha! Novel workshop, here I come!

Gold Wire Love Ring by Fabulous Wire

Perfect for Valentine's Day! (And every other day of the year)

 

Lavender Rose Cheek and Lip Tint by Passion Moon Potions

Great for these drying winter months

Spectacles Stationary Set by Charm and Gumption

Perfect for a glasses-loving girl like me!

Original Illustration of Ernest Hemingway Quotation by Obvious State

YES!

Periwinkle Leather Handmade Business Card Holder by Reade & Hudson

Love the color

Custom Return Address Stamp by Primele

A classy way to send mail

What are you loving on Etsy?

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