Last First Day

Today marks my last first day of a college semester {this is why I'm holding up a 12}. It's so surreal, that I'm only 4 months away from that diploma! Of course all that excitement comes at a price...it's been ridiculous trying to sign up for my classes this semester. I decided over the break that instead of taking it easy with 6 credits, that I might as well re-declare my Communications minor & finish off the last 9 credits with classes I enjoy. 

All last week I called back and forth between the the Comms and Family Science offices, filled out graduation plans, and emailed the advisement assistants to finally get the thing declared in order to sign up for classes. I then rush to sign up for classes only to see that I would still need "departmental approval" to get them added to my schedule. What the?! *Sigh*

I know it'll eventually work itself out, but I hate that feeling of being all scattered that first week of school. As of right now, I have exactly 1 class for sure on my schedule...and I'm trying to add 3 more. Also meaning that I have not bought even one textbook. Eek! At least it's one step closer to that blessed graduation day? ;)

Budget Friendly College Books

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to graduate just so I can finally escape those ridiculous textbook prices! I have spent on average $150-$200 per semester on books, and being on a college budget..that much money hits my wallet hard.

I really wish I would have known about Campus Book Rentals earlier because of all the perks that come with their site, such as:
+ Saving 40-90% off of bookstore prices
+ Free shipping both ways
+ Flexible renting periods
+ Being able to highlight in the textbook
+ Plus, they donate to Operation Smile for every textbook rented!

Now they have a new program called Rent Back that allow students to rent out their own textbooks to fellow students, so they can make 2-4 times more cash than just selling back the book. How cool is that?! Check out this video for more information on what Rentback is all about.

Hitting the internet to find your college textbooks is the way to go these days, which is why Campus Book Rentals should be your first stop to finding books on a budget :)

End of Finals Countdown: T-4 days. 

Music Theory Woes

{Remixed: F21 jacket}

I'd been putting off studying for my Music Theory test for ohhh about a week or so, anticipating the scary multitude of sharps and flats that would inevitably make me go cross-eyed. If any of you have taken piano lessons, you know how obnoxious and brutal music theory is. It is probably the least favorite thing ever for every music student known to man. Amongst all my procrastination, moaning, and groaning it then dawned on me...not many people have this opportunity. Why was I complaining?

This opportunity to sing, learn technique & theory, and have lessons every week to help build up my musical talent really is a blessing. I shouldn't be dragging my feet about learning major and minor key signatures. I should be taking advantage of all this knowledge so I can one day put it to use when teaching voice lessons or teaching my future children how to read music.

I sucked it up and studied all the key signatures, melodic and harmonic scales, and so forth. Said a little prayer then walked into the test a little nervous. Once the test was handed to me I wrote down everything I had memorized while it was still swirling around in my head. Then I started to notice that this test was pretty easy...actually SUPER easy. I finished in a half hour! With all my studying and focus, I was able to completely throw myself into the subject matter which made the test seem easy. If you can't get out of it, get into it right?

This whole semester is jam-packed with music-related courses and I'm really going to focus on having a better attitude about the mountain of work that comes with it. Because when am I going to have another time in my life where I'm required to practice music?

Practice, Practice, Practice

Wanna know why I'm here at 1 in the morning? I just really need a break from this English project that is currently frying my brain in a saucepan {if you were curious, I'm writing a children's magazine article about how Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire brought romance and hope to American audiences during the Great Depression, cool huh?} Anyways, I'm just thinking about how this semester is going to be a crazy one. Although none of my classes are difficult in the scholastic sense, my schedule is grueling because it takes so much time. 

Piano lessons? 5 hours a week. 

Voice lessons? 3 hours a week. 

Conducting? 2 hours a week. 

Latin dance? 2-3 hours a week. 

Choir class? A 3 hour retreat & 2 concert reports. 

Did I mention that these are just practice hours and that they are in addition to the time I already spend in class? Plus, I still have Intro to Jazz, Music Fundamentals, and Writing About Arts & Humanities sprinkled in with the classes above. {Which comes to a total of 14 credits and 8 separate courses}.

{My 25-minute walk home from school}

Even though I might twitch and complain about the workload sometimes {and it might occasionally be warranted}...I secretly love every minute. I literally sang all day today. This morning in voice lesson, when practicing piano, during University Chorale, driving to and from school, then finally during my 2 hour Conducting class. Have I mentioned that singing is one of my top 3 most favorite things in the world? It's pretty awesome that I'm technically "required" to sing, dance, and play the piano every day...my new neighbors downstairs are gonna loooove me ;)

Impending Graduation + Senior Year

{Tuesday was our first day back to school, and of course I made Ryan take first day pictures!}

This is my last full semester of classes {14 credits worth}, then I have my stupid American Heritage class to take {I know, I know...why didn't I take it sooner?! Cause I hate scary history classes, that's why}...then I'm finally done. I'll walk in April and it feels so surreal. I've been pluggin' away at school for so long, I don't know even know what it's like to not be scheduling my life between semesters and classes. Something that has been hanging over my head for the past month or so, is what kind of jobs I should start applying for? I've been putting off the thought for so long, just thinking: "Oh, I'll figure it out when I am about to graduate". Ummm, ya. That's kinda soon. Especially since I'll be a part time student next semester, which means I need to find work starting in January. 

I will graduate with a Family Studies degree {emphasis in therapy}, a Music minor {emphasis in vocals}, a slew of Interior Design/Art History/Architecture classes, and Communications courses. What the heck are you going to do with all of that? Well my friend, that is an excellent question. I love design, fashion, business, and working with people...so maybe something along those lines? While teaching voice lessons on the side? All I know is that whatever I set my mind to, I can accomplish. Nothing really stands in my way...that is when I actually have some sense of direction. Note to self, add to the to-do list: "find some life direction".

Back to School $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway {CLOSED}

I'm super excited to be teaming up with these blog ladies to offer the winner some extra cash to spend on their back to school necessities! Even if you are working the 9-5 job, don't you just love Fall? The crisp air, the boots, the apple cider just makes my heart sing! Enter the giveaway and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A PR Giraffe

{Drawing by Grant Myres}

I had a quiz in my Intro to Public Relations class today, and no matter what age you are...

quizzes are always bad news bears.

 I'm pretty sure the whole class did horrible on it {which is oddly comforting} judging from all the groaning that went on while correcting it.

The quiz was about ethics in public relations...hopefully this giraffe will save us all.

first day

So I'm sure you are wondering why Ryan & I have our fingers up for our obligatory "First Day of School" pictures.

Ever since I can remember, my mom would take first day pictures...

but have us hold up the number of fingers that correlated with our grade that year.

Not to make a cute picture or anything, it was all so she can remember what picture goes with what school year.

Clever mom, verrrry clever.

Ryan is holding up an 11 for his Junior year and I'm holding up a 12 for my Senior year!

Hopefully I can graduate by Summer and not be a Super Senior....yikes!

I'm majoring in Family Studies with minors in Communications and Music.

And no, I haven't a clue what I'm going to do with all of that. 

But hey. At least I'll be well-rounded :)

Classes I'm taking this semester:

History of Interior Design & Architecture

Forming Marital Relationships

University Chorale

Advanced Family Processes

Theories of Family Perspective

Yoga

Do you want to know the secret to a fantastic first day of school?

Despite having classes from 9-3 then work from 4:30-10?

WEAR FLORAL/COLORED/PRINTED JEANS.

I got compliments all day long which boosted my confidence level, and they were an awesome conversation ice breaker which turned into lots of friends in all my classes.

Score. 

How was your first day?

<3 Bri

The Final-e

Am I currently avoiding studying for my finals?

Umm yes.

I have four finals that I am determined to take by Tuesday. 

Last semester was a DISASTER when I took finals, I was late and stressed and blah blah blah, 

check out the story here, it's quite humorous if I do say so myself.

Now I've learned my lesson so I'm gonna be a good girl and take finals on the front end of finals week.

No procrastinating! 

This outfit is what I threw together when I saw that it was raining outside the other day.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Why is it raining?!

Anywho, I'm loving the bright colors trend, because that's pretty much all I have in my wardrobe!

So I got some minty polka dots and hot pink going on. 

Loves it.

 Hot Pink Sweater: Loft//Scarf, Cableknit sweater: Forever 21//Jeans: Fossil//Boots: Magic Step//Sunnies: Charlotte Russe//Necklace: gift//Purse: LA Fashion District//Earrings: made by me. 

Welp, I've gotta get cracking on some studying & cleaning.

If I have a guest post I need to write for you, I'll write them on my study breaks :)

Love you all lots, and see you on the other side!!

<3 Bri 

Campus Book Rentals

All you college kids are signing up for Fall classes right about now huh?
Not fun, right?!

Especially when you are ready for this semester to already be over.

{This is my "I'm SO done with school face" from Freshmen year, still the same face I'm making today!}

Signing up for classes is not too fun to begin with, but what is even MORE exciting is buying textbooks.

Getting a book for 100 bucks that you are only gonna use for 3 months is absolutely aggravating. 

You know what though?

Check out Campus Book Rentals.com!

You get: 

-Free shipping both ways, 

-40-90% off of bookstore prices

 -To highlight in the books

-Flexible renting prices

-On top of it all...with every textbook bought, Campus Book Rentals donates to Operation Smile.

How cool is that?!

You don't get:
-Creepy emails & texts from the person you are meeting in the cafeteria so you can buy their Bio book off of them. Awk.
-Ripped off on books that you are only using for 3-4 months, and let's be honest. How much are you reading it anyways?
-To wait in line, holding your books, for what seems like hours before you get to buy the dang things
-You don't even have to leave THE HOUSE to get all your books. Um, score?

I've already typed in some books in the search engine that I need for this next Fall semester, and I found them for mega cheap.

If you don't believe me, check it for yourself!

Click here!

Enjoy this semester almost being over, but start getting prepared for this next school year and save some money while you're at it!

<3 Bri

Media Fast Aftermath

About a week ago I was required to go on a "Media Fast" for my Communications class.

3 days without: internet, movies, phone calls, texts, facebook email, music, instagram, and blogging.

Holy crap was that difficult.

I really didn't even notice how digitally connected I was!

Especially for being so technologically dumb.

{Meaning, I hardly ever update my computer & phone. I know. I know. I know how bad it is!}

My phone would go off with a school email.

Couldn't look at it.

Someone got engaged on facebook.

Didn't know about it until three days after.

What to do on a lazy Friday night?

Definitely not allowed to watch a movie.

How did we get so intertwined with our gadgets?

I don't know about you, but I almost feel naked if I walk out of the house without my phone and ipod.

How the heck did people get ahold of each other back in the 80's and 90's??

Nowadays I can't even fathom life without texting, google maps, or wiki.

Gosh. I would be even more lost than I am now.

How did all of our parents find out friends were engaged or dating?

How did our parents find each other?

How did they all know to meet up at In-N-Out at a certain time without a Facebook event about it?

I'll tell you how.

People actually socialized.

Shocking, right?

We are so connected to our electronics that people don't know how to be socially apt in social situations.

Our generation has forgotten how to have a real face-to-face conversation.

Sad, huh?

Makes me wanna live in the 50's.

 Chillin' at the diner with my friends, poodle skirts, cheeseburgers, and cherry cokes!

Sweater, T-shirt: Target//Jeans, Long Necklace: American Eagle//Motorcycle Boots: Rocket Dog//Faux Leather Jacket: Styles For Less//Nail Polish: OPI Mermaid Tears 

I have deleted my facebook before.
It was right before I started this blog, because facebook was stealing my time and energy away from me.
I decided to bring it back only to promote my blog.
Because I've gone on a facebook fast before, it made it a lot easier this time to drop it completely.

What I would suggest?

Take a 2-day technology vacation.
It's really quite nice, relaxing, and surprise surprise...gives you SO much more free time!
Oh gosh, what could you do with an extra 3-5 hours in your day?

What do you all think about this technology-driven era?
Has it been more of a hinder than a help?

<3 Bri

Media Fast

I know I'm smiling in the picture below, but I am SO not smiling right now.

......

Ok, that was a tad overdramatic I know.

I am being forced to take  a blog break for 3 days.

Actually, a computer/phone/technology break.

Let me explain.

I'm in a Communications class, and one of our projects is that we have to take a Media Fast.

Takin' a break from all things media-related.

This project is meant to show us how much we depend on social media resources and how well we can cope without them. I can already tell you I'm not going to cope very well.

But at least it will open up some free time for me, and make me bored enough to do my homework.

My Media Fast includes the following:

-I'm not allowed to use my phone. AT ALL. No calls, texts, emails, and I can't even use my alarm on it

-No computer unless absolutely necessary to turn in homework

-No internet browsing/pretend shopping

-No television, hulu, netflix, movies

-No going out to the movies

-No camera/picture taking

-No instagram, twitter, youtube

-No facebook

-No emails

-No blog

:(

BUT.
You know what?
Imma try and make the best of it!

I will try to complete the following during my fast:
-Practice my singing & piano playing
-Write a handwritten letter to my bff Sterling
-Deep clean the apartment
-Study & take my two tests by Tuesday
-Catch up on school reading
-Exercise/go to a Zumba class
-Donate/sell clothes I don't wear
-Take an inventory of what clothing I have, and what I would like to get for spring
-Sort paperwork stack in the kitchen
-Finish my burlap lampshade
-Organize/decorate the office

I know I'll probably get about 3-4 of these things done, but it's always good to have a list of choices. 

Dress, Belt:Ross//Flats: Forever 21//Necklace: Anthropologie {gift}//Coat: Forever 21 {Valentine's gift from Ryan!} 

So that is the jist of it all.
I'll see you all soon!

Don't go just yet though, I have a present for you all :)

I just finished the sixth installment of "The Story of Us", and it's sitting in my 'lil post folder.
I'll have Ryan post it for me in a day or two when you all start having Brios withdrawals.

Love you all dearly, and I'll see you on the other side and tell you allll about it!

<3 Bri

P.S. Can I have just a little bragging moment? The white coat above, Ryan picked out all by himself and gave it to me as one of my surprise Valentines presents. How cute is he!?
He went to Forever 21, loved the shape and stitching of the coat, thought I could wear it through Winter and Spring and picked it up for me. Gosh, I'm so lucky.