Social Media Happy

I have literally become obsessed with social media.  It's bad. The first thing I do when I wake up is reach for my phone and read and respond to all texts that piled up overnight. Next comes the iTouch, because it's my turn against all opponents in my Draw Something games. Have to refresh instagram and see what pictures are most popular. Maybe a quick round -- or two, or seven -- of Temple Run.  Must. Beat. High score.

Then I grab my laptop which is my ultimate downfall.  There goes my morning!  I check all my e-mails (three separate accounts), then
facebook, twitter, and blogspot.  My latest obsession, pinterest, is what really takes me over though.  In the past week it's gotten so bad, I could sit here for hours pinning and re-pinning all of these fun images that I keep finding on tumblr and weheartit.  I really can't help it though!  I think it's because I'm always on the computer all day long, being that my studies are so computer oriented.  I go from my laptop during lecture, to the macs in the library, straight to a computer class, then back home to do my work.  It's nuts.  I really need a break from the digital world.  But likely, it'll never happen.  Obsessed.

Caviar Manicure

I don't know about you, but I hate going without nail polish.  My hands just look so little boyish when my nails aren't painted, and I'm always changing the color every week.  I love keeping up with the latest colors for the season, and I recently discovered what I think will be the next big thing in nail art: the Caviar Manicure. They look like little sprinkles for your nails!

Made by Ciaté, it's the first 3D manicure to hit the market and it is currently only sold on their website here.  They're currently all sold out, so you have to join the waiting list for availability updates.  But the kit will soon be sold in all Sephora stores!  So excited to try this, especially because it looks so easy to do and comes off with regular nail polish remover.  So easy but so so cute!  Can't wait to try it :)

                          

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Inked

I've been thinking about tattoos lately.  I always said I would never get one, only because I never thought I liked anything so much that I would need it permanently inked onto my body.  I always think about how it's going to look when we're so much older, and how they're really only ideal when you're young.  But white ink tattoos are something I've been seeing and I think I'm falling in love.  Seems perfect for me because it's subtle enough to barely notice.  Sometimes though, they come out looking like scars.  I can't decide if I love it or hate it.  I also wonder what happens in the winter when your skin isn't tan..will you be able to see it at all?  For now, I will leave my body alone.  But maybe one day..

Spring Has Sprung!

Yesterday was the first official day of Spring..finally!  One of my favorite parts during this time of the year is seeing the different fashion all over the city.  It's so fun seeing all the bright colors all the girls wear from head to toe, especially after a long winter of darks and neutrals.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

This week I spent my Saturday night in baking cookies.  Just needed a mellow night to wind down from a long week.  I'd been wanting to try this recipe for Orange Creamsicle Cookies for a while, and its definitely one I'll be making more often.  They were so yummy!  This was my first time baking completely from scratch, so I'm happy to say it was a success! Next time I want to double the recipe and make the cookies bigger.  Big cookies are just more fun!

Recipe:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons orange zest (zest of 2 oranges)

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Preheat over to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and creamy.  Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually add flour mixture until combined. Stir in orange zest and chips.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Do not flatten cookies; it will make them dry.  Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around edges.  Cookies will be plump.  Cool for several minutes on cookie sheet before transferring to rack to cool completely.  Store in airtight container.

Monday Mantra: Make Memories

It's way too often that we get caught up in the daily responsibilities we have, that we don't have time to actually enjoy life.  We spend all of our younger years going to school so we can come out with a job, then work until we retire, and then what?  It's a cycle that leaves no room for fun.  So, I've come to the decision that from now on I'm going to do my best to have experiences.

However cliche this may sound, life really does go by too quickly.  I work so hard, but do I really want to be spending all of my money on clothes that I'll grow tired of next season?  Hm, no.  I want to go on a road trip with my friends, pigging out in the car and singing at the top of our lungs to the radio.  I want to travel the world and visit all the places I've only seen in textbooks.  I want to go to a concert to see the band I've loved since I was in 15.  I want to make memories.

Spring break is coming up.  Normally, I would fill up my schedule and work as many hours as I possibly could, to make the most out of my time.  But this time it's not about the money, it's about having a life that I can look back on with a smile, and everyone should have the same opportunity.

So today, think about what means more to you: blowing your paycheck on that outfit you have to get, or having the most fun you can let yourself and being able to look back with a smile?

Monday Mantra: Radiate Positivity

As far back as I can remember, I've always had a problem with negativity.  But I'm trying to turn that around and have a more optimistic mindset.  It's so true that if you surround yourself with positive energy, you'll be happier, and your positive vibes will rub off on others around you. So lately I've been trying my best to not let my negative thoughts consume me.  I have to say that it's definitely easier said than done, but it's a work in progress.

As for today, it's another Monday morning.  But on the upside, the sun is shining, the weather is amazing, and it's the start of a new week.  Maybe this'll be the week that you accomplish a goal you've been wanting to reach.  Who knows, it's only what you make of it.  So be happy, and radiate positivity :)

Currently Listening..

This song completely mashes everything I'm currently feeling all into one really mellow song.  And totally loving the awesome video!  Thanks Gotye :)

Spring Forward

Has anyone noticed that this past week it started getting darker later?  It's the best feeling to look out the window around dinnertime and see the sun just beginning to set rather than staring at pitch darkness outside.  So tonight's the night we get to change our clocks!  Even though we lose an hour of sleep, it's totally worth it in the longrun—longer days, which of course means Spring is on its way!  Not sure what time it is right now, but I'm beyond tired and that means bed.  Don't forget to push your clock an hour forward tonight!

Paper Challenge

In the digital age we live in now, there's hardly any room for the art of handwriting.  It's been starting to bother me that everything we do relies so heavily on technology like our iPads, laptops and cell phones.  But it wasn't until yesterday when I wrote a small paragraph during class and my hand was literally in pain, that I decided I would actually do something about this.

I don't want to be the person that can't go a day without cradling my phone in my hands at every moment.  It was actually really refreshing when I mistakenly left mine on my bed when I left for work this Wednesday.  I didn't miss it at all.  I guess where I'm going with this, is just to say that I'm going to take to writing more.  I know this is completely contradictory, as I'm typing my thoughts into the computer, but I want to take time away from technology and just write, draw, and create using my hands.  So I'll be taking time out to do that a lot more often.  I think this is something everyone can benefit from, so we don't become too wrapped up in the digital world.

So I propose a challenge.  Write down all your thoughts during the next week, just put everything on paper.  When you get a homework assignment, write it in a notebook instead of saving it in your phone as a memo.  When something funny happens, keep it in a diary instead of tweeting it.  And when you want to ask your friends what's up or what's going on, write them a note, even if it's just to say hi.

Oh, Monday

Ugh.  It's Monday morning.  So begins another long week.  Mine started out terrible!  Completely forgot I don't have class until later on, so I got up super early and came all the way to school way before I had to be here.  Total bummer..could've slept two extra hours!  But on the bright side, the weather is fantastic today in NYC. 

On that note, I hope everyone has a lovely week!  Leaving now with this message, let's see if I can help inspire at least one person today :)

White Grl Probs

For some reason, I've been really into reading lately.  I just finished with the L.A. Candy Series, and I've found myself immediately wanting to engage in another book.  Totally out of the norm for me, as I usually HATE reading.  I've been finding though that it's a really nice way to pass the time on my lengthy commute to and from school each day.  Much more meaningful than sticking headphones in my ears all the time.

White Girl Problems is my newest thrill.  I follow Babe Walker as the clever muse behind WhiteGrlProblem on Twitter, so when I learned that she was coming out with a book, I was beyond excited.  I finally got the chance to start reading it yesterday morning, and let me just say, anyone who saw me on the train must have thought I was psychotic.  Literally laughing out loud with the biggest smile on my face.  

In this sarcastic and witty memoir, Babe does anything but hold back her true personal thoughts about every situation she's been in throughout her life so far.  As of now I'm on White Girl Problem #7, and I must say that this book is easily the funniest thing I've ever read.  I recommend it to all young females especially, but also to anyone who can appreciate a good laugh.

P.S. follow me on twitter! @vickyygee