In need of a hunk?

I'd fancy watching this guy lift and move my boxes!

So I'm getting ready to move from my teeny-tiny university-owned apartment into a nice house with two other girls.  (I'm soooo excited!)  And I know, I know--I never got around to posting pics of my current place.  I promise, they will be up by the end of next week.  Also, this time around I'm going to take before and after pictures... especially since I get to actually paint my room in the house!  Yes, I said paint!!

But amid this mess called moving, I'm sure many of you are suffering or about to suffer the woes of packing and moving out and moving in and unpacking.  (Oh, what a vicious cycle.)  Fortunately, I have the rare luxury of several weeks to little-by-little move my stuff into the new place.  Still, I long for the strong arms of a boy (or several) to help me in this process... especially now that I'm boyfriend-less.  And I was thinking that it would be a completely brilliant idea for someone to start a company in which people can hire young, virile college boys to help haul boxes.  Then I remembered some blurb in Cosmo or something about that already being a company.

College Hunks Hauling Junk.  I couldn't have thought of a better name myself.  Unfortunately, the company hasn't branched out to Iowa.  So instead I'll resort to moving the stuff little-by-little by myself... and promise pizza and beer to any young gents willing to lend a hand with the big stuff.

Happy Friday, lovelies!

True Life: I Landed My Dream Internship

Jessica Hansen: Editorial Intern @Meredith Corp!

Okay.  So in recent weeks, I've hinted at the fact that I have a pretty awesome internship.  It's time to share!  But first let me give you a little background information.  Last fall, I was still an education major.  And I hated it.  I love kids and I admire teachers so much (it takes a really special person!) but it just wasn't for me.  I was unhappy, so I focused on what makes me really happy--writing.  I belonged to the Writers' Guild of Iowa State University (a student organization for creative writers).  I talked to the advisor of the club about my uncertainty with my major and my passion for my blog.  She checked it out and strongly recommended I apply for a summer internship at Meredith.

Me in my cubicle, which I share with a super sweet intern Katie.

Meredith?  I'd never heard of it before.  I asked around and did some digging around on the internet.  Meredith Corporation is one of the leading media and marketing companies in the nation.  Better yet, they are the publisher of my favorite magazines: Do It Yourself, Storage, Flea Market Style, 100 Decorating Ideas, and, of course, Better Homes and Gardens.  I've been obsessed with decorating magazines since before I could really read.  When I was a little girl, my grandma would give me here old BHG magazines.  I'd cut them up, rearrange furniture, and create my own little magazines that I'd force my family members to "subscribe to".  Haha.

The best thing I found out about Meredith is that it is located in Des Moines, Iowa---only 35ish minutes from where I go to college!  I'd secretly always dreamt of working in the magazine industry, but I'd never had a huge desire to go out to New York to pursue it.  But the fact that there was a magazine publishing company in my own state opened up a new world of possibilities---it really changed my outlook on life.  Suddenly it was possible for me to marry my interests of decorating and writing into one beautiful profession: writing and producing for a shelter magazine.

My cute yarn wreath I made during a department craft time.

So I switched my major from education to Journalism & Mass Communication.  I applied to be a Campus Correspondent for Her Campus and start an HC branch at Iowa State.  I got it and started managing Her Campus Iowa State.  I started writing for Trend, Iowa State's student-run fashion magazine.  I put together a portfolio.  I poured my heart into Lovely Undergrad.  And I filled out an application for every summer editorial internship position at Meredith Corporation.  On a fateful February afternoon I got the call that I got an interview.  I couldn't believe it.  And better yet, I was offered several interviews!  Several opportunities to get my name out there and show industry professionals how passionate, creative, and motivated I am.

My carpool girls/fellow interns/new friends at the theme park!

The day I came to Meredith for my interviews was like a pilgrimage to a mecca.  For years and years I've read Meredith's magazines, never knowing that my beloved glossy pages were born so close to home.  A few weeks after my interview, I was officially offered an editorial internship with the Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Home Design magazines Do It Yourself and Storage.  To say I was ecstatic was an understatement.

So here I am in my eighth of ten weeks of an amazing internship with my favorite magazines.  Every morning when my alarm goes off and I think about how I'd just like to lay in bed, I remind myself how much I wanted this internship and how much I enjoy it and how lucky I really am.  I look forward to work everyday.  My supervisors are so inspiring.  The people I work with are all so creative.  And the other Iowa State girls who landed internships (and who I carpool with) have become my friends.

Smoking CANDY cigarettes at an antique store. :)

So what do I do?  I work 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  Each day is different and I'm gaining such a well-rounded experience.   I write main edit, pacer, and front-of-book stories, as well as plan and brainstorm story ideas.  I do hands-on projects.  I prep, prop, style, and tear down sets and assist photo shoots.  I communicate with companies and PR representatives.  I research, request, and order products.  I even get to interview interior designers and try my hand at producing.  You'll see my work in some upcoming issues of Do It Yourself, Storage, and Cottage Style magazines.  My lips are sealed as to what exactly you'll see, but believe me--when those issues hit the stands I'll be urging you to buy them like crazy. ;)

So yea--I'm having an amazing summer that I really don't want to end!  

Apartment Tour: The Refined Graduate

 Last Spring I wrote my first story for the Iowa State student-run fashion magazine Trend.  My assignment was to tour a well-decorated student apartment and interview the renter about their design choices.  The honor went to Tyler Clarey, a graduate student in Interior Design. 

Tyler stuck to a neutral palette with pops of color dispersed throughout the apartment.  In the back corner of the living room, a vintage suitcase stores blankets.  A console table displays his books, a yellow toolbox from Found Things in Des Moines, and a green charging station he scored on sale for only $25 from Pottery Barn.

A big fan of typography, the numbers 1969 on canvas make a bold statement on the wall.  The chair is from Ikea.

Tyler continued the neutral palette through the rug, coffee tables, and couch.  Clutter is kept to a minimum.  And while the space is modern and neutral, it is anything but cold.  Patterned pillows, rich texture, and artwork warm up the room.

 Here's a nice view of the living room.  This apartment is such a perfect example of a typical college student apartment.  So it's great to see how you can be creative like Tyler in arranging furniture.  Putting the sofa, coffee tables, chair, and rug at an angle really opens up the space while keeping it cozy and inviting.  It's much better than pushing all the furniture up against opposing walls.

Tyler's work space is designed for creativity.  Cubbies in his desk keep clutter tucked away.  Design books are close at hand.  Clipboards on the wall allow for a rotating collection of art that inspires him.  And a styrofoam mannequin acts as an inspiration board. 

In his office, a bookcase near the desk holds past school projects, paint swatch decks, and additional design books.  Artwork decorates the wall above.

 

I really love the mannequin idea.  I'm on the lookout for one of my own. ;) 

An island with stools brings additional counter space into the kitchen.  Utensils and paper-towels are kept handy by hanging on the wall over the stove.  Colorful Orla Kiely canisters and bright yellow flowers take center stage on the island.  

Tyler and me having a chat in the living room.   In our convo, we got to talking about blogs.  And, of course, I had to show him Lovely Undergrad.  Tyler decided to start one of his own: The Refined Graduate.  You should definitely head over and check it out--he has great taste.

Thanks for sharing your apartment with Trend & Lovely Undergrad, Tyler!

And if that's not enough and you'd like to read Tyler's Top 3 Tips for Decorating... here's the story as it appeared in the Spring 2011 issue of Trend Magazine:

The photos used in this post were taken by Lei Zhang.  The story layout was designed and put together by Melissa Fallon (yes, of 20goingon80.com!).  Apartment was Tyler Clarey's.  And the words were written by yours truly!

Take LU's Back-to-Campus Survey and Win!

By taking part in this back-to-campus survey, you'll be entered to win a special gift from Lovely Undergrad!  Please provide your email at the end if you'd like to be entered.  The giveaway and winner will be announced in September.  Thanks bunches! xoxo

Checking In

(image via Smash--found on Pinterest.)

I found this lovely little journal idea and decided to occasionally put it to use here on the blog.  Here's the deal though, you gotta comment with your "Currently..." things, too.  Lovely readers, I want to know what you're listening to and eating and wearing!  So fill me in. :) Pretty please.

1.     Listening:  The Mumford & Sons station on Pandora

2.     Eating:  Nothing at the moment, but just finished a delish omelet.

3.     Drinking:  Heavily sugared, milky coffee. Mmm mmm, good.

4.     Wearing:  Dark blue jeggings rolled up a few inches at the bottom, a plain white t-shirt, green oxford flats, a feathery necklace and Grecian-inspired hairband. 

5.     Feeling:  Much better since I got this coffee. *takes an indulgent sip*

6.     Weather:  Sunny, warm, humid--Hello, Iowa summertime.

7.     Wanting:  The weekend to get here asap!

8.     Needing:  To finally get that post up telling you guys about my internship. :P

9.     Thinking:  About today's to-do list.  It's a long one.

10. Enjoying:  This coffee, this music, this morning in general.

Oh yea!  Lovely Undergrad pins!  Do you?

Giveaway Winner | Rolled Canvas

This giveaway has closed.  Click here to see who won and stay tuned for future goody giveaways!

The winner of the rolled canvas giveaway from UPrinting.com is...

Laura!!  She said, "I would love a poster of a graphic design illustration I did of New York City!"

Congrats, Laura.  UPrinting.com will be in touch with further instructions!

For the rest of you... stay tuned for more giveaways!

Real Student Interview on Just Flew the Coop

Hey! Guess who was interviewed by Jesse Nabers for Just Flew the Coop today?!  Head over and check it out for my advice on everything from bad roommates to ugly dorms.  ;)

Stay tuned for coming posts and giveaway winners!

Giveaway: Rolled Canvas from UPrinting

Shopping for dorm decor is just around the corner!  And wall art for your dorm or apartment is essential.  UPrinting has offered one lucky Lovely Undergrad reader the chance to win some personalized wall art.  Here are the details:

One Winner:  Must be 18 years or older and a US Resident.  (If you have won this same giveaway in the past 6 months, you are not eligible.)

The Prize:  One 16"x20" rolled canvas print, with or without a 2-inch border.  Winner gets to upload a design and UPrinting will print it onto the canvas.  1 business day turnaround, free shipping. 

Disclaimer:  This canvas printing giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting.  No monetary compensation was given for hosting. Check UPrinting.com for more details about canvas sizes.

Prize claims will be sent August 31st at the latest.

How to Enter:  Follow Lovely Undergrad.  Leave a comment with your name and email address.  And tell us what you would like printed on your canvas!

You have until July 24 at 11:59 pm.  Winner will be announced July 25th!

Interview with Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge

Happy Monday, lovely undergrads!  Today I have a special treat for you.  Design*Sponge, a hugely popular design blogs, was one of the original inspirations for me back when I was starting Lovely Undergrad.  Grace Bonney, the creator and blogger behind D*S, has worked as a contributor to House & Garden, Domino, and Craft Magazine.  This September, the Design*Sponge at Home book will be released--it is jam-packed with 70 home tours, 50 DIY projects, 50 before and after makeovers, and tips on everything from hanging wallpaper to arranging flowers.  

Grace Bonney was so gracious as to allow me to interview her for Lovely Undergrad.  So read on for insight into dorm and apartment decor from Design*Sponge...

LU: In your college years, did you ever live in the dorms?  If so, what was your dorm like?  How did you decorate it?

D*S: Absolutely, and primarily while I was attending William & Mary, the school I transferred to after 2 years at NYU. I built an entire suite of furniture for our living room at Ludwell. I build storage cube ottomans, a wall unit with holes that you could poke your fingers through to turn on lights behind it, and I build an entire entertainment system to house or TV, books and my goldfish. I also broke the rules and painted one of our walls a crazy island green and hung curtains and sconces. I went a little nuts decorating the shared spaces ;)

Can you tell me about the challenges and triumphs of decorating your first apartment?  What has changed about your style since then?

My style is constantly evolving and I think I'm learning to trust my gut and be swayed less by trends. When I was first out of college I got swept up in "cheap" brands like Ikea and Target and just bought everything pre-done. Then I realized it made my apartment feel so generic and sterile. So I started customizing things, painting them, stripping finishes- and those little touches started to make a big difference. Now I always encourage people to see inexpensive furniture as a jumping off point- you can always customize something after you take it home.

Describe your favorite apartment you've lived in.  How was it decorated?  Was there any memorable piece of furniture or art or a project that really set the space apart?

Well, my favorite room was my second apartment in Brooklyn. The apartment itself was a nightmare, but it was the apartment where I learned to embrace dark grey paint- which is now my go-to color. I painted my bedroom a gorgeous green grey ("Chelsea Gray" by Benjamin Moore) and it made everything else in the room look so sophisticated and grown up. I'd always gravitated towards darker colors, so learning to be less afraid of that risk (even in a smaller space) taught me a lot about how much color really can transform a room.

What tips and tricks would you pass on to dorm and apartment dwellers when it comes to decorating a small space on a budget?

Most of us in apartments (and dorms, too) can't paint, so I'm a big fan of area rugs and over-sized wall art. Walls are the most obvious canvas to work with, but people often overlook the floors. If you keep your furniture upholstery neutral, a really gorgeous striped or patterned rug can warm up a room just as quickly as a wall of paint can. Another common mistake people make in rentals is putting artwork on the wall that's too small for the space. Nothing reads as "rental" or "temporary" like sad, small art. If you prefer smaller pieces, try grouping them together in an asymmetrical arrangement, or going for fewer (but much larger) pieces that take up more space. The more of the wall you can fill cleanly, the more "homey" a space starts feeling. One of my favorite ways to get large art on a budget is to take photos or artwork to a copy store and have them blow it up. Then you can make your own frame or just hang it using tiny pins.

Can you think of a creative design solution that you think is perfect for college students---in terms of both time and money?  What about a diy project that is perfect for students and small space dwellers?

I'm a big fan of rolling storage- something you can easily strap wheels onto that doubles as hidden storage and extra seating. I have a how-to project in Design*Sponge at Home that's perfect for renters or people in dorms- it helps you turn any large box into extra seating for guests and a great way to hide less attractive clutter (like video game equipment, etc)

Anything else you'd like to add as far as inspiring dorm students and apartment renters?

My biggest advice is to never be afraid to experiment. Take advantage of thrift stores, flea markets, Craigslist and shops like Ikea to find inexpensive furniture that you can try customizing. Whether you paint, strip varnishes or just add little details to those pieces, they're going to feel more special to have in your home than any fancier pieces that are pre-made.

Grace, thank you so much for lending your valuable design wisdom to Lovely Undergrad!

Readers, check out the Design*Sponge blog (you're sure to get hooked!) and watch for the book to come out this September.  Consider it your textbook to decorating and diy'ing.  ;)

Giveaway Winner | Resume Makeover!!

 Hey lovelies!  Melissa (on right) and I are to announce the

winner of the fabulous resume design makeover giveaway!!  

Congrats, Mademoiselle Michael!

Mademoiselle Michael, Melissa will be in touch with you!

Thanks again to the lovely Melissa of 20 Going on 80 for
offering her awesome design skills to Lovely Undergrad readers!  

(Psssst... check out her blog if you haven't already!)

Have a wonderful Friday and enjoy your weekends!

*Our winner was randomly selected by assigning each entry comment a number (both on the blog and Pinterest).  We used a random number generator to pick the winner! :)

300 Sq.Ft. Studio by Nick Olsen

I have such a small space treat for you today!  I came across this lovely studio apartment designed by Nick Olsen (former Domino contributer) for House Beautiful.  This place is 300 square feet, undergrads!  Just goes to show that a tiny space can pack a big punch when filled with color, pattern, and personality. 

I love that you look at this room and don't see an obvious color scheme.  It's perfect for us college students who take we can get from family and the Target clearance section, no?  ;)  Light airy curtains trimmed with a green ribbon edge are sooo pretty.  The red nightstands pop i the mostly pale blue and white room.  A desk at the foot of the bed is such a smart space saving solution. 

A chic slipcover transforms any old love-seat into a cozy sitting space.  (Although as much as I loooove metallic vases, I'd probably have my laptop and textbooks strewn all over that coffee table top.  Wouldn't you?) 

I. Want. This. Dresser.  The graphic green and white chevron is fun and fresh.  I'm thinking DIY project! 

To see more of this room, pick up the newest issue of House Beautiful.  And check out the exclusive video tour of this room here: 

You should also become a devoted stalker of Nick Olsen's blog.  He rocks.

And thank you to High Street Market, a fabulous blog I've just recently discovered, that introduced me to this fab small space.

Oh, and stay tuned!! Tomorrow I'll have tips and tricks so that you can GET THIS LOOK for your dorm or apartment. 

Giveaway | Resume Makeover!!

This giveaway has closed.  Click here to see who won and stay tuned for future goody giveaways!

Enticed?  You should be.  Melissa, my friend and fellow intern, is a Graphic Design major at Iowa State.  She’s offering one lucky Lovely Undergrad reader a free resume makeover.  And what lovely undergrad doesn’t want to hand over a chic, custom-designed resume at her next career fair?

So to try your luck at this fabulous giveaway, simply follow the instructions on Melissa's above flyer.  Leave a comment on this post with your name, email address and dream job by 11:59 pm July 14.  We will randomly select one winner on July 15. 

While you’re anxiously waiting for the winner to be announced, head over to Melissa’s blog 20 Going on 80.  :)

P.S. Want an extra entry?  Comment on our pin, too!

We Got Class

So true story: I landed the internship of my dreams.  And while that's a whole 'nother blog post that I promise I'll elaborate on soon... I want to introduce you to my fellow interns/carpool buddies/new friends:

 

This is us minus one.  I'm in the middle.

Yea, we smoke candy cigarettes in the basement

of an antique shop while wearing vintage hats. 

True Life: I Pilfer Paint Chips

I have a confession to make, my friends.  I've been known to... well, on occasion... go to Lowes, stealthily approach the paint department, look left then right then left again... walk up to the magnificent array of vibrant paint chips... and then... guiltless help myself to one or two of every single paint chip.  Every. Single. One. And then I make a mad dash out the door with my half-foot thick pile of paint chips in hand.

OH, THE SHAME!

I can't help it.  I love paint chips.  I've been obsessed with them since I was seven or eight.  And for a few years, my dream job was to become the person who gets to pick the paint names.  (That didn't make an impressive "When I grow up, I want to be..." report for elementary school, though.)

I used to just have paint chips for the sake of having them.  I kept them in a tin box and pulled them out every once in a while to flip through them in satisfaction.  Sometimes I'd go all crazy and use one as a bookmark.  Maybe it's because of the recent design trend of Pantone-inspired products... but I'm seeing paint chips popping up everywhere in decor and diy projects.

In fact... check out this nifty diy project that I thought up all by myself!  Basically I had an old gaudy antique frame laying around.  And, of course, stuffed in another drawer I had some paint chips.  I folded the long paint chip strips down to size and framed them with the picture frame.  Not only is it a unique piece of art--I like the contrast of the fancy-schmancy frame against stark, modern paint chips.  But it is also a functional dry erase board for my desk at work!  I write notes on it with a dry-erase pen and the words wipe right off the glass just as they would a typical dry erase board.

Funny enough... Melissa, one of the interns I carpool with and have become friends with, shares my over-enthusiasm for paint chips.  In fact, she decked out her apartment kitchen and bedroom and was kind enough to send some pics my way for you all to see and get inspired by:

 Paint chips in hues of blue and green add fun color and pattern to the wall space above the cupboards in Melissa's kitchen.

 She used blue painter's tape to adhere all these paint chips to the wall!

 And in her bedroom, black and shades of beige take the place of a headboard.  Isn't the design, great?

Melissa's a crafty design student at Iowa State and fellow intern.  She also bakes goodies and has a blog!  Check out Twenty Going on Eighty!

So now I'm on a kick about these free, fun, colorful paint chips that are available at Wal-Mart, Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, and many other places... (so you can spread out your paint chip pilfering if you're afraid dirty looks from clerks.)