Saturday, June 29, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 29


Today at work I was asked to write out the menu for our Fourth of July cookout on Thursday. I think they asked me because they knew I had good handwriting. 

On Pinterest I have been pinning a lot of neat lettering lately and I saw this as a great opportunity to try it out! I brought the chalkboard home with me after work and sat down with my chalk. Two hours later, this is what I got! It was frustrating at times because the chalk didn't erase well and I had to use a wet rag to try and erase. 

I am so happy with the way it turned out!

Have you done any chalkboard projects lately?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 28


I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I was quite obsessed in middle school(right around when the last 2 books were coming out).  I have read all the books at least twice. Year three probably close to 10 times. I really love that one!

Recently I have been getting the urge to re-watch all the movies and re-read all the books in order. My brother and I started watching Year one on Friday night because I got off work a bit early. It was great to sit down and watch something that made my childhood so great.

Once I finish reading The Great Gatsby I am going to begin reading Year one. I can't wait!

Are you a Harry Potter fan too?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 27


My neighbors have a really beautiful rose garden with a lot of different types of roses in their front yard. This time of year is when the rose bushes really bloom and they said my family and I can go over and pick some whenever we like.

On Thursday I went across the street to play with their dogs and on the way back over I picked this beautiful pink and orange rose for my mom! 

Do you have any flowers growing near your house?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 26


My family and I went out to dinner on Wednesday. We ate at a little local seafood restaurant. The dividers between the tables were old sails from sailboats and I thought it was a really neat touch!

I had Calamari (fried squid). It was alright, I definitely had had better in the past. It was great to sit down and have a good meal with my family!

Have you eaten out recently? What did you have?

Ciao, Robin Malia

Freshman Dorm Room Tour

I just finished my freshman year of college in May and I found some pictures I had taken of my dorm room and I thought I'd share them with you! 



I got the comforter at WalMart amazingly enough! The ribbon board on the wall is from Vera Bradley. If you haven't noticed, Vera is a favorite of mine!


The wall decals are from Target.

Let me know if you have any questions about college!

Ciao, Robin Malia

Thursday, June 27, 2013

What's In My Bag?


If you can't tell, I like pink.

Anyhow, lets get on with it! I have been carrying this Vera Bradley bag lately. The pattern and bag is from 2009, which sadly means they no longer make it. I'm on the lookout for a new bag though. Preferably brown leather and large(aka, anything Michael Kors). 


1. My current book, which is The Great Gatsby.
2. Little cosmetics pouch (also discontinued from Vera Bradley). You can see inside of that below.
3. My wristlet and keys that I carry at school. Inside are my ids and some cash.
4. My actual wallet that has my debit card and gift cards and such. I think this came from Target. I can always count on Natalie to give me a hedgehog gift!
5. My Lilly Pulitzer coozie. I hate it when I get a soda out of a cooler and it's dripping wet, so I always carry a coozie with me. Problem solved.
6. Bug spray. See Day 23.
7. Little notebook incase I need to write anything down and some bobby pins.
8. Cash that I use to "seed" the tip jar at work.
9. Coin purse from Vera Bradley.
10. Wine tool for opening beer and wine at work. 
11. Country Chic body lotion from Bath and Body Works.
12. Pocket screwdriver. Comes in handy much more than I thought it would. Thanks Dad!
13. Anti-Itch cream for the bites bug spray doesn't prevent. I tend to scratch until I bleed, so I try to stop that from happening.
14. Two different lip balms. Baby Lips from Maybelline and Nivea Hint of Shimmer.
15. A pencil in a pen to go with number 7.


1. Hand sanitizer from Bath and Body works in Fresh Picked Peach.
2. Body Lotion in Wild Citrus Sunflower from Bath and Body Works.
3. Nail clippers. Just in case I break a nail. Or need to cut a tag when shopping!
4. Bandaid!
5. A wet wipe. Great for if I spill something.
6. Tylenol packs.
7. Blotting sheets.
8. Headphones.

So thats everything that I carry around with me in my purse! I love reading posts like these, so I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know in the comments!

Ciao, Robin Malia

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Why I Blog

I have been doing this blog for a few months now, and I have started to become more serious about it and making sure I post regularly. I love reading about other bloggers and why they decided to start a blog. This post has been a long time coming, but here it goes.

I began my freshman year of college this past August and it was a crazy whirlwind of new experiences. I was away from home, I was taking the hardest classes I had ever taken and I didn't really have any friends. I chose to go to a school where none of my friends from home were going to force me to make new friends, but I didn't do a very good job at first. 

I spent a lot of time alone in my dorm room watching YouTube videos and reading blogs. The more blogs I read, the more I felt like I had somebody to relate to and that I wasn't alone in the scary world of college. Around November of that first semester I thought maybe I should start a blog, but I was a little nervous and couldn't think of a good name. 

Eventually my friend Natalie and I came up with "Me, Myself, Malia." Malia is my middle name and I absolutely love it. I was born in Hawaii (thats another story) and Malia is a Hawaiian name. 

In January, I set up my Blogspot account and got started. At first, I didn't post on a very regular basis. For two reasons: Classes were even harder than first semester AND I had made some great friends, Erin and Amanda. 

Now, I am home for the summer and I am able to dedicate some time to writing posts and taking nicer pictures of things. I have decided to keep my posting regular, and so that my readers know when to expect a post, I will be posting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This number might increase and time goes on, and I might have a surprise post every now and then, but I feel like this is a great place to start being really dedicated to my blog.

At first I didn't really know what kind of blog this was going to be, and I didn't want to label it something, then have to stick with it and not enjoy it. Now that I have been posting strictly what I want to post and having fun doing it, I see that my blog has become somewhat of a Lifestyle/DIY hybrid. And I love every part of it.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog and I would really appreciate it if you would follow me on Bloglovin'. It's completely free and it will allow me to connect with you guys more. 

Have a wonderful day!

Ciao, Robin Malia

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 25


Today my mom and I ran to the grocery store. It is a 90 degree day here in North Carolina, but the stores are always SO SO cold. To keep myself from freezing like I normally do, I wore these mint colored jeggings I found at T.J. Maxx in November. They are turning out to be great spring/summer pants. The shirt is also a T.J. Maxx find from about 2 years ago. 

What is your favorite summer outfit?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 24


I am going on a health kick and trying to lose some weight and just be healthy overall.

I know that health begins in the kitchen. I tend to get hungry throughout the day and end up snacking on junk food because I forget about my healthy options.

I decided that if I made a page that gave me healthy options to choose from, I'd be more likely to stick to eating well. So on Monday my mom and I thought up some healthy snacks and I let my creative side come out:)

What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Ciao, Robin Malia

Follow on Bloglovin'

Hey Guys!

As you might know, Google Friend Connect is being removed. This means that to follow my blog, you will need to use Bloglovin'. 

This is the link to my blog on Bloglovin'. So please consider following me on there!

It's really easy and free, I follow a lot of blogs on there and it is so nice to have all the unread posts in one spot!

Thanks so much for reading my blog!

Ciao, Robin Malia

Monday, June 24, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 23


You know you are from North Carolina when... You carry a full-sized bug spray with you in your purse.

As you know, I work outside. As summer goes on, the bugs get worse and worse. I was tired of getting bites all the time, so now I am prepared.

I don't use it everyday, just the days the bugs are bothering me more than normal!

Are the bugs bad where you live?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 22

 I worked 15 hours on Saturday and didn't get a chance to take a picture. It was the most hectic, crazy day ever.

The wedding was planned to be outside.
 And there was no rain plan. 
And it rained.....

Yeah. I used to want to get married outside one day. But that ship has sailed and is not coming back.

We all made it through the day unscathed, but about halfway through the day, I was ready to jump into the harbor and swim home. It was just so crazy.

I'm sorry there is no picture! 

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 21


On Friday at work I had to prepare for Saturday's wedding. Which meant folding 60 of these napkin 'roses.' It was a pretty mindless task, but I was pleased with the way they turned out! 

We found out how to make them on this website.

Now I have a new skill if I ever want to fold napkins for a party or something:P

What did you do on Friday?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 20


On Thursday I painted my nails a color I hadn't used yet! I actually really like the way it turned out. Its a shimmery peach color.

In November, my friend, Natalie, and I were at a yard sale and there was a box full of brand new, unused nail polishes. Most were OPI and China Glaze, but we discovered this Chanel one. And if you don't know, Chanel nail polishes are $26 a bottle. 

We ended up getting this one for 25 cents!!!!! Brand new!! It was too good to pass up!

What good deals have you found lately?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 19


After catching up on blog posts on Wednesday, I went and threw the ball for my dog, Millie. 

My dad just bought her that red ball, and she absolutely loves it!! 

I really love Millie and playing with her. She is such a sweet dog.

What pets do you have?

Ciao, Robin Malia

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Room Makeover

While at college this past year, coming home was always a huge treat, but coming home to my messy, not-very-cute, room felt like a chore. 

I decided that I was going to change that and make my room into a place where I love to be.


 Here are some of the "before and after" pictures. I am so happy with the results!




The walls are "Beautiful Bisque" by Glidden and the interior of the bookshelves are "Seafoam" also by Glidden.



I have a piece of plywood in that window because it is right next to our front door. Like anybody coming to our house could see right into my room and I hated it. I had blinds for a while, but they let in too much light at night, because the front door lighting fixtures are right there as well. 

I am so happy that I decided to turn that piece of plywood into a chalkboard. I love it so much.  It is handy and practical. 


I had the goal to remove clutter everywhere in my room and I really feel like I succeeded! 


This is the gallery wall that I created. I am so pleased with the way it turned out. I painted the painting in the middle my sophomore year of high school. The picture is from my 2009 trip to Seattle. I used Command Strips to hang everything except the painting. I put a nail in the wall for that. 


I created a lot of these pieces in high school. If you want to see a post about my art, let me know!


I just love the way these pearls look withe the wire of the dress. It's just another little detail that I love about my new room.

I know that I will love to come back to my room after being at college next year!

Let me know what you think! Do you love it as much as I do?

Ciao, Robin Malia



30 Day Snap: Day 18


On Tuesday, my Mom and I went shopping and I bought these shoes at Cato. I was really needing a pair of brown sandals. I only had black and white, which don't go with all of my outfits. 

I think these are the perfect brown shoe for this summer and they were only $20! Great deal if you ask me!

Have you made any good purchases lately?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 17


On Monday I lifeguarded at a kid's birthday party. I had not lifeguarded since last summer so I was feeling a little nervous when I went, but everything ended up being just fine!

It was nice to get a little extra cash!

Are you a lifeguard?

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 16

I am very behind on pictures! I am very sorry:( I've been taking them, but not uploading.


I worked on Father's Day, but got off earlier than normal. After work my family and I went to a friend's house for dinner. This was a pie that our friend had made for dessert. It had strawberries, blueberries and raspberries in it. It was so tasty!

What did you do for Father's Day?

Ciao, Robin Malia

Sunday, June 16, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 15


There was a big wedding at work yesterday and I got to set up the cupcake display!

I worked 13 hours yesterday and I was very tired by the end of it all!  

I'm really happy with the way the display worked out:) 

Ciao, Robin Malia

Saturday, June 15, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 14

I am so sorry this post is a day late! Yesterday was all kinds of crazy at work!


In the morning, before all the craziness started, I read some of this book! I'm getting close to finishing it and I'm really enjoying it!

I have another long day ahead of me! 

Ciao, Robin Malia

Thursday, June 13, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 13


While this isn't the most attractive picture of me, I was trying to take a picture with my brother and he wasn't cooperating! 

Today I went into work for some training, then my brother and I sat around and watched tv. 

Did you have a chance to relax today?

Ciao, Robin Malia 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 12


Today is a sit around and do laundry sort of day. But I decided to take a little break and take my dog, Millie, for a walk. 

We went out to our dock and I always forget how beautiful it is out there until I'm out there! 

I love living by the water.

What's your favorite thing about where you live?

Ciao, Robin Malia

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 11


My friend Michaela works at a bakery and today I went in with her to help out. I ended up making a "Creeper" from the video game "Minecraft." 

I feel like he looks pretty darn good to be made out of food! 

Ciao, Robin Malia

Monday, June 10, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 10


Today was quite a lazy day! After a very tough weekend at work, I slept for 13 hours!!!

Then I sat around and watched YouTube for the rest of the day. This is EssieButton's haircare routine video.

I'm staying the night with my best friend Michaela today. It's always good to have a girl's night now and then:)

Ciao, Robin Malia

30 Day Snap: Day 9


At work today somebody was throwing away a whole bunch of daisies, so I intercepted them and made a little arrangement to put on my bar.

I'm glad I did because I got a lot of compliments on them throughout the day! 

I'm so sorry so many of my posts are about work. I'm just there a lot and it takes up the majority of my days! 

Ciao, Robin Malia

Saturday, June 8, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 8


Today the Country Club I work at is hosting a sail boat race! There is a lot of people around and lots of work to be done.

A bad thunder storm went through this morning while we were setting up, but it is beautiful now:)

What are you up to today?

-Ciao, Robin Malia

Friday, June 7, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 7


Sorry for such a late post! I just got home from a 12 hour work shift!! 

Since there was a Tropical Storm passing through Eastern North Carolina today, I was told to help serve inside the restaurant, rather than sit out at the pool bar in the rain.

I had never waited a table before and boy was it a learning experience!! I'm getting the hang of it though.

I go back to work tomorrow at 6am! Eek! But, on the plus side, my mom comes home from Canada tomorrow!!!!!

-Have a great day!



Work OOTD


Since I have mentioned my job in a few posts, I thought I would give you a 'Work OOTD.'

Since I work at a small country club, in a small town, I covered up the logo on my polo shirt to protect my privacy, I'm sure you understand.

Since I work at the Cabana Bar outside, I get to dress a little more casual. I love being able to wear my Sperry's. 

What do you wear to work?

-Have a great day!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 6


My mom has been in Canada for the past two weeks visiting her parents and sister, so it has been only my dad, my brother and I around the house. 

We have done pretty well fending for ourselves while she has been gone (nobody has starved yet!). But since she is coming home on Saturday (YAY!!), I decided I would clean the house really well so she doesn't have to worry about that when she got home! 

What have you been up to today?

-Have a great day:)

#ThrowbackThursday + #HappyBirthday

Today is my best friend, Natalie's TWENTIETH birthday!!! I cannot believe it! We have been friends since we were ages 2 and 3 (she is a year older than me). 

I thought I would dig up some photos of us through the years! 


This was at one of our very first sleepovers together, my little brother, Luke, is in the middle. We were probably 7/8-ish. I'm not entirely sure!


This is at Natalie's house, and my brother is there again. I was 12 here and Natalie was 13. Does anybody else remember Elefun?!


This picture was taken before our 7th and 8th grade "Prom." Even though we went to different schools growing up, I managed to invite her to my school's dance. It is a great memory we have together!

Sadly, when she came to visit me in March, I forgot to take any pictures together, so there isn't any super recent ones of us together.

I'm missing her a lot this summer and I hope she is having a GREAT birthday! 
I love you Natalie!

-xo, Robin Malia

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 5


So my neighbor's job bought him a brand new computer, so he had is "old" 3-year-old iMac sitting around with no purpose. He is such a generous person and gave it to my family. 

Now, I have been giving the job to transfer all of the documents off our 10 year old computer to the new one (even though I'm not very tech-savvy).

It's quite a task! But I'm getting there. 

Are you tech-savvy? Or a ditz like me?

-Have a great day!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

30 Day Snap: Day 4


Today I went to dinner and a movie with my boyfriend. I had meant to take a picture of us together, but I made it home before I realized I had forgotten.

I couldn't leave you without a picture for today, so I decided to do an OOTD. 

Today I wore my red jeggings from WalMart (amazingly enough! I love them), my Ralph Lauren oxford shirt (that I got at Plato's Closet for $8! Another great deal), and the sandals are from Target. 

We saw the Fast and the Furious 6. It was pretty good.

Have you seen any good movies lately?

-Have a great evening!

Monday, June 3, 2013

DIY Fabric-Covered Cork Boards


I started and (almost) finished this project 3 weeks ago, but I forgot to buy Command Strips when I purchased the rest of my supplies, so I couldn't hang and photograph it until the strips were obtained.

Now, that I have got the strips and hung the boards, lets get started on this tutorial!

Lets begin with all the supplies you will need:

(Don't forget the command strips!)

I got the fabric squares from WalMart for $1 each! It was such a good deal and they had a great selection. The squares are very convenient, but you can use whatever fabric you like!
 I found a complementing ribbon at Michael's.

Before I got started, I unfolded and ironed the fabric squares to get all the creases out.


I then convinced my brother to take action shots for me while I cut the fabric to size. 
The cork tiles were 12"x12", and I just laid the tile on the fabric and cut around, making sure to leave about 2 inches on each side to wrap around the tile later (I wasn't too exact).


Then I began pulling the fabric around the edges and stapling it into place. I found that putting a magazine under the tile while you stapled helped, but you still had to put a lot of force behind the stapler.


I did this on all 4 sides, skipping the corners.


Staple all the way up to the corners, but leave that little part sticking up for the next step.


I then flattened out the loop and put another staple in. This allows the fabric to cover the front side smoothly, but still allow the tile to lay flat against the wall when hung.

Now fast forward to the part where I have all four of the tiles covered in fabric and I am now at the step to add the ribbon. 


I measured 6 inches on each side and made a small mark on the back with pencil.


Then I stapled ribbon in an "X" from corner to corner.


I put two pieces of ribbon on the 6 inch dot I made and then wrapped them around to the other marks on every side, and I ended up with this:


My brother had deserted me at this point, so I was left to try and take pictures as well as do the craft. I am sorry they are not as detailed! I tend to get caught up in my work.


As an afterthought I added some silver push-pins that I had lying around the house where the ribbon crossed. This helps the pictures stay behind the ribbon and not slip out.


And then you are all done and ready to hang your boards! There are so many different options you could choose for these boards.

 I love that with the ribbon, I have the option to put things on my boards without having to stab them with a push-pin!

This is just the first, of many posts about my bedroom make over! Be expecting more:)

Let me know if you make boards like these.

-Have a great week!