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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Buying Textbooks for College


For me, this is the first week of sophomore year of college.  Most people refer to the first week of each semester as "Syllabus Week".  This meaning that you receive your syllabus for each of your classes and go over standard class procedures, specified by each professor.  The truth is, this really only applies to the first day of each class, by Wednesday most professors are diving into the content of their course.  

Included in the syllabus, is the list of textbooks you will need for that class.  When it comes to text books, everyone has their own theory of when to obtain them and in what form they want to purchase them. Textbooks come in many forms: New, used, digital, or loose leaf without a binding.  You have the options of renting them from online companies, renting them from the school bookstore, buying them online, buying them at the bookstore, or finding somebody you know who bought the books and previously took the course.  

I looked into getting some type of digital reader (nook, ipad, or kindle) to use for my books this semester.  However, I couldn't decided which digital reader to purchase, and I found out that not all of my textbooks came in digital form.  Needless to say, I didn't purchase one, but I am still considering it. 

I generally, look online at my school bookstore, about three weeks before classes start, to find out what books I need for each of my classes as well as how much the school store sells them for.  I then go online to slugbooks.  From this website you can type in the ISBN number of the book(s) you need and it will compare prices of the books in all forms from a variety of online book sites.  

I try to order my books 2-3 weeks before classes start, so that I have them by the time the semester begins.  I know people who wait until the first week of classes.  I did that second semester last year and it didn't work out so well for me.

In my opinion, there are two awful things that happen with textbooks. 
1. The edition you need is only sold through your university bookstore, where the price is outrageous.
2. You buy a book and never use it.
These two things don't happen often, but when they do occur it is quite irritating.

What is your preference when it comes to purchasing textbooks?
Xoxo
-mQs-

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Be Happy With What You Have

Life has clearly consumed me, since I haven't written a post in almost a week.  School started this past Monday, and between saying goodbye to my friends, coaching field hockey, and getting myself ready for school blogging took the back burner for a little bit. 

Today is my third day of my Sophomore year of college at my new university.  Going from a school with 1,500 students to 14,000 students is quite an adjustment.  Thus far, I have noticed few similarities and so many differences.  I have all morning classes, except for Wednesdays when I have a night class. I love getting my classes over with in the mornings because it allows me the rest of the day to whatever I want.  However, having this night class really sucks since I am commuting.  I have a four hour break between classes.  


Since today is my four hour break day, I was just spending some time on pinterest when I came across this quote.  I really enjoy the meaning behind it.  I find myself, just wanting college to be done with because I am so excited to become a teacher and have my own classroom.  I don't hate college, but I don't necessarily love it either.  This quote is a nice reminder to me to enjoy the adventure I am on.  

I hope everyone's first week of school is going well.
Xoxo
-mQs-

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Liebster Award Nominations

Happy Thursday!

In the past week I have recieved three Liebster Award Nominations for The Shore Life According to M.  First I want to thank Charlotte HayesAlex, and Elizabeth for nominating me.   This is really exciting to me, because it reassures me that people are actually reading what I write.  Another reason why I love when people comment on posts.  Anyways, I have been nominated for this award by other bloggers in the past..see my posts: Liebster Award and Liebster Award (again).

The original rules:
one: Recognize the blogger(s) who nominated you
two: Give 10 facts about you or your blog
three: answer all questions
four: nominate your favorite bloggers
five: provide questions for those bloggers to answer.

I am going to change rule number four and do things a little differently.  I am going to post my questions without nominating anyone.  This will allow anyone to answer them and create a fun sharing of posts!  So essentially, I am nominating all of my readers.  If you choose to accept, simply post your link in the comment portion of this post.

Eleven Facts:
One: I start my sophomore year of college on Monday.
Two: I think I might have an addiction to shopping.
Three: I am going to school to become a teacher
Four: I have been to the beach a total of nineteen days this summer.
FIve: I am seriously thinking about getting a pair of jack rogers sandals.
Six: Summer is my favorite season, it makes me sad that it is almost over.
Seven:  This summer marks ten years that I have been best friends with mIr.
Eight: This is the first time in seven years that I am coaching field hockey rather than playing for my school team.
Nine: I would love to have a VW jetta in red.
Ten: I am thinking about changing my blogs name, but I am not sure how to do this without losing followers since my link would change.


Questions from Charlotte at My Crazy, New York, Post-Grad Life:

1. If you could go back in time to any time period, when would it be and why?
This is a tough one,  I think I would pick seventh grade or my senior year because these were my favorite years in school.
2. What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is the fear of the unknown.  I get kind of nervous in situations I am unfamiliar with.
3. What is your best personal trait?
I would say my best personal trait is how organized I am.
4. Hot or cold weather?
HOT!
5. Favorite food?
I love food, and I honestly don't think I have a favorite food.
6. What is the main philosophy by which you live your life?
  Everything happens for a reason.
7. If you could be any animal what would you be?
I think I would be a cat (even though I don't like them) because you get to take unlimited naps.
8. What is your favorite movie genre?
Romantic comedy
9. What is your weirdest talent?
I can't think of one.
10. What is your favorite part about blogging?
I love writing, reading the comments people write, and reading what other people like to write about.

Questions from Alex at Monster Misa:
1. Who is your favorite designer and why?
I love Lilly Pulitzer because of all the bright colors and fun designs.
2. What are your best tips for saving money on purchases?
I never buy anything at full price, except for maybe shoes.  I buy most of my pieces at Plato's Closet, at consignment shops, on sale, or at the outlets.
3. On your perfect day, what do you do?
This is a tough one.  I know I would definitely go shopping and to the beach.. the rest I am unsure of.
4. What is your favorite food?
I love food, so it is too hard for me to pick one.
5. What is the one fashion item you would love to afford but cannot?
There isn't one piece I am dying to have right now, but I would just love to be able to buy whatever I wanted without worrying about the price tag.
6. What trend are you most excited about this fall?
I am excited to wear high boots again.
7. What is your favorite magazine?
Elle
8. Favorite item in your closet currently?
My new Lilly shorts or my maxi skirt.
9. Name three words that describe you.
Organized, disciplined, & goofy
10. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I felt like I needed a creative outlet to go to, in order to balance out all the work I was doing in school.  It was sort of my escape from school work my freshman year of college.

1. What is something people may not know about you?
I really can't wait to be done college and have my own classroom.
2. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I felt like I needed a creative outlet to go to, in order to balance out all the work I was doing in school.  It was sort of my escape from school work my freshman year of college.

3. Describe your blog.
Life of a college girl, fashion, quotes, family, friends, and a place to express myself.
4. Favorite part of the drugstore?
Nail polish isle
5. What is our favorite lipstick?
I don't wear lipstick so eos.
6. What is your favorite accessory?
Scarves
7. What is something your are addicted to?
Shopping
8. Describe your style.
A little bit of prep.
9. What is your favorite television show?
It was Gossip Girl, but since it is no longer on TV I'll have to go with the Vineyard.
10. What makes you happy?
Spending time with the people I love and being at the beach.



My questions for all of you:
1. Why did you start blogging?
2. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
3. What is one tip you would give to college students?
4. What is your favorite shoe?
5. What book would you recommend somebody to read?
6. What was your favorite thing about the Summer of 2013?
7. What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
8. Stripes or polka dots?
9.  What advice would you give to fellow bloggers?
10.  If you could do anything today, what would it be?

Don't forget to create your post, and add your link to the comment section of this post.
Xoxo
-mQs-



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Because I have a brother


Happy 16th birthday to sQt!  This quote is 100% true.. my brother and I are so close, we never fight.  He definitely is one my best friends.  I can't believe that today he turns sixteen.  Watch out America there's a new driver on the road!
When I found out my parents had a baby boy, I was three, I told my parents to take him back because I wanted a little sister instead of a brother. Well, over the past sixteen years I have found out that having a little brother really isn't so bad.

Xoxo
-mQs-


Monday, August 19, 2013

Transferring Part 2

This summer has really stopped me from being a good blogger, my apologies.  Luckily for all of you, I start school on Monday so I will be back to a routine, which means daily blogging.  For once I actually have tons of ideas for new posts but not enough time to write them.

Speaking of school, for those of you who don't know, I am transferring to a new university this Fall semester. After a ton of thought, this is (I hope) the best choice for me. I talked about this in a post in April. I changed my major from biology to education, grades  4-8, in the middle of my freshman year.  Pennsylvania is a well known state for education, which is why I chose to transfer to a school in my home state.  I loved the school I was at.  I had a great roommate and the opportunity to play collegiate field hockey.   I loved being able to experience college through a student athlete's prospective.  In fact, not going back for preseason has been quite an adjustment for me... I would have gone back to school last Friday if I wasn't transferring.  

With all of that said, I am definitely going to have some adjustments this upcoming year.
1. I will be commuting and living at home with my parents and brother.
2. This is the first time in seven years that I won't be playing field hockey for my school.
3. I am carrying a full 18 credits (six classes). At my previous college each class was worth 4 credits, so I am used to taking four classes a semester rather than six.
4. I am volunteering as an assistant coach for my high school field hockey team. They started practice a week ago.  I am absolutely loving coaching.  I can definitely see myself continuing to be a coach in the future.
5. I won't be living with jHg. She was my roommate last year and has become my best friend.
6. I am transferring from a college with an undergrad population of 1,500 to a university with an undergrad population of about 13,00 students. BIG DIFFERENCE!

While, most college students are excited to go back to school, I just can't find the excitement to start my sophomore year.  I think it might be a little fear of the unknown and not knowing what to expect. Plus, this really isn't where I thought I would be.  I am optimistic for all of the changes that are happening in my life.  I am just moving forward with the mentality that everything happens for a reason and what is meant to be will be. 

Are any of you transfer students?
I would love to hear your stories and thoughts.

Xoxo
-mQs-
 

Friday, August 9, 2013

What's Your Scent?

Part of my daily routine, since I was in middle school, has been to put some sort of body splash or perfume on.  Over the years the scents I use have changed many times.  The older I have become, the more the price of my perfume has increased. 

For the past three years I have worn Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue perfume.  I kind of consider my trademark scent now.  I like it because it smells so good but it is not too overpowering either.  It has become a tradition for my mom to give to me each December as one of my Christmas gifts.  I even bought tDn light blue for men, and it too smells wonderful!

What scent(s) do you prefer?

Xoxo
-mQs- 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Duvets For The Dorm

It's that time of year when all the college students are in a frenzy to finish gathering everything for their dorm rooms.  When it comes to bedding, everyone has their own way of doing things.  I thought I would share with you what works for me. 

As I was making decisions about how to decorate my dorm, last year, I decided that when it came to my bed I wanted it to be similar to my bed at home.  We all know that the mattress the college provides you with is not comfortable, so I started out shopping for my bed by purchasing an egg crate and a fiberbed.  I bought the fiber bed for $49.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, and I bought the egg crate for $10 at  Walmart.  Just a little tip for freshman, egg crates are sold pretty much everywhere for different prices but they are all the same, so if you are trying to save a little money just buy one at Walmart or even the dollar store.  I promise you it won't make a difference! 

After purchasing these two things for my bed, it was time for the fun part- my bedding! I looked around for a long time at a bunch of different options.  I ended up, choosing to buy a duvet and a duvet cover, since these are what I used on my bed at home. This was the best choice, because they are easy to wash and you could buy a new duvet cover each year if you really wanted to.   It was difficult to find a twin XL pattern that I liked for a duvet cover, so I bought a regular twin and it fit perfectly on my twin XL bed.  The only thing that really needs to be Twin XL are your sheets.  I ended up buying both of these as well as my sheets at the Pottery Barn Outlet. I ended up spending less than $100 for two sets of Twin XL sheets, a duvet, and a duvet cover.

This is the bedding I ended up with last year.  I chose the gray because it would match with tons of different color combinations.  I ended up matching my duvet cover with two sets of sheets, pink and purple. 

Since I will be commuting this year, I re did my bedroom at home.  Today, I just ordered a new duvet cover for my bed for a great price (20% off plus free shipping).  Here is a sneak peak at my duvet cover. I plan to reveal my finished room in a future blog post, once I finish decorating it completely!




Right now for a limited time, Pottery Barn Teen is offering free shipping on duvet covers.   If you haven't bought your bedding for college yet I highly suggest you check out PB Teen!

Xoxo
-mQs-

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

The Vineyard

Let me confess to you, that I love reality TV shows. Go ahead an judge me but it is definitely one of my vices.  Two weeks ago ABC family premiered a show called The Vineyard.  

It is about a group of people in their twenties who work at the Black Dog on the island where Martha's Vineyard is located.  

It comes on ABC Family at 10 pm on Tuesday nights. If you are looking for a fun TV show to watch while you relax tonight, I highly suggest it!

If you haven't seen the first two episodes you can watch them here!

Do any of you watch The Vineyard? If you watch it tonight let me know what you think.

Xoxo
-mQs-

Monday, August 5, 2013

Oh The People You Will Meet & The Places You Will Go

If you told me this time one year ago that I would be spending a weekend at the beach with my roommate,jHg, and her best friend, aTm, I certainly would have been hesitant to agree with you.  It is insane how close you can become with someone in the matter of one year. This weekend I had the opportunity to go to the beach with jHg to stay with her and her friend, at her friend's beach house.  It was such a fun girls weekend! For those of you who follow me, mquiggles3, on instagram have seen the evidence of some of the fun we had. 

Saturday:
We got to the beach late in the morning and it was raining enough for us not to want to be on the beach so we grabbed lunch at the Greene Turtle.  We weren't super hungry, so we each got an appetizer and split them three ways.  We ended up with grilled chicken quesedillas, BBQ chicken flat bread, and buffalo chicken dip. All three dishes were tasty.After lunch the skies cleared up and we got a solid three to four hours of beach time in. 
It is nice to be able to relax on the beach and truly take note of the small things in life.As I was laying out after lunch, I noticed that the clouds looked really neat.  The one I was most fond of had a cute turtle shell-like pattern to it.  

Saturday night we went shopping. The beach we went to has some awesome outlets, and because we went at night they weren't crowded at all.  I have bought a decent amount of Summer clothes over the past month and I really should be saving my money, so I only allowed myself to buy things that I could wear in the Fall.
 I purchased with long sleeve navy and peach striped shirt at jcrew.  They were having a huge 40% off sale, so I couldn't resist.
 At American Eagle I bought this adorable brown three-quarter length flowing shirt with a criss cross back.  I love the color of this shirt, and the criss cross back just gives this shirt so much personality.
After shopping, we decided that we should go some place to eat seafood for dinner. Well at 8:30 on a Saturday night just about every good restaurant has a 45 minute wait for a table of three.
 Once we settled on the place worth waiting for, Big Fish Grille, we sat outside and enjoyed the nice cool weather.

 The restaurant we chose was such a good choice.  The ambiance, service, and food did not disappoint whatsoever.  The tables are covered with white paper, and when you are seated the hostess gives you a jar full of crayons, regardless of your age.  If you look around the nice restaurant it is comical to see that people of all ages are dressed up sitting around the table coloring and chatting with friends and family. I, for one, was not mad about coloring.  Of course, my doodles included our monograms. 
Shout out to jHg- You knew this would make it to the blog

The food is a little pricy, but it is high quality which makes it worth the money without a doubt. I ordered Steak and Shrimp.  My meal included lightly breaded onions on the steak plus two sides. I chose creamed spinach and Big Fish Grille's famous mashers. This meal was delicious! I have nothing but good things to say about this dinner and the restaurant we ate in!

Sunday:
We got up really early Sunday morning, so that we could get some quality beach time in before jHg and aTm would have to leave to beat the traffic home.  I think Sunday is the earliest that I have ever been on the beach, with all my things set up for the day, in my entire life.  We were there, on the beach, by 9:30 a.m.  We beat the lifeguards.
There is just something about the beach early in the morning that is so beautiful.


For lunch we went to Grotto's Pizza right off of the boardwalk.  It was delicious.  I love pizza. We each got our own personal pizza, mine was plain. 

After lunch, we stayed on the beach for another hour, and then it was time to say goodbye.  jHg and aTm headed back to the house to pack and go home, while I met up with my mom to do some shopping and spend some time with her and our family friends on the beach.


While shopping with my mom, she showed me the cutest boutique.  I love shopping with her because she always finds the cutest places, and we always have fun shopping together.  I ended up breaking my shopping rule of only buying Fall clothes.
 I bought navy dress with a cut out back, but it was on sale so that's how I justify it to myself.  

I told my mom, "When you find a cute dress, you just have to buy it!" 
And that is exactly what I did.


This weekend was tons of fun, I hope each of you had a fabulous weekend too!
Xoxo
-mQs-



Friday, August 2, 2013

Summer of Something New 6

Happy First Friday of August!
I seriously can not believe it is August already.  Where has the summer gone? Well, I believe this is the last post for the Summer of Something New Blogging Challenge. This was my first blogging challenge ever and, hopefully, not the last one.  This challenge has helped get me through my blogging slump, when I needed some inspiration on what to post about.  My slump is definitely over because I have a ton of neat ideas brainstormed for future posts! I enjoyed reading the posts of the other bloggers who participated in this challenge. I thought it was fascinating how we each took this challenge and put our own twist on it. To see what I am talking about check out the other  bloggers who have also been participating in this challenge:

For a recap of the new things I have done this Summer check out Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4, and Week 5.

And now for this week's reveal of Something New... Goals.
I decided that I need to start making monthly goals for myself.  Since yesterday was the start of August, I sat down with my journal and started my first months goals.  I am obsessed with quotes, so naturally I start my goals off with a quote.  The quote just adds a little inspiration.  My goals are simple for this month but definitely achievable. 

What are your goals for August?

Xoxo
-mQs-