Blog Archives - The Sleek Scientist

The Sleek Scientist

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

10/31/2014

I LOVE Halloween! Who doesn't? Playing dress up and eating chocolate, why not? I think most of us chicks went through a Halloween slutty phase in college...I cringe at the things I wore. Last night I was "Batwoman"...I'll spare you the tackiness of a picture...but just proof that there was literally none of me showing, and I felt a lot cuter and more confident than my past "costumes".
My philosophy:

Better to have others think you are fat than to wear a crop top and remove all doubt.

That's just me. Some girls own those crop tops. I'd just rather leave something to the imagination...and hope they're imaging some wash-board abs.
Before the Halloween festivities I dressed like a normal human. I had an e-board meeting, class, etc...the usual Thursday stuff. Oh yes, this is referring to yesterday. Today's outfit is yet to come.

Top-H&M Gift
Necklace-Boscovs (gift)
Pants-H&M $10.00
Oxford's-Marshalls $16.00

I really wanted olive corduroys for this but I can't find them anywhere!!

Get Out There, Girl

10/30/2014

Have you ever been so upset about something that it consumes you? You can't focus on your normal activities, you don't feel like yourself, you want to sleep so you don't have to face the pain, you'd rather stay in bed all day than risk leaving and breaking down in public.
I think we've all had these times....many worse than others. Many causes..some minor, some extreme.
The remedy, however, is to do all the things that you don't want to. I'm not saying that you shouldn't sit in bed with some Ben and Jerry's, a T-Swift song, and a good 'ol cry. You should, I think it's important to face realities head on and let ourselves be upset about them. But we also have to learn to move on and learn from each experience. We can't cry in our sheets forever...we have to get out there. Exercise, get some sunlight, talk to trusted friends even if we don't want to speak. Write down your thoughts, rationalize them even if they seem completely irrational. Give yourself a manicure. Study, read, go to class...do what you have to do. Pig out on junk with some girlfriends, distract yourself, and eventually the pain will begin to fade. I think, I hope, I know. I'm a scientist; I have a formula and method for everything, including controlling my emotions. I usually find myself extremely emotionally stable (my friends constantly tease me for "having no feelings"), and I tend to not show them. I wish it were always that easy, but I totally started crying over a textbook in the library the other day. I took that minute to take a step outside, breathe, and put myself together.
So, obviously, I've wanted to look completely like a bum...but it's important to make ourselves look nice and feel confident in times like these. I didn't post and text for my "Plaid is Rad" post because that is how I was feeling. My good friend and I went out for brunch and some retail therapy. I'm thankful for such amazing friends who have been cheering me up in this time where I feel so unlike myself.
Yesterday I got myself to go to class and to Target to get some halloween candy for "the kids". If only Target sold wine, how much easier my life would be.
I feel like whenever I need a bit of perking up I wear hints of leopard print. It just adds a pit of pizazz to the bleakest of outfits.

Still completely baggy and cozy, but you couldn't tell I'm going through an emotional crisis. Nobody should know except those people you can trust. Don't let your vulnerability shine, put yourself together.
Navy T-shirt-Uniqlo $15.00
Leggings-Uniglo $10.00
Scarf-eBay $2.00!
Shoes-eBay $13.00
Navy Headband-Harmon (pack of 5) $5.00
Uniqlo's Tees are SUPER comfy and good quality. Highly recommended for the price!
PS everything I buy on eBay is brand new in packaging...but a lot of it is from Asia so it just takes a while to get here. But, a $2.00 scarf, come on...worth the wait.

Plaid is Rad

10/29/2014

Nothing Cheers You Up like a Pumpkin

10/27/2014

I realized I haven't posted since Thursday. I got dressed, but I took no pictures. Which is a shame because I like what I wore. I did take a picture today though.
Over the weekend I got to spend some time with my aunt and uncle having dinner nearby, which is always nice to have family around. Saturday night I went into Philly with my cousin, and Sunday we went to a fun flea market. I love a good flea market. Grabbed some free VHS's (totally necessary) and a cheap scarf.
Today I FINALLY went on a hayride, pumpkin picking, and found apple cider donuts!! I went with a few girls from my class...and attempted to make my outfit fall-y but nearly died of heat stroke. I was feeling a bit down today, and we hit a ton of traffic getting to class, so we just played hookie and went to happy hour. I know, badass. First skipped class of grad school, but sometimes you just need a beer and a slice of pizza to raise your spirits.

October 23rd, 2014

10/23/2014

Random, but can I start off by saying I'd really like to know what drugs scientists were on when they came up with cellular metabolism. Really, who thought of this stuff? If you don't know what I'm talking about, pick up a biochem text book and try to get through a chapter on all the different carbohydrate pathways. I feel like I've learned them all a billion times, but they'll never stick.
Sorry, I'm really behind in biochem and the studying might be getting to me.
Today I studied, went to class, got my eyes checked, and met with my micro professor. I always like to meet with my professors to go over exams if I've gotten anything short of an A. It shows that you care and are willing to work to improve. That initiative kicks me into gear for the next exam.
The eye Dr. basically told me I'm crazy...explaining the only reason I have problems with my vision is because of computers and iPhones. Before writing my low prescription he shouted, "MY PRESCRIPTION IS TO SMASH YOUR IPHONE WITH A HAMMER". Aggressive. He did compliment my flannel...I stopped myself from explaining that it was a men's large which I had purchased at Walmart. Which, while I was doing so, someone snapped a pic of me. I'm not sure what I was doing that was noteworthy but if my picture surfaces on PeopleofWalmart.com, be sure to inform me.
Anyways, I ordered my glasses and am ecstatic. I've only wanted them my whole life. I know, I'm crazy, and that's why my "vision problem" is basically all in my head. Selfies in my over-priced frames soon to follow.
I was digging this flannel today because of the weather. I fell in love with it while shopping for toilet paper at Walmart about a month ago...
When it comes to flannels, my policy is the bigger, the better (hence the men's large). I contrast the overly baggy look with some jewelry and a bold lip and hope that I don't look as comfy as I feel.

Flannel-Walmart $9.50
Necklace-H&M $10.00
Tank-American Eagle
Leggings-Uniqlo
Bangles-Alex and Ani
Socks-Polo
Boots-Target

Rainy Daze

10/22/2014

I'm officially the laziest human on the planet today. I promise, I'll start studying after this...but I should've started hours ago. I'm going to force myself to go to the lib after class tonight. It's this rain...I didn't exercise at all either. All I've done is bought some yarn so my roommate can knit me a headband, bought a shirt on Etsy I didn't need (which you'll now be seeing in about a month), perused a halloween store, and prepared some French Onion Soup for my dinner later(Check out my recipes in "Brain Food"!). I literally went to Wawa and got a latte just for the whipped cream. I don't even like lattes and I'm not even premenstrual. I felt like one of those girls that gets a coffee to complete an outfit, but NO, coffee is a vital part of my everyday existence that I would cease to thrive without.
I don't want to get out of bed. I'm actively talking myself out of skipping class and binge-watching "The Walking Dead"...Cell Bio II is taking precedence over zombies once again.
I've also been staring at Hunter Rain Boots in my shopping cart for about 3 hours....I REALLY want them. Especially on a rainy day like today. Worth the price? My friends say so...but I just can't get myself to "check out".
I'm wearing my favorite cozy sweater today. I wish I bought this in every color when I had the chance. I promise you'll see it a million more times. The scarf is so cute and fun! It was a birthday gift from my friend, and fashion soul sister, Amanda. I totally copy her outfits all the time.
P.S. I know beanies are supposed to be cute and effortless...but do I just have a weird shaped head or does everyone have the issue of them shifting or falling off every time you turn your head or encounter a slight breeze?! Sheesh.

Beanie-eBay $3.00
Scarf-Gift!
Sweater-H&M $10.00!
Leggings-H&M $10.00
Boots-Franco Sarto
Forget where I got the socks, but love myself some good knee-highs.

There's No Place Like Home

10/20/2014

...In the fall at least. I love autumn in my home town. Of course I'm biased, but I always think its so much prettier than anywhere else I may reside. The way the changing leaves reflect off the reservoir, and how the streets are engulfed in a canopy of color...simple, breath-taking beauty.
I went home Friday to spend an evening with some friends and family, drinking oktoberfest and pumpkin beers, painting pumpkins, and celebrating my birthday. I love spending time with those constant people in your life...you can make a great time out of nothing, trust their advice (because its always in your best interest), and laugh about jokes that only your "group" will get. It's nice to let loose and not have to worry about what anyone will think...that's what best friends and family are about :)
Before I made the long, traffic ridden drive home, I spent a couple hours volunteering in a pediatric facility for disabled children. This is always a fun, enriching...but heart wrenching experience. I should've thought not to wear the clothes I was planning on wearing home (I left straight from the center) because there were drool and boogies galore. Hey, that's what a washing machine is for, but I obviously had to change before my fall-festivities.

Top-H&M $13.00
Pants-H&M $15.00
Necklace-Forever 21 $6.00 (love the way turquoise contrasts with navy!)
Navy Vest-eBay $27.00
Quilted Boots-eBay $33.00

Luckily, it was warm so I didn't wear the vest in. Here's another way I wore this vest and liked:

Same vest!
Jeans-H&M $11.00
Top-H&M $13.00
Boots-Necessary Clothing $40.00
Scarf-Canal Street $6.00

Today it finally got a bit chilly so I whipped out a fall jacket I had ordered over the summer. I ordered it online and the sleeves are a bit short...but besides that, its cozy.

Top-H&M $3.50
Jacket-Sammydress.com $18.00
Grey socks-Dollar Tree (hahah they're actually very warm)
"Combat" Boots-Target $35.00
Jeans-Forever 21
Necklaces-gifts

Little Black Dress-down

10/17/2014

Have a simple enough dress and its easy to either dress it up or dress it down. I love the solid dresses from H&M because you can do so much with them, and they're comfy! Yesterday I had a meeting with a professor, class, and went out to have a drink with some classmates at a local bar. Everyone kept asking me where I was going because I was wearing a dress....but I simply explained that sometimes dresses are more comfy than jeans. Plus I dressed it down with sneakers.

I was feeling the drama and did a bit of winged eye-liner with a bold lip. The lip color is called"Vanessa" by Urban Decay...so obviously I had to try it.
Dress-H&M $13.00
Scarf-Forever 21 $5.00
Shoes-eBay $13.00

Have Fun with the Clearance Rack

10/15/2014

I've joked with my friends in the past that when it comes to the clearance rack, I will fit into a small, medium OR large. If it's cute and inexpensive enough I'll make it work. That's the fun of clearance though, you can get something totally crazy that you wouldn't normally wear for $5, try it, love it or hate it, but still spend less on it than your bagel and coffee.
I love how fashion doesn't have to define you. I think the jack of all trades, master of none way is completely acceptable when it comes to the way you dress. Keep people guessing. If you wear a sweater, leggings, and boots every day (which I have totally been guilty of) that's all anyone will remember your style as. If you can be preppy one day, boho another, chic, punk, or sexy and cozy at night, do it! There's a million styles, a million trends....why not try them all? The clearance rack is a fun way to experiment with this.
I had some fun with clearance at H&M today and tried to be a bit boho.

The pants were a little wild...loose and comfy though!
Pants-H&M $5.00
Top-H&M $3.50
Headband-H&M $7.00

Shoes-Marshalls $15.00
Necklace-Joyce Leslie $3.00
Bracelet-Gift

Birthday Reflections

10/14/2014

23. In 24 hours I've gone from a carefree Taylor Swift song of "Happy, free, confused, and lonely" to a Blink 182 song of "Nobody likes you when you're 23, what's my age again?"
On my birthday I take a moment to try to reflect on ways I've changed, things I've done, and how I can improve myself in the following year. I won't share it all, but here are a few things I think this year has taught me.

Solitude-Post graduation of college seems to be a scary abyss for everyone. Going from the virtual reality of a senior in college, feeling on top of the world, to being on the bottom of the barrel at a new job, new school, or new place can leave you feeling alone and afraid. Not being surrounded by the constant, resounding influence of friends at college, being without the inundation of social media, and social events leaves much more time to learn and reflect on yourself. What do I want? What do I need to do? Without the fear of what other will think, how they will react, or what will make everyone else happy. There is a difference between being selfish and taking pride in yourself. Learning to say no, even when its hard, and learning that making other people happy is not always the best option for yourself. I have come closer to a happy medium of what I want, and what others expect of me. I only have to answer to myself, and consider the opinions of those who truly care.
Friendships-After college you find those who are your true friends. The non-situational friends who will be there for you, no matter the cost. It hurts to think of the friendships that have faded or that I have lost. The people you swore you'd be friends with forever, somehow seem to have disappeared...but it is so much sweeter to find all the true friends that life has given me. I've learned to say no to the toxic people, the ones who will only bring you down. To the men who think the only way to communicate is to make superficial comments. It's learning to stop giving so much and caring too deeply about those who won't do the same for you. I am so incredibly grateful for the true friends I have. The quality, not the quantity. I'd be lost without all of you. I appreciate the wonderful relationships I do have, and look forward to making more.
To be more outgoing- there is nothing to lose if you just say "Hi". It's better to make a point to say hello to a person, even if they don't remember you. I'd rather be remembered as a weirdo than not nice, and you never know what you can learn from a conversation with someone new. There's so many opinions and perspectives out there you may have never thought of. Let people in--I've learned to learn more from others.
Independence-There is something beautiful about knowing you are responsible for your own life, and nobody else can change that. Having control of your own finances and your own responsibilities leaves you with much less stress. When you leave yourself with nobody to depend on in these respects you must find the way to be sure you're handling situations responsibly.
Prioritizing-Knowing what has to come first. Seeing the bigger picture, as opposed to the immediate gains. Knowing that taking the time study every day will help me in the end more than will watching Netflix.
Organization and cleanliness-I've learned how much more productive I am in a clean environment. Cleaning my apartment twice a week, making sure my car is clean, and even silly things like flossing my teeth each night have changed my outlook and productivity.
Initiative-I've stopped waiting for things to come my way, and hoping for the best. My future is in my hands. I have to show the world what I've got, and what I'm willing to do with it. I try to do something each day to make myself feel as if I'm getting closer to my short term and long term goals.
Shining bright-I am a hard worker. Even when I've been taken advantage of, I want to keep working hard and doing my best. I've seen myself work from the bottom up, and gain responsibility quicker than expected. I know I still have to work on saying no, and not being taken advantage of, but I won't ever let it dim my spirit in the workplace. I'll put my best effort to any and all responsibilities I have. If you're going to do something, be the best at what you do, no matter how lowly it may seem. Learn from every situation, find the good in it, and build yourself and others up with your kind and helpful spirit. Those are words of advice to myself. You make a greater impact on everyone if you are kind and hardworking; I found this true at 22.
Self worth-As cliche as it is, I found that I am my only competition. I realized how much I love running when I stopped doing it to look a certain way, and started doing it to reach my own mileage goals. I stopped comparing myself to others and started being happy with what I CAN do, and what I will do. It's nice not having anything to prove to anyone but yourself, half marathon...here I come!
Encouragement-I've learned to feel better about myself by building up others. Being there for people instead talking behind their backs. Not being pessimistic, and not complaining so much about my minuscule problems, instead being proactive about fixing them. Realizing that my attitude and actions have an affect on others. I'm still working on this, but its baby steps.
Taking defeat and learning the path isn't always the one we'd choose-The hardest thing for me this year was the panic of not knowing where my life was headed. The stab I felt when I realized I needed to take the MCATs again (Dramatic, but true). Knowing I wouldn't be starting medical school right away, but a masters instead. Knowing I have to support myself. It was all so scary when I first found things wouldn't go my way. I am so happy that things didn't go my way...because I know God has me on a path that's bigger than what I can imagine. Though it hurts sometimes to feel as if you aren't living up to your own standards, I have to remind myself that nobody is disappointed in me but ME. I'll get to where I'm supposed to be. I know now that one set back isn't the end of the world, even if it seems to consume us at the time. There's worse things in life than taking the MCAT twice and not getting into med school when you wanted to. In the grand scheme, I'll look back on these times and know why things fell into place the way they did. That's just something I'll have to leave to God.

In this year I reflect and don't think I did too much worth commending. However, I had a job that I learned a ton from, I got to be an Aunt and have an amazing time being with my nephew almost every day, I became and aunt again and now have a new nephew who I can't wait to meet, I've started my masters and gotten involved on this campus, made new friends, learned so much about how to stand up for myself and be sure that I'm caring for ME, I've seen births and deaths, marriages and break ups, I've grown closer to family and friends, and I've learned so much from others. Most importantly, I think I've become more comfortable with myself. I've had low points that only led to high ones. I have so much to learn, so much to improve on, and so many goals to reach. I am grateful for where I am, and every situation and individual who has led me to become this 23-year-old self. I look forward to what God has in store for me this coming year. Cheers to 23!

Last Day of 22

10/13/2014

What a weekend. I went back to my undergrad, Monmouth, for homecoming, and went to the Giants vs Eagles game yesterday. I love going back for homecoming because you get to see hundreds of people you used to know/be friends with. Even though the conversation is the same about a billion times with everyone (some screech of how are youuuuuuuuu and a bit of OMGGGGGG I missed you!) its nice to catch up and feel the love. I loved my experience at Monmouth and wouldn't change it for the world. Friday night we all go to the same bar "Jacks", Saturday is the tailgate, and Saturday night I usually find myself in bed with some girlfriends...but the brave go out again. I had to be well rested for the Giant's game...which was also a ton of fun despite some Eagles' fans peeing on my shoes and throwing a bottle at my head.
I liked being highly involved in undergrad... I made so many friends in so many different circles, I couldn't walk on campus 15 seconds without seeing someone I knew. Maybe some people wouldn't like that, but I think its the beauty of a small school.
This morning I had a meeting with the assistant dean of admissions of the medical school. I gushed and gushed about why I love osteopathic medicine and how it encompasses all of my career goals. However, she wants to wait until I finish my first semester of graduate courses to make sure I do well, because those are challenging and weighed more heavily. It's discouraging being told to wait, but I'm happy to be considered out of the strong pool of thousands... and getting interviewed now or in January won't make a difference as long as I get in! I can understand where they are coming from, plus having this encourages me to study more and to do well!
Today's Outfit:

Top-H&M $13.00
Belt-H&M-$5.00
Skirt-Amazon $15.00
Necklace-Lucky
Flats-Lucky

Tried to be business casual...I see some people walking in there with jeans so I didn't want to overdo it!

Friday Night--

Simple and cozy, I just love the glam patches!
Ended up not wearing the black infinity scarf.
Sweater-Tobi.com $28.00 (50% off of $56.00)
Leggings-Uniqlo $10.00
Boots-Agaci $20.00

For the game I tried not to be too obnoxious about being a Giants fan because Philadelphia fans are horrifying and mean.
SO I subtly wore blue... until the game started I wore my hoodie. I ran into two Giants-fan physicians who went to my school!

Sweater-Tobi.com $28.00
Bag-Marshalls
Red and Blue! Socks-Forever 21
Leggings-H&M
Boots-eBay

Relaxation Time

10/9/2014

Relaxation is never as sweet as when you finish a slew of difficult exams. Having an exam in every class of grad school for a week was taxing, hence no posts, but my first wave of exams are done! I'm currently watching Park and Recreation with a glass of wine and it feels great. I was pleased with the grades of my first two exams, still waiting for the rest...but we will see! It came at the perfect time... I have homecoming this weekend, I'm going to the Giants Eagles game, and my birthday is one tuesday! I'll keep up with studying but it's nice not to worry about exams.
This week wasn't completely a smooth ride. Sunday morning I was woken by choking formaldehyde smell. It made me dizzy, I vomited (at first I thought it was from the craft beer I drank around a fire the night before, but it was just a couple beers), and I immediately called maintenance. 2 days passed, they never came. It was not until Monday night: I was studying (after 2 exams, on to the 3rd) about 12:30 am when smoke and embers started coming from an outlet in my bedroom. Maintenance didn't come...the fire department did, as well as the police, and I slept on the couch around 2:30 am. The couch has my roommate's cat dander on it (which I'm highly allergic to) and did not make for appropriate pre-test sleeping. I figured it all out with the supervisor of maintenance the next day, explaining that I know formaldehyde when I smell it...I've done dozens of dissections (too far?).
Besides that, and a few other mini fiascos hardly worth mentioning, I wore my grey on grey (rather discretely) and got through.
Today I had a meeting for my club, class, and some relaxation:

School colors, holllllaaa
Top-Forever 21 $8.00
Jeans-H&M $11.00
Headband-$5.00
Scarf-Cotton On $5.00
Bracelet-Gift
Boots-eBay

Yesterday:

Sweater-Delias
Brown Boots-Necessary Clothing $40.00
Jeans-Annie Sez $20.00
Watch-Michael Kors
Necklace-My high school boyfriend gave this to me a million years ago and I still wear it hahaha

An Elephant Never Forgets

10/3/2014

I'm not a superstitious person by any means. I broke a mirror a month ago and I think my luck has been fine. However, I do have one tradition/superstition that I always follow: I wear grey on grey because and elephant never forgets. I do this while studying for an exam...grey sweats and a grey tee...while taking the actual exam I'll do it, just more subtly (gray headband and grey shoes, grey panties and bra, etc.).
I'm not going to post my crazy grey outfits because I don't want to scare you all but I just thought I'd share a bit of my psychosis. As for my exams, I can already see a change in my habits from undergrad. I used to be up all night, papers in my bed, eating ramen and drinking coffee, room was a mess, rolling over pens and food wrappers in my sheets, definitely not brushing my teeth or washing my face, would sleep about an hour and a half and roll into the exam I was cramming for early the next morning.
I cringe at the squalor I lived in as I write this. That's how it went; it was gross and only semi-functional, but that was it.
Studying now is much less stressful...not because the courses are easier (they're definitely not!) but because I've made a better environment for myself. I keep up so I don't have to cram all night, my bed is made and it is only for sleeping..never studying or eating, I have an organized desk, organized papers, clean room, my face is washed, my teeth are brushed and flossed, and I eat something a little heartier than ramen. I sleep a full nights rest and look presentable for my exam. One thing that hasn't changed? Grey on grey.
I still want to be comfy for my tests but I want to have the dignity not to look like a total slob. I was hoping these jogger pants would look a bit more trendy and a bit less like pajamas, but I went with it. I had an eboard meeting and biochem and molecular bio exams so this is how I went:

Sweater-H&M $4.00
Jogger pants-Forever 21 $18.00
Flats-Marshalls $25.00

Perks of buying sweaters in July...$4.00!!! Rock that sale rack.

Cram Time

10/1/2014

This post is a form of study procrastination. I'll make it quick. Today started October. I hate to admit that I love October because within the past couple years it seems as if October has suddenly become every girl's favorite month. I always loved the weather, beauty, activities, fashion, and (of course) my birthday. The rush of PSLs and girls hash tagging "sweater weather" when it's 79 degrees has caused me to drift away from this love. I'll still silently admire all the beautiful, wonderful simplicities of fall...but I'll avoid any public display of affection. Fine, I'll admit, I'm sipping on a home-made pumpkin iced coffee now....have to keep myself awake for studying molecular bio somehow.
Today was in the 60s but the school library and my classroom are completely freezing so I could get away with a scarf. This lovely, chunky, infinity scarf was knit specially for my by my cousin Shannon! She's a little fashion diva herself, totally inspiring with all the right amounts of class and sass.

Isn't the scarf great?! So warm and cozy, too!
Sweater-Tobi.com
Jeans-H&M
Booties-eBay