A Ticket to Ride: I'm heading across the pond!

I have never been outside of the continental United States. My mom grew up in Wisconsin and my dad grew up in New Jersey and I grew up in California. The only vacations we ever go on are to visit family in other states. Don't get me wrong, Wisconsin summer storms are beautiful and the Jersey shore can be fun, but ever since I was little, I have been dying to travel abroad and explore the world. Now, I finally have that opportunity and I want to be able to take full advantage of the fact that the world's epicenters of culture will be at my doorstep.

In just a few short weeks, I will begin my 6-month adventure of studying abroad at Oxford University, Worcester College. On January 5th, I will fall asleep in the States, and on the 6th, I will wake up in England ready to experience a new way of learning and living. Over the course of my study abroad trip, I will spend two 8-week terms at Oxford and one 6-week break traveling through Europe. Not only will I get to expand my intellect by studying at one of the most august institutions in the world, but I will also be able to become a student of the world as I experience new cultures and immerse myself in each country’s history. Studying abroad means that I get to learn more about myself as a person while I’m learning more about the secrets and history of the world.

I am most looking forward to exploring places in person, which I have only read about in books and heard about in lectures. I want to be able to fly to Madrid one weekend to admire the Arab Wall and take a train to Brussels the next to see where EU policy is made. Visit places like the Bohemian Valley in the Czech Republic and make new friends in cities like Amsterdam. Admire the grandiosity of the Statue of David in Italy, ponder the concept of art at the ARKEN in Copenhagen, and explore literature at the Mafra Palace Library in Portugal.

Specifically, studying at Oxford will allow me to challenge my current view of the American political system and bring back a new perspective to apply to my political future. Also, while abroad, I hope to experience different viewpoints and values. I will broaden my horizons and  I will be able to interact with several cultures that I would not have been able to otherwise, thereby making priceless memories and, hopefully, lifelong international friendships. I hope that once I return I will be able to understand more about myself and apply a new perspective to both my final semester of learning and my future career path. By studying abroad, I will be able to conceptualize concepts that were previously abstract and experience them in practice, and this is one of the greatest things that I could bring back with me.

I am ready to be challenged and all I have to do is get out there and explore.

If you’re interested in following my journey, check back soon. I will be posting updates from all corners of Europe whenever I can!

Fall Outfits for Every Occasion

The changing of the seasons is one of the reasons why I moved to the East Coast. I just love fall, call me basic, but it's a wonderful season. The weather starts to cool down, the leaves begin to change colors, and of course, it's election season. My favorite part of fall, though, is the fashion. The colors are gorgeous, the scarves are comfortable, and who doesn't love a good pair of boots.

So, in honor of the beginning of fall, I created three autumn-inspired outfits for three different occasions -- one that I would wear to my internship, one that I would wear out, and one that I would wear to class. Hopefully, these outfits will help get you in the fall fashion spirit!

This outfit is perfect to wear into the office. Dresses are so effortless and you can never go wrong with a chic textured pattern. Finish it off with a comfy sweater, patent loafers, and a nude lip and you'll be ready to take on the world. 

The cooler weather doesn't mean that you can't look cute on a fun night out. Mustard is all the rage right now and these shorts look fantastic paired with a tight black top and fierce black booties (and I can never say no to a bold burgundy lip).

One of the best parts about fall is that you can basically where a blanket out of the house and it's socially acceptable. When running to class you can be comfy and cute with a pair of ripped jeans, booties and a fluffy scarf. Top it off with a flat-brimmed hat and you'll be the envy of campus.

What's your favorite fall fashion statement?

-Marisa

A Definitive Ranking of Political Dramas

Can't get enough of this circus we are calling the 2016 Presidential election? Don't worry, cable can answer all of your prayers. I study Political Science, I currently work for a political organization, and I live in D.C.; it's fair to say that I have a slight obsession with politics. If I'm not studying PoliSci or working in D.C., I'm probably glued to a political drama. I mean, I did write an entire blog post just about House of Cards. But Kevin Spacey isn't the only one out there who is playing a corrupt politician. So, with House of Cards in the coveted #1 spot, here is my definitive ranking of political dramas:

1. House of Cards (Netflix) HOC follows the rise (and fall, perhaps) of the predatory politician Frank Underwood as he manipulates his way through power, politics and love and is a wonderfully addictive show. #FU2016
2. BrainDead (CBS) This satirical embodiment of the extreme political polarization in Congress might be one of the greatest things I've ever seen. A Hill staffer notices that there is something strange causing extreme partisan tensions among Congressmen and she sets out to save the government from the ultimate shutdown. Basically, it's political drama meets sci-fi meets satirical late night and it's fantastic.
3. The Royals (Hulu/E!) Just as in Frank Underwood's world, in the world of the monarchy, power is everything. This show, set in modern day London, follows a fictional British Royal family who inhabits a world of opulence and regal tradition that caters to any and every desire, but one that also comes with a price tag of duty, destiny, and intense public scrutiny. It's just as binge-worthy as HOC.
4. The Man in the High Castle (Amazon Prime) This is a fantastic Amazon Prime original that might just have one of the best pilots I have ever seen. The show is based on a book written in the 1960s that envisions what the world would be like if Nazi Germany won World War 2.
5. Newsroom (Amazon Prime/HBO) This show gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the production of a nightly, controversial newscast. Will, the show's host, is stubborn and outspoken but proves to be a dynamic character. It's a good, original show.
6. Scandal (ABC) This drama, based on a true story, follows the career of Olivia Pope as she starts her own crisis-management firm. I was really into this show for two seasons but then it started revolving too much around the love life of Olivia Pope rather than the political world of the "fixer" business. People keep telling me I should give it another try, though.
7. Veep (HBO) This comedic show follows the life of US VP Selina Meyer as she tries to pass legislation while avoiding the day-to-day political games of Washington. It's a decent show, but it's really not my type of comedy. I'd say it's more of a show for in the background than for an intense binging sesh.  
8. Political Animals (USA) While this show only had one season, it was a pretty good one season. The show deals with the issues of a former first family who is still trying to remain relevant in the ever-changing political world.
9. Madam Secretary (CBS) This show follows the life of the newly appointed Secretary of State, after the suspicious death of her predecessor. I'd say don't waste your time. The plot line was kind of interesting but I couldn't get past the terrible acting. 
10. Homeland (Showtime) This show follows Carrie, a rogue CIA agent, as she becomes convinced that a prisoner of war has turned into a double agent. In my opinion, this show is absolutely terrible. I can't stand watching actress Claire Danes who severely over-acts and the plot line is just all over the place.

This fall I'm looking forward to trying out Designated Survivor, Graves, and Notorious. Who knows, there might be a rankings update coming soon!

Be sure to let me know in the comments if you think I'm missing any shows or disagree with any of my rankings!

*Political dramas on my "To Watch List": The West Wing, Covert Affairs, Alpha House, 1600 Penn, State of Affairs, The Americans, Quantico

Packing Tips for College Move Out Day

It's a bittersweet time of the year - summer is approaching which means no more papers or exams, but it also means saying goodbye to friends and and this lovely Homewood campus. I mean, there's still like four weeks (plus finals) left this semester, but I know I'm already thinking about summer. I'm going to be at Hopkins but I'm sure a lot of you will be moving off-campus or moving home for the summer. Take it from someone who moved out of their dorm last year, it can be a stressful and time-consuming process. Between Homecoming, Spring Fair, finals, and the nice weather *fingers crossed*, it can be difficult to get everything organized and packed up in a timely manner. Where should you begin? What all do you need to do? Check out this list!

1. Figure out if anyone is helping you move out. My mom and grandma came the week of move-out and helped me pack and organize and it was lifesaver. Figure out if you have any family coming to help and you can manage your time better.
2. Find a storage unit asap if you live far away. One of the hardest things about being across the country for school is figuring out what to do with all of your stuff when summer comes around. Upperclassmen friends with houses or family nearby would be ideal but finding a close storage unit might be your best option. Look to see if other students want to share a unit with you and make sure to ask for student discounts!
3. Be very, very nice to local friends and buff guys. Moving out of your dormroom that's on the fourth floor is very taxing. Then you have to figure out how you're actually going to move the stuff from the dorm to a car and/or a storage unit. Strong friends and friends with cars will come in very handy. 
4. Make a to-do list. This way you can be on top of everything and nothing will sneak up on you. You have to organize, pack, clean, actually move out - the list goes on. Having all your tasks in one place makes everything less stressful.
5. Set aside items to donate. If you didn't wear it all school year, you won't wear it next year. Don't take up time and space by storing items you don't need. At Hopkins, Goodwill has trucks stationed around campus come the end of the semester so you can conveniently donate items.
6. And throw out things you really don't need. No, you won't need those thousand pages that you printed out for all your classes. Take it from a hoarder, lighten your load before you store everything and it will make move-in in the fall a lot easier.
7. Label all of your boxes. This should be a no-brainer but labeling your boxes will make a world of difference when it comes to move-in. It's also easier when you're trying to pack and have no clue where to put what.
8. Eat all your food and spend all your dining dollars. Finals is a great time to make sure you eat all of your perishables and spend your dining dollars on coffee and candy. Don't let anything go to waste!
9. Make sure you save time to clean. A lot of dorms will charge your account for any reason they can. Make sure all tape is removed, any hole is filled, and all your trash is taken out.

Preparation is key to a quick and easy move. Best of luck getting packed and good luck with finals! You got this, I believe in you :)

-Marisa

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Stylish and Office-Appropriate: Your Guide to Business Casual

Whether you have an awesome summer internship coming up or you have an important meeting or presentation, the key to success is a killer outfit. Business casual by no means translates to a boring, stuffy outfit. Business casual can definitely be fun and cute while still being professional. Basically, business casual is dressed up but not too dressed up which I know can be kind of confusing. But, do not fear! I like to think that I'm kind of an expert on business casual, so I've put together three outfits to help inspire your business casual fashion decisions.

My go-to business casual outfit is a pair of amazing patterned pants and a nice blouse or sweater. Pants like these take little effort to style and make you look put together and confident. If you are in a more professional environment, throw on a blazer or light cardigan, especially if your shirt doesn't cover your shoulders.

Putting on a nice skirt instantly makes you look more professional. You could go with a skirt like this or a more classic pencil skirt. A business skirt is a staple for anyone's closet, and if you stick with a neutral color such as navy or black, you can pair it with a variety of tops. Statement heels instantly make your outfit look more chic but be sure to throw a comfy pair of shoes in your bag for lunchtime errands or the walk to the train station.

I love dresses because you just have to add a sweater or a blazer and your outfit is complete. The dress pictured above is great because the pattern isn't too over-the-top, it has a high neckline, and the cut with the collar and belt make it look professional. This is something you could dress up or down depending on how professional you need to look.

Make sure you gauge the company culture before you wear anything too edgy or too casual, and remember that being overdressed is always better than being underdressed! 

Do you have a cool internship this summer? Comment below!

-Marisa

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching House of Cards

House of Cards isn't just a TV show, it's a way of life. If you haven't seen it yet, stop everything you're doing and go binge - it will change your life. HOC follows the rise (and fall, perhaps) of the predatory politician Frank Underwood as he manipulates his way through power, politics, and love. It's basically one of the best shows I have ever watched, and y'all know I've watched a lot of shows. Here are ten reasons why you should follow Frank Underwood on his journey down the rabbit hole. 

1. The acting.
2. Breakage of the fourth wall.
3. There's never a dull moment.
4. It's a show that plays the long game.
5. Everything is not always as it seems.
6. Frank Underwood is the epitome of an anti-hero.
7. Quotes on quotes on quotes.
8. You can actually learn about the basics of the American political system.
9. It's a rather bingeable show that will leave you hanging on the characters' every word. (Hello, spring break plans!)
10. They're all on Netflix so it's super convenient!

#soml

All it takes is a little push ;) Bonus - season 4 is being released in less than 24 hours! #FU2016 #gethype

If you're looking for other TV show recs, check out my post on 8 Shows You Should Be Binge Watching!

-Marisa

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17 Struggles That Only Glasses Wearers Understand

I love wearing glasses. I think they complement my face and my personality. I think glasses are great. But, they can also be a definite struggle. With the recent cold and rain, some of these struggles have come to the forefront of my mind. To those perfect-sighted people - I hope this helps you appreciate our struggle. To you fellow glasses wearers - cheers!

Yes, the blizzard was fun. No, I could not see anything.

1. Rain and snow are a constant struggle.
2. Two words: prescription sunglasses.
3. 3D movies are a no-go.
4. Buying a new pair is such a commitment.
5. Smudges galore.
6. Making out.
7. Remembering that horrible pair of glasses that you thought was so cool in middle school.
8. Putting on makeup.
9. In the same regard, trying to get your eyebrows on fleek.
10. Hairstyles are also a struggle.
11. The constant questioning of "Why don't you wear contacts?".
12. Lenses fogging up in any and every situation.
13. Swimming is always a scary thought.
14. Losing your glasses.
15. Over-the-ear headphones hurt.
16. People taking your glasses to see how blind you are.
17. The societal stereotype that if a nerd takes off her glasses she becomes instantly beautiful.

The struggle is real. Any struggles I'm forgetting?

-Marisa

What to Wear for Sorority Recruitment

I never thought I was the type of girl who would be in a sorority but rushing last spring was one of the best decisions I have ever made. While recruitment can be fun, it is also stressful and can be confusing. I'm here to help ease a little of that nervousness with a clothing guide for winter recruitment.

At Johns Hopkins, we have recruitment in January so that freshman have a semester to settle in and meet the different sororities; however, that means that there's a good chance that it will be mighty cold out. We have 4 days of recruitment: Ice Water (cute casual), Theme Round (business casual), Pref (formal), and Bid Day (white dress). Below you'll find a little guide for each of these rounds.

Winter Recruitment: Ice Water Round by marisaelle96 featuring flat brown knee high boots

All throughout recruitment, you want to be wearing something that makes you feel confident. Make sure your clothes reflect your personality (and are comfy for a full day of standing and girl-flirting)! Ice Water is the cute casual round. A nice pair of jeans with riding boots is a great choice for those in colder climates. I absolute love wearing flannels and I think the vest and necklace add great finishing touches to the look. This year, Hopkins is giving all the PNMs (Potential New Members) a shirt to wear for Ice Water, so make sure you accessorize so the sisters you talk to can pick you out from a crowd.

Winter Recruitment: Theme Round by marisaelle96 featuring cropped pants

Next we have Theme Round, at other schools it might be called the Philanthropy Round. This round is business casual. Don't be alarmed when you hear the word 'business'. Business casual outfits can be adorable and are actually some of my favorite outfits to style. You can't go wrong with a pair of patterned business pants. I recommend that you check out H&M if you're in need of a pair. These pants look great with a nice sweater and some boots or heels. Just remember the business does not mean stuffy! Your personality can still shine through and an outfit like this will help you stand out in the sea of other PNMs.

Winter Recruitment: Pref by marisaelle96 featuring fringe booties

On our third night of recruitment, we have Pref Night. This is the most formal night and is a great reason to buy that dress you've just been dying to have. PNMs wear formal dresses in any color (think Homecoming or Winter Formal, not Prom) and sisters wear black dresses. I would choose something similar to the dress above because it's cute, appropriate (keep it classy, you're not going clubbing), and in one of my favorite colors. Because of the cold weather I would opt for boots, but you can always wear weather-appropriate shoes over and change into your heels once you get to the round.

Winter Recruitment: Bid Day by marisaelle96 featuring a white dress

The end of recruitment is finally here! You've finished pref and you're about to get a bid and meet your new sisters! At our school, PNMs wear white dresses for Bid Day. Just keep it nice and simple with a white dress, nude heels, and a cute bow or necklace. You'll be meeting a lot of new people today so wearing something like a burgundy bow is a great way to help them remember you.

Good luck to everyone who is going through recruitment! Remember to let your personality shine through and that everything will work out for the best!

-Marisa

Top 5 YA Books of 2015

I love reading. I read quite a lot, basically whenever I have free time. So, because my reading list is so extensive and I did not have much free time this year, I only read a few books that were published in 2015, but I did read enough to compile a top 5 list. Without further ado, my top 5 books of 2015:

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1. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - Two high school students meet at the edge of the bell tower and become unlikely friends. They pair up for a class project that instructs them to discover the "natural wonders" of the state they live in. While discovering more about the world around them they are also discovering more about themselves. It is a beautifully intricate story that brings mental health to the forefront of readers' conversations.
2. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett - Bex Adams has her heart set on following in Da Vinci's footsteps and plans to spend the summer before her senior year sketching actual cadavers and working at a local market. Her plans might not be as concrete as she thought they were, though. One night on the late bus, Bex runs into a mysteriously attractive boy named Jack. Both characters are quirky and lovable but they both have skeletons they are hiding from. Readers' will be rooting for the characters throughout the whole book.
3. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon - Madeline has SCID otherwise known as the "bubble baby disease." She is allergic to the world and has been living in an airlocked house for the last 18 years, not once stepping foot outside. She had never really felt like she was missing out on much; she takes classes online and spends most of her time reading or hanging with her mom. She starts to question everything about her world when a boy in all black moves in next door. Yoon weaves an intricate tale that will surprise the readers at every turn. My only complaint is that I feel like the ending was a little rushed and kind of a last minute thought.
4. The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise by Matthew Crow - Francis is a teenage boy who is the narrator of this emotionally honest story. Francis' home life has never been all the great and he has had to live a rather independent life. He is planning out his years after school when he is diagnosed with leukemia. As his life is falling apart, the last thing on his mind is making new friends, but it is exactly then when he meets Amber, a fierce spirit who also has cancer. The book will have you laughing out loud and bawling your eyes out.
5. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - So, this is not necessarily the greatest book of 2015 but it's definitely a must-read if you are a fan by her previous book Fangirl. The book is basically a rip-off Harry Potter so any HP nerds will see alarmingly similar characters, activities, and descriptions. However, it is still an interesting read. I feel like it's almost purposely written to read like a fanfic. Simon Snow, the chosen one, attends a school for young wizards (Watford's) but grew up not knowing that magic existed (ring a bell?). He believes that his roommate, Baz, is out to get him and that he also happens to be a vampire. The plot is rather simple but it has ghouls, vampires, and magicians galore as well as a rather interesting love story.

If you want to know what else I'm reading, check out my Goodreads profile at www.goodreads.com/marisaelle. What were your top reads of 2015?

-Marisa

My 2016 Bucket List

My 2016 Bucket List

Survive sorority recruitment.

Go Greek! Go Theta! (Image Source)

Spoil a little. 

Attend my first lacrosse game.

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Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Spend the fall semester in DC.

The Washington Monument!

Run to the White House when the 45th President is announced.

Throwback to 2013 East Coast trip!

Build up my blog.

Go to more concerts.

I love myself a good concert - Grizfolk was great!

Learn fluent Spanish.

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Apply for a study abroad program for spring 2017.

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What are y'all planning on doing this year?-Marisa 

8 Shows You Should Be Binge Watching

I know, I know - I haven't posted in almost 4 months (yikes!). This last semester was crazy busy, but now it's winter break and I have some time to write up a few posts.

So, I'm back home in SoCal for a few weeks. I spent the first few days hanging with friends, eating In'n'Out and Mexican food, and catching up with the fam, but now the boredom of break is starting to set in so it's time to turn to Netflix. As y'all should know, I'm a TV addict so I thought I might share some of my expert knowledge with you and make a list of some shows that you should be binge watching this break.

1. The Mindy Project (Hulu) - Mindy Kaling stars in, directs, and writes this adorably witty sitcom. Mindy plays the role of an up-and-coming OBGYN looking to make her mark in the Big Apple. Mindy and the rest of the crew are hilarious and instantly lovable.
2. The Newsroom (Amazon Prime/HBO) - If you're a fan of House of Cards, you'll be a fan of The Newsroom. This show gives you a behind the scenes look at the production of a nightly, controversial newscast. Will, the news shows' host, is stubborn and outspoken but proves to be a dynamic character. 
3. The Man in the High Castle (Amazon Prime) - Here's another one for you Frank Underwood lovers. This is a fantastic Amazon Prime original that might just have one of the best pilots I have ever seen. The show is based on a book written in the 1960s that envisions what the world would be like if Nazi Germany won World War 2. It's brilliantly captivating and is what I am currently binge watching. 
4. Psych (Netflix/USA) - If you haven't seen this classic yet then you have been missing out. Nothing is better than mixing a crime show with comedy. Basically, Shawn, a novice sleuth, works with the Santa Barbara Police Department as a psychic contractor. Him and Gus get into a bunch of shenanigans which makes for a pretty entertaining binge session.
5. Criminal Minds (Netflix/CBS) - This is definitely my favorite show of all time. The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI travels around the United States taking down serial killers with badass profiling skills which makes for just as cool of a show as it sounds. Also, it doesn't hurt that Reid and Morgan make for great eye candy ;)
6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Hulu/Fox) - Here's another sitcom, this one starring Andy Samberg. Samberg plays Jake Peralta, an immature but talented NYPD officer who is a part of the lovable but awkward Nine-Nine crew. This show follows him and the other officers as they solve crime as well as through the ups and downs of their personal lives.
7. Mr. Robot (USA) - This show is a bit strange but is extremely interesting. The show follows the life of a young computer programmer who suffers from mental illness as he encounters a mysterious hacking group led by the one and only - Mr Robot.
8. Grey's Anatomy (Netflix/ABC) - This is definitely a guilty pleasure binge but I enjoyed it. I don't know if I really need to explain Grey's but basically it follows the lives of a group of medical interns as they learn the inter-workings of the hospital as well as learn more about themselves. All I can say is be ready for some DRAMA and lots of untimely deaths - Shonda Rhimes sure knows how to tug at your heart strings.

Let me know if you think there's anything missing from the list :) Merry Christmas and Happy Binge Watching!!

-Marisa

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Beauty Emergency?? This Make-Your-Own Kit Will Save You

If you're anything like me, you've been out-and-about running errands or hanging with friends only to have your afternoon basically ruined by a broken nail. You root around in your bag looking for a nail file only to remember that you never quite got around to adding one to your purse. Don't you wish you had a nice kit full of supplies to help you out when a beauty emergency pops up? Look no further because I have a come up with the perfect solution to save you in nearly any situation. My combination of products all fits in a tiny make-up bag which is perfect to move from purse to purse. I mean, you could buy one at Sephora for like $20, but my method allows you to tailor the bag just to your liking and use products you already have at home!

Sneak-Peek at my kit!!

1. A Cute, Compact Bag (I'm currently using one from Ipsy).
2. Nail File
3. Chap-stick
4. Band-Aids
5. Floss
6. A Small Lotion
7. Perfume (Samples from Sephora work great!)
8. Advil
9. Tissues
10. Bobby Pins and/or Hair Clips
11. Hair Band
12. A Couple of Dollars
13. Emergency Feminine Products
14. Phone Cord

Just throw these products into your make-up bag and you're ready to go! Do you think I'm missing anything? Let me know down below :)

-Marisa

What To Bring To College: Dorm Room Essentials

Everyone knows they need to bring bedding on college move-in day, but most tend not to think of things like curtains or a medicine box. Well, I'm here to save the day with a list of what many people might not think of but I deem essential. After living in a dorm for 9ish months, you could say I'm an expert. Some of the items on the list I could just simply not live without and others are extras that just make life a lot easier.

My freshman year dorm!

1. Curtains The sun gets very bright in the mornings and when you don't have a class until the afternoon, you don't want to be woken up at the crack of dawn by the sun. 
2. Microwave There will be days when you don't want to leave your dorm (like when it's 20 degrees and snowing) and you'll be very grateful for your microwave and that stash of ramen. 
3. Twin XL Mattress Pad and/or Foam Pad Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable and a mattress pad will greatly improve your night's sleep.
4. Fan Sometimes your dorm will be uncomfortably warm, especially if it's September and your building doesn't have AC. Also, I like being under all of my covers when I sleep which can get hot, so I have to have a fan pointed at my bed.
5. Blankets Your dorm could also end up being uncomfortably cold at certain points, like when your heat breaks down in the middle of winter. A bonus of having blankets is that when you take a nap, you don't have to mess up your perfectly made bed - you can just use your blanket.
6. Felt Hangers You can fit so much more clothing in your closet with these hangers (They're super thin!). They are absolute lifesavers. (Bonus: They're non-slip.)
7. Lint Roller If you're using the dorm's washer and dryer there's a good chance you'll end up with someone else's lint on your clothes and using a lint roller will make you look a little bit more like an adult. In addition, it works great to roll hair out of your area rug that your vacuum cannot get.
8. Area Rug On that note, an area rug is definitely worth the trouble. It makes your whole room look cozier and less dorm-like and is also a great place for visitors to sit.
9. Stain Remover This is another necessity. You can't control when something leaks or spills onto your comforter or your favorite blouse and Shout (or similar) will be a lifesaver.
10. Decorative Lights This is another thing that will make your dorm cozier. Dorm lights are harsh and unflattering and fairy lights will create an ambiance that makes your dorm look chic and hipster.
11. Note Cards (and Stamps) Your family and friends will appreciate an update every now and again and everyone loves getting mail. Also, it's just a good habit to always have "Thank You" notes lying around.
12. Printer Yes, your library will have a printer, but that library could be 10 minutes away in the pouring rain and cost you 10 cents per page that you could be putting towards your daily Starbucks instead. Having a printer in your room is just more convenient, especially when you're a Humanities major and have to print out and read about 700 pages a week. 
13. Router Dorm Wi-Fi can be spotty and you want every advantage you can get when it comes to class registration day. Also, at my school, the only way you can print wirelessly is if you have a router. It's just something that comes in super handy.
14. Air Freshener Most dorms don't allow you to burn candles so this is the next best thing. It's always great when someone walks into your room and says, "Wow! This smells great." I like the wall plug-in from Bath and Body Works - there's so many scents to choose from!
15. Medicine Box You never know when you might get sick, have an allergy attack, or fall down the stairs, and having a medicine box ready-to-go is literally a lifesaver. (Yes, all of these things happened to me.) 

I hope this lists helps y'all with your dorm shopping and good luck with freshman year! Check back next week for another back-to-college post!

-Marisa

5 More Artists You Should Be Listening To Now

So, if you've been following my blog for awhile you know that I'm slightly obsessed with music. For those of you that are behind the times and are just now joining us here, I'm slightly obsessed with music. I have a radio show with WJHU Radio titled 410alt, I have more Spotify playlists than I can count, I am always on the lookout for cheap concerts, when my friends are looking for new music they come to me for suggestions, and I've already written a post on the topic (6 Artists You Should Be Listening To In 2015).

I made a prediction in January that this would be a great year for alt/indie music and I have to say that I was pretty accurate with that statement. Artists like Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness, George Ezra, and Walk the Moon are playing on mainstream pop stations and most radio listeners will recognize their songs. I've also come across a lot of new break-out bands and the music industry is growing more than ever. So, I say we get to know a few of these 2015 hits.

1. Hunter Hunted This indie pop duo just released their first full album "Ready for You" and it's absolutely amazing. The songs are infectious and it's hard not to play this album on repeat.
1. Songs to listen to: Operating and Keep Together
2. Twenty One Pilots This dynamic duo is hard to fit into one musical category; their songs span from indie pop to synthpop to nearly hip hop. Their album "Blurryface" was realeased a couple months back and was far from disappointing. While this recent album may not be the most cohesive set of songs they've released, the duo's experimentation lead to some great hits supported by some pretty good B-sides.
1. Songs to listen to: Tear In My Heart and The Judge
3. Grizfolk This alternative group mixes roots from both Sweden and LA leading to distinctly unique melodies, brimming with subtle folk and electro influences. They released their first EP "From The Spark" back in 2014, but they just released a new single and there are whispers of a full-length album coming soon.
1. Songs to listen to: Way Back When and Vagabonds
4. New Politics Originally from Copenhagen, this alternative rock band is a veteran of the alt/indie scene producing hits since 2009. Their music has stayed true to their fusion of punk and electropop sounds throughout the years. The band's 3rd album "Vikings" is set to be released in mid-August.
1. Songs to listen to: West End Kids and Everywhere I Go
5. The Mowgli's This upbeat alternative band uses their music to promote their mission of spreading love and kindness to others. The music reflects their positive message and is full of fun lyrics and good dance beats and their most recent album "Kids In Love" is no different.
1. Songs to listen to: I'm Good and Say It, Just Say It

Other honorable mentions include Nate Ruess (he's gone solo!), Walk the Moon, Panic! At The Disco, Smallpools, and The Royal Concept. Let me know if there are any artists that you think are missing from this list.

-Marisa

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Just Californian Things: A SoCal Perspective

Living in Baltimore for the past year where I was surrounded by people from many different states, I have come to learn a few things that make Californians distinctly unique. While there are some things SoCal and NorCal inhabitants might have in common, us SoCal-ers would say that NorCal is basically a different state. That being said, this list focuses on a middle class SoCal perspective. I am by no way saying that this list will or should apply to everyone, but they are generalizations that I have seen proven true time and time again.

1. We are snobbish about our Mexican food. If you're with a Californian long enough (I would say give it a day), you will hear them worship the burrito and constantly tell you that if you haven't had Mexican food in SoCal then you're missing out. No, Chipotle is not Mexican. No, TexMex is not Mexican. And no, not even Taco Bell is Mexican. Not to say that any of those aren't good, they just shouldn't be classified as Mexican food. Southern California Mexican food is in a league of its own, and we miss it everyday we're not in California.
2. Rain is a big deal. For one, there's this major drought, and we need the rain to sustain to the state. For another, we're not used to this mysterious precipitation that falls from the sky and we will freak out if it starts raining. Some of my best childhood memories are of the couple of days a year it would rain and we would stop everything we were doing and go outside and stomp in the puddles. In addition to that, we also don't understand seasons, and things like falling leaves and snow are also a big deal.
3. In'N'Out is basically better than anything. In'n'out is amazing and we Southern Californians basically worship it. You better not tell us that Five Guys or Shake Shack have better burgers and fries because you'd be wrong. 
4. Watching car chases on TV is actually a thing. It's a family affair. When we get a Breaking News Alert about a car chase, we tune in. No matter how seemingly boring the chase gets, we stick with it to the end. It really is a great form of entertainment and can also help test your knowledge of SoCal roads and freeways.
5. We have the most terrible traffic and you better not argue about that with us. The traffic is horrible. Going from Orange to LA should take you around 45 minutes, but throw in some good old traffic and you've got a 2 and a half hour drive. The traffic plagues every freeway and basically spans the hours from 6a-8p with maybe a lull around 2p for like a minute or two. This is one of the reasons Californians are such great drivers: traffic is a bitch to drive in.
6. It's the 5 freeway or the 405. On the topic of freeways, you need to use the article "the" in front of any freeway name. You would say "I'm going to take the freeway" so it would make perfect sense that you would say "I'm going to take the 5." Saying "I'm going to take 5 to get there" is the same as saying "I'm going to take freeway." 
7. Please don't ask me how many miles. Also on the topic of driving, a majority of us cannot feasibly comprehend distance given in miles. We know how many minutes it takes to get from here to there, but not miles. In addition to that, frankly most things are "about 20 minutes away."
8. Don't condemn my excessive use of the word "like." It's just part of our vernacular - a part of the SoCal dialect and we like basically grew up saying the word "like." It's efficient and easy to use. And y'all should get on that.
9. We have the best music scene. Period. The best bands started here. The best bands play here. We have the best small venues and the best large venues. Music in Cali is like nothing else.
10. Some of us do call it Cali. It's efficient and sounds cute. Most of the people I've met around here have nothing against calling it Cali.
11. Don't call it the OC. That just sounds weird. No one calls Orange County "The OC," it doesn't sound right and just shouldn't be said.
12. We have the best produce. Produce on the East Coast (and probably the Midwest) just can't stand up to the produce here. Ours is fresher and just plain better.
13. Small earthquakes just aren't that big of a deal. They are very common occurences and we're used to them. We like to brag to our East Coast friends about how many earthquakes we've survived.

Have you noticed anything else unique about your SoCal friends? Let me know in the comments below!

-Marisa

Books on Books: The YA Edition

I love books. Reading is one of my favorite past-times. I've read a whole lot of books and feel that I'm pretty qualified to give some solid book suggestions, so the following are my top YA picks.

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell I can't believe it took me almost 3 years to find this book. I read the entire book in one sitting and now I feel empty inside. I mean, don't get me wrong, the ending was perf, but now what am I supposed to do? Carry On doesn't come out until the fall! The book was a nerdy girl's dream. It shows us that there's hope out there for those who live vicariously through our favorite book series. After finishing this, though, I do really wish that there were more YA books out there that had a main character who was in college. Too many YA books are about middle school or high school and unfortunately, those days are slipping through my fingers.
2. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Nevin I lost myself in this book and in Violet's adventure. I think it was a rather poignant comment on some of today's mental health problems among young adults. (It's going to be a movie - with Elle Fanning!!) *Warning: there will be tears.
3. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky Need I say anything about this classic? Chobsky was greatly influenced by Fitzgerald and that influence can be seen throughout the pages of Perks. Also, Emma Watson is in the movie adaptation and I'm just going to say I think it is one of the most perfect pages-to-screen film I have seen.
4. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Leviathan Let's face it - I wish this was my life. I would be in absolute heaven. A) I love New York City B) I love bookstores C) I would love to have a spontaneous adventure with a mysterious boy and D) Dash sounds really cute. Their little adventure left me smiling for weeks.
5. Partials by Dan Wells So. Good. This dystopian vision of the future is hauntingly beautiful. There are humans and partials living together in a very rundown country. There are wars, battles, cross country treks, and of course a love triangle.
6. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight or This is What Happy Looks Like both by Jennifer E. Smith These are adorable, chick lit, feel-good reads. Need something to read on the beach or to take your mind off of a tough day? Then this author is your perfect choice. They definitely aren't life-changing books but they are indeed quite fun.
7. Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter Yes, these are definitely young adult but they were my childhood. I mean, who wouldn't want to be the top student at a super secret spy training boarding school. My dream, spurred from many good reads, as a child was to attend a boarding school. That dream never panned out, but I could always live out that fantasy through this series. Not only were they about spies but the were actually pretty well written, so even if you're a tad older than your average YA reader I'm sure you'll enjoy them.
8. Delirium, Matched, Divergent... Take your pick. I'm a sucker for a good dystopian novel and I think all of these are good. The Divergent Series is my favorite but to each their own. 
9. Harry Potter because duh
10. Also, anything by Dan Brown - I know he's not YA, but still. And I'm reading Digital Fortress right now so his books are on the brain.

Let me know in the comments what's at the top of your reading recommendations list!

I Went to a Smallpools Concert

... and it was great fun. So, I know I haven't posted in forever. Please don't be mad. But now that summer's here (and I spent a week or two relaxing), I have an overwhelming amount of free time so get ready for a slew of posts.

Smallpools tickets!!!

I went to the Smallpools concert at The Observatory in Santa Ana for my birthday and I absolutely loved it! To start off, The Observatory is a great, intimate venue. Holly and I stood off the right side of the stage next to the speaker and were about 5 feet away from the band. It was standing room only and my legs were definitely sore by the end of the night, but it was still a great experience.

This is the first time that I've been to a show where I loved to opening acts as much as the main act. I actually didn't know either of the opening acts ahead of time (note to self: look up all bands ahead of time) but I was very pleasantly surprised. The warm-up acts were local bands Hunter Hunted and Grizfolk.

Me and Hunter Hunted lead vocals!

Hunter Hunted, an indie pop group, kicked off the show with a set list filled with fun, dance-y songs. I caught up with the lead singer, Michael Garner, after the show and he described his band as the ice cream flavor Rocky Road stating that it perfectly explains both their journey and their music. Their second album - "Ready for You" - will be released July 10th, and Garner's favorite song on the track is it's namesake.

Me with Grizfolk! (Adam Roth, Fredrik Eriksson, and the James Bay look-a-like)

Grizfolk, an alternative rock band with roots in LA and Sweden, followed. And they were fabulous. All of the band members were extremely interactive with the crowd and I even got the set list from the guitarist Fredrik Eriksson. After the show, I had a chance to ask them a quick question: What flavor of ice cream would you say describes your band? Adam Roth, the lead vocalist, decisively answered Chocolate-Chocolate Chip with a mix Swedish Licorice and a little bit of something sour thrown in. The bandmates unanimously decided that their favorite song from the set was "Vagabonds." My personal favorite is "Way Back When" but they sadly informed me that they only play the song at shows they headline - so it looks like I might just have to see them again. (Also, a quick sidenote, their drummer looks uncannily like James Bay.)

Time for the main act!

It was finally time for Smallpools - a relatively newly-formed indie pop group. They had an amazing, energetic entry and that energy carried through the full performance. Sean Scanlon, lead vocals, told a great many stories throughout the performance, letting his fans know more about the history of the band and the meanings behind the songs. Did you know that before the band got big, they used to google their band name? For the longest time they only found results linking to articles about not keeping killer whales in small pools, but they didn't let that stop them, they turned it into a song: "Killer Whales." It was interesting learning about their songs and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for their next album.

Signing off for now!
Marisa

Spring Break In Review

Stepping off the plane in Baltimore was near torture. After spending a week in sunny SoCal, I was so not ready for near-freezing temperatures. I mean, it's Spring - why is it this cold? Haha, that's enough complaining for now. It was great to spend a week in Cali. I went to a concert, went shopping, hung out with my friends, and did some baking. It wasn't a very productive break and it wasn't your typical college spring break, but at least it was fun and relaxing. 

To start off the break, I went to a Bleachers concert with Holly (and my parents). It was so much fun; we are definitely #Bleachercreatures. The Night Terrors of 1927 and Joywave were the opening acts. Night Terrors was alright, but you should stop reading this for a quick second and go listen to Joywave. We are definitely Joywave converts. Though, I do think that they might be better live than they are on their recordings. I mean, the lead singer is a total geek and they were wearing matching shoes - it was great. And obviously, the Bleachers were great. It was my third time seeing them, and I finally got to touch Jack Antanoff!

The lead singer of Joywave!!

Let's see. On Tuesday, Holly and I went to Old Towne Orange (cute, hipster-y neighborhood) to grab lunch. We had pretty good burgers and then followed that up with cupcakes from the Perfect Circle Cupcakery. Gotta love cupcakes :)

The Princess Vanilla cupcake :)

On Wednesday and Thursday, I mainly just relaxed. I babysat for a family I've known for awhile and baked some slutty brownies. They were so good - you should look up the recipe. On Friday, Holly and I grabbed lunch at Bruxie's in Old Towne Orange. I mean, who doesn't love waffles? After that my mom and I went shopping and got some great deals at Kohls - so many sales! (I forgot to mention, we also went to the mall on Monday for some spring shopping.) And then, on Saturday, I did a photo shoot with Holly and my friends Melynda and Michelle. Unfortunately it was then time to hop on a plane back to Baltimore.

The things I miss most about home (besides the people) are Rubio's, bratwurst, my bed, and my car so hopefully my week long fix of those things will carry me through finals. Only 6 more weeks of freshman year!