Tag Archives: break

Mariano’s Survival Guide: LA-NYC

Being bi-coastal has it’s pros and cons. Winter Break is ironically a breeze, but Summer Break sure does bring on the heat when it comes to bringing everything back home. Here are a couple of tips I recommend if you’re far, far, away from NYC.

1. Get a storage unit:

Manhattan Mini Storage has great deals for students. Getting a unit will save your live come summertime when you are left to travel with ALL of your belongings back home on a 6-hour flight, say bye to that extra luggage fee.

2. Change the way you pack:

Simply organizing your things differently will help you stuff some more things into your luggage. Start with shoes at the bottom and work your way up the body. Keep clothes ROLLED not folded and make sure all of your liquids on carry-on are not over 3.4oz!

3. Prepare for the weather back home:

New York has bi-polar weather, just like it’s counterpart Los Angeles, however, when it blazing hot here it can be a rain-fest over there, and vice-versa! Keep up with the weather updates when travelling and try to wear easy layers on flights to ensure weather protection!

Saying Goodbye

SUMMER BREAK IS HERE! I am officially back in California, ready to enjoy the heat on my skin and sand in between my toes. Saying goodbye to school: long hours of studying, stressful assignments, and tedious projects; wasn’t so bad to do. However, saying goodbye to New York City, the heart of the Fashion Institute of Technology was excruciating. Going to school in New York City has made me a stronger person, but most importantly brought me to a realization of my past, present, and future.

This is a view from my dorm room window, one the best views, 17H1… infant optometrists say that when we are born our vision lacks detail and light. Coming to New York City this view with the spots of light was what I saw – I was an infant in a grown-up world dreaming endlessly without plan, and afraid to take action.

Then there is light… we can see through the darkness, however it still remains. There were times in school, were I thought I wasn’t good enough to keep up with my dreams, but I began to fight (not literally) for what I knew I was destined for, an education in the best city in the world. No one can take your dreams away from you but yourself.

We come to a point were we have full vision. Darkness, light, and color. We can get through the rough times because we know what come after the storm. Living in New York City taught me that as an adult, yeah, their are going to be occasions when you question WHY ME!? , but you need to be able to get up and realize that you can do anything you set yourself to.

As I say goodbye to that beautiful view, I know that whatever I see in the future I can find color and light in. As I say goodbye for the summer, I would like to thank all of you for reading the blog! This year has been so amazing, and I know it only will get more exciting from here.

Have an amazing break everyone!

xxxo — Mariano

SPRANG BREAK!!

I don’t know if I’ve ever been more eager for a vacation…

It is finally Spring Break here at FIT! Last weekend, Students quickly began filing out of the dorms with their suitcases packed and a smile on their face. I don’t think it’s just me – everyone’s brains are fried. Especially after this depressing winter that’s lasted WAY too long, we need some time off. Preferably in a tropical climate.

I went upstate Friday night for a few days to start of my Spring Break. Mother Nature was in a FABULOUS mood on Saturday. It was about 75 degrees! My ginger skin sizzled in the sun but I was not complaining at all. The weekend felt like summer and my mind, body and soul were all so confused. It’s like we skipped spring and went straight to June.

And THEN Mother Nature being the moody b-word that she is decided to start snowing Tuesday night. REALLY?! You’re gonna act like that Mother Nature after what you just gifted us with?! I was almost in tears…but one thing was getting me through…

I’M GOING TO CALIFORNIA FOR A WEEK!

Yes, that’s right!. Tomorrow I’m leaving for California with some of my best friends! I have never been to California or the west coast. This trip is falling at the most perfect time – right before my last month of school. I will be able to get all of my pent up energy out in time for finals. (Ugh.)

But finals brings summer..and summer brings happy Brendan 🙂

I will be posting about my California adventures after my trip! As for you all, enjoy any sign of Spring you can find!

xx, Brendan

Three Things I Miss About New York

It’s a dreary day here in upstate New York, rain and fog. I’m sitting on my couch working on my online class and day dreaming of the city that I will be back in oh so soon. Winter break is a lovely thing, always much needed, and always very fun. However, sometimes I feel like it goes on for too long. I get stuck in a rut, and I need to be back in the city and back in my routine. Here are three things I miss most about being in New York City and at FIT!

1. Just going for a walk

I really miss being able to just leave my dorm without a plan and go on an adventure. New York is great in that way because you don’t need a destination. Something will catch your eye, a coffee shop, a clothing store, a street performer, a park bench. The possibilites are endless! My only real option in upstate New York is going to Target and spending too much money on things I don’t necessarily need! I’m SO looking forward to walks throughout the city this spring semester!

2. My internship

I am so lucky to first off have an internship and secondly, get along so well with the designer I intern for. Everyday I go into the studio I know I’m learning something. Even if I’m running looks to a magazine office or just pulling pictures online for inspiration, I’m pushing myself and absorbing what its like to be in the industry. I’m very much looking forward to going back to my internship this semester and seeing what is has in store for me!

3. My view

This may be corny and cliche, but I miss the view from my window at Kaufman. I live on the 13th floor, which means I have a pretty nice view. The Freedom Tower stands tall directly in front of me, I can see some of the river, and thousands of buildings in between. And the sunsets – well they’re just breath taking. Sometimes when I’m stressed I just take a minute a look out my window. I’m in New York City and this is my view! I shouldn’t be complaining about much!

xx, Brendan

How to Stay Busy: Winter Break Edition

With the beautiful 5 week break that FIT gives us, it may be difficult to not get bored. While you could sleep your entire break away, there are some very productive, yet fun and relaxing things to do no matter where you live. Here are some activities that are on my person winter break to do list that you can give a try as well:

Spend time with family and friends. I haven’t been home for 4.5 months so seeing my loved ones is absolutely necessary.
Read. There are so many good books that I have yet to read due to not having enough time. Well, no there’s no excuse to not pick up a good read from the library.
Cook & Bake. I’m so incredibly excited to cook and bake day in and day out. My family and friends are about to be very happy with all the food I’m going to be cooking. I plan on making double batches to donate to local places such as police officers, firefighters, and snow plowman. They don’t get as much love as they should. Check out Pinterest for food inspiration! (Careful, it’s addicting)
Photo shoots! Even though I’m on break, there is no such thing as a break for a photography major. I am super excited to be shooting again with all my friends and in a familiar atmosphere.
Sleeping. While I did say not to sleep the entire winter break away, it is called break for a reason.
Random Acts of Kindness. Get a few of your friends together and go around your town doing random acts of kindness such as paying for someone’s parking meter, lunch, or even leaving quarters attached to the vending machine. You’ll make someone’s day and you’ll feel really great about yourself. Give it a try! You won’t regret it.

Happy Holidays!
xx,
Ashley