Back to School, Back to Planning

*Quick Note: I have not been sponsored or paid for this post.  I am simply reviewing and introducing a product I really enjoyed.
With September fast approaching, I saw it fit that I got a new planner.  Being part of the Her Campus Blogger Network exposed me to some great products.  I was introduced to Erin Condren.  I was immediately smitten.  All her products are colorful and can be personalized to any extent, depending on how much you are willing to shell out.

I purchased the Erin Condren Life Planner.  The moment I got it I knew that I was going to have a blast using it.  I am kind of excited for school to start already!  I figured I can take all you Spices with me on the ride!

Look at the adorable boxes!

I had arrived from a particularly rigorous workout and dragged myself up the stairs to see these two lovely, beautiful boxes on my table.  I was only expecting one but I figured one box held the planner and the other the accessories I had ordered.

They put such thought into their product and I love the perfectly wrapped paper and sticker.

The really did a great job wrapping it. Even though it’s just a planner, they used the best wrapping materials to make sure that it arrived in tact.

When I opened the two boxes, I found that they had sent me two orders and charged me only once.  I contacted the Erin Condren Team to alert them of their error.  They responded quickly and told me that they would not make me send it back and to think of it as a buy one, take one deal and to enjoy them.  I thought that was really sweet of them but what was I going to do with two planners?  I put a cute strip of washi tape over my name and gave it to my cousin who is heading off to Buffalo to study to be a doctor.  I know she will get good use of it!

I really loved how she not only sent a welcome letter with a $10 off code, but I also received this $10 off card as well.

I ordered a pen holder so if I ever lose all my pens, somehow, I know I have one attached to my planner.  This was just my shopaholic self talking myself into something.

And the main attraction…my planner!

My planner is the Candy Lace design with a custom colorway.  The lace is Light Grey while the dots are Pool.  You can customize the first and second line.  The first line is my name and I added one of my favorite quotes on the front.  “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor” It is laminated so it keeps it protected from spills and bending under the weight of all those textbooks in your bag.  It’s made to be durable.

One of the first pages you open to

A double-sided folder and the ruler that comes with the planner

Every month has a different color page and tab which makes it easier to find.  The planner also has a little pouch of sturdy plastic to hold some of your items.  It comes with stickers that say birthday, mani/pedi, etc as well as a variety of blank stickers so that you can stick it in one of these little cubes and write on it.  I decided to take the initiative from other people and use Washi tape to personalize my planner. I will do a separate post on all the accessories I got for the planner soon.

The price is a little steep for $50 which goes up steadily if you get some of the accessories.  I got the pens, the elastic bands (Not sent yet), and the pen holder.  I think it is a great investment as planners help you succeed.  It’s something all girls and guys need to keep organized.

You can get your own planner here.

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I am proud to say that this is my 100th post! I am planning a giveaway with a fellow blogger so keep your eyes peeled as many of the items are beauty related! Thank you for reading. It’s much appreciated.

XOXO,
Dylan A.K.A Sartorial Spice

Appreciate the Little Things

Sometimes, life throws you hurdles that you were just not prepared for which ends up with you falling in your face.  You may feel bummed out and upset but I’ve learned to stand up and dust myself off.  It’s not worth your time and energy wondering what you did wrong or punching yourself mentally.

Believe me. I know.  This summer turned out to not be my summer.  I am out of a part-time job that I decided to quit to focus on an internship and now I am out of an internship.  I won’t go into detail about it as I do not want to be unprofessional.  I will just say that we were on completely different pages and it turned out we were just not a good match.

My friends tell me it’s a blessing in disguise. “Dylan! You need a break! Just relax!It’s summer!” “Just enjoy it!” “You’ll find another one! You’re great and experienced!” It’s all nice that they think these things and I do acknowledge that I need a break, but I like to keep busy and I love to learn, it’s just in my nature.

I am a hard worker who appreciates to be challenged.  Sometimes I can learn quickly and other times it can take me a few tries.  Granted, I am bound to make mistakes or do things less than perfectly.  Sometimes I can’t catch what I do wrong and I need someone to point it out to me.  Life is a learning experience, it can be unpleasant or a breeze.

I am writing with a heavy heart but I want to be able to jot down the things that I know I should be appreciative for.  Here goes my list:

• My parents.  They are always there through thick and thin. I can cry on their shoulders and they are my best friend, despite the fact that they can get on my nerves.
  
• The Fashion Potential and it’s wonderful CEO, Melissa. Melissa has by far been the sweetest and kindest boss EVER.  She not only appreciates what I do to help her but she offers me advice and listens.  I’ve learned so much from her and I love that she strives to help others accomplish their dreams. This is for you Melissa! Many thanks ❤
• My friends.  My select few friends that I will call by their nicknames just in case, Lupin, Princesa Triste, Cinnamon Bun, Joanna, Jackie, Dimi, Leah, Kora and Lehlie.  Thank you for listening and making me laugh for days. You guys are truly the best. I could not picture my life without you all.
• My “adoptive” sisters Nadine and Sherine.You guys can be brutally honest with me since we grew up together.  You are the people who I turn to for everything. You guys can be a bit mean but I know it’s tough love! I’ve looked up to you both for years and I believe you two are the ones who helped shape who I am today.
  
• My Blog and my readers. Thank you for supporting me in these first few months.  I have renewed a passion of mine in the form of writing. I’ve learned more about myself in these past few months and have found that I really do appreciate you all.  Without you all reading, there would really not be a purpose!
• The most ironic of all: My life.Despite the fact that my current situation is bumming me out, I appreciate the life I have.  I appreciate all the opportunities that I have been given and most of all I appreciate the people I have met, the experiences I have had, and the education I am receiving.  I will keep these in mind and put all the good things that happen to me in this jar that I started on January 1st, 2013.  I will open it and read it on December 31, 2013.
  

I’m just going to….

You only have one life to live..so why dwell in the past? From now on…I’m just going to lay back and relax 🙂

Heartbroken and Horrified

I know everyone is sounding off on what happened yesterday at The Boston Marathon but it is something to stop and think about.

We take life for granted and we often forget that things like this can happen anywhere and at any given moment.  We can’t see the future and as much as that would help, we are powerless.  My heart goes out to all the family and friends of those who were in Boston at that time.  It must’ve been a terrible scene to witness and simply looking at photos is enough to make anyone cringe and say a prayer.

Life is a valuable thing and we often get caught up in the little things.  The next time we start to complain about something small, stop and think about how you only have one life to live.  A horrible event always makes us stop and remember and we band together, stronger than ever.  Live life positively and to the fullest, you only have one shot…so make it count.

We are with you Boston.  Much love sent your way.

Good Things Happen to Those Who Wait!

It’s been a hectic past few weeks between all my school assignments and projects. I’ve been going non-stop to interviews and it’s been exhausting! I thought it was my part-time job! But all the waiting and going to interviews has finally paid off! I am going to be a Marketing/PR intern for a jewelry company (WOO!) I just hope I can finish this semester quick so I can have more time to blog!

I will give some tips about internships and what to expect by tomorrow!

Positivity is Key

 

Today has been a great day. It was a bleak and chilly day as I made my way to school with only about 6 hours of sleep. I did the usual, take notes, and make my way to the cafe on campus with a friend. We were chatting and I was checking my email when I saw I got one from one of the internships I had applied for. I don’t know if it’s a good thing to just say the name but it’s a company known for owning many great fashion magazines.

I got an interview! It’s about a week and a half away, and I’m still racking my brain on what I should wear, take, and ask. Another great thing that happened today, is that my night class was canceled, woo! I am home in my favorite little pjs and just relaxing before I start cracking down on my homework. I am slowly getting many of my projects down, which is relaxing me.

I’m the kind of person who loves getting ALL their homework done on a Friday so that they could have the weekend full of freedom. It’s a great thing, positivity. Positivity brightens your mood and makes even the bleakest days bearable. I must admit, I’ve always been the person who was a little on the negative side, always letting the smallest things stress me to the max. Now that I am in university, I don’t let things get to me. You get used to the bumps in the road and it’s only natural.

All you have to do is breathe and relax, everything happens for a reason. You always need to look on the bright side, even on the cloudiest of days.