Recovery Week

 Also known as... my 21st birthday was Friday. 

I will most definitely do a small recap of the blur that was this past weekend, but as of right now, I'm just trying to recover, both mentally and physically. Not only was this past weekend my 21st birthday, on Saturday my school hosted its 50th anniversary Groundhog Party in the Park -- if it doesn't seem like a big deal, wait until you see the pictures.


As far as physical recovery goes... I am pretty sure I fractured my foot three weeks ago and I dislocated my kneecap on Friday (I was standing and it gave out, no amazing drunken stories here, sorry). But really, what's a birthday without some bumps and bruises?

Some things that have helped with my recovery:

S'mores slippers/foot warmers! From my dear friends the Ballards

for those of you who are unaware, I have a not normal obsession with s'mores...

I literally cried when I saw these 

I don't mean "literally" how some people say it and mean "figuratively"

I LITERALLY CRIED

Diptyque candle from my sister and brother-in-law that smells like heaven
I saw my sister briefly when I was at home last week and asked her about diptyque candles...

And then she sent me one for my birthday among many other gifts

She is amazing. So is Jake (didn't forget you). Oh and so is Luke, but that's a given.

Many other gifts were received by a very thankful birthday girl, but it would be tacky to post every single thing. Plus, it would spoil my thank-you notes. (They are coming!)

but first, coffee

p.s. I think the best part of my day is that first sip of coffee

&

my last sip of coffee is for sure the most stressful

I'll Pencil You In

It's the start of a new semester and I have that same excitement that I'm sure most people experience when getting a fresh start. That same one that quickly dwindles and turns into a constant and dull dread of the 1 hour and 20 minute class and of staying up until 3 am doing the homework that was assigned a week prior. Can't wait :)

For now, though, the excitement is still present and in full force. I ordered my books online (thank you, parents), got a brand spankin' new planner (I don't know why it wouldn't be new...), and a new set of fine-liner pens. Really and truly, few things excite me more than new school supplies.

Rearing to go, I woke up early to copy my syllabi into my planner... and got to see that with only two classes written down, I have all my assignments and tests on the same days. Spring semester 2013, you are too good to me.

Paper Source | 2013 Large Saffian Robin's Egg Blue Datebook

My life, my joy, my pride.

And in the spirit of snapping pictures of inanimate objects in my living room, these are my all-time favorite coasters (that keep my white coffee table looking beautiful). My roommate brought them back one day, and they have been part of the family ever since.

Anthropologie | Celestial Coaster Set

Grand Finale

In my last push to finish up finals week I devoted myself to my studies more than I even knew I was capable. So dedicated, that I made sure my study environment was nothing less than absolutely perfect. Never had my apartment been so spotless. Next, in order to focus even more, I took inventory of everything in my bedroom and reminisced about how every detail holds some importance to me. Once everything was accounted for, I had soft instrumental soundtrack music playing, and the lighting was just right, I was able to sit down and really study my heart out - at a convenient hour of 10:00 pm. 

This apartment, though, was something I had always wanted - a place to call my own (that my parents conveniently pay for). And my room especially is my little haven.

candles, paris, sunglasses, and pepper spray (c/o my brother-in-law)

most rude awakening imaginable - this is how i woke up at 5 am to really start studying for my final at 9 am

hydration and selfies

quarters for to clean my clothes 

ikea catalog?

definitely ikea catalog. can you spot the book i was pretending to study?

leaning dresser equals candle needing some help burning straight down