OOTD: First Day of Class!

I may be entering my fourth year of college, but my first day of class outfit will always feel special. It's a new semester, new faces, new impressions. People do judge a book by its cover, so I guess I like to make sure my cover is representative of me. Today I only had sculpture and Chinese, but I can already tell this semester is going to be a doozy!

D E T A I L S :

• Animal print tank - H&M
• Blue collared tank - thrifted
• Dark skinnies - Kohl's
• Brown flats - Target
• Necklace - Target
• Spiked earrings - Forever 21

The collared tank top is from a new thrift store that just opened up near by called Helping Hands. Most of the clothes there are 99 cents! The bulk of the store is quality vintage furniture that made me so jealous that I dont already have a place of my own. I had my eye on this pair of orange ceramic lamps from the 70's that were $60 a piece. Alas, I have no place to store them until they would have become of some use....and i didn't have $120 to splurge....*le sigh*

Kohl's was generous enough to offer my readers a 10% off code too! You can use the code UBLOGTEN now through October 24th and stack your savings with one other department specific code. Woop woop! I'll probably pick up another pair of these jeans [Apt. 9]  in one of their fall colors. Can't wait!

M A K E U P :

• UD's NAKED palette - virgin, smog, toasted
• UD's Eyeshadow Primer Potion
• UD's Oil Slick Eyeliner
• Revlon's Double Twist Mascara
• Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Sweet Heart Valentine (025)

OK, I have to go freshen up my Chinese big time. Off to the books! 再见！

TTFN!<3
- Avé

What's in my bag? // College Commuter Edition

School starts today for me and I CANNOT wait! I'm a commuter so more thought has to go into what I bring in my bag every day. Some days I'll be on campus from 8AM to 11PM, so it's worth the extra planning. This year I'm pretty sure I'm considered a senior credit wise, but still one more year after this one to get both of the degrees I want. This semester I have three regular classes and two studios: Media Research, Art History of Eastern Asia, Chinese III, Ceramic Sculpture II, and Drawing I.

So here's what's going in my bag for the first day of class:

• A notebook and folder for each of my regular classes
• Chinese III textbook (used it last semester for Chinese II)
• Molskine Agenda also from last year
• The Lovely Bones to read between classes since there's never work on the 1st day
• Chapstick and back up chapstick since I'll probably lose one
• Scented hand sanitizer
• Deodorant for those long days
• student ID of course!
• Business cards
• Lots of pens; Especially clicky ones.
• Highlighters and pencils too 
• a gluestick....never know :P
• make up bag - eye drops, microfiber cloth, bobby pins, little clips, concealer, eyeshadow, bandaids, makeup brush, mascara, eyeliner, travel size parfume, and feminine products.

I also pimped out my bag with pins and floral fabric. I used to be really big into collecting them when I was in high school but places that I frequent for pins have been slacking in quality over the years. The majority of these are from either a radiohead set I got at the concert I went to in 2008 or from a Keith Haring set I got from the Brooklyn Museum a few months ago. The fabric is the scrap from that thrifted jacket that I said I was going to hem. Right now the pins are holding it there to cover up a star I'm not crazy about; but I might sew it permanently in addition to a couple other patches.

Of course, this post excludes the amount of food and beverages I'll be bringing in a separate lunch pouch. Oh, and all the supplies for the two studio classes.I'm glad I have a locker!

Did I miss anything? I'm I over prepared? What's in your school bag?

I hope everyone has a great first day of class!

TTFN <3

-Avé

Tune in Tuesday: "All The Rowboats" by Regina Spektor

image via

• Genre: Alternative, Anti-folk, Indie 
• First Listen: yesterday
• Released: May 2012
• Found out through: Fresh Air interview on NPR
• Listen to this while you're: running away

I leave NPR on in my car all the time. When they play music, it tends to be pretty rare, but pretty awesome. I was so stoked to hear Regina Spektor and I had no idea she has a new album out! "All the Rowboats" is from What We Saw From the Cheap Seats. I haven't gotten the chance to hear the whole album yet, but this song captivated me. 

"All the Rowboats" is layered with driving riffs, dark undertones, and imagery in abundance. Her classical training definitely shines but what I love is the percussive noises she makes with her mouth throughout the track. You can tell she has evolved as an artist since Begin to Hope. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album!

Insta-Roundup: Missing Ring//New Shoes//Club Fair!

Last Week I went to the Kay's for my ring cleaning which is usually a happy outing that happens every February and August. However, this particular time a stone was loose so it's away being serviced. I never thought my finger would feel so naked O~O. I should have it back some time this week thank goodness. Afterwards we went to his aunt's for a little impromptu bbq in which she made him play her guitar; he didn't mind, of course. Side note: my nails were OPI's Stranger Tides from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection.

I finally got a pair of legitimate sneakers; something I've been lacking for a couple of years now. I've been working out more and using the treadmill we have, so it's about time my feet have the proper gear. I got them on the last day of tax free week, on sale at Kohl's for about $50, and I had a 20% coupon to bring the price down even more! Then I hopped on the treadmill and made it one step closer to bringing my mile down to 12:00.

Yesterday was super packed with greatness for several reasons. I FINALLY made it to the beach. I literally live 2 minutes away (walking distance) from the beach and I haven't had a chance to get there. Every day I had off either I didn't have someone to go with me, it was cloudy/rainy, or I was too busy with other obligations. My friend Danisha met me there and it was grand. Slight breeze, sun shining, and lots of snacks and chit chat. I got there an hour earlier and started The Lovely Bones, which is quite captivating so far.

Afterwards I headed to my school to help out with the club fair that was mandatory for all freshmen. WSIN DJed the event, so I was learning how to DJ and recruiting new members for the station. It was so great to see friends I haven't seen all summer. Towards the end of the event we literally had total control of the crowd; it was such an awesome feeling that I can't wait to try DJing an event on my own! I think it will be a great year for WSIN.

For more instagrammy goodness, you can find me @averenee

TTFN!<3
-Avé

P.S. - I'm still looking for lovely individuals to take advantage of my free ad space! It's been a great way for me to connect with other bloggers and in return, a little exposure for your blog! All of the sizes are free. yup free. like air. All of the ads will get a little sponsor post so that 1) I get the experience of doing that and 2) you get the chance to be highlighted on my blog. If you choose the Venusaur ad you get a whole interview post for free. The promo code to use is on the sponsor page. I hope to hear from you! :3

Summer Thrift Haul

I realized after my latest thrift adventure that I haven't been sharing it with you lovelies! This week is tax free week in Connecticut, so I made sure I took advantage of it. I might do just a little more shopping before the week is over. All summer I've been working on adding prints to my wardrobe, if you couldn't tell from the majority of my finds. I think I'm most excited about the first one. It fits like a long jacket although I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be a dress. I want to hem it right after the second to last set of buttons. It would then be the perfect length with a mini skirt and leggings, woop woop!

I'm also pretty excited about the red/chain/animal print top. 100% silk, 100% awesome. I already know the outfit I want to pair it with and I CAN'T WAIT. Possible 1st day of class outfit :O) Speaking of outfits, for the black and white skirt I wasn't sure if I had a top to match, so I went to the mall right after and found this rad neon "H!" tee. I thought it said "Hi" and thought it'd be perfect for the club fair since it's all about recruiting members....but then my sister pointed out that it says "H!" not "Hi"....woops! Oh well. Still a cute outfit.

From now on I'll remember to post them as I get them and not a whole lumpsome! I would love to go into detail about each and every piece but....that might be a bit much for this post. I'll probably save that for avelooks.


Have you found any thrifty treasures lately?
TTFN!<3

Tune in Tuesday: Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest

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• Genre: Alternative, neo-psychedelia, lo-fi, indie rock
• Favorite track: "Southern Point"
• First listen: April 2010
• Released: May 2009
• Found out through: Last.fm recommendations 
• Listen to this while you're: dreaming

Funny story about Grizzly Bear. In 2008, Zack a couple of his friends and I went to see Radiohead. The venue was about two or three hours away. We were about two thirds of the way there when we realized we left the tickets at home. We make a very panicked u-turn and called his aunt to see if she could look up any way to get in without the tickets or have her meet us half way or ANYTHING really. We thought we were screwed. She called us back and said to show the card used to purchase the tickets at the booth and they'll print us new ones. Wiping the sweat off our brow, we make another u-turn and make it to our seats just in time to hear Radiohead open with "Reckoner." We missed the opening band but we didn't care! We didn't miss anything Radiohead did.

Almost two years later I stumble Upon Grizzly Bear. I'm really diggin' Veckatimest--like on repeat pretty heavy--and I mention it to Zack.

"Oh yeah, they were the opening band we missed when we went to see Radiohead,"says fiancé ever so nonchalantly.

I cried on the inside. All I could think is IF ONLY.... *Le sigh*

TTFN!<3

DIY: Nail Polish Box

My sister and I have quite the nail polish collection. If I were to guess, probably around 50 to 60 polishes. We have all of our stuff in a reusable bag and a plastic container all sorts of jumbled up....lame sauce! I usually decide as I go when I paint my nails, so that means I paint the base coat and then think "mint polkadots would look so rad with this color!" and as my nails are drying, I'd attempt to find the mint and eventually mess up a nail or two.

This nifty little box solves that issue and makes painting my nails a breeze! The shoe box I used was for flats, so it's narrower than the average shoe box (allows for a maximum of 21 polishes). The average toilet paper roll fits most polishes perfectly. For this project, you'll need a shoe box, 5 or more toilet paper rolls, a glue gun, and scissors (optional: paint). Cool thing about this project is that it will cost you NOTHING! Except patience. I had to wait for my family to go through enough rolls...

D I R E C T I O N S :

1. Paint the insides and outsides of all the toilet paper rolls.
2. Cut the tubes in 1" increments. 1 tube = 4 little rings
3. If you have different size tubes like I did, situate the rings before you glue them in the shoe box. Then glue the bottom of the rings one by one and place them accordingly.
4. Organize your polishes however you'd like, then paint a little swatch of the polish in the corresponding ring. This allows you to put back the polishes in the right ring. 
5. Once you have all the rings filled, you can paint the lid to match the swatches. This way, you don't have to lift each polish to find the right color. 

Done! Wahoo! Time for a manicure :D

TTFN!<3

OOTD: Lookin' Cute in Orange

I'm not gonna lie, I was so excited this morning when I woke up and it was chilly enough for a cardigan. I was in the nursery at church today so my outfit had to be both functional and cute! It was great today; we had four wonderfully beautiful little girls...two of which had my hairstyle!

D E T A I L S

• Dress - H&M
• Leggings - NY&Co.
• Cardigan - Urban Outfitters
• Scarf - Thrifted (Savers)
• Sparrow Earrings - Target
• Blue Bracelet - Gift
• Brown Flats - Target

M A K E U P :

• Revlon PhotoReady Foundation
• Stila eyeshadow palette: Haute in the Hamptons
• Hard Candy's Hide & Glow Cheek Tint (pillow talk 316)

I love the sorta 60's vibe this dress has. I bought it close to 8 years ago, so I guess I'm getting my money's worth. The scarf bow has been a slight obsession lately. It's just so cute and I have a thing for the kawaii style, with all the bows n' stuff. Here's a picture of moose rolling in the grass to end this post.

TTFN! <3

Fruit Prints on Etsy!

All summer long I've been working on a series of fruit in watercolor, using a different technique with each painting. It's been loads of fun so far and it's something I really would like to continue! I have officially listed two of my fruits on etsy as prints *yay!*

I chose to list the watermelon and the kiwi first....Actually.... I didn't choose. I asked friends and families which two should I order first. Either way, at some point I'm sure I'll have all of them in my shop. Up next will be the strawberry and the mango, yummmmmmmm.

If you haven't seen any of my paintings yet, you can check 'em out here! After you're done perusing, what fruit didn't you see that you would like to?

Stay fresh ya'll, TTFN! <3

p.s. I posted a little update on my kitty car freshener DIY

Sponsorship Kick-Off: Free ad space on my blog!

Hi everyone! You might have noticed I've been changing things around here on my blog. That's because I've been making room for sponsors! I'm very excited to offer the 1st 30 days free with a promo code to get the ball rolling. I've decided to use Passionfruit ads so bare with me as I'm still new to the game. 

You can use this as an opportunity to advertise your blog, store, tumblr, facebook page, event, or whatever else! With each purchase of an ad, you will also get either an interview/feature post or be included in a group feature post. You can check out the new sponsor tab for more details.

So the promo code is *drumroll* 

LLAMA123

This promocode will take 100% off of any ad you choose (yup, even the venusaur ad)! It will be active until September 16. One use per person. I can't wait to hear from you! 

TTFN!<3

Tune in Tuesday: "King of the Beach" by Wavves

image via

• Genre: Alternative, surf rock.
• First listen: July 2011
• Released: August 2010
• Found out through: NYLON Mag free playlist download
• Listen to this while you're: at the beach.... :)

"King of the Beach" from Wavves' album King of the Beach certainly sounds like it belongs on the beach. With hints of The Beach Boys, this track is fun, energetic, and has a dgaf attitude...kinda like the cat/dog/animal thing on the cover. I don't know any other songs by Wavves, since this song was one of twenty four freebies offered by NYLON magazine. I'm always on the look out for free music (legally!!)

I picked this song for today because...you guessed it! I'm going to the beach today! 

TTFN!<3

Insta-roundup: Peabody Museum, Treadmill, and Nerdfighter party

Remember that outfit post when I said I went to the Peabody Museum? This little raptor was one of the many pictures I took when I went. Even though I've been there countless times on field trips throughout my academic career, It's still fun and you're bound to see something new.



Afterwards my sister, Nancy, and I went to Mamoun's Falafel House. I'm under the impression that this is a hidden gem in New Haven that only Yalies and a few locals know about. I love falafel and I'm also under the impression that so does everyone else (and if you don't, try Mamoun's and you will). Nancy's never been so it was basically manditory that we go. Easily my favorite restaurant in downtown New Haven!

Small accomplishment of mine--a mile in under 15 minutes! I've been trying to build up my endurance and get into running. I usually do increments of walking and running. This week I was doing 4 walking, 3 running. This particular time I did my four minutes of walking, and decided to keep running. So proud :3. Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle" was the perfect song to keep me going.

Two days ago I went to a friend's graduation/going away party. She's a nerdfighter whovian like me, so I knew what ever gift  Zack and I gave her had to be awesome and related to one of those things. I decided to make her a DFTBA necklace out of Bananagram letters (since I couldn't find spare scrabble tiles :/). It was a slightly tedious project, but well worth it. DFTBA = Don't Forget To Be Awesome. So while she's over in New Zealand she can wear it so other nerdfighters can find her and know she's awesome.

The last picture is the TARDIS cake she and her dad made. It's literally the most amazing cake I've ever seen. She and her dad did a great job; and it was tasty too!


For more of my instagrams you can find me @Averenee :)

TTFN!<3

Potato and Corn Festival!

I've been so busy with work, I'm glad I'm finally getting to this post as I watch the closing ceremony for the Olympics (btw, OMG SPICE GIRLS INNER CHILD SO HAPPY). Anyways, the Potato and Corn Festival was great! I go for the food, of course, but there's plenty more to see and do there. They have corn eating contests, sack races, carnival rides, and vendors to shop.

As it was the Potato and Corn Festival, one would expect to eat potatoes and uhh...corn Although they are delicious, I had that last year. So I went for the Thai food from Thai Awesome. My veggie pad thai with garlic chicken was the best. ESPECIALLY with the sriracha sauce. Noms.

The Thai food was awesome, but the star of the evening was Big Couzin's Doughnuts, made fresh to order. Not gonna lie, these doughnuts are reason enough to go to the festival. I could eat them forever. These doughnuts were love at first bite. They cook them right in front of you, flipping them with dowels to golden perfection as you salvate buckets. Then you get the choice of sugar or cinnamon sugar, they shake it in a big bag of your choice, wrap a napkin around it and send you on your way to pure doughnut bliss.

I look forward to going again next year, and I shall buy many doughnuts. Nom nom nom.

TTFN!<3

OOTD: To the Museum!

My days off this whole summer have been spent on building up my blog, painting, and working on projects. That's cool n' all, seeing as that's my future career; but when you work full time in a pharmacy and dedicate the same amount of time to your passion, eventually you'll need a break. So yesterday when my sister asked if I wanted to go to the museum with her and her friend, I took her up on the offer! (good choice, might I add).

D E T A I L S

• Animal print top - H&M
• Blue button down - Burlington Coat Factory
• Belt - Gift from sister
• Purple leggings - Charlotte Russe
• Owl necklace - Charlotte Russe
• Flower earrings - Tag Sale at the Greek Odessey Festival
• Black canvas shoes - Target

M A K E U P

• Revlon photo ready liquid foundation
• Boiing concealer
• Ulta mascara
• Too Faced's Romantic Eye palette - Honeymoon

I love layering! Once school starts back up and the weather cools down....lets say you've been warned. Both of these tops lend themselves for layering with leggings--perfect length! Speaking of leggings, I love the color of these ones. I'll have to add some more funky colors to my wardrobe soon. Not everything in this outfit matches, but I think it all came together quite nicely :3 

My hair was a day 4 mango butter twist out. It was my first time using it so I wasn't sure what the results would be so I didn't want to blog it.  Let me just say though, my hair was sooooo soft (and still is on day 5 :O). Mangos are slowly becoming my favorite fruit.

We went to the Peabody museum with our lovely student discount. The temporary exhibit currently there is all about food in America. I'm a sucker for statistics on things like that (Some documentaries to mention: Forks Over Knives, Food Inc., Super Size Me, etc...) Learned some stuff, enjoyed myself, felt like a little kid again.

TTFN! <3