Good Things Come to Those Who Work Hard

I'm not going to lie, I was skeptical about last night's game. How could Robert Morris University, a small, D1 school with more loses than wins beat the University of Kentucky, who won the NCAA Championship last year in basketball? Maybe it was due to my pessimistic outlook on most things, but I couldn't fathom that the Robert Morris Colonials Men Basketball team would win. As the saying goes, surprises come when you least expect it. 

Being a girl who isn't into sports, I didn't attend the game. Instead, I opted to watch the game on ESPN, which was crazy in itself. Robert Morris University is located in the middle of suburbia. We aren't widely known outside of the Pittsburgh area. But last night, we were super stars. 

With less than 9 seconds on the clock, Mike McFadden made the free throws that gave us the score of 59. Even though I wasn't in the Sewall Center, I could feel the anticipation, and significance of Kentucky's Kyle Wiltjer's next move. As the ball left his hands, I was silent. I watched as it sailed toward the hoop and then bounced off. I stared in disbelief as thousands of my classmates stormed the court. I could feel tears welling in my eyes as I watched the students, faculty and alum of Robert Morris University feel so much pride in being a Colonial.

I honestly can't imagine what its like to go to a big school and experience that level of camaraderie at every sporting event. I feel like those students are so used to it that it doesn't even phase them. But at Robert Morris, it is huge. I find it heartwarming to see those associated with the University so excited about this accomplishment. There's no telling who much of an impact this positive experience will have on this campus, but its safe to say that good things will come. As always, good things come to those who work hard. 

Student Discounts!

Long time no blog! I was so busy this past week with school, as it was the last week before spring break. My spring break started yesterday and I'm so relieved to have a break. However, my "break" will still be filled with homework. As nerdy as it may be, I'm kind of excited to be able to work on my assignments without any more being thrown my way. 

Spring break isn't the only perk of being a college student. I may be biased but I think student discounts are. If I know I can save money by showing my student ID, I am much more inclined to shop there! Here are some of my favorite places to get discounts!

J. Crew and J. Crew Factory: 15% 

I've used this discount the most, especially at the factory store. Who doesn't want to save money at J.Crew?! Tip: they let you stack discounts!!!! When I went there a few weeks ago, select items were up to 50% off, and then everything was an additional 10% off. Instead of giving me the extra 10% off, they gave me 15% for my discount. But with the discounts and my student ID, I ended up saving $285! and spending $217.

Madewell: 15%

J. Crew's sister store also offers the same discount! I've only bought a few bracelets in there but getting a discount was definitely a nice surprise!

LOFT: 15%

I love LOFT and they always have amazing sales! I can't remember if they let you stack discounts...(like when everything is 40% off and then you get the student discount as well)
Jo-ann Fabrics: 10%
This is perfect for when I want to get my craft on! Or want to go buy every seasonal cupcake liner in sight...

Keep in mind that this is not a "master list" of all the student discounts available, these are just my favorites! When I created this blog, I knew I wanted to share things I was passionate about, not just whatever I could find to write about! My mantra has always been quality over quantity. 

I think that mantra applies to these stores, especially! You could walk into Forever21 and buy a bunch of clothes for super cheap, but the quality is also super cheap. J. Crew, Madewell and Loft all produce clothes that are of amazing quality and they are mostly classic pieces. While these clothes may be more expensive, they are classic and will last a long time. All the more reason to take advantage of student discounts! 

Emerald City

Late last year, Pantone named Emerald as the color of 2013. Known for its Pantone Matching System, they are the authority for providing color communication on a variety of platforms. In an interview with the Associated Press, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director the Pantone Color Institute said that Emerald is a "color of growth, renewal, healing, unity and regerneration."

I think Emerald is a gorgeous choice for 2013. It is vibrant, lush, rich, and fresh. Especially with the release of Oz, the Great and Powerful, emerald is sure to be popular. 

In terms of fashion, I think emerald will be most popular in fall. Fall fashion is the epitome of dark, jewel tone colors. However, you don't need to wait for crisp autumn air and crunchy leaves to debut this years hottest color! 

Butter London. Pantone for Sephora. Bauble Bar. Michael Kors.