Merry Christmas!

Photo Credit

I would like to wish you all a joyous and blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope you all have a wonderful day or days celebrating with your friends and family!

Best,

RTM

How to Wrap Beautiful Christmas Presents

I have always loved beautifully wrapped presents. I am the lead present wrapper in my family. 

As many of us are finishing up our holiday shopping and present wrapping, I wanted to share some of my tips with you on how to make your presents look great! 

1. Select a Theme

This might sound weird, but I like to select a theme for how I am going to wrap. This year I went with a Kraft, plaid, red and white color scheme. I like picking a color scheme because then your gifts look amazing together under the tree.

2. Pick a Neutral Paper

I do not like busy wrapping paper. I like to pick a solid color or a simple single pattern paper like plaid or my Kraft with Merry Christmas pictured. Picking a neutral paper gives you more options for fun ribbons and bows. I love to purchase paper from TJ. Maxx or Homegoods. They have department store quality paper for Target prices. 

3. Pick a Fun Ribbon

Ribbon is one of the reasons I love wrapping presents. You can do so much with ribbon. I think adding a big bow to a present makes it look a million times better and more expensive! I love glitter and burlap ribbon. 

4. Accessorize Your Present

Once you have selected your ribbon, theme and paper you can add fun accessories like an ornament. I  like to tie small ornaments onto the ribbon to give the gift some extra flair. I have also seen others tuck berries or greens into the ribbon, I have yet to try this. 

5. Put Everything in a Box

My last tip is when you are wrapping to put everything in a box. I think boxes look a million times better wrapped up than for say a football in no box. Odd shaped items are difficult to wrap and in my option look worse wrapped than a box. 

I hope my tips are helpful! Merry Christmas!

RTM

Gift Ideas For The College Girl

Blanket Scarf // Handbag // Tumbler // Pullover

Electric Toothbrush // Tumbler // Amazon Giftcard // Phone Wrislet

Cashmere Sweater // Vest // Rain Boots // Cash

I should of posted this earlier in the month... but I have been so busy with finals these past two weeks! Anyways, as a college girl these are gifts that I love giving and would love to receive as well. You are probably wondering, a toothbrush really? Yes! as a dental student I think giving and receiving a high quality toothbrush such as the Sonicare Diamond Clean, it make a fabulous gift. My mouth feels amazing after I brush with it everyday! This is what my family members are getting for Christmas this year!

Enjoy!

RTM

Happy Thanksgiving

Photo Credit

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you all have relaxing food filled day with friends and family. I am so thankful for all of you who read my blog!

Best,

RTM

University of Minnesota Twin Cities Review

With many high school seniors making their college decisions right now I wanted to take the time to blog about my University, The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. I transferred here in August, and I don't regret my decision at all. I love it here, it feels like home. The U of M is a large school 51,147 students to be exact. However to me it does not feel that big because I spend most of my time in Moos Tower aka the School of Dentistry building. 

My view from Moos Tower. Isn't the it beautiful? You can see downtown Minneapolis and the trees along the banks of the Mississippi River. 

Here are my pros and cons of the U of M.

Pros:

- Beautiful campus

- Lots of public transportation (I take a bus to school everyday)

- Lots of activities 

-Cute mascot and school colors

- Top research university

- World recognized 

- Outstanding health professional programs

-Good Greek life

-Vibrant urban setting

This list could go on and on...

Cons:

-Lots of traffic!

- More expensive than a state university 

- Large- it can take a lot of time to travel between classes

Best,

RTM

AΣA Zeta Kappa Chapter 20th Anniversary Formal

The first weekend of November marked the 20th anniversary of my beloved chapters existence on campus. (Side note Alpha Sigma Alpha has been around for 114 years!) I traveled back to Mankato for a dinner and formal dance to celebrate. I had so much fun seeing all my sisters including my big and little! I wore a beautiful Adrianna Papell sequin gown (which is currently on sale). I felt Duchess of Cambridge in it. It has a beautiful train, I felt so princess like when I walked in it. 

Best,

RTM

The Last Ten Things I Bought

Photo Credit

I wanted to do a bit of a different post today. I love reading Forbes. One of the ongoing series that they have is called "The Last Ten Things I Bought". I think they are really fun to read because you get a glimpse into other's lives based on their purchases. I wanted to do my own, so here are the last ten things I bought- 20 year old college student edition!

1. Staples $12.31

I bought a shipping box to ship a textbook I sold on Amazon and also some colorful flair pens to take notes with. 

2. Ulta $85.38

This purchase included my every seven to eight week haircut (my hair does not need cutting as often as other's do) and some Redken styling products. 

3. Caribou Coffee $6.55

I needed a pick me up in between classes...

4. Burgers Bagels $2.68

Another pick me up needed.

5. Kate Spade $19.31

I was wondering around the mall and found myself in Kate Spade. I found this adorable tumbler for my mom that I bought to give her for Christmas. 

6. Holiday Gas Station $33.04

My biweekly tank of premium gas.

7. Saks off Fifth $79.99

I purchased a beautiful sweater for my Aunt. 

8. Target $12.75

Shampoo, conditioner and ice cream

9. Jamba Juice $4.42

Yet another pick me up. 

10. Mulberry's Garment Care $6.02

Dry cleaning (they are the best around in Minnesota! Highly recommended!)

Favorite Purchase: Getting my hair done. I always feel like a goddess walking out of Ulta after my hair cut.

Regrets: The amount of snacks/ coffee I purchase when I am at school. I need to start bringing more snacks to class with me!

I hope you enjoyed this post,

RTM

My Favorite Blogs to Read

Hi all! Sorry I have not posted in awhile! School has been consuming my life. Today I wanted to write about some of my favorite blogs to read that not only are fun to read everyday, but inspire me as a blogger. 

1. Summer Wind

This blog was the reason I started Navy and White Prep. Sydney, the blogger writes about fun topics and has a great fashion sense. I love the layout of her blog. It is so cute and simple. 

2. The College Prepster.

I love this blog as well! Carly writes about life topics that relate to being a young adult. I think she is so inspiring because she is a young entrepreneur who does what she loves. 

3. Classy Girls Wear Pearls

I wish I would steal everything in Sarah's closet! This woman has AMAZING style. She posts beautiful pictures of her outfits and adventures with her fiancé, the ultimate prepster- Kiel James Patrick. These two are just too cute together. 

What are your favorite blogs to read?

Best,

RTM

Meet My New Jack Russell Puppy Siegfried

Three weeks ago my family got a Jack Russell puppy named Siegfried. I am finally posting pictures of him now because I have been so busy watching and training the little guy! Sig is now 12 weeks old and has so much energy. He loves to play in the back yard and hunt mice. My parents decided to get a puppy after my childhood Jack Russell's died a few years ago. We are looking forward to having him with us as we make many more memories with him. 

Here are some photos of my little guy. He is super hard to take pictures of because he is always wiggling!

Siegfried in his natural state. He loves to chew on sticks. 

Life is exhausting being a puppy! This is how he falls a sleep most days! It is so cute. 

Best,

RTM

White Coat Ceremony

This past Friday I had my University of Minnesota School of Dentistry White Coat Ceremony. I received my white coat with my fellow dental hygiene, dental therapy and doctor of dental surgery students. I am currently a third year dental hygiene student. I hope to be walking across the stage to receive another white coat in two to three years as a doctor of dental surgery student!

It was a wonderful ceremony. The speakers were great. They talked about how it is important to think of yourself as a professional as a student, to consider dental ethics in every patient that you treat and to work as professionals and collaborate with other professionals in the health care field to deliver the best patient care. 

For the ceremony I wore a beautiful blue dress from Tatyana (found here) that was a gift from my Aunt. I also wore my super comfortable Stuart Weitzman peep toe pumps (similar). 

Best,

RTM

Minnesota State Fair

I went to the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday. I have gone every year since I was a baby. I always go with my family because we have a blast with each other and it is such a fun tradition every year. We like to people watch, eat fair foods and see all the fun and interesting exhibits. One of my favorite "foods on a stick" are the deep fried candy bars. They are soooo many calories but so good! Good thing I did a lot of walking!

This is a photo of all the people at only 9:00 am! The fair was really busy because it was such a beautiful day to be outside. I have always loved the bright colors of the fair. This photo shows them off.

This is a photo of me posing as a U of M hockey player. Sorry it's a bit blurry, my mother is not the best photographer! 

Do you go to your state's fair?

Best,

RTM

What to Bring to College- Things You Did Not Think About

Many of you might of already moved into college, but I wanted to share somethings that you might not of thought about needing. I am entering my Junior year at the University of Minnesota, so I know of several things that we don't think about when packing Freshman year!

1. Umbrella

Many college campuses are spread out, so there is a good chance that you will have a little ways to walk between classes. I recommend keeping an umbrella in your backpack, that way if it rains you are prepared and it keeps your things dry and you from looking like a wet dog!

2. High Quality Backpack

I love tote bags, my Longchamp goes everywhere with me. However, a tote bag just does not cut it in college. You will be carrying around many books, notes, calculators, laptop, equipment for labs etc. When shopping for a backpack look for one that is well built and has water proof fabric. You don't want it to give out on your way to class and have your books fall everywhere. Water proof is also a good idea because there is nothing worse then wet hand-written notes. North Face backpacks have always been my favorite. Mine has lasted me for years. 

3. Laptop Case or Shell

A laptop case or shell is another smart idea to buy for college. It is likely that you spent over a thousand dollars on a new computer, so you should protect it! After all it is ideal that it lasts you all four years. 

4. Snacks

If you are a person who likes to snack through out the day, snacks are a must. Many college dining options are not open all day or close after dinner. I am a person who eats at all hours of the day, so I always kept a basket of snacks on hand in my dorm room. I always tried to keep somewhat healthy snacks on hand like kind bars, fruit leathers, nuts etc. 

5. Good Laundry Basket

Freshman year I had a small, thin laundry basket my first semester. It would fill up in only a few days and was terrible to carry down five flights of stairs to the laundry room. During Christmas break before my second semester I bought a HUGE laundry basket with sturdy handles from TJ Maxx. I still use it today. 

6. Water Bottle

I feel that bringing a water bottle is on most people's packing list, but if it's not- add it! Most dorms have terrible tasting water, so a water bottle with a filter option is great. Also having a water bottle on hand will cut down on how much bottle water you will have to buy and store. I always bring my water bottle to class with me to stay hydrated. There are so many water bottle fill stations around campus as well. 

7. Stationery and Stamps

Stationery and stamps are defiantly two things that we do not think about bringing to college with us. It is always nice to send a letter back to your grandma when she sends you a card. It is even fun to write to friends back home or your sorority sisters. You will find out when you start college that college students love getting mail! Of course if you are sending letters you will need stamps! You will also be surprised of how many times you need stamps to mail in a application for a job or apply to your major's program. 

8. Area Rug

I did not buy an area rug for my dorm room my freshman year, but I am so glad I did my sophomore year. Fluffy area rugs make your room so much more cosy and warm and homey feeling. I have always hated the cold tile flooring in dorms, so area rugs are great to cover them up!

9. 1/3 to 1/2 Your Wardrobe 

When packing your college wardrobe you really need to look at what you are going to wear. I suggest only bringing the basics and a few "dress up pieces" with. You do not need to bring 3 formal gowns with you or anything like that. Stick to bringing jeans, leggings, basic tees, vests, sweaters, riding boots, Jacks, Nike shorts, and one or two business outfits etc. Plus you will be getting so many free t-shirts and if you join a sorority, a lot of sorority letters! You can also always switch out your wardrobe for the season or pick up a "dress up piece" when you go back home for a holiday break

10. Cute PJ's

Often times we sleep in just a sports bra and a old t-shirt. I would suggest getting some cuter looking PJ's or sleep cloths, because you never know when someone will pull the fire alarm and you will have to evacuate in the middle of the night. I know most people in college do not care what others look like, but I at least want to look presentable when I get up to go to the bathroom down the hall in the middle of the night- you never know who you will run into!

What are some of your college packing musts?

Best,

RTM

Preppy Summer Essentials

I realize that I should of posted my picks for preppy summer essentials, well earlier this summer, but HELLO end of summer sales this weekend! This weekend is a great time to stock up on preppy summer essentials for the remainder of this summer and the next. 

1. Shorts 

Shorts are a must have for any preppy wardrobe. My favorites are of course are J. Crew chinos and Lilly Pulitzer shorts. I also found some cute printed and solid colors at J. Crew Factory earlier this summer that I am loving 

2. Striped Tops

You can never have too many striped tops in my option. The are an preppy essential year round!

3. V Neck Tees

Perfect for wearing with all your shorts. My personal favorites are J. Crew vintage cotton tees. 

4. Patagonia Pullover

I love my cream colored Patagonia pullover. (on sale too at Nordstrom anniversary sale!)  It is perfect for cooler nights or the chilly air conditioning at school.

5. Jack Rogers

I have been wearing my gold Jack Rogers non-stop this summer. I would love to get a navy blue pair next!

6. Lilly Pulitzer Ruffle Tank Top

Lilly Pulitzer Shay Ruffle tank tops are great to wear with shorts. They can even be worn with pencil skirts and a blazer for a more dressed up look the rest of the year. 

7. Oxfords

Oxfords are another preppy essential that can be worn year round. Mine favorites of course are Ralph Lauren. 

8. Nike Shorts

Nike shorts or otherwise known as "Norts" are great for running errands or lounging around. They come in so many bright and fun colors too!

9. Monogram Pocket Tees

I always wear my monogram pocket tees with my Norts. Etsy has so many shops that will personalize them for you. I have some with my monogram and my sorority letters. 

10. Statement Necklaces and Bracelets

Statement necklaces and bracelets are a must have in any woman's wardrobe, let alone a preppy girls. They are great for dressing up a shorts and oxford combo or a summer dress.

11. Colored Denim

Colored denim pair great with oxfords or a dressy top and wedges. I love J Brand, Joe's and Paige denim. 

12. Summer Dresses

Summer dresses are an absolute must for a summer preppy wardrobe. Lilly Pulitzer is always a popular choice. I recently purchased a adorable dress from Ann Taylor found here.

13. Preppy Bikinis

Target and Nordstrom have the perfect preppy bikinis! Stick to solid colors or stripes for a perfect preppy look.

14. Nude Heels

Nude heels are great for year round. They pair wonderfully with summer dresses or colored denim for a dressed up summer look.

15. Wedges

Wedges are also a great summer staple, because they feel more dressed up than flat sandals and you can wear them with just about everything.

16. Boat Shoes

Boat shoes have been a classic staple in every one's wardrobe for ages. I personally love Sebago, but Sperry Top Siders are ok too. Pair with a colorful pair of Chino shorts and a tee for a classic, effortless look.

17. Pool-side Flip Flops

Bright and fun flip flops are great for lazy days at the pool, lake or beach. I love my orange pair of Tory Burch flip flops. 

18. Floppy Sun Hat

I have super fair skin, so I wear sun hats a lot. I love my Ann Taylor navy blue and straw colored striped hat. I goes great with my wardrobe and keeps the sun out of my face. (Gotta keep the skin cancer away!)

Sales!

These amazing stores that I frequent are having end of summer sales this week. For the fashion world, summer ended last week, which means summer sales this week and new fall arrivals yay!

J. Crew

J. Crew Factory

Ralph Lauren

Ann Taylor

Lilly Pulitzer 

Nordstrom

I hope you all are having a wonderful summer!

Best,

RTM

Rue La La Nantucket Collection

Have you ever heard of Rue La La before? If you have not it is a flash sale site that offers deep discounts on designer and name brand clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Today they have a collection that caught my eye. It is called the Road Trip Across America First Stop, Nantucket. Several preppy brands are included, Sperry Top Sider, Sail to Sable and J. McLaughlin to name a few. I shared some of my favorite pieces below. 

Dress

Sweater

Bikini

Act fast- these styles are selling out quick and the collection is only live for two more days!

Best,

RTM

My Favorite Quotes and Sayings

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. For the start of the week I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes and sayings. Sometimes you just need to see a inspiring or fun quote or saying to get you through the week!

 

Have a great week-

RTM

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

Scarf // Boots // Frye Boots // Pumps

Jeans // Panties // Jacket // Pullover

Necklace // Tassel Necklace  // iPhone Case // Watch

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is officially open to everyone. Yay! I wanted to share some of my favorite preppy essentials that are on sale. The anniversary sale is a great time to stock up, because these are fall styles 2015 styles on sale now! Act fast though, many of the sizes and colors are already sold out. I plan on heading over to Nordys this weekend to pick up a few of these awesome deals. 

What do you plan on purchasing from #Nsale?

Best,

RTM

Green and White Gingham

Shirt (similar) // Shorts- old (similar) 

Necklace // Shoes

I love wearing button downs and shorts in the summer. I recently purchased this shirt from the Polo Ralph Lauren outlet. I love the classic gingham print. There is something so crisp and polished about gingham shirts that I love. I paired this shirt with my go-to pearl necklace, white shorts and my trusty gold Jack Rogers sandals. 

Best,

RTM