Hi guys, it's been a few weeks since I last updated my blog and I thought I would take today to explain why. My college recently decided to join many other colleges in ending in-person classes and going online for the rest of the semester. This not only meant that I had 4 days to move out of my room and fly home but also meant that I would be saying goodbye to my friends and professors a few months earlier than expected. I flew home last week and am back in one piece, but I won't lie it has been an extremely stressful and hectic few days. Anyway, I thought I would leave some tips for other students who may also have to move out on short notice.

1 | U-Haul Offers Free 30 Day Holding

For students who don't have anywhere to store their stuff due to the coronavirus, U-Haul is offering a free 30-day deal. I would suggest trying to go 50/50 with a roommate or friend so that you aren't footing the bill yourself.

2 | Ask Close Professors and/or Advisors Whether They Can Help You

My advisor actually housed my minifridge in her office and helped me transport the place I was keeping them at and another professor brought his truck to help transport the bulk of my things. Had I not emailed these professors about the issues I was facing I would've never gotten their help. In the end, you do not have if you do not ask and it doesn't hurt to at least ask.

3 | Try to Fly on Cheaper Days

I can't speak for every college, but I know that some of my friends at other schools (and my own) were able to get an extension on the deadline for leaving or get their tickets reimbursed if they emailed and asked. Personally, I used United Airlines Discounted fares to get a slightly cheaper flight on short notice. I noticed it was $6 cheaper for me to fly on Tuesday or Wednesday than Monday or Sunday so I flew on the cheaper day.

Tip: Make sure to check and see whether you are getting the best price for the flight by checking different days on an incognito window.

4 | Donate Food/Snacks You Can't Pack with You

Please do NOT throw away all of the snacks you can't pack in your luggage. Email your college town's local food pantry and see how you can donate these items to help others who may be in need. If you don't have the means to get to your local food pantry, email and see if your college has its own food pantry on campus for students who have been approved to stay on campus. If you don't have access to any of these venues then leave unopened snacks out on your hall with a sticky note saying they are free to anyone who wants them.

5 |  Take heart in knowing that everything WILL be fine. :)

Maybe it's my faith in God or my knowledge of history, but I know that in the end, we will come out of this stronger and more united. Lean not on your own strength, but

Have you had to move out because of Coronavirus? What are you doing to stay sane during this time?

Now that we are nearing the end of February, prom is firmly on the horizon! I may be in college, but I did go to multiple proms in the last 3 years. That's why I know that my more proactive high schoolers are probably searching for the right dress or date for the occasion. Some of the "OG" followers of this blog know that I went to my first prom my sophomore year. If you want to know how it went then check it out here. Either way, this prom inspired me to create a checklist to help keep you on track (and on budget) for your prom.

Prom can be super expensive which is why it is super important to figure out what you can and can't do by yourself. I personally decided to do my nails and makeup myself for prom. This cut out a solid $100 from my prom expenses. While I admit that I was able to do this because I felt comfortable in my makeup and nails skills I totally understand why others may still consider this necessary which is why I suggest booking any appointments at least a month or so in advance so that you know exactly how much you will pay before you get to that counter. This also ensures that you get to see the artist or hairstylist you want because their schedules typically get packed quickly during prom season.

I also included a free budget planner! You can check it out here now.

What tips do you have to make prom (or any dance) run smoothly?

1 | Royal purple is my favorite color.

2 | I don't like coffee*. I prefer tea.
*I will drink frappes that drown the coffee in sugar, cream, and ice that's been blended into yummy goodness.

3 | Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.

4 | I played soccer for 13 years, and this is my first year not playing. :(

5 | "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is my favorite book.

6 |  Mac and cheese is my favorite food.

7 | I'm a Christian.

8 | I like to listen to instrumental jazz music when I'm studying. YouTube makes this so easy. There are new 6+ hours videos every day.

9 | Journaling is one of my favorite destressers. Plus it allows me to look back and see what things I was dealing with earlier.

10 | I love wacky socks...they make me happy haha. My boyfriend just bought me a new pack and I'm so excited to wear them once I'm back on campus.

11 | I'm an August baby!

12 | Airpods are probably my most prized (tech-related) possession.

13 | Calligraphy is my favorite destressor.

14 | I wear glasses.

15 | According to Spotify Unwrapped, Ariana Grande is my favorite artist.

16 | I have a youtube channel you can check out here. :)

17 | I prefer summer to winter. It's not even a question. I love when the sun bakes my skin and that just doesn't happen during the winter months.

18 | The Great Gatsby with Leonardo di Caprio is one of my favorite movies of all time.

19 | Christmas and New Years' are my favorite holidays.

20 | I have a very loud laugh. when I went to visit my high school again some teachers knew I was back from my laugh alone.

21 |  I've been out of the country 12 times.

22 | When I was younger I wanted to be an astronaut because I did a project on Mae Jemison and thought she was super cool!

23 | Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver are my favorite comedians. I can always trust that one of them will have a video to get me out of whatever mood or funk I'm in.

24 | I would love to travel to Bali, Indonesia, and hope to do so soon.

25 | As a kid, I wrote short stories and I still write today.

What are some facts about you?

What does your winter morning routine look like?