Tag: home

6 Items Even Minimalists Should Keep in Their Bathroom

The term “beauty product” probably means something different to all of us. Everyone has their own definition of what counts as a beauty product, and everyone has their own preference for how many they own. For example, I own about 10, but my sister owns at least 100. Whether you’re more like me, or more like my sister, there are a few staple items I think everyone should own, or at least keep in their bathroom “just in case.”

1—Candle

The first is something simple and relaxing—a candle. I’m a candle enthusiast; I always have one in my bathroom, one in my bedroom, one in my kitchen, one on the balcony, etc. Even if you aren’t so into the idea of candles, the bathroom is the perfect place to start! Choose from aromatherapy, citrus, fresh linen, vanilla sugar, and so much more. There is a scent for everyone, and I promise it will make showers, baths, or even just getting ready in the morning better!

PHOTO: Amber Sudra

2—Face Mask

These are a staple item for me. Even though they’re not something I use daily, I always have one lying around. The best part is that there’s a mask for whatever you need—healing, moisturizing, rejuvenating, sleeping, you name it! Not only are they relaxing but they are so good for your skin as well. Your face will thank you.

3—Eyeshadow

If I’m being completely transparent, I am not an eyeshadow artist. I know so many people who are really good at it, but unfortunately, I am not one of those people. However, I do think that eyeshadow is fun to experiment with, and can dress up any look in a matter of seconds.

 

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

4—Facial Spray

This stuff is a game changer. It’s starting to become more and more popular, and I can see why! Whether you choose makeup setting spray, hydrating protection spray, or the ever so popular Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray, you’re bound to feel like a new person after just one use.

5—Perfume

I’m sure this one seems like a given, but I still wanted to mention it, as it is a staple item. I also wanted to share a little beauty hack I recently learned! If you rub a tiny amount of Vaseline on your neck before spraying your fragrance, the smell will last longer!

PHOTO: Emily Truong

6—Bath Bomb

Last but not least, the bath bomb. Similar to candles, I am a sucker for these. I didn’t really get into bubble baths until last year when I finally had my own bathroom and decided to try one of these bombs that were all the rave. However, now I’m really into them. They’re perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day, or even just to relax in the afternoon.

Do you have a favorite beauty product? Share it with us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @cfashionista!

3 Guilt-Free Guilty Pleasure Snacks

The food police would cuff me in a millisecond for my terrible eating habits. Every January, I try to turn a new leaf and eat healthy, but I fail within days of making my resolution. My palate is so not refined that it could be considered coarse. I just really love greasy pizza and fake cheese, okay?

One thing vegetarians, carnivores, and everyone in between can agree on is that comfort foods are imperative for sanity. In each individual’s diet, there’s at least one food item that can pull us out of our darkest of days.

There are countless excuses to eat, and the easiest foods to grab seem to be the least healthy options. I chose three go-to snacks that typically give me post-consumption guilt, and I substituted a healthier option, the sweet potato, in for a major ingredient.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Fries. If you don’t like fries, I don’t trust you. Cut a sweet potato into long, thin rectangles, and evenly coat them in corn starch if you prefer extra crispiness. Spread them out on a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil over the entire spread, and add any preferred seasoning besides salt. Adding salt during this stage will minimize the crisp-factor of your final product. Bake the fries for 10-15 minutes on each side at 400 degrees. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to brown. Take them out and then add salt… or don’t if you’re healthier than I am.

2—Nachos. Another fan favorite. Chop the sweet potatoes into thin discs to mimic chips. Turn them around in olive oil on a baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes at 425 degrees, then for another 10 minutes on the flip side. And now for the fun part: add tomatoes, cheese, beans, and basically anything else that brings your nachos to life. Go the extra mile and make some guacamole. Once you dress the chips with colorful accessories, bake the nachos for another two minutes to melt everything together.

3—Cinnamon sticks. What kind of junk food connoisseur would I be without dessert? Cut the sweet potatoes into long slices similar to the fries and coat them in corn starch. Bask them in olive or coconut oil, and add your desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Toss the fries around until each has a fair share of sugar. Once again, place the cinnamon sticks on a tray and bake for 10-15 minutes on each side at 400 degrees. While waiting for your masterpiece, gather marshmallows or fluff spread to make your dessert even sweeter.

Sweet potatoes have a lot of health benefits. There’s more fiber, vitamin A and C, and less carbs and calories; however, the best part about each dish is that you can eat a whole tray and not feel guilty.

Try choosing orange potatoes over white potatoes and see what magic you can cook up, and share with us on Instagram by tagging @CFashionista!

All photos by Lex Kelly.

Here Are Resolutions for When You’re in These 5 Funks

Back to school means back to reality. We mess up, we get overwhelmed, and we get into funks. Here are tips for when you’re at school and feeling frazzled, uninspired, homesick, worn out, and sad.

1—Frazzled. There are good days, and then there are days that make us want to scream. Running out of shampoo mid-shower is earth-shattering, and deciding where to eat is a life-and-death predicament. Despite the trivial matters, there’s adult business to tend to. Get your hands on a planner to keep track of everyday tasks and long-term goals. Utilize blank space to make to-do lists, and actually stick to filling in the calendar each month. Not only will it boost productivity, but it will also prevent forgotten duties.

2—Uninspired. For my fellow English majors, writer’s block can wipe us out like the plague, so I constantly search my surroundings for inspiration. Sometimes it’s as easy as taking a break from my phone and going outside. Instagram is great for recipes, workouts, art, and everything else under the sun. I gawk over the everyday posts from @EarthyAndy and @DoYouTravel. Another option is to enjoy a podcast that makes you want to get out and move. The world is at your disposal, so find what works for you.

3—Homesick. Modern technology has made the world a smaller place. When I go to school and my parents are in the comforts of our home, FaceTime transports me to them. The best way to feel at home again is to communicate with those you love. Homesickness therapy continues with cooking my favorite comfort foods just like my mama. Pinterest is a great source for simple recipes that amateurs like me can handle.

4—Worn out. College is the culprit for sleep deprivation and eye bags. Sleep is the answer, but it’s not always an option during weeks of finals or parties. The dire need for caffeine and sugar will only temporarily prevent you from crashing, so indulge in an energizing snack like an apple and peanut butter. There are other ways to get back to your factory settings. Pamper yourself with a calming face mask and revitalizing moisturizer to at least give the illusion that you aren’t the walking dead.

5—Sad. Some things are way more difficult than others to overcome, and I wish there was a simple solution for feeling disheartened. When you feel like you just want to close the door and be alone, do it, but take care of yourself when doing so. Have a day full of guilty pleasures: eat Taco Bell, binge-watch Jersey Shore, and shower until there’s no more hot water with Shakira on full blast. The time spent doing mindless activities is not a waste of time. Do whatever you want to get yourself smiling again.

Leave a comment with any tips or tricks you may have to defeat the back-to-school funk!

A City Girl’s Guide to Gardening

Any interior decorator will tell you that one of the best ways to bring your space to life—quite literally—is with plants! As a college student living in an urban area or tiny dorm room, it might seem difficult to get in touch with your green thumb, but it’s easier than you think! I’ve cultivated a miniature garden of herbs, cacti, and flowers in my high-rise apartment using planters and the natural light from my window.

1—Herbs.

Adding an herb planter to your kitchen windowsill has many benefits: it’s decorative, edible, and smells great! Basil, thyme, and mint are easy to grow from seeds and are just a few dollars at most garden centers.

2—Flowers.

A bouquet of flowers might cost about the same as your morning latte, but they’ll last far longer than your morning commute. Whether you prefer peonies or hydrangeas, freshly cut stems of your favorite flowers are sure to brighten up your day—and your kitchen table.

3—Succulents.

Succulents are perhaps the trendiest of houseplants. They’re super low maintenance, only needing sunlight and an occasional splash of water to survive. There are hundreds of species of succulents—so mix and match to create a windowsill garden!

4—Falsies.

Still not confident in your ability to keep something alive? Faux plants are no longer just the dusty plastic arrangements that belong in a doctor’s office. Skip the seeds and soil and check out Pottery Barn, World Market, CB2, and other home retailers. They make high-quality, lifelike faux succulents, cacti, and flowers fit for a Fashionista’s abode.

How do you bring your decor alive? Show us your urban garden on Instagram and tag @Cfashionista!

5 Tips to Make Your College Apartment Feel Like Home

There’s no reason your college apartment or living space shouldn’t feel like your home away from home! I know we’re running around like crazy and that our schedules are so busy during move in time. Set aside a couple days to get yourself situated and decorated. You will thank yourself when you just want to come home to a cute place.

1—Make use of metallics. Metallics are huge in home décor right now. I choose to bring out gold in my apartment. I love the feminine touch and dimension it gives any décor. The gold accents add a shimmer without being too overbearing. Great ways to include these are through vases or lamps. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try metallic mixing.

2—Add a pop of color. A pop of color goes a long way, but make sure it still goes with your overall theme. When decorating my apartment I chose to add turquoise to my living room by covering an older chair in a solid turquoise fabric. I also found pillows that matched my bright chair to add to the couch. These items brighten up a room without having to do too much.

3—Florals, florals, florals. A floral arrangement can brighten up any room. Flowers are always in style, and they add a fresh feel to a room. I have an arrangement in the center of my coffee table with pale pink and white flowers. I love that your eye is drawn to the flowers almost instantly. While faux flowers are definitely easier to take care of, never underestimate the power of a fresh bouquet of flowers. Plus, fresh flowers are a great way to treat yourself.

4—Don’t forget the small rooms. Typically our college apartments aren’t huge, so every bit of space is important. This means that no matter how small a room is, it shouldn’t be left behind. I made sure not to ignore my bathroom or laundry room. I stuck with a white theme for my bathroom to maintain a crisp, clean feel. Just because you don’t spend much time your laundry room much doesn’t mean it should be ignored. I added a fun sign to mine that ties the room together with the rest of the gold in the apartment!

5—Personalization. Nothing will make your college living space feel more like home than personal touches and accessories that mean a lot to you. Picture frames are a great way to keep your friends and family members back home close. They are also great conversation starters when others come over to your place. I also chose to monogram my bath towels. It’s a simple addition that adds a personal and classy touch.

In the long run, it will be well worth your time and money to invest in décor that makes you feel comfortable and excited to come home at the end of the day.

How do you make your college apartment feel like home? Let me know on social media and tag @Cfashionista!

How to Make Your First Apartment Unique and Memorable

Making the transition from your freshman dorm to an off campus apartment can be intimidating. It can include double the furniture, the roommates, and the responsibility. We all hope to style our first place to look straight out of an HGTV show, but being a little more daring can give a space much more personality and flare that can set your new place apart from the rest.

It is almost inevitable to have to buy a couple more pieces of furniture to fill the new space. New furniture can sometimes be expensive, without having the exact finish you are looking for. If you are picky like me, then going to a thrift store and picking up old pieces and making them exactly how I want them helps me make my space my own. With a new paint job and a little bit of love, any piece of furniture, whether it be for storage or decoration, can fit perfectly in a new place.

If you are confused about where to start, think about how to make your new place feel like home with personal touches. Being from Virginia Beach, I like to incorporate light tones and seaside elements. It can be as simple as maps of my favorite shoreline or surf magazines that double as decoration inside an old wooden crate. When putting pieces together, don’t be afraid to make everything match perfectly. As long as a general theme throughout is maintained, the rooms will flow together without having the need for all matching furniture sets. Details like these do not go unnoticed and make the home personalized to your unique experiences.

Can’t think of a specific way to incorporate personal touches? A great way to add originality is by adding foliage. Plants make a space feel clean and fresh while allowing room for creativity on the placement and choices of the greenery. I recommend starting out with succulents because they require little maintenance for a busy schedule and can be placed in geometric spaces such as in eclectic terrariums or pots.

The best advice when jumping into styling a new place is to not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and portray what you want your space to embody. Treat your living space just as you would your wardrobe. Take risks, don’t compromise your style, and don’t be afraid to change up the look once in a while.

What unique pieces do you have in your apartment? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

3 Game Changing College Apartment Essentials

Congratulations! You should be so proud of yourself for reaching a new stage of adult life: having your first college apartment! But, the issue of having no money to buy pricey decorations for your apartment comes right after you move in. Don’t worry though because you are not alone. As college students, we have more things to spend on and to worry about than we expected. Having a cozy apartment with a good vibe does not require a need to spend as much as your accounting textbook costs. Let’s take a quick look at three game-changing apartment essentials that are also affordable!

Scented Candle.

Candles are the best when you’re having a stressful night. As a symbol of luxuriousness, scented candles provide a relaxing atmosphere after that long library grind. They cure your sleeplessness by calming you down in an effective way. You can find various scented candles online or in actual stores. Some candles even have a special function to aid with insomnia.

Desert Plants.

It never hurts to add a little green to your room. Plants can ease your stress, but also instantly make your room look trendy and full of vitality. If you are like me and belong to the “lazy group,” you should choose a desert plant such as a cactus or Echeveria. They are so easy to grow and only require watering twice a month.

Vintage Lights.

String lights or box lights are another essential that can change the vibes in your room. They are really affordable and actually work really well. You could get a bunch of them for around 10 dollars or less. Besides, who doesn’t agree that lights and scented candles always go well together?

Are you on your way to get these three essentials yet? No matter how you choose to decorate your apartment, show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

4 Ways Out-of-State Students Can Adapt to Their New Environment

Don’t know your new state too well? Overwhelmed with a sense of culture shock? As an out-of-state student myself, I found it quite challenging to get used to my new life in a state I was unfamiliar with. Not only did I not know anyone at my university, but I had no idea how I could ever call Tampa, Florida home. I have found that these four ways have helped me change that perspective!

1—Get a Sense of the Culture.

One of the easiest ways to get to know your town a little better is by visiting museums and learning more about what makes it unique! Does your town have a quirky, modern art scene, or does it have more of a laid back country feel? Does it have a fascinating history? Travel guides are an awesome way to educate yourself about your surroundings! Nothing makes you feel more connected to a town than by learning more about its background.

2—Explore Yummy Food Spots.

When it doubt, grub! If you’re feeling homesick and are craving some food from your hometown, try finding a place that serves that cuisine. Not used to the food culture of your town? Take a risk and try something new! Create a tradition among your friends by finding an amazing restaurant that you can make your go-to spot, and don’t forget to snap a pic of all the great looking food to show your family back at home!

3—Find the Hidden Gems.

Want to feel like a local? Hang with the locals! Talk to students who are from the town and find out if they have any hidden spots that only locals really know about. This could be a restaurant, nature trail, or even a simple hang-out area. It is always much more fulfilling to live like a local than constantly doing the main attractions. To make things interactive, create a travel journal and write about all of the amazing discoveries you made!

4—Get Involved On Campus.

Getting involved on campus not only allows you to make connections with people on campus, but it also creates a sense of community. Often times you can find another out-of-state student who is going through your same situation. Being away from home is sometimes tough, and homesickness can shine a negative light on your new home. Having an amazing support system that will be there when you’re far away from your family allows you to feel like you’ve created a home away from home and brings positive energy into your life.

By doing all of these things, I have found myself falling in love with a place I can gladly call a second home––Tampa. I’ve discovered so many beautiful things about a town that I thought I would have no interest in.

What have been your experiences as an out-of-state student? Let me know in the comments below!

All About the Neutrals—Minimalistic Bedroom Décor

Interior decorating is one of my favorite hobbies. Scrolling through home décor Pinterest boards and walking through the aisles of Home Goods are typical ways I spend my free time. I am beyond excited when I have the opportunity to decorate my college dorm or just redesign my bedroom.

When decorating a room, I think it’s important to make sure you are designing it according to your likes and personality. Your room is your own personal living space and it needs to reflect who you are.

This year, my family rebuilt our summer home, which means I finally have a new room to decorate! I couldn’t be happier to shop in my favorite home stores and design my room according to my style.

How I Decided to Decorate

Although my room is down on the Jersey Shore, I wanted it to be a bit rustic, with a touch of modern. I started out with a classic white blanket as my bedspread since there is no need to have a thick duvet for warm summer nights. I topped the bed with neutral colored fluffy pillows and a blanket from Home Goods. For wall décor, I followed the new trend of a photo gallery above my bed. To the left of my bed when you walk in, I placed a small desk from Home Goods. This doubles as my vanity where I store both makeup and desk supplies. I paired the desk with a small stool from Target and added desk accents from Home Goods and Urban Outfitters.

Above my desk, I added a helpful calendar and bulletin board. I purchased white curtains from Pottery Barn for my sliding doors, then added a fur stool and full-length mirror next to my closet. Lastly, I purchased a rolling cart from Home Goods to display all of my jewelry. My inspiration for decorating came from wanting a neutral and minimalistic feel in the space.

As you can tell from the pictures, a simplistic feel is portrayed, but I am still not nearly done decorating. It’s only been a month, and I feel I acquired a lot of basic pieces. I plan on adding more wall décor and a wooden or iron headboard. Overall, I cannot wait to pull the room together with some little pieces that will bring the space to life.

Is interior decorating one of your favorite hobbies? If so, leave some tips in the comments below on how I should finish decorating my space!

Taking Your Bedroom From Drab to Fab

Coming home to my dark, unorganized, now storage-closet bedroom, I saw this as an opportunity to start a new much-needed project: revamping my old high school bedroom. I knew I wanted my room to somewhat mimic the dreamy and cozy style room trend that is very popular at stores like Urban Outfitters and Free People. I accomplished this with four simple décor tricks that will instantly make any room look warm and inviting.

First, I added twinkle lights! These instantly make a room cozy due to the mood lighting they create. I decided to put my lights on my windows and bed, creating a bed frame look. The lights I used are very bright as well, so the whole room lights up when I have them on.

I have noticed that plants are a super easy way to bring life into any room. I placed a small green plant on a shelf above my makeup area to add some color to my bedroom without going too overboard. It gives effortless life to this area of the room.

Create a cozy nook where you can read, draw, or simply have some down time that’s not in your bed. I created an extremely simple cozy area by using a bean bag, a cute pillow, some personal art on the wall, and hanging succulents. All of these things combined created a very relaxing and inviting place for me to wind down or hang out.

My last step is following the large trend of record players. I am constantly listening to music and didn’t want to invest in obnoxious speakers, so the record player was the perfect piece. It added a beautiful aesthetic to the space and they are just a fun way to play music. Not to mention, record players make the music sound 10 times better than a laptop or sub par Bluetooth speaker.

How is your room decorated? What types of fun décor do you use to create your own style? Let us know in the comments below!