enticing eats: stuffed baked zucchini (gluten free)

Behold one of the yummiest, easiest dinner dishes you'll have in years. This tasty treat took me no time at all, was easy enough for a beginner cook, was super filling, and best of all - it's good for you!

student spaces: beach inspired room

This post marks the beginning of our Student Spaces features! This week, we are featuring the bedroom of Western 2nd Year MIT student, Jessica Pirraglia, who drew inspiration from the beach while decorating her room at school.

Key Pieces:
- Lamp is from Walmart
- Bedding and Canvas Paintings from Homesense
- Side table, chair, and desk are from Ikea
- Vanity is from Winners

Thanks Jess for sharing your room with us!

Stay inspired,

for the empty walls

The walls of my new apartment bedroom are feeling pretty bare at the moment. While I was focussing on decorating the main living room of the apartment, I completely neglected the walls of my bedroom! As a result, I've been doing much online browsing for some art and print inspiration for my room. Here are five prints that will liven up any living space!

1. Small Gold LOVE print 8x10
2. Antique Capsicum Red Pepper Botanical Art Print 8x10
3. Typography Print 8.3x11.7
4. Day of the Dead print 8x10
5. Food Pattern Art 11x15

Stay fabulous,

living room inspiration board & submission info!

{I did this a while ago before we started this blog so I didn't save links, if anybody knows where any image is from, please comment below and I will add the credit}

Above was our original plan for the living room of our new apartment. Although this plan has changed dramatically, it's interesting to look back and see where our initial inspiration came from. We'll be sharing our new apartment as soon as everything is settled in and is exactly how we want it. A chevron rug may or may not be making an appearance...

If YOU are also setting up your brand new space, or think your dorm/apartment/house should be featured on 2OAK, then we'd love for you to send us photographs HERE. We are hoping to feature a bunch of well-designed spaces for others to be inspired by! So share this post with your fabulous friends, and your space may be featured on 2OAK!

Looking forward to seeing your emails!

how to survive your internship with a startup company

Uniiverse project lead, Daphne Wu, gives us her advice for new interns working with startup companies.

"How you'll survive your internship really depends on where you're interning. Since I'm interning with a startup company, everyone is actually "new". The CEO's have never been CEO's before, so they're discovering new things on a day-to-day basis. Everyone on the team is taking things day-by-day and learning so much. It's probably the best first internship experience one can hope for because I'm not running around getting coffee or doing errands for others. I don't have to photocopy paper or watch other people do stuff and just jot notes. I am totally in the field and I get to do what I want as long as I come up with a logistical plan to market and target a niche or community. I have a lot more freedom than others.

duvet drama

My goodness, there are some HIDEOUS duvet covers out there. My biggest struggle this summer (in terms of prepping to furnish and decorate my apartment) has been finding ONE nice duvet cover that isn't typical of a university student. Correction*: one nice duvet cover that will fit a double mattress, since my small apartment bedroom won't fit a queen and a desk. Below are some of the options that I've found for people who might be having the same struggle.

(from left to right)

First Row: 
1. N Natori Fretwork Duvet Cover (($159.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond)
2. Kas Eloise Mini-Comforter Set ($69.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond)
3. Dip-dye Duvet Cover & Shams ($166.10 at West Elm)

Second Row:
1. Trina Turk Trellis Duvet Cover ($199.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond)
2. Eivor Leva Duvet Cover and Pillowcases ($69.99 at IKEA)
3. N Natori Chapan Duvet Cover ($159.99 each at Bed Bath and Beyond)

Third Row
1. Organic Diamond Texture Duvet Cover + Shams ($92.97 at West Elm)
2. Echo Design Scarf Paisley Duvet Cover ($129.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond)
3. Anastasia Purple Comforter Set - Queen ($329.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond)

Happy shopping!

dorm room decor on a budget

Nobody wants a drab dorm room come fall. If you're on this website, you've probably already been looking for dorm decor inspiration for a while. Moving into a tiny space doesn't have to mean you should give up all of your room design hopes, so below, I've collected some fun ideas for your new space! Enjoy! 

Also, be sure to leave any other tips or ideas you may have in the comments below!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

1. Simplicity does not have to mean a boring space! Don't go overboard while shopping for dorm supplies, this will only crowd your already tiny room. Bring in just a few key pieces to make your space yours. In this photo, the student has hung a print instead of the typical college posters, has traded in the standard dorm room chair for a more interesting (and most definitely more comfortable) chair, and has brought in great accents such as a floral lamp and a white rug. Clean, simple, and not your average dorm room.
2. Find interesting pieces to put on your desk. Mix in organization, artwork, and a DIY letter or two and you've got a glamorous workspace!
3. Maps are a great way to dress up the walls in your dorm. Bigger maps make for a great statement piece in your space.
4. Make organization fun (and adorable). This DIY-er made a one-stop spot for their monthly calendar, food plans, to-do lists, and chore lists for the entire apartment!
5. Display your jewellery. Now, of course this depends on if you trust your roommates to lock the doors of your dorm (and not to steal said jewellery), but this simple touch, done with tacks on a cork board, definitely dresses up your room!
6. Lighting is everything. If you don't like the lights in your room, bring an extra lamp. If you want to dress up your room, bring a statement lamp! Great lighting will make you enjoy being in your room a lot more.

wish list: smoking loafers

I need me some of these beauts! One thing I've learned since starting my internship is that there is little more important than having comfortable shoes at work! These smoking shoes are so perfect for a great combo of comfort and style. These 5 picks are most definitely my favourite shoes of this style out there!

1. Zara Studded Slipper - $49.90 

2. Moontan Laser-cut Slippers from Topshop - $47.88 (converted from GBP)

3. Steve Madden Concord Loafer - $105.52

4. Vectra4 Canvas Studded Slippers from Topshop - $44.59 (converted from GBP)

5. ALDO Blye Flats - $80.00

Your shopping enabler,

makeup organization by less is more

How cool is this makeup organizer from Less is More?? This Austrian company designs really interesting and simple organization systems, mostly out of wood (which I am of course a huge fan of). I likely wouldn't be leaving my lipsticks open like that but overall it would look great on a vanity or desk!

Check out the rest of their online store here.

TTFN,

this week on the interwebs

THIS NYC APARTMENT of designer Diane Von Furstenberg on Brunch at Saks.
THIS SHIRT for photoshop addicts by Dodge & Burn.
THESE QUOTES to keep things in perspective.
THESE WAYS to be a better roommate (from dorm to degree).
THESE FIVE THINGS that every blog should have.
THIS BIRTHDAY CARD.
THIS WOOD-HEAVY HOUSE on Design*Sponge.
THIS READLIST for advice for graphic design students <-- MTP anyone?
*** Also, Readlist is a really cool online application that bundles a group of web pages (articles, course materials, anything) into an ebook that gets sent to your Kindle, iPad, or iPhone.
THIS FOOD BLOG. Seriously, if you are into whole food blogs, you HAVE TO check this out!!
THIS VIDEO about black holes colliding. Sort of blew my mind, ok?
THIS TRAILER. For what, you ask? Why, for the Les Miserables movie, of course!

Hope you enjoy this casual Sunday morning!

enticing eats: sponge cake in a pinch

I've been obsessed with this super easy dessert for the longest time! Perfect for summer, or when you just need a treat!

inspiration: white and light bedrooms

enticing eats: dip for dummies

Here's legitimately the easiest recipe we will ever post on this blog. And, it's incredibly delicious!!

make the most out of your university summer vacation

This exam season has left me with multiple joys as a result of stressful times. The rockies have decided to emerge on my face and I'm pretty sure some of my hair has fallen out (oh joy). Luckily, my post-exam stress is pretty much diminished and I can finally start focussing on the things that I want to be doing this summer. This great article from Thought Catalogue has inspired me to write about what everybody can do to make their breaks more enjoyable and valuable, and how to make the most out of the summer.

photo by moi!

exam motivation: Starbucks

For all of you fellow students out there (especially Western U) who are still in finals this week, I thought I'd share some perfect exam motivation, and an absolute obsession of mine: Starbucks drinks! Occasionally (perhaps more than occasionally) we head to Starbucks for the perfect 'get down to business' environment! Seriously, I think I am the most productive person while I'm there - I don't know what it is - maybe a combination of caffeine and the smell of espresso! Whatever it is, a trip to Starbucks makes me super happy! It was a perfect break from the library, as I cram for my last 2 exams (hello summer)! Although I'm usually the type of girl that goes for simple caffeine, in the form of an Americano, every once and a while I like to splurge! Exam time can be tough for numerous reasons, so picking health conscious drinks shouldn't be another hassle as you balance nutrition and all nighters. So I've come up with a list of my favourite low-cal drinks to help you out!

                                     

                                               Cafe Americano 

Chai Tea 

                                     

                                                 Cafe Misto

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Personal Favourites:

Chai tea - calorie count: 0
Cafe Americano - calorie count: 10 (hot or cold; probably my top pick!)
Iced Skinny Latte - calorie count: 60
Nonfat Cafe Misto - calorie count: 60
(I like to add some extra flavour to my latte, misto, and americano by adding a sugar free flavour shot! My favourite is half vanilla, half caramel, but they're also available in cinnamon, peppermint, hazelnut and within season pumpkin) 

Splurge a little:
Iced Skinny Caramel Macchiato (or hot) - calorie count 140
Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte - calorie count 100
Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee - calorie count: 130

all nutritional values represent a tall size

If none of these picks satisfy your craving, check out the Starbucks Signature Drink feature where you can handcraft a drink to your liking and see all of the nutritional information at the same time!

all nutritional values via Starbucks

Happy studying!

aspire to inspire,

inspiration: sitting frames

sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Choosing to "sit" your frames is a great alternative to hanging them. It also avoids pesky holes that you will likely have to fill in or pay for when you move out. This is a great option for dorm rooms, apartments, and houses alike!

TTFN,

trends for less: tangerine tango

Pillow: $25 at Pier 1 Imports
Chair: $99.95 at CB2
Teapot: $32 at Poketo
Palm Sticks (set of 25): $4.95 at CB2

wish list: my best friend note pouch

 

I've had the link to this adorable note pouch saved on my Macbook notes for a while now. I love how it has just enough space for my Moleskine notebook/daily planner, a few pens, and whatever notes I accumulate throughout the day. AND it's small enough to fit in my purse. At $37.95, it's a great storage solution that I will hopefully be acquiring soon!

budget-friendly lamps under $100

1. Lykta Lamp - $18.99 at IKEA
2. Tallvik Table Lamp - $24.99 at IKEA
3. Jonsbo Egby Lamp - $24.99 at IKEA
4. Lattice Lamp Shade - $35.23 at PBTEEN
5. Task Lamp - $99.43 at PBTEEN
6. Work Lamp - $9.99 at IKEA

After recently looking into the most outrageously-priced lamps for our apartment next year, I was determined to find some budget-friendly accents for our space. The above lamps and lampshades are great options if you are looking for a designer-looking table or work lamp (that won't empty your bank account!!) to brighten up your living room, bedroom, or office!

TTFN,

apartment inspiration: white all over