Reading Round-Up | March Edition

(above: The print that I love, love, love created by
Jennifer Ramos and sold in her Etsy store.)

What a month! We've been on the brink of Springtime---back and forth between sunny 60-degree days and four-inch snowfalls. Here are the posts that I adored this past month:

How I Got Here (part one) | First Three Chapters
Laura is a budding novelist; her debut novel is set to be published by Puffin in 2011. In this post she shared her personal journey from writing the first draft to getting a publishing deal. As a writer myself (who one day hopes to publish a historical fiction novel) I value her honest insight.

Blissful Bohemia | House of Turquoise
This is a heavenly dose of eye-candy. Seriously. Just go check it out and fall seriously in love with the burst of crisp white and floral brights that are waiting for you. Pink, turquoise, yellow, green. I'm madly in love with this decor.

Giraffe Manor | Alkemie
This features a gorgeous manor in Kenya that has giraffes roaming around on the estate... even sticking their necks in through a window to join the family at dinnertime! (You must see this to believe it.)

Top 10 Drugstore Beauty Products | More Magic Always
Luinae lists off some fabulous drugstore beauty finds that will have you looking oh-so-pretty on an oh-so-tight budget this spring.

Peach Dump Cake | Stacy Says
Technically, this post was published in February. But I didn't come across Stacy's fabulous blog until March, so I'm throwing this in here. This is one of the easiest, most delicious recipes I've ever come across. I thought it sounded too easy to be true, but I tried it and was splendidly delighted. I've made this twice since reading Stacy's recipe---once with peaches, once with apples. Both were scrumptious!

Amore.

Public vs. Private | The Right Fit, 5

(above image via: here.)

You may have your heart set on a school because it is public or private. There are many stereotypes surrounding both public and private schools. While some of those stereotypes may be true, it is important to include both public and private schools in your college search so that you can make the decision for yourself.

The major difference between public and private institutions is financial. Public schools are supported by state funds and taxes. Private schools are supported by tuition, endowments, and donations from alumni and friends. Public schools are generally less expensive and easier to be admitted to, especially for in-state residents. Private schools are generally more expensive, but tend to offer the best financial aid. It is important remember, however, that the money issues vary from school to school.

Public schools are often associated with big campuses, wide ranges of majors, and lots of school spirit. Private schools are often associated with smaller campuses, more prestige, and more personalized attention. It is important to remember that these stereotypes may not fit every school. There are large public schools that offer personal attention. There are small private schools that offer lots of majors and lots of school spirit. And there are many highly successful people who have graduated from public schools.

Included within the public school system are "flagship" universities. A flagship school is the main public college in a state. And it is often huge! Some flagship schools that you may have heard of include Penn State, Ohio State, and the University of Texas. Flagship schools bring in students from not only their own state, but also other states and other countries. (Smaller public schools bring in students from mainly their own state and are likely to have less out-of-state and international students.) Flagships are usually (but not always) more difficult to be admitted to than other public state schools. Not all states have a flagship university.

Include both public and private schools in your college search. Don't believe every stereotype. Check each school out for yourself.

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Cyprus Rhodes

(above image via: here.)

ABC Family's Greek is my guilty pleasure. It is the only tv show that I watch faithfully every week. Tonight was the Season 3 finale and it left off with a dramatic cliffhanger! Thankfully, there will be a Season 4. (Can't wait!)

In the meantime, I'm thinking of transferring to CRU---Cyprus Rhodes University for those of you that aren't familiar with the show.

I know, I know... it's a fictional college. But I would sooooo love to enroll! Interesting trivia of the day: According to my sources, Greek is filled in LA and at two college campus: UCLA in Westwood and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Happy Birthday!

Lovely Undergrad (formerly Miss Scholastic) is 1 year old today! How fabulous is that? What better way to start a new year than with a design makeover and newly-purchased custom domain? Yay!

Here's to another year of dorm decor, creative diy projects, and lovely college living!

Thank you, my readers. Here's to you, too!

Amore.

Driving | Safe & Smart, 3

(above via: here.)

♥DO leave your car locked.

♥DO check around your car and the inside of your car before getting in to make sure that nobody is hiding there.

♥DO lock your doors as soon as you get in.

♥DO check your surroundings before getting out of your car.

♥DON'T pick up hitchhikers.

♥DO keep the windows rolled up so that a hand can't reach in.

♥DON'T let your gas fall below a 1/4 tank so that you don't run the risk of running out of gas.

♥DO plan your route and check a map before you start out to avoid getting lost. DO bring a map along with you just in case.

♥DO park in well-lit areas of parking lots. In parking garages, park near the elevator.

♥DON'T park next to a van if you can avoid it. There's a reason many kidnappings/abductions involve big vans--pulling you in through sliding doors is convenient.

♥DON'T tempt thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle.

♥DON'T stop if you see an accident or stranded motorist. Instead, report it with your cell phone or the nearest telephone.

♥DO have an emergency kit inside your car: flashlight, flares, fix-a-flat, maps, warm clothing, blankets, first aid, etc.

♥DO brush up on basic auto maintenance so that you know what to do if your car has problems.

♥DO keep your registration and insurance cards in the vehicle. DON'T let them expire.

♥DON'T forget your drivers license at home.

♥DO keep your car clean and free of trash.

Amore.

Clinique Happy In Bloom

I reeeeally want Clinique Happy In Bloom. I spritzed on a tester the other day and I couldn't stop smelling myself. It contains notes of "freesia, mimose, amber, musk, green leaves, yellow plum and lily-of-the-valley." I'm usually not a florally-perfume person, but I think the amber and musk balance out the flora for me. It's a limited edition, so I better hurry up and get some. ♥

Amore.

Happy 101 Award

Thank you to Star from Star's Pink World for giving me the Happy 101 Award. :)

The rules:

When you have received this award you must thank the person that awarded you this in the new post. Name the 10 things that make you happy. Pass this award onto 10 other bloggers and inform the winners.

So here are 10 things (in no particular order) that make me happy:

1. Reading pageturners.

2. Drinking delish coffee.

3. Baking goodies.

4. Browsing antique stores.

5. Bargain shopping.

6. My boyfriend. ♥

7. Taking a nap with my dog.

8. Getting blog comments.

9. Driving with the sunroof open.

10. Dressing up.

I know that I'm technically supposed to tag 10 bloggers with this award, but I have too many blogs that I love and not enough time. So I'm going to tag any lovely blogger who would like this award. (:

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Colors + Blog Design

Dear Readers,

I was wondering if you could help me out a little bit by letting me know how the new layout/color scheme looks to you. The colors look great on my laptop, but the other day at school I hopped on a library computer to see what the site looked like and became worried. On the library computer, the colors were all blindingly bright and very difficult to read. I hope that's not the case with how the site looks on your computer. Please leave a comment and let me know if any of the colors are too bright or difficult to read. I want the site to be as easy on the eyes as possible. ;)

Many thanks!

Amore.

Alternative Nightstand Ideas

In small spaces such as college apartments and dorm rooms, a little creativity is needed when it comes to furniture choices. Sometimes a typical nightstand just won't do---you might need more versatility and flexibility when it comes to what you put next to your bed. Or sometimes you just might crave something a little less traditional than the typical bedside table. Check out these ideas:

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) A file cabinet is rarely found in a bedroom, but these can make great bedside tables. Paint it a bright color (like the red above) or leave it in its original condition... either way you'll be adding some industrial flair to your space. Stow away your books, magazines, school supplies, etc. If you have a drawer that locks, you can tuck away valuables and important documents for safe keeping.

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) An old ladder can be an ideal alternative because it takes up hardly any floor space and goes vertical with organization. Attach a clip-on light for illumination. Hang books and magazines over the rungs. Fold blankets over the lower rungs to have them in easy reach. And flat rungs can be used for a water glass, vase of flowers, or alarm clock.

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) I love chairs as bedside tables. It such a practical alternative. Books, alarm clocks, and other necessities can be placed within easy reach. Or if you frequently need a place to sit down when you put on/take off your shoes, there's always a chair.

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) This is definitely my favorite solution. By placing your desk next to the bed, it doubles as a workspace and nightstand. It minimizes the amount of furniture in a room and looks very attractive.

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) If your a sucker for antiques, this alternative might be for you. I see little school desks like this all the time in antique stores. The wrought-iron detail is gorgeous and the wood always has so much character. By placing one of these school desks sideways next to your bed, the taller side acts as a bedside table and the chair part can either be secondary storage, a place to store blankets, or a place to sit down.

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) Using a wheeled cart as a nightstand has many advantages. For one, these carts are achingly cute. They come in so many styles depending on their era. (Stop by your local antique store and you'll probably find one.) You can paint them or leave them original. Things can be stored on the lower level and nightstand paraphernalia have a place up top. Plus: because of the wheels, moving these around is ridiculously easy.

(Above via: here.) Vintage suitcases stacked on top of each other also work great as an alternative to traditional nightstands. You can either opt for matching valises for a uniform look, or stack mix-and-matched ones for more color. Either way, you'll have rad vintage vibes in your space. (And you can tuck away out-of-season clothes or shoes inside of them!)

Amore.

64 Square Foot Bedroom Done in Grays

This inspiring apartment bedroom was featured on Apartment Therapy L.A. and I think it would be a great space to borrow from/copy for your own dorm or apartment bedroom. The room is open and airy and makes use of beautiful shades of neutral colors.

The chair serves as both a nightstand and place to sit down. And a nearby mirror is always an essential.

Hooks on the wall offer a place to hang up clothes, coats, etc. And shelves hung above the bed offer a place for pictures and knick-knacks.

Lighting is mounted above the bed. And an old sewing machine is re-purposed as a nightstand.

What a calm, gorgeous bedroom to relax in.

Amore.

Home Alone | Safe & Smart, 2

(above via: here.)

Living on your own can be great---the freedom of having your own place, decorating however you like, and enjoying a private oasis all to yourself! But living alone can make you vulnerable, so it's important to take measures to be safe and smart whether you live in a dorm, apartment, or house. Or, if you have a roomie who stays out lots of nights and leaves town on the weekends, you should also take these same measures when occupying the shared space by yourself.

♥DO park in well-lit area. DO lock your car doors. DON'T get out of your car without taking a good look around you.

♥DO walk with your keys in your hand. They can be used as a weapon in case of an attacker.

♥DO know your neighbors. You don't have to be friends with them all, but just getting to know them and their visitors is part of being alert and aware of your surroundings. Exchange phone numbers with a close, trusted neighbor in case of emergency.

♥DO be wary of others, including neighbors. While it's important to get to know them... don't put your trust in them right away.

♥DO keep a flashlight by your bedside and near the front door.

♥DON'T leave doors and windows unlocked. This may sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many college students leave their places unlocked.

♥DON'T leave a spare key under the mat, flower pot, etc. It's so cliche and well-known that even the worst of burglars will know exactly where to look.

♥DON'T let an uninvited person into your home. Make an excuse if necessary. Don't worry about being rude; shut the door and lock it.

Amore.

Specialty Schools | The Right Fit, 4

(above image via: here.)

Specialty schools are institutes that offer training for specific careers. Examples would be art, music, Bible, business, health, and culinary institutes. There are typically little to none general education courses. Your entire education is based on preparing you for your chosen career.

A specialty school may be right for you if:

• You have made a concise decision about what you want to do with your life and are fully committed to that decision. If you have dreamed of becoming an interior designer your entire life and don't want to become anything else, then an interior design school would be great for you. But if you are having trouble deciding between interior design and another major, your best option would be to go to a school that offered degrees in both of those subjects just in case you change your mind.

Amore.

P.S. The Art Institutes offer specialized, focused degrees in advertising, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, animation, special effects, audio/visual/digital media, game design & programming, photography, web design, interactive media, fashion design & management, culinary arts & management, and more.

Etsy-stravaganza

1. Vintage metal tray re-purposed as a magnetic message board with vintage button magnets. (I wish I'd thought of that!)
2. Pair of vintage red and while polka dot coffee mugs.
3. Material girl hand mirror.
4. Whoops! Guess I forgot. :S
5. Vintage yellow Luxo lamp.
6. Vintage 50s Vornado streamlined two-speed desk fan.
7. Pink Melmac melamine Mid-Century modern cereal bowls.
8. Vintage Olympia portable typewriter.
9. Industrial magazine racks.
10. Vintage mustard photo Rolodex.

Just thought those vintage finds were too good not to share.

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Important FYI | Lovely Undergrad!

Dear Readers,

Miss Scholastic will from now on be known as Lovely Undergrad. And... get this! Lovely Undergrad has its own domain: www.lovelyundergrad.com! For Blogger-users, you should be re-directed. For those of you that subscribe or read using some other service, please update your links.

So why did I do this? Well, Miss Scholastic turns one year on the 29th of March. The domain and make-over is sort of a birthday present to Miss Scholastic. I've been wanting to do it for a long time. And well... what better time than now?

Why did I change the title? As much as I was attached to the title Miss Scholastic, I found it was a mouthful to say and to type. I didn't like having the dash in the url. But without the dash, there were three S's in a row. So I brainstormed for a whole week and decided on Lovely Undergrad. I think the new title sums it all up quite well. :)

Any more changes coming? There may be minor tweaks in upcoming weeks, but for the most part this is the design that I'll be sticking to. I think it's functional and pretty, don't you?

If you have any questions, concerns, or remarks... let me know. I'm quite excited about this new chapter for the blog.

Amore!

p.s. Please forgive any kinks through this transition. Feel free to let me know of any, too.

Small Space Inspiration | More Bedrooms

(Above via: here.) Embrace soft white. Opt for a white bed, white bed sheets, white walls, and white everything else. Add a touch of neutral warmth with a beige or cream coverlet. Instead of a traditional headboard, hang a shelf along the wall about a foot above the bed, but accessorize it sparingly. Forgo a nightstand, since the shelf serves double duty as a headboard and bedside table. Hang a fun ceiling light... like the sputnik-esque one above.

(Above via: here.) If you find yourself drawn to more masculine design, take some cues from this room. Leave the walls white and the floor unburdened by rugs. Choose neutral bedding that contrasts---beige and black, or white and brown. If you want a touch of femininity without the fussy frills, add a few pillows that feature restrained floral patterns. Accessorize the bedside table sparingly and use an architect-inspired lamp. An old ladder works perfectly as a place to drape clothes, blankets, or even magazines. Leave windows undressed. And bring in a mirror since mirrors open up a space by reflecting light.

(Above via: here.) This room is sweet and subtly eclectic. Furniture that matches the walls blends in to the room instead of burdening the space. Keep bedding simple and colors pale. A ledge along the long side of the bed is an ideal spot to prop up picture frames. Fairy lights hung above the bed add a little bit of whimsical ambiance. And a prettily-patterned rug in the entry spruces up the floor.

(Above via: here.) In a teeny tiny space, there may hardly be room enough for a bed, let alone bookcase, dresser, nightstand, etc. So this room features minimal furniture. The tall, rounded storage cubby offers vertical space to stow things away. Bedding is kept simple and comy. And the walls are covered entirely in large pieces of art.

(Above via: here.) You can find great inspiration from hotel/inn rooms. Take this one for example... as it combines place to sleep, sit, eat, and study all in one room! The room doesn't shy away from color or pattern, but uses both with restraint. Keep walls neutral and dress the windows in curtains that match the walls. A lightweight table draped with a cloth works great as a nightstand, and can be moved closer to a chair to act as an end table. A big, beautiful upholstered headboard is placed along the long side of the bed---making the bed appear to be a sort of daybed. The tv is placed on a chest with drawers so that things can be tucked away within it. And the table behind the bed can serve as both a dining table and desk for studying. The rug adds rich color and pattern without overwhelming the space.

(Above via: here.) While black walls wouldn't be the first color you'd think of for a small space, it can work if there's an abundance of white. (Just remember, your landlord/college department of residence probably will look down on you asking to paint your walls black.) But what I really want you to take from this room as inspiration is the bed. By pushing the bed up against the wall and surrounding it with bookcases, you can create a type of built-in daybed effect with lots of storage. keep bedding simple, accessories subtle, and add lots of comfy, different patterned pillow (preferably with similar colors) to transform your bed into an inviting, cozy nook.

Amore.

Community College | The Right Fit, 3

(image via: here.)

Community colleges are schools that offer degrees after two years of full-time study. Degrees offered include associate, profession, and technical. Professional and technical degrees prepare students for immediate entry into the job market. Associate degrees prepare students to transfer to a university where they can obtain a Bachelor's degree after two more years of full-time study. Many community colleges offer on-campus housing options, but it is not required. Commuting to community colleges is a popular option.

A community college may be right for you if:

• You aren't sure about your educational goals or your future career path. If you have no clue what you want to major in, you can get all your basic general education requirements out of the way while exploring your interests.

• You want individual attention in the classroom. Classes are generally small. Professors are readily available for help. You will get to know your classmates, professors, and fellow students on a first-name basis. Even though the school is small, there are also plenty of ways to get involved: sports, fine and performing arts, plus clubs and organizations.

• You want to pursue a job that only requires an Associate's degree or you want to enter the job force immediately upon graduation. Associate's, professional, and technical degrees will prepare you to start working as soon as you graduate. You can always go back for a Bachelor's degree later if you change your mind and want more schooling.

• You work part- or full-time, have a busy life, or will be a commuter. Community colleges are the best when it comes to working with your schedule and hectic life. Classes are often offered at a variety of times, including nights if you work in the day. Additionally, there are often satellite locations that offer classes through ICN networks and online course offerings. If you can get into all ICN classes or online courses, you may not have to commute to school at all for a few terms.

• You want to save money in the long run. And let's face it: saving money is super smart in this day and age. (You'll have less loans to pay off and be more financial stable at a younger age.) Community colleges are usually very affordable. Tuition is less. Room and board is less if you choose to live on campus. And the financial aid offices are very good with helping you finance your education. By going to a community college for two years and then transferring to a four-year school to complete your degree, you could be saving over ten thousand dollars.

To summarize, community colleges are small, locally based institutions that offer two-year Associates, technical, and professional degrees. These schools are affordable, flexible when it comes to class schedules, and ideal for commuters. It's easy to make friends and get help from professors. You can get gen-ed courses out of the way and save lots of money before going on to a Liberal Arts college or university.

Amore.

For a list of community colleges, click here.

Don't Forget...

(image via: here.)

...to fill out and send in your FAFSA. Do it. See if you qualify for federal student aid. It's important.

It's easy and you can do it online here.

Just a friendly reminder. Have a good week! :)

Amore.

Out & About | Safe & Smart, 1

(above via: here.)

When going out at night or to an unfamiliar place, the smartest and safest thing to do is go with a friend. However, sometimes circumstances change and you may end up going out or coming home alone. If you can't get a hold of a friend to accompany you and you absolutely must brave the streets alone, take into account these safe and smart tips:

♥Before you go out, DO tell someone where you'll be and what time you plan on returning. Also let them know if you'll be out with someone you don't know very well.

♥If you have a feeling that you are being followed (by foot or in a car), DO NOT go home. Going home will only lead the follower to where you live. Instead, go to a trusted neighbor or public place to call the police. Or go straight to the police station.

♥DON'T hitchhike. Ladies, we've all heard of terrible things that have happened to hitchhikers. You have no idea who you're getting into a vehicle with, so don't put yourself in such a dangerous situation.

♥DO be alert and aware of your surroundings. DON'T wear headphones while walking or jogging at night or in unfamiliar areas. DON'T have your nose stuck in a book/magazine/newspaper while walking or standing in the street.

♥DO be extremely cautious when using an ATM at night or in an unfamiliar setting. If you feel the slightest uneasiness about someone lurking nearby, go somewhere else.

♥DO walk facing oncoming traffic when walking on the street. This will make it harder for someone to pull you into a car and abduct you.

♥DON'T overwhelm yourself with stuff (i.e. phone, keys, wallet, etc.). Carry the stuff in a purse so that you're hands will be free. If you must have your hands full, imagine how you would respond if approached by someone. And plan out how you would get your hands free. You may have to drop that expensive new Blackberry onto the rain-puddled ground to fend off an attacker.

♥If someone asks you for directions, DO stay at least two arms length away and DON'T let down your guard.

♥If your purse has a shoulder strap, DO be prepared to let go of it if someone tries to steal it. DON'T hold on, you may end up injured by the mugger if they knock you down or drag you along with the purse.

♥DON'T go out on the street alone if you are emotionally distressed or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Being upset or drunk impairs your alertness and ability to respond quickly to an attacker. Stay put until you are emotionally composed or sober. Or have someone go with you.

♥DO consider your clothing. Heels and tight skirts may be stylish, but these fashions can make running and fighting difficult. Scarves and long necklaces make adorable accessories, but they are easy things for attackers to grab onto. Re-consider your fashion style. Opt for comfortable clothes when you must be alone. You can always change into something dressier later. If you must wear your dressy garb, plan out how you might fight off an attacker. (For example, kicking off your pumps and hiking up your skirt before running from/kicking an attacker.)

Amore.

Small Space Inspiration | Living Rooms

(Above via: here.) Small-scale furniture works best in small spaces. Two small tables placed side by side are a perfect alternative to a bulky coffee table--they're dainty, ladylike, and easy to move. Chairs on casters also allow for easy re-arrangement. A tall, white dresser adds storage. And the bench under the window serves double duty as bench and table.

(Above via: here.) You don't have to break the bank to furnish a small space. Check local vintage, thrift, and antique stores for old furniture. This 1960s couch is quite fabulous, no? The end table and coffee table are tea-boxes that were found on the street, as was the antique window that dresses up the wall. I really love the vintage accents--the radio and fan.

(Above via: here.) Drape a table cloth over a bookcase to hide clutter but keep storage. Incorporate lots of white for a clean, crisp, airy feel. Dress up walls with art you like in a variety of sizes, but with a common theme and color scheme in mind. Add a restrained burst of color with one or two vibrant, patterned throw pillows. Sophisticated and smart.

(Above via: here.) Sometimes us college students end up with an eclectic mix of hand-me-down and thrifted furniture. There's no shame in that as long as you pull it all together. Walls are kept a neutral off-white that compliments the white sofa. The other furniture is dressed up with white pillows to match. The rug is neutral. And the pops of color come from those fabulous vintage chairs, a vase of flowers, and pretty green toss pillows.

(Above via: here.) In a small space, don't be afraid of pulling furniture away from the walls. By angling one of the sofas just a bit, this space is made cozy and perfect for boardgames, conversation, or just hanging out. After studying this room for a while, I noticed that the pillows, rug, and throw all are comprised of a similar blue damask. I love that subtle matching.

Amore.

Small Space Inspiration | Bedrooms

(Above via: Apartment Therapy.) Go minimal. Keep the floors bare and the white walls crisp and clear. Choose a platform bed that is low to the floor and has clean lines. Instead of bulking the space up with a nightstand, use the floor. Stacks of books can look effortlessly pretty. A vase of brightly-hued flowers adds cheer. And a bendable floor lamp is a perfect replacement to the traditional bedside lamp. Opt for solid bedding. And hang pictures lower to the floor than usual to create the illusion of more vertical height.

(Above via: Design Sponge.) Cubicle bookcases have become essentials for small spaces. The cubes are perfectly sized for organizing everything from books and magazines to trinkets and vintage accessories. Position the bed close enough to the bookcase and you'll have an ideal alternative to a nightstand. Just stick your alarm clock into the nearest cube and put a lamp up on top of the shelf. Use lots of white---white walls, white bedding, white bookshelf, white lamp, white mirror---and bring it happy bursts of color through pillows and accessories on the bookshelf.

(Above via: Coco+Kelley.) If white is too bright, go for a soft beige on the walls and bring in white through furniture and accessories. Instead of placing a nightstand on both sides of the bed, just put one longer nightstand on one side of the bed. Opt for things that make use of classic black and white (the nightstand, the picture frame, the lamp, the hanging sheet behind the bed) and bring in some fun eclecticism with a mix of different colors and patterns (striped bedding, solid colored pillows, floral pillows, brightly colored candlesticks).

(Above via: Tumblr.) For whimsical romanticism, pick a metal daybed with feminine details and paint it a lovely sky blue. Choose contrasting bedding in a bright pink. Drawers with wheels are perfect storage options to tuck away underneath the bed---holding anything from shoes and extra bed linens to magazines, books, and maybe a laptop. Stay plain and neutral on the walls, but add colorful whimsical artwork in surprising places for a little bit of fun.

(Above via: ...Sorry, I lost the source.) While full- and queen-sized beds are wonderful, small spaces call for sacrifices. If you want a large bed, you often have to sacrifice floor space. But if you are willing to downsize to a twin, you can free up a lot of floor space for additional furniture. If done correctly, twin beds can look grown-up and sophisticated, too. Take this one for example. By dressing it up in ladylike pillows, a bed skirt, and upholstered headboard, it is both elegant and understated. Matching art hung nearby compliments the colors in the bedding. A glamorous leather chair stands in as a bedside table. And a tall, white bookcase adds storage space and a place to hang more art.

(Above via: Country Living.) While white naturally opens up a small space, that doesn't mean you have to shy away from bright, bold colors on the walls. This small bedroom is painted in a citrus-inspired yellow-green. The bed plays off that same color by copying it in the sheets and bringing in a grass-green with white on the upholstered head- and foot-boards. A dainty black table serves as a nightstand. And built in cubicles offer the same storage as a modular bookcase.

Amore.

Safe & Smart Series

(above via: here.)

Back in February, I posted about the college student missing from ISU. Much to the sadness of the university, Jon Lacina remains missing to this day.

In hopes of college students, especially young women, being safe and smart while on and off campus, I'm beginning the Safe & Smart series. It will run for the next several Mondays and Wednesdays, featuring tips on how to handle yourself when alone and in various situations.

Stay safe!

Amore.

University | The Right Fit, 2

(above via: here.)

Universities are institutions of higher learning and research, which offer academic degrees in a large variety of subjects. Universities provide both undergraduate and postgraduate education. These schools are usually public. They are typically quite larger than Liberal Arts colleges. Public state universities are often huge!

A university may be right for you if:

• Big numbers don't scare you. A lecture hall class might include over 400 students. Class size reflect institutional size. So the bigger the school, the bigger your classes.
  

• You seek anonymity in the classroom. In other words, you don't mind being a number instead of a name. If you want to get to know your professor or seek additional help, you'll probably have to visit him/her during their office hours. If you prefer to keep quiet and listen in class, or you don't mind speaking up in front of a large audience... these large classes will be no problem for you.

• You want a huge selection of majors, degrees, and research facilities at your fingertips. Universities offer professors in the top of their field and the latest in facilities and technology.

• You want lots of living options, both on campus and off. Universties offer not only the usual style in dorms, but also suite-style residence halls, campus apartments, and single rooms. There's more versatility. If you don't like your room in one building, chances are you can find a room you do like in another.

• You don't mind taking the bus. University campuses are often so large that it's takes quite a while and quite a work-out to walk from one side to the other. Because of this, the schools usually offer a public transportation of sorts (often buses) to get students from place to place.

• You crave diversity. Big universities bring in lots of international students from all over the world. Your lab partner might be from Korea. Your neighbor in the dorm might hail from South Africa.

To summarize, universities are big, public schools that offer a large variety of undergrad and graduate degrees. There is always something to do, and something for everyone no matter their interest. And there are extensive opportunities for you to explore your major through research facilities and professors at the top of their field.

Amore.

For a list of university rankings, click here.

Bold Eclectic | Decor Board #1

1. 5x7 CHENILLE RUG IN ORANGE.
2. SLIPPER CHAIR IN JEWEL IKAT.
3. COMING&GOING COAT RACK IN ORANGE.
4. CROSLEY ALARM CLOCK RADIO.
5. ROLLING SIDE TABLE.
6. THREE STORIES DOOR HOOK.
7. WATERFALL RUFFLE CURTAINS IN BUTTER.
8. STALAGMITE VASE.
9. NIGHT&DAY CONVERTIBLE SOFA IN CARDINAL.
10. RECYCLED METAL LETTER HOOKS.
11. LANA VELVET POUF IN BROWN.

Amore.

Liberal Arts | The Right Fit, 1

(above image via: lightsabers247)

Liberal Arts colleges are four-year schools with a strong emphasis on undergrad student of the liberal arts. Most are private and smaller than universities. Students typically spend two years studying a broad range of liberal arts before declaring a major.

A Liberal Arts college may be right for you if:

• You want individual attention in the classroom. Since these colleges are generally smaller, the class sizes are smaller. This allows you to get to know your professor and classmates on a more intimate level. Your prof will know your name, you'll have class with many of the same students, and personal assistance will be readily accessible.

• You want to live on-campus, but not be overwhelmed since this'll be your first time living and learning away from home. Dorms and campus apartments will provide you with small, close-knit communities so that you can make friends and have a great residential experience.

• You want everything within easy walking distance. The thought of a huge, sprawling campus can be intimidating. But these campuses are usually small, pretty, and easy to navigate. You can simply walk or bike from one side of the campus to the other instead of worrying about missing the bus.

• You have a good idea of what you want to major in, but you haven't set it in stone. The first two years are usually spent studying a range of liberal arts and completing general education requirements. This gives you the opportunity to explore other majors and develop your interests.

To summarize, Lib-Arts schools are small, typically private, and focus on a well-rounded education. You can get to know your professors, make friends with your residential neighbors, walk everywhere in decent time, and explore your interests before locking in a major.

Amore.

For a list of Liberal Arts colleges rankings, click here.

New Series: The Right Fit

(above image from An Optional Holiday)

Back during my senior year of high school, this (above) is what my bedroom floor looked like. I got college mail from everywhere. It was truly amazing and... well, overwhelming. I do, however, remember how fun it was to flip through the various college lookbooks and admire the beautiful campuses.

While my blog is mostly directed to current college students, I like to feature content for future and former students as well. It is that time of year for high school seniors across the nation to be making crucial decisions and preparations for what school they're going to attend in the fall. So in the upcoming months of March, April, and May I'll be doing a series called The Right Fit. Basically I'll be covering the basic differences between certain types of schools and the considerations to take into account before committing yourself.

This series will be beneficial not only to high school seniors, but to current college students looking to transfer and students graduating from community colleges with the intent of pursuing four-year degrees.

This'll be a 12-installment series. I look forward to getting started!

Amore.

Nailing It

above via: here
above via: here
above via: here

Just wanted to show you three pretty nail polish looks that I'm digging right now.

It's been a busy, busy weekend with homework, my brother's birthday party, and the boyfriend. The weather is becoming gorgeous after a long winter. (We even opened the windows and I drove with my sunroof open!)

Hope yours was lovely.

See you this week. ♥

Amore.