Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Oh, Ann Arbor.

There's something about Ann Arbor in the summer that I find absolutely intoxicating.  Maybe it's the smell of the grass or the sidewalk chalk.  Or maybe it's the mix of locals and co-eds chattering as they stroll through the diag.  Or maybe just God Man preaching away in front of the Grad library.  Who knows?  What I do know is that it's my home, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Burn fat, not OIL.

I've always been conscious of recycling and reusing bags at the grocery store, but I never realized how much I'm beginning to morph into a "green freak" until today, when my mother called me a hippie.

I'm not quite sure whether it's the recycle-savvy city of Ann Arbor which I call home, or the strengthening of my love and appreciation of our beloved Planet Earth, but I am most definitely noticing rather environmentally conscious behaviors in myself.

Evidence #1: I strictly shop at whole foods, trader joe, and the farmer's market.
Evidence #2: I recently bought recycled toilet paper.  Yes, recycled. toilet. paper.

Friday, June 24, 2011

finding my inner style diva..of sorts.

Fall in love with your closet, treat it well. <3

Lately I've had the inspiration to become a style diva --whatever that means--. Considering the fact that I am absolutely and devastatingly broke (thank you, Sierra, for forcing me to pay $1000+ of your rent FOR you), I've been spending my time de-stressing at the local Salvation Army, as well as the clearance racks at my very favorite Urban Outfitters.

I've enlisted the help of several style blogs to help me craft my wardrobe, which sadly up until now was lacking. With their style secrets and my natural affinity for cheap basics, I've been building up my closet. A truly neverending project, but I must say that of late, I am falling in love.

Some of you may say "well since she's broke, what the hell is she doing shopping?" Well to answer your questions, I allow myself to splurge on clothes (only under $20!), I a) stopped going out and spending money on bar tabs, and b) eat out only at restaurants to which I have giftcards (thanks Mom!).

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

screw google

Google is out... Swag Bucks is in!

Use the Swag Bucks search engine the next time you search the web for something and earn points you can redeem for CA$H.

It's legit..After one day I have 62 points, and according to Marie Claire magazine, it only takes 450 points before you can cash in.

Try it, and consider it my gift to you for reading my blog :)

Monday, June 20, 2011

turning-point

Today I shadowed at a pediatric dentistry office for the first time. Synopsis: LOVE.

I'm hoping to start shadowing there on a regular basis to observe more procedures and how the doctors work with the children. My favorite case of the day was with a boy named Tyler. Tyler has Down Syndrome and an absolute doll! Probably the sweetest kid I've encountered, and definitely the most calm in the dentist chair! Another challenged patient I saw today was autistic. I learned a lot by observing him, including the patience and compassion it takes to help an autistic child.

I believe that today was a turning-point in my path to becoming a dentist. If I ever had doubts about my career choice, they were all extinguished. I am more confident than ever because I know that I am truly passionate about dentistry and about helping people. Perhaps I'll even become a pediatric dentist someday :)


Saturday, June 18, 2011

extreme couponing

As lame as it may sound...I think I'm going to start couponing.

I'm home this weekend and taking advantage of my parents' OnDemand to watch random shows. I came across Extreme Couponing, and the fact that these women can pay under $5 for thousands of dollars worth of food is incredible! I'm not going to go crazy, and my 1x3 square foot food shelf won't allow me to, but paying $50 a week of my hard-earned money on food is painful. Saving $10 a week, I could buy a new dress in a month :)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

i want to ride my bicyle, i want to ride it where i like

Title source: Queen "Bicycle Race"

So I've been wanting a super awesome beach cruiser for a little while now. I'm not SUPER picky...just as long as it has fenders and a basket in the front it's totally cool with me. I just haven't been able to find the perfect one yet. Perhaps it's a little premature, as I currently live on the 3rd floor of my building and I don't particularly fancy the idea of carrying my bike up the stairs everyday. This being said, I'll probably continue to daydream about riding riding my cruiser through town with the wind blowing in my hair and a bag full of fresh veggies from the farmers market nestled in my basket... I could probably stand to not spend the cashola on a bike right now anyways :\

Thursday, June 9, 2011

DAT/PAT woes

Just to give you all an idea of what I'm currently suffering with...


Bethenny

I recently bought the book Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel, used of course (yay for recycling!) and I can honestly say it's beginning to change my relationship with food, even after only four chapters! I've spent my whole life dieting, or thinking about diets, just like most girls my age. Not only is it not satisfying, it's usually not successful. Bethenny's #1 rule is simple:
treat food like your bank account.
What the eff does that mean? Well, you don't want to "spend" all your carbs/fat/sugars at once...and you definitely shouldn't! It's alright to splurge once in a while, as long as you save elsewhere. Have that cheeseburger at lunch! Just don't get the fries.. Just like dropping all your cash at one store and having an entire mall to go! And if you do eat the cheeseburger (or the fries), balance the fat and carbs with a salad with grilled chicken and veggies for dinner.

and never feel guilty. if you honestly crave something and only eat a few bites (savor them!), no "damage" will be done.

This is only a portion of the book, and already the woman's got me convinced. I'm excited to read the rest :)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I was born to survive.



I don't consider myself religious, but..

there's something so inspirational about Lady GaGa's

Born This Way

Saturday, June 4, 2011

the hangover..in real life

Has anyone heard the song "Last friday night" by Katy Perry?

Ohh the glory days of college.. The time in your life when it's appropriate to.... ok perhaps not appropriate, but SHIT who cares?

As you can see, I'm feeling philosophical as I sit here in my hungover state with swollen feet (from my fabulous 5 in. heels that miraculously didn't hurt last night..as a consequence of alcohol), last night's makeup and black pleather minidress.

Cheers to friends, college, tequila, and Ricks!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

chat roulette

Ohhh where do I begin? Yesterday I had the spontaneous idea of going on chat roulette (for the first time..lame). Apparently, the old one was shut down and redirects to a live porn website (not too different from the original). After about 10 minutes of research, my genius roommate and best friend (I pick them for their endearing qualities) came across chatroulette2011.com. It didn't take us long to realize the site is hosted in Russia, and that Russian men, as well as the Americans on our beloved version of the site, enjoy taking their pants off. It made for an interesting night..