five letters...

that I would totally mail if I could:

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Dear iPhone, 

Thank you for allowing me to make playlists on the go. Falling asleep to the Harry Potter soundtrack was just what I needed last night to unwind and finally, finally go to sleep. I am just so glad I didn't have to fire up the ol' laptop just to make a playlist. 

I hope you are doing well and that you like your new snakebite green case. 

Yours faithfully, 

Marisol

*

Dear Macroeconomics Textbook, 

We just couldn't get rid of each other, could we? It was so promising, back in freshman year when we first met. But things got tense, and I fled. I'm sorry, but it was necessary. 

Our relationship rekindled over the summer, for better or for worse. Each day I devoted a precious hour to you. I think the therapy was helpful. 

And then sophomore year began, and it was like a fresh beginning. It was wonderful. 

But when it was time to take that final exam, I guess you couldn't let go. You told the professor to reschedule the exam, didn't you? You knew I'd be forced to take the make-up exam next semester, extending our time together over the winter break. 

My dear, it is finally time we part. I took my exam yesterday, and quite frankly, I don't need you anymore. 

With respect, 

Marisol 

*

Dear mini-fridge-with-a-freaky-ass-freezer,

Can you please stop making that noise? You aren't even set for the coldest temperature. It should not be that exhausting or energy-exerting. Plus, I've recently become super-sensitive to light and noise whilst sleeping.
To put it simply: I really don't want to deal with you now.

Warily-staring-at-you-from-across-the-room,
Marisol

p.s. I feel like the next time I open the freezer, a ton of water is going to gush out at me. Can you look into this? Much appreciated.

*

Dear toes,

I'm sorry I subjected you to such abuse yesterday. It's just that the party was tropical-themed, and everyone was wearing flip-flops and I was just too lazy to bring an extra pair of socks and boots. The walk to the party wasn't too bad, right? Just a little chilly. How was I supposed to know it was going to snow later on, and we'd have to walk 6 blocks in the freezing cold back to warmth?

I'll bring my Uggs next time. Promise.

Love,
Marisol

*

Dear Sandra Bullock,

Why is your son Louis the cutest thing in the world?

No, but actually. Why?

Best,
Marisol

five things

...that have been distracting me lately.

1. the fact that Durfee's is now stocking Steaz sparkling green teas again. I was just complaining about the lack of Steaz at Durfee's just a couple posts ago. what is happening? is this a sign? WILL IT LAST?

2. being back on campus. all I want to do now is run around New Haven, make a snowman and catch up with friends. but this weekend will be one major study weekend seeing as I still need to take two more final exams.

3. pranksters on youtube. they're just so funny! check out this one and this one.

4. the not-so-cold weather, paired with snow. it's the best of both worlds: I'm not freezing my butt off on the way to classes, but we also awaken to beautiful snow-covered mornings. again, I have a strong desire to ditch work and create a snowman.

5.sorority recruitment. so exciting, so many parties. I just can't believe I'm going to be on the other side of it this year.

ready to start second semester, though I think it's going to be challenging.

what's been distracting you lately?

my new hair routine

One of my New Year's goals was to finally get my hair back to a healthy state, to find a routine that actually worked. For years I've had a really dry scalp and my hair would easily get oily. I've sought advice from many many hair dressers--they've recommended everything from taking biotin supplements to sulfate-free shampoos. I've tried so many regimens, so many hair-washing routines, and so many products. It was getting very frustrating.

But honestly, as far as hair-care seems to go, I think a 2013 miracle happened. Never before has a new year's resolution been fulfilled so easily and so quickly. All thanks to two products: Head and Shoulder's Damage Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner, and Lush's Big Shampoo. Now, I guess I'm being optimistic here, since it's only mid-January, but man am I impressed.

I received Lush's Big Shampoo as a Christmas gift, and have been using it for a few weeks now. Honestly, my hair has never felt so shiny and soft after at-home washes. But it's very salt-based and rough, and I was wondering how often I should being using it--every time I wash my hair? Only once a week? Twice a month?

Of course, Head and Shoulders came to the rescue. My first day back at school and I get this lovely box of the new Damage Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner.

Can we pause for a moment and appreciate how amazing they smell? Very fresh, and like something you'd find at a salon. I can't get enough of it.

But after a couple washes--I'm so happy. My hair feels just as clean, smooth and healthy as when I used Big Shampoo. Plus, the Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner has a very smooth and gentle texture.

So, I think I've found it. My new regimen. I'll wash my 2-3 times a week, just as my hair dresser recommended. For most of my washes, I'll be using the Head and Shoulders Damage Rescue Products. Once a week, I'll use Big shampoo. My hair is healthy--I'm hoping this new routine works out!

How do you care for your hair?

*I was very honored to receive Head and Shoulders Damage Rescue products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. I would not be posting about these products if I didn't use them and like them myself!

back at school

hey everyone! I'm now all settled and unpacked in my dorm, watching a quick episode of 30 Rock (of course). It's great being back but I'm already missing the lazy days at home...

The weekend was great. We caught up with some friends over Indian food, I started looking at potential class schedules, my mom and I did a little bit of shopping, we got some late morning ice cream from Carvel, picked out some new nail polishes and had a farewell dinner at The Melting Pot, amazing fondue place. This morning we hauled over to the Have and I said a final goodbye to my mom and brother--but not before running over to Blue State to get some Costa Rican coffee. Ever since we vacationed there a couple years ago my dad's kinda been hooked. :)

Now it's super foggy all over New York and New Haven and all I feel like doing is chilling here, in our newly-cleaned dorm. Maybe I'll finally get some studying done...

 how was your weekend?

five things

...that I picked up at Whole Foods this week.

so, we don't ever go to Whole Foods. But we were in the neighborhood, it was late and we only had to pick up a couple essentials before going home, like milk and dog food, and it was just easier. I like that they have lots of healthy and natural products--fair trade too!--but it really is out of our price range.

They say never to shop for groceries when you're hungry. You end up buying the whole store. Well, let's just say we left Whole Foods with a little bit more than just milk and dog food.

 1. raspberry puffs. seen above. they are to die for and very very fresh.

2. ciao bella mango sorbet.

3. steaz sparkling raspberry green tea. they used to sell these at my school's little convenient store, Durfee's...but then they stopped selling them a month into my freshman year. I was devastated. but now we've been reunited.

4. naked strawberry banana smoothie.

5. gluten free brownie mix. we're trying it out tomorrow. :)

so can you tell I'm in a fruity mood? particularly for raspberries? I'm liking it. Keeps me away from chocolate!

Happy weekend! what are your food indulgences?

bulldog with a plan.

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Yup. The day I've been waiting so long for has finally come. And really, it all just happened so fast. Last night I was just going over the options. Double major? Major with a specific track? Political science? Psychology?

And then my mom said the greatest thing ever: "Well, I think it's kind of obvious what you want to do."

And then it just happened. I did it. I cut the bullshit, focused on what I really wanted and around midnight last night I started working out an academic plan.

To cut it short: I'm majoring in sociology.

But I want to study sociology with another subject--some non-sociology classes will be added to my personal curriculum so that I get more specialization in a specific area. I still need to meet with the head of the department to discuss this particular track, but I'm excited. I feel like I have so much more focus.

And now I can get to the fun stuff, like updating my resume and Facebook academic information. Also, I now have a totally legitimate, nerdy reason to peruse some wonderful sociology tumblrs, like this one and this one.

Super, super excited for this life decision.

Weekend Wrap-up

This weekend was my last full weekend before heading back to New Haven, so we decided to make it a little special. Yesterday my family and I braved the cold to stand on line at tkts in Times Square. We ended up getting tickets to Dead Accounts (with Norbert Leo Butz and Katie Holmes!) for 50% off--amazing seats, too. It was a great play and Butz was amazing, though the ending could have been stronger.

Before the show, we went to our favorite Cuban place, Havana Central, for a light dinner and some tres leches cake. We also got very well-acquainted with the Starbucks at Times Square--hot drinks after waiting in line for forever? Yes, please.

Today, I spent the entire day in pajamas (except for the quick two minutes I put on jeans to run a small errand), read a chapter of neuroscience (hey, it's a start...) and helped pack up all the stuff around the house we're donating. I had even more platanos maduros (the comfortest of comfort foods) and we listened to our last round of favorite Christmas songs as we packed up the decorations and took down the tree. I also watched about a bajillion episodes of 30 Rock.

Right now, I have a sleepy dog next to me and I'm testing out some new banner ideas. :)

This week I'm looking forward to: spending some quality time with neuroscience and econ textbooks, maybe catching up with Vampire Diaries, starting a new book (suggestions? I just read a couple of Aleatha Romig's books and I couldn't put them down!), and finally getting out all the stuff sitting in my room that we're donating to Big Brothers (we've had quite the new year's purging experience!).

how was your weekend?

Five Things

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...that I'm currently doing right now.

listening to: One More Night by Maroon 5 (this version is awesome), The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson and lots and lots of T-Swift.

writing: applications for summer internships. I'm excited for all the possible opportunities, but there's also that anxiety of not knowing what I'm doing for the summer and the fear that I won't get an internship! :(

loving: Formula 10.0.6's Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleaning Mud Mask. My skin is needed a little extra attention these days. This mask has definitely helped my skin calm down and it smells amazing (orange and bergamot!).

eating: honey wheat bread and raspberry preserves. This is basically what I lived on during finals and it is now my favorite breakfast during break.

settling in: for the new year! I really found Jenny Blake's post "13 Thought-Starters for 2013" to be really helpful. It includes a fillable template so you can start writing down all the things you want to do, explore and work on this year. Seeing my ideas in writing--I realized I really do want to accomplish A LOT this year, and now I'm even more excited. I also really enjoyed Sarah von Bargen's "13 Fresh Starts for a New Year." We have Big Brothers coming by next week to pick up a few things we are getting rid of--I'm definitely going to take that opportunity to purge clothes I don't wear (#1 on the list!).

happy weekend! any plans for the first weekend of the year? I plan to get in lots of study time, do some reading and maybe start in on some of my new year's projects. :)

January Goals

 

In January, I'd like to...

1. decide on a challenging but manageable set of second semester classes, with the goal of deciding on  a major in mind

2. catch up with more high school friends before I go back to school

3. come back to school well-prepared to take my last two finals

4. start summer applications well in advance

5. read at least three books for fun

6. take more time to unwind at the end of each day

7. each night, write five things that I appreciate

8. incorporate more Spanish reading into my routine

9. eat a piece of fruit every day

10. stop going to bed with makeup on!

what are your goals for January?

2013!

 

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Happy New Year, everyone! I hope everyone had an awesome New Year's Eve. I had a sushi dinner with my family, got together with a couple high school friends, played some games, sipped champagne, watched the ball drop and ended the night with a viewing of New Year's Eve.

This morning I stumbled upon this beautiful quotation. It's amazing how good a fresh start can feel.

 

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Today, I'm going to finish writing my resolutions, start some new habits (that will hopefully stick!) and make plans for the wonderful year to come. 

I hope you are all starting off the year happy, healthy and safe. Thanks so much for reading.