College: Birthdays on a Budget

Hi Everyone! I know I've been slacking, but here I am and ready to do some college posts. I am a sophomore science students ( Undeclared currently, probably a Chemistry major and a Environmental Science and Math minor ( if I can fit it)). Last Thursday was my lovely roommate, Nicole's, 20th birthday. We threw her a surprise party on Saturday, but I thought I would show you what I did to make her actual birthday special. I am indeed, your average college student, so this was all done with minimal purchases. 

The sign is chalkboard paper that I had left over from last semester, with colored chalk at the dollar section at Target. Let me tell you, the dollar section at Target is absolute gold. When you see something that could be potentially cute, just buy it, I promise it's worth it. I bought this table mat there last year, as well as the brown paper flagline pictured below,  as well as the washi tape and letters used on it. It looks super cute, but only cost me $3.00 to make. The cups and bowls were Nicole's and the plastic utensils were our housemates. My housemates and I also scoured the Dollar Tree for surprise party supplies.  Unfortunately,  I don't have decoration pictures from that, as most of my friends do not know I run a blog and felt a little weird whipping out my camera as we decorated. 

 I cut this little flowers to add a little detail to the breakfast table.

 I tied a blanket around a chair to give it a little more of a "throne" look.

Also, I would like to apologize for the pictures,  It was like 1 am when I took these. 

I hope you enjoyed my post! I hope it inspires you to make an effort for a person you love on their birthday, even if you're on a budget. I'm hopefully going to post some of how I decorated my dorm room next ( once  I clean it).
Thanks for reading, go check out my instagram ( shameless plug) @idosodeclaire
P.S. Here's a bonus pic from Nicole's High School Musical Surprise party ( Yes, that is a fetus Zac Efron)!

Finally 16!

Last Tuesday was my 16th birthday. I had an amazing day and realized I had great friends too. They snuck over to my house the night before and decorated my front porch with streamers and balloons. The next morning, I walked outside to my friend and her mom throwing confetti at me! 

My friends even baked cookies for me and gave me fudge. When I got home my mom had made me a cake, which isnout of the normal for birthdays in my house. We normally get ice cream cake and call it a day, so this was extra special. 

On Sunday Night, my friend and I decided to go to the dinner, which is pretty normal for us. When I got there they sat us at a different table, but then moved us to the back room. My friends from school were there. My mom and my best friend had arranged this little get together (even if I had accidently found out about it beforehand). I had a great time with my friends. 

I couldn't be more blessed when it comes to friends and family. My mom went the extra mile to make me feel special on my birthday. My friends knew I was having a bad week and they defintely made it better. I'm really grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. 

Thanks for reading! See you guys next week!