The Best Way to Prepare for a Trip to Spain...

...is to make sangria!  Well, maybe it's not the best way to prepare, but hey, I am attempting to immerse myself in culture before I even leave.  I get points for that, right?  Right...


Anyways, I've been on a recipe hunt for some traditional Spanish cuisine, and while I came across dozens of paellas, gazpachos, and oodles of different tapas ideas, the one that really sparked my interest was sangria.  Now that Chicago has finally gotten some nice weather, it would be just lovely to spend a summer evening on the porch with a pitcher of sangria and enjoy the night air.  Ahh yes...such a wonderful scene to get lost in, isn't it?  But then I realized that I only have 3 DAYS left before my trip, and if I want to make this stuff, it's gotta be easy and fast.


Lucky me, I stumbled upon this:

Mmmm...doesn't that look refreshing??  I can't wait to whip up a batch...as for now, cheers!  Or should I say...salud!


30 Second Sangria

Yields 1 sangria

Red wine (cheap!)
Sparkling lemonade
1 lemon or orange (optional)
Ice (optional)

If you think of it beforehand, chill the wine and sparkling lemonade. Otherwise, you can add a few ice cubes to your sangria to compensate.

Place equal parts red wine and lemonade in a glass. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon or orange into the glass for every 8-12 ounces of sangria (depending on how sour or sweet you would like yours) and garnish with a slice of lemon. But, if 30 seconds is just too long for that drink to be in your hands, you can skip the lemon and orange entirely.

Photographic Memories

Packing has always been a daunting task.  Of course there are those people who start laying things aside a month in advance, put all their pairs of shoes in plastic bags to avoid soiling their clothes, and have the unearthly ability to roll their garments in a manner that both conserves space in a suitcase and miraculously prevents wrinkling.  I'm not one of these people...I'm actually rather far from this...

Usually I wait until the night before to start organizing and putting stuff in a suitcase, in which case I wind up forgetting something at home...and, as my luck would have it, it's something important (one time it was underwear...my mom really loved me that Thanksgiving trip when we had to head to the mall on Black Friday...still reminded of that to this day)

But this time is different.  I am thinking ahead!  I am planning!  I am making a list of what to bring!  First thing on the list: underwear, and lots of it.  But item #2, in my opinion, is of equal gravity and importance...a proper camera.  I have a few options to choose from, and all of them bring something different to the table...decisions, decisions!

Option 1: my trusty, handy dandy pocket digital point and shoot.

I suppose this would be the most logical choice...it's portable, highly functional, no assembly required, yada yada yada...but my prints usually come out flat and I find that the flash is very harsh, even on portrait mode.  And what is it about small point and shoots that you can never get the outdoor setting to work correctly?!  On my last trip to England, I literally took 34 pictures of Big Ben to get just one shot that wasn't blurry.  Granted, half my body was hanging outside a cab but still...

Next option is the Nikon D40.  Awesome digital quality with a continuous shot feature that I admittedly abuse, I would surely come home with postcard-worthy pics:

Ain't she a beaut?  I love using this camera, and have a lense for larger distances which would be great for monuments and historical tours, but I'd have to lug my big camera case and go through a bunch of rig-a-ma-roll switching lenses, turning on continuous shoot, what have you.  Basically, I might as well walk around with "tourist" tattooed on my forehead if I have to carry this baby around my neck all day.  And I might take this one with me in addition to my small digital, but would I ever really use it if I had the convenience of the other one?  Knowing me...I might forget I had it with me until the last day...

Then there's film.  Back in the days of photo classes and afternoons spent in dark rooms, I'd awe over the beauty and depth of the whites, grays, and rich blacks that would appear in my developed prints.  Hours later while daydreaming during a much less stimulating class, I'd perch my heavy head on my hands and suddenly get a familiar whiff of the remnants of developer lingering on my fingers.

I would love to be able to fill an album of film prints at the end of my trip,  but it may be more difficult using a film camera as a tourist than as a student.  It would be difficult trying to change a roll of film while walking the streets...there's no doubt in my mind that I would expose a few rolls unintentionally and that could get expensive.  But maybe I'll take this guy with me just in case:

Hey, it make look a bit dated, but the pics always turn out great and the autofocus feature never fails.  This little guy is so tiny I think I will indeed throw it in my suitcase...how much room could it take up?!  Hopefully the rest of my packing won't take this much deliberation!

A Question a Day...

How often do you say to yourself, "if only I knew that 5 years ago"?  Or you come across a picture or a ticket stub of concert you attended in years past, and can't help but giggle at the memories or recollect the thoughts that were passing through your mind on that particular day?  And what about those deja vu moments, where you swear you are reliving an instance that has already occurred?  It just so happens that today I stumbled across a nifty little book that neatly organizes all of these emotions, thoughts, and feelings within its pages.  It is called Q & A A Day.

Find it here!

This 5-year journal poses a different question for each and every one of the 365 days in a year, but has space on each page for you to write your answers for 5 years.  I think this would be a lovely way to keep track of fond memories, offer words of encouragement to your future self, and maybe even learn from mistakes.  And how fun would it be to bookmark favorite questions and wait for that same day to come around the next year?? I for one would have a new found appreciation for say...June 15th, when I would record my current book of choice.  Readers, I would highly recommend investing in this treasure, it surely seems like something you will never forget.

An Ode to Snail Mail

When I was little, I used to write a weekly newsletter to my grandma, updating her on school projects or proudly describing the move up to the higher lane in swim team.  And every Friday, I would find an envelope written in her beautiful script waiting on my desk.  She was a wonderful pen pal...I would read about the frigid Michigan winters, the batch of strawberry jam my grandpa had just finished making, or engage in a countdown to our next visit in person.

As the both of us aged, the letter writing began to dissipate, and eventually ended all together.  But I knew for certain that they were memories that I did not want to lose, so I went through all my desk drawers, cabinets, folders, every possible place I could think of discarding one of her letters.  I put them in the closest chronological order and made little comments about context, and put them into a scrapbook.  I couldn't wait to show her the finished product at Christmas, and when I did, she erupted in her signature squeal,  grabbed my cheeks in a death grip, and bombarded me with kisses.  Although I intended it to be her Christmas gift, she insisted that I hang on to it for later in life.  And I'm so glad she did, because now I can visit my grandma whenever I want by just flipping a page.

Ever since then, I have loved sending and receiving notes.  Even a small thank you note sends me over the moon, and I insist on keeping all the Christmas cards we receive each year.  I think now more than ever "snail mail" is extremely special and especially rare...since most people just send out an email blast or express gratitude via text.  But when you get a letter that someone has taken the time to sit down and write, and you know they have thought about what they want to say, it means so much more than some email.

I will forever be a thank you note sender, an issuer of traditional invitations, and an active pen pal...and for that reason, I will never cease increasing my collection of stationery.  I came across Mulberry and Moss last week, and can't wait to use up the notecards I currently have so I can place an order.  Since this is the case, I better start writing...please enjoy some of my favorites below

They even do hand lettering for invitations!  LOVE!

Bits and Pieces: An Interview with 31 Bits

I apologize for my absence, readers.  I have been quite the busy bee...but...I have managed to orchestrate quite a compelling interview.  Even better...it's a collaborative effort with my lovely friend Caroline Boneham.

I have had the privilege of working with the jewelry company 31 Bits for the past 6 months holding a position as campus representative at USD.  The fulfillment, inspiration, and perspective that I have gained from this experience is way beyond what I expected to gain from working with these women.  I have read and heard stories that warm my heart, and am so lucky to have had an opportunity to spread the word about this amazing company...

So before you read on, here's the gist of the company and their mission:

"31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity."

For this post, Caroline and I wanted to give readers a peek into the behind-the-scenes of the company, as well as portray daily business life from two different perspectives.  Caroline scored an interview with Alli, the Director of Marketing, and I got to see what life was like for one of the few and lucky 31 Bits interns.  Read on to meet Malia, the infectiously effervescent PR/Marketing intern and a dear friend of mine...

 

Q: What was it that peeked your interest about working for 31 Bits?

A: The first thing about 31 Bits that caught my eye were the striking colors, patterns and overall variety in the products themselves. It seemed to me that this was the kind of jewelry that could be tossed into almost anyone's wardrobe. As I learned more about the movement behind the jewelry and the programs provided for the women, I was completely moved and inspired by what really goes on at the compound in Uganda. I learned that 31 Bits not only provides a business liaison for these women to be successful in monetary terms, but there is a plethora of programs offered to these women that allows them to develop relationships with each other, express their creativity, and go through training that teaches them how to handle money and even how to run business of their own. 31 Bits is more than just a workplace for the women, it is truly their haven. 

Q: What project have you worked on so far this summer has been your favorite accomplishment for the company?

A: What I love about interning for 31 Bits, is that we are able to explore other realms of the business outside of our own intern positions. As a PR/Marketing intern, I have done a great deal of blogging, which is one of my favorite hobbies. It is so neat to experience how my hobby influences and propels a business like 31 Bits. It has made me realize the great effect of social media, especially in the marketing aspect of a business. The best thing about doing PR/Marketing for a company like this is that my job is to spread the word about more than just cute jewelry, but an extraordinary cause. Aside from this, I have participated in the making of a video, working along side other interns to create an exciting summer campaign! But I can't spill the beans just yet, you will just have to wait and see. 

Q: Is there a piece from the new summer line that you plan on making your next purchase?

A: I definitely have had my eye on the Bermuda Braid. I love the combination of colorful fabric and layered beads. I think it's the perfect addition to any summer outfit or even if you just need a little something to spice up a T-shirt and jeans type of ensemble. 

Malia's favorite piece for summer!

Q: Can you give us any hints as to what we should expect from 31 Bits in the fall?

A: I have been told only a few things that are to come in the Fall. 31 Bits has been planning ahead for the launch of the Fall line, and it's surely going to be an exciting one. I think that the Fall line is an especially distinct collection, and I myself am anxious to see what comes of it!

Q: Has there been a moment of satisfaction where you were really able to see the difference you were making in these Ugandan women's lives?

A: Even when I look at the jewelry now, I find myself constantly baffled that these pieces are handmade out of 100% recycle material. Seeing all the jewelry at the warehouse intrigues me because I always think about the different stories behind the hands that crafted such beautiful pieces. That alone, is empowering. One particular moment I can recall that made me truly feel like I was part of something that was making a huge difference in the women's lives, was when I heard about 31 Bits' partnership with The Aids Support Organization (TASO). TASO and 31 Bits provides the women with education, counseling, and testing for HIV. It's heartwarming to know that these women are in such good hands.

To check out the company and peruse more pieces from the summer line, visit www.31bits.com

Wear a piece.

Share their story.

Give hope.

Take a Hike

With upcoming trip to Barcelona, I’ve been trying to research fun things to do for the weekends.  I’ve seen segments on free wine and olive oil tastings (which I will DEFINITELY be taking advantage of) and information of the Las Ramblas market…note to self: if you touch anything in the market, which consist of mostly food items, you’ll be taking it home with you whether you like it or not. 

But the activity that has made it to the top of my list is to hike the Camino de Santiago.  Perhaps this is a bit ambitious for me, but hey I like a challenge as much as the next girl!  And by the looks of the pictures, the views are hard to beat…

Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage that leads to the sea at Finisterre, which was thought in medieval times to be the end of the world.  Whether hikers set out on the trek for religious fulfillment or not, a lot of people say that it’s a spiritual journey and creates a new found appreciation for nature.  Now…where did I put those old hiking boots??….

Neet-O

Ahh summer…the one time of year that it’s permissible to peruse the web until either your battery dies or something shiny catches your ADD’s attention.  While most of the time I spend fooling around on the internet consists of laughing at some baby dancing to “Single Ladies” or taking some asinine color blind test worried that I might fail, today I actually had a purpose.  I am on a hunt.  A hunt for inspiration.

In the very near future, I will get a chance to decorate………(wait for it)……..MY NEW ROOM!  And while I will always have a special place in my heart for my butter yellow walls, ornate beaded quilt, my Victorian chandelier, and portrait of Audrey Hepburn that accented my childhood room…my style has changed.  Dare I say it…matured even.  And now I’m looking for something new, something sophisticated, tasteful, classy…

So, I have begun collecting pictures of furniture, bedding, lighting, window treatments…you name it.  And today I hit the motherload.  I happened to StumbleUpon (literally) this extremely cool magazine called Neet.  I could spend hours upon hours surfing the different blogs and posts on fashion, music, interior design, books, and lots of other deliciously posh stuff.  The following are some of my favorite finds, décor and then some, but feel free to peruse on your own to find more treasures: http://www.neetmagazine.com

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower...it would make me smile each and every morning to wake up to them above my bed each morning! Hydrangea Lamp 

Love this mood board...elephant pillow?  YES PLEASE! Sweet Dreams

A middle school throw back...but these have a daintier, classier touch than the kinds we used to get from Claire's...Friendship Necklaces

Love the play with black and white here, especially with the photos...see the entry from one of my favorite new blogs here

Sing It, Nina

Due to my stupid finals, I'm short on time and didn't have time to write a long post today, but please enjoy one of my all-time favorite songs...and the claymation as well...what about Nina Simone makes someone think of clay cats??  More on Sunday!

A Mint in Milano

Ok...I just might have to splurge and stay at this hotel when I'm abroad next fall.  Even if it's just for a night.  Hell, a walk through the lobby might even suffice.  This is Alice in Wonderland come to life.  The Maison Moschino Hotel in Milan, Italy is owned by the Moschino brand itself, and sticking to the brand's true fashion, the interior is completely decked out in the most whimsical decor you could possibly imagine.  Setting foot in one of these rooms seems like it would be like stepping into a fairy tale.  The building itself is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city, originally constructed as a railway station in 1840.  Other than the traditional architecture, there is nothing orthodox about the rest of this place.  I truly wouldn't be surprised if there have been reports of guests falling down mysterious rabbit holes...take a look:

A giant bee buzzing above your head at night might make it hard to catch some zzz's...hehehe

Careful!  I don't think you can really eat the pillows...

Sleeping in a ballgown!  Definitely a little girl's dream come true :)

Cover Girl

I love hearing a song and imagining myself in a scene from a movie that would go along with it.  When I heard the cover to Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” by Hugo, I started daydreaming a landscape that belonged in a Tarantino film, most likely Kill Bill.  I’d be driving down a dirt road in the middle of a desert, dusty from the sand kicking up around my Harley (or maybe a Triumph would better suffice…they’re more elegant and after all, I am a lady). Donning shit-kicker boots on my way to kill an ex-boyfriend who did me wrong, I’d be wearing a smirk so sly it’d give the Cheshire Cat a run for its money.  Oh and cool aviator sunglasses too…cuz boy, if looks could kill, he’d drop dead the moment he laid eyes on me.  Ok…getting a little carried away, but check out the cover and I bet your imagination goes in the same direction:

I’m Nuts for Muffins

One of my favorite things about baking is how odd and end items in my kitchen become part of a delicious treat.  Those bananas that have turned almost black sitting on top of my microwave…the oatmeal I bought by mistake instead of the instant kind…the extra quarter pound of walnut halves that I would have put on my instant oatmeal if I had bought the right kind…these ingredients became the foundation for the delicious banana nut muffins I made yesterday after class.  Even better news?  These muffins are actually HEALTHY, so you can eat 2 of them (like I did) right out of the oven and not worry about seeing it in your thighs in a few weeks!

I’ve never baked from scratch in a dorm before.  Boxed brownies, sure, but all that requires is dumping contents from a box and beating a few eggs in.  A two-year-old could do that.  But when resources are limited, when mixing bowls are few and far between, and an electric mixer might as well be a hidden treasure of the Sierra Madre...there isn't a lot of room to get creative.  But since I coincidentally had a lot of the ingredients already in my kitchen, I decided to take a stab at it.

With only minor speed bumps along the way (I had to borrow some eggs from a lovely German exchange student down the hall…and trust me, miming the word “egg” is no easy task), the muffins came out great.  I’m attaching the recipe that I received from my favorite sister-in-law, and once you take a look, I know you will be running to your kitchen.

Healthy Banana Nut Muffins

1 ¼ Cup Oatmeal

½ Cup Rice Flour

¼ Cup Ground Flaxseed

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

2 Eggs, beaten

¼ Cup Plain Yogurt

3 Medium, Ripe Bananas, Mashed

½ Cup Agave Syrup

1/3 Cup Grapeseed Oil or Applesauce

¼ Cup Walnut Pieces

Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.

Large bowl: Combine oatmeal, flour, flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda

Medium bowl: Combine eggs, yogurt, bananas, syrup and oil (or applesauce). Add flour mixture and fold in walnuts.

Bake 20 to 22 minutes.

*note: I used applesauce for added sweetness and density as well as nonfat Greek yogurt

A true MacGyver...k not really...but a little credit here for making due with a plastic fork and paper bowl?  Anyone??

My babies...they do look delicious, don't they?

Off the Cuff

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry I own is a big gold cuff from Evocateur New York.  I drooled over it for the entire 2 weeks it sat in the window at the store I work at until I was lucky enough to receive it as a graduation present.  I’ve never seen anything like it; the ceramic pattern across the band was replicated from a tile floor found in the ruins of Pompeii, and the gold leaf design gives it a worn out, vintage feel.  And I can wear it with everything, be it a Grecian maxi dress or khakis and a button down.  Needless to say…cuffs, like mine, are one of my many weaknesses.

I was thrilled to find a full feature collection of cuffs online at ShopBop, and couldn’t help but add these faves to my wish list.  But now I beg the question…how many cuffs is too many?  I have a feeling I’m gonna wind up looking like Wonder Woman one of these days…

My inspiration?

The texture is unexpected...great for a casual weekend outfit and would look great stacked with other pieces

A set like this allows you to mix and match: you can wear just the skinnier piece for a more understated look, or both for a bigger impact...I think this one would look great paired with the one above

Love statement pieces like this...such a lovely, rich amber hue, great for transitioning between seasons

The Sweetest Thing

Once upon a time, there was a cinnamon roll.  So large that its inch-thick icing oozed off every edge of the dinner plate it sat on, so irresistible it caused grown men to get googly eyed and grab their chests as the imaginary artery blockage began from just one glimpse of this temptress of a breakfast pastry.  As it wove its way through the crowd of drooling patrons, it plopped a seat right in front of a lucky blonde girl with pigtails long enough to propel a helicopter.  And that girl…was me at age 7.

I was warned not to eat too much.  Taunted by tales of sugar comas, the unbearable indigestion that would follow consuming the entirety of this decadent feast.  But I simply did not hear these omens over the “Hallelujah” chorus that was ringing in my ears with every bite I took.  That is, until disaster struck and I was too full to be moved from the booth.  The stomach pains set in and no amount of Tums or ginger ale could cure me.  Laying in bed the rest of that afternoon, you’d think I’d be full of remorse and would want to take back each and every one of those bites.  Rather, it was the day that I realized how chronic a sweet tooth I had, for I couldn’t help but ponder the next day that that cinnamon roll and I would meet again in a union so sweet it would give the Easter Bunny a cavity.

“Dessert Junkie” is understating it.  When you feel the need to indulge in a sweet treat after every lunch, when you compulsively lick the melted butter and brown sugar out of the bowl as you make cookies until there’s hardly enough left to continue making the batter, when you are unable to carry on conversations if a dessert is placed in front of you, when you polish off a box of popsicles sitting on your porch…you’ve got yourself a helluva problem.  It’s a marvel that I do not weigh 400 pounds and am not competing on Biggest Loser.  I’m lucky this running thing is working out so well (see Run Forrest Run).

After all this, I’m sure it’s no shock that my new favorite place in San Diego is Extraordinary Desserts…or as I like to call it, Heaven.  Never, in my entire life, have I seen a more decadent, extravagant, stunning array of indulgence.  I literally did not know what to do with myself upon arrival.  I was ready to clear out my bank account and take all those goodies home with me to have myself a party.  But no.  I was in the presence of company and I had to reel in my Id instincts.  I may has well have been deciding on my future husband, because that is how paramount this decision felt.  I stood there, for a good 15-20, hemming and hawing over the Zebra Brownies, the Shangri-La Cake, the Nectarine Crostada…when the Lemon Berry Pavlova called my name.  And then there was no turning back.  I relished each and every bite…and it was a true match made in heaven.

Will I be returning to Extraordinary Desserts?  Heck to the yes.  On a regular basis?  DUH.  Will they know me by name? No doubt about it.  If I were you, I’d invest in some stock, pronto.

Holi Moly

Today I have added something to my bucket list.  I came across this video a while back and was completely mesmerized.  Not only does this look like a ton of fun, but it has a lot of spiritual significance to the Hindu culture.  And I may not be Hindu, but to participate in an event as special as this one, I think it would have profound resonance.  A Holi is a Hindu festival of color, celebrated in the spring, in which guests throw colored powder and colored water at one another to represent new energy, new life, and happiness in the new spring.  Watch and enjoy…and if anyone wants to take a trip to Utah, let me know.

Wills Power

A happy Saturday to all you readers out there!  Today I would like to give you all a taste of some thing “fabulously British”.  I’m particularly excited about this post because I know come September when I’m in England I’ll be spending lots of time in the Jack Wills stores, otherwise known as the University Outfitters in England.  My friend Susan gave me the heads up on this a few months ago, but more recently I’ve been doing a little investigating as my arrival in Oxford draws near. Many of the styles remind me of something one might find on the racks of J.Crew, but there’s a certain punch of playfulness in the various fabrics and alternative cuts that we haven’t seen before in American retail.  The company prides itself on “drawing inspiration from Britain’s rich history and culture, juxtaposed with a heavy dose of the hedonistic university lifestyle.”  Hedonistic, indeed.  Adding any one of these delectable pieces to my wardrobe would be enough to make me giddy with delight.  Better start saving my pounds now if I want to be properly outfitted…These items have definitely made their way onto my wish list:

The perfect pairing for a jaunt on the seashore.
The Look

I adore the neutral tone of the skirt and the sandals are ideal for any summer occasion.
The Look 

And I’m always a sucker for plaid shirts…paired with peach pants and Oxfords?  A daring move only a true prep is cool enough to pull off!
The Look

Rune Guneriussen

I can’t say enough about these prints.  Alice in Wonderland with a hint of Dali’s quirky surrealism.  Wouldn’t these be great to have at a cocktail party?  Guests would have to do a double-take, wondering if they’ve had a few too many.  The titles are perfectly suited for each photo, such as:

There is no earthly explanation, from wall no. 1

Guneriussen, you clever dog…another favorite:

On the brink, from wall no. 1

And doesn’t think one make you think of the little Pixar icon that comes on at the beginning of Toy Story???

A herd of solitude, from wall no. 1

His sense of humor really shines through with this one…I’d buy it solely for the title!  Loving the personification:

Or this guy, from wall no. 2

Since “all works are made in a limited edition of 5 to 10”, one can only imagine the price tag that goes along with these.  Ahhh well, guess I’ll just have to wait til I become a millionaire some day…

For the complete collection, visit http://www.runeguneriussen.no/index.html

Run Forrest Run

The day I run a marathon is the day that pigs fly.  It’s also the day that someone will find Tupac alive and well and the day that Skittles really taste like a rainbow.  It’s the day that will never happen.

Nevertheless, I have made it a goal of mine to become a runner.  It’s an attainable goal for this summer since all that is required is a pair of shoes and an iPod.  And since I’ll be traveling so much, it would be a nice way to gain a new perspective in a foreign city.

A romantic concept, right?

Little did I know how painful and aggravating this process would be.  Granted, “Athletic” has never been my middle name, but I…work out.  I can go on the elliptical for hours on end like it’s nobody’s business.  And I can hold my breath under water for quite some time…that counts for something…

Let’s just say I’m having not a lot of luck as a beginner.  And my impatient nature adds quite a bit of fuel to the fire.  What feels like 5 or 6 miles to me really winds up being only 2.  I made a kick ass playlist to pump me up, but I usually only get about halfway through the songs.

As my dreams of becoming the next Wilma Rudolph slipped through my fingers, I decided to consult the web for some advice.  I came across this nifty little Nike blog that really has eased my worries:

http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_training-en_US/

Coach Jay answers applicable questions for beginning runners like me, but also includes information on cross-training workouts and has special entries by “Nike Elite Runners.” (maybe one day I’ll be posting on there!...I know, one day at a time…)

My favorite part of the site though is the “Powersong” music section.  I immediately downloaded most of the offerings in the hip-hop section (because running’s just so thug) and have found the selections to be encouraging and quite catchy, if I do say so myself.  Although this is from my personal library, I do think it’s worthy to add to my “Born to Run” playlist:

And if you haven’t had enough of Nike yet, download the free app called Nike+GPS!  It tracks your time, distance, and speed, and also has a GPS so when you run outside you don’t get lost!  Perfect for a runner traveling to a far and distant land, eh? J

And the Prep Goes On

I love coincidences.  Who knew that the first day I start my blog that I would run into one of the most polished and stylish men I have seen in a long time.  I was just minding my own business, going through my normal routine of counting the seemingly endless seconds til my favorite acai bowl from The Brick and the Bell Café is ready to be devoured, when a flash of green caught my eye.  I turned my head to see Lavin, an impeccably dressed prepster sporting Kelly green corduroys, a blue gingham button down shirt, tortoise shell glasses, and a herringbone vest.  I was in awe; it took all my will power not to go up and ask for a photo.  But then…I saw his shoes: weathered brown Oxfords were the cherry on top of this perfect ensemble.  I approached him and snapped a shot, and afterwards learned that he’s an employee at Ralph Lauren.  I wasn’t surprised, but I was shocked that he was a sales associate instead of a model found in the pages of RL’s Summer Catalogue!  I think I’m gonna go on a hunt for some fab cords now…thanks for the inspiration, Lavin!

The Pleasure is Mine

Allow me to introduce myself, Blog World.  My name is Em, and welcome to my blog.  I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a blog for some time, and have now decided to take the plunge due to my upcoming months of travel.  In July, you will be joining me through cyberspace in Barcelona, where I will be living and working as an intern for ANV Insurance.  Then come fall, I will once again hop across that big Atlantic pond to study abroad at St. Clare’s University in Oxford, England.  I plan to use this blog space so family and friends can follow me on my adventures, but I also want to share my daily inspirations.  Every day I am inspired by the world around me, be it a wafting aroma of freshly baked muffins intoxicating my nostrils and igniting my desire to run home and bake, or a new tune popping up on my Pandora and thus fueling my furious investigation of the artist’s bio and other songs.  And how about perusing your favorite online store on your lunch break and drooling at the impeccably dressed models?  Well, I will do my best to bring all those photos here so you don’t have to spend that precious hour scouring a million websites.  Instead, you can just come here!  Through this blog I wish to pass my inspirations on to you.  At the least, I hope I can make you smile!