How to Make the Most of College: 5 Tips for Freshmen

Chances are that classes have already begun for you or are starting shortly. (I started classes this week and had to put my blog on hold for a few days, so I'm sorry this post is so late!) During my first few months of college, I had no idea what to expect and was willing to take advice from anyone and everyone!

Starting my sophomore year of college has been stress-free and surprisingly really easy so I wanted to help those freshmen and transfer students who are in the same boat as I was a year ago. Here are 5 basic tips that worked for me during my first month of college. 

This post is geared towards freshmen but can be applied to any college student, of course!

1. Leave your door open. Whether you live in a dorm or a brand new apartment, it's always good to limit the amount of time you spend in your room. If you absolutely must be in your room (or have nowhere else to go!) leave your door propped open. It's much more inviting and chances are you'll make many more friends that way! 

2. Go to campus events. At Temple we have this thing called Welcome Week. It's mainly just for freshmen to get a feel for campus and see all the different things we have to offer here. I loved Welcome Week because it gave me things to do and places to go when I was bored! Take your roommate along or go alone and make some friends! Talk to everyone. Introduce yourself! You have a unique opportunity to reinvent yourself at college, so take advantage of it!

3. Go to sporting events. Sporting events are a great way to gain some school spirit and pride (if you don't have any already!). I love going to Temple games and cheering on the Owls! I have such a good time, especially if I go with a group of friends. Sit with the student section for an even greater experience!

4. Don't be afraid to join and try new things! College is all about experience. If you want to join a club that doesn't exist, start one! Get involved in as many things as possible (but don't join more clubs than you can handle!).

5. Don't sweat the little things. Always remember you're not alone! If you're stressing about something, call your parents! They'll love to hear from you and love that you thought of them. They miss you more than they let on. If you don't want to call your parents there plenty of other options. It's always beneficial for you to seek advice from those that have gone through it. And it's normal to doubt yourself and your abilities when you get to college. Try to remind yourself why you're there and the things that make you so awesome!

I hope these 5 tips were beneficial for you! If you're in college or even a college graduate, what advice would you give to those who are going through it for the first time? If you're a new college student, I'm always open to hearing your concerns and offering any advice I can give! Comment below and I'll get right back to you :)

DIY: Cushioned Storage Crates

If you're like me, you're spending your last week before college doing all of those DIY projects you put off until the last minute. This is a quick and easy project that I absolutely LOVE and get so many compliments on. I did this project last summer and covered the crates with black and white fabric to match my comforter. This year, I bought a new comforter so I figured I'd re-cover the crates and do a DIY blog post for you all!

This is what the crates looked like when I made them last summer... also here's a shameless plug for you to follow me on Instagram!

Cute, right?! I loved them, they were so useful last year. Now let me show you how I did it!

What You Need:

2 (or 3 or 4 or however many you want to do!) regular old crates. You can buy them in many colors at places like Target or Walmart. I bought mine last year at Walmart for super cheap! 

You will also need a square of plywood that fits right inside the crate's ledge. I took the crates to Lowe's and they cut the pieces for me so it was very easy! After I went to Lowe's I stopped at my local fabric store and looked through the scrap foam pile and found a piece that was big enough to cover the two squares of plywood. I had the woman at the counter cut it to the exact size I needed. I also got two quarters of fabric in those super cute black & white patterns you see above. The quarters were less than $2 a piece! The size of the fabric quarter is exactly the right size you need to cover the foam and plywood pieces. If they don't have any patterns you like in the fabric quarters, you can pick out a pattern and have them cut it! That's what I ended up doing this time since they didn't have much of a white & gray fabric selection.

You'll also need a staple gun, a hammer, and some scissors (if you would need to cut the fabric at all).

How:

Step 1: Glue the foam to the plywood. I used some regular old Elmer's glue and it worked just fine!

Foam/plywood SANDWICH!

 Step 2: Cut fabric to size (if needed) and lay the foam/plywood sandwich foam-side-down in the center of the fabric quarter and get your staple gun ready!

 Step 3: Staple fabric to the underside of the plywood. Make sure you're pulling it tight so the fabric doesn't get bunchy on the other side. To be honest, I sat with my knees in the middle of the plywood and stapled it that way to make sure it was plenty tight! I did about 4-5 staples on each side. To staple the corners: fold them in like you're wrapping a present and staple it twice.

Step 4: Hammer the staples down so they're flush against the plywood.  

The staple on the left has been hammered down, the staple on the right hasn't!

Step 5: Repeat for the rest of the crates you have!

Now you've turned some boring crates into some super cute extra seats/storage space for your dorm or apartment!

10 Tips for Brand New Bloggers

My first blog post was published on July 14th. I didn't really know what I was doing/getting myself into when I started a month ago, but I am here to tell you that I'm sure glad I did it. Blogging has opened up to me a brand new community of such happy, outgoing, creative, interesting people.
Having only been blogging for a month, I had to quickly try to catch myself up to other bloggers. Funny thing is, you can't. It's nearly impossible to know exactly what you're doing from the get-go. So don't stress about it!

Since I started my blog I have...

• changed my blog title 3 times
• changed my blog theme 4-5 times
• considered deleting twice
• changed my blog's twitter handle once
• made two different email accounts for the blog

At first, I was totally embarrassed that I kept changing my blog title but hey, you have to find something you love and something that sticks. Kayla Blogs is simple and generic but that's pretty much what this blog is! Simple, for sure. And its content covers a lot of bases (not quite yet, but soon). I needed something that would work with all of my content. Kayla Blogs does just that.

Even though I've only just started this blog, I've already learned QUITE a few things (stemming from mistakes, mostly) and I'd like to share them with you. 

Here we go.

Kayla's 10 Tips for Newbie Bloggers

1. Wait until you have posted at least 2-3 blog entries BEFORE you share your blog. No sense sending people to your blog when you have 1 post titled "About This Blog". If you have more than one it makes you seem like you know what you're doing a little better (even though you probably still have no clue, it's fine).

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH when it comes to hosting, domains, etc. I was a total dumb-dumb and paid for hosting when I realized that I just wanted to use Blogger. Poo. Side note: if you need help switching from yourblogname.blogspot.com to just yourblogname.com without having to switch your host (ex: Blogger to Wordpress) THIS article was super super helpful! The best step-by-step guide I found!

3. Don't worry when you can't think of anything to blog about. Because chances are, you  have a really good idea but you just don't think it's good enough. When in doubt, just start writing! If it ends up being a terrible post, then scrap it! But at least you got some words flowing and maybe a new idea popped into your head while you were writing the not-so-good post.When I'm completely stumped, I browse other blogs for inspiration and Blog Lovin' is a great resource for that which brings me to my next tip...

4. MAKE A BLOG LOVIN ACCOUNT! It makes it SO easy for others to view your blog posts all in one spot! It's also helpful for you, too, so you can keep up with your friends and favorite bloggers.

5. Make a separate Twitter account for your blog. I have a personal twitter, but I know not all my followers care about my blog and want to see me tweeting about my blog posts every 12 seconds. INSTEAD, make a separate Twitter and link them! In the Twitter app, you can click the little button next to the gear on your profile and link two accounts. Some people prefer using two separate apps for their accounts so they don't get mixed up. Personally, I haven't had this problem yet so this works for me! Once your accounts are linked you can tweet your blog posts and use your personal account to RT yourself every once in a while. Advertise your blog's twitter on your personal page a few times to give your friends the option to follow you there as well. If they follow you 1. that means they're an awesome friend and 2. they WANT to see your blog posts all up in their feed. So don't feel bad.

6. On your new blog's Twitter account, follow as many blogs as possible! @FemaleBloggerRT is an amazing account! Tweet your latest blog post and tag them and they'll RT you to all of their followers! I've followed a lot of people because I saw their posts RT'd by @FemaleBloggerRT so it definitely works. Check hashtags such as #lblogger if you're a lifestyle blogger, #bblogger if you're a beauty blogger, etc. Follow people who have those hashtags with their blog posts. You want to make as many friends as possible. That being said...

7. Tweet at people! Don't just post about your blog all the time. Make some friends! It's like the first day of school out there for us newbie bloggers. Nobody wants to be friends with someone who is ME ME ME all the time! If someone tweets a question, answer it! Use smiley faces, people like that. If someone posts a selfie tell them they look cute, compliment them (only if you mean it, of course)! Chances are it will 1. make their day and 2. they'll remember you as that super nice person that said they looked pretty. Also, if you see any Twitter chats going on join them! That's an AMAZING way to meet new bloggers. I haven't joined any yet but I'm looking forward to doing some in the near future.

8. If you're too shy to just tweet at people then thank them for following you! The more blogs YOU follow, the more people that will end up following you. If you see a few new people following you, tweet out a "hey thanks for following!" and chances are they'll appreciate it. Don't DM people, it means a little extra something when you're willing to publicly acknowledge their follow. You know what I mean, right?

9. Add your blog to ALL your social media accounts. Twitter bio, Instagram bio, Pinterest, Linked In (if it's not something totally unprofessional. Having a blog could definitely set you apart from the competition!), YouTube, Facebook...

10. Last tip is make a FB page for your blog and invite everyone on your friends list. Seriously. Almost everyone will be willing to help you out and click "like". Post regularly on it, and thank your "likers" when you reach a milestone!

Phew. This was a lot longer than I expected it would be, but the ideas just kept flowing!
If you're a newbie blogger comment below and I'd love to check out your blog! Also, include your Twitter handles as well I love following new blogs on Twitter!

Liebster Award Nomination!

This morning I woke up to a Twitter notification from Charlotte who writes Beauty and Bolder! She nominated me for the Liebster Award. "The Liebster Award is a pay it forward chain in the blogging community, allowing bloggers to be more discoverable by spreading the word. Fellow bloggers nominate other bloggers to answer questions, who in turn pass the challenge on."

THE RULES

-Post the award on your blog.

-Thank the blogger who presented this award and link back to their blog.

-Write 11 random facts about yourself.

-Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and who have less than 200 followers (I did 250 followers or less and I used Twitter followers!).

-Answer 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 11 questions.

11 Random Facts About Me

1. I have a younger brother who is 15 years old. 

2. I traveled to London and Paris with my HS choir during my senior year and it was my first time venturing outside the United States! It was for 10 days and I had a lot of fun with all of my choir friends performing in various placed in Paris and London. 

3. I've been singing since I could talk! If you're interested, my YouTube link is above; I have a few videos of me singing on there. 

4. I love chicken nuggets. There is never a time when I am NOT craving them. Same goes for mac & cheese. 

5. I saw Justin Timberlake in concert last summer and it changed my life. 

6. I have a blue iPhone 5c and I have yet to regret my color choice. 

7. I got my driver's license on the first try by some miracle! 

8. Shows I watch/have watched include: The Office, Parks and Rec, Parenthood, United States of Tara, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad. 

9. My goal in life is to one day own my own practice for Speech-Language Pathology. 

10. I am the oldest grandchild! 

Charlotte's Questions

Q: If you could only take three things to a desert island with you, what would they be? 

A: 1. My sunglasses. I have fairly sensitive eyes and I die anytime I go into the sun without them

2. Sunscreen. I'm pale and would get burnt in 2 seconds.

3. My bathing suit. I'll treat it like a mini vacation! ;)

Q: If you could only read books for the rest of your life or watch movies for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?

A: Books, most definitely. I like watching movies but I love reading much, much more. It's amazing how books work. You could have 20 people in a room reading the same book but if you were asked to draw or even describe how the characters looked, I guarantee you'd have 20 different visions of the same character come to life. It takes a special type of person to be a writer. Especially a writer that people actually want to read. I love how lost you can get in a book as well. You don't get that by going to a movie theater!

Q: Where did you grow up and have you moved since?

A: I grew up in a small-ish suburb outside of Philadelphia, PA. I haven't moved at all since I could remember!

Q: What would your perfect Saturday be?

A: On my perfect Saturday I'd have a day off, and it'd be beautiful and sunny outside. I'd spend the day reading outside and my mom would make one of my favorite dinners! Also, there'd probably be at least a little bit of shopping involved ;)

Q: What is something you would change about yourself?

A: I'd like to be more patient!

Q: What is something you wouldn't change about yourself?

A: I love organizing and scheduling and I have like, 8,000 different calendars and I love it. I wouldn't change it for anything! 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world in a instant, where would you go?

A: My dream travel destination right now would have to be Greece or Italy. I just think Europe is so beautiful. 

Q: What is your dream career?

A: My dream career is to be a certified Speech-Language Pathologist working with preschool-elementary aged kids!

Q: How would you describe yourself in five words?

A: caring, organized, planner, worrier, occasionally funny 

Q: What do you wish you were doing right now? 

A: I wish I wasn't getting ready for work soon! I wish I was on my way to Philly or the beach with some friends. 

Q: Who would you like to nominate next? 

A: I'm nominating... 

My Nominees 

(and their Twitter handles... follow them!)

apologies if you've been nominated before!

Christie @christieselken -- http://sparklesofsunshine.com 

Rach @seashellssparkl -- http://seashellsandsparkles.wordpress.com

Kelsey @sparkle_shinexx -- http://sparkleshineandglisten.blogspot.com 

Sarah @sarahliz___ -- http://laughscraftsandphotographs.blogspot.com 

Brooke @brookeemeryblog -- http://www.silverliningtheblog.com 

Lily @bloglilyrose -- http://lilyroserichards.blogspot.co.uk 

Kristen @organizedcharm -- http://organizedcharm.blogspot.com 

Margo @ourlittlel -- http://ourlittleluxuries.blogspot.com 

Jennie @balteress -- http://balteress.blogspot.co.uk 

Deanna @lebibblog -- http://lebibliotheque.blogspot.com 

Hannah @hrambles -- http://hannahsramblesblog.blogspot.co.uk 

Your 11 Questions Are...

1. Why did you start your blog?

2. How did you come up with your blog name?

3. 3 things you want to do before you get married/have kids/die? (pick one)

4. Favorite color?

5. Most embarrassing moment? Or, moment you were most proud of yourself?

6. Favorite accessory?

7. If you could only buy clothes from one store for the rest of your adult life, what store would you choose?

8. Favorite meal of the day?

9. Favorite social media platform?

10. Do you ever wish you were younger or older? Which one and why?

11. What do you hope bloggers gain from your content?

That's all! Happy Wednesday everyone!

How to Stay Inspired During Your First Year of College

I'll admit, college is tough sometimes. You're away from home, your family, and your friends. Trust me, it's completely  normal to get down on yourself or feel homesick.

Over the course of my freshman year I hung up artwork and quotes that made me feel better. I taped them up right next to my bed where I could look at them when I was lounging or about to go to sleep. It was something that started unintentionally but soon became a conscious project. I loved looking at it so much that I'm going to do it again this year!

Here are some pictures of what the wall looked like at the end of the year:

This section was right by my head so I could see it when I was lying down facing the wall. The card on the left was in a package I received from Walk In Love. It's Jeremiah 21:11. Reading this quote helps to calm me down when I'm feeling really stressed out. It comforts me to know that someone is looking out for me. The note on the right is from my boyfriend. During my first semester of college he was sent to Chicago on business and I didn't see him for 3 months. I was really upset that he was gone and this little note he sent me helped me get through it. Attached to the note is a fortune that reads "Love is friendship set to music". I would definitely say that my boyfriend is my best friend and the quote made me smile so I taped that up there with his note!

This section of the wall was down towards my feet. One of the drawings was made by my cousin and the rest were drawn for me over the course of the Spring semester by the preschool students I work with.
It doesn't look like much, but it put a smile on my face and made me feel much better whenever I was stressing out over exams or feeling like I just wanted to give up.

Are you planning on creating an inspirational/motivational wall at school? What will you put on it? What are your favorite motivational quotes? I'd love to hear from you! Comment below...

DIY: Painted Cork Squares

This project was super easy and fun! My friend Sarah from Laughs, Crafts & Photographs was over and helped me with this simple but adorable project! Check out her blog for a step-by-step post with high quality pictures!

What You Need:

I found everything I needed at Michael's Craft Store for a little over $20. The most expensive item was the cork squares themselves. I bought them in a pack of 4 for about $16. Next you will need some sort of acrylic paint and brushes. I bought 2 foam brushes (medium size) and I also ended up using a circular foam brush that I had at home already. The brushes were about $1 for two. The paint I bought was Craft Smart acrylic paint and it was under $1 per bottle. I bought colors that would match with my room and the scrapbook paper I bought for my weekly dry erase calendar. I bought a pale blue, purple, light green, and two bottles of white. Although you don't need them, I also bought stencils because my artistic abilities are not that great lol. The pack had chevron and polka dot patterns among a few others. It was $6 for the stencils but they will be able to be reused!

How:

First we painted the cork squares completely. We painted two squares white and then one we painted blue and one purple. We let those dry for a while (didn't take long, paint dries fairly quickly on cork) and then we used the stencils. I used the chevron stencil and green paint over one of the white cork squares and the white paint and polka dot stencil over the blue square. It was a little tricky to line up the stencil once you reached the end but you could easily line up the stencil with the last row you painted and continue from there. 

            

Here is the finished product! It was super easy to do and now I'll have some fun cork boards to hang things up on. I'm thinking of using them to hang printables and one cork square will be used as my "motivation board"! I'll be blogging about how I ended up using these very soon! Only a few more weeks until Fall semester!

Hello August!

"August is the Monday of summer"

I saw that quote on twitter today and I thought it couldn't be more true! The entire month of August is just a huge preface to the upcoming school year. I don't know about y'all, but I'm SUPER excited for what this school year will bring. 

I like to take the first day of each month to reflect/get excited about things that are coming up this month. 

So, here's my list of August events and to-do's!

1. Finish up working at Gap -- I have been working at my local Gap Outlet for almost 2 years now! It's a good job and I love the discount. ;) I have my last day planned about a week before the semester begins.

2. Free week of spending time with my best friend Kelsey -- She's been living at the beach this summer working as a waitress. I missed her TONS this summer but I'm excited to know that we will both be home and commitment-free for a week before we have to go back to school.

My best friend Kelsey and I last year

3. Finish back to school shopping/grocery shopping -- This one is pretty self explanatory!

4. MOVE IN TO MY APARTMENT! -- This one is obviously a hugeeeee to-do. I'm getting more stressed about it the more I think about it.... so let's not think about it right now! :P

5. Classes begin -- I'm a little nervous about what this semester will bring but I am beyond excited as well. I can't wait to get started learning more and working towards my degree!

What sorts of events do you have planned for August? How do you get ready for the upcoming school year? Comment below I'd love to hear from you!