Magazines I Love!

Sunday, February 28th, 2010
The Media
16 Comments

You all know that I am an avid reader. I love books, have too many books, and am always reading a book (and lately…more than one)! I think that reading is one of the most fun things to do, but I’m also a big fan of glossies. Here are some of my favorite magazines and why you should give them a try too.

I mention Body + Soul Magazine first because I just recently started reading it. A few months ago, my Mom picked one up for me at the grocery store. This magazine is a Martha Stewart production which packs tons of articles on health, wellness, and green living into a portable companion. I was attracted to “50 Tips For Staying Healthy.” Some of the tips I did not know about and was pleasantly surprised to learn that by drinking certain teas, and incorporating different herbs and spices into your diet (licorice, anyone?) that you can improve your overall health. I’m usually not a fan of medication, so I like knowing about foods that can help your body naturally. As I’m also a beauty junkie, Body + Soul also has a beauty section which boasts a bunch of natural and green beauty products. My favorite ideas from them? A gratitude journal. This will be one of my next projects!

For me, I love reading about high fashion that I dream of owning–but knowing where to get similar designs without breaking my college student budget. Glamour Magazine does this! I like knowing how to re-work my closet and my outfits with a few key, classic pieces. I also love the fact that Glamour celebrates women. I’ve been reading this magazine for years and have noticed how diverse they have gotten. I’m not just talking about skin color either. I’m talking about body type, socioeconomic status, and culture. Their worldly articles let me know some of the biggest issues women around the globe face on a daily basis, as well as how I can help. I also love their annual “Man Issue” and their “Women of The Year” issue. I love Glamour because it combines fashion, beauty, news, and health all in one magazine. I also love their sub heading for their health section, “How to Protect the Body That You Love.” Shouldn’t we all give ourselves a bit more love?

One of my best friends, Jess, got me into this magazine and I have been reading it ever since. It makes me sad that Bitch Magazine only comes out quarterly. (I have to wait for more feminist response to pop culture?!?! NOOOO!!!) I wish this magazine came out every month. I re-read so many of my issues and have many of them saved as well. My favorite issue to date is “Consumed” which came out in the Fall of 2009. 2009 was the year I first saw the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest–and the first time I saw a magazine cover said contest in such an amazing way. I also enjoy their book reviews which have added many more books to my “Buy ASAP” list. Did I mention they also rag on the Twilight Saga? The way to my heart is through the dismembering of the Twilight Saga.

Last, but certainly not least: US Weekly. I love US because it’s my weekly source for celebrity gossip. Don’t you want to know 25 random facts about Chef Ramsey? YOU BET YOU DO! I like being able to know that I have media ‘facts’ coming to me every Thursday, and also being able to read them before I go to sleep. Sometimes Dickens (ha!) and Hurston need to be put to the side for my sleepy-time reading. I like US for another reason aside from simple celebrity gossip. I love their buzz-o-meter. This fancy contraption is a short review of places, things, and people that celebs are going nuts for. I also love their fashion police sections. Who knew that people who have so much money could look so silly?

So, if you’re looking for some good reads give these glossies a try, and of course, let me know what magazines you love to read. I always like to have new reading material!

Things I Love: Snow Edition

Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Daily Grind, Photos
14 Comments

I thought the Northeast was going to get a break when it came to snow this year. Apparently, Mother Nature was saving it all for February. While these photos are from our snowstorm last week, we’re supposed to be due for another snowstorm this week as well. I’m not sure how bad the snow is supposed to be, but I guess we’ll find out. My Mom and I decided that it looked like our dogwood trees had pompoms on them. I thought the whole street looked so pretty enveloped in snow!

Sometimes the snow can really get to you, but there are times when I love being snowed in. Here are some of my favorite things to do when I’m stuck in the house:

  • Read a book (for fun, not for school!): Sitting under a warm blanket on the couch with a good book and my cat. It’s relaxing and fun. The time also flies by while reading.
  • Bake cookies. My mom and I made chocolate chip cookies with an ice cream scoop. They were huge! When I was a little one we always had stuff to make chocolate chip cookies.

  • Message boards: I am a member of a few boards, and snowdays are my favorite days to catch up on the online gossip. I love Exploding Heart, Lights, and fu.chewed-kandi.
  • Organizing: I usually hate cleaning my desk, especially when school is in session. It’s organized chaos especially this semester. Organizing my desk, combining some lists, and rewriting my notes (yup, I’m a nerd) are some great things to keep me busy.

    Last but not least, I love giving myself a pedicure, even if it’s not peep-toe weather. There’s something about soaking your feet (add rose petals for a luxe feel and light scent), and painting your toes a fun summery or spring color that brightens the winter blues.

    While sometimes it can be boring being stuck in the house and waiting for time to pass, keeping yourself busy can really help to make a snow day fun AND productive. If all else fails go outside and have a snowball fight and make a snowman. Maybe those crazy neighborhood kids that live near me have the right idea?

    What do you like to do on a snow day?

    Valentine’s Day

    Sunday, February 14th, 2010
    Family & Friends, Keith, Photos
    15 Comments

    I hope that everyone had a great Valentine’s Day! I almost cried when I opened my present from Keith. He created a wooden bobblehead of my kitty, Socks. It looks just like her down to her striped tail, and her extra white paw. She is now sitting on my desk so I can look at her every time I do my homework.

    How can you NOT smile when you see something like that? My parents also gave me a beautiful jewelry box since I have been needing one for a while. I had some small ones, but nothing to keep my necklaces in. Can you believe I spent almost an hour organizing everything? I love it because it looks like a mini wardrobe.

    It has little doors on either side and little hangers for necklaces. I put two on each hanger and used the drawers for some other chains and my rings. I’m so happy to finally have something to keep my necklaces in safe and sound without them getting tangled.

    Keith and I were very low key this Valentine’s Day, celebrating on Friday night. We went to Chili’s since we had a gift card and watched “Carriers” which was decent until about the halfway point. We basically spent the evening making fun of the movie and how many plot holes it had. I purchased some Axe products and heart boxers for him with K’s all over them. Red, black, and with his first initial? It was a win-win situation!

    I hope that everyone had a great weekend! Did you do anything to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

    Just too awesome…

    Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
    Family & Friends, Photos
    13 Comments

    I had a pair of heart shaped sun glasses when I was just a little one. I remember loving them. There’s something about little kid accessories that just make you happy (especially when they’re made for grown-ups, haha).

    Too fabulous?

    Kathleen and I picked up these bad boys at Old Navy when we were out after getting our nails done and shopping for V-Day. And yes, I will be wearing these out in public. Five dollars for glasses that make me giddy? I say that’s a pretty good deal.

    Come on, Sniff me!

    Sunday, January 24th, 2010
    Beauty & Fashion
    17 Comments

    I’ll have to thank the adorable and talented Britney for inspiring me to make a post about my perfumes. I never thought of perfume as that big of a deal, always more of just a simple accessory I enjoy using. After watching her video, and thinking about my ever-growing scent collection, I realized that what scent I decide to use each day depends on my mood, how it will compliment what I’m wearing clothing wise, and why I have come to love each of my perfumes so much. Perfume shopping is hard for me since some scents can give me super awful migraines, so I am very picky! Either way, on we go to the wonderful world of fancy fragrances.

    + Curious by Britney Spears: This was my first ever Britney Spears fragrance I ever owned. My Mom gave it to me as a Christmas gift when I was a senior in high school. I love the light floral scent! There are also vanilla musk undertones and a hint of sandalwood. I love wearing this one because it’s not overwhelming and has serious staying power, especially when I apply it to the backs of my knees in the summertime. I could wear it every day, but I’m indecisive.

    + Fantasy by Britney Spears: The next year at Christmas, my Mom presented me with a Fantasy giftset. She knows me so well! This scent to me smells like cake, sweet, delicious, and a bit heavier than Curious. I’ve found that Keith also enjoys this scent which is always a plus. It reminds me of the beginning of school since I wore it on the first day of my Spring semester last year and a few people told me I smelled great. I also love the bottle which is pink with green gemstones.

    + Vera Wang Rock Princess: Kathleen and I went on a quest for this fragrance. Keith picked this scent as a sample to go with a gift he bought me from Sephora. I automatically fell in love with the scent and used up my sample size quickly. Who else would accompany me on this great adventure besides Kathleen? I went to Ulta first, knowing they would have it–but had no idea it would be $72.00, so we hopped to Walgreens, Kohls, CVS, and finally ended up at Marshalls where we each picked up a big bottle of it for $40.00. It has fruity scents of raspberry, bergamot, and peach. It’s great for going out, or just hanging out at home.

    + Bvelgari pour Femme: My Aunt used to let me use this perfume when I was younger and I loved how fruity and grown up it smelled. She surprised me with a bottle of it when I was a bit older and I use it only on special occasions like weddings and back when I was in high school, dances. It is a bit heavy so only a spray or two will do, and it has scents of violets and orange blossoms. It always makes me feel like a fancy rich women ala Karen Walker.

    + Victoria’s Secret Garden & Beauty Rush Sprays: These body sprays are my go to when I just want a quick spritz of scent without going crazy. My favorite is Strawberries and Champagne (Keith’s favorite on me too!!), and Love Spell. Love Spell got me out of trouble a lot in high school. I used to smoke in the bathrooms and it always kept me smelling fresh, haha. I also love Beauty Rush’s Passion Fruit Pop. All of their scents are fun, fruity, and playful in my opinion.

    And for the perfumes I own, but haven’t worn yet? Paris Hilton’s Can Can, Britney Spears’ Believe, and Britney Spears’ Midnight Fantasy. I have them sitting on my desk in my perfume tray, but haven’t gotten around to trying them yet. Do you have any perfumes you’d like to try? What are some of your favorite scents to wear?

    « Older Posts