Start the Year Right

I have been super busy this past week getting all ready to go back to school, and now I am here!  Back on campus in a brand new dorm room for a brand new year!  Moving was crazy, but everything is calmed down now, and tomorrow begins class.

College can be a ton of fun, but it is also about getting an education; can't forget that.  College classes aren't anything like high school classes, you can't just barely pay attention, never study and still pass with flying colors. You actually have to put forth time and effort now.

First of all, don't throw out your syllabus.  Print it out, read it, highlight it, and tuck it away to pull out whenever you might need it.  A good syllabus should have all the basics about the class you will need to know, including information about your professor, times the class meets, as well as class rules and grading policies.  Most professors will also include a semester schedule, with the class dates and assignments due.  This will prove invaluable.  Especially make sure to take note of the absence policy, for several professors will fail you for missing so many classes.

Also, go to class prepared.  Take a notebook and pens/pencils, and make sure to get your textbooks before you go to class.  Some teachers will even expect you to have read some of the text before the first class, but this should be mentioned in the syllabus, so again, make sure to read over the syllabus.

But don't spend all your life studying away either, its all about balance!  So have fun and study hard!

DiY Decor #2 - Awesome Fridge Makeover

DiY Decor #2 - Awesome Fridge Makeover

I stumbled across this DIY fridge makeover, and think it is a great idea!  I will most definitely be considering taking this project on when I get back to school...

Photo Credit: DIY Dorm Rooms mini fridge make over

This is super cute!  It also works great to wall paper your fridge, or you can take a much simpler route and decal your fridge to look great like Jill and Kari at Babs Blog.  Or If you don't want to go through all the work covering a fridge all over, but still want this standard dorm room appliance to look a little less abrasive in your room, go for awesome magnets.  You can make your own or just buy some cute ones.  

Photo Credit: DIY Fridge Magnets and Pushpins - Tutorial

Above is a great tutorial for DIY magnets.  Just google DIY Fridge Magnets and you will get a whole bunch of super great tutorials.  Otherwise there are a bunch of great magnets to be found in dollar spot at Target or at craft stores such as Michaels.  So fear not, your fridge doesn't have to be this huge eyesore in your dorm room, it just might take a little creative thinking!

Braided

Over the years, I've grown to love braiding my hair.  I used to hate it because well, I couldn't seem to do it, but with practice I learned how to end up with a hairstyle instead a rats nest.  I mastered the skill just in time, because braids are definitely in right now...

Braids by ktiernan featuring nicole hair accessories

So get to practicing!  Braids are a super easy and quick hairstyle for those morning college classes; if you don't move around too much when you sleep you can even braid your hair up before bed and then just roll out of bed and go!  Added benefit?  You can usually take them out for a cute wavy hairstyle!  It doesn't get easier than that.

DiY Decor #1 - Bookshelf Update

DiY Decor #1 - Bookshelf Update

Making a dorm room look more fab than drab can be a challenge.  But in a room that small, even the littlest tweaks and additions can make a huge difference.  I'm a fan of do-it-yourselfing, and thought I'd start sharing some of my favorite finds.  This one is quick, easy, and cheap...

Photo Credit: East #2: Malinda's Black & White Bookcase
at Apartment Therapy 

This is such an easy way to add some style to your room, not to mention cheap.  Apartment Therapy has a tutorial of how to make this fantastic bookcase.  This works for shelves and drawers as well.  All that you really need is some wrapping paper and tape.  Usually, you aren't allowed to paint or wallpaper anything in the dorms, but if you use tape this won't be permanent but it will make your new home look even homier.

The blogger below used fabric instead of wrapping paper, as you can see either looks fantastic:

Photo Credit: Before and After: sanam's bookcase
at Design*Sponge