Before I Go: Custom Moncton Mugs for Paris!

Salut mes amis,

Since I am leaving for St. Louis tomorrow for New Year's Eve, and then to leave for Paris, I decided to finish up a project that I have been working on for a long time: custom sharpie mugs for my friend Paris!

The story goes that we spent last summer in Moncton doing the explore program together and, over just a few weeks of "Franglish", we developed many inside jokes. When she decided to move into her first apartment, I decided to immortalize some of our favorites on funny yet functional coffee mugs to give her as a gift; then life happened. So, now, several months later, I have finally gotten them finished and baked! Take a look:

I think they turned out just lovely. Also, I find that these inexpensive custom sharpie mugs would make great gifts for homestay parents, friends, family, or anyone, really! If you have the time, give them a try using this mini-tutorial:

SUPPLIES:

• Inexpensive (thinly glazed plain mugs, tea cups, plates, etc.
• Black Sharpies
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Rubbing alcohol
• Acetone
• Baking sheet

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash the dishes of choice with regular dish soap; dry with a towel
2. Using a cotton ball, along with plain rubbing alcohol, wipe them down again to insure they are free of pen-repelling finger prints or oils; let dry
3. Using a regular or paint sharpie marker, draw on the design of your choosing. I found it helpful to use paper stencils and/or tracing directly onto the dish. 
4. Re-trace your design with a second layer of marker; let dry. To erase mistakes, use a cotton swab dipped in acetone or rubbing alcohol; make sure to let dry before reapplying the sharpie.
5. Place finished cups on a baking sheet and place in a COLD oven. Turn to 425ºF and bake 30 minutes.
6. Turn off oven and allow cups to come to room temperature before removing them.
7. Enjoy your custom creations!

TIP:

• Wash only by hand with a soft cloth; avoid scrubbing the drawn designs

Let me know in the comments what you think, and whether or not you plan to try this quick and simply DIY!

Until next time,

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope that you are surrounded by everyone you care about this holiday season, and that Santa brought you everything you wished for. Be merry, and BE SAFE!

1 Week To Go + Train Update

Salut à tous,

As you all are aware, I love me a good discount; thanks to a fellow CEA Aix student who tipped me off to a coupon code, I scored my Paris-Aix TGV tickets for 35% off! 

Now I'll be able to take the train from Paris directly to Aix-en-Provence without hassling with a connection or shuttle. 

Also, I completed my entire booking on the French website without needing to switch to English mode! It's reassuring, with only a week until go time, that I can at least somewhat function in French on a casual level.

Anyways, happy holidays everyone!

One Suitcase V.2: Aix-en-Provence Capsule Wardrobe

Bonjour mes amis,

Though I posted this wardrobe inspiration post a few weeks ago, I am finally finished putting together my actual capsule for Aix! 

Not surprisingly, I was able to make a comprehensive and very flexible collection with less items than I packed for Canada. My secret is the army of small-folding hosiery and scarves I will be using to add variety to my outfits. So far, everything is looking like it'll fit in one bag even with my bulky homestay gifts! Here's the breakdown of what I'm taking:

1. UnderArmour Packable Waterproof Coat
2. Black Blazer
3. Camel Cardigan
4. Red Cable Knit Cardigan
5. Black Cardigan
6. Cropped Angora Cream Heart Cardigan
7. Red Cable Knit Sweater
8. Black 3/4 Sleeve Striped Sweater
9. Cream 3/4 Sleeve Striped Sweater
10. Cream Tie-Neck Bow Sweater
11. Black Cable Knit Sweater
12. Slouchy Striped Sweater
13. Sleeveless Black Collared Crepe Shirt
14. White and Black Striped Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
15. Sleeveless Cream Collared Crepe Shirt
16. Red T-Shirt
17. Long-Sleeved Creme Silk Button-up
18. Snow Leopard-Print Sleeveless Collared Blouse
19. Black T-Shirt
20. Black 3/4 Sleeve Ballet Shirt
21. Black Tank Top
22. White Tank Top
23. Black Boatneck T-Shirt Dress
24. Black Collared Dress
25. Creme Lace Midi Dress
26. Black Skinny Pants
27. Skinny Denim Jeans
28. High-Waisted Black Lace Skirt
29. High-Waisted Black Micro-Pleat Skirt
30. High-Waisted Red Pleated Skirt

A. Grey Thirty-One Cindy Tote
B. Small Brown Over-The-Shoulder Bag
C. Polka Dot Silk Scarf
D. Red Pashmina
E. Black Pashmina
F. Black Silk Necktie
G. Gunmetal Grey Pashmina
H. Emerald Green Pashmina
I. Black High Leather Boots
J. Short Black Moto Boots
K. Classic Black Converse
L. French Soles Black Mini-Wedges
M. Anne Klein Cap Toe Wedges
N. Red Suede Flats
O. Red Skinny Belt
P. Black Skinny Belt
Q. Wide Black Waist Belt
R. Assorted Tights/Stockings

Let me know in the comments what you think, and tell me your favorite packing tips.

Ta ta for now!

Flight Update + End of Semester Thoughts

Salut à tous,

I am finally done with finals and graduate school interviews, and my winter break has begun! Unbelievably, my undergraduate studies at WIU are all over - wow! I can't believe how far I've come. 

Not to be cliché, but it seems like just yesterday that I arrived at Western as an undeclared major with no real sense as to what I wanted to do with my life. Now, I'm on my way to France, and hopefully to grad school thereafter, all thanks to my WIU education and the dedicated faculty who have supported me along the way; I really can't thank them enough.

To top it all off, I finally purchased my plane ticket to Paris using the $1000 StudentUniverse travel voucher that was provided to me by CEA as an early application incentive.

My out of pocket cost was $196.24 - how's that for a deal!? 

From Paris, I will take the train to Marseille where I will be picked up by CEA staff and taken to my homestay location in Aix. Yay! Expect a more detailed post on my homestay information to come...

For the next 18 days, I just want to relax and plan for a stress-free trip; maybe I'll sleep in some, too. But don't worry, I'll keep you in the loop!

Thanks for reading,

-Jess

CEA Academic Excellence Scholarship Winner!

Salut tout le monde, 

I got a wonderful email from my study abroad advisor, followed by a call from Danielle at CEA telling me that I won an CEA Academic Excellence Scholarship! 

I am SO happy and relieved, you have no idea.

Also, congratulations to everyone who won; I can't wait to meet some of you! Click the photo above to see a complete list of winners.

Thanks for reading!

Capsule Wardrobe Inspiration: Aix en Provence

Bonjour mes amis,

As you may remember from my trip to Canada, I am a HUGE proponent for packing as light as possible. Last time, I put together this light and summery capsule wardrobe. Even then, I didn't use everything I packed, and ended up giving a couple things away.

For my semester in France, the weather will be much cooler. Plus, I'll be there for 5 months as opposed to 6 weeks. Still, now that I know that less is in fact more, I feel like a capsule wardrobe will suit my needs perfectly. 

This time around, I'm going girly, yet functional: mostly, because I'll need to layer everything through January. As for a palette/theme, I'm focusing on stripes -- a French staple -- and match-tastic red, black and white.

What are your wardrobe staples?

BONUS POST: How to Save Money at Bars!

Though not really RAFSA-quality, how to save money at bars is totally a relevant topic for study abroad students and college students in general.

So, if you are going to go out for drinks anywhere in the world, don't let your tab add up out of control! Follow these simple steps for a more budget-friendly bar experience:

1. Limit your cash stash by only bringing what money you want to spend - this is where a lot of people go wrong. If you only feel like you have $20 left for fun money, only bring that $20.; never borrow from other areas of your budget. Then, to be on the safe side, put a few of those dollars in your shoe or somewhere separate to use for a cab if you need one.
2. Eat beforehand for three reasons: 1. you'll have less room for pricy drinks, 2. drinking on an empty stomach can upset your stomach or make you overly tipsy, 3. you'll avoid the money trap that is bar cuisine. If you really get the munchies, share an appetizer among friends.
3. Don't buy top shelf: Instead, stick to "well" liquors. There is no room for balling out on a budget. Plus, as I found out in Canada, having an off-brand shot with your friends can be just as entertaining.
4. Take advantage of specials, or go during happy hour. Don't forget to make sure that the drink specials are actually cheaper than well drinks. 
5. Pay as you go instead of running a tab. This simple technique will keep you from wracking up unforeseen debt and help you keep track of what you've had to drink. Plus, your debit card will stay nice and safe in your wallet.
6. Avoid bars with a cover charge, or plan to arrive before cover is enforced. If you must visit pay-to-enter clubs, try to stay at one all night instead of barhopping your cash away.
7. Don't buy drinks for other people! For that matter, don't accept free drinks either. This vicious cycle of owing and being owed is expensive and potentially risky. If you must buy a round, make it a draft pitcher instead of costly shots.
8. Space out your drinks with glasses of water. This will help you stay aware of your surroundings, save money and avoid a dehydration-caused hangover the next morning. Just make sure that the water in your area is potable first.
9. Volunteer to be DD. The absolute best way to save money at bars is to not drink at all. Volunteering to be the designated driver, or walker, or babysitting is an excellent way not to feel pressured to imbibe. Not to mention, your friends will appreciate your willingness to keep tabs on them and make sure they get home safe.

I hope you find these tips useful wherever your adventures might take you. Don't forget to share your own tips in the comments, Thanks for reading!