Missing In Action

January 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Wow, apparently this week got the best of me seeing as I haven’t posted since hmmm, January 6th?! Re-entering back into school mode has been painful, waking up before the sun rises just really isn’t my thing WAH. Being on my own again has made me seriously miss the luxuries of home.

1. Steady supply of food

I feel like being at school, I’m constantly hungry. While at home a yummy meal is only a few steps away, when it’s 3 am and my stomach is growwwling, my choices are pretty much carrot sticks or a piece of bread, decisions, decisions.

2. Parking=paying

I think I stole about 40 dollars in quarters before I left home, sorry but this girl ain’t walking an hour in the snow to get to a class that lasts 50 minutes. If you see me on the side of the road begging for quarters, help a sister out.

 

3.  Coffee is a main food group

Anyone else feel like they could have a permanent IV of caffeine? For some reason I’m always tired, like fall asleep in class tired. I am at the mercy of Starbucks, they own my life.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Trendy Workouts to Try

January 6, 2012 By 1 Comment

Anyone else getting bombarded with emails from every gym in town offering great “deals” on memberships and so forth? Now, I’m all about getting back into shape if youate yourself under the table over the holidays, but seriously, ten trillion emails about losing the flub is more than enough.

I’m a total nerd and love to read fitness magazines, Shape, Health, Womens Health, Self and Fitness are some of my favorites. Recently, while reading Health mag I was inspired by an article including the “trendy” workouts of 2011, all of which I had heard of and would like to try. Although, living in a college town isn’t exactly the mecca of workout spots, many gyms in my area offer some great classes. A few that I would love to give a shot:

TRX: Suspension Training

The name of this program just sounds tough to me! The workouts consist of using  bands for your basic bicep curls, planks and squats, adding a twist with the resistance of the band. This one can be done at home with the right equipment.

Barre Method Classes

A mix of pilates and ballet barre training, these classes are tough. Although they can be pretty pricey, they work lots of small muscle groups that I had never even felt before. This class is definitely worth a shot if you’re willing to hand over some dolla bills.

Tracy Anderson Method

This workout system is super popular in NYC and LA, clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Molly Sims and Ashley Greene. A combination of dance and mat work, Tracy’s “metamorphosis” program is 90 days long and is doable from home, but are known to be pretty intense.

PS: read the latest blog post I wrote for VIM Magazine about sticking to your new years resolution.

Filed Under: College Girl, Fitness Tagged With: , , , ,

Bring on the new year

January 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I’m not really one to do the whole new years resolution thing. Thinking that I’m going to magically look like  Gisele Bundchen or Heidi Klum isn’t realistic,  although I wouldn’t hate it. Promising myself that I’ll lose 5 pounds or give up chocolate just isn’t going to happen, and there’s no reason to make myself think that it will.

Although I may not make any resolutions, I do want to set some “goals” for the year twenty twelve, goals that aren’t going to require super human self control or starvation.

1. Stop spending stupid amounts of  money

This actually might require super human amounts of self control. I’m sure many of you college students can relate.

  • I don’t need a new piece of clothing every week, living with 50 other girls with full closets should suffice
  • Manicures can be saved for special occasions, not the every other week expense I was paying for

2. Figure out what I want to do with my career

  • Research job and internship opportunities
  • Land another great internship over the summer that takes me to a big city

3. Run at least four half marathons

  • After sitting out my last half, I’m ready to get back to it
  • Get my butt back into shape, and keep it there
  • Run another half with friends, the Brooksie way was so so fun

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

Do you make “resolutions”?

Filed Under: College Girl

Here’s to 2012

January 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Happy first day of twenty twelve! Hope your NYE was filled with fun and memories that will be remembered long into the new year.

Here’s to an amazing 2012, can’t wait to see what it brings!

Filed Under: College Girl

Best of 2011: Fashion

December 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

With 2011 on its way out, I figured it would be a great time to look back on the year, in terms of style. Here are some of my most favorite trends from the year 2k11.

Fur Embellishments

I love the fact that fur has made a reappearance in the fashion world. Vests, jackets, scarves, mittens, you name it-it comes in fur. Although you definitely have to think quality over quantity on this one, looking like you’re wearing a dead animal is probably a no-no.

Ann Taylor Fur Gator

Top Shop Fur Jacket

Leather Inspired

I’m all about a leather jacket. They’re great for going out, dressing up with a dress and heels or playing down with jeans and boots. Again, quality over quantity for this, you don’t want to look like you’re about to hop on your motorcycle.

Asos Leather Skirt

Theory Leather Embellished Leggings

 

Ladylike Lace

It seemed like lace was everywhere this year. On skirts, dresses, scarves, tops. Adding a hint of lace to any outfit takes it from traditional to trendy. Enter: the lace top with brightly colored bra trend.

Asos Lace Shorts

J Crew Crochet Lace Tee

Military Chic

Military type boots made an appearance on the fashion scene this year. Rugged looking lace up booties seemed to be just about everywhere. Either with or without a heel, they’re a staple piece for the winter months. I just look plain weird in them, you win soem you lose some I guess.

 

Steve Madden Westpoint Leather Combat Boot

Vince Camuto Suni Boot

What are your favorite fashion trends of 2011??

 

Filed Under: College Girl, Shopaholic Tagged With: , , ,

Christmas, it gets awkward

December 27, 2011 By 1 Comment

Well, well, well, Christmas is over. Is anyone else with me when I say that the days after Christmas are so depressing?

The excitment  builds up for months: time with family, candle light church services, lots of unhealthy food, presents and celebration. I think my favorite part of Christmas is the anticipation, I can still barely sleep on Christmas eve, yes I am still a child.

The holidays are my favorite time of the year, but there’s a few things I could go without:

1) Desserts everywhere. Is my grandma the only person who can genuinely make me feel bad about not having a bowl of ice cream, three cookies and a brownie for a post-dinner treat? Sorry, Grandma, I’m trying to keep my girlish figure intact.

2) Awkward gift giving and receiving. Everyone has that family member who consistently gives terrible presents. Another wool sweater? Really, you shouldn’t have! Faking a smile and gushing with thank you’s is an acquired skill.

3) The gift receipt is crucial. Always give a gift receipt, it should be a Christmas rule. I’d rather someone exchange my gift for something they love, not shove it in the back of their closet and never lay eyes on it again.

4) Too many questions. So, hows school? Do you like your major? Where do you live? Do you come home a lot? Do you like it? Are you having fun?

What kind of question is that, are you having fun? College is so fun, and who’s going to awkwardly say, “no, actually I hate college, it’s no fun and I want to come home”

What are you “favorite” awkward holiday moments? Do tell.

Filed Under: College Girl

All is merry and bright

December 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

May your day be filled with laughter, food, family and lots of eggnog!

Happy birthday to Jesus, wishing all of you the best Christmas!

 

Filed Under: College Girl

Not So Domesticated

December 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Yesterday I had a Martha Stewart moment, kind of.

After being home all week laying on the couch, I was really bored. What else is one to do to beat boredom than bake? After this fiasco, I probably shouldn’t. I was inspired by an article in our local newspaper about “cake pops” but I didn’t want to fuss with the whole pop thing so “cake balls” it was.

What they were supposed to look like

The recipe is really easy:

1 box red velvet cake mix

1 container cream cheese frosting

1 package white chocolate

Sounds pretty hard to mess up, right? Well I got a little anxious and didn’t let the cake cool properly before rolling it into balls, mistake number one.

And what they actually looked like...

Then I couldn’t figure out how to melt the white chocolate properly, so we ended up with semi covered in white chocolate cake balls. Still delicious, but really really ugly.

Martha Stewart I am definitely not.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

At Home Fitness

December 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This blog post is taken from the weekly fitness post I write for Michigan State’s VIM Magazine, enjoy!!

Staying in shape doesn’t mean paying for a pricey gym membership. Working out at home is convenient, affordable and easy. With the cold winter months ahead of us, it takes even more motivation to get out of the house and get to the gym in sub-zero temperatures. Fitness DVD’s are often available to be checked out from a local library, available online or at stores such as Target or Best Buy.

Jillian Michael’s Thirty Day Shred

This DVD comes with three different workouts, each increasing in intensity. The 20 minute workout has a focus on both cardio, strength training and core work. Each workout has a 3-2-1 format. Beginning with three minutes of strength followed by two minutes of cardio and one minute of abdominal work.

The Biggest Loser Workout:  Bootcamp

This DVD comes with three separate “bootcamp” routines, each harder than the one before.  Begin with bootcamp one and progress to add on routine two and three, ending up with a 45 minute workout. This DVD uses dynamic movements that target multiple body parts at once, ensuring both fat and calorie burn.

Rodney Yee’s Ultimate Power Yoga

 

Rodney’s Ultimate Power Yoga is broken up into five different workouts that can be mixed and matched together for a practice tailored to your liking, the DVD includes:

  •  Power Foundation (15 mins)
  • Strengthening Sun Salutations (20 mins)
  • Sculpting Standing Poses (20 mins)
  • Broadening Back Bends (20 mins)
  • Ultimate Power Restoration (10 mins)
Filed Under: Fitness

Christmas Traditions

December 15, 2011 By 1 Comment

Traditions are huge in my family, which I’m sure is true for many families. We have Christmas pretty much down to a science, doing the same exact thing every year, I love the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect.

Christmas Eve:

We go to church and either host or go to our annual “friends” Christmas party. We get together with 6 of the families we’ve been friends with since I can remember.

We always open one present on Christmas Eve, which always contains pajamas, which we wear to bed that night.

She loves me, right?!

J Crew Onesie

Anyone want to buy me this onesie from J Crew? I’d love you forevvvver.

Christmas Morning:

We don’t start opening presents until around 10 or so, even though my sister and I are definitely awake by 8, begging my parents to get the party started, yes we are still children.

Our presents are wrapped in different wrapping paper: one for my parents and one for Santa.

I love unwrapping all of our gifts supppppper slooooow. Drawing out the process for as long as possible is my specialty, I never want it to end!

Lookin' good, Mom

We have the same breakfast every year, my dad’s breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls, yum yum yum.

Then to grandmothers house we go. The whole family gets together at my Grandma’s house, which is only about 30 minutes away. We have Christmas dinner and end up staying the night there. Another tradition: my uncle and cousins make a taco bell run at about 2 am, nothing like fourth meal after Christmas dinner.

_

Merry Christmas!!!

Filed Under: College Girl Tagged With: , ,
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