Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture

Ring: Armed & Readi

Nail Polish: OPI: Skulls & Glossbones

Note: Never take photos on a busy street and almost get run over by a Vespa like I did. LOL.

An all black ensemble was my go-to and I contrasted my black apparel with a printed scarf and cinched this cardigan with a skinny black belt.

Next time, I'll remind myself to wear a jacket later on in the day to avoid freezing and to also remember that Vespa drivers can run you over in an instant while taking pictures.

xoxo,

Location: Piazza Santa Croce

Top: Brooks Brothers

Skirt: F21

Boots: Rampage

Scarf: H & M

Bag: Coach

Wintry Coat: AE

Here's to surviving my first day of Italian class and finally learning how to say simples phrases like my name <3

Ciao Miei Cari,

After having a very long day and still recovering from jet lag (apparently 20 to 30 minute naps help get you over this), I relaxed for the rest of my Saturday and then prepared for my first night out on the town with my girlfriends.

Summary of our night? 

The Red Garter. Karaoke. A kid claiming to be Harry Styles. Italians singing Bon Jovi. Tequila Sunrises. Finding the Secret Bakery full of Nutella croissants at 2am. 

Oh, what a night.

After a great night out and a little too much fun, it was time to head to some sightseeing the following day and hiking up the Piazzale Michelangelo. 

This is the best workout ever after consuming unhealthy and guiltless amounts of pasta and wine.

And, I rewarded myself with some gelato. It cancels each other out right?...

I had an amazing first weekend here in Florence and have so much more to share! 

Until then, arriverdla my loves!

Up next: Channeling my inner Martha? Venice Carnavale? Learning Italian?

Stay tuned <3

Ciao! 

Buono sera or good afternoon!

If I were home right now, I'd would most likely be sleeping but I am finally in Florence on the verge of passing out from jet lag and it is almost 4pm.

Finalemente, I have arrived! I keep pinching myself to see if I wake up from this dream but it's so real.

The journey was quite the long one. After having to reschedule my flight for one later in the week because of this "huge blizzard" (yea ok..) that totally delayed my arrival, I finally left to Florence this past Thursday.

8 hours, 2 movies, and a failed attempt at trying to sleep on the plane, I arrived in Zurich for a layover.

The airport was absolutely fascinating as was the language that I could not comprehend whatsoever.

I spent the rest of the night unpacking and attending a quick welcoming party hosted by my new school here. But I really just went for the appetizers and boy oh boy were they delicious. 

I ate like 10. No shame.

I headed back to my new abode and tried to stay awake as long as possible to then realize I would only wake up at 3AM because of the time difference. 

I did not expect this thing they call "jet lag" to actually occur but it did.

My update on that will be nothing short of hysterical as I try to fall asleep again tonight hopefully and not cracking jokes at 3AM with my friend Danielle from our delirium.

Sleep is so needed.

What's next? Pino's Paninis, getting lost in the streets, avoiding gypsies, nightlife, and the Duomo? 

Catch my next post ;)

My fall semester has officially come to a close.
The feeling is completely bittersweet to say the least.

In about a month, I will be on my way to an adventure abroad.
This fact won't hit me until I'm getting off the plane surrounded by Europeans and not not knowing what the heck I'm doing.

Until then, let's talk about actually getting there....

If you're like me, you love to get the best deals for just about everything including like let's say a flight to a far distant country you've never been to.

Since I am financing my entire trip apart from having my tuition paid by my parents, a girl has to budget and that includes my flight there.

I purchased my one-way ticket this past November. Yup, one-way.

A one-way ticket will save me from purchasing a ticket too early or too late considering I have yet to really figure out my schedule there. Or maybe it's because I'm hoping to marry an Italian, have my wedding in Florence, and live in a villa, and have beautiful Italian babies.

Just kidding. (but not really....)

If you're planning on buying a ticket for your study abroad adventure, here are my top 5 tips!

1. Make sure you know what kind of ticket you need!

If you're studying abroad in Italy for more than 90 days, you are going to need a visa. Also, you may or may not need a flight reservation when you go to your visa appointment. Make sure to check the requirements! I bought my flight and didn't need to even prove I had one once I got to the consulate. With a student visa, I am able to stay there for over 90 days and I am not required to purchase a round-trip flight. Praise Jesus Hallelujah. My wallet thanks you Italy. 

2. Search for flights early to get the best price!

So, prices for flights are like a girl on her period. Yes, I just said that. They have a cycle of good days and bad days. Make sure to catch one on a good day! Tuesdays after 4pm from all the research I've done seems to be your best bet. The closer you get to the weekend the more $$ you'll be dishing out. Also, make sure to get your flight about about a month in advance to secure a good flight and one that doesn't break the bank. If you're lucky and super last minute, you may get a good deal. But let's try not to risk it. 

3. Get connected!

If you are on a budget and need to save your money for other expenses or have no choice, get a connecting flight. I have a 9+ hour flight to Florence and will be making a pit-stop in Switzerland before I arrive. You will definitely see a price difference if you buy a connecting flight. Disclaimer: Be prepared for a long flight, sitting in an airport, and the potential of having your luggage lost. I personally am hoping for the best and do not expect any mishaps to occur. In addition to this tip, after much research, if you are looking at a connecting flight in France, avoid the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Lost luggage, missed flights, and long security lines are some of the complaints I read about. Connectors beware.

4. Use your student status for cheap flights!

I got the best deal from Student Universe! Although I only bought a one-way ticket, a round-trip was just about 1,000 including a flight to London. They have the best deals for college students and even alumni. I used Kayak to compare flight prices and to assure myself that I had the best deal.
Student Universe won every time. 

5. Harness the Power of Coupon Codes

If you've never used a coupon code, I shall cry for you. Coupon codes are the bomb dot com. I used a coupon code for my flight and saved $30 bucks. $30. Like, that can pay for a mani-pedi or new lipstick from Makeup For Ever! Google coupon codes irregardless of where you buy your flight from. Student Universe has a whole bunch of them at all times. Peep Student Universe and Retailmenot.com to see what offers they currently have before you book that flight!

Have any questions?
Make sure to leave a one below or tweet me :)

Until then, I will be preparing, packing, and learning as much Italian as I can so I don't get lost in the airport.

If all goes well, this will most likely be me on the plane....

Florence |ˈflôrəns, ˈflär-|

The countdown has been in my head since the day I learned Study Abroad was a possibility. 

My upcoming study abroad trip has so much in store and I am absolutely euphoric about it.

I'm hoping for a total Eat. Pray. Love. moment. A time to explore and find myself.

Are you studying abroad soon and don't know where to start? 

Peep my latest and tentative list of to do's! 

Stay tuned for a break down of my to do's and anymore that may be added.

Until then, Ciao.