End of Semester Updates, End of Junior Year Conclusions


I'm still here enjoying my vacation in the tri-state area and I thought I'd share with you guys my end of semester conclusion.


An update on the jewelry store I redesigned:
If you look at my earlier post, it's a huge difference, I even changed the name and logo. This little baby of mine got an A, and I was able to finish with an A in studio! My professor was definitely pleased with this project.

Along with it, I made another material board for it, (I'll add pictures of that later, it's still at school) 

I also did a specification book for it that unfortunately my professor kept, but to this day it is the most realistic project I've done. 

Another project I did was a set design for a play, I ended up building a whole stage at about 
1/2" = 1' scale. Plus my props, lighting, and backdrop. 


The end of this semester was one my most intense yet. I pulled 3 all nighters straight, got about 6 hours of sleep, then pulled 2 more back to back and I believe I was only able to recover one day which was a Saturday and I did not sleep again until Wednesday night. It was horrible what I did to my body. 

And this wasn't even finals week yet...


BUT

that is fortunately all over now since it's summer and I ended with pretty good grades. 



After three years of college my conclusions are:

  • Lack of sleep will make you gain weight faster than eating junk food, and combining both of these together is a recipe for disaster. 
  • If you're running on lack of sleep and have a big day ahead of you, be careful with coffee. As good and amazing as it is, it has messed up my digestive system at the worst times, especially after multiple all nighters. 
  • Wine, wine, wine...... Need I say more?
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone is a must
  • Become friends with people that have a different mentality than your own
  • Practice your dance moves on your own time before going out
  • Oatmeal and sandwiches were my survival 
  • Graduation is right around the corner....it's ok to be kind of scared
  • Internships...yeah that's a thing and it's kind of a big deal
  • Update that resume/portfolio.
  • Take advantage of any career day your university provides.
  • Buy more business appropriate clothing 


All in all, it was a crazy year full of ups and downs but definitely my most favorite year of college. I wish all of you guys luck if you're still wrapping up the semester! Stay strong, you're almost there!


-m

Packing Tips



Hello! As May is coming to a close and many of you may be traveling for the summer, I thought I could share some traveling tips that I have picked up on, on my past couple of travels!

Packing

If you're like me, you might put off packing until the very last minute. It's just a tedious task to me. But I have come up with a couple of tricks that you may want to keep in mind. 

1. Leave Space!

It's better that you under pack than over pack. Chances are that you will probably want to go shopping when you reach your destination. Whether it be for clothes, souvenirs, or gifts. You never know what treasures you'll end up finding and buying so you want to leave space to bring back those goodies! 

Also bring items that you wouldn't mind parting with to save room as well. When I went to Honduras last year, I left behind a lot of clothing, shoes, and random miscellaneous items. Donate them!

2. Weigh you luggage!

If you're flying, please weigh your luggage before you get to the airport. Check with your airline what  is the maximum number of pounds that they allow. Trust me, you do not want to go over ---- it get's expensive fast! Also just make sure you do your research if you have to pay fees for any luggage. I know it depends a lot if your flight is either international or local. This just saves you any surprises when you get to the airport. 

3. Become familiar with security regulations!

 If you're bringing a carryon, be familiar with what you can or can't pack. Click here for all the info!
As stated earlier, it will just save you time and surprises the day you're traveling!

4. Seal EVERYTHING!

 Okay, I may be exaggerating a tad, but I have definitely had to learn the hard way. The pressure in the air cabin can do some crazy things to your belongings. Also your luggage is thrown around a lot! Last year, my shampoo and conditioner had spilled E V E R Y W H E R E. It was annoying to clean and I had to wash most of my clothes when I got there. To avoid these situations just make sure you secure the tops with some painters tape! If you're carrying food items, make sure to double bag them. Especially chips, the pressure will pop open the bags.


These are just a couple of packing tips that I find most important! I'm having a lot of fun with this travel series; let me know if there's anything you'd like for me to talk about!

I wish you safe and fun travels if you have an upcoming trip! Enjoy every minute of it!

-m

Pros & Cons of Solo Travel

Hello!

I am currently in NYC enjoying my summer vacation before the summer semester starts. 

I came here by myself and I will be staying in the New York and New Jersey area. So some days I'll be in the city and other days I'll be more in the suburb "country" area. 

Now, even though I traveled on my own, I am staying at my cousin's apartment and I will be staying at my aunt's house in Jersey. However, because my family works, I am essentially on my own!

Today was the second day I was able to explore the city by myself and basically just get lost in it. 

After these two days I have started to compile a pros and cons list of traveling on your own.

Pros

1. You make all the decisions

You want to spend an hour in barnes and nobles just because? Or you want to eat street food instead of at a restaurant? You call all the shots in your schedule! There is no one there to rush you or comprimise what you want to see. It's pretty amazing to have the liberty to go wherever you want, whenever you want. 

2. You blend in

Honestly, I've been asked for directions. I've even been asked twice if I work at the store I was shopping at. Not being with a group of people really makes blending in with locals a lot easier. I walk around with headphones in my ears since I have no one to be chatting with and I just power walk wherever I want. I'm not constantly checking a map or taking tour buses since my point is literally to get "lost". I'm riding the subways and I've learned proper etiquette before hand on the do's and don't's. 

3. You feel in control

This may sound like my number one, but it is not. There's an amazing sensation about just deciding to go to an unknown place by yourself. You feel powerful. It's an experience like no other honestly. It has its risks but I have feel like you learn not only a lot about the place you're visiting, but about yourself as well.  The experience that comes with it as well is valuable and the memories I have been creating are so special to me. I also feel a lot more confident in myself like, "hey I can do this." So much so, that I'm already thinking about my next solo adventure. (Spain)

Cons

1. No one has your back

That sounds more harsh than reality. What I mean to say is that you have to constantly be checking your stuff and your surroundings. Be smart and be safe. There is no one there to watch your stuff if you need to go to the bathroom or to tell you to close your purse when you have it next to a stranger on the subway. And I'm using NYC as examples for these, but this goes for any place you visit. Especially to you ladies. Just be extra cautious. Do not "get lost in the city" at night. Do your research beforehand so you know what areas you may want to avoid. If you need help, it's always best to ask a cop or a worker rather than a random person. People for the most part really do help, especially with directions, but I try to avoid getting in that situation. 

2. No one to share your experience with

I hesitate on putting this one up. Because in reality we share our travel experiences to friends or family. But what I mean to say is that you have no one to share that experience with in the moment. I think that depending on the type of person you are, this may or may not be that big of a deal. To be honest I felt it more the first day then I did the second. So it may also be just me getting adjusted to solo travel.

3. Only selfies

Because I really don't trust strangers I don't go up to random people and say "can you take a picture of me" so I'm stuck trying to take selfies with these gorgeous views and for the most part it just doesn't work. My arms are too short (I need a selfie stick). So I'm basically not in any of my pictures. Again I think this would be a big deal depending on the type of person you are. For me it's really not. 


My honest opinion is that everyone should try solo traveling at least once in their life. You may hate it or you may love it! But sometimes we really only learn from experiences. It's a great way to just enrich the soul. Traveling to me is of the utmost importance. I'm a college student, but I try and save a little from every paycheck I get. And trust me at the end of the day that money adds up and I have no problem spending that on an airplane ticket rather than materialistic things. For this trip in particular, my parent's paid for my airfare as a 21st birthday gift. But because I've been saving, I have been able to get some shopping done here. You really can get some great deals on airplane tickets, just look ahead of time and do your research. Don't give up! Try a different location, date, or website. 

You don't even need to fly to travel! I've heard buses are also the way to go. Fairly inexpensive. I might try that soon actually...


This world is just too beautiful. We need to try and see as much of it as we can. 

"Adventure is out there"


-m

To My Ladies

If any of my readers are dealing with a breakup: allow yourself to hurt. Do not let anyone belittle you or make you feel guilty for being sad.

Now, don't put your life on hold either, but if you need a moment - take it.

Hearts are fragile and take time to heal.

But here is some better news: women are absolutely powerful.

I promise you, we are strong creatures.

It's easy after a break up to want to give up on love, to get into another relationship, to have mindless hook ups, and to fill that emptiness that our significant other has left behind.

But all that is temporary because sooner or later you will be hit with reality.

There is much controversy over the saying "Love yourself before anyone can love you" I do believe it's possible to find someone that will love you and believe in yourself when you can't see it, but that does not always create the most stable foundation for a relationship.

Trust me, I have learned the hard way.

Loving yourself, being happy with yourself should be of utmost importance. It should be a decision we make every single day. Treating our bodies right, nourishing ourselves, and being aware of our health also contributes a lot to how we feel about ourselves.

A significant other is meant to compliment you NOT complete you.

Many people (including myself) feel as if they can not move on after a breakup. Not just that, we feel as though we can not even live.

Why?

Is it love?

The answer: No.

Most of the time it is because we idolized our significant so much that when they leave us, it is as if we can't live anymore because we got EVERYTHING from them.

Our strength, worth, love, confidence, etc...

Those are things that we should get from The One Above and from ourselves.

You can love someone without idolizing them.

And that is an important key to a relationship and unfortunately it is often not talked about.

Ladies do not be afraid!

You are enough. You are more than enough to create your happiness.

Focus on yourself, your ambitions, your health, and most importantly our loving Father and I promise you, he will not forget you. He will guide you.

I can't sit here and tell you that I am okay, that I completely moved on, that I'm happy.

Truth is, it is a struggle.

But I am finally starting to see how strong I am, how beautiful I am, how loved I am. I feel a lot more confident in myself and I feel happier with myself. My strength comes from God. I have made Him my anchor - my rock. He will never let me down.

I know with time things will be better, I've been attempting to keep myself busy and I try to be surrounded with company. But of course at times I feel like I can't escape those memories.

Whether it's someone asking about him, a song on the radio, a place we used to go and eat, or a tv show that was "our thing," they are all constant reminders and it is just hard.

It's hard to get my mind to be silent. I wish I had those men in black memory erasers at time honestly.

But I remind myself how strong I am & when I don't see it God, my family, and friends are constantly showing me how amazing I am.

Allow yourself time to heal and do so in a healthy manner and it will be worth it.



I'm thinking about starting a series about these topics. Not just because it helps to write about it, but if I can help ANYONE from my experiences, it would make me so happy.


We are beautiful, strong, and powerful warriors. And remember you are never alone. 

Designing and Updates


I have been quite the busy bee designing this jewelry store. 

I had my first critique last week and my professor basically gives us an opportunity to fix it for finals.

I mostly used Revit, but my professor loves hand renderings so I did a couple to get some brownie points. 

School is quickly coming to a wrap, I have spring break starting this Friday and then practically I am done by the end of April. 


________________________________________________________

It's been difficult lately to have any motivation to do anything. I'm currently getting out of a six year relationship. The first few days felt as if my complete world came crumbling down. These past couple of days I have finally gained some new found perspective and I am starting to feel stronger and happier. It's always tough, but I have also fallen deeply in love with my faith. 

I want to thank all my friends and family for truly being there for me and for all the patience they have shown me during this time. 
_________________________________________________________

Things I'm Looking Forward To


I have my first official career day tomorrow where I will meet with professionals in my field and they will conduct mock interviews and look over portfolios. 

I am currently trying to get everything ready for tomorrow, working on my resume right now actually. I already have a cute professional outfit; I was able to score some deals at the Ann Taylor outlet (retail therapy always helps) 

Today I also schedule for the fall semester and I am taking my first senior class! 

Life moves with or without us, even when you're going through hard times. Remember, how you overcome those difficult moments is up to you.

You can either let it sink you or you can let it strengthen you. 

Happy Holy Week Everyone!

First Material Board and Watercolors

It's been a while from my last post, I just felt bombarded with projects, assignments, and exams all due either on the same day or back to back. 

The project I completed on Monday was my first ever material board. 


I had a lot of fun with this one as you can see.

The Assignment: Pick a clue character that wants to redesign a room in the mansion. 

There's a lot more to it but that is the main component. I chose Professor Plum redoing his library with a GoT theme. 

I looked at pictures from the set for inspiration mainly focusing on the Red Keep castle in Kings Landing. (Since that is where the Iron Throne lies) 

I used ivories, beiges, and gold detailing to portray a sophisticated look. For the flooring I used a natural cut travertine stone and marble finishes for furniture. 

I also added a wall with an arch door opening to separate his reading space from his tv.

For my very first material board I'm quite satisfied with how it turned out, sure there are things I would change, but that's the process of learning. 




This week we also have a workshop dealing with watercolors. She is showing us different techniques and tips.  The above exercise deals with cool, warm, and neutral colors and a layering technique. 


Looking forward to learn some more! 
I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. 

Healthy, Easy, & Quick Breakfast Recipe

If any of you are like me, you love to hit that snooze button every morning. 

"I swear I'll get up after this snooze alarm"

But really, I know myself and I will probably end up getting up when I only have 10 minutes to get ready. 


It really sucks having to rush in the morning and it's a bad habit I should break, but in the meantime I am on the look out for easy and quick hairstyles, makeup, and of course breakfast to make my mornings a little less hectic.

Leaving practically no time to prepare breakfast, I need something I can just grab and eat in class. That is why I am in love with making Overnight Oats. 

I know this was a pretty big fad over the internet a while back, but I thought I'd bring it back since surprisingly not many people know about it.

It's perfect for anyone who rather stay those extra minutes in bed rather than in the kitchen. 


And bonus: It's packed with a lot of protein to keep you full and happy til lunch! 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup of vanilla soy milk (any type of milk you prefer) 
  • 1/3 cup of vanilla greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tbsp of chia seeds (sometimes I add a little more)
  • 1 banana (optional)
  • 3 strawberries (optional)
  • raw sliced almonds (optional)

Process:





Add your oatmeal in a container. I prefer a little mason jar.




Secondly add your milk!



Then your greek yogurt



Next are the chia seeds. 



Lastly you want to mix everything up! I sliced a banana and a couple of strawberries to give it more flavor. Plus I love fruit in the mornings. I also added raw sliced almonds for that extra protein as well as some crunch. 


Once everything is nicely mixed, just seal it and put it in the fridge over night.

And you're done!



In the morning you should get something that looks like this 




Have fun coming up with different combinations! Strawberry Banana Almond is my favorite at the moment.



Happy eating! 


-m
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