Nursing School Prep: My Study/Office Space

As the beginning of the school year hastily approaches {I know many whose first day is tomorrow- yikes!}, I start getting into preparation mode. I pick out my school supplies for the year/semester, print out necessary information, and tidy up my work space. I really needed a devoted study space, and so after goading my dad for weeks, he finally brought my computer desk over to my apartment. I feel so relieved to have it back, and was so excited to prepare it that I got started immediately. While it's not 100% finished, I thought I would show you what things I have done so far. Maybe it will spur you to create a desk for yourself or a child that is heading back to school soon! So, here we go. >>>

 My computer desk is pretty old and not the best solution to a study space, but I'll take what I can get {ie- free}. The chair obviously needs some help, but I am planning on re-foaming and reupholstering it soon so stay tuned for that DIY. ;) Although the actual desk space is on the smaller side, with so much storage above and below it I can keep things stored away and the clutter at bay. I have my most essential and most used items on the desk with me so I'm not constantly reaching up or bending over to get something. These items include pens and pencils, hilighters, Post-Its, tape, and cute picture of me and Brandon.

Since it is technically a computer desk {and like I said, an old one} it has little pockets to file CDs in. I don't use CDs for computer use, so I popped out the slots and now have two open "nooks" to store things. I chose to store my paper supplies and my MacBook cord on the left side. For the containers, I spray painted some Dollar Tree ones in a semi-gloss black and then used some Target Spot adhesive flags to label them. I also have some trays that were purchased from the Dollar Tree and I painted those black as well. The containers were originally purple and also had little clasps on the side {which is why you can see holes in the containers in the bottom picture} but I popped those out and decided to leave them off. It's not a permanent solution, but I think it looks really good for a 2-minute project!

I absolutely have a pen problem. I really like colorful pens to label and color-coordinate with, so that's why these buckets are literally overflowing! Both of the metal pails came from the Target Dollar Spot, and I couldn't be happier with them. They match the color scheme perfectly, and I didn't even plan it. I love when that happens!

Obsessive planning is the name of my game, so I had to have a huge calendar in the space! Fortunately I scored this one from my work, so I didn't have to purchase one. I've already labeled for the month of August, and color coded everything so that when school starts all I have left to do is fill in my assignments {and complete them!}. The metal pail came from Target Dollar Spot, but you probably already knew that, huh?

The last part of my desk is below computer. This section contains all of the "boring" but completely necessary items. I would be lost without my printer. It is an Epson WF-2540, and it is a perfect middle-of-the-road printer and is just awesome. Its only downside is that it is an inkjet printer, and because I like to have physical copies of things for class, etc., I wish it was a laser printer. However, the ink cartridges don't break the bank, so I'll live. I keep extra paper, a white board, and some knick knacks in a basket on that row as well. On the top row I have my hole punch, tape dispenser, and stapler along with two baskets that hold random items like thank you cards and extra index cards. The patterned one was a birthday gift from my best friend {it comes from Staples} and the grey one is from Target {yes, in the Dollar Spot}. In place of the computer's tower, I have some reference books and a cozy place for my bookbag!

Last but not least are my comfort items. These are the things that keep me studying and putting my best foot forward in school. First, my computer- because without it I wouldn't even be writing this post, and it the best "school" investment I've made. I love my Mac, and unless Photofiltre decides to continue only supporting PC, it's a keeper. My second thing is family. I know that the long hours at this desk aren't for naught. I'm doing it for me, but also for my family as a whole. It's just Brandon and I, but I want to do what I can to better myself for both of us. Plus I like looking at how awesome he looked with his Jesus hair. I totally miss it. ;( I also like for things to be smellin' fresh. I have a candle in pretty much every room in the apartment, so I needed one in here, too. I loved the way that the Coconut Leaves scent from Bath and Body Works was sweet but also earthy and not overpowering. I also keep a room spray, which is from a brand called Textile Archives. It smells like fresh lilies and jasmine! I found it at Ross. so score! Just in case I need something a little closer to my nostrils I have the Stress Relief BBW hand sanitizer {also, shame on them for repackaging :(}. It's part of their Aromatherapy line and is scented with eucalyptus and spearmint. Smells so yummy and is definitely relaxing!

Alright, that's my Study Space tour! I hope you all enjoyed it, and possibly got some inspiration for your own space. There are links down below for everything I could find online, and if you have any questions feel free to let me know. If you have an office or study space that you've recently blogged about, link it below- I'd love to read it and be inspired by you!

LINKS

Epson WF-2540 All-in-One Inkjet Printer 

Rectangular Slotted Plastic Storage Baskets

Square Printed Plastic Storage Baskets with Lids

High Sierra Swerve backpack

Bath and Body Works Stress Relief PocketBac

Plastic Storage Boxes with Clip-Lock Lids, 2 count

Lust List #1: Birthday Edition

My 24th birthday is less than a week away, and I'm excited. For one, I am the youngest of my friends, so my birthday is always the last to roll around each year, so until mid-year, I am "the baby." :| Also, my birthday falls on a Saturday. To me, that is better than hitting the jackpot in a casino (mostly because it's about 75% more likely!). Even though I get pumped for my birthday each year, I hate the dreaded question from friends and family- "Well, what do you want?" I can never seem to answer it, and I usually just end up saying "Oh, I don't know." Well, this year I'm attempting to combat that, as well as to introduce a feature that you will see on my blog regularly. The Lust List is a collection of things that I have seen around the web that make me think I'll be incomplete without (which is not at all true, but you know how it is). So, without further ado, my Birthday Lust List.

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I have conveniently put links to all products just in case you would like to buy these items for yourself, or, you know, me? I kid, I kid. I hope you all enjoy your week and hope to hear from you all soon. Is there anything you're lusting after lately? Tell me in the comments below, I'd love to talk! :)

I Got In!

Yes, I got into nursing school! The thing that has been looming over my head, calling my name, but constantly standing just out of reach is finally in my grasp. It has been an increasingly difficult time to get to this point, but I can now say that I have jumped the biggest hurdle of my educational journey so far. I am beyond excited to begin truly learning how to effectively care for those in our society that need it most. When I think about nursing, or nurses in general, a smile can't help but creep onto my face. The joy that I can bring, the healing I can facilitate, and the lives I can change are all constant reminders of why I have willingly signed up for the most brutal year of my life. But whew, the paperwork is intense. I have almost completed all of it, but I still have a few things to get taken care of. I will be going through a one-year program and once I am done (and pass the NCLEX, of course), I will be a Licensed Practical Nurse. I plan to go directly into a mobility program that will help me obtain my Registered Nurse degree. If you are out there and have just been accepted into a nursing program, are currently in one, or have already graduated, don't be afraid to comment or email me! We all need encouragement because this is one of the most difficult degrees to pursue, and once you get into the field it doesn't get any easier! So let's stand together, future and current nurses, to honor the wonderful profession that is healthcare!

Drugstore Makeup Can Work For You!

Lately I've been developing a love for makeup. I don't usually wear makeup unless I'm going somewhere important, but I've found that wearing it boosts my self-esteem and so I'd like to start learning new tricks and tips about makeup application. Sadly, I have a limited budget. This worries me because I know that there are tons of drugstore makeup products that I could play around with for a pretty cheap price, but I have acne-prone skin and sensitive skin, so just picking up a cheap product is a gamble. It could work out well, or it could leave my skin broken out and rashy. No bueno. So naturally I went Pinteresting (this is where you basically use Pinterest as your "Google") and found some pretty good products at a bargain. I essentially did the leg work for you and created a basic makeup bag solely from drugstore brands! I have fair skin with olive undertones, but I did my best to find products that can be purchased in shades to fit all complexions, but I do apologize if there is a product listed that doesn't suit your needs. Also, you can click on the names of the products below and it will take you to the website (either Target or Walgreens) where you can see color options!

1) e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer- Price: $6 / This certainly isn't a necessary item for an essentials makeup bag, but it won me over! If you have acne prone skin like I do, then this provides a sort of barrier for the makeup so that it doesn't settle into your skin as much and cause irritation. Definitely a must-have!

2) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup- Price: $10+ / This foundation is actually a line of foundations for all types of skin. The one pictured above is their "middle of the road" product for this line, but there are also foundations for oily skin, dry skin, and long wear formulas too.

3) Jordana InColor Fabuliner Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Black- Price: ~$3 / To be honest I had no idea about Jordana before watching a Youtube video from Zoreen of Zoreen'sDesigns but she had me at "felt tip!" I have always been wary of liquid eyeliners, but the felt tip makes it really easy to apply and you wind up with a wonderful look. The tips come in two sizes, but Zoreen recommends getting the smaller tip for starters.

4) Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in 'Walking on Eggshells'- Price: $3 / Most people remember the days when Wet 'n Wild did not make good cosmetics. Well, I'm here to tell you that they've stepped up their game and especially so with their eye shadows. All of the ones I have tried have been wonderful, but I really love these Trios because it makes everything so simple to use. The color combinations are perfectly matched and the range of palettes they have should definitely be sufficient for all skin/eye colors.

5) Milani Baked Powder Blush in 'Luminoso (05)'- Price: $9 / As far as blushes go, I thought this was a bit pricey but you get what you pay for on this one! I had never seen a "baked" blush before so I looked up some reviews on it and was pleasently surprised. The "baked" element gives it a warmer tone, so it's like a bronzer/blush duo all wrapped in one. Since I usually stick to CoverGirl for my blushes I decided to branch out a bit and try this instead.

6) Physician's Formula Organic Wear Mascara in Black- Price: $10 / When I was looking for a new mascara a few weeks ago, I saw this at Walgreens. I was instantly drawn to it because organic anything is a rarity in the makeup aisle. Since it was cheaper than some of my previous mascara purchases, I took a chance on it. Wow, I love it. It keeps my lashes super soft and the coverage is really good. I did notice a small bit of clumping but nothing major (and I have yet to find a mascara that doesn't clump at all, regardless of what the package says!). I do hope they come out with more organic makeup products in the future, though!

7) Macbeth Collection Makeup Bag Mix-and-Match Trio- $20 / If this isn't a makeup essential, then I don't know what is! I have gone through my fair share of makeup and travel bags and these are some of the cutest and easiest to clean that I have found. I love the pattern mixing, and the inside is cute, too! 

The Kissing Stool

So, if you can't tell from the photo below, Brandon is tall. And I am short. I accept it for what it is. This combination is attractive to me. I love standing next to him, and I love our height difference. But with all of my delving into wedding planning head first, I have noticed a few things. One of these things is that the first kiss is a primo photo opportunity. And as much as I love my current height, I think that it would be awesome to be closer to Brandon when we have our first kiss as a married couple. Thankfully, there is a lot of imspiration out there!

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I can't decide whether I would like a handmade one, or just a store bought one with some custom paint and our wedding logo on it. I really think that customizing one would be easier, but we'll just have to see!

Do any of you have this same issue? How did you deal with it? :)