Life Lately

 

1 // Moved into the apartment at school and I have my new desk ready for the nights of reading and writing ahead of me. I must say this is my favorite yet!

2 // One of the first meals made in our kitchen. I’m just too excited about this! Haha! We even managed to throw ourselves a little dinner party before classes started which was wonderful!

3 // While reading for fun may not find its way into my schedule too frequently now that classes have started, I am trying to read one short story from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Flappers and Philosophers” collection before bed each night.

4 // Fabulous view right? Happy to be living back on lower campus now so I can see this gorgeous view every morning.

❤ Ashley

What are you loving lately?

An Open Letter to College Freshmen

As a freshman, checking out the view from the Cathedral of Learning. Hail to Pitt!

Dear College Freshmen (the ladies namely…since I am one)

First off, welcome to college! You can now forget that high school ever happened because you are about to embark on the best years of your young life. I just wanted to pen this little note to you with my words of encouragement and a few tips for success–as a junior, I feel I am halfway qualified!

My first piece of advice: show up to class and take some kind of notes. Seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people show up the first day and you do not see them again until the final. Take a notebook, laptop, iPad, a piece of stone or whatever you want to keep you organized and at attention. You need to learn to be responsible and accountable for your education.

Next, consider you interests when picking classes. I am a communication major and at my school there are not enough credits in the comm. major alone to graduate. So considering my interests, I am also working on a U.S. history minor and a writing certificate. Do your research and take those fun classes!

Third, have fun! Go out on the weekend if that’s what you want to do! Enjoy time with your friends and make new ones. However, you should also be smart. You are probably going to have a drink (read: a few drinks) Know your limit and try not to overdo it! I swear, every obscenely drunk girl I have passed on a Friday night seems to have been a freshman. So I am going to tell you, straight up: you are a tiny lady and cannot take twelve shots and be able to tell the night’s tales at brunch the next day…it’s not happening. Stay smart and you can have a great time that you will remember!

Lastly (and very important in my opinion) explore your campus and the city or town in which it is located. The one thing I did not want to do is spend my time outside of class stuck in my dorm room. Luckily my school is in Pittsburgh where we have access to a number of museums, sports events, shopping and other wonderful things. Find out what deals being a student gets you–we get into museums for free with out IDs! Make the area your own!

Freshman year was truly a transition year. I learned a lot about myself when I came into all of this independence. Keep your mind open and follow your gut. You are smart and I believe you will be successful–hey, you made it this far! 

Good luck!
❤ Ashley

P.S. Be smart with money. It disappears quick!

Any other tips for those incoming freshies?

Back-to-School Blogger: 10 Things Every Girl Needs in Her Dorm

Happy Hump Day everyone! Today is the second installment of the Back-to-School Blogger Series. Today’s post is by Harriet from FlamingoPink.com and highlights those dorm essentials that aren’t so much for class but rather all that other time you spend outside of class (you know…a majority of your time.)

Hi Guys!

The countdown is on for you guys going back to school, which, by the way, weirds me out, because we’re in the middle of winter and half way through our school year – yep, I’m Aussie. And you should probably also know that I’m the editor of PinkFlamingo.com, a massive tea lover who is a liability in a kitchen… and it’s lovely to meet you!

Anyway, Ashley has asked me to do a post on my ideal dorm space, but when I got to writing that, I realised I couldn’t because it’s something I’m still figuring out – I moved into my new apartment six months ago and I still don’t have a TV/clock/couch cushions, all of which things I think are essential to a dorm.

So I thought I’d do something different and draw up a list of the 10 items I wish someone would have told me how much I’d need. Sure you need the practical stuff like pens, notebooks, iPads, music… but these 10 items are for outside college hours. These are the essentials every girl HAS to have in her dorm if she plans on having a male visitor, especially if his name is Zac Efron.

Because let’s not forget college is as much about learning and writing essays as it about having a good time!

Enjoy, and come over and say hi sometime to me and the Flamingo Pink girls!

 Xo Harriet

You can click to buy all of the items, too.

1. Killer heels–After schlepping around campus in flats, a pair of heels transforms you from student to Part Time Victoria’s Secret model. Grab a pair in a nude shade to make your legs look longer than Candice Swanepoel’s.

Schutz Nelly – Oyster

2. Lipstick–Lipstick isn’t for everyone (my friend and beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine Australia hates lipstick – says she always worries she has it on her teeth!) but the point is, you need something on your pout. Yes, lipstick screams siren, but good old gloss works too. Or Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment. Every Australian girl (and celeb/model/it girl) worth her bikini knows this stuff is THE BEST.

MAC Lipstick Lady Danger

3. Lingerie–You need one special set that makes you feel amazing, and that you know a guy would also want to rip it off you (not literally, that shit’s expensive!) Our tip: Steer clear of red, which can look trashy if not worn carefully.

Elle Macpherson

4. Candles–While guys can get in the mood in approximately 0.3 seconds, unfortunately for us girls, it takes a bit longer, and starts with emptying our minds (nothing is more of a buzz kill than thinking about how you forgot to give those notes to Cindy from study group!) Candles – or anything that helps you relax – is a good starting point. Just don’t forget about it and set the fire alarms off.

Diptyque Baies candle 

5. Perfume–Smell is one of the most powerful senses you’ve got, so use it to its full advantage and invest in a signature scent. (Side note: After a sleep over at his place, I have been known to spray Chanel Chance on his pillow when he wasn’t watching so he went to bed that night and smelt me. Is that a bit weird?!)

Bulgari Rose Essentielle

6. Sex book–This’ll make a nice change from all those History notes, right?! A good sex book will change your life. Read it, be inspired, and then do it.

The Everything Great Sex Book : Your Complete Guide to Passion, Pleasure, and Intimacy

7. Diary–To put all them feels down. Or the name of your latest conquest. Whatever.

 
Kate Spade New York Large Journal 

8. Cute pjs–Look, Arial from The Little Mermaid might be your spiritual leader, and you should defs wear her pjs, but if a guy comes round, step it up a notch. Daisy’s are cute, but not so junior he’ll think you’re on advanced placement from the 8^th grade.

Topshop Daisy pjs

9. Beach body oil–This stuff is what heaven smells like. It’s light, absorbs easily and makes your skin shimmer like you’ve bathed in diamonds. Wear this stuff on your shoulders, décolletage and down the front of your shins to catch the light (we really want to be lame here and add… and his eye, but we won’t.)

Bobbi Brown Beach body oil 

10. Illuminator (& Dry Shampoo)–The two products that will SAVE YOU after a big night. The first will make you look like you slept 8 hours and stopped drinking after the third tequila shot, and for the second… Toss your head upside down, spray this stuff in with as much enthusiasm as a One Direction fan. Then massage it into your scalp and scrunch in (still with your head upside down.) Toss your hair back up and voila! Your DIY blowdry you didn’t have to leave your dorm room for!

NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator

Big thanks to Harriet for putting together this great post today! Also, head on over to Flamingo Pink and check out what’s up. There are some pretty great articles, ladies!

❤ Ashley

What are your non school-related essentials?

Time for a Rant

Image: here

I think we could all agree that I have been very well behaved lately and that I am long over due for a good rant. The subject of today’s rant? Jeans.

I love jeans. In the autumn and winter that is all that I tend to wear because they are casual and warm. However, is it too much to ask that some brand make a wonderfully affordable, well made, gorgeously fitting pair of jeans? I cannot seem to find a pair to fit both my waist and thighs at the same time. Why, oh why this curse?! Am I the only one with this issue? Or is this a common thing and designers are so out of touch that they cannot even get our sizes correct?

In any case, I need jeans. Any tips or brands or stores that you think would be helpful? All I need is a good pair of skinny jeans that has the potential of lasting!

❤ Ashley

If you have something to rant about please feel free to do so in the comment section. This can be our rant day!

Hello, August

Image: here

Good morning, world!

Today is the first day of August. -insert obligatory “summer flew by so quickly” comment- But really…it did. Most of it was spent working with just a few occasions with family and friends sprinkled in. In just over two weeks I will be moving back to the ‘Burgh with my wonderful roommates in our wonderful campus provided apartment (not trying to pay rent just yet!)

It is only fitting then that I continue my tradition of making August a themed month: back-to-school! This month I will be posting first day outfit inspirations, dorm decor that I love and recipes for the dorm when you just don’t feel like leaving your room (Pittsburgh in the winter!) Also this month I would love to get some guest bloggers on board to share some of their favorite dorm design ideas! So whether you are starting college, already in college, or already done with college but are feeling nostalgic, please feel free to email me at arizzardo.atg@gmail.com with your interest and we can talk!!

I look forward to sharing with you this month!

❤ Ashley

What are you looking forward to this month?

Classic

Charlie Chaplin in “The Kid”

Happy Hump Day people! I have never been happier to see the middle of the week–imagine how excited I will be to see the END of the week!

Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe (“All About Eve”)

In today’s installment in Things I Am Obsessed With (remember the black and white post?) I am here to fangirl over early Hollywood actors and films. I am pretty much making it my goal in life to see as many of the classic films as I can. I already have a good majority of Marilyn Monroe’s films in my collection; I am no stranger to Audrey Hepburn’s films; and I have even begun branching back to the ’20s for a few Chaplin films. 

Film poster for “Roman Holiday”

I think what I admire the most of these films is that (especially those from the ’20s!) are the dawn of film. Very few of these films were re-makes. Plus, I already told you about how I feel about black and white before: I love it!

Some of my favorites include: “City Lights,” “O’Henry’s Full House,” and “Funny Face”

❤ Ashley

What are your favorite classic films?

In The Details

Happy Monday everyone–and I really mean it today! I have this entire week off work so a lot of relaxing and hanging out with friends is happening this week. I’m even going to be slipping away for a few days this week to visit a friend and do some shopping! 

Today, as a continuation to shake things up and stay fresh on here, I am keeping the words to a minimum and staring a few pretty details from my room. Enjoy the little tour!

Despite my severe lack of records, this player gets a ton of use

The little craft corner of my desk. Gotta fight the boredom and glitter/paints do the trick!

Some pretty blooms for my birthday!

For every pretty thing I have, I have a piece of Captain America love. ❤

 

DIY-ed this board for my jewelry one rainy day

Fake flowers have staying power on my bedside table along with my more recent read “This Side of Paradise” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

And the books that I have for the pictures! 🙂

Getting ready to store away the birthday cards

Pretty places store other odds and ends (like belts and movies that don’t fit anywhere else!)

❤ Ashley

Have a great week!

Signs That We Could Be Socially Awkward In Life

Imagine this in public…

Hey all! Happy Friday! Today’s post is a contributed post that I’m thrilled to have–I love getting those kinds of emails–from Janet at Cheap Essay Writing Service. The topic that Janet chose to write about hits quite close to home for me: social awkwardness. I ooze it, man! For example, when a group of people sings Happy Birthday to me…where do I look with my eyes??? I don’t want to make eye contact! There are many more examples for me personally, but given that my birthday was last weekend I will stick with that more recent one. I will leave this bit short and let Janet explain what makes us all so awkward around each other (cuz we all have a little in us, right?!)

Social life is a highly important part of any human being. A social life can be positive or negative. A negative or troubled social life is also referred to as social awkwardness. In general, social awkwardness is the inability for a person to have a social life or to socialize in a normal manner with others. There are many causes of social awkwardness as a condition. It is also a treatable to controllable condition if well handled. A socially awkward life has several characteristics that are highly conspicuous and detectable. Some of the signs that show our social awkwardness include; Signs of nervousness- when a socially awkward person is in a social setting, they tend to be highly nervous. The high levels of nervousness and inability to relax shows and points out a highly social awkward behavior. This is because they affect one’s ability to relate with the people around. Different impact- socially awkward behavior can be depicted by one delivering or having a different impact on people than what was intended. For example, socially awkward people tell stories or jokes that others find hard to relate to or find them not funny. This is brought about by the inability to relate with others, hence tell awkward information in an attempt to drive attention from them.
Avoidance by others – socially awkward people are highly avoided by others, especially if their symptoms of the social disorder is highly evident. When people can point out socially awkward persons, they are likely to avoid being around them and also ridiculing them. This further increases their levels of social awkwardness, and may lead to complete withdrawal of an individual who has social disorders from a social life completely.
Social orders and norms- if a character has social awkwardness, they are likely not understand the social norms and orders. This is due to their high levels of anti-sociality. It leads to less exposure of the societal norms and way of life. When exposed to such norms and orders, the socially awkward person would hence not be able to relate.
Conversations- there are a few signs in conversations that show a person has a socially awkward life. In conversations for instance, a socially awkward person cannot be able to start a conversation. This is due to their high levels of nervousness and self-consciousness. They are therefore not able to approach a person for a conversation. Such people will keep to themselves in social gatherings and become completely inapproachable through their body language. Socially awkward persons also have the inability to maintain a conversation flow. They tend to only answer questions with short answers and nods. It is therefore extremely hard to hold a conversation with socially awkward people.
Self –esteem- many socially awkward people have extremely low levels of self-esteem. Self-esteem can be a cause of social awkwardness as well as a sign. For example, due to their low self-esteem, socially awkward people are not able to take compliments positively or even give compliments. They are also not able to show self-appreciation or for others. Due to their self-esteem issues, socially awkward persons tend to be inapproachable. The other sign arising from low self-esteem that shows social awkwardness is the demeaning nature of some of the affected people. In order to take attention away or to make them feel better, some socially awkward people tend to be rude or mean in addressing others.
Anxiety- socially awkward people have high levels of self-consciousness and anxiety. This is due to the fact that they are always feeling inferior and insecure. The feeling of insecurity and inferiority makes the anxious of committing to people or even talking to others, because they feel they are not good enough. Lack of proper relationships- socially awkward people have problems relating with others. This is one of the reasons why they have weak ties or no relationships at all besides their families. They are rarely making friends or maintain the few they make.

Author Bio: Janet Adams has been chosen her career as a writer to serve students working with an affordable essay writing service which helps college students in building a successful academic writing career throughout the academic years. She has been set up Masters Degree in Educational Science from a reputed university and now serving for what she foreseen. 

Have a great weekend!
❤ Ashley

Are you awkward?

When I Grow Up…

Growing up we all had a dream job–many of us (hand raised) had MANY dream jobs. Now that I am in college and am preparing myself for career girl mode I have taken a look back at my many, many dreams to see if maybe what I am working toward now is one of them. Let me tell you…it’s not. At least I don’t think it is; not now at least.

I am a Communication major. This is not something that is going to make me a rockstar, probably not a vet (but that dream was crushed when I found out blood and needles give me the heebie jeebies) or a princess. Public Relations, however, is one that advisors have listed to me that I feel I could shake with. However, that is not my dream job. My dream job is to be editor-in-chief of my own magazine–I want to start my own! Maybe communications will get me there but who really knows! 

❤ Ashley

What do you want to be when you grow up? ;P What is your dream job?