Back in Action with Exam Blues

Hi gang!

So first let me address why I have been gone so long, I had a temp problem with my Gmail but finally got it working again last month but then alas, exams and papers were controlling my life! Since I am not done finals yet, and no doubt there are others out there too who are still sulking in school, I've decided to list a few tips for getting through exams, especially the final stretch!

First and foremost, don't give up. As much as it's awful watching your friends pack their bags to head off home for the holidays you have to keep your head clear and motivated. The more you do now, the less cramming, and the better the holiday break will feel! If you need some motivational help here is a video to help you get through the tough times!

Second, give yourself a break. It's already December 13th so I can imagine how antsy you are getting (trust me ... I know). Take an hour and watch a show or clean your room, something mindless to clear your head. I personally re-watch Criminal Minds episodes, mostly because I have seen them so many times so it is quite mindless(but still love them).

Third, all nighters will not do you any good. If you need to, take naps. You will feel so much better after! Even if you don't pull all nighters, make sure you get enough sleep especially the day before your exam. I find that I can't stay up passed 2 am or else I don't retain anything!

mmm yummy fruit. 

Lastly, don't forget about your health! Exams are a time where we want to engross ourselves with junk food and forgetting that the gym exists. When you get tired or feel gross stand up, go for a quick walk,  or take a few and work it out at the gym! Also keep in mind about healthy eating habits; make sure you are drinking enough water and not just caffeine, and that you are getting your appropriate food supplements.

Sleeping, Facts, and Your Twenties

It has been a while since I've done a 'Posts of the Week' because I have been super busy with life but I have got some great ones for you guys! Hope you enjoy them LOL :) (if you aren't familiar with why I just used that abbreviation you should probably listen to this so you know I am not crazy, which I promise I am not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPxary34-pE)

Anyway, the first post comes from Self Magazine. I subscribed to them over the summer and their emails everyday are filled with tips and tricks on everything from workouts, healthy eating, beauty, and in this case, sleeping! I received this email a few days ago entitled "8 Easy Ways to Sleep Better." Some of these are quite useful. Personally, I need to keep numbers one and seven in mind everyday. *Hint: another option for number three is to go for a quick walk or jog between those hours. This will also help you revitalize your body and feel refreshed for your afternoon.

http://mentalfloss.com/amazingfactgenerator/

The second link I want to share with you will probably waste a lot of your time but its probably worth it. Mental Floss has given us "The Amazing Fact Generator." I can't really say much about this link other than it will be time consuming, distracting,and addictive. So worth clicking through a few of these!

Last but not least, Thought Catalog's "15 Ways 20-Somethings Ruin Their Twenties." If you are in your twenties definitely give this a read. They put the facts very bluntly so if you do fall into one of these categories it will most likely be a slap in the face. However, no matter the brutality, they are quite insightful tips to help you live your twenties to their fullest potential Sidenote: lol to number nine

Voila mes amis. Enjoy!

Back at School!

Okay so, I am finally settled back in at school and am ready to get back to blogging. It has been a tad hectic getting unpacked and getting back into the grind with readings (ugh).  I have a so many new post ideas coming your way!  I hope you are just as excited for that as I am!

I am happy to be back at school mostly because it is keeping me occupied but it means no more time for Netflix …

I am still adjusting to everything here, mostly because I have to be away from home all over again. If you are in the same situation then you know what I mean. Personally, I am happy to know that  I have great friends here just as I have at home. They make coming back to school so much easier and less emotional. However, I feel that this year is going to be really different for me as a person. Like I said when I started this blog, I have grown so much as an individual and am really starting to find myself. My goal this year is to strive toward goals that are attainable and important to me rather than comparing myself to my peers and letting their judgment get in the way. I think this is especially important to anyone going through a transition right now. Don’t be afraid to try something new whether this be a new hobby or new fashion trend, make it your own. If you feel you look good then go with it. People notice when you are comfortable in your own skin and personally, I think its really important to feel that confidence especially at school. You will notice a difference in your success :)

No matter how much confidence you have nor what age you are, school will always seem like a drag but, knowing that I have an amazing opportunity to learn so many new things really motivates me to take in every last bit of student life.

I won't lie, I have already procrastinated on some readings (like now) but I am so excited for my classes this year and I can’t wait to dive in!

I will probably regret saying that…Oops.

Study hard!

Top 10: Back to School Essentials

Even though this post is a bit late, it's that time again! School is HERE. Back to school shopping is my guilty pleasure. It's so much fun! Actually though. I get much more excited for school after I have new stuff. So, I decided to make a Top 10 Back to School Essentials list! Yay!.

My Christian Siriano for Payless bag!

1. Backpack/Tote: I am currently in the market for a new backpack. Mine unfortunately did not make it after last year. I actually will be using a tote bag and a backpack at school. The tote for everyday class to class use that I can throw a note book, my pencil case, wallet, sunglasses, headphones, and my "go bag" in and run to class. However, I will also use a backpack for days that I may have more than one class to go to, go to the library, or to the gym.

2. Agenda: My life. I write everything in my agenda and I think I would be so lost without it. I just bought a new one, I actually invested in a Moleskin agenda this year from chapters. It is beautiful- it's a weekly agenda combined with a notebook and everyone should have one.

3. Laptop: Self explanatory especially if you are in University/College. However, I will say one thing. When in the market for a laptop, be sure to pick one that will work for you. I stress this because what may be good for your friends may not be good for you. Don't buy a laptop because everyone else has it, buy it because it will work for you.

4. Pencil case: Even though a pencil case may resonate with a grade school notion, they are ideal to be organized. I have a pencil case that is small and cloth which I can throw a few pens, pencils and maybe a highlighter or two in and be on my way. Chapters/Indigo/Coles has really fun ones if you are looking for something different.

= my life.  http://www.monstercable.com 

5. Headphones/ earplugs: We all know those people who are extremely obnoxious in the library. I carry a pair of headphones and earplugs around just in case I run into a noisy person.

6. Notebooks/binders: Some people prefer loose sheets and binders while others prefer notebooks. I think it is really important to keep hand written notes as well as typed notes. Your brain will actually retain more knowledge if you go over what you learn right when you get home. Here is what I do. I write my notes in my notebook during lecture and when I get home I type up my notes so I can go over everything and refresh my memory :)

7. A "go bag": I think that I have mentioned a "go bag" a few times in this post. So my "go bag" is a little beauty bag I keep all my essentials in and throw in my bag everyday so I have everything I need. I am actually working on a "How to Create Your Go Bag" post so stay tuned for that!

My Tiger USB!

8. USB/Hardrive: USBs and hardrives are really important especially for students. Having a hardrive is a priority because the worst thing is to have your laptop crash the night before an exam ( I speak of personal experience). With a hardrive, you can regularly backup your notes and be safe! The second thing is a USB stick. I own two; one is a small 1GB memory stick I keep in my pencil case and the other is slightly bigger as an 8GB I keep at home for file transfers and last minute backups. P.s you can find really adorable USB sticks. For example, my 1GB looks like a tiger... yes, a tiger.

9. Books/Magazines/DVDs: Always, ALWAYS, have a book, movie or magazine you can pick up and read/watch as a break from school. It is extremely important to balance your life with your academics. Taking an hour break from your studies is healthy so do it.

10. Storage drawers: Organization for students makes academic life a lot easier. Having an organized work space and a clear space to work will allow you to be more productive. I have a bunch of small 3-tier drawer organizers I put my paper and pencils to clear up room on my desk.

Hopefully you all have your back to school essentials ready to go! If not, steal from my list. Go on, I dare you.

Olympic Beauty, Drinks and Pinterest

I figured that I should include at least one Olympic related post in this week's posts of the week since it's almost ending and we have to wait 2 years before another one. I came across this Styleite Opening Ceremony close up to the outfits of each country. I. unfortunately, didn't get a chance to see the ceremonies since I don't have cable TV at home so this was really cool to see. It shows the outfits of the counties at the ceremonies. The vast differences between their outfits is amazing! If you missed it I would take a look.

Check it out here: http://www.styleite.com/media/opening-ceremony-uniforms-london-2012/#0

Photo: Shape Magazine

Okay, next was more a tribute to the end of the summer. It's an article from Shape Magazine that lists recipes for "Summer Cocktails Under 200 Calories." So if you still want to have some drinks with friends but feel a little better about it, I guarantee this recipes will satisfy those cravings. They have Watermelon, Pina Coladas, Mojitos, and much, much more! They are all fairly easy to make and can be made in bulk if you are preparing for girls night!

Check them out!: http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/8-skinny-summer-cocktails-under-200-

Last but not least something to keep you occupied while on Pinterest. It's Racked's "50 Beauty Brands to Follow on Pinterest Right Now." They say that this list of 50 brands will keep you up to date with the new and up and coming trends within the beauty industry. I had so much fun looking at these brands! They have also made a list of the Top 40 Magazines and 50 Fashion Sites to Follow as well. If you are bored one day and need something to do plus you may learn one or two things on the way! Also while you are at it, follow me on Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/almeerajaffer/

Check out Racked's post here: http://racked.com/archives/2012/07/20/50-beauty-brands-to-follow-on-pinterest.php

Photo: Racked

Happy Pinning!

Superhero Sublime

I can finally do my superhero post! I've wanted to talk about this for a while but I hadn't got around to seeing 'The Amazing Spiderman'. I was finally able to see it so I now want to do a sort of superhero review post. The three superhero movies that came out this summer; The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Amazing Spiderman, definitely made the summer worth waiting for if you are a bit of a geek like me. 

Okay first, Marvel's 'The Avengers." I was counting down the days for this film to come out, it was my most anticipated film of the summer. On IMDB, the summary is as followed: 

"Nick Fury is director of S.H.I.E.L.D, an international peace keeping agency. The agency is a who's who of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Nick Fury and his team will need all their powers to save the world from disaster" 

The first time I saw this it was amazing. The second, was even more amazing. In preparation for this I watched all the prequel movies: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Captain America, and Thor, the only one I missed was The Hulk because Mark Ruffalo didn't play the Hulk and I knew the story line pretty well. Anyways, re-watching the movies before I saw The Avengers was a wonderful idea because I really got into the story lines and was able to see how they were all brought together. So, when the time for The Avengers came, it was a-a-amazing. They combined the story lines so well to make an incredibly impressive movie. It ran for 2 hours and 23 minutes, and it felt so short! It had a perfect combination of story lines, action, and comedy. If you haven't seen it yet GO. I saw it twice and I would watch it again in a heartbeat. Wait after the credits for this one!

PS: They have announced The Avengers 2! All actors have signed on for 6 movies which will be split between their own and The Avengers. 

The second is the third in the trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises." In my opinion, best one of the trilogy! The IMDB summary is as followed:

"In the final part of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman must face a foe unlike any he has ever faced. In The Dark Knight, Batman saved Gotham, but could not save himself. Taking the blame for Harvey Dent's crimes, he was hunted by the Police, and thus had to leave the task of protecting Gotham in Gordon's hands. After what seemed like ages, Gordon finally brought peace to Gotham, and it was enough to convince the Dark Knight that Gotham was safe and that Bruce Wayne need never put on the Batsuit again. However, eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, a new foe emerges, and threatens to destroy Gotham. When this masked foe Bane proves too much for Gordon to handle, Batman must break his 8-year exile and return to defeat Bane from fulfilling his devious plan and claim his rightful place as the true Savior of Gotham."

8 years later in the series Batman remains awesome. Beyond awesome. The movie ran for 2 hours and 45 minutes but it flew by! I definitely didn't feel impatient or uneasy to the end. I loved every minute of it. They tied in loose ends so well and, in my opinion, made a perfect ending to the trilogy. This time, they added another superhero figure to compliment Batman, Cat Woman. I was unsure how I felt about Ann Hathaway playing Cat Woman at the beginning. In all her other work I've seen she isn't this aggressive. However, she did a great job in terms of the character she was given to play. I was impressed. The movie as a whole was packed with action never leaving you in a state of boredom. Go see this NOW. 

Finally, "The Amazing Spiderman" which was the last of these I saw just at the beginning of this week. Here's the summary: 

"Peter Parker (Garfield) is an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero"

I had heard mixed opinions about this remake. Some were saying it was really well done and others were saying it was awful. Personally, I didn't like the first Spiderman tirlogy mostly because Toby McGuire and Kristen Dunst really bothered me, I couldn't stand their characters nor their acting. But, I also wasn't sure if I wanted to see this remake because the trilogy was still done in recent years and the story line for that one was well done. So, when I finally saw this on Monday I found my self more impressed than I thought I would be. It was a pretty decent movie - for someone who doesn't follow the Spiderman story. I thought their take on things was good. My brother on the other hand hated it. He has read the comics and said everything about the movie was wrong. So if you do read the comics, you may not enjoy this but if you don't I think it is a decent pass time movie. Stay after the credits for this one too!

*All photos and summaries are from IMDB

Fashion Inspiration: PLL- Aria's Printed Peplum

Pretty Little Liars (PLL) has become one of my favourite shows. I became instantly addicted during the school year after a friend of mind recommended it to me. If you watch this show then you know how gorgeous the girls' clothes are, especially for high school students. The look put together every single episode. This will most likely be the first of many fashion inspiration posts from PLL, I'm hoping to do a few posts on each character.

In this week's episode, Aria (Lucy Hale) sported a gorgeous Betsey Johnson printed peplum dress. It looked stunning. Below I've paired some peplum ideas inspired by Aria's look this week. Aria's style is always edgy even when she is wearing a classy dress. All three of the outfits I have put together are based on her style as well as this week's outfit.

If you love dresses, there are some affordable printed peplum dresses available online such as this one from Asos and Krisp. Although not as complex as Aria's, both these dresses offer a simple black and white pattern that takes peplum to a new level. Aria complements her dress with a gorgeous gold belt, a simple gold necklace, and a gold cuff bracelet. The great thing about a black and white dress is that you can pair either gold or silver accessories with it. I've made an outfit based on both gold and silver tones.

This first pairing is silver toned and features an Asos Baroque printed dress. The bold print and the peplum bring a unique twist to the dress like Aria's did in this week's episode. The silver bow belt will accent the waist and the peplum detail giving the dress a beautiful shape. I have also included a simple twist bracelet from Forever 21 and a pair of black pumps from Aldo to dress it up a bit and give a simple and classy look.

The second pairing is the gold toned pairing with this dress from Krisp. It's a gorgeous, bold print that will look great with silver or gold. For some reason because the print is so bold, I automatically envision a sharper look. In this case, I've matched a black and gold toned flat from Aldo, a skinny gold belt with chain from Asos, and an edgy Forever 21 bracelet. Using this bracelet changes the whole look from classy to edgy because of it's dimensions. 

If you aren't a dress  person, there are definitely ways to do this edgy peplum look in a shirt! Below I have a black and lace peplum top from TopShop and burgundy pants from Smart Set to create the same classy vs. edgy feel. I then added triangle necklace from RomWe, Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet, and a gold chain bracelet from Asos to complete the look. This look is very diverse so you can wear whatever black shoe you like, I would probably pair this with a wedge heel or a high heel if I was wearing this out or to a dinner.

Peplum is truly a gorgeous detail on any garment. Embrace it before it's gone!