I’m turning 21 on September 2! This is one of the biggest birthdays I’ll ever have. I don’t necessarily want anything for my birthday, but if I could ask for something it would be these three things.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

I’m obsessed with this bag. I made a post comparing some high-end bags with some from DailyLook. A bag similar to the Mini Mac was featured. I would gladly take either bag. The only differences are the name and the price. The name doesn't matter as much.

Makeup Brushes

I’m a makeup addict. It’s true. Hello my name is Tiana and I’m a makeup addict. I think I have enough makeup for right now, but I could definitely use some new brushes. Preferably a complete set. I really like the sets from Crown Brush (it's on sale for $59.95 hint hint ;)), Sigma, and Zoeva (this one as well from Zoeva).

Interchangeable Lens Camera

I have an obsession with all things photography. I would love to start getting serious about it with a new camera. The specific camera I've been loving has the power of a DSLR but is a lot more compact and can change lenses. Some of my favorites are from Nikon, Samsung, and Sony. I also like this DSLR from Nikon.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

xx

Everyone always gets the same school supplies: paper, notebooks, binders, and pencils. But what about those essentials that aren’t on your supply list? I have a few essentials that I can’t get through the school year without.

Classical Music

Doesn’t sound too exciting, right? Just trust me on this one. It’s technically not a supply but it’s definitely essential. I have a classical station on Pandora and iTunes Radio for when I’m studying and doing assignments for class because I won’t get distracted by singing along to my favorite songs.

Colorful Pens

I don’t think I could buy a normal pack of pens. They are just so boring. When I was in high school, I found my love for colorful pens. I always used them for taking notes and it made it more to actually take them. I got mine for $3 at Target and I was so excited for it! I also use these in my agenda.

Post-it Notes

I think this one of my more essential supplies. I use it as my to-do list and for reminders. I like getting the cube because it comes with a lot but still has different colors so you’re not stuck with the typical yellow.

Tablet with Keyboard

I finally got a keyboard for my iPad and it was the best thing I could do. I downloaded Microsoft Office applications and I can now take notes and have it available on my computer as well. It’s also nice to play games and go on social media in between classes.

What are your school essentials?

xx

I haven’t done anything like this before and I thought it would be a fun to share them. And now, these are a few of my favorite things (sang as Maria from The Sound of Music)!

All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor

This song is played constantly on the radio station that I listen to and I’m obsessed with it. My boyfriend isn’t a big fan of it but I always sing it when it comes on. It’s really catchy and has a good message attached to it: you should love your size no matter what, “because of every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top”.

Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj

This song!!!! I first heard about it on YouTube. Jessie J did an acoustic cover of the song for a radio show. Her voice is absolutely perfect. She did such an amazing job and after that I was hooked. Every time it came on the radio, I turned it up and would start singing it. It’s definitely going to be one of my favorites for a while.


Let’s Be Cops

I was a little skeptical of this movie. I thought it was just another stupid movie. I was so wrong. It was one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a very long time. It wasn’t just comedy either. It also had some action as well. I definitely recommend seeing it. You won’t regret it!



Walt Disney World

Most students in my city have either started school or today is their first day. I don’t start until next week but I thought it would be nice to share some of my tips for surviving the school year. I have been attending school for the last 15 years and I have definitely learned some valuable lessons from it.

Start and End With a Bang

Everyone tries to start out strong in a new school year or new semester. Around mid-terms things start to go downhill and then it's finals and you realize you barely went to class and have no idea what’s going on. That happened my first year of college in one of my classes and I definitely regret it. Even though it’s hard to stay motivated and always go to class, you won’t regret it when you get an A in the class.

Be Open to New Experiences and New People

I didn’t take this advice and haven’t since my first semester of college. It’s definitely important to get out there and join new clubs. You can meet people with the same interests as you. I also suggest to have at least one friend in every class. Having this will make coming to class a lot easier. And there’s someone to motivate you if you start to slip up.

Get Your Priorities In Order

This is probably the hardest advice to follow for some people, at least it was for me sometimes. I had a job last Spring and sometimes it was hard to keep up with school. Then again I would work more than 20 hours and that definitely made it harder. School should definitely be your main focus, and work should come second. Don’t be afraid to cut back on your hours at work, or take less classes if you do need the hours.

Stay Organized All Year

This is another hard one. I find it hard to keep an agenda at times because by the end of the first month I stop writing in it. It’s just being lazy if you ask me. It doesn’t take that much time to write down what you need to do (check out my agenda organization for my tips). It’s also important to stay organized where you work. I always say that if my desk is a mess, then my life is a mess. If you keep everything on top of there organized, it will be easier to study and do assignments for classes.

Focus on the End Result

This advice corresponds with the first one. If something exciting happens at the end of the semester or school year, that gives you some motivation to try your best and stay focused all year. School isn’t my favorite thing, but I’m looking forward to transferring at the end of the semester.

What other advice do you have for school?

xx