Pinterest – The Good Stuff

Oh hey, what’s up? I’m excited to finally jump in on this fun link up! It happens the last Wednesday of every month with the same list of questions and is hosted by The Larson Lingo, Mix & Match Family and Pinterest Told Me To.

What I’m Eating This Week…
Normally I would not really have anything interesting to share here. I don’t really enjoy cooking, so I usually keep it pretty basic. But I know that I eat better when I plan a little ahead of time and with a busy week ahead I knew that I was not going to want to come home after work each night and put any thought into it. So aside from a few of my easy go-to staples, that I bought or prepared ahead of time I also made these two recipes: Parmesan and Spinach Orzo (I substituted bleu cheese crumbles) and Baked Chicken. I have some pork and other chicken that I am trading off mixing into the orzo (although it would be good by itself,) and the baked chicken I will pair with some steamed veggies and maybe a sweet potato! I have enough for about 6 meals this week, and I am actually pretty proud of myself for how well they turned out!

What I’m Reminiscing About…
Back-to-school memories at K-State. I always LOVED the week before classes started back up. Lot of traditions, moving in to new places, buying new supplies and getting organized, and catching up with friends you haven’t seen all summer before the busy semester starts. Yepp, I officially “Miss Manhattan.” Here are a few of my favorite back-to-school college photos.

Welcome back pep rally

Smurthwaite Alumni Member Dinner

Welcome back parade

Scholarship House BBQ

Kyla and Megan

Moving in to a new place is tiring.

Ag Ambassadors retreat

We had a cricket problem in our new place…

Scholarship House sand volleyball

Beginning of the year roomie picture.

Keeping with old traditions.

We’re seniors…what?

What I’m Loving…

Making my own cold brew coffee. I’m obsessed.

What I’ve Been Up To…
This summer has been REALLY busy. Over the last eight weeks my best friend visited me here in D.C., I had work trips in San Diego and Phoenix, and I took two quick vacations home to Oregon and to Vegas. To be honest, the little bit of downtime on weeknights and weekends that I have had have been pretty laid back.

What I’m Dreading…
Flying on my upcoming trip (see below)? I don’t know, life is pretty good right now, so that would have to be it. I don’t get sick when I fly, but I never feel all that great. And honestly airports and the whole process of flying just pushes all of my buttons. I get it, you just have to practice a bit more patience then a normal day, but people who are rude or have no common sense, nope, the struggle for me is very real. Although packing is right up there with flying…

I promise, I really do love traveling.

What I’m Working On…
That’s a good question. During the day I am a communications specialist for the U.S. Wheat Associates. It’s a busy job, but I love it. I always have multiple projects going on at once, but something that is a bit different than the norm is a set of writing and editing courses that I am taking online through Poytner’s News University. Continuing education is an important part of just about any career!

What I’m Excited About…
Aside from my answers to some of the questions below? (!!!) Considering almost every blogger I follow also has a deep love for fall, I feel a bit cliché saying it, but seriously though, I’m SO EXCITED FOR FALL.

It’s my favorite season with out a doubt. I think a “Good Stuff” list about fall in the near future, not to mention increased time on Pinterest…

What I’m Watching…

My list of shows to eventually binge watch on Netflix is never-ending, but for some reason I kept putting off Friends. I had seen enough random episodes over the years to know some of the references and storylines, and know that I would like it. I finally gave in and now I am wondering why the friends have not been a part of my life sooner than now, other than I might appreciate it the most right now, also being in mid-20s. I just started season 6, so I am on the downhill and I just know that I am never going to want it to end.

I remember back in 2013, when the original promos for Graceland came out and wanting to pick up, and for whatever reason, didn’t. My sister brought it back to my attention this summer, and I am definitely hooked. I love Aaron Tveit from Les Miserables and his guest spots on Gossip Girl (no shame), but I honestly expected him to be awkward in this somewhat gritty show. And he is at times…but it surprising fits into the story pretty well. Crime/cop shows are my favorite genre, and this one separates itself with an unique angle and has characters that are really easy to become invested in. I definitely recommend it!

I have no shame. I Facetime with my friend Brandi back in Kansas and it’s the best entertainment.

What I’m Reading…
My reading list is significantly longer than my Netflix list. Throughout college I would buy cheap books here and there for my library, but didn’t get to read very many of them, because, college, duh. #herestoneverhavingtoreadatextbookagain. So essentially I have a ton of unread books on my shelf, yet I have no willpower from buying books that are popular right now and reading them right away. This month I only read one book…

I read Dark Places by Gillian Flynn, the same author who brought us Gone Girl. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Like Gone Girl it was twisted, with well-crafted scenes and characters, and also very hard to review without giving too much away. I will say that this one was just a tad bit predictable before I would have liked (still a good shock though) and I felt like after so much detail, the ending was kind of misplaced and hasty. On the other hand, this book makes you think A LOT, which I particularly like. Definitely recommend it!

What I’m Listening To…
I recently started up a new version of my Friday Jam Sessions, sharing each Friday what I have been listening to throughout the week. Check it out HERE.

What I’m Wearing…
I don’t really consider myself that fashionable, but I like to look nice. I also don’t usually take mirror pictures… so maybe next time, maybe. But I am looking forward to a change in wardrobe with the upcoming change of season, especially so I can wear my new scarf! All of fall and winter, I really wanted a blanket scarf but couldn’t make up my mind on wanted. This year I told myself that I was going to make a decision and stick to it. This is what is on its way in the mail right now…

What I’m Doing This Weekend…
I’m going to Guatemala!!
I will be spending six day in Antigua, Guatemala at a World Staff Conference for my job. In addition to our East and West Coast U.S. offices, we also have 15 Foreign Offices around the world, so every other year this conference happens. Yes, a lot of my time will be spent in meetings at the resort, but I will still get to enjoy quite a few things. We have a day-long hike up the Pacaya volcano and weather permitting, I am going to be going zip lining! This is my first big international trip aside from a vacation in Mexico so I am extremely excited! I will be taking my camera, so be prepared for lots of pictures!

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month…
K-STATE FOOTBALL!!!!!
I’ve said many times that my perfect last day on earth includes a K-State Gameday and I know that I am going to be incredibly homesick for Kansas this fall. But I am very excited to join some of the watch parties here in D.C. and meet some new friends here that also bleed purple.

This Month’s Bonus Question: What’s Your Favorite Back to School Tradition…

So I definitely wrote the above answers before I read what the bonus question was. Oh well. We didn’t really have an consistent traditions growing up and I already mentioned that the week before school started at K-State was always my favorite. I will say my favorite thing at the end of the first week of school was sitting down with all of my syllabi and extra curricular schedules and organizing it all in my planner. I even had erasable colored pencils… #nerdalert

******
Well, that’s what’s up this Wednesday!
Cheers!

So There's That Series

So There’s That: Vol.9

July 8, 2015July 10, 2015 Amanda

{Sort of like a “Friday Five” or a “Life Lately” except it’s probably not Friday, and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my glam #postgradlife. See past posts HERE}

1. Furious Dancing

No, I do not really have a reason to be that mad. But I am cracking up.
I saw this on Pinterest last week, and well, it spoke to me, so I printed it and hung it up at work.
I am pretty sure that dancing solves most problems.

2. My New Camera!

I had always thought someday I would get a nice camera when I had a family, but recently with my move and lots of upcoming work travel, I decided why wait? I live an adventurous life in a beautiful and historical place right now, and I want to document it. I have a teeny tiny bit of photography experience being an agricultural communicator, but I am excited to learn more. I had an idea of what I wanted, but I am lucky to know a few talented photographers who also gave me some advice. I should also give a shout out to my parents and grandparents, who were pretty easy to convince that my birthday and Christmas should come early this year

3. Best Friend’s Visit and Independence Day

We are already part way through summer…umm, what?! The past two weeks have been so full that it has taken every bit of discipline I have to not take a nap every day after work just to keep up. This past weekend was my first Independence Day in D.C. and the weekend before that, my best friend Richole (from Oregon) was my first official visitor here in my new home.

4. Food for Thought

The Myth of Big, Bad Gluten – New York Times Article

Even though I am in communications, I personally do not post or share a lot of opinionated content. Social media is a powerful and great tool for networking and sharing information, but too often it is abused. I think it becomes too crowded with people who have a false sense of confidence and a platform for rants — usually about things that they actually know very little truth about. So usually I do not like to add fuel to the conversations that just go in circles. With that said, I do want to share this article because I think it tackles the topic from a bit of a different perspective than I have seen lately. Listen, yes I work in agriculture and represent the U.S. wheat industry, but choice is choice. I choose to eat gluten for a various number of reasons, and I respect your decision not to. My argument only comes out when people do not think for themselves, and instead let fear-mongering, trends and false information dictate their decisions. Always be hungry for the truth and choose what is right for your own body and values, not just because you saw a colorful infographic or read something on a mommy blog.

And that goes for the article for me and I shared. One article is not the end all and I am not a dietician or a food scientist. I work for farmers, and as such, I want people to want to know more about their food without tossing their common sense and reasoning aside.

5. Inside Out

Everyone. Should. See. This. Movie.
And do not roll your eyes because you “don’t like animated movies.”
It is seriously cute and will make you ~~cry~~ think more than you ever thought a simple cartoon could.
Plus it is voiced by people like Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader. How could you go wrong?

6. Typorama

This is one of my new favorite apps! I use Canva.com (something I could go on and on and on about) almost everyday for projects at work but I wanted something that was similar for my phone. The images below are the only things I have created so far, so I have not used any of my own imagery yet or used it for work, but the possibilities are endless. If I remember correctly it did cost $0.99, but definitely worth it.

7. Upcoming Travel

This upcoming weekend kicks off two months of lots of travel for me! Just looking at the calendar makes my head spin just a bit. There are both work trips and vacation, to be honest the work trip destinations are not too shabby. Here is a quick look…

July
San Diego (work national board meetings)
Eastern Oregon (visiting home)
Phoenix (work – Ag Media Summit)

August
Las Vegas (taking my sister for her 21st!)
Guatemala (work – world staff conference)

Yeah, I would say my camera is going to get a lot of use! Stay tuned.

8. A Steal

So I think I am in a bit of a transition with my wardrobe.
Since moving to D.C. my work attire has changed to business casual, and on some days, professional. But it is not just at work. I have never lived in the city before, so everything from going out for drink or even to the grocery store is a bit of a change for this small town Oregon/Kansas girl #imissmybluejeans. On top of that I turn 25 this year and I am starting to feel that some of my clothes are not really my style anymore. For the most part I fully embrace the change but overhauling a wardrobe does not happen over night #thankyoustudentloans, and well, I hate shopping.

So it is a slow process, but finding skirts like this at 40% off for $15 is what I like to call a steal.

And it is purple, obviously. #GoKState.

***

So, There’s That.

***

Joining these Linkups this week.

Friday Favorites
Thinking Out Loud

Creativity and Organization

DIY Lately.

January 26, 2015January 26, 2015 Amanda

I’ve been pretty crafty over the last couple of months, so I thought I would share.

Really, all of the baking on Pinterest makes me feel inadequate, so I had to compensate somehow.

1. Hanging Wooden “O” Monogram

My childhood best friend Richole up and got herself hitched last summer to Dustin Osbourne, and right away they moved into a new home. They didn’t have much to start decorating with so I went ahead and helped out.

I painted this medium-sized wooden letter that I got from Hobby Lobby and embellished with lots of fun bling, that I also I got from the holy ground.
(i.e. Hobby Lobby.)

(Warning, I’m a huge fan of Hobby Lobby)

2. Holiday Silk Arrangement

Yah, sure I’ve already blogged about this. But I’m still just so proud.

3. Grey and Yellow Decorative Bottles

Decorating bottles is kind of my new thing, and while these ones are my first, I have a whole Pinterest board bursting with future ideas.

I made these ones for my best friend Megan’s birthday, who recently did a new bedspread and color scheme for her bedroom. I used a tequila bottle and two different wine bottles, and all of the accessories are from Hobby Lobby. One fun thing I found was that instead of buying individual twine string, it also comes in a ribbon that looks like you used individual strands. For the paint I used acrylic. Now there may be more preferable kinds of paint to use on glass, but I like that acrylic is fast-drying (I’m an extremely impatient person) and I particularly like the texture that it leaves. You may not be able to see in the picture, but I also used metallic colored silver and gold sharpies to add some final detailing.

4. Purple and Blue Painted Bottles

So I lied. THESE were technically my first bottle project, but I didn’t decorate them like the ones above, so they don’t count, right?

Anyways, I painted these when I moved into a new place last year and got a new bed spread set. I already had the skinny blue bottle (on the bottom right) and the mosaic vase (on the bottom left) and decided to build my look around them. Again, I used acrylic paints and the few embellishments were random decorative things that I already had. As for as the bottles go… well there’s a little bit of everything up there 🙂

5. Hanging Wooden “E” Wine Cork Monogram

So this is the only project on here that I (kind of) got from a specific pin on Pinterest.

I’ve been wanting to do something with wine corks for a while, and have been religiously saving my stash for the right project. Now I kept and used my broken ones because 1. I like how they look and 2. I’m really bad at removing the cork perfectly. Like the “O” I got this large-sized wooden letter at Hobby Lobby. I was making this one at home in Oregon over my holiday break to I access to my family flower shop and their “library” of spray paint. For this I used a matte black for the front and then lined all of the edges in metallic gold. All of the button embellishments came from Hobby Lobby, but all of the rest came from the odds and ends drawer at our shop. This was a Christmas present for my uncle Josh and Sonia, and the future home they is searching for.

So There's That Series

So There’s That: Vol. 5

December 1, 2014July 8, 2015 Amanda

{Sort of like a “Friday Five” except it’s probably not Friday and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my glam #postgradlife.}

1. Thanksgiving Vacation in Oregon

I surprised my family by coming home for Thanksgiving. I was able to stay for a whole week and spent most of it just relaxing and spending time with my favorite people. Oregon had a break from the lower temps and Thanksgiving Day was warm enough that my family was able to eat dinner out on the heated patio. Yah, my grandparents live the good life.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I was so thankful that I got to spend it with my family this year (for the first time since I moved to Kansas in 2009.) They are so patient as I do my thing out here in the Midwest. Over time I have come to realize that not everyone has this unconditional support, and for that I am eternally grateful. And I am thankful for my Kansas family. They’ve helped make this place my home and I am surrounded, in my not-so-humble opinion, by some of the greatest people around. I am thankful for this season of my life. It’s a season of constant change, challenges and more growing pains (do those ever subside?) But its also one of lots of learning, serendipity and just plain fun. There certainly is a lot going on in this world and I am thankful that so much of it is still beautiful.

2. K-State Kaiden

This story. This family. Cats man.

K-Stater’s have known about this little guy’s story for almost two years now, but ever since “Kaiden’s Play” during the 2014 Spring Game (featured below,) his story has spread. This is one of those things that makes it hard for me to understand people who don’t care for sports. Yes, I think Kaiden’s story would be just as special without K-State football, but the impact he has had on this team and it’s fans, that is what sports and family is all about. There are a lot of good articles covering this story but this one below is the most recent. Even if you aren’t a K-State fan or even a sports fan, go ahead. You will be glad that you did.

“Donors pitch in to send boy with leukemia to K-State’s bowl game”

3. Pinterest Cats

I’m really not a big fan of cats. But according to my Pinterest “Easily Amused” board, I sure do love a solid funny cat meme. It may or may not be from antagonizing all of my sister’s cats growing up…

And despite what she says, her current cat is well on it’s way to looking like that fat one.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/265923552973535714/

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/83205093?image=83205101

http://themetapicture.com/weeeeeeee/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/265923552969259028/

http://tumblr.forgifs.com/post/84766399414/cat-shaq-wiggles

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/265923552972328591/

http://amazing-creature.blogspot.com/2012/02/animal-pictures-20-hilarious-animal.html#.VH0_KYetQi4

(Click on the individual picture to zoom in. Links in captions.)

4. HannahBrencher.com

Been really digging what this girl has to say lately. She’s the mastermind behind The World Needs More Love Letters movement and is a true artist of words. I recommend checking her blog out.

5. Festival of Trees

Enjoyed a fun “Ladies Night” at the Manhattan Festival of Trees with my bestie Leah. There was wine, yummy treats and lots of fun browsing and shopping. My family’s flower shop has always done a tree at our own local festival so seeing all of the creative, festive decorations was my favorite part. I’d say these three below were my favorites!

So, there’s that.

Creativity and Organization

Pinterest Adventures

November 13, 2012December 12, 2014 Amanda

With school, work, life and what not, I have to work pretty hard at balancing my distractions. That’s why I am pretty proud of myself that while Pinterest is an awesome website, I am able to keep myself from wasting too much valuable time on it.

With that said, I am also proud to say that I have put some of that pointless browsing to good use and joined the “DIY” fad. (You would be amused to know how long it took me to figure out that DIY stood for ‘Do It Yourself’)

Here are my projects and attempts at “oh my goodness that is so creative” so far.

1. Makeup boards

These were Christmas presents I made last year, the pink one for my roommate Megan and the purple one for my sister Janci.

Instructions:

For the boards I used a white dry erase board for the pink one and a piece of sheet metal and a frame that my mom painted for the purple. I covered them both in fabric.
Then I just used spray paint, ribbons and random decorative stuff to personalize each one. To hold heavier things like makeup brushes I used kitchen drawer organizer baskets and pencil cup holders

Finally with both gifts I included a package of magnets that they could hot glue to the back of all of their compacts and other items. It’s not shown but Megan took a rectangle magnet strip and keeps her bobby pins organized that way. I would definitely suggest using as strong as magnets as you can and the hot glue is nice instead of super glue because you can peel the magnets off and reuse them.

2. Necklace Hanger

This was a birthday present that my roommate Kyla and I made for our other roommate Megan’s birthday. It was super easy. We found both the wooden plaque and assorted drawer knobs at Hobby Lobby, spray painted and decorated the plaque and then with a little power tool help from the boys, drilled the knobs in. I hung it by stringing wire between to two hooks.

3. Map picture

So this is more of a modification of two projects that I saw on Pinterest. Here my Grandma let me cut up one of her U.S. maps and so I cut out hearts that were stenciled around my two homes in Oregon and Kansas. Really this is more her project because she free-handed the stencils and wrote the words. But I get creativity points, right?

4. Cake dip

Obviously food does not go under the “DIY” category, however, considering how baking and cooking anything dessert related does not go under the list of skills that I have, I definitely consider it a tally for the win column. Plus I have been the hit at all birthdays, watch parties and tailgates this semester.

Ingredients:

one box of cake mix (just the mix not all of the things it says to add for a cake,) a 8 oz. tub of cool whip and a cup of plain yogurt.
Mix. Refrigerate. DONE. So far we like scooby snacks, graham crackers and animal crackers best to dip in.

5. Earring holder

This was actually my very own idea. Go me.

Instructions:

I got chain link from Ace Hardware and strung two different thin ribbons through each link
The bows are a product of being raised in a floral shop. Sorry, but can’t really teach that one. But my mom can 🙂
Then I just draped the chain across 3 finishing nails

Happy Pinning!
– Amanda Jae

Tag: Pinterest

What’s Up Wednesday: August 2015