Lights

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Lights will guide you home 

and ignite your bones. 

-Coldplay

Almost home! 

Quack Quack

Do you ever have one of these weeks when you're learning something in class and you start to notice it everywhere? I am. We're in the final stretch of classes and my fitness and exercise teacher has been lecturing about what he calls "quack" diets and workouts. It's a fun topic and definitely more engaging than our typical content. We've looked at a ton of ads (which I'm always doing for journalism...) and I've started realizing how much misleading advertising we're bombarded on a daily basis. That's actually not the point of this post, but it is a huge problem because so much isn't regulated by anyone, especially in the diet and exercise industry.
Anyway, I don't think it's a secret that I'm obsessed with Pinterest. I have seen so many negative weight loss tips on Pinterest lately. One pin was especially bad. It suggested punching yourself in the stomach to stop feeling hungry. It also suggested making yourself a snack, throwing it away and then leaving the dishes out for your parents to clean up so they think you ate. Seriously? 
Then, I read an interview with Eve Mendez about her diet. She tries to stay away from dairy. Hellooooo, we need dairy for our bones. Ever heard of osteoporosis?
THEN, the VS fashion show was this week and everyone started hating themselves. I read a couple things about some of the models' diets and workouts. No solid foods for ten days before? No liquids for two days before the show? Hours at the gym a day? How can people live like that?
Full disclosure: I am thin. On the whole, I'm a pretty healthy eater and I do try and work out regularly. I certainly don't claim to be an expert on being healthy. I don't just make healthy choices to maintain my weight, I make them because I'm a human with needs. I know I need some source of protein at every meal to get the energy I need for the day. I know I want some vegetables on my plate because they are good for me and I actually like the way they taste. I love watermelon and strawberries and mango. But, I can't live without sour candy, I eat Nutella for breakfast every day, I love caramel lattes and I indulge in garlic cheese breadsticks from Rollins on Thursday nights. I'm ok with all of that. I'm not perfect. 
Everyone, myself included, has experienced moments when they don't feel great in their own skin. (Do you know how long it took me to feel comfortable wearing leggings? I hate my thighs.) We've promised ourselves we'll eat nothing but fruits and vegetables and burn 500 calories tomorrow at the gym. That's not realistic. I don't know about you, but if I ate nothing but fruits and vegetables all day, I'd be a mess, not have the energy to even walk to the gym and would ditch that plan immediately. It's frustrating to be unhappy with the way you look, but you have to think of fitness as a process, not a product. (Learned that in class. I know, you're shocked I don't have an "A" in this class. I am too.) It's sad to me that so many people are misinformed, not just about weight loss, but about healthy lifestyles in general.
I'm lucky because my mom is a dietitian and has taught me pretty good eating habits. And by pretty good eating habits I don't mean low cal, low carb, low flavor. She's taught me about protein and not filling up on junk food with no nutritional value because it'll lead to a meltdown later (she's had too many experiences with me and french toast on saturday mornings. yep, she's a dietitian and she makes us french toast. the good kind too.) and for God sake, to not order the grande at Starbucks because it's going to make my heart race. She's taught me not to deny myself and about moderation.
When I work out, I do it for me. It makes me feel good and keeps me sane. When I eat, I do it for nourishment. It keeps my body functioning and healthy. I'm stepping off my soapbox now, I just wanted to voice my opinion on some of the ridiculous things I've seen lately.

Sorry for the lack of graphics, I couldn't find anything to illustrate my point.
Peace, love, moderation,
Caroline

Sappy Post

Warning: some sappiness ahead.

The beginning of the year was rough. I wanted to leave journalism and Mizzou behind. I struggled immediately with the workload and my job. I hated all the high achieving, outspoken journalism students around me. I took on too much and couldn't handle of it. In short, I just felt inadequate. But then something changed. I don't even know what it was. All I knew is that I had to make a choice about my future in journalism. All or nothing. I went all in. I joined Magazine Club and felt excited about my major again. I joined HerCampus Mizzou and felt confident in my writing again. I spoke up at work and told them I couldn't handle all the hours I had been given. I suddenly felt like I could take on the world. I wish I could better describe the feeling to you. I was thrown into situations with people I've never met before and emerged friends with them. I reconnected with old friends. I learned a lot of my fellow classmates were questioning their futures too and I didn't feel so alone. I always say one of the most beautiful things about the j-school is that everyone is the same boat. We're all pulling our hair out, doubting ourselves and ready to cry at the drop of a newsboy's cap (hat) so it's easy to make friends. That's really poetic, I know. But it's the truth. I honestly don't go more than two hours without seeing someone on campus I'm genuinely excited to see. I have been so lucky this semester to add some really great people to my already great wolf pack.
I'm not going to be modest, I've worked my butt off this semester. I've had many late nights, many early mornings, and many days when I wanted to quit. I couldn't have persevered without the support of my family, Ryan, my roomies, friends, old and new. Much love and many thanks.

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Official

                                                     It's official.

                                                   We're roommates.

Buster

I have a beagle and this story made me want to adopt all of the dogs. We got Buster when I was in third grade. I was actually scared of dogs. Like really, really scared. But I still begged and begged for a dog.

On December 23rd, My mom woke me and said we had an early present from Santa, so naturally Mike and I ran downstairs and my dad set a beagle puppy, no bigger than a baseball glove on the floor. I ran upstairs and jumped on my bed because I was so afraid. I slowly got over my fear in the next few weeks and was able to pick him up without worrying he would bite me. He was so little he slept inside my dad's button down flannel shirt the first few weeks with us. Over the years he's become a true member of our family, we even celebrate his birthday. My mom even sings about him sometimes.

     These dogs have never seen the sunlight, or roll around in the grass, or been cuddled by a human. I can't imagine Buster not being able to run around our backyard or never interacting with anyone. I hope all these dogs can find a loving home and bring someone the joy Buster has brought us.

Peace. Love. Beagles. 

Endorphins

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Odds

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Commander in Chic

everydayeva.blogspot.com

I was home last weekend and went out to dinner with Ryan and his family. His mom was wearing this adorable purpley grey nail polish called Commander in Chic by Sally Hansen. I told her I loved it and actually made a note to myself to pick some up just like it. The next morning, I was heading back to school, but wanted to stop by Walgreens to print some pictures and pick up some nail polish and found a gift bag at my front door. His mom dropped off the nail polish, along with two other bottles, some Swedish Fish and an adorable Halloween card for me. She's so cool. Definitely going to be wearing this color for a long time.

Countdown

Thanksgiving break: 14 days. I. can't. wait. 

Silk Milk

This semester has been insane. I often find myself on the verge of a breakdown because I don't have any downtime. (You're probably thinking, she has a blog, so obviously she has downtime. I'm blogging on a Saturday night people, don't judge.) Anyway, every week I tell myself, "this week will be better, this week will be better." This week never is better though. My planner starts out looking manageable, but by Monday afternoon, it looks like someone tripping on acid attacked it with a pink pen. It was me, except I wasn't tripping on acid. Anyway, I think this week might actually be better. (I hope I don't jinx it) I have a proposal, quiz and article due Tuesday, a short story (minimum of 6-8 pages, but I'm planning on more) due on Wednesday, an article due Wednesday an exam on Thursday, plus some reading and six one page peer critiques. I only have one meeting as of right now! It's actually looking like a light week. 

This week I am going to take care of myself. 

I've made some goals for myself. 

1. Get to bed by 11 every night. This goal will be the hardest to reach. Usually I stay up late to do homework, but sometimes, I just need to veg out. I'm tired of being tired. 

2. Eat well regularly. I stocked up on a lot of healthy snacks including veggies, hummus, yogurt, *silk milk  apples and bananas. 

durhamradionews.com

freerundiscount.com

3. No soda. Ok maybe this will the hardest goal to reach. I didn't drink soda unless we went out to dinner until I got to college. Now I'm tired all the time and reach for the nearest caffeine source. I'm hoping since I'll be getting more rest, I won't need it. I am allowing coffee and tea since somedays I'm up before the sun  and have full days of classes. I already drink a lot of water, but hopefully this will make me drink more. Lack of water gives me a major headache. 

4. Workout every day. I feel so much better when I do. 

5. Relax. We have a special going on at my work right now on our massage chairs. It's usually $12 for 10 minutes, but we have a two for one going on, so I bought sessions. Definitely going to use it this week. 

*I tried Very Vanilla Silk Milk tonight. It's. so. good. I have a dining plan and I can exchange points for things like milk, small microwavable meals and other snacks at this cute little grocery like place. I have a lot of extra points, so I thought I'd try Silk Milk (4 points vs. regular milk for 2). I needed more calcium, so I'm really excited for it to taste so good! 

Go-to beauty supplies

I love the cosmetic aisle of any store. I love browsing shampoo shelves, hoping to find that one product that promises to do everything for my hair. I have yet to find it. Although I have a product that does a lot. Don't ever go to the store with me when I need any cosmetic supply because it will take thirty minutes. I am extremely cheap in case you didn't know, and I like to make sure I am getting the most for my money, so I like to read all the labels and compare them. I used to be really bad about buying a product and not using all of it before switching to a new one, but I have gotten so much better. Here are my top supplies (all under $10!)

hairstraightening.net

1. John Frieda Frizz Ease Thermal Protection- this stuff saves my hair. The water in Como turns my hair green and makes it extremely frizzy and hard to manage. I apply and comb it through and usually throw my hair into a bun and then run the hairdryer for a few minutes before bed. I can't sleep with wet hair. It usually runs $7-8, but lasts for a long time and I have a few coupons for my next buy.
2. Sally Hansen Top Coat-my secret to faking a manicure. I love painting my nails, but refuse to pay $8 for a bottle of nail polish. I buy cheap polish (we're talking under $2) from Target, Walmart or Forever, apply two coats and then apply the top coat. My polish stays on for at least a week and looks good for at least five days. Under $3 at Walgreens. 

uk.ebid.net

latestbeauty.com

3. TRESemme Dry Shampoo- love this stuff. As I mentioned earlier, Como water kills my hair and I really can't stand washing it, (disclaimer: i do shower every day. i just don't wash my hair. it's totally ok) which is why I love dry shampoo. I also love it because my hair is naturally wavy and I straighten it often, so I like it last as long as possible. It also gives my hair a lot of volume. Usually around $5 and lasts for a long time. 

I could really go on and on, but I'll save that for another post.
Stay beautiful,
Carenpants

Show your body some love day

On my to do list this weekend: RELAX. 

This article gave me some good ideas. 

Deals

Here are five recent purchases for $30 or less that I am loving:

http://www.pocketberry.com/
1. Blackberry Curve- I was due for an upgrade and needing email on my phone, so I went with the Blackberry Curve for $30. I love love love it. I didn't think I'd ever be able to afford a smartphone (ok well actually I didn't think I'd be willing to shell out the cash for one) but this was totally within my price range, and a great deal in my (check)book. 

www.target.com
2. Military Jacket-$30 from Target. I've already worn this at least ten times, so I figure it's a pretty good deal at $3 a wear. I plan on wearing it many more times through the fall and winter. It's perfect with jeans or leggings and boots. I've gotten lots of complements on it already! Definitely a worthwhile purchase. 

 Loveculture.com
3. Brown boots-$30 from Loveculture. These are flat boots that I can wear to class and all day without sacrificing comfort for style. They are extremely versatile and I've already worn them many times! I unrolled the cuff to make the boots higher, but I like the flap rolled over too. 

forever21.com

4. Blazer- $26 from Forever 21. I've had to do a lot of interviews lately and I wanted a more professional look. This blazer in navy is perfect for me because I can dress it up or down with jeans, a skirt, or a dress. It's not a structured as a normal blazer, which gives it a younger, fun feel. I like to pair it with a plain white top and big pearls and a chic watch. 

loveculture.com
5. Cheetah booties- $24 from Loveculture (my new go to shoe store) I saw these and instantly fell in lust. I didn't need these shoes, what could I possibly wear with these shoes. Don't worry, I found something to wear. These are the perfect shoes for me for winter. I'm a whimp about the cold and have a 6'2 boyfriend, so I definitely love a closed toe heel. As I told my dad, cheetah is HUGE this season and I'm a starting a trend with these boots. Ok, maybe I can't take credit for the trend, but shortly after I bought them, I saw multiple pairs in magazines and online. 

I believe in a thing called love.

This story was too sweet not to share. #love

Steve Jobs

"You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backward, so you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something, you gut, destiny, karma, life, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path and that will make all the difference." 

-Steve Jobs, How to Live Before You Die Stanford University Commencement Speech

We watched this speech during my journalism class and I thought it was worth sharing. I didn't know much about Steve Jobs before he died, but he had a really interesting life and such an inspirational story.

My Racing Thoughts

I lied. I did not blog this week. So sorry. This song is my life right. Exam. Lost items. Four articles. 4 meetings. 3 online quizzes. Birthday card. Return dress. Work. Cash check. Conference. Thank you notes. Laundry. My mind is racing. I keeping looking at my planner to remind myself of everything I need to do this week (actually all of this should be over by Wednesday) and it's stressing me out more. #dizzy #sleepy #overwhelmed

Checking in

Hello friends,

I promise I will get back to real blogging soon. Last week, I was property of the J school. This week, I am property of my English midterm portfolio. It's an exciting week because I'm working on a couple stories for Her Campus and I have a really awesome Magazine Club meeting AND...wait for it...a MAGAZINE CLUB FIELD TRIP TO ST. LOUIS! Oh yeah and not to mention I'm going home for a wedding and it's October, which means I can finally decorate for Halloween. (note to self: post about your Halloween obsession.) Anyway, I still need to blog about my fab trip to Breckenridge, or Breck, as all the cool locals call it. Let me give you a little teaser though: crepes.

Well my bed is calling, goodnight friends.

Caroline

Fall Trail Mix

1 part candy corn 

1 part M&Ms 

1 part cashews 

1 part popcorn

  5 parts awesome. 

It is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. I've seen various takes on this recipe. I like to add the popcorn because it's more filling. It's the perfect 2 pm pick me up snack because it has just the right amount of sugar, carbohydrates and protein. It's also not too too bad for you (right?) and can be modified to fit your tastes!
I love fall.
Who am I kidding? I make this stuff whenever I can find candy corn. 

                                               I love my roommate.

                   Everyone is sharing food with me this weekend, I love it!

Mail

The other night Kim texted me and said she was making Salted Caramel Butter Bars. I was super jealous and said, "send me one!" Today I got a package...and inside I found three salted Caramel Butter Bars (and a note telling me to share with Rose...) and I almost jumped up and down. These bars are so delicious and totally made my Saturday. Thanks, girl!

http://nomnomtruck.com/

Inspiration Board

I'm obsessed with magazines. I will read them several times and cut out things I like before I could ever consider throwing them away. I just love the way all the pieces look together. What I've started doing is cutting out things I especially liked. It could just a picture, an outfit, an article, one word, pretty much anything that stands out to me. I was just keeping these in a binder pocket, but I had some free bulletin board space and decided to make an inspiration board. I tacked up any pictures I liked. 

I love this magazine ad. I always save these. Power of print!

Boots, dresses, sweaters, sayings, jewelry, Chelsea Handler. 

Pearls, flowers, cheetah print.

Sour Patch Kids

First last night was sour. I spilled Propel on my laptop and thought I lost my paper and a lot of other important documents. I paced around my room for 15 minutes and then I made a plan. I would study for my exam as much as I could until 11, then I would go downstairs and retype my paper on the computers and then I would do stat homework. (This is the calm version of the story)
Then last night was sweet. My computer turned on, all my documents were saved and I was able to email all my super important files to myself (note: i ALWAYS email files to myself in case my computer ever crashes and so I can access them anywhere, but last night I decided I wanted to edit the paper once more and then I would sent it to myself. Cue me knocking over glass.) I took my laptop into Tiger Tech just to be sure and they confirmed what I already knew: my computer is fine and I AM SO LUCKY.

So in order to tie this post together with the title: first life was sour, then it was sweet and now I just want some Sour Patch Kids.

I'm Only Happy When it Rains...because I get use my new cheetah print umbrella and magenta raincoat!

                                                                 Rainy Day Essentials

Umbrella-$10, Wal-Mart

Rainboots-$24, Target

Raincoat-$9, Wal Mart

Caramel Latte-$3.14, Starbucks

At first I thought this was a little expensive for an umbrella (I am always shocked when anything costs more than $7) but it seemed to be sturdy and the cheetah print was so perfect, so I went for it. Rainboots are a must. I also use them in the winter as snow boots. Target sells fleece liners (note to self: order these today!) to keep your toes warm and dry. I found a rain coat at Sport's Authority that I really loved, but I was not willing to pay $40 for it, so I held off and found this $9 coat at Wal-Mart, complete with lining and a hood. 

Stay dry, 

Caroline

P.S. Ran into Mare at Starbucks and the barista thought my name was Karen. Ha ha.

New York Times-The Trouble with Homework

Weddings

I love weddings. My cousin Jenny is getting married in Breckenridge, Colorado in a few weeks (I'm missing school-whew whoo!) and Ryan's brother is getting married in October. My cousin Meg also just got married and we're going to a big party for her next month. I love both traditional, and not traditional weddings. I saw three beach weddings this summer and almost invited myself. This Barbie and Ken wedding scene made me laugh.

Pinterest.com

Check out my Pinterest party/wedding page. I love black and white in case you couldn't tell. 

Happy Monday.

Keri Hilson--Pretty Girl Rock

Happy Grandparents Day!

Word Nerd

For admission into the J School, students must pass a grammar and AP exam. I've been going to review sessions to prep for these exams andddd---I kind of love them. I won't lie, I've been having some doubts about my major, as I'm sure many students do at times, but we did an editing exercise the other day and it was like a total sign I'm on the right track. In case you didn't know, I love words. That is why I have a blog. Plus I find myself endlessly interesting and assume other people do too. I'm only kidding friends, I think it's important to become familiar with all the social media out there today. #jschoolkid 

I'm a total visual learner and think this is fantastic. 

http://pinterest.com/pin/181380243/

Peace, love, periods, 

Caren

Done and done.

                                                                     

The September Issue

Not sure if anyone has seen The September Issue but it's a pretty interesting documentary. I have work and  magazine club tonight and after I'm hoping to get a bunch of homework done and then curl up and watch it and catch up on a bunch of magazines/newspapers so I can make room for September issues on my desk.
Peace. Love. Print.
Carenpants

Fall

Fall is fun.

Oy with the poodles already...

Oy, I just looked and it's been over a month since I last posted. Oops. I've been a little busy with school starting and moving and watching Lipstick Jungle on Hulu (Thank you, sweet baby Jesus for Hulu) and making lists, etc. Anyway, I'm going to make blogging short and sweet until further notice because I don't know when I'll have the time/motivation. This semester is heavy on the writing and getting up early and coffee. This semester is also for doing a lot of thinking about the future and what is best for me. I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from Christopher Robin for the new school year:

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. 


Much love to anyone who caught the Gilmore Girls reference in the title of this post, which is probably no one, but I digress. 


Love, 
Caroline 

Salted Carmel Butter Bars

The other night I was playing on Pinterest (my obsession, seriously) and I found a picture of some sort of bar that I thought looked delish, so I did some more clicking (I love the internet) and found this adorable blog (click here for full recipe and instructions) and the recipe for what turned out to be salted caramel butter bars. they. are. so. good. I would try to just cut a small  bite-sized piece from the pan, but would end up camping out in the kitchen doing algebra eating way too much of this delicious creation. 

Mix the ingredients for the crust and topping. (The recipe calls for a pound of butter, so you can only imagine how good it tastes...)

  

Presssss the dough into a pan to make the crust and bake for bit. 

Mix and melt the caramels, milk and vanilla.  Please excuse the Christmas bakeware. 

After the crust bakes for a bit, pour the melted caramel mixture over the crust and salt it (you're probably saying, "salt? whaaaat?" but it keeps it from being too sweet, just trust me) then begin crumbling the remaining dough that has been chilling in the refrigerator over the top and pop back in the oven.

                                                            

                                          Final product before it was devoured! 

Love, 

Carencaramelpants

My room-Before and After

After I decorated my room for college, I became obsessed with decorating, so naturally I wanted to redecorate my room for the first time...ever. So, we set aside a weekend, moved some furniture and got down to it. Here's a pic of before:

 Before my room was a reallllllly light blue (almost white) with some mismatched furniture and decorations. So, we added some bright blue paint and repainted all the woodwork white and the room instantly looked brighter and better. I rearranged some furniture and picked up a few new accessories from Target and my room is a whole new place. I love it. Here are a few of the things I found at Target that really pull the room together:

A new bedspread from Target that really complemented the paint. Only $24 people!

This corner of the room needed a little something, and I needed a bit more light, so this $8 lamp from Target was the perfect find!  

My bookshelf fell apart when we moved it to paint. I love this because it stores so many things and looks very organized. 

$14 table! It could be used as  side table, but I usually use it as a place to set and charge my laptop and whatever book I'm reading. 

A little basket for beauty odds and ends  that I can use frequently and need to grab quickly. It even matches my bedspread and was $5. Might get another for the room at school. 

Love love love flowers. As much as I wanted to use real flowers,  it would have been too expensive to replace them every week, so I bought some cute fakes for $2 each and paid $2 for the vase. Definitely doing this at school too. 

A super comfy butterfly chair, also from Target. I spent some serious time in this chair studying for math. Only $30!





We did paint the wall behind my bed just plain white because we wanted an accent wall, so I'm still looking for something cute to do over my bed. I thinking about three pictures or some block letters.


Love,
Caren

Ryanpants

I have to write a post for my fantastic boyfriend for his birthday! (Sidenote: it was actually yesterday, but like I said, limited internet) Anyway, a shout out to the boy who exhibits extreme patience in so many situations with me, such as tutoring me in math, making me grilled cheese sandwiches and being a passenger in my car. I also accidentally hurt him all the time, like stepping on his foot with heels on, or elbowing him, and he is always a trooper about it. He always listens to my rants and laughs at my jokes. And he reads my blog. And for all of these things, I owe him a big thank you. Happy Birthday Ryan!

Lots of love,
Caroline

(Ryan might be the only person who calls me Caroline)

Tom

Forgive me for not posting recently, our internet was down! I need to write a post about my faja, Thomas in honor of Father's Day! Although I have blonde hair and blue eyes unlike my dad, I do look like him a lot. Oh wait, except he's really tall and I'm really not. I am like my dad in many ways. We're both observers and people pleasers and do better in smaller social settings. I also get my stubbornness from my dad, which is unfortunate for my mom. My dad gives me great advice and always thinks carefully about what to say. He is very into soccer, but never forced me to play (thank goodness because I'm awfulllll) He puts so much time and energy into everything he does and I'm always proud of him. He is also an excellent cook! He makes homemade pizza and this chocolate cake that is to die for. While I'm at school he sends me texts like this:

Bee,

Hi honey! I hope school is going well. We are so proud of you and we miss you. We'll see you soon and can't wait to hear all about it!

Love,


Dad

I'm so lucky to have my dad! Happy Father's Day and congrats on making it on my blog!

 Love,
Carenpants