Thirsty Thursday

Hello! Today is Thirsty Thursday. With Valentines day rapidly approaching, I decided to start off Thirsty Thursdays with a romantic drink. This simple drink is just a mix of pomegranate juice and champagne. It looks incredibly delicious for such a simple drink and the wonderful red color is great for Valentines day or any other special romantic occasion. I am hoping I can try this drink sometime during this month. Hope you all enjoy!

Melissa

It's Wearing Wednesday!

Welcome to Wearing Wednesday, probably my favorite day of the week! Well today I made some wonderful purchases which will be our first items of Wearing Wednesday! First I went to H&M, and of course right in front I found this beautiful pastel geometric cardigan. I absolutely love the pastel colors and I'm really in to the geometric look. Then I spotted a plum colored skirt with black polka dots and a black belt. Normally this is something that I would glance at but then put back because I always feel like skirts don't always look good on me. After I tried this one on, I really liked it. Paired with black tights and maybe a sweater and bootie heels this could be a really cute outfit! Then I spotted this really great tank that is nude colored with white floral lace covering the front. It fits wonderfully and would look great under any color blazer. Then I splurged and purchased a tight fitting, floral teal and white ombre dress. It has three black strips going down the front and two on the back. It's the perfect dress for a night out! I also purchased a gold chain bracelet and light tan boot heels.

Then I made the mistake of going in to Macy's, although going to Macy's is never truly a mistake. I absolutely love love love Marc Fisher's shoes! They are seriously to die for and next time I go I might purchase them all. I decided to hold off on them for now but I did however purchase a pair of Vince Camuto boots. They're gorgeous! They're a grey color with silver studs.

H&M is giving 15% off for a student discount and Macy's is also giving 20% off when you donate $2.00 to the American Heart Association. Shop on!

Melissa

Marc Fisher shoes in Macy's! Need them all!

H&M Price: $39.95

H&M Price: $29.95

H&M Price: $24.95

H&M Price: $14.95

H&M Price: $49.95

Vince Camuto at Macy's Price: $149.99

Travel Tuesday

For my first ever Travel Tuesday I am of course starting with the number one place I would love to travel to. Santorini, Greece. I've been wanting to go to Santorini for years, basically ever since the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie. I loved the way it looked in the movie and I looked up where it was filmed and immediately fell in love. I have always said I want to go there and if I die before going there then know that that is where my ghost will be.

According to greece.org, Santorini is a total of 76 square kilometers and has a population of about 6,500-7,000. National Geographic states that Santorini is also called Thira and it is known for it's whitewashed houses and churched on the volcanic cliff. Oia, the picturesque village in the north, has the most outstanding architectural elements. The whitewashed houses are probably my favorite feature of Santorini. I love how wonderfully calming they are. It's so peaceful looking, all of the time.

The food in Santorini is mostly made up of the produce found on the island, states santorini.net. They are known for their cherry tomatoes, Fava split peas, fresh cheese from goats, and capers. I really enjoy eating Greek food although I haven't tried too much of it. I love stuffed grape leaves and baklava.

I have dreamed about traveling to Santorini for years but for now I will just have to admire the pictures and continue dreaming.

Let me know about a place that you have or would love to travel to! I'd love to learn more about it!
Melissa

photo courtesy of National Geographic

Working Week

Second day of classes complete! Had an extremely long day and am so ready for bed. I'm still debating which is more important, homework or sleep. It's a tough call. While I mull it over, I've decided that I'm going to try to make specific events for specific days. This is what I would like to do:

• ManicUre Monday
• Travel Tuesday
• Wearing Wednesday
• Thirsty Thursday
• Foodie Friday
• Hot Topic Weekends

I'm really excited about the new events! I mainly prefer to talk about fashion and beauty related topics, considering that is what I'm studying, but I think the new turn will keep me interested in a lot of topics. As I posted yesterday, it was the first ever ManicUre Monday! I really loved the chevron manicure. Definitely something that is more interesting than the normal french and more playful as well. I would probable do the same black that was picture but I would prefer a chrome or gold color with it. I usually like to go more natural or I guess subtle with my nail color choices, especially for this time of year. Hopefully ManicUre Mondays will broaden my horizons.

Wearing Wednesday will be dedicated to an outfit that I would love to wear. This outfit can come from anywhere; websites, the streets, stores, or even outfits that followers have posted or shared with me! I love to see what other people are wearing. It helps to inspire me to upgrade my wardrobe and I hope it will do the same for you guys.

Thirsty Thursday is of course referencing alcohol. This post will be dedicated to my favorite drink of the week! I love trying new drinks and would love to be able to make drinks on my own, especially when hosting a party.

Foodie Friday will be about my favorite dish of the week. I am trying to eat healthier, which I did a very good job of today (go me!), so the majority of the food posted will be healthy options. When I am able to go home on some weekends I would love to be able to try and post pictures and my own critiques about the food but for right now I will just feature the recipes and hopefully be able to know the calorie count as well. 

Hot Topic Weekends will be current event posts. I really want to try and stay up to date with topics and because I have a membership with Women's Wear Daily through school, most of my Hot Topics will be about the fashion industry.

Today is Travel Tuesday! On Travel Tuesdays I will talk about one location that I would love to go visit. I would absolutely love to get some feedback from those of you who have traveled to the places I talk about and to also give me ideas about new places! I love finding out about new places to travel to. I don't travel very much. I've only traveled as far as Florida so learning about new places would be great! I'll start my Travel Tuesday post in a new post.

Hope to get your feedback!

Melissa

First ever ManicUre Monday!

First day of class went really well. I attempted to wake up early by setting an early alarm so I could be productive and work out but that just didn't happen today. I also realized though that I left my running sneakers at home, so I'll have to get those this weekend. I printed out a copy of all of the free fitness classes that are available to students and I plan on really utilizing them starting next week.

I started to feel a little mad at myself for slacking off on changing all the things I want to change. I started collecting photos from magazines that inspire me that I'm going to tape to my wall in my dorm. I need a constant reminder of my goals and what inspires me. One other goal that I'm starting to really need to accomplish is to have more girl friends, especially here at school. It used to come so easy for me to make friends and now I struggle with it. Something I'm definitely going to work on.

My RA was telling us about great deals on livingsocial.com and classes to take just to get us out and doing new things. I definitely am gonna look more in to that throughout my weeks here. I need to keep myself busy with interesting things or else I get bored and stressed over my school work. Time to change the things that need to change.

So I've decided I'm going to start a new trend for Mondays. Mondays will now be ManicUre Mondays! I'm working on growing out my nails, some are longer than others, and this will inspire me even more to grow them out and use them as an accessory once they are grown out and beautiful looking. Each monday I will post a picture of manicure that I would like to try or am interested in. Hopefully I will be able to provide instructions also. Most of these will probably come off of my pinterest if you want to see a full selection. [Future Makeup Looks board] So here's the first ever ManicUre Monday!!

Melissa

Experience is a good school, but the fees are high.

First day of class! Ready for an amazing semester.

Melissa

Back, back in the New York groove

I'm back! It feels good to be back in the city. Almost like home. After unpacking, my parents, my boyfriend, and I went out to eat at Mustang Sally's. Then we ran some errands and my family left except for my boyfriend. We went to FAO Schwarz and looked around and then we hung out in my dorm for a little until he left. I already miss them like crazy.

I still don't have a roommate but I know eventually someone will show up. Here's to an amazing semester!

Melissa

Empire State Building

Central Park

Grace Kelly Wedding Barbie

Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds Barbie

Excitement!

Heading back to the city that never sleeps!

To the grind

Hello!

So I have fully decided that starting tomorrow, when I go back to school, I'm gonna really stick to my resolutions and goals. I need to stick to them so I can finally see results. I need to be tough on myself. I'm spending the rest of the day today packing and getting ready for tomorrow and then having date night with my wonderful boyfriend.

Melissa

Leftover Taco Salad.

Hello again.

Life is getting better and better everyday.

2012 was the roughest year of my life and life is really starting to get better. There are a lot of factors that are to thank for that. Number one is of course my incredible support system that is always there for me no matter what. They have helped me get through my toughest struggles and I couldn't be more thankful for them. Number two is school. Finally getting in to my dream school and knowing that I'm finally doing what I love is the best feeling ever. Loving what I'm studying and being excited to learn more is how school should feel like. Number three, call me materialistic, but fashion. It keeps me interested in something other than my struggles. It's relief. And of course retail therapy is a huge help.

Speaking of retail therapy, I did some incredible shopping today. I love going to the outlets and finding great deals. I found an amazing Kate Spade duffle on sale! It was a great deal, too good to pass up. I also purchased a Michael Kors bag, not on sale but gorgeous and very practical. I purchased a BCBG coat as well. Only $89 at the outlets! Awesome price for awesome warmth and style. I'll be sure to post pictures of my great buys sometime soon!

Going back to making this year an incredible year, I'm going back to my new year's resolutions. No more nail biting or picking, working out every single day (no excuses), eating healthier, and complain as little as possible. I'm also adding keeping good care of my skin to the list. I have a lot of break outs and scars on my face and I need to work on improving my complexion. I also need to really find great makeup that will also help keep my skin in tip top shape! It's time I finally take care of myself and my needs. I'm going to do 2013 right!

I can never get enough inspirational quotes so here's a few to hopefully leave you with some inspiration too.

Melissa

2013 is looking up so far!

Hello!!

So today, and this whole week so far, have been the best so far of 2013! I got my acceptance letter to the Bachelors program at FIT! I'm so thrilled that I'll finally be getting my bachelors at the school of my dreams. I honestly couldn't be happier after receiving that letter. Things are looking up for my family too. My sister got a promotion at work and is applying for an apartment with her friend which I really hope she gets! Things are starting to look up. I really hope they continue on this path. I really need things to stay good.

On another note, I found another amazing outfit from Dailylook.com. This one is called Mane Stream. This outfit is 100% me. I love wearing jeggings, printed tops, and blazers. All of the accessories are completely my taste, especially the shoes. I love cap toe shoes. I also love the way her makeup came out. I'm trying to experiment more with makeup but I haven't done too much yet. I need to get organized first and then I'll experiment more. I also need more money so I can experiment. I'm planning on selling items on Poshmark. Download the app and follow me to take a look! ( melissarugg)

My winter session class is coming to a close tomorrow (thank god) so time for me to get my rest for my final tomorrow! Goodnight!

Melissa

I could die for the words that you say.

Hello again!

So I've basically failed at sticking to any of my new year's resolutions. I've decided to postpone beginning them again until I move back in to my dorm. I really want to stick to a strict workout schedule when I go back. The school has a gym that I would like to make use of but the only time it's not busy is in the morning. Waking up early to workout seems like the best bert but I know I'm gonna have trouble waking up. I also need to be stricter about what I eat. No more candy or junk food. I need to stay focused. I'm excited, scared, nervous, and anxious about starting next semester. I'm excited because a lot of my classes sound like they're going to be fun but I'm also scared and nervous because school is so stressful. I just can't wait for summer break. I really hope I can go away on vacation this summer. My boyfriend and I really need one.

Speaking of my boyfriend and I, we've been talking about him moving out with me. It would be so much fun and it would be a huge step for us but I think he would miss his friends. He would also need to look for a job closer to the new location. It's all a lot to deal with right now but it makes me so excited! I love that all of these good things are happening now. I need things like this.

I found another look on Dailylook.com that I'm really digging, especially this time of year. It's called Grey Hound. I love the houndstooth coat with the black boots and statement necklace. Plus this outfit could also work with skinny jeans and a black top. Love how easily but stylish it is.

Time for me to get some sleep before my last two days of my winter class! Goodnight world!
Melissa

It's strange how it goes when nobody knows you're not alive.

Hello!

So 2013 has been both good and bad so far. Aside from not sticking to basically any of my new year's resolutions, it just hasn't improved much yet from last year and I really need it to. Hopefully sometime in the next 11 months things will get better. Other than the bad, there has been some good. My boyfriend applied for a job with the LIRR. I'm hoping he gets it so badly. A change of pace would be really great. Also, I might possibly be moving to Jersey City in the summer (ish) time. I'm so excited and really hoping this happens! Moving out and away is something I think I need. It would be a lot cheaper than dorming. My friend wants to buy a condo there and she offered me the extra room and she said she wouldn't charge me too much. I could use this so badly.

My winter class is still in progress. Next week is my last week and then the spring semester starts! During this "winter break" I started watching Pretty Little Liars from season one. It is such an addicting show! I love it! At first I thought it was really over dramatic and unrealistic, which it is, but it's so addicting at the same time! I highly recommend this show to anyone. Even my boyfriend was getting in to it.

I also still recommend for anyone to download Poshmark. I am still addicted to it and I go on it every day. I still haven't put anything up for sale yet but I've looked at clothes to shop. Speaking of clothes to shop, I love the "One Baroque Girl" look from DailyLook.com. It is so completely my style. Maybe not the shoes entirely but the outfit really is. I need to shop.

Melissa

You're a king and I'm a lionheart

Hello!

So far 2013 has been about the same as 2012. My winter class has been going well, have picked at my nails a little but really trying to grow them out, and I haven't worked out yet but I have been eating somewhat better. Two days ago I fell asleep while on the train to New York. I did not wake up when the train got to New York. The doors closed and the conductor saw me from the outside of the train and banged on the class to wake me up. This has led me to start a new resolution, DO NOT FALL ASLEEP ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. For the past two days I have not fallen asleep. It stinks to not be able to nap but it's much better than not waking up.

Last week my boyfriend came to visit me in the city. We had such a wonderful night. We walked from Penn Station to Rockefeller Center and saw the tree. Then, we walked all the way to Serendipity 3, which is one of my favorite places EVER, but there was over an hour wait. So then we went across the street to a wonderful Italian restaurant right next to Patsy's Pizzeria that I cannot remember the name of. It was a really great meal. Then we purchased a variety pack of cupcakes from Baked by Melissa which will also be my favorite bakery. It was a really great night.

I saw an advertisement on Facebook for an app called Poshmark. I highly recommend for anyone who loves shopping to download this app. I love it! For those who don't know, this app allows you to buy and sell items really easily. So far I have only glanced at what other people are selling. So far it seems really great but I need to look in to how it all works. I'll have the information soon.

Melissa

Bryant Park

Bergdorf Goodman

Van Cleef & Arpels

Rockefeller Center

Bergdorf Goodman

Excuses are useless

Hello everyone!

Day two of 2013. So far I've been doing decently well with my new year's resolutions. I have picked at my nails a little but I'm getting better at remembering to stop. I have only spent money on my round trip train ticket to New York for my winter session class. I was doing a really good job at eating healthier today until I got home. I had a greek salad which was good but then I had some chips and salsa which isn't the worst but I should've done without it. As for working out, I did walk in the city today but no other working out besides that. I'm staying positive that 2013 will be a good year.

I have also decided to make each post have one inspirational photo. Whether it's fashion related or a quote or a workout or food, I'm going to post what inspires me most for that day. So today is number one. Today I was most inspired by a pin on pinterest.

I would really love most to trim my thighs and butt so I definitely want to give this a try. I'll start doing this workout next week. I'll do it four times a week with a pilates workout and the other three days I'll devote to cardio and some weights. I'm really hoping to reach my goal weight by the summer. Here's to hoping!

Melissa