Desk Inspiration

All of these images are from Pinterest and none are my own.

Since moving into my new apartment I have been obsessed with my desk and desk inspiration. Although I would have liked to have a more simple streamline desk the furniture was included in my apartment, so I can't complain. But, I have had the best time putting together my desk and keeping a bunch of cute and fun things on there. An apartment tour will be on my blog soon, but, until then here is some desk inspiration for you to be inspired by. 

Want to see more? Be sure to checkout my Dream Apartment Pinterest board with these pictures and more! Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest to get tons of inspiration and tons of cute pictures. 

What does your dream desk look like? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO 

Miranda

Color of the year room inspiration

All images were taken from Pinterest and are not my own. 

As many of you may know, Pantone release their colors of the year and they are kind of a big deal. For the first time they have two colors which is very exciting! I am loving these gorgeous pastel hues of pink and ice blue. These colors seem like the perfect addition to any dorm or apartment decor. Some of the best ways to add a new color into a space are by adding new wall prints, fun accent pillows, or other decorations like lamps or rugs. I thought these photos served as perfect inspiration to spice up your home decor in honor of the new colors of the year! 

Do you like the colors of the year as much as I do? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Rowdy Gentleman Discount Code *ENDS TONIGHT*

Hello everyone! I wanted to share my 15% off coupon code for Rowdy Gentleman one last time. This offer ends TONIGHT at midnight! So, if your looking to buy your guy a Valentine's Day gift or something for yourself be sure to use the code Pollit2016 to get 15% off your entire purchase.

A few of my favorites: 

Reagan Bush tee | vests | sunglass straps | beanie

What are your favorites off Rowdy Gentleman? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Valentines Day Gift Guide For Her

flower bucket bag | bow bag | vintage inspired watch | tassel key chain | lip balm 

candle | Valentine Longchamp | lips makeup bag | metallic journal 

heart tray | Lilly Pulitzer wine glass | bath oil | Kendra Scott earrings 

love potion mug | keychain pouch | cute print | fun phone case

lip phone case | metled gift set | arrow ring | arrow bangle | nail polish 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, which means you have to find the perfect gift for your friends, mom, or if your a significant other. So, I rounded up some of my favorite things out there that would make the perfect Valentine's day gifts for a wide variety of people in your life. But, all of them are fun, cute, and of course fit the theme perfectly. But, candy and a bouquet of flowers is also a the perfect gift! My personal favorite are anything Sweetarts and a bouquet of roses or peonies. 

What are your go-to Valentine's day gifts? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Sunday Seven

Organization | I've been in the organizing mood! Have you read my recent blogpost? Check it out here. 

Gallery Walls | Last weekend I was able to hang up all of my prints and pictures for my gallery wall. I can't wait to show you all my apartment! My bedroom is done but all I have to do is hang a few more things in my bathroom. Be on the lookout for a blog post soon! 

30 Things Girls Who Are Always Cold Understand | I'm literally always freezing. I don't know if it is because I am so small but I can totally relate to this article! 

Dirty Grandpa | This past weekend my boyfriend and I went to Dirty Grandpa which just recently came out. I will say it was pretty funny! Stupid, but funny. If you like Zach Efron wearing Vineyard Vines then you'll like this movie. 

Oh Joy Target collab | I cannot wait for this new Target collaboration to come out! The items look super adorable and would make the perfect apartment decor. 

Tasty Food Videos | Food videos on Facebook are kind of the best things ever. Although I can't cook (like at all) I find entertainment in them. This one looks extra tasty! 

17 Dishes to Eat in Des Moines Before You Die |  Des Moines is super close to Ames and it's fun to take the short trip sometimes. I found this article and I am dying to try some of these! #3 looks amazing! 

What are your favorites of the week? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

What to Wear to Workout

bow sports bra | Krass & Co. RunRunner Pants | printed running shorts (only $25!) 

turquoise yoga pants (on sale!) | criss cross top | water bottle 

bow jacket | Nike sneakers | reflective headband | cool hairties | patagonia pullover

workout bag | bow leggings | striped top | headphones

As the new year starts a lot of people are starting to workout more and to get in shape. I've been eyeing lots of cute new workout gear in honor of the new year. Specifically, Kate Spade's new collection! Who wouldn't want to workout in a pair of bow embellished yoga pants? But, personally when I workout I like to wear a simple pair of Krass & Co. shorts with a t-shirt. Want a discount on your Krass & Co. order? Use the code MPOLLITT to receive 20% off your purchase! Also be sure to checkout their $25 short deals!! 

What do you like to wear to workout? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

How I Stay Organized

If you don't already know, my life is kind of a whirlwind of emails, meetings, class, and somehow having a social life. While I am in school I have 100 things going on at once. Between being co-editor in chief of my schools fashion magazine Trend, working as the PR & Marketing director for our Fashion Show, being in a sorority, to regular course work I have A LOT of daily reminders and things I have to do. 

So, what's my secret at remembering every single little thing to do? Well, first off here is a little disclosure: I am human and I do forget things on occasion. BUT I do find that if you follow these somewhat obsessive steps you will remember all of your assignments, to-do's, and obligations! 

Lists | I LOVE LISTS. Lists are my life source essentially during the school year. I love my Simplified Planner because it gives me plenty of area to create lists. But, sometimes that isn't even enough. I love the Target dollar section to pick up fun, cute, and useful notepads to keep on my desk or to paper clip into my planner. My favorites include a weekly to-do and my general to-do sheets. These are really helpful because you can write down your to-do's not only in your planner but somewhere else. Usually when I write something down more than once I usually always remember to do it. 

Repetition | This brings me to my next point- repetition. When I have a HW assignment due I write it down when it is assigned in my planner. But, I also write it down the day before it's due as a reminder and on the actual due date. This way I have 3 reminders of what the assignment is/ when it is due. This is super helpful because I am taking 18 credits on top of all my extracurriculars so having reminders is key. 

A Planner | I am in a relationship with my planner (sorry Jeremy...). As weird as it may be I write everything and anything in my planner that I may need to do or have a reminder. This way you have one place that you can go that has everything. In my planner it gives me an hour by hour schedule of the day where I can schedule out my classes, meetings, time to do HW, or other events I have. This is SUPER nice because in prior planners it's just a general space to write down things. While my current planner is very well organized and has a spot for everything! Check out my planner reviews from this past summer if you are in the market for a new planner: Lilly Pulitzer, Ban.do, Erin Condren, & Simplified Planner (My current planner)

Sticky Notes | Adding sticky notes to your planner is a very easy way to get extra writing space and to highlight key to-do's or reminders! 

Color Coating | Each of my classes has a different color designated to it. So, just by glancing at my planner I can tell what classes I have assignments or HW in. It's an extra step yes, but I think it helps and it makes your planner super pretty! My colored pens of choice: Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner.

I hope you found these tips helpful to increase your organization for this year and for second semester! What are your favorite ways to stay organized? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

My Study Abroad Experience

Although this is long overdue.... here is my study abroad experience (summed up very quickly).... 

My study abroad adventure consisted of 4 plane rides, 4 coach buses, 5 train rides, a few sketchy cabs, 4 AirBNBs, countless double deckers and subway/ tube rides, and one incredible experience. 

Studying abroad has taught me so much that I can't even put it into words. It was the first time I was truly 100% on my own. I was in a foreign country living in an apartment and having to take public transportation to get around practically everywhere I went. But, I will say it was one of the best decisions I have made in my short 20 years of life. 

When I first was thinking about studying abroad the idea of going without someone I knew very well wasn't even in my head. I wanted to go abroad with a "best friend". But, I think going alone was one of the best parts about it. Studying abroad without your best friend(s) by your side keeps your mind and self open to new exciting opportunities and to make new friends. I'm sure studying abroad with your best friends is also fun! However, I think in the long run it benefited me to take on the experience basically on my own. At the end of my 4 months abroad I became friends with girls from my university but also from Chicago (ironic I know!), California, Holland, and Japan. 

Spending 4 months away from my family, boyfriend, and friends was hard, but at the end of the day I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I saw places I have been wanting to see my entire life. I traveled to Rome, Florence, Milan, Paris, and explored practically every inch of London. Returning to a city that I once lived as a little girl was an amazing experience. I felt like I made a complete circle and that the next chapter of my life could officially begin. After studying abroad I realized that the small things just don't matter. Petty drama, simple day-to-day problems, and other small things just don't matter in the big picture of life. There is so much more out there and once you see it you can never look at things the same again. I KNOW it's cheesy, but it's so true. Let's just say it will be hard to head back to small town Ames after spending an incredible semester exploring the streets of London and always having something new and exciting to too. 

I won't make this post super long or sappy (well a little sappy), so I'll wrap it up. Basically, all I'm trying to say is that if you have the chance to study abroad or even just travel to Europe... do it. You will never regret it. Every mistake or wrong turn you make is a learning experience. After spending those 4 months in London I can confidently say I will always remember it and cherish it. Cheers to London, my Flat 7 girls, and to the London College of Fashion for making my London adventure better then I could have ever imagined. 

XOXO 

Miranda

Snapshots From Disney

During my recent trip to Disney I tried really hard to just enjoy my time at the parks versus taking lots of photos for posts and for social media. But, I wanted to share a few cute shots from Disney through the lens of my iPhone. We spent two days and one night at Disney so it was a very short trip. However, it was a great little mini vacation within a vacation. Not to mention I got to show my boyfriend Jeremy one of my favorite places in the world.  

Somehow I convinced my boyfriend to meet characters with me so here is a shot of Goofy giving me a huge hug! 

At Epcot we took a selfie in every country! It was a fun alternative because we didn't have anyone to take our photo throughout the whole day. 

Of course while I was at Disney I rocked my Disney Alex and Ani bracelets! I picked up two new ones while I was there. I picked up a Cinderella and Snow White bracelet. 

Of course while I was at Disney I rocked my favorite Jadelynn Brooke PREPPY tee. I also snapped this photo at Magic Kingdom with my cute Jadelynn Brooke sunnies. 

Luckily while we were in Disney all of the Christmas decorations were still up. Disney at Christmas time is one of the best things EVER. So, I was very happy to get an extra two days of holiday cheer. 

Last but not least I enjoyed lots of tasty food while at Disney. Whoever said Disney has terrible food is so wrong! I snacked on my favorite Dole Whips, Micky pretzel, popcorn, and churros. We also ate at my two favorite restaurants: Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom and in Italy at Epcot! 

What is your favorite part about Disney World or Disneyland? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

OOTD: Florida Night

I'm so sad that my Florida trip is over! But, I had an amazing time and soaked up some much needed sun. For our last night my boyfriend and I went to a local restaurant for a nice meal and to watch the sunset on the dock. It was a bit chilly out, well chilly for Florida, so I threw on this colorful maxi dress with a little white cardigan. The look was bright and fun and was perfect for the last night of our trip. 

For my stack of the day I wore my favorite Alex and Ani bracelets along with a pink, white and gold Lily and Laura beaded bangle to add some color. I picked up my first Bourbon and Bowties bangle at a store in Naples and I am very excited about it! It has gold metallic disks with adorable little anchors on them. I also wore my new Stoney Clover Lane bracelet I picked up at the Orlando Four Seasons resort. 

To keep things casual I dressed my dress down with a simple pair of gold sandals along with my long Kendra Scott tassel necklace. I have been loving this necklace since I got it for Christmas! I've been wanting one of these necklaces for a while and I think I'll be wearing it a lot in 2016. 

Where it's from: 

Dress: Lilly for Target 

Cardigan: J Crew 

Necklace: Kendra Scott 

Bracelets: (L to R) Alex and Ani, Lily and Laura, Bourbon and Bowties, Stoney Clover Lane 

Watch: Kate Spade 

Sunglasses: Ray Ban 

Shoes: Target 

Bag: Coccinelle 

Keychain: Laudree 

Where am I: Snook Inn Restaurant & Chickee Bar

Florida has been fun but it's back to reality and school! But, I can't wait for more of 2016 and all the exciting things it has in store for us. See you for spring break Naples! 

What's your favorite warm destination? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

What to Wear: to the beach ft. Krass & Co.

When I go to the beach I always wear my favorite tee and a pair of running shorts. For this look I am decked out in Krass & Co. for the perfect beach look. I started with a cute pair of whale embroidered shorts with a Krass & Co. pocket tee. The best part is that it is oh-so-comfy. 

Where it's from: 

Tee: Krass & Co. 

Shorts: Krass & Co. (similar)

Bracelet: Stoney Clover Lane

Sunglasses: Ray Ban 

Croakies: Lilly Pulitzer 

Where I am: Marco Island Beach

Krass & Co. shorts are perfect for anyone who loves going to the beach, working out, or lives an active lifestyle. Can't get enough of Krass & Co.'s designs? Well your in luck! They are coming out with brand new work out gear soon and I just can't wait. Wearing cute workout gear from Krass & Co. is the best way to keep to your New Years resolution of working out and being healthy. 

Want a discount on Krass & Co.? Use the code MPOLLITT for a discount off your entire order!!! 

Have questions about sizing or Krass & Co. in general? Leave your questions in the comment section below! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Sunday Seven

Long time no chat! From moving in and my trip to Florida there are many favorites to talk about this week! So lets jump in.... 

Warm weather | This past week or so I spent soaking up the sun in Naples, FL with my boyfriend at his family's house! It was an awesome vacation and I was so happy I got to spend some time with my boyfriend and to take advantage of warm weather! Currently in Ames it is about 6 degrees so the weather is not going to get better anytime soon. Check out some of my Florida posts.... 10 things to bring to the beach, Flamingo Fun OOTD, Lilly Love OOTD, Hello Florida OOTD. 

Simplified planner | With the new semester starting up I am jumping back into the swing of things with my Simplified Planner. I am starting to fill it with assignments, meetings, and events for the upcoming semester. 

My new apartment | I moved into my new apartment this past Friday and I am so happy with how it is coming together. I've started hanging decorations and settling in and I have to say it is oh sew cute! My roommate is awesome (S/O to Shelby :)) and I know we will have an amazing semester! Be on the lookout for an apartment tour once I have everything just the way I like it!

Lilly Pulitzer | As most of you know I shopped the Lilly After Party Sale and scored some awesome stuff! Check out my blog haul from the sale! Also, check out my OOTD post from my trip to the Naples Lilly Pulitzer flagship store!

Blackhawks | This past week I was able to go to a Blackhawks game in Chicago with my parents and boyfriend! I haven't been to a Blackhawks game in years so I was very excited to get to see the hawks play and win! 

NYE | My NYE dress was the perfect look for a Florida NYE! Check out my OOTD post to see what I wore to ring in 2016. 

Disney | Last but not least DISNEY WORLD! I was able to go to Disney World for two days while I was in Florida. We spent one day in Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We ate all my favorite things and had time to do most of the rides and do a little shopping. I also picked up some Stoney Clover Lane Disney bracelets at the Four Seasons hotel. They have a limited edition collection from Stoney Clover Lane and they are so cute. I picked up a castle bracelet, Disney bracelet, a fun emoji one, and a Mickey eye emoji key chain. If you get the chance to go to the Four Seasons you have to pick some of them up! 

What are your favorites of the week? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

10 Things to Bring to the Beach

For a day at the beach there are obviously things that you will need to bring! So, here are my must haves to bring to the beach.... 

1. Bottled water | Water is a must! If it is hot outside be sure to stay hydrated. I would say bring 3-4 bottles of water per person when packing for the beach. This way you don't have to run somewhere to buy more if you need them. 
2. Cooler | A cooler is a really nice thing to have at the beach. My boyfriend's family uses their Yeti cooler and it is the best! It carries a lot and keeps the ice from melting in the cooler. We also stocked the cooler with soda and snacks for the day which helps you stay away from snack bars near the beach. 
3. Jadelynn Brooke tee | I always wear some sort of t-shirt as a coverup at the beach. My go-to t-shirts of the moment are Jadelynn Brooke! Use the code IOWASTMP to get a discount off your total purchase at Jadelynn Brooke! 
4. Rowdy Gentleman koozie | Koozies are a great way to keep your drinks cold on the beach. I always bring a Rowdy Gentleman koozie to keep my drinks cool. Use the code Pollit2016 to get 15% off your total Rowdy Gentleman order! 
5. Krass & Co. shorts | Along with a t-shirt I like wearing running shorts to the beach because they are comfortable and easy to throw on. Obviously my go-to running shorts are Krass & Co.! I love them because they are stretchy and have the cutest patterns and designs. Use the code MPOLLITT to receive a discount off your total Krass & Co. purchase.
6. Sunscreen | Sunscreen is a given at the beach. Be sure to re-apply every once and a while especially if you are going in and out of the water. 
7. Sunglasses with croakies | Protecting your eyes from the sun is something you don't always think about! But, it is just as important as protecting your skin. I like wearing my Ray Bans with a pair of Lilly Pulitzer or Vineyard Vines croakies to make sure my glasses don't fall off! 
8. Headphones or portable speaker | Having music at the beach is always a good thing. Be sure to pack a pair of headphones or a portable speaker so you can listen to your favorite tunes. 
9. Portable phone charger | I hate when my phone dies! I always carry my portable iPhone charger around and it is great to bring to the beach. This way your phone won't die on you while you are soaking up the sun. 
10. Magazine or book | Catching up on your favorite fashion magazine or book is a great way to pass time while laying out. 

What do you bring to the beach? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Haul

This year for the Lilly sale I shopped online (super early in the morning!) and at the Naples location because I was in Florida for the sale. In store there was not nearly as much stuff that was available online. But, shopping online is a stressful thing, however there is a lot wider variety of items! A few things I had wanted disappeared from my cart, as they do something. But, I ended up with some great items like a casual dress, a ruffled tank, a printed tank, and a zip up athletic sweatshirt. I also picked up a few random things like a new pair of croakies, a jewelry tray, a planner pack, and a new phone case! 

What did you pick up at the After Party Sale? Let me know in the comments!
XOXO 

Miranda

OOTD: Flamingo Fun

While in Florida I took full advantage of the warm sunny weather. It feels like summer again with 80 degree temps and warm sunshine. So, naturally I had to wear every Lilly item I own! I am in love with this flamingo skirt I picked up at the end of last summer. It has a bold colorful flamingo print with white detailing down the sides. The best part? It's a skort! Lilly Pulitzer skorts are great for a casual yet dressy look. 

I wore this look to lunch with my boyfriends family on the water. It's a cute casual look that is more fashionable then just throwing on a t-shirt and shorts. 

To accessorize the look I wore fun bangles from Lily and Laura, Kate Spade, and of course Alex and Ani. Stacking bracelets is one of my favorite ways to accessorize a look. I also added a simple gold belt to break up the top and skort. Bold J Crew pink statement earrings complete the look. 

Where it's from: 

Shirt: Ralph Lauren 

Skort: Lilly Pulitzer 

Shoes: Jack Rogers 

Bracelets: (L to R) Kate Spade, Lily Laura, Alex and Ani 

Watch: Henri Bendel 

Earrings: J Crew 

Belt: Target 

Bag: Coccinelle 

Keychain: Laudree 

What is your favorite casual look? Let me know in the comments!
XOXO 

Miranda