Panther Pride

[For those of you not connected with UNI or living in Iowa, this opinion post will require a little background knowledge. This post is in response to the recent approval to close down Malcom Price Lab School beginning this summer. MPLS is a lab school located on the UNI campus. It serves about 350 students PreK-12th grade. The lab school allows a convenient place for UNI student teachers to gain valuable field experience with the guidance of trained and exceptional teachers. PLS is in need of hefty renovations, $30 million, plus $2 million each year to operate. Due to recent budget cuts at UNI, President Ben Allen recommended its closure, and was approved by the Board of Regents.]

As I've been reading opinions on the closure of Price Lab School on Facebook this past week, I have been asked by many family members of what I thought of this loss to UNI. I have a close connection with this, as I graduated from the Teacher Education Program in December and have recently been through the program. I spent many hours at PLS through field experiences in my 4 years at UNI.

First, I think it is a very sad thing and a big loss to UNI, especially its Teacher Education program, which is highly regarded in the state. One of the reasons it's so highly regarded is because of the valuable field experience students receive, which largely take place at PLS. I am very sad for all the teachers and staff that will lose their jobs. I had a lot of these teachers as professors and I know they were so proud to be working at PLS and had been dedicated teachers there for many years. UNI's founding name is the "Iowa State Teachers College", so it's of course devastating to see such a hard hit to the program, my program.

UNI greatly prepared me to be a great teacher and I have faith in it's program. I really hope this does not deter future education majors away from choosing to attend UNI. When I was searching for a college to attend, the fact that UNI had a school right on campus was a huge draw for me. I know UNI will make up for the loss in other ways. I do not doubt that for a second.

Having been through the education program and having many experiences at PLS, I have a different opinion on the effectiveness of PLS. Price "LAB" school is not the most realistic school for a teacher education student to be in. Many of the classrooms had only 12-15 students versus the normal 25+ students in surrounding schools. The students, it seemed, were conditioned to having many adults in the classroom at one time, watching them, taking notes, working with them. It was like the students were in a "fishbowl." The students are used to all that, and I didn't feel it was the most authentic experience. I much more enjoyed my experiences in schools in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo school districts. Even though PLS was conveniently located, the teachers were fantastic, and the experience was invaluable, this same experience can be afforded at other area schools.

From a budget standpoint, in no way do I blame President Allen for his decision. I have faith in him as a leader, and he was forced to make a difficult decision, and he did. PLS was, and is, falling apart. It was in rough shape when I experienced it, and it has not been maintained well. In the foreseeable future, $30 million for renovations or a new school is not going to happen. I do not think President Allen has a vendetta against education. He did what he had to do, and I have to respect him for that. The cuts are happening and they have to come from somewhere. It's always devastating to see the cuts hit education the hardest, but as those in the education world know, it happens all too often.

I am a huge supporter of my alma mater UNI and President Allen. I think he is a respectable leader and it saddens me to see all the hurtful words people close to UNI are putting out there. UNI is in a vulnerable place and spreading the negative media attention is not what is best. The UNI family needs to rally together, put forth a positive attitude, and make the university a better place. Let's instead talk about the fact UNI put on a dance marathon to raise money for UI's Children's Hospital this last week. Their goal was to raise $14,000 but instead raised $56,000! That's why I love UNI!!!!

Today I read this letter from UNI Student Body President Spencer Walrath, and I think it is the epitome of the attitude we need.

Let's not be sad or negative about the changes around UNI. Let's be proud of our UNI community!
I would LOVE to hear any responses you may have to my opinions, whether you agree or disagree. Feel free to comment or e-mail me with any thoughts or ramblings you may have :)

Update: President Allen sent out an e-mail to students, staff, and alumni today. I thought about including just the part relevant to education, but I thought it better to include the whole thing. If you don't wish to read the whole letter, I bolded the section that was relevant to my views expressed in this post.

His last lines gave me chills. :)

March 5, 2012 An open letter to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of UNI: As all of you know, the University of Northern Iowa is a special place -- a place to earn an outstanding education in a beautifully maintained academic setting. Many of you are currently participating in or witnessing heated discussions and disagreements occurring on campus and in the community and are concerned about the future of UNI. Let me first of all assure you that the future of this university looks strong and bright. From my first year on campus the goal has always been to take this great university and make it even greater by focusing on the strengths that set us apart (the finest undergraduate education in the state, the strongest liberal arts core, the premier pre-K through 12 teacher education program). Let me address some of those strengths. I truly believe that UNI offers the best undergraduate education in the state of Iowa. We have an outstanding group of faculty and staff committed to educating our students. We all remain steadfast in that commitment. I urge you to see the current discussions and disagreements as evidence of the passion that is felt for UNI. Rest assured that the goal will remain the same and that we will come together as an even stronger institution. In addition, our belief that a strong liberal arts core provides our students with the best possible education remains in the forefront as discussions continue and decisions are made about program changes. While we all would like to see the funding of our state universities return to previous levels, we cannot let the quality of our educational offering slip while we wait and hope for that to happen. We must take advantage of this crisis to look at what we are doing and how we are doing it. Discussions have been occurring across campus for several years about program changes. While no final decisions have been made, let me assure you that we are going to make decisions that will result in UNI and our liberal arts core being stronger and more relevant for the future. Much concern has also been expressed about the commitment to teacher education. I have spoken the words "UNI must be the leader in pre-K through 12 education in the state of Iowa and among the leaders in the nation" in literally every talk I have given throughout the state over the past six years. That commitment is evidenced by the fact that for the first time ever pre-K through 12 education was added as a goal in UNI's strategic plan; by the fact that the largest gift in the history of UNI was an academic gift directed to the College of Education; and by the fact that the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative leadership is centered at UNI.  To reach that goal requires making changes. Loyalty to the Malcolm Price Laboratory School is understandable; it is convenient, it is comfortable and it is what we have known for years and years. However, not only is the operation of a laboratory school financially unsustainable, but also it is questionable whether the model is the best way to prepare our future teachers. I have been approached by teachers, principals and superintendents from schools large and small within a 30-minute radius of UNI who are excited about the prospect of having our level II education majors in their classrooms. Our students simply must get their experiences in more diverse, "real-world" classroom settings within which they will ultimately teach. We all know that change is difficult in any organization -- it is unsettling and disruptive.  However, our imagination for the future must be greater than our commitment to the past. Sincerely, Benjamin J. Allen

I wish to repeat, "...We all know that change is difficult in any organization -- it is unsettling and disruptive.  However, our imagination for the future must be greater than our commitment to the past."

Genius! I love that. Thank you President Allen.
Thank you to all who have read my views and have shown you support for UNI. GO CATS!

11 Things

I saw this post on Katy and Kaelah's blogs and thought I would give it a go. I was having a hard time coming up with a blog idea and was feeling uninspired, until I read these ladies' posts. I normally stray away from the generic question and answer type of chain things, but I liked this one and I thought it would help some of my new readers learn more about me. [Warning: text overload.] :)

There are 5 rules:

1. Post these rules.
2. Post a picture of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. To to their blog and tell them you've tagged them.

My friend Kristina (right) and I jumping after we hiked up Mt. Vesuvius in Napoli, Italy

11 Random Things

1. I am very nostalgic and sentimental. I will easily tear up remembering a fond memory. I am also afraid to throw anything away. I still have a box of love notes from my 8th grade boyfriend, and probably 5 or so diaries from my elementary years that are SO embarrassing to read.

2. I have a really hard time sleeping at night unless conditions are JUST right. The annoying blue light on the cable box has to be shut off, I need one pillow to hug and one pillow to sleep on, I have a few select shirts that don't drive me crazy to sleep in, and I of course have to be on the side of the bed furthest from the door. (Poor Kevin.)

3. I eat like an 8 year old in every sense. I like sweets, I prefer "normal" American food to any other, and I can't eat a big meal. I am also very temperature sensitive when it comes to eating. If my meal cools too quickly, I can't eat it all. If my water isn't ice cold, I don't drink it.

4. I don't particularly other people's pets. I don't really know when this happened. Growing up we had 2 outdoor hunting dogs and a few outdoor cats, and I liked them just fine. But in my adult like I find myself really irritated at pets, particularly indoor dogs that jump and shed. No thank you. (Sorry, Lindsey!) :)

5. When I first met Kevin I had the biggest school girl crush on him. I didn't tell anyone and just secretly loved him and my heart was broken everyday that went on he didn't notice me. (Gosh I sound like a creepy stalker!) I remember the very first time I saw him and how nervous I got. It took me doing push ups during a drinking game with a few friends to realize how awesome I was. :)

6. I really really really love thunderstorms. Nothing makes me feel more cozy than a summer thunderstorm curled up with a good book.

7. My absolute favorite city is Florence, Italy. I have been to many cities in Italy, and Firenze takes the cake! When I was there, I remember turn after turn bringing some new, amazing discovery. It was a big city but didn't feel as hectic or touristy as Rome. We bought grapes and wine at the market, walked aimlessly around the city, and watched the sunset at the peak of the city. Absolutely perfect. I miss it so much.

8. I think I miss college an unhealthy amount. I am having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I have graduated. It's not that I'm in the "real world" now, it's more of the fact that I don't have tons of friends all around me, thousands of like-minded UNI panthers, and something to do at all times. I can't just call up my best friend and say, "Hey, I'm going to Target, wanna come?" or walk out my bedroom door and ask my roommate if she was as frustrated with this paper as I was. I miss that giant UNI family full of amazing people and amazing memories. :(

9. That being said, I adore Des Moines more than I ever thought I would. I must admit, I wasn't all that excited to move here. However, now that I am here I can see myself here. Kevin and I have been discussing lately whether or not we'd like to buy a home here someday. I used to be set on raising my kids from a small place since both of us are from a small place, and I like being from a small place. But the fact that our kids can go spend a few weeks each summer on Kevin's family's farm and can experience small town life from visiting my home town, the idea of living in a bigger city is easier to imagine. I am warming up to the idea. :) (NO mom, kids won't be for at least another 10 years.)

10. I like things neat and organized but I am a messy person. I let things get messy and then it gets to a point where I can't stand it anymore and go on a cleaning rampage. This happens about every 2 weeks. Maybe if I just picked up after myself (and, let's be honest, Kevin) the mess would be more manageable. I'll work on that.

11. I love handwriting. I miss the days where you didn't have to type everything. My obsession with my own handwriting started in 5th grade when a substitute teacher told me I had very nice handwriting. That might have been the best compliment I could have gotten. Now, I put particular effort into my handwriting. When I teach I always go out of my way to compliment students' handwriting. I also find students are often complimenting my own handwriting, which makes me smile a lot :)

Questions from Katy:

1. Do you drink coffee and if you do, why did you start? I hate coffee. I am becoming accustomed to the smell of it but I can't stand the taste. I even despise coffee ice cream.

2. What is the most important quality you look for in a friend? It's really important to me to be able to feel like myself around a friend. I don't want to feel like I'm being judged by being honest or being my silly self.

3. What is your #1 favorite toy when you were young? I was a HUGE Barbie and Polly Pocket girl. I remember playing with the Barbie grocery store my mom had when she was young. I loved that thing! I also had a large collection of the tiny little Polly Pockets.

4. Do you prefer sunshine or rain? Despite one of my random facts above, I would prefer sunshine. Nothing beats a 70 degree sunshine filled day.

5. What movie can you watch over and over and never get sick of? I LOVE the movie A League Of Their Own. I also love Forest Gump and just bought it for Kevin for his birthday.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Married, maybe living in our very own home. I hope to be teaching in the area. I also hope we have build a close-knit group of friends around us. I will probably start thinking about popping out babies.

7. Skype: Is it more awesome or awkward? I think it's a little awkward! I LOVED it when I lived in Italy to talk to and see Kevin and my family and friends. But I don't Skype at all now.

8. Who is your favorite band and what were you doing when you discovered them? Hands down, it's Brand New. When I first heard them I was in Tonia's car. She gave me all 4 albums for Christmas, and I remember I was home on break, sitting in our living room with my headphones in and I absolutely fell in LOVE. Like, my mind was blown. I have been hooked ever since.

9. Cats or dogs? I like dogs better, but remember, not other people's dogs! I don't see myself ever really wanting a dog. Maybe and outside one. Or my mom's puppy, Shiloh.

10. What is your favorite thing to collect? At the moment, it's things for our wedding! Mason jars, vintage brooches, vintage handkerchiefs, other vintage pieces that will fit in nicely.

Questions for those who wish to participate:

1. Who is your favorite person?
2. What is your biggest pet peeve?
3. If you had to pick one outfit to wear everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be?
4. What is one thing you are really really good at?
5. If you weren't in your current profession, what other profession would you choose?
6. What do you do when you are trying to procrastinate?
7. What are the 3 closets things to you right now?
8. If you were to describe yourself (not physically!) to someone who didn't know you, what 5 words would you use?
9. What traits or quirks did you inherit from your parents?
10. What would your perfect day consist of?

Send me your answers and questions if you do it! Hope you enjoyed learning more about me :)

iPhone Cover

"Oh my gosh Allie we are so sick of hearing about your @$*!# iPhone!" If that is what you are thinking, I'm sorry, don't read any further. However, this post may apply to all cell phone users.

I love the sleek look of my perty white iPhone, but I obviously am not a dummy and knew I'd need a case for it. I searched high and low for a plain, clear case. EVERYWHERE. I literally spent 3 hours one day driving from the Verizon store, Target, Wal Mart, any-phone-store-that-carries-iPhones, mall kiosks, EVERYWHERE! GAH! How hard is it to find a plain, clear case? Apparently very.

You may be thinking plain and clear aren't two words that describe my style. However, crafty and innovative are! Of course I wanted this particular case so I can get crafty. I finally searched Amazon and ordered one (it was perfect, just what I needed) for half the price of what cases in stores retailed for.

Here is my crafty new iPhone:

It's not too elaborate but it's a nice little detail that makes me happy. I tried to use my exacto-knife to cut out the camera whole perfectly but in true Allie fashion I was in a hurry. I'm ok with it. I also tried to make a similar case filler with fabric but I was having trouble cutting it just right, and again, in a hurry. I might try slipping a few colorful feathers in there. I thought about painting the lace but I don't want it to stain my phone.

Anyone else getting crafty with their phones?

My Week in Instagram

I kind of like this little weekly recap via Instagram photos. If you have Instagram, my username is startactingmyage (naturally). Don't have Instagram? That's ok! You can follow my feed on the web here: http://followgram.me/startactingmyage. Or, you can just check back on Sunday's to see what I was up to this week. If that's not enough, I suppose you could become a stalker. But please, do us both a favor and don't.

Here is what I was up to this week:

Made some good ol' fashioned mac and cheese after a particularly long day and it was the most delicious thing ever.

I never get tired of writing my name on the board! But I do get tired of explaining how to say my name 24 times, so now I'm abbreviating it for the kiddos :)

Took a half day to take care of some things, such as an oil change. While I waited I spent some quality time with my friend my planner.

Another delicious meal. Grilled ham and cheese, strawberries, and chocolate milk. I hear chocolate milk is a good thing for your body to drink after a workout.

Yeah, I don't know why I took so many pictures of my meals this week. Maybe I was feeling proud I actually cooked. If you consider mac and cheese and grilled ham and cheese cooking? Ok, so I suck. Maybe I can redeem myself with my chicken, rice, corn concoction with a side of garlic bread?

And here are a few snapshots from Friday night. I don't know this small mustached man, but in the middle of "American Pie" he got up on our table and went on a rant about Rick Santorum, which prompted me to tell him after his performance that he was "my kind of people." I need to hang out in the East Village more often.

And here is Kevin serenading our roommate Brian with "All or Nothing" from O-Town to end the night. I did take a video of this performance but Kevin has forbid me to post it. You'll just have to use your imagination.

And our cab ride home. I thought for a minute this speedometer was telling the truth, that we were in fact going 100 MPH. However, I soon realized it was thankfully broken. I had a heart to heart with the cab driver about faulty dashboard readings and told him the story of my running-out-of-gas tragedy. We're having lunch next Thursday. Just kidding. But we should.

Again, if you have Instagram my username is startactingmyage. I would love to get to know my readers more, so be sure to leave your username as well! I'm kind of addicted to Instagram. If you aren't on the iPhone train, that's ok. You can view my feed here: http://followgram.me/startactingmyage

There you have it. 'Twas another fantastic week. And a bit of good news to share with you all, I was offered a long term sub job AND will be nannying for the same kiddos I nannied for last summer! All that news came to me in the same day. I will be the guidance counselor/reading teacher for the last two months of the year! I couldn't imagine a more perfect job for me. And of course I'm overjoyed to be spending another summer with Miss Peyton and Miss Haley! Polly Pockets, the swimming pool, the science center...it's all calling my name!

Make it a good week, folks!

Thrifting!

Hey guys! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I had a relaxing yet productive and exciting weekend. I ate lunch with my dear friend Stephanie who was in town for a bit. It's always great catching up with friends you haven't seen in so long. I had nearly every class in college with Steph so it was nice to catch up with her. Thanks, Steph!! :)

This afternoon Kevin and I spent a couple hours perusing a new antique store. It was a GIANT antique store (for those in the area, it's called The Brass Armadillo) with lots of vendors and a wide assortment of goodies. I brought a few treasures home with me, and found many others that I would have LOVED to purchase if I had a bigger home.

Here are the items that didn't make it home with me...today:

A very cool feather hat that would have made awesome wall decor in a closet or bathroom

So many cool *overpriced* handkerchiefs in this basket

Words cannot describe how much I loved this lamp! However, I wasn't willing to pay what the price tag was asking.

I loved these colorful pastel dishes. Maybe someday.

I really loved this radio! It was bright teal and worked! I even had Kevin thinking it was cool. But the $28 price tag scared me away. I was on the hunt for some DEALS!

A very pretty serving plate!

I was looking all over for canisters for flour, sugar, etc. and this one ALMOST made the cut. I had plans on purchasing it but after walking around and coming back, I changed my mind. I still may go back and get it someday. Four sturdy canisters and matching salt and pepper shaker for $25. Did I make a mistake passing it up?

I really liked this coat but Kevin said it looked ridiculous on me. I couldn't find a mirror anywhere so I had to take his opinion.

Alright so I didn't really have intentions to buy this dresser but I did love the colors on the drawers!

If I had a house and a full-time guaranteed job, I really would have considered buying this one. It's a refurbished corner cabinet for about $200.

Now that I have tortured myself again showing you things I didn't buy but wanted to, here is what I actually did bring home:

A pretty peach towel with some lovely embroidery for $2

Some very well priced ($1.50) vintage handkerchiefs for our wedding (use still to be determined!). The photo is a little dark, but the purple is very pretty with crochetted edges. The yellow is see through with tiny white polka dots. And, the blue one is a very pretty bright blue with a floral design. Anyone have any ideas of what I should use these gems I've been collecting for??

This might have been my favorite purchase of the day! I can NEVER find vintage jewelry I like but I love this turquoise necklace. For $1.50!

This was another favorite. I have been wanting to start collecting kitchy salt and pepper shakers but have had trouble finding a good set to start with (there are always HUNDREDS of salt and pepper shakers at antique stores). How much more perfect does it get than MASON JAR salt and pepper shakers?!

They are smaller than they appear in this picture, about 3 inches tall.

Kevin found lots of goodies, too, but nothing he "had" to have. When we purchase a home antiquing will be much more fun, and dangerous, for us. His man-cave will be well stocked with old beer signs.

Do any of you go to many thrift/antique stores? Anyone in Iowa have any recommendations? I always love finding new places to go. I also was looking forward to this post so I could spread the love of thrifting! There are so many AWESOME things out there and it's a great way to spend a few hours on the weekends.

Happy Birthday, Kev!

Today is Kevin's birthday! He is 25 on the 25th! He finished out his busy season yesterday so we went out with his coworkers to celebrate and had a blast. I have been giving Kevin a present a day. Today it was his "birthday cake", pickle wraps. I woke up early to make them and served them to him in bed. I think that earns me some fiancé points. Not sure what we'll be doing today but I'm just happy busy season is over and he won't be working any more Saturdays and long long nights!

Happy birthday, Honey! I love you very much.

Peas and Carrots Embroidery

Kevin's birthday is Saturday (his golden birthday, in fact! 25 on the 25th!) and I have been working on one of his gifts all week. I finished it last night and was too excited to wait till Saturday to give it to him and he was too impatient to wait.

I am so proud of this one! I didn't use a pattern, and I didn't pencil it in, it was completely free handed! 

I am especially proud of my cursive!

 

Hanging right by the where Kevin proposed to me! If you are wondering what the heck is the deal with the peas and carrots, read our engagement story here and more peas and carrots stuff here.

 To my surprise Kevin actually liked it a lot. I didn't think he'd care or appreciate embroidery but I think he liked the meaning behind it. It's one of my favorite crafts to date!

TOMORROW'S FRIDAY!!!!

What's In My Bag?

This theme has been floating around blogs for awhile now, and I always think it's interesting. Hopefully you think so, too!

I have two bags to go with both sides of my life. The first bag is my teacher bag that I take with me to school everyday. The second bag is my purse that I use when I'm beeboping around town or going on all those romantic dates Kevin takes me on. I want to start by saying everyone in my life hates this purse and thinks it's stupid. However, every single time I come across someone new, they LOVE it. I mean, who doesn't love a fox purse that comes equipped with ears, button eyes, and a floral print? I was very hesitant to buy this purse for the simple fact it had EARS. But (staying true to the meaning behind this blog) I am an 8 year old in a 23 year old's body and I knew I had to have it. And, I got it on sale at Target for $10! What do you think? Love it or hate it?

So... here's what's in my bag!

Sunnies: Forever 21, $5
iPhone: $50!!! (That never gets old!)--I'll be posting DIY cover ideas tomorrow!
Earbuds: I listen to music constantly
Lipstick: Freebie from Clinique (Thanks again, Grandma!) This is a 4 color palate with a brush. It's the perfect amount of matte and gloss
Wallet: Gift from my aunt for my 21st birthday... been using it ever since!
Chapstick: Damn wintery lips
Sub card: This is a "business" card I leave after all my sub jobs, a little self-promotion on my way to securing more sub jobs! I always carry one around with me, you never know who you're gonna meet!
Sharpie pen: My favorite kind of pen
Gum: You don't want janky breath!
ID badge: There are SO many stores that offer educator discounts! I always carry this with me just in case
Keys: Shows how few responsibilities I have... car, apartment, mailbox; Napoli keychain, bracelet from my little buddy Haley, and spreading that peace!

My second bag is also a favorite. I got it super on sale at Target for $4! It's big and it has lots of pockets. I also love the print on it.

Planner: I am OCD, I love crossing off items on my to-do list, and I love seeing all those sub jobs lined up!
Lunch box: Insulated from my mama! No school lunches for this lady.
iPhone: Oh, did you know I got it for $50? I'm sorry. That's the last time you'll hear that.
Camera: For taking pictures of great ideas I see in classrooms
Water bottle: I drink about 2 of these a day! I got to boot camp everyday and need to be well hydrated!
Wallet: Usually empty
Emergency books: A few of my favorites just in case I come to a class with no sub plans!
Bag o'Sharpies: I'm obsessed. See the DIY here.
Sub cards: More self-promotion. Secretaries, I'm coming for you!

There you have it. I feel like that was way too much information for a "What's In My Bag?" post but I'm ok with it. If you see me on the street, please don't mug me.

Color Run 2012

HOLY CRAP! I can't think of something I'd rather do than this. There are few things I love more than COLOR and I happen to very much enjoy participating in organized races. I am SO totally doing this. Read on if you want to know what the heck I'm babbling about...

The Color Run is a touring organized race that travels across the United States. No matter what part of the United States you are in, there is probably a run close to you. Not many traveling 'things' in general stop in Iowa, but luckily enough for us, we are bordered by three states with superior cities.

Living in Des Moines, I think I am probably closest to Kansas City. However, I do have best friends living in the Twin Cities and family living in Chicago. Maybe I'll run it 3 times!

The Color Run is a 5K race (about 3 miles). You start off with a white shirt and by the end of the race you are rainbowed from head to toe! I can't think of anything that I would love more. Each kilometer is a designated color, and in the end there is a gigantic color celebration. At first glance, I thought it was paint that was creating all the color. It's actually a natural and organic dust (I can't only assume it's magic fairy dust) that is edible (though not recommended) and perfectly safe!

Watching this video will make you want to run it. I promise.

Honestly, how much fun does this look???

I will be running this race in either Kansas City, Chicago, or the Twin Cities. Anyone want to run it with me??

Update: I signed up for the color run! I am running the Twin Cities race for sure, possibly Chicago! If you want to run, you can join my team! If you register by March 1st you get the lower rate of $30, prices go up after 3/1! If you are interested, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you our team name. (Note: The only benefit of being on a "team" is the lower rate. You can certainly register individually. If you want on our team, you are not obligated to run with us for the whole race, though you are certainly welcome to! YAY COLOR RUN!

My Favorite Products

I have been wanting to do this post for a long time and I'm very excited I finally got a chance to do it! I'm a bit of a product junkie and am a sucker for a new goodie to stock in my bathroom. I spend a lot of time in the beauty aisles of Target and get really excited to try something new. I also get very excited when I see a product review on another blog! I thought you all might be interested in the products I use faithfully.

First up is the true inspiration behind this post: Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara. I am in love with this mascara. I repeat, I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS MASCARA. I have been using it since high school and have been faithful ever since. I have tried many different mascaras over the years, but have always faithfully returned to this orange beauty. It makes me lashes plump and long, it doesn't flake, the mascara stays off my eyelids, and it doesn't clump. The rubbery brush helps you control where you are applying the mascara and doesn't get it all over. I can usually always find this on sale, and it often comes in a two-pack, which is always a good deal. I can usually get it for $5 but I think it retails for $6 or $7 normally. If you love mascara, you WILL love this one.

Nexxus Humectrus is a close second for my favorite product. I use this product daily after I get out of the shower. I always have super static-y hair no matter the season, no matter if I air dry or blow dry. However, when I use this product my hair is NEVER static-y. It's a little pricey at first glance ($8-$10 depending on if it's on sale or if you get a tube or in this form). However, it will last you a LONG time. I use about a dime size amount everyday and that is all I need. Even if you don't have a static problem, a leave-in moisturizer for your hair is always a good thing.

This is a freebie I got from my grandma (she always gives me her free gifts when she purchases from Clinique. Thanks, grandma!) I have been using this for awhile and it has lasted. I always get super dry skin in the winter (gross, I know) but this moisturizer is amazing. When my freebie runs out I think I might splurge and buy a real bottle.

 This is my perfume of choice. It's called "Sexy Little Things NOIR" from Victoria's Secret. It's not overpowering but it does last me all day. It's light and florally and has lasted me a LONG time. I use it nearly everyday and have used not even half since LAST Christmas.

I love e.l.f. products! They are SUPER cheap but get the job done. I never use concealer or powder because I can't be bothered with it. However, I picked up concealer and powder from e.l.f. and I actually love it! I don't wear it all the time, but if I'm trying to look extra nice I will throw some on. These are very light but have great coverage and blend very well. I also love this blush/lip stick. I use it daily as a blush and I love the color. Everything in the photo below was $1 each! And that's standard price.

I always used the stick eyeliner until I discovered HIP from Sherri Dupree Bemis (you can see her video in my "Girly Stuff" link. I wear this everyday and I love it. It goes on easy and stays on all day, and doesn't flake. It's also a little pricy at first glance, $10, but it last a LONG time! I have been using it since last spring and have over half left. It does get a little cakey on the top and I have to scrape off the top layer once in a while. However, I would definitely recommend this eyeliner.

I am VERY picky about what toothpaste I use and this is my favorite by far. It's the only whitening toothpaste I have actually seen results from and it's the perfect amount of mint. I haven't gotten any cavities so I'm assuming it's doing it's job on that end, too :)

Last but not least, it's a requirement to have fun Band-Aids in stock. At the moment I am harboring Barbie band-aids in my cupboard. No matter the injury, child inspired band-aids will make it better :) I especially recommend Barbie band-aids because it makes your fiancés injuries much more humorous...for me anyway :)

There you have it! These are the products I love. I am always looking for new products, especially make-up products! If you have any recommendations, send them my way! I would love to try them out and turn them into another blog post.

Hope you enjoyed my favorites :) Happy Hump Day!