Hey everyone!
I'm back in action, and lazing around in my comfy Toronto bed. It's so good to be in my home city again, and most importantly being with my family. I hadn't seen mum & dad in two months - way too long! [I'm convincing myself that Toronto was so excited to have me back that it did the harlem shake, but it was just a mini-earthquake.]
Anyway, I wanted to share a ton of links and videos I enjoyed and/or used over the past year to help me spruce up my apartment. They're all quite affordable, since I kept in mind that most of us are students, or fresh graduates. As many of you may know, living in a rental has certain limitations. Always speak to your landlord before undergoing a major alteration project; he/she has final say and may charge you for damage when you leave. Now let's jump right in!

1. I own this EKTORP couch in black. It's a sofabed, so you have room for guests in a small apartment, and it's also very comfy (I study there A LOT). The kicker is the interchangeable slip covers; it really alters the look of a room and you can adjust it every season!
2. Wall decals: they're easily removable for when you leave, and they add a pretty quirk to any room. I have birds in the living room, and plan to add a chalk board to my kitchen when I get back.
3. Because I've chosen NOT to paint the walls, I have to bring in brights through art work and decor. Urban Outfitters has really beautiful bedding, as does Anthropologie (albeit expensive for a student). I suggest waiting until your favorite designs go on sale, and snapping a duvet cover. The sheets and pillow can be simple, and one can slowly invest in those at a later time.
4. I have carpet, and obviously I detest it. If you're like me, cover up that hideous thing with funky rugs (link 2).
5. Bright yellow floating bookcase; it's small and can be moved from apartment to apartment.
6. Apartment Therapy's series on rental apartment decor: Renter's Solutions. [I spend hours looking through these!]
7. Alejandra's Youtube: How to organize a small bathroom, home office/gadget organization, how to organize your fridge, etc. She has really really amazing tips and tricks, and if you're a neat freak that wants to maximize apartment space, check out her videos.
8. The Container Store: Great stuff for dividing up your linen closet. I have to keep a lot of extra home pieces in there, including school books and binders. Love it!
9. The Shower: tips on keeping it organized, and my own personal suggestion = get a fun shower curtain & bathroom rugs to distract from the bland color and tile.
10. Keep your ish clean! Mostly as a way to help you stay healthy. Less dust, less crust, and more fresh air!

Today I'm going to broach a subject that has confounded me for a while. I get frequently asked how I have time to dress up for class (and work, in the summer) and I'm always floored by the assumption that it takes long. Before I go to bed, I check the weather (10 seconds max), walk to my closet already thinking of a temperature-appropriate outfit (5 seconds), and then I pull out the garments (15-20 seconds). The longest this procedure has ever taken me is 1.5 minutes; I know what's in my wardrobe and hence can create a look very quickly. It's pretty simple. And putting on clothes in the morning takes less than 1 minute!

 I've tried to figure out why people think dressing up takes forever and then some. And... I've come to the conclusion that most consumers buy pieces that are fashionable, but uncomfortable. Or comfortable, but unflattering. It's so easy to look put together and on your A-game when your closet is full of clothing that flatters your body shape, doesn't itch/constrict/ride-up, and pairs well with everything else. In reality, this is a super lazy way to always look good and feel good. So I've decided to put together a list of requirements I have for denim, a closet staple that makes my legs look good, and goes well with all my tops.

Facetiming with my parents for the first time (they bought an iPad & are so excited!) * spending time with The Boy and cooking up a storm * my new running shoes * the slightly warmer spring weather * fun med school mixer with the M1-M4's * getting to dress up twice in 6 days * spending hours watching routines from last season's 'So You Think You Can Dance' - ughhhmazeeballz * spontaneous gorge-fest on Potbelly's & iHop - only homemade food for the next couple weeks to keep healthy! * watching torrential rains in Illinois * pink sunsets * rocker chic girls throughout the seasons * addicted to the Larsson trilogy, holy shizzz! 

images from: victoria