Spring Semester 2014 Necessities

The first day of my spring semester was supposed to start yesterday, but thanks to an overwhelming amount of snow, it did not. And I was actually looking forward to the first day of classes.

That said, technically today is my first day of classes and this is what I'm going to be bringing:

1. My Longchamp Bag (in New Navy): This was a Christmas present that I desperately wanted! My bag I was using before started to tear on the inside. I really used that thing!

2. My MacBook and charger: I'm a Graphic Design student. I need this. NEED. **sidenote: I want to get one of those cool stickers to put on the cover of my MacBook**

3. My planner: I've had this for a while and worked out a new organization system for my planner over winter break. I actually have a Pinterest board that is mostly dedicated to planners. (Is that weird? I don't think so.)

4. Water and a snack: I have a water bottle with me at all times. This semester most of my classes are back to back with 15 minutes in between and I know I'll be hungry. My favorite snack to get at my school is the single serve hummus that comes with pretzel chips. So good!

5. Notebook, sketchbook, pens: I think this kind of goes without saying, but I'm going to need to sketch out my ideas and take notes during class. Still, I know there will be a day when I forget to bring a pen. It's inevitable.

What I Learned While Painting My Room

Now, I am by no means a professional painter, but that didn't stop me from painting my own room! At the top of my list of "Things I Want to Do Over Winter Break" (yes, there was a list) was to repaint my room.  To be honest, I started this process over the summer- I went to Lowes, picked out a few paint swatches and taped them on my wall. That's my process for picking paint, but that didn't really work. Up until about a week or two ago, I was still undecided. So back to Lowes I went. In the end I chose a Valspar paint called Sea Lily.

Best. Decision. Ever.

It took maybe about a week to fully complete this project- packing up my room and moving my furniture around to make painting easier, taping off the molding, priming, first coat and second coat of paint, moving everything back into my room.

And this is what I learned:

1. Give yourself plenty of time. Like I said, it took me about a week.

2. Have patience. I was happy to fill my days with rearranging my room and painting. I seriously made plans around my painting schedule.

3. Don't rush picking a color. Maybe this goes back to having patience, but it should still be said. Make sure you're happy with the color you pick- I don't know about you, but I really can't repaint my room every few months or so.

4. Play music! Have the TV on or a movie playing. Listen to some TED talks. Don't paint in silence.

5. Multi-task. I had to pack up my things and store them in another room in order to paint. I also rearranged my furniture. Use this time to really sort through what you have stored or displayed. Toss things you no longer need. Donate. Sell at a garage sale. Give to a friend. 


Hope this helps for when you start thinking about re-doing your room!