I haven't posted in awhile because 1) I tend to procrastinate and 2) I've been moving from Indianapolis back home to Grand Rapids, Mich. There has been so much to do in the past few weeks that I've barely had a minute to breathe, but I'm finally starting to settle in after my first official week living in G.R. after 7 years. Weird.
Moving back home at 25 wasn't really what I had planned, but I've learned a lot in the past few years that sometimes it's best not to make plans -- you have no idea where you're going to end up anyways!
So for now, I'm excited to spend more time with my family, my friends from home, trying new things (like hot yoga!) and enjoying each day.
Now, just for fun, here are a few tracks I've been listening to lately. Set your speakers to STUNNED.
Chromeo -- Bonafied Lovin'
Ignore the creepy video; I really like this song. I like the "Riot in Belgium Remix" the best but can't find it on YouTube.
Anya Marina -- Satellite Heart
Okay, I give everyone permission to make fun of me after this video. Not only do I have a creepy 1995 version of SIMS above, but this one is part of the New Mood soundtrack. I fully understand how lame I am. And I'm okay with it.
Cults -- You Know What I Mean
Hopefully this song will let me end this post on a high note.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Las Vegas: Work Hard, Play Hard
Last week about 15 co-workers and I arrived in Las Vegas for an annual show and convention. Even though some people might not understand it, this is not a trip we look forward to. It takes more than six months of prep work and you're usually working for 12+ hours a day when you're there.
Even though it's a lot of hard work, spending way too much time with co-workers, eating from a food court or subsisting on cheese-its all day, I think it's important to go explore a city when you have the opportunity to do so. Life is short and I want to see as much of the world as I possibly can.
Monday night Jaime and I went on a dinner date before the madness of the show began. We headed to The Venetian and grabbed a great dinner of cheese appetizers, crab cakes, salad, soup and of course vino at Aquaknox. It was so delicious and the atmosphere was awesome.
The last night in Vegas the girls headed to Pure night club in Caesar's Palace, pretty much on a whim. We hung out on the rooftop patio, ending up meeting some other people in town for convention and were treated to bottle service! Sometimes you never know what can happen when you are just open and up for anything. This was definitely a very memorable night.
Even though it's a lot of hard work, spending way too much time with co-workers, eating from a food court or subsisting on cheese-its all day, I think it's important to go explore a city when you have the opportunity to do so. Life is short and I want to see as much of the world as I possibly can.
Monday night Jaime and I went on a dinner date before the madness of the show began. We headed to The Venetian and grabbed a great dinner of cheese appetizers, crab cakes, salad, soup and of course vino at Aquaknox. It was so delicious and the atmosphere was awesome.
The last night in Vegas the girls headed to Pure night club in Caesar's Palace, pretty much on a whim. We hung out on the rooftop patio, ending up meeting some other people in town for convention and were treated to bottle service! Sometimes you never know what can happen when you are just open and up for anything. This was definitely a very memorable night.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ode to Yesterdog
A couple weekends ago I met my boyfriend and his friend at my parent's house in Grand Rapids, Mich. After a few hours of doing what the boys love to do -- shopping with a strong Canadian dollar -- I forced them to drive me to my favorite food joint in GR -- Yesterdog.
I try to make it here every time I get home, usually with my best friend Kelsey. They have the most delicious chili dogs I have ever tasted -- I seriously have yet to find anything that even remotely compares. I've attempted to find a good hot dog joint in Indy, but have only failed so far. Because I forgot my camera that weekend, I found a great site that has a few wonderful pictures of my beloved Yesterdog.
I try to make it here every time I get home, usually with my best friend Kelsey. They have the most delicious chili dogs I have ever tasted -- I seriously have yet to find anything that even remotely compares. I've attempted to find a good hot dog joint in Indy, but have only failed so far. Because I forgot my camera that weekend, I found a great site that has a few wonderful pictures of my beloved Yesterdog.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Half-Priced Books
Tonight I spent about an hour perusing the aisles at Half-Priced Books. If you've never been to a Half-Priced Books store, you do not know what you're missing! I could seriously spend an entire day in this store. They have books on everything you can imagine and -- surprise, surprise -- they are incredibly cheap.
I found two C.S. Lewis books I have been wanting: "Mere Christianity" and "The Screwtape Letters." Many friends have recommended both and since one of my goals this year is to read more, I picked up both for under $10. I also found two workout DVDs for about half the price they were at Target. Score.
And just to make sure I don't get too dedicated to working out and eating healthy, I also bought a book titled "Mmmm ... Baking" filled with hundreds of recipes for cookies, breads, brownies, cakes and desserts. Semi-fail on my part but I'm excited to try out the new recipes. I will be sure to post my baking attempts here. I think the first recipe I'll try is for Jelly Donut Muffins. Mmmm ... donuts.
I found two C.S. Lewis books I have been wanting: "Mere Christianity" and "The Screwtape Letters." Many friends have recommended both and since one of my goals this year is to read more, I picked up both for under $10. I also found two workout DVDs for about half the price they were at Target. Score.
And just to make sure I don't get too dedicated to working out and eating healthy, I also bought a book titled "Mmmm ... Baking" filled with hundreds of recipes for cookies, breads, brownies, cakes and desserts. Semi-fail on my part but I'm excited to try out the new recipes. I will be sure to post my baking attempts here. I think the first recipe I'll try is for Jelly Donut Muffins. Mmmm ... donuts.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Detroit and Novi
Last weekend I drove to Novi, Mich., to meet Brett for a long weekend. It was great to see him after 10 weeks apart!
We stayed at the Baronette Hotel -- a boutique hotel right next to Novi's shopping mecca, the Twelve Oaks Mall. The hotel is very elegant and modern; I loved staying there and can't wait to go back.
It even has a wine/bread/cheese market in the restaurant, which was perfect since we got snowed in on Sunday night. We just grabbed a bottle of malbec and headed back to our room to watch movies while the crazy Michigan weather piled about seven inches of snow on our cars.
Saturday was a great day to be outside though. We had bright blue skies and while it was still cold, it was just warm enough to go to the Detroit Zoo. Here are some photos of our visit.
We stayed at the Baronette Hotel -- a boutique hotel right next to Novi's shopping mecca, the Twelve Oaks Mall. The hotel is very elegant and modern; I loved staying there and can't wait to go back.
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| thebaronette.com |
It even has a wine/bread/cheese market in the restaurant, which was perfect since we got snowed in on Sunday night. We just grabbed a bottle of malbec and headed back to our room to watch movies while the crazy Michigan weather piled about seven inches of snow on our cars.
Saturday was a great day to be outside though. We had bright blue skies and while it was still cold, it was just warm enough to go to the Detroit Zoo. Here are some photos of our visit.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Friends, Sushi and Banana Nut Muffins
So the past few weeks I haven't been doing much after work. My evening is usually working out and watching some Teen Mom 2 (PS I know you're totes jealous of my life. PPS Why is Chelsea so dumb?! I mean really!). I'm just so tired from work that I haven't felt like doing anything. Add to that the icy/nasty weather and I really don't want to do anything. Sound like a Debbie Downer? Well I probably am, but living in the dreary Midwest all winter long is almost painful. I don't care who you are, you know it's awful.
Anyways, I'm dropping the pity party. Last week I got to spend some time with good friends and that's a great way to break up a bleak winter.
I went to Sushi On the Rocks with my lovely Kappa sister, Victoria. I had never been there before and it was awesome -- plus on weekdays during happy hour they have a few half-off rolls! Can't go wrong with that. If you go, try the Playboy roll, they light it on fire so it has to be good right? It was so great catching up with her; we hadn't gotten together in forever and a life-catch up was very much needed.
On Thursday it was co-friend Jaime's 25th birthday. The other co-friends and I took her to a hibachi restaurant on the northside and then went rock climbing. I think we should have waited to eat five pounds of Japanese food before strapping on harnesses but lesson learned. I don't think I have laughed so hard as I did that night. Love these girls.
Also sometime during last week I made these muffins. They turned out pretty good and are fairly healthy -- I used flaxseed instead of eggs and used whole wheat flour. I found the recipe here.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Anyways, I'm dropping the pity party. Last week I got to spend some time with good friends and that's a great way to break up a bleak winter.
I went to Sushi On the Rocks with my lovely Kappa sister, Victoria. I had never been there before and it was awesome -- plus on weekdays during happy hour they have a few half-off rolls! Can't go wrong with that. If you go, try the Playboy roll, they light it on fire so it has to be good right? It was so great catching up with her; we hadn't gotten together in forever and a life-catch up was very much needed.
On Thursday it was co-friend Jaime's 25th birthday. The other co-friends and I took her to a hibachi restaurant on the northside and then went rock climbing. I think we should have waited to eat five pounds of Japanese food before strapping on harnesses but lesson learned. I don't think I have laughed so hard as I did that night. Love these girls.
Also sometime during last week I made these muffins. They turned out pretty good and are fairly healthy -- I used flaxseed instead of eggs and used whole wheat flour. I found the recipe here.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Journalism is Evolving
This January my friend and co-worker (I like the term co-friend) Jaime and I were interviewed by Butler University for its journalism website. Earlier we had met with the head of the journalism department to discuss changes in the school's curriculum, and to say I'm jealous of the j-school kids who get to study in the new communications department is an understatement.
When we were at Butler the electronic, media arts and print journalism courses were completely separated. Now that we're on the grind at the publishing company, we pretty much do all three -- print and online writing, social media marketing, shooting and editing video, taking photographs, copy editing -- and although we learned a lot at Butler, many of the skills I have learned since graduating have been learned through experience and adapting my journalistic skills as necessary.
While adapting your skills is something that will happen to every graduate at their first job, and correspondingly at every new job thereafter, the fact that the new communications department at Butler is combining all three departments (electronic, media arts and print) will only make students more prepared.
Anyways, long story short, here's the story featuring me and Jaime. And here's a great article about entrepreneurial media in my home state of Michigan and how media as a whole is evolving. Tip for younger journalists -- learn every medium, because when you get hired, you'll have to know and do it all.
When we were at Butler the electronic, media arts and print journalism courses were completely separated. Now that we're on the grind at the publishing company, we pretty much do all three -- print and online writing, social media marketing, shooting and editing video, taking photographs, copy editing -- and although we learned a lot at Butler, many of the skills I have learned since graduating have been learned through experience and adapting my journalistic skills as necessary.
While adapting your skills is something that will happen to every graduate at their first job, and correspondingly at every new job thereafter, the fact that the new communications department at Butler is combining all three departments (electronic, media arts and print) will only make students more prepared.
Anyways, long story short, here's the story featuring me and Jaime. And here's a great article about entrepreneurial media in my home state of Michigan and how media as a whole is evolving. Tip for younger journalists -- learn every medium, because when you get hired, you'll have to know and do it all.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Fun in Philly
Last Spring I attended the ACES conference in Philadelphia with a few co-workers. Being a Midwest girl, I had some preconceived notions about Philly -- I mean, I imagined it would be dirty and full of mean people. I fully admit to my ignorance and was seriously impressed with the City of Brotherly Love. I had a great time exploring the Reading Terminal Market for the best eats and hitting up Old City and meeting locals at Sassafras Bar.
My friend Jaime and I walked to Philly Cupcake from the conference for a little break.
One of the days we took a walk around the city and ran into the set of Dark Fields, a movie starring Bradley Cooper as a writer who becomes addicted to prescription pills. It's set to come out this year. We even got to see Bradley get whisked off the set and into his waiting black SUV. He's pretty delish BTW.
More of Philly ...
My friend Jaime and I walked to Philly Cupcake from the conference for a little break.
One of the days we took a walk around the city and ran into the set of Dark Fields, a movie starring Bradley Cooper as a writer who becomes addicted to prescription pills. It's set to come out this year. We even got to see Bradley get whisked off the set and into his waiting black SUV. He's pretty delish BTW.
More of Philly ...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Music for Your Snowpocalypse
Chances are if you're anywhere in the US and Canada this week, you're about to get pummeled with snow, freezing rain and, if you live in Indy, no chance the roads will ever be plowed or salted (sorry -- the snow removal in this city bothers me almost as much as the entire state of Ohio -- almost).
Anyways, while you'rewatching Jersey Shore reruns working from home, put these songs on for some added inspiration. And yes, I know none of them are new, but they're still great and worth listening to again and again.
1. Miike Snow -- Sylvia
2. Passenger -- Night Vision Binoculars (Okay, so it's like the Stalker's National Anthem -- it's still good!)
3. Guster -- Satellite
4. Phoenix -- Lisztomania (Classixx Version)
5. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals -- Paris (Ooh La La)
Anyways, while you're
1. Miike Snow -- Sylvia
2. Passenger -- Night Vision Binoculars (Okay, so it's like the Stalker's National Anthem -- it's still good!)
3. Guster -- Satellite
4. Phoenix -- Lisztomania (Classixx Version)
5. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals -- Paris (Ooh La La)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
New Mexico
This summer I was sent to Taos, New Mexico for work. This state is stunningly beautiful. I felt very lucky driving on the winding highways through the shadowy mountains taking in the scenery. I often stopped to take pictures of the immense rocky gorges or the hot pink flowers laced with prickly pear cactus. Here are some photos from my trip:
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This dip is SO simple to make, but trust me, it's delish. I found it here.
In a crock pot, mix:
-One 8 oz. package of cream cheese.
-1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
-1/2 cup of Ranch dressing.
-1/2 cup of Frank's Red Hot Sauce.
-One 12 oz. can of cooked chicken, drained.
Cook on HIGH for one hour, then turn to low to keep warm. Serve with celery sticks and crackers. Enjoy!
In a crock pot, mix:
-One 8 oz. package of cream cheese.
-1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
-1/2 cup of Ranch dressing.
-1/2 cup of Frank's Red Hot Sauce.
-One 12 oz. can of cooked chicken, drained.
Cook on HIGH for one hour, then turn to low to keep warm. Serve with celery sticks and crackers. Enjoy!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Music Monday
My brother always keeps me in tune with the latest music and for Christmas he got me a bunch of great music to keep me awake during my drive back to Indy.
My favorite is The National's High Violet. Download "Sorrow," I like it because it has some great piano melodies in it.
He also gave me The XX's self-titled album. It's very mellow and a little different from what I'm used to, but I loved it all the same. Check out "Islands."
Here are a few other songs I've been loving lately:
Miike Snow -- Black and Blue
Empire of the Sun -- Walking on Dreams
Passion Pit -- Little Secrets
My favorite is The National's High Violet. Download "Sorrow," I like it because it has some great piano melodies in it.
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| http://www.pastemagazine.com/ |
Here are a few other songs I've been loving lately:
Miike Snow -- Black and Blue
Empire of the Sun -- Walking on Dreams
Passion Pit -- Little Secrets
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Mont Tremblant
Last weekend I spent the days snowboarding in Mont Tremblant which is about an hour and a half north of Montreal. My boyfriend, a few of his friends and I were lucky to rent a very nice chalet close to the hills. The skiing there definitely beats anything we have in the Midwest, and I hope I can go back next year!
Here are some photos from the trip:
Here are some photos from the trip:
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| The first day was -22 degrees on the summit! |
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| View of the Village from the Mountain. |
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| The boys in the chalet. |
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| Warming up by the fire in the Village. |
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Things I like this week ...
1. Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
2. Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
3. Great vegan recipes from the Eat and Talk blog.
4. This YouTube video. Hilarious!
5. The Dean Martin station on Pandora. Maybe because it's because of the holidays but I promise it'll make you smile.
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| strangeglue.com |
2. Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
4. This YouTube video. Hilarious!
5. The Dean Martin station on Pandora. Maybe because it's because of the holidays but I promise it'll make you smile.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Running Around Kansas City
Last week I was in Kansas City for work. I had some extra time so I went for a run downtown. One thing that I like about this city is some of the unique architecture:
I'm a journogeek so I loved this building. What an awesome place to work.
Last time I was in KC I stopped by the Country Club Plaza. Pretty much every shopper's dream with Tiffany's, Coach, Burberry and about a hundred others.
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| Barney Allis Plaza (photo from KCphotos.com) |
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| Kansas City Star (KansasCity.com) |
Last time I was in KC I stopped by the Country Club Plaza. Pretty much every shopper's dream with Tiffany's, Coach, Burberry and about a hundred others.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Indy Weekend with the Parents
This weekend my parents came down from Grand Rapids to visit. A couple of highlights were dinner at the Aristocrat in Broad Ripple -- an Irish pub with all the essentials.
My dad had the fish and chips which he loved, my mom enjoyed her turkey burger and I absolutely loved my chicken gorgonzola which had a blue cheese sauce with red peppers and walnuts -- seriously it was amazing!
Another treat from the weekend: pumpkin muffins from the Fresh Market!
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| Aristocrat |
Another treat from the weekend: pumpkin muffins from the Fresh Market!
Monday, November 1, 2010
What I'm Reading Right Now: The Magus
With a hectic travel schedule combined with constant deadlines at work, reading for leisure is definitely one of the simple pleasures I am thankful for.
I stumbledupon this list by Time of the top 100 Hundred Novels (the original inspiration for this blog) and started with John Fowles' "Magus." The novel is written from the point of view of a narcassistic young man, Nicholas Urfe, who takes a teaching position on an unnerving island off the coast of Greece, where he forms a friendship with a rich man who lives on the island's coast.
The book delves into the mind games the old man, Conchis, plays with Nicholas. While the writing is impressively descriptive -- "The house was as quiet as death, as the inside of a skull."-- and the suspense of the games results in a page turner, I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to understand the point of these constant lies and game changers. Regardless, I'm eager to finish the story and discover where the confusion will lead to an ending.
"It poured with rain the day I left. But I was filled with excitement, a strange exuberant sense of taking wing. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed a new land, a new race, a new language; and, although I couldn't have put it to words then, I needed a new mystery."
I stumbledupon this list by Time of the top 100 Hundred Novels (the original inspiration for this blog) and started with John Fowles' "Magus." The novel is written from the point of view of a narcassistic young man, Nicholas Urfe, who takes a teaching position on an unnerving island off the coast of Greece, where he forms a friendship with a rich man who lives on the island's coast.
The book delves into the mind games the old man, Conchis, plays with Nicholas. While the writing is impressively descriptive -- "The house was as quiet as death, as the inside of a skull."-- and the suspense of the games results in a page turner, I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to understand the point of these constant lies and game changers. Regardless, I'm eager to finish the story and discover where the confusion will lead to an ending.
"It poured with rain the day I left. But I was filled with excitement, a strange exuberant sense of taking wing. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed a new land, a new race, a new language; and, although I couldn't have put it to words then, I needed a new mystery."
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Listen to this: Metric
I pretty much love indie music, and I love Canada, so it only makes sense that I love Metric from Toronto. I haven't heard that much of them in the States besides on Pandora, but they are very popular with our neighbors to the North. The band's chords have a fuzzy sound similar to the Silversun Pickups and vocalist Emily Haines gives the band a unique flavor.
Their current single is "Help I'm Alive" on their Fantasies album. Other songs to check out are: "Gimme Sympathy," "Stadium Love" and "Gold Guns Girls." Oh and for your Twihards, their song "All Yours" was on the Eclipse movie.
Their current single is "Help I'm Alive" on their Fantasies album. Other songs to check out are: "Gimme Sympathy," "Stadium Love" and "Gold Guns Girls." Oh and for your Twihards, their song "All Yours" was on the Eclipse movie.
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| Photo by MetroWeekly.com |
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Toronto in the Fall
Fall is my favorite time of year: the colors, the cooler, crisp weather and of course, the best events of the year: Oktoberfest, Halloween and Butler Homecoming. I spent last weekend in Toronto and got a first hand tour of the city on the back of a motorbike.
First stop: Beaches Park.
With a spectacular view of Toronto's cityscape, walking trails, sand volleyball courts and obviously, beach access, Beaches Park is a great stop during a sunny fall day.
Second stop: Second Cup Coffee on Queens Quay. I love going to new venues, even if this is a large chain, because we don't have any Second Cup's in the U.S. We grabbed a cup of joe and sat on the dock extending from the store's front watching the tourist boats pass in the harbour.
Date night: I got a great surprise that night -- dinner on top of the CN Tower at 360 Restaurant! The restaurant rotates completely every 72 minutes giving you a full view of the city. At our table we could even see the lights from Buffalo, N.Y. across Lake Ontario.
360 had an extensive wine list -- we picked the Bogle Petit Sirah --and a great selection of appetizers and entrees.
We decided on the seafood appetizer which included fresh crab, salmon, oysters, mussels and shrimp served on a chilled platter. It was the perfect starter for us; not too filling but enough for us to savor it while we waited for our entrees.
Brett chose the rack of lamb, while I selected the prime rib (I know, I know, I'm supposed to be a veggie, but sometimes I just can't say no to a juicy prime rib! Please don't judge me!). Both meals were amazing, and our attentive waiter made it a perfect date night.
After dinner we went to soak in the views on the outdoor observatory deck. Seeing the flashing lights on Yonge street, all the way around the lake to Missassauga and beyond was the cherry on top of a perfect night. Anyone visiting Toronto (or locals) should take the time to visit the CN tower.
First stop: Beaches Park.
With a spectacular view of Toronto's cityscape, walking trails, sand volleyball courts and obviously, beach access, Beaches Park is a great stop during a sunny fall day.
Second stop: Second Cup Coffee on Queens Quay. I love going to new venues, even if this is a large chain, because we don't have any Second Cup's in the U.S. We grabbed a cup of joe and sat on the dock extending from the store's front watching the tourist boats pass in the harbour.
Date night: I got a great surprise that night -- dinner on top of the CN Tower at 360 Restaurant! The restaurant rotates completely every 72 minutes giving you a full view of the city. At our table we could even see the lights from Buffalo, N.Y. across Lake Ontario.
360 had an extensive wine list -- we picked the Bogle Petit Sirah --and a great selection of appetizers and entrees.
We decided on the seafood appetizer which included fresh crab, salmon, oysters, mussels and shrimp served on a chilled platter. It was the perfect starter for us; not too filling but enough for us to savor it while we waited for our entrees.
Brett chose the rack of lamb, while I selected the prime rib (I know, I know, I'm supposed to be a veggie, but sometimes I just can't say no to a juicy prime rib! Please don't judge me!). Both meals were amazing, and our attentive waiter made it a perfect date night.
After dinner we went to soak in the views on the outdoor observatory deck. Seeing the flashing lights on Yonge street, all the way around the lake to Missassauga and beyond was the cherry on top of a perfect night. Anyone visiting Toronto (or locals) should take the time to visit the CN tower.
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