I’m Moving Into A New Apartment… aka I’m Gonna Get All Of My Ideas From Pinterest!

As I mentioned in a previous post I am currently apartment hunting. As of now I’m pretty sure my boyfriend and I found where we want to live but we have not signed a lease yet. For the past year I lived in my sorority house on my college campus and I am currently living with my boyfriend and his 2 roommates (also my friends) until his lease is up towards the end of summer. The day I get to move into my first real post-grad apartment I plan on jumping for joy but in the mean time I am making my plan of action. Anyone who knows me knows that I am creepily obsessed with Pinterest. I was an early joiner on this one and I pin a lot and often. One of the most common themes of Pinterest posts are for home decorating. I plan on taking full advantage of this. Bear with me now, I have racked up plenty of ideas and I plan on sharing them with you in installments. This first one will be various methods of storage and organization..

Shelving and Storage and Organization

I love the idea of using pallets for different design elements. It adds a bit of a rustic feel to my otherwise modern tastes.

A good wine rack is a must for any happy home! This is just one of the many ideas I came across.

I am really excited to do some porch gardening, mostly just herbs and a few low maintenance plants to start with but if (and that’s a big IF) I can keep them alive they are gonna need stylish homes

Vertical gardens are really popular right now, I even saw a display for one in Home Depot last weekend!

Kitchen space in apartments is usually at a premium so I’ve saved a bunch of ideas to make the most use out of the space we’ll have.

Hanging a basket below some shelves or cabinets is a great way to keep your bread from getting squished or stale from sitting on top of the fridge.

Put a magazine rack on a cabinet door to help keep awkward cutting boards out of the way.

I’ve seen a lot of space savers involving magnets to stick things to cabinet doors and the underside of cabinets. I think this would work great so all of your spices are easy and at hand.

I love bananas and this is a great way to get them off the counter without spending the money on a stand for them.

I would love to not have to go banging around in the cabinets to find the pot I need.

Storing wine glasses under a table is a great way to keep them out of the way until you need them.

I am a typical woman in that I have a lot of makeup and products! I have downsized a bit this year but I still have enough that I will have to come up with a few tricks if we’ll be sharing a small bathroom.

You can use Ikea spice racks to get your products off the bathroom counter.

This is another clever use of magnets to get small things off the counters while keeping them easily accessible.

Using a lazy susan for under the sink storage is a good way to make use out of that usually too deep cabinet space.

Put a shelf over the bathroom door to get some extra out of the way storage.

Put your hairdryer and straightener in a basket to keep them together and help prevent cord tangles.

Or put styling tools in a magazine rack mounted to a cabinet door to keep them out of sight.

By putting a small tension rod in the unused space of cabinets you can neatly hang spray bottles.

I’m not sure I’ll have the need/ space for this but it looks really cool. It’s an Ikea laptop station that someone decided to use as a vanity.

I’ve been saying I’m going to start doing this to my cords for about a year now, I’m hoping the move will finally inspire me to do it!

Store all of those random roles of wrapping paper on the ceiling by placing 2 lines of wire on the walls to hold them up.

This would be a great idea if we need more seating and storage in our guest bedroom/office

This is another easy storage solution if you have the space.

I may have to splurge on this or figure out how to DIY it when I get a doggy, I hate the look of metal cages in a living room!

Perfect solution to add a second desk/ crafting table in the extra bedroom or in the living room.

As a girl who will freely admit that I have too many shoes, this space saver is a godsend. (I only so many doors to put those over the door shoe hangers on!)

This would be great for all of my clutches, hates, gloves and other odds and ends.

Ok, that is it for my storage and organization section of Pinsperations for my new apartment! I hope you all enjoyed it and feel free to follow me on Pinterest.

Do you have any storage or organization ideas?

Woohoo I Graduated…Wait You Expect Me To Pay Bills Now?

Congratulations Class of 2012, we graduated. This probably means something different for everyone. For some, it means moving back into your parents’ house and getting a part time job while you hang out with your friends from high school and watch as all of your ambition slowly slips away. For others it means you will go on to grad school or law school and, lucky you, put off thinking about life after graduation for a few more years. And for still more of us it means living in an awkward in-between when we are still relying on money from parents while trying to figure out how to make money doing what we really enjoy. Regardless of what mystery door your standing in front of there are a few things that I think every young graduate should know as we set off on our own.

 

1. Make a Resume & Learn How to Write a Cover Letter

I was always great at getting part-time jobs in college. I have a wide range of experience that allows me to call upon a variety of skills, I am what my grandparent’s generation would call a “go-getter,” and I have a resume. This last part may not seem like such a big deal but if you are looking for a job, even if it’s just a bus boy job, make a resume. Having a resume to attach to an application instantly sets you apart from other applicants and you can use it to tell that potential employer more about yourself than they could glean from the standard application. Even if you don’t have a lot (or any) prior work experience, you can still make a resume. List any volunteering you do in the community or clubs that you participated in. Highlight skills and qualities you have that make you appealing as an applicant. In addition to a resume, learn how to write a cover letter. This will save you a lot of time later in your job search. Having a basic cover letter template can save you a lot of time than if you have to start from scratch every time. Just remember, each cover letter should be unique to the job/company you are applying for. Don’t send the same one out with every application. Employers will spot the bland and general terms in your letter and it will be a turn off. You are selling yourself and your skills to that employer, make them want you.

 

2. Learn Basic Programming and Photoshop

This is where I am taking my own advice. I am really interested in positions involving social media and digital marketing. There have been plenty of positions I have looked at that required the applicant know or at least have a basic handle on HTML or other programming languages and Photoshop. Even if you are not looking at a technology position, learn these skills. If anything, it will show that you are interested in acquiring new skills beyond what you learned in college and you are versatile enough to learn about anything your employer may need. It is just another step in selling yourself to an employer, make yourself desireable.

 

3. Live Below Your Means and Start Saving

I know this one seems a little obvious since we have all heard it so many times, but it’s true. My mom always taught me not to overspend and to save as much as I could. It may be a bit more difficult to actually execute this idea for people who have never held a job or paid their own bills but just keeping this concept in mind will help you. If you get a full time job and you can afford to pay $800 a month in rent, find an apartment that you like for $600 and save the difference. Not only will this mean a more comfortable living situation for you (it’s a great feeling to be able to go a bit over budget one month without having to worry about if you’ll be able to pay your bills next month) but it will mean you can save without even trying. I know bigger is better and it has become the American way to get as much as we can with the money we make but take a step back and think of how nice it will feel to be able to take a real vacation once a year and not drain your bank account, because you saved that extra little bit every month. On this same note, even if you’re saving on rent you should automatically take a predetermined amount out of your paycheck every month for your savings and just start your 401k now…just do it.

 

4. Do What You Want

This is one point I’m trying to follow despite my type-A tendencies to freak out whenever there isn’t a set plan. As corny as it sounds this really is the time in our lives when we can do whatever we want. Want to move abroad? Ciao. Or just move to a big city? Do it. Or maybe just start a new hobby or take an interesting vacation (easy to do since you’ll be saving so much . We can do whatever we want because even if we do it for a year or two and we change our minds, we’ll still only be 23 years old! We have plenty of time to explore and make mistakes and just have experiences. So, even if you are a little bit of a control freak like I am, try to enjoy the endless possibilities we have in front of us.

 

A little update on my post-grad plans…

I’m currently stuck in between options number 2 and 3 from the beginning of this post. After a whirlwind time of indecision and post-grad options I finally settled on staying in Tallahassee to pursue an MBA in Marketing from FSU. But, my parents expect me to get a full-time job and that’s where option number 3 comes in. I am currently enjoying the summer by traveling to see friends all over the state and country while job hunting in Tallahassee and working at my current part-time job. I am also apartment hunting with my boyfriend and hoping I’ll get a four-legged friend sometime in the early fall!

How are your post-grad plans and adventures going?

Behind the Scenes; A Sneak Peek into Some of my Favorite Movies

Earlier today I came across a behind the scenes picture of of Molly Ringwald and Jon Cryer on the set of Pretty in Pink. I love seeing behind the scenes pictures from movies, especially older ones. It makes me feel really nostalgic. Like I am getting a sneaky view of what it was like to actually be there. So, I thought it was only fair that I share some behind the scenes pictures of a few of my favorite older movies…enjoy!

Goldfinger (1964)

Shirley Eaton's character, Jill Masterson being painted gold

I have a special place in my heart for old Bond movies, especially if a certain Scottsman is in them. This picture is for the iconic scene in which Shirley Eaton’s character is painted in gold, causing her character to die of skin suffocation. (I’m pretty sure it’s now been proven that this is impossible…)

Casablanca (1942)

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman

This is a classic and the oldest movie on my list. Look how old that camera is!

Dr. No (1962)

Sean Connery and Ursula Andress consult with director Terence Young

Another Sean Connery James Bond. I just love them. And another iconic Bond woman, Ursula Andress as Honeychile ‘Honey’ Ryder in her famous white bikini.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi  (1983)

Mark Hamill filming the rescue scene of Harrison Ford's character

This is the scene in which we see Princess Leia in that extremely skimpy gold slave outfit that has inspired so many fantasies of young boys over the years.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

David Prowse's Darth Vador character severs Mark Hamill's (Luke Skywalker) hand and reveals that he is his father

Darth Vador (David Prowse) reveals to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamil) that he is Luke’s father… right after cutting off his hand…

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Jack Nicholson on set, talking to Milos Forman (I think)

I love Jack Nicholson and this movie. It really showcases what a demented psycho he can play.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off  (1986)

Alan Ruck and Mia Sara on set

This is by far one of my favorite movies. Such a classic and so funny.

Back to the Future (1985)

The clock tower set

This might be my favorite picture from this post. It’s funny to see this as just a set since it’s common knowledge this is how most scenes in movies look in real life, but we don’t really think of that when we’re watching.

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

The delorean model against a blue screen

This pic is pretty cool, I wish they had something to compare for size though! I can’t tell if it really is that small or if it’s just the distance and it’s a bit bigger.

well that’s it. Do you have any favorite movies with cool behind the scenes pictures?

2012 Reading Challenge

As part of my 2012 new years resolution I decided I wanted to read 50 books this year. A lot of people told me that I read so much, I should easily hit my goal number. But, there were definitely some factors to consider before deciding on my number. This is my last semester of college and I know that the coming year will be a whirlwind of change. So far, I’m still on track but we’ll see where the year takes us! P.s. being in the English department helps since I count the 3 books I’ve already read in my classes and the other 2 we are slowly working through shhhhhh.

What I’ve read so far (January & Beginning of February):

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

At the beginning of the year I set out to finish the Inheritance cycle. The 4 book series focuses on Eragon and his dragon, Saphira. They are rider and dragon and the last hope of an uprising to thwart an evil king. They make many allies and enemies along the way and this fantastic tail of adventure is a great YA fantasy thrill for any age. Paolini got the first book in this series published when he was just a teenager. His imagination is great, and some of the writing sounds like that of a seasoned author, just be wary of the length of his stories.  I began reading this series with the first book, Eragon when I was in high school and I was happy to finish it as a senior in college. My only warning is their length. The first book is long, the second even longer and the final 2 are almost unbearably so. Unless you are an extremely fast reader or have a lot of time on your hands, consider this series a major commitment.

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

This is the third book in the Inheritance series and probably one of my favorites as a lot of new facts come to light in this installment.

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

The final book in the 4 book series, Inheritance is extremely long-winded. But if you’ve made it this far into the series it’s doubtful you’ll be able to turn away from it. The promise of finding the missing pieces to the puzzle are too alluring. For any big fans of this series, at the end of his acknowledgments Christopher Paolini says he plans to return to these characters and their stories, although he does not know when. Maybe by then he’ll have the age and experience to make his writing just a little more succinct.

The Story of Charlotte’s Web by Michael Sims

This is the first book I read for one of my classes this semester. We read it in a week and I have to say I didn’t mind at all. The story that Sims spins about E.B. White’s life and writing was informative with a touch of whimsy. I really enjoyed this biography of how White’s experiences led him to write Charlotte’s Web. It was a very quick read and I recommend it to anyone who loved the classic children’s book as a kid.

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner

This was the second book I read for class. It mostly focuses on Lerner’s time as an editor and her experience with writers. I did find it interesting but it didn’t have the insight into the publishing world from the editor’s perspective that I was hoping for. Writers who are hoping to be published would benefit more from this read. At times she can be a bit aggravating sounding jaded and even condescending. But some of her stories were very interesting and overall, it was a quick read.

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I LOVED this book. I can’t rave enough about it. I am a big fan of post war jazz age literature and the lost generation. The characters reminded me a bit of those in The Great Gatsby but I found them more likeable. The protagonist, Amory Blaine is a well to do boy with unending looks and charisma. He has the lazy sense of entitlement that came with being upper class during this time. The novel follows him through high school and college at Princeton to his time after WWI. This is a true story of a young man trying to find himself and his purpose in a time where everything is drastically changing. I would recommend this literary classic to everyone. Can you tell I’m a little obsessed with it?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

So I finally got on board the Hunger Games train Woooo Wooo! I have been meaning to read this trilogy since this past summer when everyone was raving about them at my internship. I got around to it, later than I expected, but I’m glad I did. This book is just as addictive as everyone is claiming. I read it in less than a day and immediately bought the second and third to continue. I don’t know what I would have done if I’d had to wait for the next one to be published! Katniss Everdeen lives in a dystopian society on the land that used to be North America. After an uprising 75 years prior the capital of the 12 districts of this country (formerly 13 before the last was obliterated as punishment for starting the uprisings) required that each district hold a raffle every year. In which one boy and one girl between the ages of 12-18 are chosen to compete to the death in the Hunger Games. It provides a source of entertainment for everyone along with a stern reminder what the consequences are for speaking out against the capitol. After Katniss’ 12 year old sister, Prim is called on to be District 12′s female tribute to that year’s Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers in her place. Thus  beginning a long and dangerous journey in which Katniss has almost no hope of surviving but is determined to protect her friends and family. I loved this book and I am currently devouring the second, Catching Fire. I would recommend this awesome YA dystopian novel to everyone.

As of now, Goodreads‘ nifty book goal counter says I am 2 books ahead of schedule woohoo! I’ll keep everyone updated!

What are you reading right now?

Interview with Inheritance series editor, Michelle Frey

This past summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Random House. During my time there, I worked in the Knopf Children’s department. I did this interview in the Fall of 2010 with the editor of the very popular YA fantasy series, Inheritance. The series consists of the books Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and the final installment, Inheritance which was released a couple of months ago.  I really enjoy this series and I am currently reading Inheritance. I know when I finish the series I will be sad to see it end. At the time of this interview I had not yet interned at Random House, had not met Michelle nor had I met the series author, Chris Paolini who I was also fortunate enough to meet during my summer with Random House. Here is my interview as it was printed for the Kudzu Review…

Michelle Frey is the executive editor for the Children and Young Adult imprint of Random House Publishing called Knopf. She has been working in publishing for 15 years and was the editor for the Inheritance Cycle book series by Christopher Paolini as well as the Penderwicks which is a National Book Award winner.

Samantha Malone: How did you get started in the publishing industry?

Michelle Frey: I was actually planning to go back to grad school and I was thinking, I was going to take a few years off before grad school and I am such a huge reader that I thought I’ll try to get a job in publishing for 2 years and here I am.

SM: Did you ever consider writing?

MF: No I’ve never wanted to be a writer. There is a lot of writing involved in publishing being an editor but not the same kind. I really enjoy being an editor and taking a lens on someone else’s work and figuring out the puzzle of how to make it better.

SM: How has the industry changed since you started?

MF: It has changed a lot since I started. I’m in children’s books. It’s definitely changed a lot. Just as an example, when I started you could not touch a fantasy novel with a 10 foot pole. Fantasy was very unpopular, it was very difficult to buy and then Phillip Pullman came along with his dark materials, and then of course Harry Potter came along and that changed everything with making fantasy popular again and it really changed how fantasy was thought of by the publishing community and the general community, realizing that children can make a book. It’s a significant industry as well as being a really great way to contribute to society

SM: How many books does your imprint publish a year?

MF: I think our imprint, Knopf, publishes about 70 books a year.

SM: What do you usually look for in a manuscript?

MF: You definitely know within a couple pages if someone can write, if they’re a really talented writer or not, and what I look for is a great voice that captures me. It’s not really the topic; it’s the way the story is told.

SM: How are manuscripts chosen to be published?

MF: It’s a very subjective process. They’re really chosen by the editor. In our group, we sometimes share manuscripts with each other. At other houses, they’ll have to go through a rigorous process where all different departments will get to chime in, so sales and marketing and subsidiaries. In some companies, they look at every submission; here we don’t really have that. It’s really in the editor’s control unless it’s a really big purchase; then, we have to know that the whole team is behind it. But for almost everything else, it’s the editor working in conjunction with the publishing director, making a decision based on your own belief in the book

SM: Explain the general editing process.

MF: Usually, after I buy a book I’ll do an editorial letter to the author to let them know where I feel the book needs to be improved. Usually this is a more general letter; it will be dealing with bigger issues, thematic issues, bigger character questions, that kind of thing, and then the author will have a chance to revise and hopefully they will take their time and revise carefully and slowly. Then I will read another version and usually there’s at least one or two more editorial letters after that and as the editorial process kind of goes along the notes will probably get more specific and kind of focus on particular details more as we get closer to the finish line. Usually it’s 2 or 3 revisions for a book before it’s ready to go to copy-editing–sometimes 4 or even 5, but it’s usually around 2 or 3. Then the book goes to copy. Before it goes to copy-editing, I’ll line-edit the book, which we’ll all do along the way as well. We’ll all write queries in the margins and say, “oh, can you explain why this is happening now,” when something else happened on a prior page. I’ll edit the manuscript to flow better as well, and then once all that’s taken care of it goes to copy editing. The copy editors are really the ones who fix the book for grammar and keep track of all of the grammatical inconsistencies. Then it goes back to the editor to review–and the author as well–and the author and I make decisions about which changes we want to accept and which changes we do not. Sometimes the author doesn’t want to be grammatically correct for a certain reason–because it’s spoken in a certain tone of voice or its more colloquial or something like that–so after the author and I have reviewed the copy-edited manuscript it goes to the design department and it goes into type. The designer chooses a font and look for the book and the designer starts working on the covers as well, and after that it’s proof-read. The galleys are proof-read again and again and the author has a chance to look at them, as do I until it’s absolutely perfect and then finally the book prints.

SM: How do you think the publishing industry will be impacted by the jump to digital?

MF: I guess we’ll have to see exactly how things unfold. People have been talking about Ebooks for a while, and it didn’t really take off until the last year or two. It’s still, I think, only about 1-3% of sales, but that’s obviously going to keep growing exponentially every year. Ultimately, I think it does mean there are going to be some shifts within publishing houses, but houses are about making decisions about content and deciding how to present content. So, Ebooks are a big change in a lot of ways, but they’re also, in other ways, just another format.

SM: What is it like to publish a first-time author?

MF: It’s really exciting. You get to see the process and it’s almost like having a kid. It’s really exciting with a first time author because this process is new for them and getting to see it through their eyes is really exciting. It’s very gratifying to be the one to nurture it along.

SM: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

MF: It’s the relationship with the authors and the books themselves. Those things never get old. You work with people for years and years, you develop really meaningful relationships with them, really interesting creative partnerships with them. Sometimes, just sitting there, I have such an appreciation getting to read with my pencil and figure out how to push it to the next level.

SM: What advice would you give students trying to get into the industry?

MF: Using any contacts you have; getting in the door is always the hardest part.

 

Michelle and Chris editing in her office at Random House

10 Reasons I’m NOT a hipster- written by a hipster

Here is another article I wrote recently, my friends and I love thinking of the most ridiculous things/ ideas and calling them extremely hip. I blame it on our excusrions to Brooklyn this past summer…
1.     I don’t have a handlebar mustache.
     Reason: Because I don’t shave at all, I’m too beyond the fallacy of personal hygiene to care.
2.     I don’t ride a single gear bike.
     Reason: I ride a scooter that I put together with spare parts.
3.     I don’t listen to LPs or records.
     Reason: I don’t cheat my listening experience with recordings, I only go to live performances.
4.     I don’t shop at vintage stores or boutiques.
     Reason: I go to clothing swaps or to thrift stores. American Apparel and Urban Outfitters don’t dictate how I dress.
5.     I don’t wear thick horn rimmed glasses.
    Reason: Why would I wear glasses if I don’t need them? Although I did buy some awesome Ray Bans and popped the lenses out.
6.     I don’t wear girl’s blue jeans.
    Reason: I wear jeggings and women’s curdoroy pants.
7.     I don’t wear old sneakers.
    Reason: I wear my grandpa’s old work shoes.
8.     I don’t have side swept bangs.
     Reason: I don’t waste my time believing in the commercial ideas of style by getting my haircut like some Supercuts sellout? I cut my hair myself.
9.     I’m not edgy.
    Reason: I’m exploring all of the crevices of my personality.
10.  I’m NOT a hipster.
     Reason: I am NOT a hipster because people who subscribe to labels are just posers who wish they could be individuals.

50 Books in a Year

I just read this amazing blog post, this guy read 55 books in a year. He decided at the beginning of 2011 that he wanted to read 50 books in a year (aka 4 books a month with 2 months reading 5 books). This really inspired me. I love to read but I admit I get busy with other things or just plain lazy sometimes…ok a lot. So this has inspired me. As you saw on my New Years Resolutions post I am using 2012 to take responsibility and accomplish some of my goals. I want to try this. I want to read 50 books in 2012. Now, as you can see from his reading list, this guy was very ambitious and chose some really tough books. I’m going to simply read what I want. It may not be as difficult as it was for him because of that. BUT I am still in school (part time this semester) and working (again, part time) then graduating when I will hopefully be attending Columbia to complete their Publishing certification program this summer then, cross your fingers, I’ll move and have a full time job. But, I think this goal could really help me stay grounded and focused during the whirlwind year to come. I’ll try to post about every book I read, my thoughts and my book count thus far.

I will also use my goodreads account to help me track my progress and find other books that look good. This site is awesome for keeping track of what you have read, share with others what you are reading and find suggestions on what to read next. It allows you to enter when you began the book, when you finished it and what page you are on as you go. I recommend all readers check it out!

Would any of you try this? Any book suggestions?

 

New Year, New Me

Happy New Year! I hope everyone wrapped up 2011 in a big way with a memorable night with friends and family. Now, in the light of day while we are nursing our hangovers many of us are thinking about our new years resolutions. The past few years I haven’t really made any resolutions because I know myself well enough to realize that it is highly unlikely that I will keep any of them. But, this year, in the middle of a big diet I have decided to make some resolutions and do my best to keep them. This is my last semester of college and many changes are sure to come in the next year. I think these resolutions will help keep me focused in the inevitably crazy and unstable times ahead…

2012 New Years Resolutions

1. Floss every day

2. Be healthier (eating, exercising, meditating, etc.)

3. Run a 5k

4. Walk/ run a half marathon

5. Read 50 books this year

6. Downsize belongings

7. Save money

8. Decorate an apartment the way I’ve always imagined

9. Learn to sew

10. Start repaying loans

While most of these are pretty straight forward a few are a bit more vague. But I think as long as I remember these resolutions every day I will fulfill my goals. I can’t wait for the year ahead and to start my post college adventures!

Do you have any New Years resolutions?

Things I can’t live without in 2012…

Well today is my first day back to work after the holidays and I have spent it catching up on all of my blogs that I have neglected over the last week and a half. I follow a lot of style blogs and after my browsing I am dying for a few items to ring in the new year…

Leopard print loafers. I am in love with these. Besides the fact that you can find me in my leopard print flats 3-5 days out of the week these loafers offer a more masculine side of animal print shoes. They go great with other menswear inspired items, like a blazer and girly pieces like colored jeans. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair of these to try out all the combinations I’ve been seeing in style blogs this month.

Although I was a bit hesitant to try this trend at first (bright colors aren’t always the most flattering for my fuller figured thighs and butt) I think I am now brave enough to try these. They offer a fresh outlook to any wardrobe, turning your outfit choices into a colorful menagerie of options. But what color to choose from the rainbow of options available?

I love the faux fur trend this season to style up any boring outfit. Although fur and faux fur may not be the most practical items for a Floridian wardrobe, getting a vest can help transition this piece into the warmer months. You can style them so many ways and use them as a neutral, I love the thought of all the texture mixing ( faux) fur offers.

Maxi skirts are versatile and a little off beat. You can easily dress them up or down with a switch of just a shirt and a few accessories. I have been looking for a maxi that is within my (very) tight budget for a while now. Whether or not I actually find one that is both affordable and looks good with my curvalicious self is still up for question. Hopefully I can ring in the new year with an adorable and versatile maxi.

All I want for new years is a…bodycon dress. But not just any bodycon dress, no no, I want one that is flattering. I want it to be the perfect combination of tight but not too tight, short but not too short. I hate all of the bodycon dresses that I try on and either squeeze me to the point of boa-constrictor like death or don’t even begin to cover my butt. I want a bodycon dress that I can wear, know I look good it, but not have to worry about anything accidentally falling, popping or peaking out. Is that too much to ask? I love bodycon dresses that fit just right (i.e. Beyonce and Kim Kardashian almost every red carpet) you can glam it up or tone them down with a blazer. I want it to flaunt what I’ve got but at the same time leave a bit to the imagination.

I have been looking for an oversized gold watch foreeeevvvvverrrr. I don’t have the budget for Michael Kors and in case no one has been trying to find one of these bad boys for a decent price…it’s friggin’ hard. All of the affordable gold watches I have found aren’t big enough for what I want. I have considered the option of getting a men’s gold watch and getting a few links taken off but every watch I look at just looks a bit too masculine for what I want. I love how these statement watches look classic on their own or are the perfect basis for an awesome arm party. Either way I hope to be sporting one of these bad boys by year’s end.

 

This is one of those pieces that you’re not sure if you’d be able to pull off, but you sure as hell want to try. I love how this is playfully masculine and it reminds me of the jackets men used to wear in old Hollywood movies. Either way these bad boys are a great way to spruce up any outfit and add an unexpected twist without trying too hard.

 

Now I know these aren’t the most practical for Florida weather, but at least it’ll be cold out for a bit longer! And hopefully I will be living in cooler climates by the years’ end . I know a lot of people will cringe when they see this on my list, BUT I love the idea of some pleather leggings. They dress up any leggings look while still being pretty comfortable. And for all of you nay sayers yelling at your screen right now that leggings are not pants, I beg to differ. As long as you shirt/ dress situation is covering most of your butt and you don’t have a crazy indent where the elastic hits your waist then I say…go for it! Another advantage of the pleather legging is that if you get a quality pair that are a bit thicker they will look like a pair of super tight, form-fitting black pants. Plus they give a great opportunity to mix textures for  a really interesting, rocker-chic look.

Well now that I’ve showed you some of my must haves for 2012, what are you dying to get in the new year?

How to Make Anything into a Drinking Game

   While we may not remember everything we’re taught here, college students will invariably walk away with one truly important life skill: the ability to make anything into a drinking game. That is, the ability to make anything, and everything into a drinking game. Now, this is not as easy as it may sound. There are a specific set of guidelines you must follow in order to transform a mundane, every-day activity into a fun race to intoxication.

   The first thing you have to remember is that you need alcohol. I know that might sound like a no-brainer to a lot of you, but let’s face it: we all know there are a few people at FSU that make us wonder how in God’s name they got into this school, when we barely squeaked by with our 3.9 high school GPA’s and a metric ton of extra-curriculars. Some drinking games require the ingestion of a ton of alcohol in a short period of time. Others are less of a sprint and more of a marathon. These require something that will give you a good buzz early in the game that you can hold onto for the next two to seven hours of playing time.

   The next step is imagination.  This is the ability to be staring at a fly buzzing around the room and make a game out of it. Think outside the box, or use another game (whether it calls for drinking or not) as an outline to form your new rules. Some of the best games come from using your surroundings as an excuse to get hammered. A good example of this is the game where players stand out on the back deck of Pots, pick a car color, and drink every time that color car drives by.

   That brings me to my third point: board games. The best kinds of drinking games are those that you don’t have to make up at all. You just have to add the drinking. And while old classics like Pictionary or Battleship are great, some newer ones like Apples to Apples are fun too. They allow you to still play the game you like, but with the added bonus of not being able to remember who won.

   Another option for those of you wanting to turn of the section of your brain you are probably about to kill anyway is the tried and true making a movie or TV show into an epic boozefest. Some come with one built in, like Eurotrip. For others, it’s really easy to think of a dumb rule. One example might be drinking every time Phil makes a corny joke on Modern Family. This gives you the added bonus of being able to claim that everything he says is corny (which is true) and taking a shot whenever it strikes your fancy.

   Most importantly is that drinking games should be fun. If a game is complicated and your friends have the attention span of goldfish, then switch to something simpler and faster-paced. Or you could try drinking and talking…but who does that anymore? Just remember: if you’re not having fun, and you’re not getting drunk, then you’re not doing it right.