Thoughts of the First Month of Freshman Year

First month is always the hardest,

It had only been a month and it already feels like I have been in school for half a year. It is no joke when people say college changes who you are and it is nothing like you have ever experienced in your life.

My schedule is booked to the max. Instead of having morning classes, I have afternoon and evening classes that usually end around 7:40 or 9:00 p.m. but I really enjoy all of my classes. Okay, maybe not all since I do not enjoy Freshman Seminar the slightest bit -  it seems like a waste of my time since I have other assignments to do, that in my mind are more important.  Aside from courses, I have a work-study job and I think it has to be the coolest job available here. I get to write press releases and various other projects that can be seen by everyone at my university.

My dorm hall is in an apartment style, meaning I have an apartment with 5 other girls each room has 2 girls living in it. I am thankful that my room is spacious and not cramped like many other university that I have visited during high school. Right after our 2-day orientation all of my housemates and I got a long. By the time we were 2 weeks into the semester we were calling each other family. I think that's rare to find since I keep hearing stories around campus that this person does not spend much/if any time with their roommate rather with separate friends. My housemates help me with my schoolwork and give great boy problem advice.

Homesickness is very common among college freshmen and I am not the exception. I thought living away from my mother and brother for two years during high school would allow me to get used to how college would be. Boy, I was so wrong! I soon realized that living 2 hours away (where my aunt and grandma live) is a lot different from living 8+ hours away from New York City. I am alone up here in the mountains of Bradford, Pa. Also with the sudden news that my health may not be up to par like I thought it was is one of the reasons I am considering accepting my offer to attend the University of Massachusetts - Amherst for the Spring 2015 semester.

Also the food here is great once in a blue moon..

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

Oh Captain! My Captain! RIP Robin Williams [1951-2014]

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

                         But O heart! heart! heart!

                            O the bleeding drops of red,

                               Where on the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

                         Here Captain! dear father!

                            This arm beneath your head!

                               It is some dream that on the deck,

                                 You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

                            But I with mournful tread,

                               Walk the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

 -Walt Whitman

In the wake of the dreadful news about the death an extraordinary man, one who has touched the hearts of many people of many generations, Robin Williams had passed away on Monday, August 11, 2014. I couldn't believe the news and felt a pain in my chest that I've rarely felt before. He was a man with talent, such a rare talent that it had inspired so many people including myself. I remember watching films such as Jumanji, Bicentennial Man, Aladdin, Mrs.Doubtfire, Flubber, and my favorite of all The Dead Poet Society, and thinking 'Wow this man he's good!' Given the circumstances that I was a child and my vocabulary was not vast by any means.

As well as  the news of his death, also came the news of his depression and the speculation that his death was because of suicide. It comes to show that depression is a serious disease that can effect anyone at all, even those whom are successful, wealthy, or seem happy. I've dealt with depression on a personal level as well as with family and friends. I want all of my reader, old and young, that you're not alone and there will always be someone out there to help and be there for you. If you are ever thinking about suicide or need someone to talk to please reach out to me or you can call the suicide prevention hotline; 1800-273-8255. 

As tribute to Robin Williams I have 5 of my favorite quotes from the man himself that I'd love to share with you all. 

"What's right is what's left if you do everything else wrong." 

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world."

"I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel alone." 

"Spring is natures way of saying "Let's Party!" 

"I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way."

May all of his suffering come to an end and I know he will be making all the angels in heaven laugh. 
Thank you for reading.

Until next time, 

 

 

July 2014 Favorites

Seven months down, five more to go.

Another month has past and honestly it feels like this year is speeding by in a blink of an eye. Now that July is over with, I can reflect on how the month has been. I think it's safe to say that this month has been filled with challenges, changes, and goodbyes, but I wouldn't take it back at all. These are all of my favorites of the month of July.

Big Events

• Acting as tour guide first for my friends Robin and Alex, then my really close friend Zac, and lastly my best friend Danielle; even though it was a lot of walking and practically visiting places in the city that I've been seeing since I was a baby  it was extremely rewarding to see how excited my friends were and just to hang. 
• Beginnings 2014! Beginnings was my pre-orientation for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford where me and half of the incoming class of 2018 spent 2 days on campus meeting each other and becoming acquainted with the campus and the faculty. I was able to meet so many people and even though I was homesick the first night, I couldn't wait to begin university. Only 22 days left until move in day!

Beauty

• Since it is summer, I try to wear little to no makeup. I've fallen in love with BB creams like Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It has a little bit more cover then a tinted moisturizer. My skin feels like refreshed and it is able to even out any discoloration whenever I wear the product. 
• My go to scent for the summer is Prada Candy L'Eau, the light and fruity version of the darker floral scent of Prada Candy. Like said before, Candy L'Eau smells fruity and is definitely a scent that is perfect for the day, school, etc. 

Music

• Hoodie Allen - No Faith in Brooklyn
• The Weekend - Wanderlust
• Paramore - Still Into You

Blogger and Youtuber

• There is a tie between 2 YouTubers that I can't get enough of watching their videos. They both have something in common and it is their daily vlogs with their families. Both create amazing content and have the cutest babies!
• Judy Travis, aka ItsJudysTime and ItsJudysLife
• Anna Saccone and SacconeJolys
• Thus far I've been reading more and more blogs considering the amount of free time I now have. This month I would say my most visited blog would be Samantha of LifestreamThoughts. Her posts are very insightful and truly inspiring, 

That is all of my favorites for the month of July, and I'm sure I'll have more at the end of August. 

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

Top 3 First Day of School Outfits

Summer soon begins to end,

It is almost time to go back to school and I know what you all are thinking: But,but Krizia Summer has just begun. As much as I wish summer vacation could be a year long event in a matter of a couple weeks I will be moving into my new dorm. My favorite part of the back to school season is shopping for the upcoming year whether it be school supplies or clothing. I just love getting new things, some may even say I'm a shopaholic. Today I have for you 3 different but all equally amazing types of outfits to wear on your first day of school, this could be for high school or college.

Outfit 1: Edgy & Polished

About 80 % of my wardrobe consists the color black and I'm okay with that. Usually I like to pare an all black outfit with a pop of color. I suggest two different shoes because not everyone can handle wearing crazy high heels all day long. 

Outfit 2: Boho Chic

When you're in a rush because you've hit the snooze button way too many times this is the perfect outfit for you. You can easily slip them on and head out the door. You'd look put together and everyone would think you'd spent hours with this outfit when in reality it takes less than 5 minutes.

Outfit 3: Simple & Comfy

Some mornings I have no motivation to dress up and an outfit like this one allows me to feel comfortable yet put together. We all know classrooms are always zero degrees so wearing a cardigan will help when you're feeling chilly. 

I hope I helped in any way, shape or form with deciding on your first day back outfit.

Thank you for reading! 

Until next time, 

Meet Shiloh Tapia

Welcome to a new member of the Tapia-Francisco-Bruno household,

After years of asking for a pet dog and repeatedly being told no, it was a big surprise when my mother decided to buy a 3 month old Shih Tzu puppy at the pet store. It was definitely love at first sight when I was allowed to hold him and as my mom said "I had to buy him". So she bought him! I knew this will be very hard to adjust to since I live in a small apartment and my family has never owned a pet aside from fish and a couple of hamsters years ago. After getting him my brother and I had to come up with a name and I must say that it is a stressful process. From a list of 20 we narrowed it to four names: Shiloh, Cairo, Milo, and Cosmo.

Ever since we brought Shiloh home last Sunday he has gained 1 ounce which makes him to be 4 pounds and 13 ounces. He is very playful and loves to lay on the floor sprawled out like a rug. So far we are teaching him how to come to us on command, answer to his name, and to sit. All of which he has mastered! 

I already love Shiloh so much and I'm going to miss him a lot while I am in college. Therefore, I'm trying to enjoy him as much as I can now while I can. I hope you all enjoy my pictures of Shiloh and don't worry I'll post some more on my Instagram!

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

Summer 2014 Bucket List

Lists are great..

To do lists, grocery lists, to be read lists, etc. I love jotting down all types of lists into my journal. Every summer I like to write down 10 or more things onto my bucket list for the summer. For those of you who don't know what a bucket list is; essentially it is a list of things you'd like to do in the future. Generally for my summer bucket lists I get to accomplish about half but never the whole list, which is one thing you must remember. You can strive to strike out all of the items on your list but sometimes life happens and you can't do everything on your bucket list. Besides you can add it onto your bucket list for the next year!

1. Go to Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park

2. Go to a fireworks show

3. Change my room

4. Go on a road trip 

5. Get a tattoo

6. Post a blog every other day 

7. Say yes for 24 hours

8. Visit the Farmer's Market

9. Go to Myrtle Beach again

10. Become friends with a complete stranger

11. Live a healthier life

12. Learn Japanese 

13. Go to a carnival 

14. Have a bonfire at the beach

15. Dye my hair

Of course I have more things to add to my bucket list for the summer but I can't think of any as of right now. Every time I accomplish something on my bucket list I plan on writing a blog post on it so stay tuned for that. 

What's number 1 on your bucket list? 

Thank you for reading!

Until next time, 

Shows I've Been Binge Watching

It's summer vacation and..

About 50% of my day is spent watching TV shows on Netflix or on the TV. Unfortunately with no assignments or anything to do I can't help myself but to binge watch these shows. Today I will show you my top 3 shows that I have been watching. As well as 5 shows I'm interested in watching that are to premiere sometime in the summer/fall.

1. Orange is the New Black

This show was suggested constantly to me by friends and family members for a very long time. I can not believe I have waited so long to finally watch this show. One thing that I love about the show is that it is a Netflix Original, another thing is that you get to see that even though all of the ladies in the prison are criminals you get to see that they are human beings all of them are intelligent and interesting. My favorite characters are Red and Nicole. I can't stand Mendez. This show has a lot of NSFW content so this is your warning before you watch. 

2.House M.D 

This Sherlock Holmes medical adaptation has been around for many years, since 2004 to be exact, and it has always been a favorite of mine since then. Every episode has new guest stars, new storylines, new and odd diseases that Dr.House isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to cure. I'd love to have him as my doctor even though he is a giant jerk 99% of the time. 

3.Reign

Based on the story of Mary Queen of Scots, this show hits all the right spots for me when it comes to historical/royal based entertainment whether it be books, movies, or TV shows. While it is not 100% historically accurate and the show has a slight resemblance to another CW show that I love, The Vampire Diaries, without the vampires and werewolves. I feel as though the plot is amazing and catches my attention which is hard to do with TV shows. I absolutely love the costumes each of the characters wear and it makes me wish I could buy the gowns and jewelry that Mary and her lady's in waiting get to wear. 

Shows that I am interested in.

1.Chasing Life on ABC Family

2.Girl Meets World on Disney Channel

3.Young and Hungry on ABC Family

4.Finding Carter on ABC Family

5.The Will Wheaton Project on SYFY

What shows are you raving about? 

Thank you for reading! 

Until next time,

Thoughts, Commentary, and Predictions: Game of Thrones Season 4 Finale

Another season is over. Let the wait begin..

Last Sunday, June 15th, was the season finale of HBO's The Game of Thrones and it was a fantastic end to a season that brought tears, laughter, and fist shaking at the tv screen from fans all over. Of course the show lived up to its reputation of killing off the characters you grow to love. 

{Quick disclaimer: There might be a couple spoilers up ahead that will be marked but if you have not caught up yet I would advise watching the episode and then returning back here.} 

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There were good and bad episodes this season and I think this episode was executed perfectly! The whole hour I was on the edge of my seat wanting more and with a chill in my core of what is to come for season 5.  

This was the absolute best part of the whole episode. I always knew the children of the forest were alive. Why would the producers have giants, direwolves, and white walkers be real and not showcase these magical beings. It is about time we meet them and quite frankly I think from what I have seen thus far the children appear to be down right badass. This also brings something interesting to the Bran's storyline when for a good chunk of the season seemed to be quite dull. Now that Bran has reached where he has to be I'm curious of what the old man means by Bran could fly. 

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3 major shock factors. 

1. Stannis actually doing something useful... A day late 

I was not expecting Stannis and his new bought army to appear at the wall and I did not know how to react to it. Talk about bad timing, the Night's Watch really needed the extra men the night before. And I was actually hoping the Night's Watch and Wildlings could actually work together at least for the winter since the White Walkers pose such a big threat, but of course in Westeros we never get what we want and who knows what Stannis who now thinks he can have Castle Black and the Night's Watch under his domain since he's the "Rightful" King, will do with the situation.

2. Finding Shea in Tywin Lannister's bed

My heart hurts for Tyrion after everything he has been going through with the court trial, trial by combat, and now this? I think Shea is just a scum at this point and I understand she had her heart broken by Tyrion but who knows if it was all an act and who knows if she's been screwing Tywin the whole time she's been back at King's Landing. All of these sucky situations have been building up ever since he was born because Tywin despised Tyrion for being born and the death of his wife. I never thought Tyrion would kill ever but clearly when pushed to a limit he's not the Tyrion everyone thinks he is.
3. The Hound biting it and Arya's new voyage to Braavos 

 

 

Here it goes again right when I begin to like and warm up to a character, the writers of the show and George R.R Martin kill them off! It hurt a little to see The Hound that way but I knew eventually he was going to die because of the bite on his neck. Now that The Hound is out of the picture, Arya was able to get onto a ship en route to Braavos. Do you know what that means?! We will probably run into Jaqen H'ghar again and we'll find out how he was able to change his face and be an amazing assassin.

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The Game of Thrones is definitely a show I rave about and would recommended to all of my friends. Just beware of the nudity and gore but you get to look past that and enjoy the amazing story telling put on for people.
What were your thoughts of the fourth season of Game of Thrones? Good, bad? Leave it down in the comment section below! 

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

FOTD: Summertime Fun

Make up used 

• Face
• Primer: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Proctecting Emulsion 
• Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in the shade Classic Tan/Cappuccino
• Concealer: Clinque Line Smoother Concealer  in the shade Deep Honey
• Setting Powder: Clinque Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in the shade Invisible Matte
• Blush: Pür Minerals Universal Marble Powder in Pink
• Eyes
• Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette 
• Buck
• BH Cosmetics 88 Color Matte Eyeshadows Palette
• Stila Cosmetics In The Light Palette
• Bliss, Sunset, Gilded Gold
• Lancome Artliner 24H Bold Color Precision Eyeliner in Black Diamond
• Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black
• Lips
• Chanel Rouge Double Instensite Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Sensual Rose 

Outfit 

My dress is from H&M during their winter/fall collection was up, I do not think they still have the dress for sell but you can test your luck with looking in their sale/clearance section. I wore a size small and because of my long legs it does appear to be short. My shoes on the other hand were bought at Francesca's a local soon to be national boutique store. I am a size 8.5 in heels and these wedges are extremely comfortable. I had to wear these for 4+ hours during my graduation. 

Check out my video!

Thank you for reading! 

Until next time, 

I have survived!!

It's the end of a chapter.

This past Sunday was the moment for me and my fellow classmates to cross the stage and become high school graduates. The whole ceremony was long and filled with people talking but it certainly was beautiful. Considering that my class was about 375 - 400 students long and we were lined up by height, it took a very long time before I had to be called up. One of the drawbacks of being 5'9'' in high school. I'm going to miss my friends but I know I will still keep in touch with a good handful of close friends during summer and throughout my time at Pitt. Words can not describe how eager I am to begin this new chapter of life that I made a list of goals. 

College Dreams and Goals

• Become more open and try new things. 
• With that, I want to learn how to say yes to new experiences when they are offered to me. I hope to do a lot of traveling in my 4 years of undergraduate studies. The University of Pittsburgh offers many opportunities for study abroad and once I'm eligible, my sophomore year, I will make all necessary steps to get my application in for the experience. Also I plan on giving Greek life a try and rushing for a sorority despite my past opinions of the organization. 
• Maintain my grades and build an effective study habit. 
• Having many opportunities for help in my classes, also having a desk will be a big help when I need to study. I want to get rid of my procrastinating tendencies as quick as possible and I hope to surround myself around people who feel the same way about their education and future. 
• Stay fit and healthy
• There is a big chance of gaining the freshman 15 because of the endless food offered throughout the day while at college. To reduce my chances I got the smallest meal plan that will still keep me healthy and I do plan on using the gym offered for me, for free too! 

That is all for now but I'm sure as the time passes I will have more goals to set and accomplish. I welcome you all to join me in my journey to get these goals accomplished. 

Thank you! 

Until next time, 

An Open Letter to Prom Season 2014

Dear Prom Season, 

It's that time of year again where promposals happen almost everyday, girls stressing over their dress, make up, hair and everything else that will make their night the best night ever, and boys renting tuxes and buying condoms hoping to get laid. Once spring comes rolling and many other events such as graduation start getting closer everyone seems to get crazier by the minute. 

I, like many others, can agree that the time between March and the day of prom, mine is in May 23rd, are the most stressful months. Not only are we, seniors, trying to figure out which university we should attend, get a hold on financial aid because tuition is overpriced, and trying to keep our grades above a 65; but we are also trying to find dates, figure out all the nitty gritty details like tables and matching corsages and boutonnieres, and certainly not try to lose friends because of an one night event. 

One thing is very important to remember, this is essentially the last and/or only prom night you'll have again so please let all the stress go away and enjoy it. Have the best fun you ever had and don't let anyone at all ruin it. Party safe and party hard. 

I hope you all have a lot of fun. Thank you for reading! 

Until next time, 

The university I am attending is...

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford! 

After months of stress on top of stress with a side of stress. I had applied to 7 school, 6 replied back to me. I got accepted to my top choice, rejected to my second choice and wait-listed to my 3rd. Getting the rejection and wait list did hurt a lot but after considering my options over again I knew that Pitt was the school for me. The campus is cold but very beautiful and their education is pristine and a girl like me loves being surrounded by students who love learning just like myself. So it is official I will be a Freshman at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the Class of 2018. Initially I will be majoring in Pre-Communication science and Disorders but who knows later in life. I am so excited to start this next chapter in my life and nevertheless also really nervous. 

What school are you attending next year? 

Thank you for reading!

Until next time, 

Spring/Summer Fashion Hits and Misses

A girl's best friend.. 

Fashion, clothing, accessories, shoes! It's a guilty pleasure for many if not all girls to love. As for I, growing up in one the top fashion capitals of the world plus having a mother who works in the fashion industry, it is no question about why I love fashion the way I do. It's quite an obsession and I could qualify as a shopaholic in the eyes of many, including my family and friends. What is there not to love? It is fascinating to have the ability to put 2 or 3 items together to make a perfect outfit; also there isn't just one style there are a multitude of various different styles: for example preppy, hipster, bohemian, edgy, etc. All equally beautiful and all equally accepted by any social group. On the flip side, there are certain trends, fads, etc. that just don't mix well nor are visually appealing. Today I'll be discussing my favorite trends that have appeared in runways, red carpet events, and in the streets as well as my least favorite trends occurring now for the spring and summer of 2014. 

Hits

Stripes 

Skater skirts 

Floral or geometric patterns 

Lace

High waisted shorts/skirts 

Pastels 

Muscle graphic tank tops 

Wedges

Misses 

Sweatpants 

Shear 

Cut outs 

Hats (fedoras) 

Double Denim 

Frill 

I understand some people enjoy what I find to be ill-pleasing where some people wouldn't have the same taste in style as I do. We are all entitled for our own opinion     . Speakin of, what trend can you not get enough of right now? 

Thank you for reading! 

Until next time,

Spring Break 2014

The end is near...

This past week was my spring break and it was a very much needed break. I have grown to be so tired of school that it was a real struggle to find the motivation to get up from bed at 6 AM and head to be in the concrete walls of my school.

Spring break! One would think fun in the sun, beautiful trees blooming in preparation for the summer to come. Unfortunately for me, I was in a cold and wet city that even though is was pretty (ish) the cold made it feel like another winter break. It even snowed! Why would it snow in the middle of April!? Questions I cannot answer unfortunately because I'm still dumbfounded. 

There is always a light at the end of a dark tunnel. I am very happy that I was able to spend time with my mother, brother, and my cousin Vilma considering that I haven't seen them since my birthday a month prior because of school. Also I bought my prom dress and any necessities I would need to make my dress and myself smoking hot for the big day. Related with senior year, I made the decision to commit to a college.  I will have a whole new post one day exposing my decision. 

Thank you so much for reading!

Until next time,

Summer TBR 2014!

Summer is almost here...

For me this means plenty of things: no school, warm weather, late nights, and did I say no school already? One of the reasons I enjoy being away from school is that I get to read... all the books I wanted to read but couldn't because of the countless assignments I've been assigned. And today I'm going to conjure up a list of books that I hope to read this summer. There are several series I plan on finishing/starting but also "Lone" books as well. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

• Aside from having an amazing name like Rainbow, she is an amazing author and if this book hits me hard in the heart just like her other book, Eleanor & Park. This book will be one of my favorites. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth

• I've been nagged plenty of times by my friends to read the first installment of the Divergent series for a long time. But after watching the movie, I changed my thoughts about it. Divergent is intriguing and definitely makes you think of how society is today. I am definitely looking forward to reading the book, even though I've spoiled myself with the ending. 

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

• This 800+ paged novel is the second installment of the series A Song of Ice and Fire. It had taken me almost a year to complete the first book A Game of Thrones, and I hope to beat my time with finishing book two in the 3 months of summer vacation that I have. 

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith 

• This newly released novel has 3 distinctive things that had lured me into it's grasp. Firstly, it begins with two people who live in an apartment building in New York City. Secondly, the main male character's has the same name as of my boyfriend. Thirdly, the communicated via postcards! 

The Guild by Felicia Day & Jim Rugg

• Graphic novels have always been interesting to me ever since I was a little child. So much so for a long time in my childhood I wanted to be the person who drew comics like Wonder Woman and the X-Men. (Although this is still a dream of mine to this day). The Guild seems like an amazing graphic novel and come on now, Felicia Day (a.k.a amazing actress/everything) had written the story based off her show on YouTube. 

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Although my list can go on and on forever. Realistically, I will probably have time to finish half of the list I've presented. I guess I can never be "not-busy". What is on your "To Be Read" list for the summer? 

Thank you for reading! 

Until next time,