tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77062933510911906262024-02-23T20:03:44.246-06:00Preppy PremedBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-7396471004447581482013-03-07T21:03:00.000-06:002013-03-07T21:03:45.371-06:00The Month in InstagramStudying for the MCAT and blogging do not mix. However, I owe you all at least an update on my life! February was one of those months that just flew on by. I couldn't even remember what happened until I checked up on my Instagram pics and looked back at my calendar.<br />
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So here we go, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>My February in Instagram Pics</b></span>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iYgZkQQY-DOGCWI0fNYDRZDc5rCXcx4u8ENX5WDOs6Ms6J9TnNIT1saMUgKGYe9UipjFX9375Nev1_LOnV65w09nibfoVzdQJgFHTQrB3kRLTbg7ZlyJbWFYPQRGHSaVOHHpV6QkK7Nz/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iYgZkQQY-DOGCWI0fNYDRZDc5rCXcx4u8ENX5WDOs6Ms6J9TnNIT1saMUgKGYe9UipjFX9375Nev1_LOnV65w09nibfoVzdQJgFHTQrB3kRLTbg7ZlyJbWFYPQRGHSaVOHHpV6QkK7Nz/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apparently, it snowed a lot. These are some views of frozen Lake Michigan outside of my dorm window and from around campus.</div>
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My campus is a winter wonderland! And I'm SO sick of it...it's March already. This snow should be out of here!</div>
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I've been spending more time downtown. I never realized in the 3 years I've been at Loyola how easy it is to take the shuttle to the downtown campus. My friends and I spent a Friday night studying at the downtown library...hey, there's no shame in that, is there?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuqQpl2i3qP8kdDBfuT4R0P2pfzBSoJqQ8m1F9yVkVO80i5jmNwW9eEbyv_sWw0tve1vgZKCkbXE9lcwKa-NJdZiBfefSXxcSlkuYy_9zGwKxEKxDIdapz7DZMW1gc3uCJm2_hEuAlfl3/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuqQpl2i3qP8kdDBfuT4R0P2pfzBSoJqQ8m1F9yVkVO80i5jmNwW9eEbyv_sWw0tve1vgZKCkbXE9lcwKa-NJdZiBfefSXxcSlkuYy_9zGwKxEKxDIdapz7DZMW1gc3uCJm2_hEuAlfl3/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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An afternoon view from the downtown LUC library</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNruGnQ90VwdfYyT-E136uYY6wKETs_aMIRTt16ScsFd9Vkz9yv4m4VMtj-wzSq1-oHHIqcfml_UiplrgaX-3y3WV6-TyoU259-W8uS3g_ZWHYk1YMP-ju1mmSKRkuHdwVYYqaocdkt20k/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNruGnQ90VwdfYyT-E136uYY6wKETs_aMIRTt16ScsFd9Vkz9yv4m4VMtj-wzSq1-oHHIqcfml_UiplrgaX-3y3WV6-TyoU259-W8uS3g_ZWHYk1YMP-ju1mmSKRkuHdwVYYqaocdkt20k/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Downtown study sesh! Maybe it'll become a tradition during this MCAT season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4zwr2LWrbPY5eo8Oy71QQiHx0Cn8kS8BNiG1ax4VbegZ8Iy9eQvooavfVMs3TzQkOFKc5U1rtl_8V2uA6oOwWU3hu2BWT8GCg8dLv_o-3F8OFzTdVi72U2ClPThlCEHzt6e5AJX_s3fN/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4zwr2LWrbPY5eo8Oy71QQiHx0Cn8kS8BNiG1ax4VbegZ8Iy9eQvooavfVMs3TzQkOFKc5U1rtl_8V2uA6oOwWU3hu2BWT8GCg8dLv_o-3F8OFzTdVi72U2ClPThlCEHzt6e5AJX_s3fN/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also apparently ate a lot of food in February. This is my favorite burger in Chicago. I've raved about it before on this blog. It's the Kimchi burger from Bop N' Grill. Fried egg, kimchi, caramelized onions...put simply, it's amazing in all its gooey glory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ396zr410LggUFpegeoDg8hKoqXImsmUUK0aJWS6VLw5hekjc2D-UmL_thjhnZiu4PeZyI7EYobJaKekEmO8xF4HiBp8TppNgs5Att-ATo5uZ6sL2Ng9fW_u8lRNyY8vt-x0GgRuAc0K/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ396zr410LggUFpegeoDg8hKoqXImsmUUK0aJWS6VLw5hekjc2D-UmL_thjhnZiu4PeZyI7EYobJaKekEmO8xF4HiBp8TppNgs5Att-ATo5uZ6sL2Ng9fW_u8lRNyY8vt-x0GgRuAc0K/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a chicken sharma sandwich. It's a middle eastern sandwich on a type of pita bread, and it's DELICIOUS! One of my favorite parts about Loyola is that Devon, a neighborhood featuring all sorts of middle eastern and Indian restaurants, is right down the street, so I get to try all different kinds of food I wouldn't normally eat...like this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WP0VqAn3FdRvBP57I430Q1QN7BinPvEINyBC0e0cus6hu4bfv_oN30UPl4pgPlu4XShZ0YBo0LyD6Vb2mio2hKU3e0p_-xji80hnBgSw84EqCCqBn4kxZBCdWnSwPhieMksDWZ_9wHDo/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WP0VqAn3FdRvBP57I430Q1QN7BinPvEINyBC0e0cus6hu4bfv_oN30UPl4pgPlu4XShZ0YBo0LyD6Vb2mio2hKU3e0p_-xji80hnBgSw84EqCCqBn4kxZBCdWnSwPhieMksDWZ_9wHDo/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Basically the only thing I'm living on using my meal plan. I was so happy to find our dining services offering something that is 1) actually healthy and 2) doesn't make my stomach upset. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmHTU24HT1cWeYUHQt-KyPSCucBBJh8UJR0oTdEpvVPbW4A1wjh8RUaxPPkDNfq5KAzXP82r-rgEATDRsG9zn7zsYKvBpsexDEvdotAfIuyhojCWjvSnbJHpttQFUQKEXs0OQ2skGC6Xk/s1600/285327_4225848576118_33162241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmHTU24HT1cWeYUHQt-KyPSCucBBJh8UJR0oTdEpvVPbW4A1wjh8RUaxPPkDNfq5KAzXP82r-rgEATDRsG9zn7zsYKvBpsexDEvdotAfIuyhojCWjvSnbJHpttQFUQKEXs0OQ2skGC6Xk/s320/285327_4225848576118_33162241_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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I volunteered through my sorority at a benefit event downtown. I know it's dark, but yes, that is a MONKEY on my shoulder. A real live monkey. In a costume. Without going into details, the event was absolutely AMAZING and was for a good cause. (Oh, and by the way? There were real camels too. Be jealous!)</div>
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Other news:</div>
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<li>I'm getting an apartment for next year! Finally, my very own apartment! I'm so excited to decorate it and make my own meals for a change. The kitchen in my new apartment is the same size as the one I have now, but for two people rather than four. That's a big change for me!</li>
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<li>I'm trying to figure out my summer plans. Right now it's just a waiting game to see what opportunities come through.</li>
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<li>These next few weeks are going to be NUTS. A mixer, formal, St. Patty's Day (this year I'm seeing the green Chicago river! It's happening!), Aziz Ansari, spring retreat, and then Easter. And studying somewhere in between.</li>
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But...I think this Dove chocolate wrapper sums it all up:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi875k37Ppfu89rr-D_xBmOwMnxzIKHWzvTxXL9vMDx7kByOx6QEQlLZlyJPJs-xNNv8zYDXa8S024KgCiKhodkLtfWF2yCJhYaFtpgSxTqKfTl3JAUxEisCM5tL3t-ZRI-s8l7BlFslntV/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi875k37Ppfu89rr-D_xBmOwMnxzIKHWzvTxXL9vMDx7kByOx6QEQlLZlyJPJs-xNNv8zYDXa8S024KgCiKhodkLtfWF2yCJhYaFtpgSxTqKfTl3JAUxEisCM5tL3t-ZRI-s8l7BlFslntV/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130307+195614.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Get out there and make your dreams happen.</i></div>
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And that's exactly what I'm doing.</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-7234785413994051092013-02-08T17:37:00.001-06:002013-02-08T17:37:48.089-06:00Liebster Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A while back, Belle, who blogs at the aptly titled "<a href="http://thelifeandtimesofbelleh.blogspot.com/">The Life and Times of Belle</a>" (it's an amazing blog! You have to all go and check it out!) nominated me for the Liebster Award! I know a few others have nominated me in the past--I'm sorry it's taken me so long to finish this survey. I think these awards are a great way to show all of you the weird things that I do. So without further ado...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pRdC6vKvx2OwuVtKXg3eAKTJfyLdfvdXm3CI87YHMGKEpqBtihiR6nF9K5pb2RI8qBTudCn_FXOXiA3uucK2N_zZ5uvhzkfBX6OIkCJA0gVUGizvunEe7fn8pUEueKyLDECMF_STU5-n/s1600/Liebster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pRdC6vKvx2OwuVtKXg3eAKTJfyLdfvdXm3CI87YHMGKEpqBtihiR6nF9K5pb2RI8qBTudCn_FXOXiA3uucK2N_zZ5uvhzkfBX6OIkCJA0gVUGizvunEe7fn8pUEueKyLDECMF_STU5-n/s1600/Liebster.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">11 Random Facts about Me:</span></u></b><br />
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<li><b>I can solve a Rubik's Cube</b>. Well, I could a few years ago. Don't know if I can remember how to do it anymore!</li>
<li><b>My favorite food is Italian.</b> Gotta love me some carbs! I'm not going to lie, this might be one of the main reasons</li>
<li><b>My sister is a freshman at college, and is majoring in theater.</b> I miss her!</li>
<li><b>I wanted to be an astronaut until I was an age I don't want to admit</b> (I still kinda want to be an astronaut...have you guys seen this? They're looking for people to go to MARS!)</li>
<li><b>I can't study in my dorm room at all. </b></li>
<li><b>I'm seeing Aziz Ansari on March 23rd!</b></li>
<li><b>I keep a file of my favorite quotes on my computer.</b></li>
<li><b>I don't like Beyonce.</b> Or at least I'm not as obsessed with her as the rest of America is right now.</li>
<li><b>I'm obsessed with Burt's Bees.</b></li>
<li><b>I'm a horrible cook. </b>I haven't had much experience cooking and have somehow survived off of dining hall food for the past three years. Hopefully that will change in the near future. Some of my friends can make the greatest dishes, and I aspire to be them someday!</li>
<li><b>I'm like Katniss when it comes to archery</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>It's a gift guys. Not that I want to brag or anything, but whenever I had to do archery in Girl Scouts or for gym class, I always <i>nailed </i>it. I even won some little archery award from Girl Scout camp when I was a kid. I haven't done it in years, though, so I'm sure the magic has worn off.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Belle's Questions (she asked some great ones!):</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>1. What is you favourite part of your bedroom? (mine's my picture wall!) </b>My dorm bedroom isn't very exciting at all. It'd probably have to be my wall of equations for the MCAT (yep, saving that for another post).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>2. What app couldn't you live without?</b> Foursquare! I don't care if people know that I go to the library to study almost every day, I just want the badges.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>3. What's your fave movie for snuggling up and watching on cold wintry afternoons? </b>I don't have a favorite movie that I watch over and over again, but during the winter you'll probably find me watching all the movies that are up for Oscar nominations. I try to watch most of them before the ceremony!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>4. Are you team Coca-Cola or team Pepsi? </b>This isn't even a question. Of COURSE I'm Team Coca-Cola. I drink Diet Coke like it's water (and no, that's not a good thing)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>5. What's your favourite breakfast?: </b>Oatmeal! You can do so much with it--put in brown sugar, raisins, fresh fruit, you name it. Our health clinic at school sends out Facebook statuses once in a while and once posted that oatmeal is basically made up of "little pillows that soak up fat". I'm serious here. That's something I like to believe.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>6.</b> <b>Would you rather go back in time to meet your ancestors or go into the future to meet your great grandchildren? </b>Back in time--I'd rather see what the world was once like than see the future. Maybe I have a pessimistic view on society, but I feel like things were so much better fifty to a hundred years ago. Or least easier, in some respects. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>7. Who's your favourite Disney character? </b>Belle. I always was the bookworm in elementary and middle school--I'd literally read underneath my desk while the teacher was talking (yep, I was a rebel). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>8. Would you rather have a years free Starbucks or free iTunes music? </b>This is a tough one, but a year of free Starbucks would make me fat, as much as I would enjoy it. I have to go with a year of free iTunes music. That way I could discover new genres and artists.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>9. Team Stefan or Team Damon? </b>Team Damon! I always go for the underdogs. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>10. Would you rather always be overdressed or under dressed? </b>Overdressed. I don't judge people who wear sweatpants to class, but I personally can't get anything done if I do. I just feel like going back to sleep.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>11. Do you like snow? </b>Heck no, I'm DONE with it. It's basically turned all the roads and sidewalks into a sludgy, icy winter version of a slip n' slide.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">I nominate....anyone who wants to be nominated! </u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you want to do this meme, go ahead! I don't want to handpick people, I love everyone's blogs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are your 11 questions, in a "This or That" format:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Mac or PC?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Ereaders or books?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Sweet or sour?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Winter or summer?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Lipgloss or lipstick?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Do you want to live in the city or the country?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Science/math or English/history?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Being too warm or being too cold?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Cats or dogs?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Many good friends or a few best friends?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11. Pens or pencils?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thanks everyone and to <a href="http://thelifeandtimesofbelleh.blogspot.com/">Belle</a> for nominating me!</span></div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-71998965044709774372013-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:002013-01-23T00:00:06.377-06:00That Time I Got Five Stitches in my Thumb<b>Let this post be a lesson to all of you: be careful opening cans. I'm serious here.</b><br />
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Here I was, minding my own business, making some mac and cheese with peas for a Sunday afternoon treat. I go to open the can of peas. Our can opener is right-handed, and I'm left-handed, foreshadowing the problem already. The handle was slippery for some reason, so I struggle trying to open the can. I get about halfway around, where the lid is popped open halfway, when the can opener slips out of my hand and<b> I gash my left thumb on the super sharp edge of the lid.</b><br />
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It's a stupid accident for sure, but it could happen to anyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7rPGKWdQV7IKU4Sxy6drIY9VmJ-SmVQVhoyUW7u6WxUGl9-eYWPDyI80OwK6gfG3faABRPHPMQyOa1xtVVPryTp7k6bvlQEf92X8dbKbdsrnGLXN6jobBjnvtkpUzQD9v7xp1OIjwLJR/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130121+143150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7rPGKWdQV7IKU4Sxy6drIY9VmJ-SmVQVhoyUW7u6WxUGl9-eYWPDyI80OwK6gfG3faABRPHPMQyOa1xtVVPryTp7k6bvlQEf92X8dbKbdsrnGLXN6jobBjnvtkpUzQD9v7xp1OIjwLJR/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130121+143150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Don't mind me, didn't exactly have time to put makeup on)</div>
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Thank god my roommate and I were prepared. <b>If you don't have a first aid kit in your apartment or dorm, get one now! </b>We tied gauze around the thumb (well, she did, while I was freaking out) and sealed it with medical tape.<br />
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Even though I kept telling her I was fine, my roommate was the smart one in this situation and called a taxi to take us to the nearest emergency room. <b>Have a doubt about an injury? Go to the emergency room. </b>Better safe than sorry, right?<br />
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Before we went, I had the sense to pull out the copy I have of my insurance card. This also was a god-send. My dad made me make several copies of my insurance card right when I started college. It was a lifesaver, and saved me a huge hospital bill. <b>Make several copies of your insurance card! Who knows when something bad can happen.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgH4SFCmHBrya-eCCcQ22algkNXSFGtay1cO0fA81yKpzXtoPCJm1EFGGYlr5DRfkBNhtm0Xivxp_gq8KSuXAIaJ5DE59dcnP0ln_FUhWhahqBZT2JSeOo3dvYAtaveyfBH51AzVZQxWh/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130121+143206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgH4SFCmHBrya-eCCcQ22algkNXSFGtay1cO0fA81yKpzXtoPCJm1EFGGYlr5DRfkBNhtm0Xivxp_gq8KSuXAIaJ5DE59dcnP0ln_FUhWhahqBZT2JSeOo3dvYAtaveyfBH51AzVZQxWh/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130121+143206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My premed roommate and I tried to make the best of a situation and loved being in the ER, just to see how it worked. They seem to be great at efficiency, having a nurse take my initial vitals and information, a technician clean off my wound, and a resident stitch me back up. She was extremely nice to me, calming me down (I've never gotten stitches before! And I was three hours away from my family! Don't laugh).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1O-Qt6W3_EBQ5y8-1MAiDFMDxArXlCVEFkwkLcfB6ivyEdXDG7cl1CvfQqKf9TobJDitNhPfpxYOjxjohGnyKAk7uvA-ldpaW9NDaLZgl0bbtRNvPWS18tO5qVstE05irmyHkEMrn2g_R/s1600/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130121+143136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1O-Qt6W3_EBQ5y8-1MAiDFMDxArXlCVEFkwkLcfB6ivyEdXDG7cl1CvfQqKf9TobJDitNhPfpxYOjxjohGnyKAk7uvA-ldpaW9NDaLZgl0bbtRNvPWS18tO5qVstE05irmyHkEMrn2g_R/s320/Evernote+Camera+Roll+20130121+143136.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the end of the day, I got five stitches (two on my nailbed...ouch) and my hand looks like a mummy who's gauze has started rotting off.<br />
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As horrible as it was at the time, this experience showed me how to act in an emergency. Again, here are the four tips I can leave you all with so hopefully you won't have the same experience as I did:<br />
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<b>1. Have a first aid kit in your apartment</b><br />
<b>2. When in doubt, go to the ER</b><br />
<b>3. Make copies of your insurance card</b><br />
<b>4. Be careful opening cans. They're evil.</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Anybody else have any exciting stories about going to the ER? Any tips on how to handle a situation like this?</b></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-69211408091990758002013-01-21T14:17:00.000-06:002013-01-21T14:17:19.179-06:00Golden Globes: Favorite Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Golden Globes may have been a week ago, but between getting the flu, starting school, and having to get stitches (more on that later), I never had time to post about them!</div>
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<b>Like everyone else, I believe awards show season isn't just about who wins what...it's about who <i>wears </i>what. </b>The day after the Globes aired, I scoured website after website to see what everyone thought about this year's crop of dresses. I was surprised that a lot of people don't agree with who I picked as "Best Dressed". </div>
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For me this year, there was just too much skin showing. I mean, Jennifer Lopez...she looked good, but c'mon!) I'm not a prude or anything, but these are the Golden Globes. They're one step down from the Oscars, so they should be kept classy. But I guess that's just my opinion, and who knows what I would choose to wear if I was a super-talented celebrity and I had a rockin' bod to show off to the world?</div>
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<b>That said, here are my top five "best dressed" nominees for the 2013 Golden Globes:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_nlef04hyE2RXBpTdv0_FXtqOpNPzLXkbttNyKduZkE1aUWjMS8bFVSW2RZUhpPmgeVdQvJsfrPs5PABPVErYn0ZXv8HbDZIGxlHSP73u6tBth1VgFOvDVAja8IGpJq6Wu14s-b2AZJ2/s1600/102522-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_nlef04hyE2RXBpTdv0_FXtqOpNPzLXkbttNyKduZkE1aUWjMS8bFVSW2RZUhpPmgeVdQvJsfrPs5PABPVErYn0ZXv8HbDZIGxlHSP73u6tBth1VgFOvDVAja8IGpJq6Wu14s-b2AZJ2/s320/102522-original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>1. Taylor Swift</b><br />
I really didn't want to like her dress, because I don't particularly like <i>her. (How </i>many celebrity hot guys has she dated at this point? And how many of them has she complained about in her songs?) This plum looks so great on her, and it's a good color to wear for the beginning of January. The dress is simple enough that nothing distracts from her, yet the back is tastefully done and adds a bit of interest to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtrET2RJUPJeQJmBSFA97cwLy49Fl3Ri1VfEvymNY9lkZfH3Ig4DXvuS1q-21qI4jdbR0uMp2LJ4rSQcSOwXqOcJJCRGBKDS7iSC0jfFcjLirMtsK8EvmL97IqDuf74hzOGnG7QnhmTzc/s1600/102504-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtrET2RJUPJeQJmBSFA97cwLy49Fl3Ri1VfEvymNY9lkZfH3Ig4DXvuS1q-21qI4jdbR0uMp2LJ4rSQcSOwXqOcJJCRGBKDS7iSC0jfFcjLirMtsK8EvmL97IqDuf74hzOGnG7QnhmTzc/s320/102504-original.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Clare Danes</b></div>
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The woman just had a baby a month ago and <i>look at her</i>! If I just had a baby, you wouldn't see me on the red carpet for at least six months. The dress is simple, but appropriate for the Golden Globes. The color looks great on her and isn't your typical red. Also, she receives major bonus points for this right after popping out a baby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fWMnHgdWHNzWP1m1xHrFo_y1Fn2Fd2w26CwRLm60rd-RcoGf2F8DX4AZLC_lWta3UWwH_B72JnbjvkydVkjVtEkHIkOLDUdxl0ND3fVVRhyphenhyphenAfHGSpRF-QOPRGErKiljPNnPftkGK-xYH/s1600/102534-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fWMnHgdWHNzWP1m1xHrFo_y1Fn2Fd2w26CwRLm60rd-RcoGf2F8DX4AZLC_lWta3UWwH_B72JnbjvkydVkjVtEkHIkOLDUdxl0ND3fVVRhyphenhyphenAfHGSpRF-QOPRGErKiljPNnPftkGK-xYH/s320/102534-original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Anne Hathaway</b></div>
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This dress seems to be hit and miss with a lot of people, but I liked it. A lot of people seemed to be wearing neutrals this year, but I thought most of them matched their skin tones too closely. This white doesn't blend in with Anne's skin at all, and definitely stands out. The dress gives Anne Hathaway a really nice shape. Though the two-pieceness of it might seem like an odd choice, I think it fits really well with her haircut. Imagine her with her hair long--could you see her wearing this dress? How about short hair--could she pull off any of the other dresses people wore that night? I don't think so. She made a perfect choice with this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR43BNxxRqqL0ivjMaf_Kd3nTVCxmn7SEYwheL-Jd_yLBWto9syYQa4_RnVv3l_AS4ZbwR7Zf3QFhx-yEOF6cE3tIKXoQ-43Yc_F6VSKjB7NMZ_tUdiWUaHE2bL7Frlxzh-Zz_7Omc94w7/s1600/102321-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR43BNxxRqqL0ivjMaf_Kd3nTVCxmn7SEYwheL-Jd_yLBWto9syYQa4_RnVv3l_AS4ZbwR7Zf3QFhx-yEOF6cE3tIKXoQ-43Yc_F6VSKjB7NMZ_tUdiWUaHE2bL7Frlxzh-Zz_7Omc94w7/s320/102321-original.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Hayden Panettiere</b></div>
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This wins the award for the dress that I would probably want to wear to the Golden Globes. It just looks nice and sweet, and definitely age appropriate for someone in their late teens/early twenties. I don't know about the pink clutch, but it does incorporate the neon trend onto a red carpet filled with neutrals, blacks and reds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYnbvLsdOUZRdzN3_f4MLEaYkmEGK7EL9RYnFQ2yy85eWtbhreutd59rHNWmddB5mJXfxUuzY4Xfw9v0hyG_A9qMCtNpkdyig0ZlTKEEnXPba9_mBSEtDRazv2h9OcrpYmXbmZe2J2Dje/s1600/102345-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYnbvLsdOUZRdzN3_f4MLEaYkmEGK7EL9RYnFQ2yy85eWtbhreutd59rHNWmddB5mJXfxUuzY4Xfw9v0hyG_A9qMCtNpkdyig0ZlTKEEnXPba9_mBSEtDRazv2h9OcrpYmXbmZe2J2Dje/s320/102345-original.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Lucy Liu</b></div>
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Some of you will question this choice for sure. I don't know why, but I really like this dress! It's so different, and that's what I love about it. She took a risk, and although I admit the pattern looks slightly like something you'd see on vintage wallpaper, it it goes really well with her skin tone and her hair. She took a risk, and people just aren't used to seeing a patterned dress like this at the Golden Globes.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you think about my choices? Who were your best dressed/worst dressed candidates for the Globes?</b></span></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-72006523367173570272013-01-10T00:00:00.000-06:002013-01-10T00:00:05.005-06:00Organizing your Blog Roll on Google Reader: A TutorialOne of my projects over the break was <b>organizing the billions of blogs that I follow</b>. I thought it would take me a few hours to sort through all of the blogs and delete the ones that were no longer active, but no...it took me a good <i>day and a half</i>.<br />
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Hopefully you're not following as many blogs as I am and the process will go quick for you.<b> This quick tutorial will show you how to sort the blogs that you follow into certain categories, or folders, on Google Reader. </b>I've found it much easier to follow all of my absolute favorite blogs by putting them into a certain folder, putting all the "preppy" blogs into another, and so on.<br />
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So...let's do this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpxSkZm8N0njWe83FGsaTJFoSiTIchfOgo_8tbscjSFiJktTvRSKffZfi-CWN57dEXWlL5tkf-yTladC0aDw7OCpeRlaCDsmAdLCDs0SP-zU_6is2NrxCwX1Xvm443QF2BhbDE0WQ94Mx/s1600/200px-Google_Reader_logo-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpxSkZm8N0njWe83FGsaTJFoSiTIchfOgo_8tbscjSFiJktTvRSKffZfi-CWN57dEXWlL5tkf-yTladC0aDw7OCpeRlaCDsmAdLCDs0SP-zU_6is2NrxCwX1Xvm443QF2BhbDE0WQ94Mx/s1600/200px-Google_Reader_logo-1.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Reader"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
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<b>1. Think about all the blogs that you follow and think about categories you would like to separate them in.</b> Write these down: these will be the different folders you create. For example, some of my categories are:<br />
--preppy blogs<br />
--health and beauty blogs<br />
--food and craft blogs<br />
--linkup blogs<br />
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<b>2. Go to Google Reader. </b>Whenever you click "Join this site" with Google Friend Connect on a Blogger-hosted blog, it will automatically be added to your Google Reader in a special folder titled "Blogs I'm Following".<br />
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<b>3. Click on the gear in the corner, and scroll down to click on Reader Settings. </b>This will bring you to a page of tabs labelled "Preferences", "Subscriptions", "Folders and Tags", etc.<br />
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<b>4. Click on the tab marked subscriptions</b>. You will see a list of all the blogs you follow with check boxes to their left, followed by an option to remain them, delete them (the trash can) and a drop down menu.<br />
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<b>5. Find a blog that you want to add to a folder. Click "add to a folder", then "new folder". </b>You will get the option to name that folder.<br />
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<b>6. Now click the checkboxes of every blog you want to add to that folder. </b>Once you're finished, scroll to the top and click "more actions". The name of the folder you created will appear: click on that to add all the check marked blogs to that folder.<br />
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<b>7. Repeat steps 5-7 for every folder you want to create</b>.<br />
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You can also go through your blogs and delete the ones that are inactive using the trash can option next to them.<br />
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Ta-da! You now have organized your blog roll. In the mood for a new desert recipe? Just click on the folder you created titled "Food Blogs" to get a list of the newest posts from the blogs you put into that category. Want to follow up with your favorite blogs? Just click on that folder to see posts only from the blogs you categorized as such. Believe it or not, this is a huge time saver in the long run.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anybody else organize their blog roll on Google Reader using folders? Any other blog related tutorials you'd like to see? Let me know in the comments below!</span><br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-77389717038564245062013-01-08T00:00:00.000-06:002013-01-08T00:00:07.214-06:002013 Goal: Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my post about my New Year's Resolutions, I talked about how reading was one of the main things I wanted to focus on in 2013. Here are some of the ways I'm going to reach my goal of reading 30 books in 2013.<b> Wanna read more too?</b> Check out these tips!</div>
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<b>1. Utilize <a href="http://goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a></b><br />
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Goodreads is an AMAZING little website. And it's not only a website--it's an app for your iPhone or iPad as well! Anything you do on the website will sync to all of your devices, and vice versa.<br />
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<b>Goodreads is like a reading-centric Facebook</b>. You make lists of the books you own, the books you want to read and the books you've finished. Besides that, there are daily polls, quotes, giveaways you can enter for advanced reader copies, reviews and, my favorite, virtual book clubs you can join. I joined two groups: Oprah's Book Club 2.0 and Classics Without All the Class. Both are reading books for the month of January, and then have discussion boards for them. So cool! I can't wait to get started on January's selections, <u>The Twelve Tribes of Hattie</u> by Ayana Mathis and <u>The Age of Innocence</u> by Edith Wharton.<br />
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Goodreads also has a nifty little widget now where you put in the number of books you want to read for 2013, and it'll remind you of your goal by having a progress bar on the side of your main page.<br />
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I've said this before, but <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8646967-becky">friend me</a> if you become a member of the site! I'm always interested in what other people are reading!<br />
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<b>2. Put a limit on the amount of TV you watch</b><br />
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Instead of spending an half an hour channel surfing, I'd rather spend the time reading a good book.<b> I'm going to try to only watch TV on school breaks,</b> rather than following several TV shows at once. I might make an exception for <i>The Walking Dead</i> and <i>Downton Abbey</i>, but hey, at least they're not as bad as <i>Here Comes Honey Boo Boo</i>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Even though I love that show. Please don't hate me.</span><br />
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If you can't make the full plunge and go cold turkey on TV, maybe try to only watch a half an hour or so each day, or follow a certain TV show. Track and see how much time you spend watching TV per day--maybe that time could be spent doing other things, like reading!<br />
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<b>3. Use an E-reader</b><br />
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I know it sounds strange to a lot of people, but I've become so used to reading on a computer screen or my Nook that I like it MORE than reading from a physical copy. My generation has become so used to using technology that using it for reading seems like second nature.<br />
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If you don't mind reading from a screen, I think that the Nook Color is the perfect device for any reader. <b>I love it because I can store so many books on the device.</b> I usually read multiple books at once, so instead of carrying three or four books around, not knowing which one I'll be in the mood for, I just haul around my Nook. <b>I export PDF readings</b> that my college professors assign onto the device, instead of printing the readings out. This saves me a lot of paper and printer ink.<br />
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<b>With my Nook Color, I can also highlight and take notes</b> on books that I read for class. Even with a "fun" book, the search tool is perfect when a character from the first chapter of novel pops up again 700 pages later, and I don't remember who he was. I can just type his name in and it'll take me right to his first appearance.<br />
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If you don't like the computer-like feel of the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD and Kindle Fire, <b>there are also many alternative ereaders that use special technology to make the screen look as close to an actual page in a book as possible</b>. Whatever the case, if you read as much as I do, make the investment in an ereader! It changes the whole reading experience for the better, at least in my opinion.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Are any of you on Goodreads? Do you have ereaders? And do you really think I'll make it until spring break watching barely any TV?</span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-62243423111552584182013-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-05T07:00:03.220-06:00Prep for Less: J.Crew Style Guide, January 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJlAe9IaAk-Od2i3RaIct6tlFcnCpVfbPyv67OBhfybcBK9CYuYY323lENUxUXUSFlMwVcRoPU-g1Mz0ErtmZJsj945Yvwnd_pGc3ek_y4vWVTWdS_oiSLcZ57D5c0rc8-UMN5Xr5Kji-/s1600/prepforless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJlAe9IaAk-Od2i3RaIct6tlFcnCpVfbPyv67OBhfybcBK9CYuYY323lENUxUXUSFlMwVcRoPU-g1Mz0ErtmZJsj945Yvwnd_pGc3ek_y4vWVTWdS_oiSLcZ57D5c0rc8-UMN5Xr5Kji-/s320/prepforless.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have you guys seen the new J.Crew catalog for January yet? It's hard for me to think of wearing spring clothes already, but apparently J.Crew thinks spring is right around the corner.<br />
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I LOVE some of the looks in this catalog! Usually I'll look at the outfits in the catalog and can't even think about wearing them in real life--the items they pair just don't look good together, at least to me. That wasn't the case for this issue.<br />
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(All the scans are from <a href="http://thejcrewarchives.blogspot.com/">The J.Crew Archives</a>. The blog is great and has scans from many of J.Crew's past catalogs--go check it out! The rest of the January catalog is also located there.)<br />
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Like always, the wheels were turning in my head when I saw these pictures. How could I recreate the looks for less? As much as I would love to buy everything from J.Crew, I'm a college student--I need to cut corners where I can! Here's how I recreated the looks above by putting together similar, less expensive items:<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/prep_for_less_crew_jan/set?.embedder=3500484&.svc=copypaste&id=67803657" target="_blank"><img alt="Prep for Less: J.Crew Jan. 2013" border="0" height="468" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/RadAqIqb7fXgIFpxXA53vQ/cid/67803657/id/jDVuhbYTQAu5zmTcSWTCwg/size/c600x468.jpg" title="Prep for Less: J.Crew Jan. 2013" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/prep_for_less_crew_jan/set?.embedder=3500484&.svc=copypaste&id=67803657" target="_blank">Prep for Less: J.Crew Jan. 2013</a> by <a href="http://preppypremed.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3500484&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">preppypremed</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/moda_spana_shoes/shop?brand=Moda+Spana&category_id=41" target="_blank">moda spana shoes</a></small></div>
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<b><u>Green Pants/Polka Dot Shirt Outfit:</u></b><br />
Shirt: <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphic-tees&ProductID=2000050030&VariantID=&gan_clickID=0004d26893318d930aecc9e970005ce3&gan_affID=k147466&gan_affName=Polyvore&utm_campaign=k147466&utm_source=affiliatetraction&utm_medium=gan">Forever 21</a>, $14<br />
Pants: <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=321941002&tid=goaff2687457&ap=2&siteID=goafcid150">Gap</a>, $50 (roll up the pants at the ankles to make them look like in the picture!)<br />
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*For the shoes, I looked far and wide for similar flats. Since it's still early in the season, I couldn't find much. I would recommend continuously checking DSW.com for flats, and watching for J.Crew's ballet flats to go on sale: they <i>always</i> do!* (shoes aren't online yet)<br />
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<b><u>Blazer/Leopard Shoes Outfit:</u></b><br />
Blazer: <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/02186?article=02186-A">H&M</a>, $50<br />
Pants: <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=243964072&tid=goaff2687457&ap=2&siteID=goafcid150">Gap</a>, $37<br />
Shoes: <a href="http://www.dsw.com/shoe/moda+spana+nadine+pump?prodId=254867&cm_mmc=affil-_-Polyvore-_-main-_-main">DSW</a>, $60<br />
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These items are all closet essentials that can be found almost anywhere! Use a blazer hanging up your closet, add a plain white shirt and pants, and you're good to go. The shoes are what make the outfit stand out.<br />
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<b><u>Chambray/Floral Pants Outfit:</u></b><br />
Shirt: <a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens_clothing/new_arrivals/PRDOVR~91506/99102744123/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~205+17~90~~~~~~~/91506.jsp?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-Jrb%252F9%252FhiwIRcEWOxvL1wNQ">J.Crew Factory</a>, $60<br />
Pants: <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-supply-co-juniors-printed-floral-denim-pink/-/A-14228316?ref=tgt_adv_xasd0001&AFID=Performics_Polyvore_0004d2689ff2c1340a2afa87fb006f23&LNM=Primary#prodSlot=medium_1_17">Target</a>, $23<br />
Shoes: <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-phyla-wedge-assorted-colors/-/A-14073499?ref=tgt_adv_xasd0001&AFID=Performics_Polyvore_0004d268a150c2de0a2ad253a2005bbb&LNM=Primary">Target</a>, $15<br />
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I'd get the Chambray shirt from J.Crew factory because, although it is a little cheaper, it still is of a high enough quality that you'd be able to wear it from March to October this year without having it get worn. Chambray shirts are a new summer staple. There are many different floral pants out there, but these ones from Target were the closest I could find to the ones in the catalog.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you think of the outfits? And J.Crew's January lineup?</span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-69325392410167971402013-01-03T13:21:00.000-06:002013-01-04T18:22:47.225-06:00New Year = New Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was younger, every New Year's Eve I would write down a list of 101 things I wanted to accomplish that year. They'd be easy, kid friendly things, like finishing up a color-by-the-numbers set, going to the beach and build a sandcastle, etc. </div>
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Now that I'm older, I've decided to take the traditional resolution route. What was great about the "101 things" list is that it was filled with <i>concrete</i> goals to achieve. <b>I think that's key to keeping your New Year's Resolutions--setting up concrete goals and plans on how to achieve them, then following through! </b></div>
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Here are my five resolutions for 2013. I'll write separate posts on how I plan to achieve these goals, and will focus on them in my blog all throughout the year.</div>
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<b>1. Read More</b><br />
--Goal: 30 books this year<br />
--Goal: No TV watching except during breaks<br />
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Personally, reading is much more fulfilling to me than watching TV. I've loved reading since I was three years old, and was always the girl in school who would read underneath her desk when the teacher wasn't looking. That being said, I'm going to try to stop watching TV this year and strive instead to focus that time towards reading. It's much more relaxing. <b>When I'm watching a TV series on Netflix or Hulu, I get sucked into the "one more episode" vortex</b>, telling myself I'll only watch one more Modern Family show before I study. Guess what happens? I watch Modern Family the rest of the night. Hopefully reading will get me out of this vortex.<br />
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I can't wait to share with all of you some of the books I'm reading. I have some great picks to share!<br />
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<b>2. Be Persistent</b><br />
--Goal: create a daily schedule and stick to it<br />
--Goal: post at least 3 times a week on my blog<br />
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Yes, this blog was much more active in the summer. I guess that comes with the territory of being a student, but I still wish to be persistent by posting at least three times a week. <b>Please, hold me to this! </b>Bug me if I haven't posted in a while, I'm serious. I also want to create a daily schedule for school including study times. I want studying to become a habit, but also wish leave time in my day for fun things like reading and blogging.<br />
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<b>3. Get Organized</b><br />
--Goal: clean up your dorm room!<br />
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My <b>dorm room is a mess</b>, and I don't have any good excuse for it. I personally want to get everything organized by cleaning it up. I'll leave some helpful organization tips for living in a dorm room as I do so.<br />
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<b>4. Get Healthy</b><br />
--Goal: workout 30 min. 4 times a week<br />
--Goal: cook as much as possible; 1200 calories per day<br />
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Ok, so this one isn't going that great so far. I have so many plans for getting healthier this year, but I just have to get the motivation to implement them. <b>I'm going to be counting calories and cooking more</b> at school--no more disgusting, unhealthy dining hall food.<b> I also want to get fit.</b> It's a dream of mine to run a 5k--I know, some of you are laughing at me right now, but it's true. Although it might not seem like much of an accomplishment, for a girl who has never played a team sport in her life, it is. So getting fit through exercise is one step towards this goal.<br />
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<b>5. Be Positive!</b><br />
--Goal: daily affirmations<br />
--Goal: weekly "positive" post<br />
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I think I've mentioned this on my blog before, but it's hard for me to stay positive at times. I think I am naturally a pessimistic person, because I have to fight hard to think on the bright side of things. I also need to boost my self esteem, and I think I can do so through daily affirmations. Some people think affirmations are a joke, something to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY">make fun of on SNL</a>, but they really work! <b>Once you repeat something to yourself over and over, you start to believe it.</b><br />
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I also want to write a weekly post featuring positive quotes and happy things that are going on in my life. <b>There is goodness in this world, and I want to showcase it on this blog.</b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm sticking with my New Year's resolutions...who's with me? Comment below and tell me your 2013 resolutions, and pledge to stick with them! We're all in this together!</span></b>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-46881214936750916492013-01-01T09:00:00.000-06:002013-01-01T09:00:01.529-06:002012 In ReviewSo this is it. The end of 2012. It's been a weird year--a great year, but <i>weird</i>. So many unexpected, great things happened. I've definitely grown up a lot in the past year, whether it was learning my way around a foreign country or figuring out how to balance multiple friendships and relationships at once.<br />
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<b>Here is my 2012 retrospect:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hk3H32hS13Rnx5jxYc2sydhkV8VSTJOlLDyAUtomF45RwFtFnRFoU1eRuoLYtN1HKc8nyVNWjmVXbrIv-BfiRSB3B3nal2vOVfuV_N8NB3WGX8BQ5QJc_3-M43SjWBmdi2eq4GXSaawr/s1600/preppypremedheadercopy-1-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hk3H32hS13Rnx5jxYc2sydhkV8VSTJOlLDyAUtomF45RwFtFnRFoU1eRuoLYtN1HKc8nyVNWjmVXbrIv-BfiRSB3B3nal2vOVfuV_N8NB3WGX8BQ5QJc_3-M43SjWBmdi2eq4GXSaawr/s320/preppypremedheadercopy-1-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>I started this little <b>blog</b>! At first it was just an outlet for me to vent about my frustrations with organic chemistry, but it's grown so much within the past nine months or so. Thank you all for following my adventures! I know I've kind of slipped off the radar since the end of summer, but I hope to get back into the blogging mode this upcoming year.</li>
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<ul>
<li>I saw the <b>Dalai Lama</b>! His visit was the coolest thing that's ever happened to Loyola. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience--especially seeing him wearing a Loyola baseball cap!</li>
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<li>I went to take classes in <b>Rome</b>. And it was, in the words of Barney in How I Met Your Mother, "legend-waitforit-dary!"</li>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/161707442840027427/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
<ul>
<li>I began working in a<b> research lab</b>. I might not know what I'm doing all the time, but who knows? My cultivating bacteria could possibility contribute something to science. If anything, I've learned that plaques of bacteria don't smell all that great.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/265430971759016852/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>The Olympics</b> were on! I'm a sucker for the Olympics. Although I didn't enjoy these games as much as I have in the past (due to NBC's absolutely TERRIBLE coverage!), I still loved the thrill of watching the opening ceremony, the U.S. "Fab Five" Woman's Gymnastics Team, and Michael Phelps win one last time in the pool.</li>
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<ul>
<li>I was a <b>Welcome Week Leader</b>, meaning I led new freshman in orientation activities at Loyola before their classes began. I gotta say, I had as much fun doing all the fun activities as they did. I was basically a freshman all over again, at least for a few days. </li>
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<li>I worked as an <b>academic coach</b> to high school freshman through Target New Transitions. Yes, it <i>sucks</i> to get up at 6am on Saturday mornings, but, once I get enough coffee in me, I love the whole experience. I'll save it for another post, but the gist is that I coach freshman in all things to do with high school, from math to meeting new friends. The students I work with amaze me every Saturday, and remind me how tough high school was. </li>
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<ul>
<li>I became a lifetime member of <b>Alpha Chi Omega</b>. Being in a social sorority is something I never planned on doing in college, due to the stereotypes that surround "sorority girls". I've spent my Christmas vacation telling my relatives that sororities are not what they look like on Animal House. I've met some AMAZING friends that I never would've had I not joined my sorority. Our saying goes "Alpha Chi, Alpha Chi, Alpha Chi, 'til I die", and it's true: I'm going to have these friends for the rest of my life!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I turned <b>21</b>! Enough said.</li>
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<ul>
<li>I <b>voted</b> in the presidential election. My only regret about voting absentee is that I didn't get one of those cute "I voted" stickers they give out on election day. Bummer. </li>
</ul>
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<b>What's in store for 2013? </b>I honestly have NO idea. I have the MCAT coming up in April and sorority events, of course. I'm continuing my jobs and will probably be a Welcome Week Leader again. This summer I apply to medical school. But other than that, so much is up in the air at this point. I'll just have to see what life throws at me...<b>and I can't wait.</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy 2013 everybody!</span></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-424244619909461112012-12-31T08:48:00.002-06:002012-12-31T08:48:49.972-06:00Books Read 2012: And the Bookie Goes To...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm pretty proud of my reading accomplishments this year. I read thirty books and, although it may not seem like a lot, it is to me! Here are all the books I read this year, followed by my "Bookie" awards (think Oscars)!</div>
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Any questions? Check out my <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8646967-becky">Goodreads account</a> and friend me to see more recommendations and books I'm dying to read. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bookie for Making Me Keep the Lights on at Night:</b> <u>The Passage</u> by Justin Cronin</span><br />
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The book is about a vampire apocalypse, but these aren't your Twilight vampires that are taking over the world. One difference? Their teeth are described as being as long as toothpicks. And that's only part of the picture. The book might not seem up my alley, but you'd be surprised. You really become attached to the characters--a colony of people who have survived 100 years after the apocalypse--and follow them as they venture out to look for others like them. (And there's a sequel!)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bookie for Being a Surprisingly Amazing Book: </b>Tie between <u>Villette </u>by Charlotte Bronte and <u>The White Tiger</u> by Aravind Adiga</span><br />
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I love it when I dread reading a book that's required for class, and it actually turns out to be great. <u>Villette</u> was required for my Victorian Lit class, and I spent a whole Saturday in my bed reading the 400-plus page tome. I couldn't wait to see what happened to the main character, a teacher at a foreign all-girls school.<br />
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<u>The White Tiger</u> had a similar effect on me. The book is about a boy who rises from the slums of India to become a wealthy entrepreneur. It reminded me of Slumdog Millionaire, yet seemed more realistic. I really was able to understand the caste system in India, and the conditions of those living within it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bookie for Being Overrated:</b> <u>The Age of Miracles</u> by Karen Thompson Walker</span><br />
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Ugh, I hated this book. Okay, hate is a strong word, but I was expecting so much more of this book due to the glowing reviews I had read of it. The book is told from an eleven-year-old girl's perspective as the world ends due to the rotation of the earth slowing down. It's a genius idea, but the narrative of the young girl brings the whole book down. I feel like having the girl narrate the book was just an excuse for the author to write at a lower level.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bookie for Not Being Able to Put Down: </b><u>Gone Girl</u> by Gillian Flynn</span><br />
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I can't say anything about this book without spoiling it--it's just amazing. The book opens with a husband who's wife has gone missing, and he's the number one suspect. That's all I can say, for the book takes so many twists and turns from there on that I don't want to spoil anything. Just read it!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other Favorites:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><u>The Art of Fielding</u> by Chad Harbach</li>
<li><u>Wuthering Heights</u> by Emily Bronte</li>
<li><u>Angels and Demons</u> by Dan Brown</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>What were some of your favorite books this year?</b></span></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-11446743195107902212012-12-20T22:14:00.000-06:002012-12-20T22:14:13.804-06:00One Item, Three Ways: White Crewneck Sweater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope everyone is staying warm out there! I'm home from college only to be hit with a blizzard. We got 18.5 inches of snow today alone! Since winter is in full swing, I thought I'd share one of my favorite winter essentials with you: a cable crewneck sweater. Not only is it incredibly warm, but it goes with literally anything. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzrtuhgoHEKqWLg86coPb91YRKfLH2Ybee4MElUVbQ3TPRU6XHOyYnD8aDu-ZUSK2LspWvq7Q1ZASpoTbryzyG6mMy3gAJVAPPWPsKjzB8zr5EHcvB3stDgPaP9tXXhIjGznMxLbh8g3G/s1600/jcrew-ivory-cambridge-cable-crewneck-sweater-product-1-4537230-058771290_large_card.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzrtuhgoHEKqWLg86coPb91YRKfLH2Ybee4MElUVbQ3TPRU6XHOyYnD8aDu-ZUSK2LspWvq7Q1ZASpoTbryzyG6mMy3gAJVAPPWPsKjzB8zr5EHcvB3stDgPaP9tXXhIjGznMxLbh8g3G/s320/jcrew-ivory-cambridge-cable-crewneck-sweater-product-1-4537230-058771290_large_card.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lyst.com/clothing/jcrew-vintage-champagne-cambridge-cable-zip-crewneck-sweater/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
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You can wear a crewneck sweater for a variety of different activities. Here are three outfit ideas for you to try out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vhDXZkcCmiMlWKXfxwTywO5n3_DG7q74ZV3DQ9Ein2lNVgPtpZEhEovD1slbS_oJukSCIOlV3wSTFT3i-3-ujVLeIp_P-Ii68sxNvstW0kmYRaQXxYX-USYQx150KW7N9_ohvrXpuDsY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-22+at+9.40.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vhDXZkcCmiMlWKXfxwTywO5n3_DG7q74ZV3DQ9Ein2lNVgPtpZEhEovD1slbS_oJukSCIOlV3wSTFT3i-3-ujVLeIp_P-Ii68sxNvstW0kmYRaQXxYX-USYQx150KW7N9_ohvrXpuDsY/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-22+at+9.40.19+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Class Time</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Statement necklace</li>
<li>Tote bag for books (pictured is a Longchamp)</li>
<li>Bootcut jeans or colored denim</li>
<li>Watch</li>
<li>Blazer</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akate+spade+earrings&keywords=kate+spade+earrings&ie=UTF8&qid=1356063213">Statement earrings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://urbanoutfitters.com/">Cute flats</a></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXuUc8At8kmsodUDftWDqXZYVaOu4b1YL3koxIwifoEcZl-MysDNwNVcDQnJLeYf9WGs6Pqqjy3u5FHw6d0u-fvaJLyT4EO8j7nfSjVah3KwwnAQT76Kf4FGiecZH9QC6doUnwjnqCp_J/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-22+at+9.40.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXuUc8At8kmsodUDftWDqXZYVaOu4b1YL3koxIwifoEcZl-MysDNwNVcDQnJLeYf9WGs6Pqqjy3u5FHw6d0u-fvaJLyT4EO8j7nfSjVah3KwwnAQT76Kf4FGiecZH9QC6doUnwjnqCp_J/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-22+at+9.40.25+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Volunteering/Casual Day at Work:</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Scarf</li>
<li>Skinny jeans</li>
<li>Brown riding boots</li>
<li>Backpack</li>
<li>Winter jacket</li>
<li>Classy earrings and bracelets</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy7CZGr2U50HEbh_pwSVNVeAfIsIunFsaPMjm4kmaNO5qzHjRNs8OZd3wJ2Bg8vUmavJecucB2ZTmFQd8vWGTj0Tq8-L8MrX4cyvV9GAFonJzo07-kj77V0Ern4Y7drqf6jMOPGevTFGJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-22+at+9.40.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy7CZGr2U50HEbh_pwSVNVeAfIsIunFsaPMjm4kmaNO5qzHjRNs8OZd3wJ2Bg8vUmavJecucB2ZTmFQd8vWGTj0Tq8-L8MrX4cyvV9GAFonJzo07-kj77V0Ern4Y7drqf6jMOPGevTFGJ/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-22+at+9.40.32+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Studying:</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Backpack</li>
<li>Skinny jeans</li>
<li>Black boots</li>
<li>Backpack</li>
<li>Puffy vest</li>
<li>Hat</li>
<li>Winter jacket</li>
</ul>
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<b>What are some of your winter essentials?</b></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-82577159046992450212012-11-22T22:15:00.002-06:002012-11-22T22:15:42.738-06:00Black Friday Deals 2012: Gift Ideas<br />
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Hello everyone! Hope you all had great Thanksgivings. This is just a quick post with some great deals they have going on this Black Friday. Usually I'm not a big fan of Black Friday because I hate how it's getting earlier and earlier, ruining some employees' Thanksgivings, but most of the deals listed here are <b>online</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UAHvsEnAWuHza4jPqjk71rEmHDZykzPT6DaE5EjriGz5Ni1Hm9Uy4oG1pMxRaIMU0J_GltxkcHA5HUVFkRX5e-GtROx42dgW2VIRjlWL9MOSdqSpTFFM5FWvqX77cacQVohSLKBiu5Jn/s1600/1116_blackfriday_630x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UAHvsEnAWuHza4jPqjk71rEmHDZykzPT6DaE5EjriGz5Ni1Hm9Uy4oG1pMxRaIMU0J_GltxkcHA5HUVFkRX5e-GtROx42dgW2VIRjlWL9MOSdqSpTFFM5FWvqX77cacQVohSLKBiu5Jn/s320/1116_blackfriday_630x420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-11-20/the-branding-of-black-friday"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
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I have a ton of gifts to purchase this year, so some of these free gifts they have with purchase would make perfect stocking stuffers for friends. It's also nice that some stores are offering a certain percentage off of one item. Have fun shopping!</div>
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<li><b><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J.Crew</span>:</a></b> 25% off purchases in store and online; free shipping on $150 or more (ends Sun.)</li>
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<li>Check out the accessories section for fun stocking stuffer ideas; you can get the prices of iPhone cases and jewelry down using the 25% coupon</li>
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<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.katespade.com/">Kate Spade:</a></span> </b>Free tote when you spend $250 or more (Fri. only)</li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/">Barnes and Noble:</a></b> </span>Deals on Nook Simple Touch ereader; 30% off one item until Sunday (see all deals <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday-Deals/379003308">here</a>). </li>
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<li>There's a sale of crossword books going on where you can buy two and get the third free...perfect for a crossword lover you know!</li>
</ul>
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<li><b><a href="http://amazon.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Amazon:</span> </a></b>TONS of deals...see all <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday/b/ref=bf2012_bunk_1122sn?ie=UTF8&node=384082011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-B1&pf_rd_r=1WWMCKDVDRZFKCVKXSWW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1420736962&pf_rd_i=507846">here</a></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.marleylilly.com/">Marley Lilly</a>:</b></span> free gifts with every purchase on Friday</li>
<ul>
<li>Make a monogrammed item and get another gift for your friend, free! (or keep the gift for yourself, I won't judge)</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/home/index.jsp">Bath and Body Works:</a></b></span> $20 VIP tote; $5 2-pack wallflower refills; buy 3, get 3 free of signature collection; 3-wick candles, 2 for $20 </li>
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<li>The VIP tote is worth $100, so you can divide the goodies inside among several friends</li>
</ul>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/pink">VS PINK Line:</a></b></span> see Facebook event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/480800431943299/">here</a></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://somethinggreek.com/">Something Greek</a>:</b></span> free giveaway on all orders through Friday night</li>
<ul>
<li>Sorority gear can be <i>expensive</i>...so why not get a little extra something with your order?</li>
</ul>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/">Best Buy:</a></b></span> deals on front page.</li>
<ul>
<li> For gift ideas, check out video games, headphones, USB drives, and wireless mouses</li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Good luck fellow shoppers, and may the odds (I mean, deals) be ever in your favor.</b></span></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-79798986192528963562012-11-12T23:00:00.000-06:002012-11-12T23:00:07.312-06:00GFC Blog Hop: Link up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWGdGCY6AGXMR7G00snDKN3TGPg7EcFWxK-naGpzJEj3BtgQ_HHzanym94KmJMjsWO7UwpggsVcFe7inwz189y12vf1DSw7Xu02RYLXjT6Kn_jzJQCqhqAcmQGkpLuSK1OYrvy1G9i34/s1600/gfcbloghopheader.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWGdGCY6AGXMR7G00snDKN3TGPg7EcFWxK-naGpzJEj3BtgQ_HHzanym94KmJMjsWO7UwpggsVcFe7inwz189y12vf1DSw7Xu02RYLXjT6Kn_jzJQCqhqAcmQGkpLuSK1OYrvy1G9i34/s400/gfcbloghopheader.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hey guys! It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the GFC Blog Hop! <b>Even better, I'm cohosting the hop this week!</b> Thanks go out to Melissa at <a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/">The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife</a> for allowing me to cohost. So what are you waiting for? Follow the rules below and link up! It's a great way to meet new bloggers.</div>
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When I want to follow a blog the first thing I look for is GFC (Google Friend Connect), it's so easy and nice to be able to go and see all of the blogs you follow in one spot. It's really a great tool to have. </div>
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<i>One side note- Did you know you can follow through GFC using your Twitter Account? TRUE, it's definitely an option!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?</b></span></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RULES are simple:</span></u></b></div>
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1. <b>Follow your host via GFC</b></div>
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The First link below</div>
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2. <b>Follow your co-hosts via GFC</b></div>
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The Next 8 links below</div>
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3. <b>Link up below using your main blog url</b> not a specific post.</div>
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4. Make sure to <b>visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them via GFC</b> </div>
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and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.</div>
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5. <b>Tweet about this blog hop</b></div>
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6. <b>Share about this blog hop</b> by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-78982731865009884682012-11-09T12:50:00.001-06:002012-11-09T12:50:22.484-06:00Guilty Pleasures, Fall 2012C'mon, you know we all have them. Guilty pleasures. Those things we know we shouldn't want, but they make us so happy.<br />
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Here are a list of my fall guilty pleasures:<br />
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<b>Justin Bieber's new song, "As Long As You Love Me"</b></div>
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If I just pretend that someone else is singing this song, everything will be okay. I have an absolute HATRED towards the Biebs, but the song is so dang catchy. Speaking of the Biebs, I'm surprised he hasn't disappeared into obscurity by now. I still don't think his voice has changed yet though.<br />
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<b>A blueberry bagel with strawberry cream cheese</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP7k0q8hnTPW2s7Gw8rzXryc2sSEn_haGeXnFFb_nnlaThsSREwqkTxSmhb_EbPNB32klyL4-hylnJ_pfwu3k2Xprm7ADSyLCy1LVA4nE_wf9BRseOhIk-o6wVo4uEXAYR4zxbXNKGk-z/s1600/4816592655_d8934906a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP7k0q8hnTPW2s7Gw8rzXryc2sSEn_haGeXnFFb_nnlaThsSREwqkTxSmhb_EbPNB32klyL4-hylnJ_pfwu3k2Xprm7ADSyLCy1LVA4nE_wf9BRseOhIk-o6wVo4uEXAYR4zxbXNKGk-z/s320/4816592655_d8934906a3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/2010/07/bagels.html">Via</a></span></div>
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Best combination ever. I try not to think about the calories--if it counts for my breakfast and my lunch, then I can justify it. And c'mon, strawberries? Blueberries? Those are all fruit...so doesn't that mean that this is (sorta) healthy?<br />
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<b>Chipotle</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN1BW-A0laDzIAOD3eCP46lsNVIVgEmKHyjZ3GDXhU1aBzikBllgjuc5mxXDL-Y1NDYAeF4ADTs1tWHrI4a0Sf-iEy_PeuKqDlahkA0vfBOw4Ti7RKQpNsnFlsumf8tZz80LnTIQHnZzC/s1600/menu_burrito_bowl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN1BW-A0laDzIAOD3eCP46lsNVIVgEmKHyjZ3GDXhU1aBzikBllgjuc5mxXDL-Y1NDYAeF4ADTs1tWHrI4a0Sf-iEy_PeuKqDlahkA0vfBOw4Ti7RKQpNsnFlsumf8tZz80LnTIQHnZzC/s320/menu_burrito_bowl.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/menu.aspx">Via</a></span></div>
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It's the only decent, somewhat-affortable restaurant near my dorm, so my roommates and I grab their burrito bowls all the time. It's a good deal if you only eat half of the bowl for supper and save the rest for lunch the next day--two meals for the price of one!<br />
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<b>Revenge, the TV series</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG9SG2BIRL4CC7GtaOzhyphenhyphennPErYuBoX4SA2NwzZXjFJ9byyOfvNa84BE3ZQ-ofcf4wp0oO3S5QJBoexhKKCcqDJ4Wh1Vlxs-Qx8QSVo6drP_nR2U8PdTXsluuh0_1uTiJr-1gu1Jt6vkEu/s1600/220px-Revenge_(TV)_-_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG9SG2BIRL4CC7GtaOzhyphenhyphennPErYuBoX4SA2NwzZXjFJ9byyOfvNa84BE3ZQ-ofcf4wp0oO3S5QJBoexhKKCcqDJ4Wh1Vlxs-Qx8QSVo6drP_nR2U8PdTXsluuh0_1uTiJr-1gu1Jt6vkEu/s1600/220px-Revenge_(TV)_-_poster.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.neontommy.com/news/2012/02/revenge-recap-episode-15-chaos">Via</a></span><br />
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I think of this show as basically the grown-up version of Pretty Little Liars. The main premise is about a girl who's father was accused of being a terrorist. Now, as an adult, she goes back to the Hamptons to try to wreck havoc on the rich people who ruined her life. Yes, the Hamptons...half of the reason why I watch the show is just to ogle at the amazing dresses and outfits!</div>
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<b>Gangnam Style by PSY</b></div>
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The music video is epic, and the song is so much fun to dance to. I have no idea what it's saying, but that makes the song even better.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What were your guilty pleasures this fall?</span></b></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-79075417320402331242012-11-05T21:35:00.003-06:002012-11-05T21:35:41.509-06:00CampusBookRentals.com<b>As a college student, the most annoying part of the beginning of the semester is buying books.</b> They're too expensive to buy from our college bookstore, and if you buy them used from Amazon you never know what condition you'll get them in. That's where renting online comes in--<b>specifically, renting from <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/">CampusBookRentals.com</a>.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NCs0ZEcJAUwrJDRSp8Zpfx50AnWqV4LkGEymuyMA8eTgrOn88RmuusYkCgLtT1Hd-AAUkEsFWsprWydN8AmTyAmaHW77gaa67W8lNuEIS2yeGaVDi1xUF40vcGOS0G8y0Hz5Z26HlG_6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-04+at+1.59.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NCs0ZEcJAUwrJDRSp8Zpfx50AnWqV4LkGEymuyMA8eTgrOn88RmuusYkCgLtT1Hd-AAUkEsFWsprWydN8AmTyAmaHW77gaa67W8lNuEIS2yeGaVDi1xUF40vcGOS0G8y0Hz5Z26HlG_6/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-04+at+1.59.53+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/">Campus Book Rentals</a> is an easy-to-use site that I just discovered. It's simple: type in the textbook's title, author, ISBN or a keyword and the textbook you need will pop up, along with the rental information.<br />
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For instance, I typed in the organic chemistry textbook I used last year, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/textbook/Organic-Chemistry/Wade-Leroy-G-Jr/Prentice-Hall-PTR/9780321592316">Organic Chemistry by Wade, Leroy G., Jr.</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and came to this screen:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUbmsWD1XdSxiwmGGTXzAspP0boc7-WRePB3hAogzKlQv12GlyYuiKXwj16lsYYbnGkICFT39JyO95wz__EUG3wQG08FOLHOV1jUv72IqZ68XqBErU3G-tGgr9Y8klFr72h2N9AhTwR6R/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-04+at+1.52.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUbmsWD1XdSxiwmGGTXzAspP0boc7-WRePB3hAogzKlQv12GlyYuiKXwj16lsYYbnGkICFT39JyO95wz__EUG3wQG08FOLHOV1jUv72IqZ68XqBErU3G-tGgr9Y8klFr72h2N9AhTwR6R/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-04+at+1.52.57+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After finding the book you need, simply check out and you'll receive your textbook in a matter of days. There's a 30 day guarantee, which is nice--if you drop the class or find out that you don't need the book anymore, you can return it and receive 100% of your money back. Here's a video explaining how the renting process works. I'll explain it more below as well:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xfNgvwOtjrg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once you receive your textbook, you can use if for your class and even highlight in it! Then, when the due date rolls around, send it back free of charge in the included return envelope. That's it, you're done! So easy, right?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTRuxd98Z-8qPyE0jEQ8hb9zRRCQU5iyMfi4rOy_utxGSHtxcpC7lV-HCnG2ENTfJjV0ktGniwtU3gxdKnrDMjSdQBKSoUBb2NAVbvDJbDG9n39RZT7Ph89Y_bFUkBPTlm9LYMZT-mpj8/s1600/operation_smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTRuxd98Z-8qPyE0jEQ8hb9zRRCQU5iyMfi4rOy_utxGSHtxcpC7lV-HCnG2ENTfJjV0ktGniwtU3gxdKnrDMjSdQBKSoUBb2NAVbvDJbDG9n39RZT7Ph89Y_bFUkBPTlm9LYMZT-mpj8/s320/operation_smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Something that makes Campus Book Rentals different than other rental book companies out there is that every year they choose a different organization and cause to donate some of their proceeds to (you can find more information on their <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/difference.html">"making a difference" page</a>). This year they're contributing to <b><a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/">Operation Smile</a></b>, which is such a great cause. Last year they were committed to providing the funds for 1,000 cleft lip surgeries for children. This year they want to beat that number, and your purchases through Campus Book Rentals will help them achieve their goal! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bookmark <a href="http://campusbookrentals.com/">Campus Book Rentals</a> for next semester or go check them out now. I know that I'll definitely be renting my textbooks from the site next semester! </span></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-83133593198768926782012-11-04T13:33:00.000-06:002012-11-04T13:33:28.561-06:00Recap of OctoberSo...how was everyone's October?<br />
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Mine flew by and I was so busy that I didn't have any time to blog! I miss the summer when I was able to blog everyday. Still, I'm having a blast at school and I thought I'd update you all on it.<br />
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--I've been busy with my sorority! Over the past month I've learned all about the history of AXO, met so many wonderful girls, and gone to a few mixers with the fraternities on campus (including a toga party...yup). Honestly it's been so much fun, and I wish I went Greek sooner!</div>
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--I'm starting the process of applying to medical school. All juniors have to apply first to their school's advisory committee. If they get accepted, the committee walks them through the medical school application process and writes a letter of recommendation. That's where I am right now. I have to write a six page paper that's an autobiography of my life--where do I start?</div>
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--I voted! I had to request an absentee ballot because I'm out of state at the moment. I'm not going to say who I voted for, but it was a tough decision. I don't find myself identifying with any political party, so I really sat down and looked at the issues before filling out my ballot. </div>
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--We went on a sorority retreat and I went to what is apparently the scariest haunted house in Illinois. This picture says it all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-Emily-Bronte/dp/1612930662/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352057261&sr=8-1&keywords=wuthering+heights"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
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--I'm reading <u>Wuthering Heights </u>in my Victorian Lit class and it's seriously the best book I've ever read. Where have you been all my life, Emily Bronte?<br />
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<a href="http://www.feelgood.org/">Feelgood.org</a></div>
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--My friends and I started a new organization on campus that just got the green light from the Student Activities & Greek Affairs committee. It's called FeelGood. We will sell easy-to-make food items like grilled cheese sandwiches to students in return for a donation. All donations go towards fighting world hunger. We're also going to educate our members on the hunger issues experienced not only abroad but in the U.S. as well.</div>
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<b>Hope everyone had a great October! And just think: only 6 weeks until Christmas!</b></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-51781550292850713272012-10-21T14:07:00.000-05:002012-10-21T14:07:00.112-05:00What I've Learned In...EcologyMy professors keep talking about how a shift in education has begun. Teachers now only teach the material that students need to know to pass their exams, instead of giving them any practical information. There is too much of an emphasis on earning grades rather than knowledge.<br />
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Lately I've been trying to think about what I learn in my classes in a broader sense. What's the "big picture" of what I'm learning? How am I going to use this in the future?<br />
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Which brings me to the first of this installment: what I've learned in ecology.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canadian_Rockies_-_the_bear_at_Lake_Louise.jpg">Via</a></div>
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<li>Bears aren't hibernating anymore! Well, they are, but for shorter amounts of time. They've been slowly migrating to more urban areas, where they have ample food sources from all the garbage they get into. This is why National Parks have bear-proof garbage cans--it really messes up their psyche and hibernation patterns.</li>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Population_growth_rate_world_2011.svg&page=1">Via</a></div>
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<li>The current population boom is not happening in the USA--it's happening in pre-industrial societies (such as Africa and rural parts of Asia) where new technology is lowering the rate of infant mortality</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WPRhyphenhyphenuvaczXMvJgNEeJfmN5P1fgbHiiuOAVJEv9eLAD89J_tVJFpNx89FOo4OQ9900RxpKotv4RI8azOVMRWEXchH2lNCfcO_FUjLISsZMZpp4TkmqHY-LrdoyyHx9reARIyMslWUaka/s1600/550px-Population_curve.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WPRhyphenhyphenuvaczXMvJgNEeJfmN5P1fgbHiiuOAVJEv9eLAD89J_tVJFpNx89FOo4OQ9900RxpKotv4RI8azOVMRWEXchH2lNCfcO_FUjLISsZMZpp4TkmqHY-LrdoyyHx9reARIyMslWUaka/s320/550px-Population_curve.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Via</div>
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<ul>
<li>You want to see something interesting? Check out<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overpopulation"> wikipedia's page</a> on overpopulation. In a nutshell, we don't know when Earth will reach its carrying capacity (when we don't have enough resources to cover everyone on the planet), because there are so many factors and variables that would determine this statistic. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPB4UgusySysFObRRoF0WG2pBFhPcaoSMyX7jVHedEbeJu1Al84f-z1eS9pXIfCR2xq0OLanlqRMt1TH0_J3VyumP5v-VgflDX1S-Ehz4cIEeXqw6TLu_ZhQkxnvlUdAuq74uhXnN8wcZ/s1600/angler-fish_222_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPB4UgusySysFObRRoF0WG2pBFhPcaoSMyX7jVHedEbeJu1Al84f-z1eS9pXIfCR2xq0OLanlqRMt1TH0_J3VyumP5v-VgflDX1S-Ehz4cIEeXqw6TLu_ZhQkxnvlUdAuq74uhXnN8wcZ/s320/angler-fish_222_600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/anglerfish/">Via</a></div>
<ul>
<li>Clown fish and angler fish are the coolest animals ever. Clown fish change their sex during their life. For angler fish, the male is teeny tiny and bites onto the female. She ends up sending out a chemical that dissolves the male until he's only a pack of gonads so she can reproduce. So weird!</li>
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I thought ecology would be a pretty dry class going in, but it's actually turned out to be quite interesting. It's always like that--the classes you're not excited for end up being great!<br /><div>
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--Becky</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-56169043669530444172012-10-20T12:09:00.000-05:002012-10-20T12:49:53.544-05:00Housekeeping (enter my giveaway!)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>(I never understood this scene--I always thought it seemed out of place. But it always comes to mind when I think of housekeeping!)</i></div>
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Two items of business:<br />
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1. <b><a href="http://preppypremed.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-angelorian-tradition-review-giveaway.html">Enter The Angelorian Tradition giveaway</a></b>! I've been extending it because I want to get a ton of entries for it. If you're already a follower of my blog, you don't have to do anything for one entry--just enter via the Rafflecopter app. It ends 10/24 at midnight.<br />
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2. <b>I've started to reply to all comments via email.</b> That way you'll get my replies sent straight to your inbox. The only problem is that so many of you are no-reply bloggers, so you can't get my emails. To fix this, I found a tutorial on Sullivan and Murphy's blog <a href="http://sullivanandmurphy.blogspot.com/2012/03/are-you-no-reply-blogger-make-yourself.html">right here</a>. It really will make the blogging world a much happier place for you, I promise!<br />
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I'll be back soon with posts, but in the meantime enjoy your weekend and this beautiful fall weather!<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-26355453711976509552012-10-12T13:10:00.000-05:002012-10-12T13:10:32.918-05:00iPhone CasesI got an iPHONE!<br />
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Finally! I had a Droid Incredible before and, while it was great, it simply wasn't reliable enough. I went through three refurbished models because it kept breaking down on me. Now that I was up for an upgrade, I decided to pull the trigger and go all Apple.<br />
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The problem? There are just TOO MANY cute iPhone 4s cases out there that I can't decide which one to get! Here are some of the contenders.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTl6-Vq24fKk403jHrdUGmJdn0Y1eLqCSy_wmdAEyNZ4Q_aVXROZWIWvIcMF8KuOt7G-gzBNeoNb9tWOzTRUE3dIOQWfYmDkdnmcVJu5Bm-QlKK_AY1mmPLc-WC16KJw1viN1CDY9xywZ-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+6.31.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTl6-Vq24fKk403jHrdUGmJdn0Y1eLqCSy_wmdAEyNZ4Q_aVXROZWIWvIcMF8KuOt7G-gzBNeoNb9tWOzTRUE3dIOQWfYmDkdnmcVJu5Bm-QlKK_AY1mmPLc-WC16KJw1viN1CDY9xywZ-/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+6.31.19+PM.png" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katespade.com/designer-cell-phone-laptop-cases/designer-iphone-cases/kate-spade-tech-accessories-la-pavillion-gold-dot-4g/PSRU0624A,default,pd.html?dwvar_PSRU0624A_color=152&start=12&cgid=laptop-phone-cases">Kate Spade</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb_3s-o2rrCtzH_-2mXpM3dRjB9l1kIMKk_55L_2aL8hVf8ydc1fpXeKdfw4sVtHyYpP0pErLzu0pRCS1NhFE2ob49Dk_SA1IxDKOMzv6mTtja-XJ_JItzqdyDvdtPWIOnShTX7eWK23o/s1600/318LPW5GI-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb_3s-o2rrCtzH_-2mXpM3dRjB9l1kIMKk_55L_2aL8hVf8ydc1fpXeKdfw4sVtHyYpP0pErLzu0pRCS1NhFE2ob49Dk_SA1IxDKOMzv6mTtja-XJ_JItzqdyDvdtPWIOnShTX7eWK23o/s1600/318LPW5GI-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Omega-iPhone-Dockable-Case/dp/B0079N856M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349737932&sr=8-1&keywords=alpha+chi+omega+iphone+case">Alpha Chi Omega</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHapmuGOnfGzWQEy8wYcHutTAn6EnjHzN0af63A6G5liBWqxugwX9vC5_fSncej5L1iB47tD-0cY7iWrKT7ECwpMNj27jC7RGdzvFxD1037EUbWEO5hGF31mQ2Ym8l0vmJj_fnXaBjyrI/s1600/apl4-i4sun-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHapmuGOnfGzWQEy8wYcHutTAn6EnjHzN0af63A6G5liBWqxugwX9vC5_fSncej5L1iB47tD-0cY7iWrKT7ECwpMNj27jC7RGdzvFxD1037EUbWEO5hGF31mQ2Ym8l0vmJj_fnXaBjyrI/s320/apl4-i4sun-44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.otterbox.com/iPhone-4-/-4S-Commuter-Series-Case/APL4-I4SUN,default,pd.html?dwvar_APL4-I4SUN_color=44&start=2&cgid=apple-iphone-4s-cases">Otterbox Commuter Series</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrmS2CYrONA-lv3M36-iWyxMsxGdnhkGn1VtR7oZgIxsAhaKt5flB1cdlFcsgF5R_1W57XOFcTIkLfX6nyKGFigM3n2AR09-Z1u008vIxNqNMPmre1n285IqwJ5dEygdYCLGbiy0e1sjv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+6.33.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrmS2CYrONA-lv3M36-iWyxMsxGdnhkGn1VtR7oZgIxsAhaKt5flB1cdlFcsgF5R_1W57XOFcTIkLfX6nyKGFigM3n2AR09-Z1u008vIxNqNMPmre1n285IqwJ5dEygdYCLGbiy0e1sjv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+6.33.45+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dixielandmonogram.com/Monogrammed-Chic-Black-and-Hot-Pink-Pattern-available-for-many-phone-types-_p_504.html">Dixieland Monogram</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyov5FIwpvTdlj_XXPSXjEwUVYR43lqpxa9eaHNVuYxIJh-PQyqCUERTrtEjwoMSK9GeeC2Ge8mJl3_ZZr3otAfahaz8ifaJv6uQg6wB_wIEo2kZ1eJVI-UJMosiLFlhi7sfeMCamCFyL/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+6.34.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyov5FIwpvTdlj_XXPSXjEwUVYR43lqpxa9eaHNVuYxIJh-PQyqCUERTrtEjwoMSK9GeeC2Ge8mJl3_ZZr3otAfahaz8ifaJv6uQg6wB_wIEo2kZ1eJVI-UJMosiLFlhi7sfeMCamCFyL/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+6.34.31+PM.png" width="182" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Accessories-Shoes/Technology/entity/pc/61/c/248/4660.uts?swatchName=Shorely+Blue+Leggy">Lilly Pulitzer</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxM3DCg32eqncQpdnYjABlBdD1se72pMEEoZ6_mWt-Mr_ueBpOG0no8VAD1JAF0g5ZE9W0yF35ZbO6Rf4ttju3ZxMHD29Gc2x1U5vYPc7M-I4ipqRcn2F0v_21Snw6Iye4hz3-ejHV5GI/s1600/il_570xN.375704214_jygn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxM3DCg32eqncQpdnYjABlBdD1se72pMEEoZ6_mWt-Mr_ueBpOG0no8VAD1JAF0g5ZE9W0yF35ZbO6Rf4ttju3ZxMHD29Gc2x1U5vYPc7M-I4ipqRcn2F0v_21Snw6Iye4hz3-ejHV5GI/s320/il_570xN.375704214_jygn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109600158/harry-potter-iphone-case-iphone-4-case?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=harry+potter+iphone+case&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all">Etsy</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbLNSJj9BFC3x-z4Cr-UT4rXe25sMyl2NZMeIwtkCaP7wwddsquYcJU9LUy6J9DD_E7O0FLrLrpTMT4lPWqdnAcadrODa4-sPJBT54b18rYfOuH3VxPIuJnQDyhYP8j1N2bI-7tvalRx1/s1600/3861.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbLNSJj9BFC3x-z4Cr-UT4rXe25sMyl2NZMeIwtkCaP7wwddsquYcJU9LUy6J9DD_E7O0FLrLrpTMT4lPWqdnAcadrODa4-sPJBT54b18rYfOuH3VxPIuJnQDyhYP8j1N2bI-7tvalRx1/s320/3861.png" width="166" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lipstickshades.com/view_product/4201/23/Union_Jack_Prepster_Monogrammed_iPhone_4_4S_Case/Personalized_and_Monogrammed_Cases_for_your_iPhone">Lipstick Shades</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFCaKJuoTAUk2vZpllSyeFhucOwhD3TRlqlIn0TFlgPOvzUYxRAlsjSpGfqLE8sVtbLAlVJ8T9ZfxSmQZVkxdBQWtrSRV9SR7_urP85DS0WrrDtFCL6Ibet1U_ZoybGwZLFhXR3xhd5ai/s1600/461_319412-AlphaCHiOmegaDots_iPhone4.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFCaKJuoTAUk2vZpllSyeFhucOwhD3TRlqlIn0TFlgPOvzUYxRAlsjSpGfqLE8sVtbLAlVJ8T9ZfxSmQZVkxdBQWtrSRV9SR7_urP85DS0WrrDtFCL6Ibet1U_ZoybGwZLFhXR3xhd5ai/s320/461_319412-AlphaCHiOmegaDots_iPhone4.jpg.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lipstickshades.com/view_product/4201/23/Union_Jack_Prepster_Monogrammed_iPhone_4_4S_Case/Personalized_and_Monogrammed_Cases_for_your_iPhone">Uncommon</a></div>
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<b>Does anyone have any suggestions of good iPhone case brands?</b>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-55163329371391129282012-10-05T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-05T07:00:06.624-05:00The Angelorian Tradition: Review & Giveaway<b>Recently I was contacted by Crystal, owner of<a href="http://etsy.com/shop/angeloriantradition"> The Angelorian Tradition</a>, one of the most interesting Etsy shops I've seen in a long time. </b>Crystal designs an assortment of vintage crafts, jewelry and party favors that all go together nicely. I literally want everything I see in this shop--and that's a whopping 172 different items!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-kQ8kXiMPiXEPlTcoyMvRCvdyeIIdza0PeAth6UM3CcM0XIIkHGiccLfmfhFtjGAxIgN4SYTDZk8OsXcTlAouiGGyssQb_jock3bbGtkh81QswfVQZCG2be60iIUZn2MpzHn1v9Xp08/s1600/iusb_760x100.10327601_19aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-kQ8kXiMPiXEPlTcoyMvRCvdyeIIdza0PeAth6UM3CcM0XIIkHGiccLfmfhFtjGAxIgN4SYTDZk8OsXcTlAouiGGyssQb_jock3bbGtkh81QswfVQZCG2be60iIUZn2MpzHn1v9Xp08/s400/iusb_760x100.10327601_19aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Crystal has this to say about her shop and its unique name: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Angelorian as a word is based in Latin and I have been told best translates to English as meaning "Rare Beauty." The name 'The Angelorian Tradition' therefore is most easily translated as 'The Tradition of Rare Beauty.' I chose this name not only for its aesthetic qualities of rarity and its pretty essence when spoken (An-gel-or-ian) but also for its ideals of beauty as a tradition in society as a whole, as an escape, as an inspiration and as a muse to the endless possibilities life in all its moments can offer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">The package of goodies I received to review from Crystal was absolutely amazing. I was swept away by all the little treasures stuffed inside. Crystal packages all of her products extremely well by including quotation cards and personalized thank you notes. You feel like you're being </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">treated so well as a customer when you open your package and see the care in which Crystal made it. Everything in the package followed the "rare beauty" aesthetic that carries through The Angelorian Tradition.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCBO05qdSxvs-HM8KZ4PuM9E7md8f22RxHoSRr_SqGGTe9AwGcX96EtbfNmW-ySSuTocH5sD5KDL3NKgmsKFTcaMr3B3eSlb95LIw8_HXB1PzPkO_ch3Iom0poRlurHTmEXd4aXmmIz1h/s1600/IMAG0540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCBO05qdSxvs-HM8KZ4PuM9E7md8f22RxHoSRr_SqGGTe9AwGcX96EtbfNmW-ySSuTocH5sD5KDL3NKgmsKFTcaMr3B3eSlb95LIw8_HXB1PzPkO_ch3Iom0poRlurHTmEXd4aXmmIz1h/s320/IMAG0540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The wrapping--I love the chandeliers!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqlTdjULwytXjYJ3pjdFuR9a04hoCHCwQXgydP0uMaNjnzNHpnMf4tJPUl_HE2GsqYF-_xQEs7ZV13SG5LtdbmOZNEKT9Fz2ckDi1vbqJkiL1TrOKY0ES9uftNthEs9vZ16Lo0lT3kjYx/s1600/cf57c2720c4011e2917a22000a1de2d1_7-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqlTdjULwytXjYJ3pjdFuR9a04hoCHCwQXgydP0uMaNjnzNHpnMf4tJPUl_HE2GsqYF-_xQEs7ZV13SG5LtdbmOZNEKT9Fz2ckDi1vbqJkiL1TrOKY0ES9uftNthEs9vZ16Lo0lT3kjYx/s200/cf57c2720c4011e2917a22000a1de2d1_7-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>"A positive attitude may not solve all of your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth your effort." -Herm Albright-</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYe6lFtCRVhm01Yqi7xk16uRcHgzUUqadT0oF40ZikCqoMWrj9AV2YTeeVkBLpA-ZB1WLpH4ItyLNMgqpXUcfrTtO82qhy9E5ZKK9pV55I2dyNMuP_3nCR80HD8YbZfxWa4_YH9oDciIo/s1600/cda2c7a40d0011e2a78c12313804ce91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYe6lFtCRVhm01Yqi7xk16uRcHgzUUqadT0oF40ZikCqoMWrj9AV2YTeeVkBLpA-ZB1WLpH4ItyLNMgqpXUcfrTtO82qhy9E5ZKK9pV55I2dyNMuP_3nCR80HD8YbZfxWa4_YH9oDciIo/s200/cda2c7a40d0011e2a78c12313804ce91_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>A special thank-you note</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7KAeLpNaL0otndiZn91KDTEyFQi2DbJcw06WzX5ux3aqJCH1PDZuZt1Vj32nGnH8F_CE0rPKiMznTvXBJfUcgU43pOcHa7HPlTfHxKMEOToQIRzV-ufcHJqYuy1jK7178Gkjga7fDL3r/s1600/f9febe2a0d0011e28dfe22000a1cfdcd_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7KAeLpNaL0otndiZn91KDTEyFQi2DbJcw06WzX5ux3aqJCH1PDZuZt1Vj32nGnH8F_CE0rPKiMznTvXBJfUcgU43pOcHa7HPlTfHxKMEOToQIRzV-ufcHJqYuy1jK7178Gkjga7fDL3r/s320/f9febe2a0d0011e28dfe22000a1cfdcd_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Crystal's business card</i></div>
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As I said before, the package contained all kinds of goodies, including the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110958679/custom-lucky-penny-lucky-year-lucky-you">Lucky Penny</a> I've raved about. I love how Crystal even chose a penny with my birth year on it: 1991!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOEr2J3G0CvzFCEuxcvaZsrSecv8RWVp3uKqjAxT472PA0L65Ordn8URGt5kI5CEGL7bjbZTkilhOGDbfZpr6jqSQXpd5nf34K9TzFw0kXP-GywsZ6yDdVUIMDkMbgnmoDBBvDsWP-81B/s1600/8bfacb340ce311e282c522000a1e957e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOEr2J3G0CvzFCEuxcvaZsrSecv8RWVp3uKqjAxT472PA0L65Ordn8URGt5kI5CEGL7bjbZTkilhOGDbfZpr6jqSQXpd5nf34K9TzFw0kXP-GywsZ6yDdVUIMDkMbgnmoDBBvDsWP-81B/s320/8bfacb340ce311e282c522000a1e957e_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crystal also sent me something that all of my roommates became jealous of instantly. Being the coffee fanatic I am, I was thrilled to receive this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102720058/the-joys-of-morning-are-two-sunrise">vintage spoon</a> with the words "Start your day right: coffee". So true. Though you can't see it, Crystal also stamped the letter B on the handle for me. I can see this being a GREAT gift that any coffee lover would love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Noq52thUhdRWPf2p3b9FHgdXPVwuYSToeaAjGFa-nwRPa1J4XTsqZ20lsc8FV6zXtJekLCyOCOihjpIU_1kIRVfU9cNvaXpc7eSzQdpzVtsYXqUV2s2MBB8Q7-LElOB7_P6OjLYD6L9J/s1600/52d86ea80c4111e2a77722000a1e8a90_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Noq52thUhdRWPf2p3b9FHgdXPVwuYSToeaAjGFa-nwRPa1J4XTsqZ20lsc8FV6zXtJekLCyOCOihjpIU_1kIRVfU9cNvaXpc7eSzQdpzVtsYXqUV2s2MBB8Q7-LElOB7_P6OjLYD6L9J/s320/52d86ea80c4111e2a77722000a1e8a90_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's an extra <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108354531/lucky-penny-your-choice-design">lucky penny</a> to give to a friend. Isn't this cute? Now I just have decide who I'm going to give it to...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh733MdlOK_KGFtuHNpxkR03fzeWQ7MULWL73H9vSj69M_6QQzswcCvcnIgZ6iNM9CDqGoSvqGENLG0nMFMio4c1MHDkQJAi9Ht5hqb3JvOFiPUMBQTbAQeu_QcF0oXTdlYtW8yd0n1Uz/s1600/0e6e413e0c4111e29ed51231381b333c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh733MdlOK_KGFtuHNpxkR03fzeWQ7MULWL73H9vSj69M_6QQzswcCvcnIgZ6iNM9CDqGoSvqGENLG0nMFMio4c1MHDkQJAi9Ht5hqb3JvOFiPUMBQTbAQeu_QcF0oXTdlYtW8yd0n1Uz/s320/0e6e413e0c4111e29ed51231381b333c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I was sent four <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/105139564/interchangeable-barrette-set?ga_search_query=crochet">interchangable flower crochet hair clips</a>. It's such a cool concept--you use one barrette but can change what color flower you wear.There's even one in my favorite color, pink! Now I just have to make a post of me wearing them. I love how they come in so many different colors--I can make them match with so many outfits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C6AL1Fp5t4tXg5_ExeAO-PAQa4_PLGvF7ClTJu7TIoGI5XMrlUslKrjNHmMazBQyDBsZPNn1Tfwlv2i_-vi34VcwUJ1yA5YmcTl2zr-EGA7dSDXqBv1wV37d5x5AkreDOgTcnbNKLec2/s1600/IMAG0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C6AL1Fp5t4tXg5_ExeAO-PAQa4_PLGvF7ClTJu7TIoGI5XMrlUslKrjNHmMazBQyDBsZPNn1Tfwlv2i_-vi34VcwUJ1yA5YmcTl2zr-EGA7dSDXqBv1wV37d5x5AkreDOgTcnbNKLec2/s400/IMAG0584.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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As I said before, there are so many products in The Angelorian Tradition that I wish I could cover all of them! Here are some more products that I found on the site and loved.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1Jba6lpNmrKyEM09S8-GmQIt-IM2tuyfmzNT4WQB7pnu_917zrkNL995-_3lDnBvzqK9x9VVgIpJ1bKRy40j8ICIxZaOCKc7M9TPl0CR-op2-We1BQUfVmCSOO8MSf2Bi3ze9fvepaHV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-03+at+10.47.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1Jba6lpNmrKyEM09S8-GmQIt-IM2tuyfmzNT4WQB7pnu_917zrkNL995-_3lDnBvzqK9x9VVgIpJ1bKRy40j8ICIxZaOCKc7M9TPl0CR-op2-We1BQUfVmCSOO8MSf2Bi3ze9fvepaHV/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-10-03+at+10.47.04+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102693968/party-pretty-cupcake-kit">Party Pretty Cupcake Kit</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108255969/baby-girl-chrochet-loafers">Baby Girl Crochet Loafers</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102673631/vintage-inspired-resin-rose-and-brown">Vintage Inspired Resin Rose and Brown Resizable Ring</a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102654101/vintage-themed-whimsy-box">Vintage Themed Whimsy Box</a></div>
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5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102808971/the-embroidery-box-kit">The Embroidery Box Kit</a></div>
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6. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102831939/bees-prefer-you-use-sugar-in-your-tea">Bees Prefer You Use Sugar In Your Tea Spoon</a></div>
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And now for the best part: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crystal is offering a giveaway for my readers!</span> <b>Crystal is offering a rose necklace in the color of your choice to one of my followers.</b> I personally love this necklace--I think it's gorgeous, and I love all the colors it comes in. To enter, use the Rafflecopter app below. The giveaway contest ends a week from today. After I contact the winner, they will have seven days to respond to me before I pick an alternative winner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT-lN5-KbeoldQU6Xx3pGsClxnT-mBjqjt_SkKJgzb_Af9aZ7FPe9DnqNuEOk-fFJYvx8wQodi2edY-kkTV2qKlBScFHJDNNpFNB4Pm0aMdZhd752yTqZ67MRCo6jlpBAckJoMBPEb0Vk/s1600/il_570xN.364053839_5sxa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT-lN5-KbeoldQU6Xx3pGsClxnT-mBjqjt_SkKJgzb_Af9aZ7FPe9DnqNuEOk-fFJYvx8wQodi2edY-kkTV2qKlBScFHJDNNpFNB4Pm0aMdZhd752yTqZ67MRCo6jlpBAckJoMBPEb0Vk/s400/il_570xN.364053839_5sxa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fe1f9f5/" id="rc-fe1f9f5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good luck everybody, and remember to check out <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/angeloriantradition">The Angelorian Tradition</a> today</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></b></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-28023270659300160122012-10-04T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-04T07:00:19.261-05:00Understanding Shakespeare: 4 Simple Tricks<div style="text-align: left;">
This semester I was forced to take a 300-level Shakespeare class. It's a requirement for my English major, so I figured I might as well get it out of the way so I don't have to take it senior year.</div>
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Is it fun? No. Am I getting through it? Yes, but it's been a painful experience.</div>
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For those of you who don't understand Shakespeare either, I thought I'd compose a list of the tricks I'm using to survive the class. These tricks can be applied to any English book that you're required to read.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCoqCRHJ-xfROUxBFx3uJOszorKWbdFeRE3V3Gzq_gVlITrFj9eD4nBmYjqCFPh3BR9U77gsQ1dldiN7XIo0WCv9SIYUGMn9ycMtFbYrPxNsH0uMn67jZ9HHUPvPDQc5aBT1atSVCPcyJ/s1600/IMAG0536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCoqCRHJ-xfROUxBFx3uJOszorKWbdFeRE3V3Gzq_gVlITrFj9eD4nBmYjqCFPh3BR9U77gsQ1dldiN7XIo0WCv9SIYUGMn9ycMtFbYrPxNsH0uMn67jZ9HHUPvPDQc5aBT1atSVCPcyJ/s400/IMAG0536.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Use Post-It Notes to summarize each page</b></div>
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In class, we go through the plays page by page. I use post-it notes when I'm reading to keep track of all the major events, characters and lines on each page. Not only does this keep me from falling asleep when I'm reading, but it also means I don't have to write all over my rented Shakespeare textbook.</div>
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<b>2. After reading, write down a brief summary of each scene</b><br />
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I don't know about you, but these plays are <i>confusing</i>. It's hard to keep track of everything, so right after I'm done doing the reading assignment I write down what I remember about the plot. It's great to study off of for our oh-so-wonderful weekly reading quizzes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rFbwkb9Z1tTBJ62bw62VXxodp81XRy3a_qm31w1GV_aHerBAr7VpO6Qv7FaJzDy1uo36b3tYN7OeBntec1JSowbUJtlQk44hpGtdoa5xvspbmnxICqpM5cD3uH1SJxzZ3sEx9Zn1JoUV/s1600/7193042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rFbwkb9Z1tTBJ62bw62VXxodp81XRy3a_qm31w1GV_aHerBAr7VpO6Qv7FaJzDy1uo36b3tYN7OeBntec1JSowbUJtlQk44hpGtdoa5xvspbmnxICqpM5cD3uH1SJxzZ3sEx9Zn1JoUV/s320/7193042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litcircleproject.weebly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
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<b>3. Check to see if your interpretation is correct on<a href="http://www.sparknotes.com/"> Sparknotes</a></b><br />
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Okay, I'll admit it, sometimes I don't do the reading for classes and rely on Sparknotes to help me out. BUT I find that Sparknotes is actually a better tool for when you've done the reading but aren't sure if you understood it or not. For instance, I got completely stumped by a passage in <i>The Merchant of Venice</i>, but Sparknotes helped me get through it by summarizing the meaning of the passage for me. Don't rely on Sparknotes, though--use it sparingly.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Romeo-Juliet-No-Fear-Shakespeare/dp/1586638459"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></div>
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<b>4. For help with specific lines, check out <a href="http://nfs.sparknotes.com/">No Fear Shakespeare</a></b><br />
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"No Fear Shakespeare" is a series of books that translate traditional Shakespearian plays into "modern-day" English (Shakespeare technically did write in modern English, but I won't bore you with that story). If there's a specific line that I don't understand, it's great to look up the "modern" translation of it so I can understand it better.</div>
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I'm curious: <b>do we have any fans of Shakespeare out there?</b></div>
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--Becky</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-79632566111752333032012-10-03T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-03T07:00:20.478-05:00The Lucky Penny ChroniclesSo last week was Hell Week. Meaning it was the week that <i>everybody's </i>tests and exams seem to take place. Mine wasn't as bad as it's been in the past--I had a physics test, ecology test, Victorian lit paper and a quiz. Not bad. But still...I wasn't in the mood to study. I haven't been since school started! Senioritis a year early I think?<br />
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Enter the lovely package I received from Crystal at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelorianTradition?ref=top_trail">The Angelorian Tradition</a> on Wednesday. The Angelorian Tradition is a shop I still have to do an "official" review of, but for now let me give you a teaser and tell you my favorite part of the package: a lucky penny with my name embossed on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOEr2J3G0CvzFCEuxcvaZsrSecv8RWVp3uKqjAxT472PA0L65Ordn8URGt5kI5CEGL7bjbZTkilhOGDbfZpr6jqSQXpd5nf34K9TzFw0kXP-GywsZ6yDdVUIMDkMbgnmoDBBvDsWP-81B/s1600/8bfacb340ce311e282c522000a1e957e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOEr2J3G0CvzFCEuxcvaZsrSecv8RWVp3uKqjAxT472PA0L65Ordn8URGt5kI5CEGL7bjbZTkilhOGDbfZpr6jqSQXpd5nf34K9TzFw0kXP-GywsZ6yDdVUIMDkMbgnmoDBBvDsWP-81B/s320/8bfacb340ce311e282c522000a1e957e_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Isn't it <i>adorable?</i><br />
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I know, I know, we make our own luck. But sometimes we don't. Sometimes we decide to go out instead of studying for a physics exam, and that's where the luck comes in--to fix our own stupid mistake.<br />
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So I put my new lucky penny in my pocket on Thursday so I could somehow miraculously ace the ecology test I barely studied for. I used it when studying for my physics quiz on Friday, and for Round 2 of sorority recruitment...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYd8GgQTwachEmP1F3pkZaQcW9QRH3la9XHLKvw65IVe0F8HVCRfHUM7t39osRpN8MOw3nMAf6V12XDQ2Pz3YwCjI1srrZprQocn17m6_jmFphWSFJtnm7o98xt76RiAWwECl8vJCWMhx/s1600/639c9c580ce311e2918122000a1d034f_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYd8GgQTwachEmP1F3pkZaQcW9QRH3la9XHLKvw65IVe0F8HVCRfHUM7t39osRpN8MOw3nMAf6V12XDQ2Pz3YwCjI1srrZprQocn17m6_jmFphWSFJtnm7o98xt76RiAWwECl8vJCWMhx/s320/639c9c580ce311e2918122000a1d034f_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I carried it in my pocket during work on Saturday when I met the students I'm going to tutor for the rest of the year, and during Preference Round of sorority recruitment!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_wW2ZdfAyOQM693oldKHS7n2HVCpkX5aZiM7sEw3pAJnL3lqd5UmR-XHaoRCuifs1lYWbYjIVoKgMhxM6M5vHFLRhDInuddiRLJK5HHXTGpOLTuiCLzwNr_VV8K6F15Fh_ZZNgexI5II/s1600/2df274000ce411e2ab6722000a1d0369_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_wW2ZdfAyOQM693oldKHS7n2HVCpkX5aZiM7sEw3pAJnL3lqd5UmR-XHaoRCuifs1lYWbYjIVoKgMhxM6M5vHFLRhDInuddiRLJK5HHXTGpOLTuiCLzwNr_VV8K6F15Fh_ZZNgexI5II/s320/2df274000ce411e2ab6722000a1d0369_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Putting it simply, this lucky penny has brought me all the luck in the world at a time when I really needed it. I've always wanted a token to carry around with me when I needed an extra boost.<br />
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Some people have lucky socks. Some have a lucky pencil. Well, guess what? I now have a lucky penny.<br />
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Get yours at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelorianTradition?ref=top_trail">The Angelorian Tradition </a>!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-80690597764643442162012-10-02T08:42:00.001-05:002012-10-02T08:42:58.223-05:00Interview Outfit: Take 2<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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I originally <a href="http://preppypremed.blogspot.com/2012/03/thursday-tip-what-to-wear-to-interview.html">wrote a post last spring</a> about what I wore to a research position interview. Since that was a casual affair and I've had more interview experience since then, I decided I'd jazz things up a bit.<br />
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In the past few weeks I've had several interviews and occasions where the attire was "business casual", so the following has become my go-to outfit:<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/interview_outfit/set?.embedder=3500484&.svc=copypaste&id=59336413"><img alt="Interview Outfit" border="0" height="399" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/VFKbd06uMNpgeU33nOppWg/cid/59336413/id/EAi2SZbtTIeipchBA2Dt-w/size/c600x399.jpg" title="Interview Outfit" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/interview_outfit/set?.embedder=3500484&.svc=copypaste&id=59336413">Interview Outfit</a> by <a href="http://preppypremed.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3500484&.svc=copypaste">preppypremed</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/h&m/shop?brand=H%26M">h&m</a></small><br />
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<b><u>The Basics</u></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Black blazer</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">White button-down or oxford</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Tan/khaki pants</li>
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<b><u>The Extras</u></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Simple statement necklace</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Black flats or pumps</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Neutral nail polish</li>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Does anyone have any interview outfit tips? </span></b></div>
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<b>And for those of you who were wondering:</b> for the <a href="http://preppypremed.blogspot.com/2012/09/magic-cards-please-play-along.html">Magic Cards game</a>, I find your number by adding together the first upper left-hand numbers of the cards you said your numbers appeared on. So if 21 is your number, it appears on cards A,D, and E. You would tell me that, and I would add up the numbers in the upper lefthand corners of those cards to get 21 (4+16+1). Make sense?</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-8424488015733705942012-09-30T23:33:00.000-05:002012-10-01T17:05:22.148-05:00Bid DayOne of the reasons I haven't been posting much is because I've been going through sorority recruitment (as a junior...yep, go ahead, ask me why I joined so late, <i>everybody</i> has!)<br />
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I didn't want to post about it here because I didn't know if it would work out or not. We had over 300 girls rush this year at my school, which is definitely a record. I didn't know if I would even get a bid. But here I am, alive at the end of it all, and I am proud to tell you...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3TFG2_Tu0az5rO5YTSpmSv1zCzGeq-yPRkoNhez45TE24osIRkJuieZSNTbaAmrAat4OyYuB_ImxfBqvrciMK2yGaOZWO1yMarT3ws06ihrLjgYySLUstA_4icmRicpsRK9C5zBoq4np/s1600/264255_10151106959414891_920526783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3TFG2_Tu0az5rO5YTSpmSv1zCzGeq-yPRkoNhez45TE24osIRkJuieZSNTbaAmrAat4OyYuB_ImxfBqvrciMK2yGaOZWO1yMarT3ws06ihrLjgYySLUstA_4icmRicpsRK9C5zBoq4np/s400/264255_10151106959414891_920526783_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(Can you spot me?)</i></div>
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..<b>.that I received a bid for ALPHA CHI OMEGA!</b><br />
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You can't imagine how excited I am. Not only is one of my roommates already a member, but my other roommate received a bid for it as well. I'll do the math for you...3/4 of us living together are now in AXO!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMhXdupF099iAj6eAchTOjCPpsHyYWYjsrAtmg7MbUsOzGKmA2pj_ccOcQL25e8kW7iuVtmB95nGv__GgO1E8WMe2BNVs0XX6CgOU9OcmzVJu4ij1B8fWFTQmqH_qZr2FKCkp7JA9UeSS/s1600/IMAG0554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMhXdupF099iAj6eAchTOjCPpsHyYWYjsrAtmg7MbUsOzGKmA2pj_ccOcQL25e8kW7iuVtmB95nGv__GgO1E8WMe2BNVs0XX6CgOU9OcmzVJu4ij1B8fWFTQmqH_qZr2FKCkp7JA9UeSS/s320/IMAG0554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My only regret is that I didn't join a sorority sooner. Already I feel comfortable with all the girls in my chapter, like I've known them for years. I had a preconception of what sorority women were like when I entered college, but after meeting so many Greek girls in Rome this summer I knew that I needed to become one myself.<br />
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I have a couple of interesting posts ready to go live this week, including a review of the amazing Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelorianTradition?ga_search_query=the+angelorian+tradition&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all&ref=sr_gallery_1">The Angelorian Tradition</a>. As a teaser, here's the Lucky Penny I received last week from the shop owner, Crystal, that I kept with me during all recruitment activities. I feel like this special penny helped me throughout this whole (<i>stressful!</i>) process. Go check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelorianTradition?ga_search_query=the+angelorian+tradition&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all&ref=sr_gallery_1">Jakira's shop</a> so you can get your own!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQODKE1w9PCvXz7IC3SBaRtesSgyWpfdZbWhyCcqf8fquuKH-vfSOL2PN7MVA48fY_cEYCqMtxX3tL03AbQsH-FBK20n_TjXKyvKSZOXTnhAe92CJwxr_rntt89olN2plgXBl4Ddr_4q9/s1600/IMAG0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQODKE1w9PCvXz7IC3SBaRtesSgyWpfdZbWhyCcqf8fquuKH-vfSOL2PN7MVA48fY_cEYCqMtxX3tL03AbQsH-FBK20n_TjXKyvKSZOXTnhAe92CJwxr_rntt89olN2plgXBl4Ddr_4q9/s400/IMAG0551.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(It says Lucky Becky on it, in case you can't see)</div>
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Have a great week everybody!<br />
--Becky<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706293351091190626.post-73243105991017466432012-09-30T12:49:00.000-05:002012-09-30T12:49:00.570-05:00Thinking About Studying Abroad?...then check out my article in the LUChameleon!<br />
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I wrote a short blurb for my university's alternative magazine about how <i>everyone </i>should study abroad and what a great experience I had in Rome this past summer. A good friend of mine is the editor of the magazine and also spent the summer in Italy with me. We'd love it if the LuChameleon became HUGE, at least at our university.<br />
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Check out my article on page 7, as well as some of the other articles about studying abroad in this issue. Thanks!<br />
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<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B64fAB_ORVo5QVRZWUdsRldOU00/preview" width="640"></iframe>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14287986884450732435noreply@blogger.com0