The Princess Fusion: March 2016

Now that I've had time to process graduating from college, here are a few tips that I learned while I was in college.

#1) Prioritize

You're planner is going to be your friend. Know when you're projects/ papers/ tests are due and create an action plan sooner rather than later. It is important to do this so that you can prioritize your school work, extra curricular activities, or an after school job. Each semester will go by faster than the last, so don't allow for projects to creep up on you. I've seen too many peers try and complete their work last minute and stress about if they would pass the class they were taking because they couldn't prioritize during the semester.

#2) Get involved in a student organization

In addition to school work, join a student organization. This is a great place to use your skills from the classroom and apply it within a safe and friendly environment. Not only are student organizations a great place to test out your skills, but it can also leave to great networking opportunities. For myself, I found that there was a lack of French programs at my school so I created a new club. This allowed me not only to gain leadership experience, which is crucial to gain while in college. In addition to this skill I learned how to create and manage large scale events, teach in a classroom setting, and implement marketing strategies. Being a founder in a student organization allowed me to grow as an individual, but as a team member as well.

#3) Stop stressing out

I wish I could have gone back on told myself that stressing out only caused more damage rather than good. Yes, it is important to know how important doing well in college is- but at times I became stressed out to the fact that I became physically sick. This caused more damage rather than good. Find something to take your stress out- yoga, playing an instrument, or reading a good book. Having personal time and stepping out the school setting at least once a week is necessary for your sanity. Trust me.

#4) Study Abroad

Even if you can only go for one month, studying abroad was the best decision that I ever did while in college. Not only did it allow me to have the opportunity to discover new country, but it allowed me to follow my dreams. By studying abroad I had the opportunity to intern abroad, take classes that I could have never dreamed of taking while in college (going to field trips every day? Yes please!). Studying abroad is an opportunity of a life time. Take it.

#5) Get to know your professors

Your professors are there to help you, not to create your life into a living hell. Don't boil up your emotions. If you have problems talk to your professors and let them know. Go to a tutor, ask for extra home work sets, and seek advice. Getting to know your professors can allow for potential job opportunities and research projects.

Until next time,

Trying to follow a diet can kinda suck. Scratch that--diets SUCK. Like many others, during the beginning of the New Year I vowed to be done with treats forever. I threw away the doughnuts, cakes, and sugary treats I had hidden in my bedroom and pantry and said 'Adieu' to the Lindt chocolates that I had received for Christmas.

After a couple of weeks without sugar I began (like many others do) to go insane. I started fantasizing about rolls, cupcakes, and danishes. Fortunately in the 21st century, it can be pretty easy to find a way to imagine you are eating a doughy pastry without feeling the repercussions the next day on your hips. Naturally this meant binge watching Food Network and watching Cupcake Wars and Holiday Baking Championship.

This is me if I haven't had enough sugary goodness in my life

Throughout my binge watching I was impressed with one contestant on the Holiday Baking Championship for her awesome attitude and wacky creations- Erin Campbe. I wouldn't say that watching Erin's creations on TV were to blame for my diet 'failing', but I would say that it played a factor into deciding to add sugar goodness, such as awesome funky cupcakes, back into my life. If someone could be so happy making cupcakes and eating (what looked like) awesome creations why couldn't I?

Needless to say, the diet didn't go so well and last week I ended up at the doors of Nadia Cakes in Woodbury Minnesota. To say that I had been patiently waiting to go to this store was an understatement. I followed the quirky and wacky creations on Facebook, had heard of the raving reviews from friends on the stores endless options, and had dreamed about the day that I could finally get my hands on one of these highly coveted cakes.

Decorated in pink decals, the store could be described as a modern day Laduree. The cupcakes are arranged delicately, with a glass chandelier hovering over the cakes making you feel as if the pastry gods crafted the cakes themselves. And they pretty much taste like they have been personally crafted by God himself. If the witty designs and flavor combinations don't get to you, then the taste of these cakes will. With each cake having their own filling int he middle, you'll never have to worry again about eating a dry cupcake. The frosting is just right- not too heavy or too sweet and the decorations make the cakes almost sinful to bite into.