Saturday Top 10: TheFlyingOkapi School Supply List

Today we have a list of the required school supplies for TheFlyingOkapi class of 2014 (or whatever year you graduated or plan to graduate!)

Most of these things appear to be completely pointless, but they will be a big help in making this year not only bearable, but maybe even fun. So get some paper and a number 2 pencil and start taking notes!

My backpack is the Kelty "Tannen". I really like all of the fancy pockets it has. It easily fits everything I need!

Ipod and Panasonic RPHJE120R Earbuds

I have a 160 GB IPod Classic. It is so great! I never have to worry about not having enough memory, it's durable, and it's user friendly! Also, you don't have to be a technological genius to operate it.

My Ipod is definitely essential for making it thorough the school day. I like listening to it while I do work in math (it helps me concentrate) but not in Literature or Chemistry- It gets too distracting! I also listen to it while I'm walking to school. I usually listen to Stuff You Should Know on my way to class. It's a cool a podcast full of very interesting facts!

I love these Panasonic earbuds. I saw them ranked on CNET among a bunch of super expensive ones

(like $100-200!) And I figured I would give them a try, since they were only $6 on Amazon. I am not disappointed! They sound great and Maggie has had the same pair for over a year, so I think they'll last a while! I embroidery thread-ed them to keep them from tangling and to make them pretty!

Sketchbook

I find that during the school year, I'm not completely submerged in arts and creativity (instead of going out and sketching I have to calculate molar masses and such - blegh)
so it is important to keep a sketchbook around so I can jump on any chance to get some drawing in. This one is kind of boring (and slightly nibbled on by my dog) but it works!

Note-Always write your name and phone number on the inside cover of your sketchbook. If you lose it all the time like me, it really helps!



















Graphing Calculator

     This one is a little bit more like something you would actually find on a school supply list- but bear with me! It has been so helpful for me to have my own graphing calculator for my math and science classes. The school generally has enough for students to use in class, but it makes a difference when you can actually take it home to work on homework!
     I have a TI-84 Plus. It works well for me, but I know some of my friends like the Silver Edition better. I don't really know the difference. Mine is tricked out with a Lisa Frank kitten sticker, so...

"Everything Folder"

I've always found that it's really helpful to have a folder that you can throw random sheets in when you don't really know where to put them. It also means that you don't have to bring an entire binder home for an assignment. Just throw in the papers and notes you need and you know exactly where they are.























Colored Pens

Even if your teachers don't allow you to turn in work done in color, this is a great way to make your personal notes or work more interesting. It's just one of those things that brightens my day!

Homework/Life Planner

If you are anything like me, you have to write things down or you will automatically forget them. A planner is absolutely essential for me to keep my life together.
This one is just the basic, school-issued homework planner, but I decorated it with some scrap paper and a kitten sticker. (Have you noticed the kitten trend yet? I would highly recommend adding some kitten paraphernalia to your daily routine)





Write everything down! Homework, club meetings, test dates, deadlines, ideas for ice cream flavors, EVERYTHING! It will really help keep you organized an on the right track. I like to draw a circle next to each homework assignment and then check them off as they are completed. If I don't finish an assignment that night, I draw a little arrow in the circle, transferring it to the next day.

Kleenex

I think it's important to carry tissues around all the time, especially during cold season! Not only are they useful for blowing your nose and such, they are also essential for making paper flowers in government class during those long lectures about the legislative branch.

I found these cool skull patterned ones at the drugstore. Nobody will want to mess with you if you blow your nose with one of these babies.




















C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

You might as well call this the magical goop of the heavens. It can be used for lips, cuticles, dry skin, or facial glitter adhesive. And it smells like roses. I have had this same tin of the stuff for 5 years, and I'm still not out. A little goes a long way! It's especially helpful in the winter months when your skin gets super dry. I take it skiing with me every weekend in the winter, hence the beaten up tin. You can find it at Bath and Body Works.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, people! It's important to drink lots of water during the day, and carrying a bottle around insures that you are getting enough water. If you aren't a huge water drinker, you can make flavored water with powdered flavorings, a splash of fruit juice, or some fresh berries.

As you can probably tell, I've had this bottle for a very long time. When it was brand-new, I made the mistake of taking it rock climbing and it hasn't been the same since. It leaks a little and I should probably get rid of it, but I'm attached! Would you be able to get rid of a bottle that looks like such a fighter- I mean just look at that inspiring message!













Lisa Frank Stickers

Does anyone else miss when you used to get a sticker on your paper for a job well done?
Now you can still give yourself a pat on the back with these amazing rainbow-glittery-kitten-unicorn-dolphin-holywood bear treasures. I found these on Amazon and they were a little pricey (like $15) but so worth it. I am so nostalgic about Lisa Frank stuff. It's like a visual representation of the inside of a little kid's brain, full of butterflies and clouds and completely saturated with happiness. I've been using these on my school supplies (as you may have noticed) and pretty much sticking them anywhere I can, including onto people that seem too grumpy. Just because we are forced to go to school and fill our heads with non-unicorn related knowledge doesn't mean we can't bring a little of it with us.

Bonus List Item: A Positive Attitude!
It sounds cheesy, but attitude really does make all the difference. Come into each day with the mindset that you are there to learn and make yourself into a well-rounded human being. Excessive stress is just that: excessive. Focus on what you can do to stay positive and remember, it gets better! (or so I've heard-and I believe it!)

Also-remember to be kind. Sometimes there's not enough kindness going around the school, so make a point to leave a little happiness behind wherever you go. Talk to a new student, help a someone in a younger grade, or smile at a stranger. It will make you happier too!

Top 10 Things I've Thrifted

     Today I thought I would do a little post about the top 10 things I have found at the thrift store/ garage sales. In no particular order, here they are!

Light cotton peacoat- $2

I love wearing this coat thingy in the fall when it's not quite cold enough for an actual jacket. It looks great layered with button up shirts and light sewaters.

Magical cosmic shoes- 25 Cents

I love these shoes so much! Unfortunately I can't wear them out any more because they are incredibly worn out, like, the soles have almost completely fallen off... But they are still near and dear to my heart because they were one of my first finds at my favorite thrift store.

Black brocade formal dress- $25

I think this might be my favorite dress ever. I found it at a garage sale/dress swap thing a week before prom in my Sophmore year. I love it so much, I'm definitely wearing it for another formal!

Acid wash duffle bag- $1

This little vintage 80s bag is perfect for overnight trips and such. It's pretty heavy-duty, with quality denim and leather details. It reminds me of the movie Fame!

Vintage Tommy Hilfiger denim jacket: $1

I love finding high-quality stuff for super cheap. I tricked out this jacket with some studs, iron-ons, and old Girl Scout badges. It definitely has a strong feminist vibe:

Studded lion purse- 50 cents

Some people find this bag to be too gaudy and kitschy, but I love it! I found the same one in white also, but it seems to have gotten lost in the abyss of my closet.

Porcelain unicorn collection- $7 total (?)

This is one of those things that some people will just never understand... I'm not sure I completely understand it either! I just love finding these little guys and giving them a good home.

My Fiddle! - $40

I was super excited when I found this at a garage sale- and only $40?!? It wasn't in perfect shape and it didn't have a bow, but a few repairs and it was good to go! I love its finish and I'm no expert, but I think it sounds pretty good! (at least when I have been practicing!)

Dooney and Bourke hard satchel- $20

You probably saw this in a previous post. It made the top 10 because I've been using it nonstop since I found it!

Gem Sweater collection- priceless

This is another one of those things that very few people on this planet will understand. About 5 years ago, Threadbanger posted a video that changed my life. I was introduced to the most interesting person I have found on the internet so far, Leslie Hall. Among other glorious things, Leslie is a proud collector of Gem Sweaters, possibly the most flashy and magnificent thing to come out of the 80s. She has over 400 gem sweaters, salvaged from thrift stores, garage sales, and dumpsters. They are all on display in her mobile museum, a trailer which I believe is not currently transportable. It is my dream to one day visit the museum and have a lengthy chat with Leslie about the deeper meaning behind these sequined treasures. For now, I can only build my own collection and wear these sweaters proudly (with my gold pants, of course).


I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know how you like the top 10 format. I'm thinking o fmaking it a weekly thing.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Room Tour!

My bedroom is one of my very favorite places in the world. I recently rearranged a little bit and I thought it would be a good time to do a room tour!

The fake wood siding on the walls used to drive me crazy, but I couldn't get rid of it because the walls underneath are completely covered in glue. But I'm kind of starting to warm up to it... I'm probably just going insane.

My bureau lives across from my bed. As is evident by the Winnie the Pooh stickers on the drawers (which have proven impossible to remove), I have had it for a very long time.

I slung a scarf over the mirror to hold pins, earrings, and such. I use teacups and this cute tin from Bariloche to hold other stuff.

A few years ago, I covered my side table with pictures of old rave flyers and images from the 80s and 90s. Even though I was only around for half of the 90s and none of the 80s, I feel really nostalgic about stuff like this.

This corner needs some work. For starters, I really need a new desk! This one is way to small to work on and the drawers don't work. Also, I could really use a new chair. I stole this one from the kitchen a few months ago. Shhh!

 These shelves are immensely helpful. All of my supplies for projects are in one place! In the top right shelf is the set of encyclopedias I often use for collaging or just inspiration, and the shelf below has other helpful reference books. My phone, which I found (fully operational!) at an antique store, is also kept here.

On the other side of the room is my closet and bookshelf. I also keep my body form here. It really comes in handy with sewing projects!

My bookshelf houses some book collections, magazines, and, of course, my unicorn collection. Oh-and I have a "message board" behind it where people write random stuff.

My closet looks a bit disorganized, but I know where everything is! I keep fabric and other supplies in a compartment here.

A door shoe organizer has always come in handy to store random stuff, and I keep all of my jewelry on top of a second bureau in the corner. 

I hope that wasn't too boring! Some more interesting photos are coming soon. 

I would love to hear some feedback in comments about what people would like to see or what I could be doing better. Anything helps!

A Rare Sighting!

The other day, my friend Jessica and I were walking near her house and we saw a real-life unicorn! I just had to take some pictures.

 Thanks so much to Jessica and Brass for modeling (and an extra thank you to Jessica for letting me use her camera) !! All clothes are thrifted, dreadfalls are handmade