The Friday Five: Fourth Year?

Y'all, I am done with my junior third year of college. I can hardly believe it. I have had such an amazing year, I mean truly amazing. For those of you who've been reading this blog for a while, you probably know that I had a terrible transfer process last year, but that is all a thing of the past and I love my beautiful school! I am sure that I will write a reflection post for tomorrow, but for today, here is my Five on Friday:

One: Gallon Of Milk Smashing Prank

This video seriously had my friends and I in tears. It is absolutely hilarious, so if you need a quick study break, enjoy seeing these guys prank local grocery stores.

Two: Shailene Woodley and Feminism

I could, and maybe should, write about Femenism on this blog because people don't really know what the general term means. Not every feminist is a bra-burning man-hater. According to Merriam-Webster, feminism is "the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities." That definition is not the same as man-hating, it is saying that you believe you deserve to not be discriminated against for your gender. (disclaimer: there are still those radical feminists who take it several steps further, no one is asking you to relate to them...)

Three: Ten Reasons Sarcastic Friendships are the Best

The first thought I had when I saw this article was that it was the perfect description of K-Soms and I. Sarcastic friendships really are the best, it is how some of us show our love, even if it doesn't seem like it.

Four: Starbucks Cup Art

Okay, this is a cool project in general, but this cup describes me to a tee. I seriously need my coffee to function in the morning, like really need my coffee. Last week there were a couple of mornings where I thought I was craving tea, and both mornings Meghan was spot on when she said I would still want my coffee...

Five: Which Mother-Daughter TV Duo Do You Belong In?

I got Sophia and Dorothy from Golden Girls, though I am fairly positive I should have gotten Lorelei and Rory since I can see so many parallels between my relationship with my momma and the one on the show. Either way, it's a fun Buzzfeed quiz!

Have a great weekend, y'all! And congrats if you are done with finals, if not, YAY you're in the homestretch! Also, if anyone has any links they would like to submit for Five on Friday, send them my way!

xoxo,

SSP

Turtle Time

Have I ever mentioned on here that my family used to have six pet turtles? Yeah, we had a pen for them outside and fed them, put leaves on them to hibernate, the whole nine yards...it was pretty awesome. Well, if you didn't know that, now you do! Speaking of turtles, I am totally on board with the tortoiseshell trend in jewelry. I love how it looks amazing with any color and can be dressed up or down.

Recently, there was a Fornash sale on RueLaLa (thanks to one of my followers to tipping me off to it!) and I got a necklace and a great set of tortoiseshell bangles. Now I am on the hunt for the perfect tortoiseshell necklace, and I think I found it, also through Fornash. Admittedly, I have been scouring the Fornash site to use my gift card that I won through an Instagram contest, but it is perfect! Fornash actually has an entire section of their website dedicated to "Tortoise Chic" which everyone should check out! Personally, I am ordering the Melisa necklace because it is a bit more of a professional casual item:

Fornash Necklace

Here are some of my other favorite tortoiseshell accessories:

The Lucky Knot Necklace
(use "Erin" promo code for 15% off)

Design Darling Clutch

Kate Spade Earrings

Jack Rogers Black Label Sandal 

Purple Peridot Cuff (only $14.99!)

Case Mate Case 

Michael Kors Watch

There are so many great tortoiseshell items out there, which ones are you coveting?

xoxo,

SSP

Study Spots

Oh my gosh, I am so happy to finally be done with final exams. I have to turn in 2 five-page papers on Thursday, but I am done with the actual exam part of the year, it's time for the homestretch. Yesterday in the library I found myself straining to see the text in a book and on the computer screen. I have 20/20 vision, but when you spend that much time reading on your computer, your eyes are going to start to hurt...it was a welcome excuse to lay down for a few minutes, though. 

Anyways, today I had an exam and the idea of going back to the library was just not one I was happy with, so I am taking advantage of this amazing weather and prepping for my exams outside! I know I can't be the only one tired of my study spot, so here are some other ideas of places to go!

Outside

Obviously I am a little biased since I am already out here, but the weather is so nice and it might even give me a nice base tan for beach week!

Coffee Shop

You're probably in need of some caffeine anyways, so why not study while you're at it. Starbucks gets crowded in almost every college town this time of year (oh and they are 24 hours during finals!) but scoping out a cute, local shop can be fun too!

Your Apartment

You can lounge around and blast your study mix without headphones and study snacks are just a room away! Just be careful to not let your bed become a constant nap zone instead of studying!

A Different Library

This probably depends on where you go to school, but UVA has a bunch of libraries with all different atmospheres which can be a welcome change of scenery without losing library productivity...also, the quiet floor is always available if your headphones don't quite drown out the library chatter. 

Friend's Apartment or Sorority House

You can still study with friends without going to the library. There is constant stream of girls going in and out of the Chi O house this time of year, especially because it is so close to grounds!

The Gym

Okay, I don't mean this for serious studying, but the gym can be a nice escape while you catch up on reading. Spend a little bit of time on the bike or elliptical to keep the blood flowing while you work through weeks worth of reading or notes. 

Also, don't forget to take study breaks and sleep! I hope finals are going well!

xoxo,

SSP

Inspired

Color-coding and list-making keeps me grounded and happy. Everyone has a different preference for how they approach school and life, mine is to lay everything out in front of me. I hate forgetting things, and I feel like every time I don't write something down, I end up sitting around for 20 minutes trying to remember what it was that I had found so important before. So naturally, I solve this problem by writing everything out, and that includes blog posts.

lists and journals!

My blog journal comes everywhere with me. It stays in my Longchamp while I am at school, which is basically attached to my hip 24/7 and when I am home, I try to bring it in my purse. You never know what is going to inspire you to write something or influence something in your life. On my old phone, I had a list of quotes and bible verses that I came across and loved. It is so nice to be able to reference that type of stuff on a whim!

If you don't already, consider starting a list of things that inspire you and try to keep it close to you. Whether it is on your phone, in a notebook, or in your agenda, it is nice to be able to glance at little things like that as you go throughout the day or, like in my case, are stuck trying to find something to blog about!

Do any of you have an idea journal?

xoxo,

SSP

Romping Around

If I had a nickel for every time someone said "I wish I could pull off a romper," I would probably be able to pay for the one I wore to the farmers market this morning. I honestly believe that most people can pull off a romper, it just depends on finding a style and fit that flatters you, like any article of clothing.

photo cred: K-Soms

Think of trying on a romper like looking for a sundress. There are elements that you are immediately going to look for because they flatter your figure best. Personally, I look for a romper with a flowy bottom so that it isn't tight across my butt and a cinched waist. Also, much like wearing a sundress, adding a belt helps to break up the line of the dress and can emphasize the waist, and heels elongate your legs for a more flattering look. Oh, and this logic applies to jumpsuits as well, I don't actually own any, but I think some people pull them off so well. Personally, I know that my 50/50 body distribution means my legs just are not long enough for that look!

Here is some Pinterest inspiration for styling a romper:

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xoxo,

SSP

Finals Friday Five

Okay I have been compiling items for my Five on Friday for over a week now and it is taking all of my willpower not to share them at once (check back next week). Also, I hope everyone's finals are off to a good start...just think, summer is right around the corner!

One: Thirteen Life Lessons We Learned From The Devil Wears Prada

I don't really think this list needs a description, but I will give it one anyways. HerCampus totally delivers with this clever and hilarious group of memes. Cheers to finding a job where you get Andrea's wardrobe...without the ice queen boss! Disclaimer: I would totally work for Miranda Priestly...

Two: Dirty Chai

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Okay, my friend has now tested a Dirty Chai from a local coffee shop and it is confirmed that Starbucks has the best product. I like my chai to have some kick to it and there's is just the right amount. Of course, the price for one of these will set you back a bit, but a little self indulgence is okay every now and then. Also, I have a free drink at Starbucks right now (gotta love that Gold Card life) and can't wait to get my venti, skim, light ice, double dirty chai next week as I power through finals!

Three: 200 Girls Have Gone Missing

This is far from happy, but I believe it puts life in perspective and also exposes some of the media bias that we experience every day since this story really hasn't made headlines. We could all use some perspective during finals, when we believe that failing a final is the worst thing that could possibly happen to us. Please keep these girls in your prayers and count your blessings

Four: Soaking Up Sunday

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The College Prepster had her friend, Maxie, guest blog this post and I loved it. I feel like I dread Sundays right now, I mean all it is to me is the day before the school week and I spend the whole night in the library. There is so much to be said for recharging before a long week and I am really going to try some of these this summer!

Five: These Heels

I am in love with these shoes. They are such an amazing summer sandal and I wish I had the money for them. I have absolutely been obsessing over how bloggers around the web are styling them, especially Cait from Southern Curls and Pearls. I don't have a ton of places to wear them, but with a shoe this cute, I think I could make it work!

Bonus: Disney and Pixar Sing "Let It Go"

I couldn't help but squeeze this in here! I am such a disney lover and the guy in this video does a great job at all the voices!

xoxo,

SSP

Retail Therapy with The Lucky Knot

Finals Stress is cured by retail therapy, right? Well, I think it is.

A couple of weeks ago I found out that I was chosen as a Crew Rep for The Lucky Knot. Located in Old Town Alexandria, The Lucky Knot is one of my absolute favorite stores and I make at least one trip down there every time I go home. Their store carries some of my absolute favorite brands and has introduced me to others! Luckily for y'all, you don't have to be in Northern Virginia or DC to go to The Lucky Knot because they have an amazing online store. Even better than that? Because I am a rep, I get to share a discount with all of my lovely friends.

This means that if you type in the promo code "Erin" at checkout, you will get 15% off your purchase (online only)! How amazing is that? Happy shopping, friends! If you're looking for a starting point, here are some of my favorite items in their online store:

Elizabeth McKay blouse

Fornash Bit Necklace (one of my go-to items)

they have an amazing collection of men's neckwear!

Kiel James Patrick Bracelet

you have to see the back of this dress

you can never have too many tumblers!

tortoiseshell and a fox!?...ahh I love it

perfectly adorable for an afternoon on the beach

looking for a Spirt Jersey to pair with norts on a summer evening?

the perfect gift for the American-loving man in your life

Gosh, I wish I could just buy one of everything (stupid college budget)! What is your favorite piece on their site? I would love to know what y'all end up getting!

xoxo,

SSP