College Dorm

I was very excited to see my first college roommate was as preppier than I was – complete with Lily Pullitzer bedspread and hot pink shag carpeting. I tried to up my “cool factor” by switching my my comforter to solid blue and my posters to musicians such as Jack Johnson and Miles Davis, but between class and sailing and visiting my boyfriend in Maine, I didn’t spend all that much time in my room. Over the winter, I grew amaryllis and paper whites on the windowsill.

Sophomore through Senior years I was allotted closet-sized singles in increasingly social dorms, and woke many-a-night to fire alarms breaking up the floor parties. It was around this time that I discovered my affinity for Christmas lights (and let’s be serious, they create ambiance year-round), and scented candles (which smell just as good on a beverage warmer as they do actually burning – what kind of goody too-shoes would I be if I broke the no-flame policy?)

I also started drinking a lot of (and spending all my money on) tea. Not much of a beer or coffee drinker, I would often rather invite friends over for tea and movies than go out. Thus, Lipton, Bigelow, The Republic of Tea, Rishi, Celestial Seasons, and Yogi became my closest companions. To add to my trusty water-boiler, my soft spot for creamy hot cocoa and mocha prompted the purchase of a milk frother. I was quickly running out of space for schoolbooks and art supplies because of all the beverage paraphernalia. Junior year I traded the supplied bed for a Target futon, which was great for having friends over, but left something to be desired in terms of comfort. Luckily, I was able to sell the whole thing shortly before graduation so I wouldn’t have to truck it all home to Mom and Dad’s basement.