Thursday, April 30, 2015

Reacting to a University President's Comment

A few days ago, a video of an out of hand college party surfaced. Now, this scene has all of the components of a regular college party--red solo cups and an extremely high volume--but there was something that was unusual about this particular one. And that was, the fact that the University president was in attendance of this off campus party. He encouraged the partying, and also jokingly said the University should buy more houses in the area, a "joke" on the behavior of many of his students.
That university was Quinnipiac. And Quinnipiac is in my hometown of Hamden, Connecticut. Although the president apologized, I still find it problematic that he can suggest even buying more houses for the students to party in. Shouldn’t you be cracking down on it?
I've lived in Hamden my whole life. I've enjoyed the delicious food as a regular at Acropolis Diner, I walked on the canal trail and I've been through all of Hamden's public schools. However, I believe my hometown has been taken over by the Quinnipiac University Bobcats, also knows as slob cats by revival Yale.
Before I continue let me say this--I don't hate everyone who goes to Quinnipiac or have anything against the students who go there either. I've been there before, and I enjoy the beauty of the campus as well as how talented some of the people I know go there are. 
For example, one of my favorite bloggers, Sami from Sparkle and Shine goes to school there, as well as my best friend does. There are good people there, and that’s not what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about those select few who overshadow the others. They are the ones who in a sense take over my town, and turn it into their personal playground to do whatever you choose. Whether it’s being drunk and disorderly to the point where it can disturb others to just in general, or just simply not caring about town property, the impact of the slob cats in the past few years has changed the town dynamic.
For example, my mom and I were at the local diner. Some girls came in and took over the restaurant. They threw beer cans in the parking lot and were extremely loud and rude. They even broke a towel paper dispenser in the bath room. To me, that’s a bit going in the extreme and it’s one of the few examples that I have about the ‘slob cats’ behavior.
I don’t hate Quinnipiac or am here to bash them. I do however ask there be a change on how the students treat Hamden. I get it that to many college is chance to party and break free the chains of home life. However, do it so you’re not at the expense of others. If someone is complaining about how loud someone is, then there’s a problem there. Just like you have the right to party, there’s also the right to tell someone that they are partying way too much. And if that happens to you, then you have to respect why someone said that they have a problem with how loud you are.
Treat Hamden with respect. That’s all we ask. We will do the same for you, as we are welcoming you into their own town. We have a lot of cool things going on here, and we love that you are there. But please, don’t abuse it. Would you rather be remembered as partiers or for being really good at what you do?
As a resident of Hamden, I don’t want it to be known as “town of the Slobcats.” For all I know is that I’ll end up at QU for my Master’s. I don’t want it to be known as a school for the party animals go to, because it’s a really good school. Clean up your act, QU. That’s all I ask for.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Currently.

Currently, my life is a mix of writing a lot of final papers and getting ready to finally enjoy the summer. (It's going to be weird not having a bunch of things going on, but that I can get used to.) I also plan to spend the summer interning at the College Fashionista website, which is something that I am so excited to announce with you all! I start May 18th, and I'm so excited to have this opportunity. I've never written for a blog before (other than my own) so this experience will be so great. (Plus it's something that I can learn a lot from!)
So here's what's up with me lately:
I'm currently listening to: Forever by Drake, Sechnsuct by Rammstein, and Style by Taylor Swift on repeat. 
I'm currently reading "The Lucy Variations." I love Sara Zarr, however I wish I had more time to read it! 
I'm currently obsessed with the color blue. Particially Tiffany Blue. 
I'm also currently obsessed with LC Lauren Conrad. I recently bought some costume jewelry pieces as well as some from her Cinderella collection! (Maybe I'll do a fashion post about her upcoming Minnie Mouse collection; what do you think?) 
I'm currently obsessed with iced coffee. I used to hate it, and now I can't get enough! (Especially the cookie dough kind)
What are you up to currently? 

Monday, April 27, 2015

Music Monday: Why I Still Listen to iPods

In middle school, if you had an iPod nano you were considered to rule the school. The iPod, back then a rectangle with a small screen, only held about a thousand songs and didn't play any video. Nine years later, many of those people are now loading their iTunes library onto their cell phones, some of them golden iPhones while others are played on iPhone 5cs, similar to the color of their iPod nanos.
I'm probably one of the few people in the world that still buys music off of the iTunes store, and syncs it to my old iPod touch or iPod shuffle as see here. Part of it is because I like that it's smaller and that it doesn't take up my space on my old iPhone four. (I'm eventually getting an upgrade soon, thank gosh)  However, even if I do eventually get an upgrade (starting to save that cash), I know that I won't be putting music on my phone. 
The big reason is because I enjoy having separate things. In my iTunes library, I have over two thousand songs. Even though I have a playlist for my touch that syncs about a fourth of what I actually own, I would rather use my phone for things such as apps and music. My music probably take up almost all of my phone's space, which is something that I didn't want to do. Plus, with the amount of times I listen to music a day, my phone would constantly be needing to be charged almost double the times it does currently. 
I also enjoy that I can clip my iPod shuffle to my clothes, which is perfect for working out. Even though I can only fit a few songs, I enjoy that I can having something that isn't heavy for when I'm running. I have a mix of songs that are meant to pump you up. If you are working out, I think that you should at least invest in a shuffle. They make life so much easier. Plus, when you're driving, you don't have to mess with a screen, you can simple press the buttons. (the same goes for my touch, too.)
I think that I'll always have an iPod, because of these reasons. Although it's cool to listen to music on my phone, I think I'll always want to listen to my music through the house of my iPod. 

Friday, April 24, 2015

Why Sometimes You've Gotta Break Up With Friends

Friendships are supposed to be keeping you afloat, not being the anchor that lets you sink. However, toxic friendships can often well cause negativity in life. This can often result in bring you down as well.
I believe that a friend should be there for you in good times and in bad. Why? Well, not every moment in life is not going to be spend partying like it's 1999. Sometimes, you're going to need someone to tell you the world's not always going to suck. Or if it's a boyfriend, it's going to be that not all guys are mean and evil. I mean come on. Look at Ben and Jerry.
If a friend is making you upset for any reason, the first thing that you've got to do is talk to them. They really can't read your mind. Talking about how you feel is always a good thing. Just make sure that whatever you're going to say isn't accusatory. Basically, just be careful about how you say it.
However, sometimes there are times when you need to let go of friends. It can be for whatever reason, but if you're unhappy with the way that you're being treated that's okay. No one deserves to be treated unfairly. I mean, no one does no matter what.
Basically, if someone isn't making you happy then you have the right to say so and choose the role that they play in your lives. If they are treating you less than you deserve, than you have the right to exclude or delete them in your life.
Lately, I've been noticing what's a good friend and what's not. Sometimes, a lot of my friends complain too much and bring me down. When this happens, I learn to step away. Otherwise, it will allow me to be negative as well.
My number one pet peeve is when people complain and don't do anything about the source of their complaints. It may sound cruel, but it's true. If you're complaining about something, why don't you try to fix what's broken? I'm tired of having to hear the same things over and over again. This is when you need to learn to step away from the negativity, and enjoy the good things in life. Like cookies, the ocean, and sunshine.
At the end of the day, you are who you surround yourself with. So why don't you surround yourself with happiness?

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Wishlist Wednesday

Lately, it seems like I've been bitten by the shopping bug. As spring approaches, I've been craving brighter clothing and floral patterns. As well as that, I'm just ready for a few new things in my close.
Alex and Ani:In the summer, it seems like I'm always wearing my Alex and Ani bracelets. Since I'm not in a classroom, I don't have to fight with them to write. Also long sleeves make having charmed arms a bit challenging. This summer, I want to add a few additions to my Alex and Ani collection. I want to add the elephant (they are my favorite animal) and the Cinderella one, since lately it's been my obsession. Both of these bracelets I want to add in silver, because all of my gold ones seemed to turn.
iPhone 6:Lately, my phone seemed to be a bit...well not working for lack of better words. I have the 4, and it's starting to show it's age. The camera isn't working as well as it used to, and my battery has been dying quicker than ever before. My upgrade is up in June, and honestly, I'm ready for it. I am planning for the 6, because I figured that not only would it be the better choice, it would last longer. I want the newest, because I know that it will stay current at least for a while. I am debating about getting the gold or the black one, but since I have a few months until I have to decide, I have time. (Also currently saving.)
 
Lilly Pulitzer...well anything: Lilly has just arrived to Target, and I want to buy everything. Some of my favorites include this tote, which is only $15! I also love her springy tops. I currently have a Illy phone case, and I'm in love with it. I so can't wait to write more. 
Lauren Conrad's Minnie Mouse Collection: I loved LC's Cinderella collection (I even own the blue shoe sweater) and am so excited for her to feature my favorite mouse! I definitely will be picking up a few pieces when it comes out in a few weeks. 
What's on your wishlist?
*The tote for the Lilly bag is available here.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Music Monday: Strange Desire


Source
https://open.spotify.com/album/0cnNCK2xpudXjB8pzsrYy9 
Well, look whose back with a vengeance! None other than one of my favorite features-Music Monday. For the first Music Monday since God knows when, I am featuring the awesome Bleachers. Bleachers, which is an one man band featuring Jack Antonoff of the band Fun.
Strange Desire was released last summer, and I've recently bought the album thanks to the iTunes alternative sale. Seriously, bought so many albums on impulse and I don't even care.
The album is a mixture of alternative and reminded me of the 80s. If you like Taylor Swift's '1989,' then you will like this album.
'Strange Desire' has the hit single, 'I Wanna Get Better.' 'I Wanna Get Better' is a catchy song which talks about one's desire to do just that-get better at whatever. It also features the single 'Rollercoaster', which is one of my jams. Another favorite of mine is 'Wild Heart,' which is the first track of the album. 'Shadow', 'Wake Me' and 'Like a River Runs' are also some of my favorites.
Overall, if you're looking for some new, awesome and fresh music than you're in luck-'Strange Desire' has got your back.
Songs I am Obsessed With: 'Wild Heart,' Rollercoaster,' 'I Wanna Get Better,' 'Shadow' and 'Reckless Love.' 

Friday, April 17, 2015

New Camera and Review of the Canon ELPH Powershot 160

For about two years, I have needed a digital camera. As my old Kodak camera breathed it's last breath, I have been procrastinating buying a new one for as long as I could possibly can. As a blogger, you must be thinking why hasn't she purchased one? Thanks to the arrival of my iPhone four, with a decent camera, I thought that I would be good enough.
However, when I got my internship at College Fashionista, I knew that my iPhone wouldn't be able to serve me well. Part of the requirements of the internship was that I would get a digital camera. So, I took to QVC, where I came across this lovely beauty, the Canon ELPH Powershot. For five easy payments, I knew that it would be the perfect choice for my internship needs, and an investment for life in general.
So far, I love the camera. I love how small and compact that it is. Since it's been a while since I've last used one, my camera skills were a bit rusty. Getting this out of the box, it was easy to use. I thought that it was perfect for all of those like me who weren't savvy. I liked how clear and pretty the pictures came out, and I thought that it was a great value..
If you're looking for a digital camera, and you're not into the fancy DSLR life, this camera is perfect for you. I guarantee that you'll want to bring your camera everywhere, and take lots of pictures.