No More Paper

I'll admit it. My boyfriend and I used to use too much paper towel. From using them as napkins, to reaching to them for little (or big!) spills, we went through entirely too much. While at Target purchasing another pack, I said enough is enough. We are relying too much on paper towel and it's not sustainable.

Luckily for me, some beautiful, colorful and metallic polka-dotted napkins were on sale at Anthropologie. We've been using them every day since and haven't had to change the paper towel roll in awhile.

Here are some great places to find napkins to brighten up your meal, and keep your house sustainable.

Anthropologie

West Elm

Target

Pink Pops

It was such a beautiful weekend! It was so wonderful to spend the whole time outdoors. A couple months ago, when it was still dark, grey and snowy, I picked up these pink shorts. I just knew I'd be obsessed with them once the good weather rolled in. I was right. Even though they're highlighter bright (brighter than the pictures look), call me obsessed.

Always...

• Say please, thank and I love you.
• Check the sales rack.
• Keep a frozen pizza and cookie dough in your freezer. You never know!
• Send hand written notes, especially if it's in thanks!
• Look nice. 
• Use your vacation hours. They're there for a reason! Take time to let your mind and body rest.
• Drink water. Your body will love you!
• Remember to smile. It will spread cheer to yourself and those around you!
• Get a good night's sleep. Nothing that amazing usually happens after 11!
• Cook and bake more. It's meditative and good for your body.
• Call your mother. Also call your grandmother. And your aunts.

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Daydreaming

I'm tired. Sometimes when I'm tired and a bit worn-out I feel guilty. I think, why should I be tired? I just graduated, only have a part time job and I don't have strenuous hobbies, a house or kids. I've finally decided to let go and let myself be tired. It's okay to feel worn out after a period of being so busy. It's okay to take some time off to let your mind decompress. I'm very much looking forward to this summer, being able to spend days and nights listening to the waves of Lake Michigan without having to worry about classes. I'll just let myself be, and it will be good.

Images: 1//2//3

Sparkle, Shine and Figuring it Out: Rachel

 This is my friend Rachel. She's one of the most amazing people I've ever met. Not only is she incredibly strong, but she also gives great advice, has an amazing singing voice and has an energy and poise that I strongly admire. Welcome Rachel!

Name

Rachel 

Age

 21

Profession

Student/Student Attendant for WMU College of Arts and Sciences Technology Services/Babysitter Extraordinaire/Soon-to-be-Character-Attendant-at-Disney-World

Education

About to finish my junior year at WMU

If you could have any career, what would it be?

 I would be a performer in a heart-beat. Not like a Broadway-stage-make-up-I-danced-for-38127398-years kind of performer, but a spunky-city girl lounge singer kind of performer who just happens to be famous.

Walk us through your morning routine.

  This varies. I'm a jump out of bed, in HOPES I may have time for a shower kind of lady. It's an accomplishment if I can successfully shower and find clean underwear every morning. (TMI? probably)

What can you not live without?

I must have a water bottle on me where ever I go, and if I don't run at least every few days, I am horribly depressed. Also, a cell phone is nice. A horrible habit I'll admit to having is that it is a rare occasion if I leave the house without make-up on... I have to either be INCREDBILY late or ILL!

What do you do to relax?

 I love to hangout with my significant other or always hit-up the occasional redbox. It really depends on what kind of stress I'm under. Sometimes to relax, getting EVERY little thing done that stresses me out is the most relaxing thing in the world. Other times, completely turning my brain off and entering another world is what it takes.

What are some of the most stressful ideas or expectations in society?

(HERE WE GO... I COULD ON FOR DAYS!) First of all, I'll say it because I know almost every woman feels the same way-- unrealistic appearance. First of all, one of the most stressful things to me is the way men would like women to look. We are supposed to have these fit, little bodies; perfectly soft, long hair; perfect skin; everything must be shaved and smooth.. etc. I probably spend about 1/4 of my time doing something in regards to appearance. I just can't get over how much, as women, we are expected to do, and at what lengths we go to, to maintain our appearance. Weight gain also is a huge stressor. I don't think there is a moment in my day where I am not thinking about weight. After losing weight, and keeping it off, the fear of gaining weight has gotten so much worse. Another stressor is the pressure put on young people today. We are expected to know what we want to do, become financially independent, and get a "real" job in 4 years. I'm in my third year of college and going through a career crisis. Lastly, the biggest stressor for me, and most people, is finances. For young people, like me, who pay for school, rent, car insurance, phone bills, sorority dues, groceries, etc. completely on their own-- help. Seriously, I have a financial meltdown probably once every day or two. It is an ongoing cycle of me not knowing how I am going to eat from one day to the next.

How do you sparkle, literally or figuratively?

 Hmm... well, I DO love glitter. Haha, just kidding. I think I stand out from my peers or others around me, because regardless of who I am dealing with, I treat people genuinely, with sincerity, and maintain that mutual respect and understanding for one another. I can tell it always shines through when interacting with others. I think being true and genuine is one of the most important qualities in others, and I know I am more apt to trust someone or want to be around them if their behavior is sincere, and they have the best of intentions.

How would you describe your sense of style?

My style is more of a "bargain shopper's mix of eclectic, but trendy hand-me-downs, with a few gems that I splurged on mixed with whatever is clean that I found on my floor that morning!" I always make an effort to look put-together and nice-- my look for the day really depends on my overall mood

Mac or PC?

 Mac... mac mac mac.

If you had a week off and unlimited funds, what would you do? First I would pay off every single debt or bill I had, pay 10 years in advance for everything I could possibly need for survival, and then escape to every city I possibly could, run marathons while I'm there, and do open mic nights. 

Photo: SKC Photography

Tactical

I stayed at my parents' house last weekend when it was freezing and blustery. So used to having weather in the upper 70s, I didn't pack a jacket. That was stupid. Luckly my mom is super stylish and had several cute jackets on hand. I immediately swiped up her olive green field jacket from Old Navy. It was so comfy and light, yet it kept me warm and dry.

I've asked her if I could "borrow it",but it doesn't look like that's in the cards. I'm off to find one of my own. I can't decide if I want one that's embellished or plain, olive green or tan, Thoughts?

Bagels!

I have yet to find someone who doesn't like bagels. To me, they're perfect! During the gloomy, cold weather we had in Michigan last weekend, it was hard not to turn the oven on. I decided to make a classic morning treat, and the turned out perfect. I tried both these plain ones and these cinnamon raisin ones. Next I want to try my favorite, everything toppings with some chive and onion cream cheese.

One of my favorite things about baking and cooking is that I know what's going into my food, and no preservatives needed!

Some tips:

• Don't forget the salt! I totally forgot with both of my attempts. Classic user error. Though they still baked perfectly and I barely noticed, so if you do try to stay away from sodium, you don't miss out if you skip it in this recipe.
• Blot dry with a paper towel after boiling.
• Brush vegetable oil on parchment paper for baking. My first bagels stuck to the pan.
• You can add any additional toppings after they've been boiled, before they go to bake. Just remember to use an egg wash. I'd like to try raw sugar on my next cinnamon and raisin batch.