❀ College Countdown: Day 1❀

Packing Up Your Car

Tomorrow's the big day!

Tonight is the night for packing up your car and running any last minute errands if you need to! 

Good luck to EVERYONE going off to college and I hope your move-in runs very smoothly. Have fun this first semester and....YAY! We're officially college freshmen!

Some tips when packing the car: 

1. Treat it like a really tiring game of Tetris
2. Don't block the whole back window, you guys need that to back out of spaces (duh)
3. Bring a hand dolly if you have one and keep it right near the back so you can grab it easily
4. Have all important documents in a purse. 
5. Don't pack chocolate until the morning of

Well, that's pretty much all the tips I can give you. Make this experience yours and really appreciate everyone that's been there throughout your life, especially during this time.

xoxo

All packed up and ready to head out! ♡

❀ College Countdown: Day 2 ❀

Transportation to the School

This one is going to be pretty short and sweet: by now, you need to know how you and all of your belongings are getting to school. Today, be sure to know exactly: 

- How to get to school & What you're using (GPS, Print out map, your parents already know the route, etc)

- What time you and your family are leaving the house

- What car you're using

- How many people are going along with you

My situation is pretty poopy (there's really no other way to describe it). 

Both of my parents and both of my siblings are coming along and we only have 1 old minivan and 1 old Toyota Camry. With that being said, neither of our cars will be able to make the 2.5 hour drive nor do either have enough room unless it was just my mom and myself going.

What my parents did was rent a minivan from Enterprise -- and this was probably THE smartest thing ever. We got to pick out specifically which minivan we wanted and we got to bring some of my things to see if it would actually fit. Now, we'll be able to fit all of my things and my family members into one single car (they have a one car per family rule for move in). 

If you're looking to rent a car, I would highly suggest it. Our total came up to around $350 for the entire weekend: insurance and one full tank of gas included. However, I live in an area where things are really expensive compared to other places, so I'm sure if you're not from a commonwealth, it would be a lot less expensive!

e.l.f. Haul ♡

My last online shopping package of the summer finally came in!

One of my most favorite makeup brands is Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f.). I love them because they're cheap, affordable and mostly very high quality items. 

Anyways, they were having a 50% off sale last week and I couldn't help but get myself a number of products before school starts! So lets get started. 

Note: many of these products are repurchases so I can actually review them for you guys!

Signature Makeup Bag - $8

I saw this bag online and it had a bunch of good reviews so I really wanted it! I'm happy with it so far, it holds a lot of makeup (pretty much all of my daily essentials) and it has a separate compartment to hold your brushes. I really like the feel of the faux leather and it doesn't have an annoying plastic scent. 

Only thing I'm not happy with: I selected the bag in pink, but they gave me silver instead. I would usually return it, but I only have 3 days at home and I don't want to go through all of that hassle.

Cream Eyeliner in Black - $3 each

This is a repurchase. I absolutely LOVE this eyeliner. It's probably the best potted eyeliner I've ever used and it's the only one I use on the daily. I currently have one pot, but I'm almost done with that one so I repurchased 2 more to stock up. They also added more product to the pots, so I am very happy right now!

Note: Do not use the brush it comes with, just buy another eyeliner brush.

Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain - $3 each

This, here, is another repurchase. I usually shy away from e.l.f.'s skin/complexion products since I've had some pretty bad experiences with a few items, but I always go back to this foundation. I love it. It matches my skin perfectly in the fall/winter/spring and it really does leave a flawless finish if you prime your face and then use a loose powder. The consistency is just perfect -- not too thick but it's not watery, either -- and the coverage is pretty full. I also really love the smell of it.

Note: the amount of product in the container is kind of disappointing. But for $3, I really shouldn't be complaining.

Concealer Pencil & Brush in Fair - $3

I decided to get this because there were some pretty good reviews and it was 50% off. I haven't use it yet, but the pencil part comes off very thick and creamy (what you expect from a concealer) and the brush end is super dense -- which I really like! I can't wait to use this.

Small Tapered Brush - $3

I bought this to use for contouring under my cheekbones. The size is perfect and, like all other e.l.f. brushes, the bristles are super soft! 

Flawless Concealer Brush - $3

I actually didn't buy this (maybe it was to make up for sending me the wrong color makeup bag?). But I'm sure I can put it to some use! It's a bit big and not dense enough to use with concealer, but I am thinking of using it for highlighting under my eyes and the bridge of my nose.

Professional Tweezers - $1

These tweezers had superb reviews and it was only $1, so I decided why not. Plus, I lost my old pair. These feel really good in my hands, but the tip is not as fine or pointed, so it might not be able to grab the stubborn small hairs.

Mineral Lipstick in (left to right) Nicely Nude, Cool Coral and Royal Red - $3 each

e.l.f.'s Mineral Lipsticks have always gotten great reviews. I have one that I got as a gift in Party Pink and I REALLY love it! The texture and consistency is great and it lasts almost all night. The color is super pigmented too. Because of the 50% off sale, I decided to get three of the most popular colors (these three). I really can't wait to try them out! Although, Royal Red isn't as red as I thought it would be. 

❀ College Countdown: Day 3 ❀

Laundry Day & Space Saver Bags

Well! It's almost time. Today will be probably one of the more important days -- your clothes.

Before you leave, wash ALL of the clothes in your hamper (obviously) and really sort through what you need for the beginning of the fall semester. 

There are endless ways you can do this, but it has to be able to work for you. What I did was I took all of my clothes off my hangers (the closet officially belongs to my little sister now) and piled them into: 

- Needs (underwear, gym clothes, pajamas [if you're like me, you just wear shorts and t-shirts to sleep all year round], socks, leggings] 

- Dressier clothes (yes, you will need these -- especially if you're planning on rushing for a sorority or just for events!)

- Jeans (always have jeans)

- Year-round shirts (V-necks, shirts that can either be worn by themselves or under a cardigan)

- Seasonal clothing (shorts, crop tops, certain skirts, sweaters, hoodies)

The categorization of my clothes really helped me out A LOT. I was able to sort everything through and pack things into my duffel and know exactly what I can leave behind. 

As for shoes, I'm bringing (for the fall): 

- 3 pairs of sandals

- 3 pairs of flip flops

- 3 pairs of heels 

- 3 pairs of flats

- running shoes

- TOMS

- riding boots

- toe shoes

- rain boots

So, I'm pretty much bringing all of my shoes except for my Uggs (which I will pick up during Thanksgiving break).

Now, comes time to actually talking about packing the clothes. Many people are just going to fold everything and place it in their duffel. I, however, am doing something different. I was going to buy some SpaceSaver bags, however, those are REALLY pricey. So, I was going to use my DIY Space Saver bags. But then! I found these bags at the Dollar Tree and decided to try them out: 

Turns out, they work just as great as Space Saver bags -- if not, even better! The bag itself feels very sturdy (VERY surprising for a dollar store brand). And I really like them. And at $1 each, they are a steal!

I really do suggest everyone buy these! They're so great and affordable. Plus, they save you A LOT of luggage space. I was able to fit 3 space saver bags' worth of clothes into my duffel bag and still had enough space for all of my makeup and very thick hoodies and jeans.

And the best part: they're reusable! They'll just be a little wrinkly, but work just as fine. And you can definitely use them as under bed storage when you get to the dorm!

❀ College Countdown: Day 4 ❀

Packing Up Your Makeup

If you're like me, makeup is going to be a pretty important part of your packing process.

My makeup is my life, and I want it to get down to school with me safely. I've been pondering for days about how I'm going to pack it all, and I thought up of some little tips that'll help.

1. For palettes: wrap them in the towels you're going to bring and place it on top of your clothes in your suitcase or duffel bag. If you're worried about any powder spilling or breaking, tape the palettes shut with some packing tape. (I also did this with all glassware I'm bringing down)

2. Make use of those small 3-drawer containers you can get from The Container Store or Target. Fill all compartments up with as much makeup as you can and then tape it up with packing tape so the little drawers don't slide in and out. I'm putting this in my duffel bag because there was enough empty space. 

3. Also use designer boxes to pack makeup items such as single eyeshadow pots or blushes/bronzers.

4. It really never is too early to start packing. Think about the things you want to bring for sure and the things you can definitely leave behind. Once you categorize those, think about how much makeup you put on daily -- put aside the makeup you use regularly and pack up things you don't use often but want to bring along.

5. Remember to throw out all of your very old, "expired" cosmetics. Remember, mascaras should be used for about 3 months, so if you've been using the same one since April -- it's time to get a new tube.

6. Think about all the little spaces in your duffel bags. your clothes will be able to cushion some of the loose cosmetics you don't have room elsewhere for.

7. For your essential everyday makeup, keep all those products in a makeup bag and DON'T pack that bag. You'll regret it in the morning when you want to freshen up your face. Instead, just leave it where you normally do your makeup and then pack it into your purse or backpack before you hit the road.

8. It's up to YOU to decide how much makeup you bring. Don't listen to others and think there's a set amount you should bring. Really think about your habits -- do you have one set routine? Do you like to spice it up a bit every now and then? What products do you use the most of? (those are the ones you should stock up on)

9. DO NOT PACK YOUR BRUSHES IN A SINGLE BAG. It's going to be hot, and you seriously do not want those brushes to be squished in a bag. The bristles will morph into strange shapes. Instead, try to find a makeup brush carrier that has compartments for each individual brush. Or, place everything in a sturdy plastic container. This will prevent your brushes from getting squished when packed. 

That's only a very temporary home for my razor.

10. Be sure to give your brushes a very nice cleaning and disinfecting before you pack them up! (Do this two days prior so there's a 24 hr period for them to completely dry).

Recipe for homemade brush cleaner: (I couldn't find the original link -- but it's a very popular recipe)

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon dish soap

Combine these ingredients. Swirl each brush in the mixture (this is my favorite part because it's so cool and disgusting how much makeup remains on these brushes). After each brush is swirled, I like to make another batch but double the ingredients and let the brushes soak for 20 minutes to disinfect them. Rinse thoroughly and re-shape the bristles. Lightly towel dry and let them dry for 24 hours on an incline or facing down onto a towel.

11. Place all the makeup you're leaving behind in a small container and leave it in a nice and dry place -- your closet's top shelf will be the best option for storage. 

❀ College Countdown: Day 5 ❀

Packing Up Your Room ☹

This must be probably one of the most depressing parts of packing up for college. 

You're cleaning up your room and packing it all up, by the time you're done it's going to look like one of those catalog pictures you see from Macy's.

But, you have to do it eventually. And I'm here to help!

1. Clear out everything you will not need anymore. EVERYTHING.
2. Trash bags are going to be your best friends during this process.
3. Box things up, but then put it all in your closet instead of lying them around your room. Even though you're not going to be living in it, try to make it look somewhat nice and presentable.
4. If you share a room (like me), really think of your sibling when you pack up. You may HATE sharing a room with them and you're probably jumping off the walls about the thought of moving out. However, your sibling is probably feeling the same way. They've waited their whole life for this moment and to be able to finally call it their room. Definitely talk to your sibling and ask them where they want your stuff to be stored and how. I've been doing this with my sister since the beginning of summer and it has seriously helped and she hasn't picked any fights. 
5. If your parents plan on using your room for something else: definitely talk to them as well. Ask them: Where do you want me to store the clothes I'm leaving behind? What will happen to ....? Should I take down my decorations? etc. etc.
6. Seriously, this is not the time that you want to be picking fights with family members. You're an adult now, and you're going to college. If they tell you to pack your room a certain way, and you don't like it, just tell them. Ask if you can put some of your input into it.
7. Make sure you put ALL important documents that you have to keep at home in a folder and then either give it to your parents to hold onto or keep them somewhere tucked safely that is not in plain sight.
8. Spritz your favorite body mist or perfume over your bed before leaving. If your mom or dad is the kind of person that will go into your room when they miss you, it'll be really nice for them to smell your scent (that sounded really creepy, but you know what I mean).
9. Lastly, be sure to thank your parents for everything they provide for you. Your room wouldn't be what it is without them, and you would definitely not be able to go to college without all of their support throughout these last 18 years.

❀ College Countdown: Day 6 ❀

Packing What You Can and Designating a Spot for it All

Six more days! This is really getting exciting! But I know that everyone is freaking out about packing and getting everything that they need. 

So I'm here to give you a couple of tips on packing and finding a place in your house where you can keep everything until it's time to pack the car. This will be in a list style so it's much easier and gets straight to the point. As you can tell, I'm just as busy as you guys, and I'm really sorry these posts aren't as detailed as they can be. But, I am trying my best to give you guys the points I'm trying to make! Plus, I know you all do not have limitless time to be able to read the whole thing.

1. Start packing now! DO NOT procrastinate on packing the big things, especially items that were bought specifically for your dorm. Shower caddies, sheets and decorations don't have to be spread all over your room right now. Work with the items and try to pack them as compactly as you can.
2. Be sure to label your boxes/bins, write lists, type out a Word document, etc. It'll help you stay organized and know where everything is when packing.
3. Before packing linens, wash them! They most likely smell like the plastic wrapper that they're packaged in. Plus, for some people (like me), new and unwashed linens can really irritate skin. What can be worse than getting a rash from your new comforter set the FIRST night you use it?
4. When picking a place to keep everything during the packing/pre-college time period, keep a few things in mind.

a. Make sure it's not in a place that will get in your family members' way

b. If you have an empty coat closet -- that's the perfect place! It'll also give you an idea of the available space in the car. If everything can't fit into a single coat closet, you're bringing way too many things or the items you're bringing are pretty bulky.

c. The garage is always the best bet -- especially when it comes time to pack up the car.

Here are some pictures of my "haul" pile (keep in mind, I am a girl and I need a lot of things...)

All of my "bigger" dorm items. From left to right: food items and some containers (Ikea bag), bedding (Ikea bed), bath items/decorations (Hefty Bin), kitchen appliances/decorations/desk items (Hefty Bin), Hangers, Duvet, Shampoos/Laundry detergent/cleaning items (Crate). 

Other than this, I only have two duffel bags of clothes, shoes and makeup plus my backpack. 

The little corner in the back of my living room where I was allowed to keep all of my things. 

I'm proud to say that's all I'm bringing, and I'm completely done shopping!

❀ College Countdown: Day 7 ❀

Last Minute Checklists & Breaking Out the Agenda

Seven days until move-in. That's one week. 

That number may be freaking you out (and believe me, it's freaking out your parents even more), but take a long deep breath and relax. Think about it, you still have seven whole days -- that's 168 hours! Now think about all the things you can get done, you still have 168 chances to do whatever you want. 

Alright so first off of this countdown day: Last Minute Checklists.

Be organized.

You may be the type of person who hates checklists, but for this kind of situation, definitely take some time and write out everything you need to buy for your dorm.

What I did was that I wrote a separate list for each store I am going to and the individual items I will purchase from said place. I kept everything in a small notebook (but you can certainly use the agenda you just bought [if you bought one]). 

I didn't do this, but I really should have: Paper clip any coupons or store adverts into the notebook as well to find the best deals. I really struggled in BJ's with a handful of coupons and my notebook, when I could've easily paper clipped it onto the page.

If you have yet to start dorm shopping or really aren't sure of what to get next, I found this great website called College Packing List by Slugbooks.com (Slugbooks is a search engine for textbooks that can find you the best deal -- definitely check it out. 

College Packing List has everything you need and more. And you can customize the list by adding your own things or removing some of the things they suggested. 

What's even better is that they have an app for mobile devices that is pretty much the exact same thing. 

I loved using the app because it would tell me what percentage of things I got done for dorm shopping.

Now, if you bought an agenda for school -- Don't be afraid to start using it now!
Student agendas usually go from August to June or July, so don't hesitate to start writing your dorm room shopping lists in there, reminders about when to turn in certain forms to your school, etc.
I know some of you have the mentality where you don't want to use any school supplies until school actually starts. But think about it, it's college now. It's not high school anymore!
It will also definitely get you prepared for writing things down during the semester and staying on track.

❀ 7 Day College Countdown Series ❀

PSA: I am moving into my dorm on August 17th

(which is NINE days away!)

In the wake of this very monumental and important day of my life (oh gosh, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it), I'm going to be starting this new series: The 7 Day College Countdown. 

Now, this series is pretty popular on YouTube. However, I feel as though it's lacking a lot of the information and experience that I wanted to see. Experience as in, I want to see people packing up instead of them just talking about packing in front of a camera.

That is why, I've decided to start my own, but through a blog and pictures instead!

The series will officially start on Saturday, August 10th!

If you're an incoming freshman like me, I KNOW you're very excited, but you also need some advice about several things as well.

I will try to the best of my knowledge to deliver tips & tricks about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Though I am still thinking through what to say and take pictures of, I have created a schedule of this series. This can help if you only want to read the entry of certain days.

Day 7: Last Minute Checklists & Breaking Out That Agenda

Day 6: Packing What You Can Now & Designating a Spot for Your Haul Pile

Day 5: Packing Up Your Room ☹

Day 4: Pack Up Your Makeup

Day 3: Laundry Day & Space Saving Bags

Day 2: Transportation to the School

Day 1: Final Checkmarks & Packing the Car

Anyways, that's about all I can write about until the actual series can start! I hope all of you fellow incoming freshmen are just excited as me about starting this new chapter in your life! And I hope your parents are handling it well as well. 

✿ College Living Essentials Haul ✿

Well, now that I finished all of my dorm decorations/furnishings/etc., it was finally time to hit Berkley & Jensen's (Costco's sibling, pretty much) and CVS for the living essentials. Meaning, things I actually have to buy to be able to live on my own. This was a pretty pricey haul, but it's everything I need for my day to day life! It was definitely worth it and I feel so grown up for buying these things that my mom usually shops for.
 I don't have all the prices for the things I bought at BJ's, but I will try my best to guess!  

Also, I had a bunch of coupons for BJ's, so I did save a bit of money! 

** For those of you who don't know what BJ's and Costco are, they are both wholesale superstores. They sell almost anything you can think of in bulk for some VERY reasonable prices. However, you need a membership (or go with someone who has a membership) to be able to shop at both places (typically $200 a year). It's an amazing place for every family (especially bigger ones or ones with college kids). My parents have been members for years. 

First stop - 

BJ's

Bounce Fabric Softener - $9.99

Tide Pods - $27.99 ($6 off with coupon)

What's college without the scene of students trying to do their own laundry? Luckily, I know how to do my own so I won't be struggling so much. However, I wanted to save myself the trouble of lugging a huge jug of detergent, so I purchased these Pods instead. All of my friends who have gone to college love these and say they're the most convenient things ever.

Method Bathroom Cleaning Set - $11

Lysol Wipes (set of 4) - $14 ($10 with coupon)

I'm going to be living in a suite-style dorm, so I have to get bathroom cleaning supplies.

Nivea Lotion - $8.99 ($5 with a coupon)

U by Kotex Pads - $13.99 ($7 with coupon)

Olay Body Wash - $11.99

Secret Deodorant - $7.99 (Olay & Secret had a $6 off coupon if you bought one of each brand's product)

Lil Critters Gummy Vites - $11.99 ($6 with coupon)

I love the size of the lotion and body washes, they're not the huge bottles usually sold at wholesale superstores - they're perfect for a single person.

As for the deodorant and pads, they're every girl's necessities, no need to further explain.

And lastly, I love gummy vitamins. 

Q-tips - $6.99 (in a 3 pack - $3 with coupon)

Arm & Hammer AdvanceWhite Toothpaste - $7.99 ($4 with coupon)

Efferent Denture Cleanser - $6.99

More bathroom/grooming essentials. I can explain the Efferent! I recently got my braces off, so I need a denture cleaner to sanitize my retainer every night. And this pack will last me the entire school year and then some. 

Lipton Tea & Bigelow Green Tea - $7.99 each

Oreos (30 6-cookie packs) - $6.99

Frosted Flakes - $8.89

Mediterranean Medly - $9.99

Brookside Dark Chocolate Acai with Blueberry - $9.99

I.Love.Food.

Final Stop:

CVS

TRESemme Anti-Breakage Shampoo & Conditioner - 2 for $7

They were on sale and they're both in huge bottles. I couldn't resist.

Covergirl Lashblast Mascaras (Volume & Fusion) - $10.49 + $4.50 (buy 1, get one 50% off)

Revlon Just Bitten Stain Balm - $9.99

I really love makeup (especially drug store brands) and when I saw the mascaras were on sale, I had to get them. Covergirl Lashblast is my second favorite brand (my all-time favorite is Maybelline Great Lash) it works very well and each tube lasts me all 3 months. And I've been looking for this stain balm in a plain red color. I really love the stain balm - it's super pigmented and stains your lips without the dry brittle feeling since it does work as a balm as well. 

Regular Size Cotton Balls - ~$3

Exfoliating Nail Squares - ~$3

Just some cottony beauty essentials.

Simple brand ($2 off all Simple products sale):

Radiance Wipe - $4.79

Light Moisturizer - $11.29

Eye Makeup Remover - $6.49

Foaming Cleanser - $6.49

Exfoliating Wipes - $4.89

I absolutely love Simple skin products. They're specifically for people with sensitive skin and all hypoallergenic. All of the products I've tried are very light weight on my skin and does improve its overall health and appearance. Best of all, they're unscented except for a slight cucumber scent. Be sure to try it, even if you don't have sensitive skin!

Pronamel Mouthwash - $6.29

Sensodyne Toothpaste - $6.29

Toothbrush (2-pack with travel caps) - $4.19

Keep your smile nice and shiny! 

Like I mentioned before, I got my braces off very recently and have to start retainer wear. Along with wearing a retainer, I am whitening my teeth with this set my orthodontist gave to me for free (it's called Opalescence). What I didn't know that teeth whitening makes your teeth SUPER sensitive, so my mom suggested I get soft brushes and products made for sensitive teeth. I already had some at home, but I bought extra for college. 

CVS Receipt = my wallet is very sad. But I'm completely DONE with dorm shopping!