By nature, I'm an insanely anxious and stressed out gal. Every time I turn around, my mind is going a million miles an hour about one thing or another. That being said, I've had to find different ways to relax in order to reduce my own anxiety and stress.
Lucky for me, my lovely roommates gifted me a little book called 101 Ways to Relax and Reduce Stress by Candy Paull. After flipping through it, I've decided that this "how to" guide will be a serious constant in my life from this moment forward.
However, I've decided that I can't be selfish and keep all of these secrets to myself -- especially considering this unfortunate fact of life: EVERYONE goes through times when the stress simply seems to take over. So, I think it's important that I share a few of my favorite recently discovered tricks to take it down a notch, a la Candy Paull's 101 Ways to Relax and Reduce Stress (with a couple of twists and tweaks, a la this gal.)
Check Your 'Tude - One thing that can make or break a situation is the way in which you approach it...aka your attitude. I've always had an attitude, but I haven't always been aware of it (just ask my parents). But, I've learned that acknowledging the way in which you go about life can actually have an effect on what you experience. Less 'tude, less stress, less anxiety.
Live Now - This seems simple enough: live in the present. However, I tend to find myself questioning something I did in the past or worrying about what might happen in the future. I've come to realize that these processes really take away from my present. Rather than allow your mind to be consumed by the stress of the past and future, take in the beauty of now.
Breathe - Do as your parents told you when you were a three year old throwing a temper tantrum in aisle 9 of the grocery store: take deep breaths. According to this book, adults rarely take natural breaths that fill their lungs completely. So, if you are particularly stressed or anxious, lay on your back and spend five or ten minutes focusing on your breathing rather than allowing yourself to focus on what's stressing you out.
Feel Floral - Apparently, lavender is a natural stress reliever. Place a drop or two of the essential oil on your temples or wrists and take notice of your calming nerves and reduced headache.
Clutter Be Gone - In my experience, I become even more stressed if my surroundings are unorganized. Rarely will you walk into my room, or house for that matter, and find it an utter disaster. I cannot think straight unless my surroundings are straightened. If you're sitting at your desk trying as you might to complete an assignment or task, try taking a break for a few minutes to organize your work space. Working at a newly de-cluttered desk can de-clutter your mind.
Let It Go - If you've done the best you can, let it go (and proceed to spin in circles and sing loudly while you pretend to turn things into ice). Holding on to something you have no control over will only increase your stress and anxiety levels. Instead, once you've finished the stress-inducing task, move onto something else, like planting a flower, going for a walk or meditating.
Cultivate Serenity - A stuffy environment results in stuffy thoughts and stuffy emotions. I find my stress and anxiety to lessen when I create a cozy and inviting space. I like to open windows, light candles or incense, and play soothing music when I'm stressed. A serene environment makes for a serene mind.
Now, before you think that I've gone super Boulder hippie on you, give one or a few of these a try. You'll be surprised at how effective these little solutions can be in reducing your stress and anxiety.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Monday, June 1, 2015
remembering your roots -- a DIY
No matter where you go or where you end up, it's always important to remember your roots.
...
As most of you know, I was born and raised in Minnesota - where the accents are as thick as the snow pants you need six months out of the year. Oh, that doesn't sound appealing? Well to me, it's home, and it will always have a special place in my heart.
While I don't plan on moving back anytime soon (I seem to have "misplaced" my snow pants), every now and then I'm reminded of the place I grew up, and a smile stretches across my face.
One such reminder resulted in a desire to craft...surprise, surprise. So, after some soul searching on Pinterest, I decided to give one of the DIY pins a go. Here's a link to my pinspiration. While I put my own spin on this little project, this pin definitely got me started.
...
So, here's what you'll need:
1) a picture frame, 2) white poster board, 3) patterned scrapbook paper, 4) scissors, 5) an x-acto knife and 6) a glue stick.
And here's what you've got to do:
First: measure and cut the white poster board to fit your picture frame. **I used an 11in. x 14in. frame.
Second: outline your home state on your custom-sized poster board and cut it out using an x-acto knife.
Third: cut strips of patterned scrapbook paper. **I used five different patterned papers that used a similar color scheme.
Fourth: flip the poster board over so you're looking at the back.
Fifth: put glue on either end of the patterned strip of paper (the glue should go on the patterned side) and paste to the poster board, patterned side face-down.
Sixth: continue doing this until the entire state is covered.
Seventh: flip the poster board over and frame it. You're finished!
Monday, May 25, 2015
7 Underrated Hollywood Hunks
Each year, typically around November or December, People Magazine publishes its highly anticipated feature, "The Sexiest Man Alive," complete with a jaw dropping, drool inducing cover and photo spread of Hollywood's hottest male celeb of the year. Merry Christmas to us.
However, the people at People (ha..ha...), tend to grant this coveted title to heavy hitters like George Clooney, Matthew McConaughey, Bradley Cooper and Ryan Reynolds. In other words, the expected. But what about the other equally handsome hunks in Hollywood? Sure, they may have less extensive repertoires, but what they lack in Oscar-winning experience, they make up for in their own sheer physical perfection.
Here are - what I believe to be - seven underrated hunks of Hollywood. While they receive ogling praise every now and then, I think they deserve a little bit more lovin'. And after taking a peek at these pics, I'm pretty sure you'll agree.
In no particular order...
1. Garrett Hedlund
Hedlund has landed some pretty major roles in movies like TRON: Legacy, Country Strong and most recently, Unbroken. Soon, you'll get to see him as Hook in the newest adaptation of Peter Pan, Pan (2015). Hot man as the bad guy? I can dig it.
2. Jensen Ackles
Ackles is mostly known for his roles in major television series like Supernatural, Days of Our Lives and Dawson's Creek. But he is so. much. more. If you look at him too long, you might actually melt.
3. Michael B. Jordan
While Jordan made appearances in movies and television series as early as 1999, his big break didn't come until his role as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station. Jordan's upcoming projects include Fantastic Four (2015), Fantastic Four 2 (2017) and Creed (2015). Oofta, that smirk.
4. Taylor Kitsch
Kitsch is best known for his role on NBC's Friday Night Lights from 2006-2011. But, since his beginning on the small screen, he's starred in major motion pictures like John Carter, Savages and Lone Survivor. Plus, look at that man-bun material.
5. Tom Hardy
With films like Inception, Lawless and The Dark Knight Rises under his belt, Hardy is making his way up the cinematic ranks. Up next? Hardy will appear in The Revenant (2015) alongside Leo Di Caprio. Talk about a hottie with a body.
6. Sam Claflin
Claflin is probably best known for his role as Finnick Odair in the blockbuster series, The Hunger Games, but he's also had roles in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White and the Huntsman. Soon, he'll reprise his role as William in The Huntsman, due out next year. Added bonus: he has a British accent.
7. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Like Hardy, Gordon-Levitt has also starred in Inception and The Dark Knight Rises. But don't be fooled, Gordon-Levitt is more than just an action-film-kind-of-guy. He's also starred in films like 500 Days of Summer (a total chick flick) and Don Jon (a comedy/drama/romance kind of concoction). Coming up, he'll take on the leading role in Snowden, due out later this year. JoGo has got some seriously classic good looks going on.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Leaving for College
On May 9, 2015, I finally graduated from the journalism program at the University of Colorado Boulder with my B.S. in News Editorial, an additional field of study in Communication and a minor in Women's Studies. It was a long ride. It was a fun ride. It was a trying ride. Still, getting my diploma was one of the most important life successes I've experienced thus far.
Even though my undergraduate career was incredibly fun (a time in my life I will truly never forget), there were moments in which I found myself questioning every decision I had ever made. That being said, here are five things I wish someone had told me before I left the comfort of home for the unfamiliar college experience that awaited me.
1. It's definitely hard to leave home...but it's not impossible.
When I was a junior in high school, my mom and I drove out to Colorado to tour my top two choices for college: Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder. Deep down, I knew I would eventually end up in Colorado, but my 17-year-old self wasn't entirely sure about making the move a reality just yet. I mean...I'd lived in the same state, same town, same house my whole life!
After visiting CSU, I still wasn't entirely convinced I belonged there. Sure, the town and university campus was beautiful, but was it enough to sacrifice moving 1,000 miles away from all of my friends and family? After what felt like hours of thinking and talking it out with anyone that would listen, I realized that CSU wasn't the right fit.
My next visit was scheduled at CU Boulder. After touring the stunning campus, experiencing the college-town vibe "The Hill" and Pearl Street had to offer, and being swept off my feet by the natural beauty of the foothills, I knew I had found the perfect fit. Boulder is where I belonged.
But how was I supposed to tell my family and friends that I was leaving? How was I supposed to tell them that I was going to move to a place where I knew almost no one? How was I supposed to tell them that I had no idea when I was coming back? To be honest, figuring out how to answer those questions--and how to answer them in a way that proved I was positive that my decision was the right decision--was one of the more difficult tasks I had ever encountered. I was scared; I was terrified really. But I knew that if I didn't make the move now, it would be even more difficult to make it later on. In the end, making the decision to move to Colorado was hard, but it wasn't impossible.
2. In the same vein, it's perfectly acceptable to miss home once you've left.
About four months after leaving home, I started to question my decision to move. I missed home. I missed my family. I missed my friends. Sure, I had met plenty of nice people and got to experience things I never would have back home. But at the same time, that didn't seem to offset the feelings I had about being so far away from everything and everyone I loved. And because I had told everyone back home that I was positive about the move, I didn't feel like I could express my feelings of negativity. I didn't want people to think I had failed. After talking with my brother, I realized that it was okay to miss home. It was natural to miss home. In fact, almost everyone experiences a time where they feel vulnerable and miss the comforts of home, and those feelings are perfectly acceptable.
3. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone, but remember to stay true to yourself.
Before leaving for college, I never had to switch or transfer schools, so I never had to learn how to make new friends. In fact, the friends I made when I was a little kid were the same friends I had when I left for college. I learned quickly that if I wanted to meet new people out here in Colorado, I had to leave my comfort zone and take nearly every opportunity that came my way. I started conversations with mere strangers (something I rarely ever would have done in the comfort of my own home town), which lead to invitations to join clubs, go to parties, attend shows and just hang out. It was a weird experience, but I had to remember that everyone else was in the same position; everyone else was trying to make new friends as well. It is also important to keep in mind that you have to be your true self when opening up to knew things. If you don't like what you are experiencing, recognize that discomfort and try something else. Not everyone you will meet will be your best friend, in fact, some people won't want to be your friend at all, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't at least try.
4. It's okay to take a break from the "college life" and focus on yourself.
College, as everyone knows, is a time to experience new things and meet new people, all while balancing school work and, for many, a part- or full-time job. College is hard. Balancing all of your different priorities is hard. Making sure you have enough time for your friends is hard. While most people tell you to do as much as you possibly can while you're in college (which I agree with...to a point), you can't forget about yourself, your own mental stability and your own health and well-being. It's important to take a bubble bath (if your run-down college house even has a bath..let alone one you are willing to lay in), drink a glass or two of wine, meditate, go to yoga, go to church or do whatever it is that gets you centered and rejuvenated. College is hard, but you shouldn't make it harder than it has to be.
5. But all that being said, cherish every minute of your college career: the good and the bad.
Make decisions for yourself, but realize that you may question those decisions a time or two down the road. Live the college life, but don't forget to live your own life. There will always be good experiences and bad experiences, but once you find your balance, you will be able to cherish every last experience that got you to that point of serenity. My recommendation for anyone in college or about to head off: don't forget the friends you make, the risks you take, or the laws you break...because college is the best time of your life.
**To be clear, I do not advocate on behalf of breaking laws...usually.
Even though my undergraduate career was incredibly fun (a time in my life I will truly never forget), there were moments in which I found myself questioning every decision I had ever made. That being said, here are five things I wish someone had told me before I left the comfort of home for the unfamiliar college experience that awaited me.
1. It's definitely hard to leave home...but it's not impossible.
When I was a junior in high school, my mom and I drove out to Colorado to tour my top two choices for college: Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder. Deep down, I knew I would eventually end up in Colorado, but my 17-year-old self wasn't entirely sure about making the move a reality just yet. I mean...I'd lived in the same state, same town, same house my whole life!
After visiting CSU, I still wasn't entirely convinced I belonged there. Sure, the town and university campus was beautiful, but was it enough to sacrifice moving 1,000 miles away from all of my friends and family? After what felt like hours of thinking and talking it out with anyone that would listen, I realized that CSU wasn't the right fit.
My next visit was scheduled at CU Boulder. After touring the stunning campus, experiencing the college-town vibe "The Hill" and Pearl Street had to offer, and being swept off my feet by the natural beauty of the foothills, I knew I had found the perfect fit. Boulder is where I belonged.
But how was I supposed to tell my family and friends that I was leaving? How was I supposed to tell them that I was going to move to a place where I knew almost no one? How was I supposed to tell them that I had no idea when I was coming back? To be honest, figuring out how to answer those questions--and how to answer them in a way that proved I was positive that my decision was the right decision--was one of the more difficult tasks I had ever encountered. I was scared; I was terrified really. But I knew that if I didn't make the move now, it would be even more difficult to make it later on. In the end, making the decision to move to Colorado was hard, but it wasn't impossible.
2. In the same vein, it's perfectly acceptable to miss home once you've left.
About four months after leaving home, I started to question my decision to move. I missed home. I missed my family. I missed my friends. Sure, I had met plenty of nice people and got to experience things I never would have back home. But at the same time, that didn't seem to offset the feelings I had about being so far away from everything and everyone I loved. And because I had told everyone back home that I was positive about the move, I didn't feel like I could express my feelings of negativity. I didn't want people to think I had failed. After talking with my brother, I realized that it was okay to miss home. It was natural to miss home. In fact, almost everyone experiences a time where they feel vulnerable and miss the comforts of home, and those feelings are perfectly acceptable.
3. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone, but remember to stay true to yourself.
Before leaving for college, I never had to switch or transfer schools, so I never had to learn how to make new friends. In fact, the friends I made when I was a little kid were the same friends I had when I left for college. I learned quickly that if I wanted to meet new people out here in Colorado, I had to leave my comfort zone and take nearly every opportunity that came my way. I started conversations with mere strangers (something I rarely ever would have done in the comfort of my own home town), which lead to invitations to join clubs, go to parties, attend shows and just hang out. It was a weird experience, but I had to remember that everyone else was in the same position; everyone else was trying to make new friends as well. It is also important to keep in mind that you have to be your true self when opening up to knew things. If you don't like what you are experiencing, recognize that discomfort and try something else. Not everyone you will meet will be your best friend, in fact, some people won't want to be your friend at all, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't at least try.
4. It's okay to take a break from the "college life" and focus on yourself.
College, as everyone knows, is a time to experience new things and meet new people, all while balancing school work and, for many, a part- or full-time job. College is hard. Balancing all of your different priorities is hard. Making sure you have enough time for your friends is hard. While most people tell you to do as much as you possibly can while you're in college (which I agree with...to a point), you can't forget about yourself, your own mental stability and your own health and well-being. It's important to take a bubble bath (if your run-down college house even has a bath..let alone one you are willing to lay in), drink a glass or two of wine, meditate, go to yoga, go to church or do whatever it is that gets you centered and rejuvenated. College is hard, but you shouldn't make it harder than it has to be.
5. But all that being said, cherish every minute of your college career: the good and the bad.
Make decisions for yourself, but realize that you may question those decisions a time or two down the road. Live the college life, but don't forget to live your own life. There will always be good experiences and bad experiences, but once you find your balance, you will be able to cherish every last experience that got you to that point of serenity. My recommendation for anyone in college or about to head off: don't forget the friends you make, the risks you take, or the laws you break...because college is the best time of your life.
**To be clear, I do not advocate on behalf of breaking laws...usually.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
spring break ... the bank
The countdown has officially begun.
I have less than one month until spring break finally graces me with its wondrous pleasure. I usually don't do anything terribly extravagant or exciting for school breaks, BUT things have quite a different outlook this time around. In a few short weeks, my family and I will be on a plane headed to Hawaii. I have never been to the "Aloha State" before, so this trip will be a totally new and exciting experience for me. Just the thought of spending a week at the beach - drinking fruity drinks with tiny little umbrellas and working on a killer tan - gives me goosebumps.
All of my excitement turned into panic when I found myself wondering, "What am I going to wear? What am I going to pack?" If you know me at all, I'm sure you can imagine that it was at this point in the thought process that the online window shopping began...
Unfortunately, I'm the stereotypical super poor college student, and the likelihood of me getting the chance to buy all of the items I deem to be "vacay necessities" before I leave is pretty slim. Nevertheless, I spent a good hour and a half or so putting together the ultimate day-at-the-beach outfit. Here are my top 5 necessities for the beach!
1st necessity: a fun and exotic swim suit.
Darling Daisy Flutter Bikini, Forever21 - Top $10.80, Bottom $10.80
2nd necessity: a sun dress that can act as a suit cover up
Racerback maxi dress, alloy.com - $19.90
3rd necessity: trendy summer sandals
Sinicle Sandal, by Steve Madden - $49.95
4th necessity: a wide-brimmed sun hat. Because how often to you have a reason to wear one?
Weaved Sun Hat, Forever21 - $14.80
5th necessity: a beach bag to hold your towel, sunscreen, bottle of water and cell phone
Beach Tote, Target - $24.99
Breaking that bank...but a girl can dream.
I have less than one month until spring break finally graces me with its wondrous pleasure. I usually don't do anything terribly extravagant or exciting for school breaks, BUT things have quite a different outlook this time around. In a few short weeks, my family and I will be on a plane headed to Hawaii. I have never been to the "Aloha State" before, so this trip will be a totally new and exciting experience for me. Just the thought of spending a week at the beach - drinking fruity drinks with tiny little umbrellas and working on a killer tan - gives me goosebumps.
All of my excitement turned into panic when I found myself wondering, "What am I going to wear? What am I going to pack?" If you know me at all, I'm sure you can imagine that it was at this point in the thought process that the online window shopping began...
Unfortunately, I'm the stereotypical super poor college student, and the likelihood of me getting the chance to buy all of the items I deem to be "vacay necessities" before I leave is pretty slim. Nevertheless, I spent a good hour and a half or so putting together the ultimate day-at-the-beach outfit. Here are my top 5 necessities for the beach!
1st necessity: a fun and exotic swim suit.
Darling Daisy Flutter Bikini, Forever21 - Top $10.80, Bottom $10.80
2nd necessity: a sun dress that can act as a suit cover up
Racerback maxi dress, alloy.com - $19.90
3rd necessity: trendy summer sandals
Sinicle Sandal, by Steve Madden - $49.95
4th necessity: a wide-brimmed sun hat. Because how often to you have a reason to wear one?
Weaved Sun Hat, Forever21 - $14.80
5th necessity: a beach bag to hold your towel, sunscreen, bottle of water and cell phone
Beach Tote, Target - $24.99
Breaking that bank...but a girl can dream.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Worst. Movies. Ever?
In the past couple of years, I've seen some pretty awful movies. So bad in fact, I often find myself thinking, "What are the worst movies I've ever seen?" Here are a couple film flops that I've recently had the misfortune of coming across.
The Campaign
I might be in the minority with this pick, but give me a second to explain. I love a good comedy just as much as the next person. Dry humor, classic comedy, you name it. BUT, when a movie gets completely spoiled by the trailer, what's the point in sitting through the entirety of it? All of the gut-wrenching punch lines were given away in the trailer weeks before the movie was even released!
The Bling Ring
This movie couldn't have been more anti-climactic. There was absolutely NO substance. Instead, it was a terribly bland re-telling of an equally bland story. In fact, this movie was so awful that it was pulled from most theaters within a couple of weeks. To make matters worse, Emma Watson's attempt at an American accent was just uncomfortable.
Cabin In The Wood
This movie starts out like any other scary movie made in the last few years. A group of friends decide to head out to a remote cabin for a few days of fun and relaxation. But, low and behold, there is something strange, something scary going on in the cabin. All of a sudden there are monsters and creatures coming out of no where. I completely missed the connection between the horror film genre and strangely placed sci-fi creatures.
That's My Boy
Adam Sandler has completely lost his touch. This terribly dreadful "comedy" seems to go on and on, with but a few laughable punch lines. Grown Ups, Jack & Jill, and now this? Maybe he should think about retiring?
Spring Breakers
I literally can't think of a worse movie. Spring Breakers had NO plot line, AWFUL acting, and IRRITATING characters. You can deduce all you need to know about the movie by looking at the poster. I will never get those 94 minutes back...
The Campaign
I might be in the minority with this pick, but give me a second to explain. I love a good comedy just as much as the next person. Dry humor, classic comedy, you name it. BUT, when a movie gets completely spoiled by the trailer, what's the point in sitting through the entirety of it? All of the gut-wrenching punch lines were given away in the trailer weeks before the movie was even released!
The Bling Ring
This movie couldn't have been more anti-climactic. There was absolutely NO substance. Instead, it was a terribly bland re-telling of an equally bland story. In fact, this movie was so awful that it was pulled from most theaters within a couple of weeks. To make matters worse, Emma Watson's attempt at an American accent was just uncomfortable.
Cabin In The Wood
This movie starts out like any other scary movie made in the last few years. A group of friends decide to head out to a remote cabin for a few days of fun and relaxation. But, low and behold, there is something strange, something scary going on in the cabin. All of a sudden there are monsters and creatures coming out of no where. I completely missed the connection between the horror film genre and strangely placed sci-fi creatures.
That's My Boy
Adam Sandler has completely lost his touch. This terribly dreadful "comedy" seems to go on and on, with but a few laughable punch lines. Grown Ups, Jack & Jill, and now this? Maybe he should think about retiring?
Spring Breakers
I literally can't think of a worse movie. Spring Breakers had NO plot line, AWFUL acting, and IRRITATING characters. You can deduce all you need to know about the movie by looking at the poster. I will never get those 94 minutes back...
Which movies have totally killed your vibe?
Saturday, January 18, 2014
PSA!
As some of you may know, the following topic of discussion is particularly near and dear to my heart ...
If you haven't seen or heard, yet ANOTHER photoshop scandal has made its way into headlines recently. This time, the controversy surrounds Vogue magazine's cover photo and spread of Lena Dunham.
For those who might be unaware, Dunham is both the producer and star of the HBO hit series, Girls. The show has received plenty of criticism and backlash about casting, story line, nudity, et cetera, but that has only helped to propel it further into the realm of extreme popularity. And, as expected, as the show becomes increasingly popular, so too do the stars - most notably, Dunham.
Just like her show, Dunham has been the focal point of unwarranted criticism. Her appearance - generally in relation to her weight - has been, and clearly continues to be, a topic of discussion amongst the media. Although Dunham always responds in a manner that suggests she is not only unfazed by the comments, but also that she is completely comfortable in her own skin, the criticism just doesn't seem to fizzle out.
It's no secret, Dunham doesn't have the body of a Victoria's Secret model, but then again, how many of us do? Instead, Dunahm rocks a body that is but a reflection of the norm in our society. She is not a stick. She is a woman with curves, and she is proud of it.
Now, a while back, Vogue made an international pledge to use "healthy" models within the pages of their magazines. Since, Beyonce (a self-proclaimed modern-day feminist), Michelle Obama (a health and fitness spokesperson), and Jennifer Lawrence (a voice for positive body image) have all graced the cover of the U.S. Vogue.
That being said, it isn't necessarily a shocker that Vogue chose Dunham for their next cover. However, you'd think that in putting Dunham (a curvy woman known to have positive body image) front and center, Vogue would be working toward cultivating a healthy body image for women. And it's true, having Dunham grace the cover is a step in the right direction as far as breaking hegemonic stereotypes is concerned. BUT, in my opinion, that one step forward is only followed by two steps backward once the photoshopping comes into play.
Recently, Dunham told Time that the controversy surrounding her shoot "confuses" her. According to the article, she said, "I don’t understand why, photoshop or no, having a woman who is different than the typical Vogue cover girl, could be a bad thing." (Time article)
Although I agree with her in that having an atypical woman on the cover of Vogue isn't a bad thing (in fact, I think it's a GREAT thing!), I disagree with her view on the use of photoshop.
I understand that the photoshop used on these photos isn't drastic, but I think it's the principle. Photoshopping someone who has come out as having a positive body image and that speaks in favor of being comfortable in one's own skin nearly defeats the entire purpose of placing Dunham on the cover. In essence, this is Vogue telling their readers that although Dunham is a great role model for embracing who she is inside and out, she still needs touching up in order to be accepted in our society. One step forward, two steps back.
**You can see more of the before and after photos from her shoot here.
The controversy surrounding models, photoshop, unrealistic ideals, and body image is not new. And unfortunately it doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. There are plenty of instances far worse than Dunham's, and I understand that. I just find it to be incredibly important for women AND men to know the difference between realism and idealism.
At this point in my life, I can't do much to make a difference one way or another, but I hope by educating myself (and hopefully others) and speaking out about it, changes will be made.
//Images courtesy of Google//
If you haven't seen or heard, yet ANOTHER photoshop scandal has made its way into headlines recently. This time, the controversy surrounds Vogue magazine's cover photo and spread of Lena Dunham.
For those who might be unaware, Dunham is both the producer and star of the HBO hit series, Girls. The show has received plenty of criticism and backlash about casting, story line, nudity, et cetera, but that has only helped to propel it further into the realm of extreme popularity. And, as expected, as the show becomes increasingly popular, so too do the stars - most notably, Dunham.
Just like her show, Dunham has been the focal point of unwarranted criticism. Her appearance - generally in relation to her weight - has been, and clearly continues to be, a topic of discussion amongst the media. Although Dunham always responds in a manner that suggests she is not only unfazed by the comments, but also that she is completely comfortable in her own skin, the criticism just doesn't seem to fizzle out.
Now, a while back, Vogue made an international pledge to use "healthy" models within the pages of their magazines. Since, Beyonce (a self-proclaimed modern-day feminist), Michelle Obama (a health and fitness spokesperson), and Jennifer Lawrence (a voice for positive body image) have all graced the cover of the U.S. Vogue.
That being said, it isn't necessarily a shocker that Vogue chose Dunham for their next cover. However, you'd think that in putting Dunham (a curvy woman known to have positive body image) front and center, Vogue would be working toward cultivating a healthy body image for women. And it's true, having Dunham grace the cover is a step in the right direction as far as breaking hegemonic stereotypes is concerned. BUT, in my opinion, that one step forward is only followed by two steps backward once the photoshopping comes into play.
Although I agree with her in that having an atypical woman on the cover of Vogue isn't a bad thing (in fact, I think it's a GREAT thing!), I disagree with her view on the use of photoshop.
I understand that the photoshop used on these photos isn't drastic, but I think it's the principle. Photoshopping someone who has come out as having a positive body image and that speaks in favor of being comfortable in one's own skin nearly defeats the entire purpose of placing Dunham on the cover. In essence, this is Vogue telling their readers that although Dunham is a great role model for embracing who she is inside and out, she still needs touching up in order to be accepted in our society. One step forward, two steps back.
**You can see more of the before and after photos from her shoot here.
The controversy surrounding models, photoshop, unrealistic ideals, and body image is not new. And unfortunately it doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. There are plenty of instances far worse than Dunham's, and I understand that. I just find it to be incredibly important for women AND men to know the difference between realism and idealism.
At this point in my life, I can't do much to make a difference one way or another, but I hope by educating myself (and hopefully others) and speaking out about it, changes will be made.
//Images courtesy of Google//
Friday, January 10, 2014
The Law of the Lady
After a good 22 years of life as a lady, I've compiled a list of "must-dos" and "must-haves" for any 21st century lady looking to make the best out of the life she's been given.
1. A good Little Black Dress never goes out of style. Always classy, always fashionable. We can thank Audrey for that.
2. Bring your biggest purse to the movies. You can fit more candy, chips, and soda in a bigger purse. It's not rocket science.
3. Sometimes less is more. For example, make up and accessories. Please do us all a favor and refrain from going over board with eccentric colors and bedazzling.
4. When in doubt, always buy the second bottle of wine. Girls nights with wine and magazines are the best nights.
5. It is well worth your money to buy salon brand hair care products. Our hair is our pride and joy, why not treat it right?
6. Always carry a nail file. You never know when a nail is going to break and ruin your day.
7. Always keep a super secret, yet easily accessible, stash of chocolate for some serious stress relief. The little Dove chocolates are pretty neat; they just might cheer you up for 2.5 seconds.
What did I miss? What are your lady "musts"?
1. A good Little Black Dress never goes out of style. Always classy, always fashionable. We can thank Audrey for that.
2. Bring your biggest purse to the movies. You can fit more candy, chips, and soda in a bigger purse. It's not rocket science.
3. Sometimes less is more. For example, make up and accessories. Please do us all a favor and refrain from going over board with eccentric colors and bedazzling.
4. When in doubt, always buy the second bottle of wine. Girls nights with wine and magazines are the best nights.
5. It is well worth your money to buy salon brand hair care products. Our hair is our pride and joy, why not treat it right?
6. Always carry a nail file. You never know when a nail is going to break and ruin your day.
7. Always keep a super secret, yet easily accessible, stash of chocolate for some serious stress relief. The little Dove chocolates are pretty neat; they just might cheer you up for 2.5 seconds.
What did I miss? What are your lady "musts"?
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The Fault In Our Stars - Book Review
There's not a whole lot of things I enjoy more than a great read. Whenever I get a break from classes, one of the first things I do is ditch my awful textbooks, cuddle up by the fire, and lose myself in the pages of a New York Times Best Seller. Whether it be an autobiography or memoir, murder mystery, chick lit, crime fiction, or even romance novel, chances are, I'll give the book a go.
The most recent NY Times Best Seller I read was "The Fault In Our Stars," by John Green. To my knowledge, the author doesn't include a synopsis on the back cover (at least for the hardcover edition), so I'll do my best to give you an idea of what the book is about...
[[The story is told by Hazel Lancaster, a young cancer patient that is simply going through the motions of life; a life only those who've experienced cancer can truly relate. Hazel is forced by her parents to attend a local support group for kids with cancer. It is their hope that this support group will not only help get Hazel out of the house, but that it will also help her to make friends. Hazel isn't exactly keen on the idea of sitting through support group, but she goes anyways. It is at one of the dreaded support group meetings that Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a handsome young man in remission. Hazel and Augustus find themselves falling deeper and deeper in love with each other, all the while keeping in mind that their chances of living a long and bountiful life with one another are very slim.]]
"The Fault In Our Stars" was quite a bit different than most of the books I've read. I was totally taken aback by the ending - it wasn't quite what I had been expecting. But, then again, I suppose "the unexpected" is what makes a book great, and what makes a great book a New York Times Best Seller. I loved John Green's style of writing. It's almost as if he wrote the way he might have spoken as a young adult, which made it an easy and enjoyable read. I think my favorite aspect of the book was the way in which Green was able to incorporate a touch of humor within an honest tale of young love and death. I would strongly suggest this book to any one of my friends or family members.
However, if you're the kind of person that would rather watch a movie than read a book, then you're in luck. "The Fault In Our Stars" comes to theaters this summer!
The most recent NY Times Best Seller I read was "The Fault In Our Stars," by John Green. To my knowledge, the author doesn't include a synopsis on the back cover (at least for the hardcover edition), so I'll do my best to give you an idea of what the book is about...
[[The story is told by Hazel Lancaster, a young cancer patient that is simply going through the motions of life; a life only those who've experienced cancer can truly relate. Hazel is forced by her parents to attend a local support group for kids with cancer. It is their hope that this support group will not only help get Hazel out of the house, but that it will also help her to make friends. Hazel isn't exactly keen on the idea of sitting through support group, but she goes anyways. It is at one of the dreaded support group meetings that Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a handsome young man in remission. Hazel and Augustus find themselves falling deeper and deeper in love with each other, all the while keeping in mind that their chances of living a long and bountiful life with one another are very slim.]]
"The Fault In Our Stars" was quite a bit different than most of the books I've read. I was totally taken aback by the ending - it wasn't quite what I had been expecting. But, then again, I suppose "the unexpected" is what makes a book great, and what makes a great book a New York Times Best Seller. I loved John Green's style of writing. It's almost as if he wrote the way he might have spoken as a young adult, which made it an easy and enjoyable read. I think my favorite aspect of the book was the way in which Green was able to incorporate a touch of humor within an honest tale of young love and death. I would strongly suggest this book to any one of my friends or family members.
However, if you're the kind of person that would rather watch a movie than read a book, then you're in luck. "The Fault In Our Stars" comes to theaters this summer!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Top 5 Reasons You Should Drop Everything and Go See Hunger Games Catching Fire
Well, it's safe to say J-Law and company seriously upped the ante in the newest release of The Hunger Games series. Oh, you didn't think it was possible? Buy a ticket to the next showing and then come to the table ready to talk. I'll be waiting.
However, if you're one of the few people in the WORLD that has not yet read the books or even watched the first movie, I would suggest you take a minute or two to re-evaluate your life and your choices. Once you finally come to your senses and embrace The Hunger Games for what it is (which is perfection), the rest of us will start taking you seriously.
That being said, this post is for the rest of the world - the ones who've already taken the necessary steps to embrace The Hunger Games pandemonium. BUT, before I continue, I should probably warn you all to read at your own risk. There may or may not be a spoiler or two in this post. It really all depends on if you've read the books, and if you have not, how much you want to know before seeing the movie.
So, let's talk Catching Fire.
This movie completely blew my expectations out of the water (which is kind of punny considering the arena of the Quarter Quell). I was completely captivated from beginning to end. I fell in love with everything in this movie. EVERYTHING.
BUT, if I were forced to come up with just five reasons why I think YOU should go check it out, these would be it:
1. J-Law's acting was ON POINT. The raw emotion she displayed was absolutely incredible. Goosebump inducing, really; she even had me shedding a few tears. I would argue that she is one of the best actresses of our generation. I'm positive she is my spirit animal.
2. Peeta's everlasting love for Katniss will MELT YOUR HEART. An unusual love story weaved into a tragic fight to the death...it's not quite you're typical fairytale. The way he looks at her and treats her might be the most adorable thing I've ever seen. All things considered, is it realistic? Probably not. Charming? Without a doubt. #teampeeta
3. Finnick Odair. YES PLEASE. Cocky or confident? Who cares, really...am I right, or am I right?
4. Katniss' archery skills are KILLER (figuratively and literally). In the first movie, it was made clear that archery was Katniss' strong suit. But in Catching Fire, her archery is on a whole other level. Watching her train before the games is a serious adrenaline rush. On another note, I'll probably be signing up for archery classes in the near future...
5. Caesar Flickerman is the Ryan Seacrest of the Capital...only not at all like Ryan Seacrest because Caesar is actually interesting to watch and listen to. Half of his lines are literally him just laughing, but he is fantastic nonetheless. Probably the only man to make purple hair and eyebrows look just right.
However, if you're one of the few people in the WORLD that has not yet read the books or even watched the first movie, I would suggest you take a minute or two to re-evaluate your life and your choices. Once you finally come to your senses and embrace The Hunger Games for what it is (which is perfection), the rest of us will start taking you seriously.
That being said, this post is for the rest of the world - the ones who've already taken the necessary steps to embrace The Hunger Games pandemonium. BUT, before I continue, I should probably warn you all to read at your own risk. There may or may not be a spoiler or two in this post. It really all depends on if you've read the books, and if you have not, how much you want to know before seeing the movie.
So, let's talk Catching Fire.
This movie completely blew my expectations out of the water (which is kind of punny considering the arena of the Quarter Quell). I was completely captivated from beginning to end. I fell in love with everything in this movie. EVERYTHING.
BUT, if I were forced to come up with just five reasons why I think YOU should go check it out, these would be it:
1. J-Law's acting was ON POINT. The raw emotion she displayed was absolutely incredible. Goosebump inducing, really; she even had me shedding a few tears. I would argue that she is one of the best actresses of our generation. I'm positive she is my spirit animal.
2. Peeta's everlasting love for Katniss will MELT YOUR HEART. An unusual love story weaved into a tragic fight to the death...it's not quite you're typical fairytale. The way he looks at her and treats her might be the most adorable thing I've ever seen. All things considered, is it realistic? Probably not. Charming? Without a doubt. #teampeeta
3. Finnick Odair. YES PLEASE. Cocky or confident? Who cares, really...am I right, or am I right?
4. Katniss' archery skills are KILLER (figuratively and literally). In the first movie, it was made clear that archery was Katniss' strong suit. But in Catching Fire, her archery is on a whole other level. Watching her train before the games is a serious adrenaline rush. On another note, I'll probably be signing up for archery classes in the near future...
5. Caesar Flickerman is the Ryan Seacrest of the Capital...only not at all like Ryan Seacrest because Caesar is actually interesting to watch and listen to. Half of his lines are literally him just laughing, but he is fantastic nonetheless. Probably the only man to make purple hair and eyebrows look just right.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
friendly visits
This past week my dearest friend from Minnesota was finally able to fly out and visit me here in Colorful Colorado. It had been nearly two years since the last time she came to visit, and seeing as I had recently moved to a new home, in a new town, there was plenty for us to explore together.
We had fulfilled the typical "Colorado Vacation Agenda" the last time she was here, i.e. site seeing, shopping, hiking, and the like. So this time, we decided (for the most part) to take it down a notch on the whole visor-and-camera-tourist thing and focus a majority of our time and energy on playing in Boulder.
That all being said, I introduced her to some of my closest friends, took her on a tour of my beautiful campus (CU Boulder), brought her to some of the best and most well-known restaurants in town, and showed her around the Boulder bar scene for a night or three. I guess you could say I gave her a sneak peek into the wondrous life of a Boulder Buff!
Aside from all of the exciting adventures we had experienced in Boulder itself, we did partake in a rather touristy endeavor near the end of her stay here in CO. The two of us, and three of my best friends from school, hopped into the car, blasted One Direction, and took a road trip straight south - destination: Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. In other words, it is a spacious park with massive sandstone and red rock formations dating back to 1330 BC. The park offers various walking trails as well as hiking, rock climbing, road biking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Set against Pikes Peak and the beautiful blue skies of Colorado, you can't help but notice the true and radiant beauty of the park. Take a look!
If you are ever planning to visit Colorado, I would definitely suggest you make sure to include a trip to the Garden of the Gods in your agenda. There is more information on their website, which you can access here. Oh, and it's free!
We had fulfilled the typical "Colorado Vacation Agenda" the last time she was here, i.e. site seeing, shopping, hiking, and the like. So this time, we decided (for the most part) to take it down a notch on the whole visor-and-camera-tourist thing and focus a majority of our time and energy on playing in Boulder.
That all being said, I introduced her to some of my closest friends, took her on a tour of my beautiful campus (CU Boulder), brought her to some of the best and most well-known restaurants in town, and showed her around the Boulder bar scene for a night or three. I guess you could say I gave her a sneak peek into the wondrous life of a Boulder Buff!
Aside from all of the exciting adventures we had experienced in Boulder itself, we did partake in a rather touristy endeavor near the end of her stay here in CO. The two of us, and three of my best friends from school, hopped into the car, blasted One Direction, and took a road trip straight south - destination: Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. In other words, it is a spacious park with massive sandstone and red rock formations dating back to 1330 BC. The park offers various walking trails as well as hiking, rock climbing, road biking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Set against Pikes Peak and the beautiful blue skies of Colorado, you can't help but notice the true and radiant beauty of the park. Take a look!
If you are ever planning to visit Colorado, I would definitely suggest you make sure to include a trip to the Garden of the Gods in your agenda. There is more information on their website, which you can access here. Oh, and it's free!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
current style icons
As of recently, I've been spending an embarrassing amount of my down time re-watching my favorite television show, Gossip Girl. In a most shortened summary, Gossip Girl follows a group of young socialites from the Upper East side of NYC as they work their way through the highs and lows of a life only the most elite individuals could understand. To the unknowing outsider, their lavish lifestyle may seem to be all glitter and gold, and their problems only petty issues, but there is one particularly threatening force that works endlessly to make their lives utterly miserable - anonymous blogger, "Gossip Girl." Everyone who is anyone in the Upper East side knows about Gossip Girl and her mission to expose the dirty little secrets of New York's finest young socialites, and hang them out to dry in the streets of Manhattan.
Sure, the show may be seen as ridiculous or shallow in the eyes of some, but to me, it is a seriously intricate and creative piece of work. The plot has literally hundreds of unexpected twists, turns, and revelations. The character you confidently declare as your favorite in season one may very well transform into the one you just can't seem to stand. In other words, very rarely do you truly know what is going to happen to Manhattan's elite.
To make things a bit more juicy, each member of the cast is, shall I say, rather appealing to the eye? Physical perfection? Drop dead gorgeous? I would like to choose D, all of the above. Their beauty is only exemplified by the luxurious, designer head-to-toe wardrobe they are dressed in for each episode. Even when a character is at his/her worst, absolute rock bottom, they defy all odds and end up looking as beautiful as ever. It's sickening and wonderful all in the same. So, while I'm on my most recent Gossip Girl obsession, I'll be sharing my favorite style icons: Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen, a.k.a. Leighton Meester and Blake Lively respectively. Not only are my current style icons fabulous and fashionable in character, but out of character as well.
Sure, the show may be seen as ridiculous or shallow in the eyes of some, but to me, it is a seriously intricate and creative piece of work. The plot has literally hundreds of unexpected twists, turns, and revelations. The character you confidently declare as your favorite in season one may very well transform into the one you just can't seem to stand. In other words, very rarely do you truly know what is going to happen to Manhattan's elite.
To make things a bit more juicy, each member of the cast is, shall I say, rather appealing to the eye? Physical perfection? Drop dead gorgeous? I would like to choose D, all of the above. Their beauty is only exemplified by the luxurious, designer head-to-toe wardrobe they are dressed in for each episode. Even when a character is at his/her worst, absolute rock bottom, they defy all odds and end up looking as beautiful as ever. It's sickening and wonderful all in the same. So, while I'm on my most recent Gossip Girl obsession, I'll be sharing my favorite style icons: Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen, a.k.a. Leighton Meester and Blake Lively respectively. Not only are my current style icons fabulous and fashionable in character, but out of character as well.
Blair Waldorf - Queen Bee
Classic
Refined
Chiffon
Conservative
Structured
Bows
Sparkle
Serena van der Woodsen - It Girl
Flowing silhouette
Shortened Hemline
Deep Neckline
Scandalous
Bright Color Scheme
Relaxed
Playful
------------------------
Leighton Meester
Street Style:
Casual
Laid back
Skinny Jeans
Jackets & Blazers
City Girl
Red Carpet Style:
Sexy
Dark
Daring
Va va voom
Blake Lively
Street Style:
Prim
Fitted
Heels
Detail
Uptown Girl
Red Carpet Style:
Detail
Gowns
Light
Sexy
If you had to choose...who's style would you love to have?
Saturday, August 3, 2013
the greatest decade ever?
A few nights ago, my friend and I decided to indulge in a laid back evening at the movie theater, complete with treats and soda galore...courtesy of a pre-theater Target stop. We set our sights on catching the new movie "The To Do List"starring Aubrey Plaza, Rachel Bilson, Bill Hadar, and Andy Samberg. And that is where this post begins...
"The To Do List" follows recent high school graduate and, let's say..."socially" inexperienced goodie-two-shoes, Brandy Klark as she embarks on a mission to complete a scandalous summer to do list before heading off to college. I know, I know, this sounds like the average, run-of-the-mill summer comedy that lacks any real potential to make it as a fan-favorite blockbuster, but alas, "The To Do List" gains uber brownie points for one reason in particular; it takes place in the greatest decade to have ever been experienced...THE 90s. In all actuality, there are plenty of other reasons I believe this movie is destined for a bit of success, but it just so happens the fact that "The To Do List" is set in the early 1990s is my favorite, so let's focus on that.
From the beginning of the movie to the final credits, I was completely entranced by a serious feeling of nostalgia. Having been born in 1991, I have always confidently proclaimed myself as a kid of the 90s, I mean, why wouldn't I? The 90s only produced the best fashion, movies, television, music and products of all time, and in honor of such notoriety, each of these elements were on proud display throughout the entire movie.
All of this 90s lovin' had me dying to take a look back in time to find AND SHARE just a few of the many gems that were a result of the great 1990s. Side note: please feel free to bring any of these fine products back into our daily lives, thanks.
FASHION OF THE 90s
Overalls, windbreakers, turtle necks, sweaters tied around the waist, stretch shirts, doc martens, jelly shoes, scrunchies, bucket hats, choker necklaces, butterfly clips, tinted sunglasses, crimped hair, middle parts, long hair, and the list goes on. For your viewing pleasure...
TELEVISION OF THE 90s
The 90s provided us with some of the most notable sitcoms to date. In my opinion, we haven't quite matched the same quality of entertainment that the 90s were so generous to provide us.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS OF THE 90s
So many products so little time. Everything from Bop It to Oregon Trail, the 90s had the BEST toys, games, and electronics!
So there you have it! Cheers to being a 90s kid! For all you other 90s babies, what was your favorite part of the 1990s?
"The To Do List" follows recent high school graduate and, let's say..."socially" inexperienced goodie-two-shoes, Brandy Klark as she embarks on a mission to complete a scandalous summer to do list before heading off to college. I know, I know, this sounds like the average, run-of-the-mill summer comedy that lacks any real potential to make it as a fan-favorite blockbuster, but alas, "The To Do List" gains uber brownie points for one reason in particular; it takes place in the greatest decade to have ever been experienced...THE 90s. In all actuality, there are plenty of other reasons I believe this movie is destined for a bit of success, but it just so happens the fact that "The To Do List" is set in the early 1990s is my favorite, so let's focus on that.
From the beginning of the movie to the final credits, I was completely entranced by a serious feeling of nostalgia. Having been born in 1991, I have always confidently proclaimed myself as a kid of the 90s, I mean, why wouldn't I? The 90s only produced the best fashion, movies, television, music and products of all time, and in honor of such notoriety, each of these elements were on proud display throughout the entire movie.
All of this 90s lovin' had me dying to take a look back in time to find AND SHARE just a few of the many gems that were a result of the great 1990s. Side note: please feel free to bring any of these fine products back into our daily lives, thanks.
FASHION OF THE 90s
Overalls, windbreakers, turtle necks, sweaters tied around the waist, stretch shirts, doc martens, jelly shoes, scrunchies, bucket hats, choker necklaces, butterfly clips, tinted sunglasses, crimped hair, middle parts, long hair, and the list goes on. For your viewing pleasure...
MOVIES OF THE 90s
This was a toughy because there are so many to choose from, but here are just a few of my favorites ranging from early to late 1990s.
TELEVISION OF THE 90s
The 90s provided us with some of the most notable sitcoms to date. In my opinion, we haven't quite matched the same quality of entertainment that the 90s were so generous to provide us.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS OF THE 90s
So many products so little time. Everything from Bop It to Oregon Trail, the 90s had the BEST toys, games, and electronics!
So there you have it! Cheers to being a 90s kid! For all you other 90s babies, what was your favorite part of the 1990s?
Sunday, July 21, 2013
summer photo dump
Heyoo, bloggers! I fell off the blog wagon a few weeks back, but I'm ready to make a triumphant return. Well, we'll see just how triumphant it ends up being in the next few weeks...today is a simple photo dump of what I've been up to this summer. Here goes nothing!
In my opinion, summer is all about making the most out of your time with your friends. During the school year, it's painstakingly difficult to find time to get everyone together for some fun and mischief. So, I make sure to enjoy every last minute that I get to spend with my most precious and darling friends! From celebrating birthdays to celebrating holidays or just celebrating a night out on the town, I've been doing my best to live in the moment and enjoy some truly amazing company!
There is quite a lot to do in the summer: travel, spend time outdoors, go to sporting events and concerts, and the list goes on. This summer I was able to travel back to Minnesota for a week and relax at the lake and take in the most beautiful sunsets. I've also been able to enjoy hiking at Chautauqua in Boulder, golfing at a course near Denver, and watch the Rockies win over the 2012 World Series Champions, the San Fransico Giants! To make things better, I was at the game with a few Giants fans...you better believe I relished in the victory.
There are some things in life that just scream "SUMMER!" For instance, a refreshing drink in a charming mason jar...ora giant bowl of fresh berries; blue berries, raspberries, strawberries, OH MY! Even a sunny day in a one-stoplight town in the middle of nowhere, MN. BUT, if you ask me, the epitome of summer is reading a good book by the pool. If I could have all of these things in one instance, I'm fairly certain it would be the best day of the entire summer.
Behold, the summer is not over quite yet! I've got a couple of fun things planned for the rest of July and August, so stay tuned for another photo dump!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
my kryptonite...online shopping
In my line of work I spend a lot of time at a computer. I mean A LOT of time...oh the joys of working the front desk at a country club. Only so much of that time can be spent checking and updating all of my social media networks, reading the blogs I follow, and catching up on breaking news. Luckily, there is one other thing the internet is good for...online shopping. I spend quite a bit of time online window shopping, creating "wish lists," putting things in my "cart," and if all goes well, making it all the way to the end of the line...also known as "check out," where all of your money goes POOF and all your dreams come true.
The other day, one of my friends asked me which shopping sites were my favorite. This question got me thinking I should share my go-to websites with everyone, and in return, you can all share yours with me. In other words, we can all feed each others addiction to shopping, or materialism, it's really however you chose to look at it. Anyways, here are a few of the sites I visit most frequently....
I love Hautelook because they offer such a great variety of goods and items available for purchase. They have the following categories: men, women, children, home, and beauty. Within each category there are various designers and brands to chose from, each offering a plethora of items on MAJOR discount. I also love Hautelook because they offer high end brands and designers as well as less expensive labels and everything in between!
On another note, Hautelook has just a couple negative qualities. First, you have to create an account by providing an email address. This isn't a huge deal, but you will receive daily emails from them. The only other bummer about this site is the shipping. Sometimes your order will come fairly quickly and other times it can take up to a couple of weeks, it all depends on where it is being shipped from.
2. Tobi.com
Tobi is a seriously amazing site for young women. I would consider it to be tailored to women between the ages of 16-25 (give or take a few years). They offer a huge variety of apparel. Even better, each section (i.e. sweaters, swim wear, etc) literally has hundreds of items to chose from. I would say the pricing is moderate, for example: you can find a pair of shorts ranging anywhere between $25-$70, depending on what you're looking for. All of their clothes are super hot and right on trend. Another bonus, if you have any questions about the clothes or shipping, they have a comments section at the bottom of their homepage that proves to be incredibly helpful. Need more convincing to check them out? You can get 50% of your ENTIRE first order!
As far as I am concerned, the only bummer about Tobi is that it requires you to create an account, similar to Hautelook. This means that you'll get multiple emails throughout the week.
3. NastyGal.com
Last but not least, there is a lovely site that goes by the name of Nasty Gal. Similar to Tobi, this site is tailored specifically towards women; if you couldn't tell by the name. Most of the clothing and accessories offered here are a bit more wild and risque, but seriously stylish nonetheless. The price point is a bit up there, but if you're dying to find something unique and trendy, it would definitely be worth it to drop your dime here! Nasty Gal even has a vintage section with a lot of cute and interesting old-school pieces available for purchase...if you've got the funds. Even better, you aren't required to set up an account for purchases. You are more than welcome to create an account if you'd like, but you are also given the option to place an order as a "guest."
So, all in all, I would say the only downside to this site is the price point. There are definitely items that will cost a pretty penny, but they would totally be worth it! And if you're budget is a bit smaller, take a look anyways, there are plenty of less expensive items available...and as always, check out the sale section!
So, there you have it! I hope you all enjoy these sites and maybe you'll even snag a seriously exciting deal on a new pair of summer shorts or a darling summer dress. You'll never know if you don't click on the links....so do it! CLICK.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
canvas and cocktails
If I didn't know any better, I would think my mom is living a double life...her second life being the woman we all know as Martha Stewart (minus the whole fraud and prison thing). In other words, my mom is literally the most talented and creative Susie-homemaker I have ever known. She cooks and bakes to-die-for meals and goodies, she has mastered the art of tiling floors and back splashes, she can transform something from old to new with a quick refinishing or reupholstering, AND she can pretty much sew or knit an entire wardrobe at the drop of a hat.
All that being said, it probably comes as no surprise that, during my visit home, my mom had prepared for a canvas and cocktail day. She found a craft on Pinterest that not only looked fun but also pretty simple. She purchased all of the following supplies:
FIRST: Prepare your cocktail. My family is really into wine, so we decided to have this delicious Sauvignon Blanc rather than a traditional "cocktail".
SECOND: Set up your space. We decided to do this craft in the garage due to our use of spray paint. We put down newspaper and paper bags to protect the garage floor. Begin with a blank canvas.
THIRD: Decide where you are going to place your lace/doilies. Once you have decided on placement, tape everything down as best you can. For example: I began by wrapping lace around the top section of my canvas and securing it with tape on the back side. Then, I placed my doilie and wrapped the excess around the canvas edges and secured it with tape. (The lace and doilie are discolored because they had previously been used.)
FIFTH: Repeat step four.
SIXTH: When the canvas has dried, remove the lace and doilies. The finished product should look something like this...
All that being said, it probably comes as no surprise that, during my visit home, my mom had prepared for a canvas and cocktail day. She found a craft on Pinterest that not only looked fun but also pretty simple. She purchased all of the following supplies:
Cocktails!
Canvas(es)
Spray paint
An assortment of lace/doilies
Masking tape
Newspaper/Paper bags
FIRST: Prepare your cocktail. My family is really into wine, so we decided to have this delicious Sauvignon Blanc rather than a traditional "cocktail".
SECOND: Set up your space. We decided to do this craft in the garage due to our use of spray paint. We put down newspaper and paper bags to protect the garage floor. Begin with a blank canvas.
THIRD: Decide where you are going to place your lace/doilies. Once you have decided on placement, tape everything down as best you can. For example: I began by wrapping lace around the top section of my canvas and securing it with tape on the back side. Then, I placed my doilie and wrapped the excess around the canvas edges and secured it with tape. (The lace and doilie are discolored because they had previously been used.)
FOURTH: Keeping the can about 10-12 inches from the surface, spray paint one coat using a swift left to right motion. Be sure to spray the edges of the canvas as well, and let dry.
FIFTH: Repeat step four.
SIXTH: When the canvas has dried, remove the lace and doilies. The finished product should look something like this...
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