SUMMER GOALS 2016

Summer has begun. This is my last summer as a college student! While I'll still be busy working two jobs, this is my last summer break. So, I have plenty of ideas about what I want to do to make this the best summer yet.

1. The Summer of Healthy. 
My biggest goal for this summer to is to be healthy. In college, it can be difficult to stay healthy. You're busy, you're going out with friends, and your number one priority is often doing well in school. That means that sometimes you put your health on the back burner. I don't want that this summer. I want to focus on putting healthy foods in my body. I want to exercise more. And I want more sleep!

I'm calling this summer "the summer of healthy." My #1 goal this summer is to be healthy in every sense of the word. After the first 7 mile run that I've ran in a long time (maybe ever), I'm feeling pretty confident about reaching my goals in this beautiful city ☀️🌿 #clichepicnicpointpic

A photo posted by Taylor Shiff (@tay_shiff) on May 18, 2016 at 1:54pm PDT

2. Learn new skills. 
I've had a book about learning Java Script on my bookshelf for two years. TWO YEARS. This summer I am going to learn Java Script already.

3. See more good live music outdoors. 
For the past few years I have gone to Basilica Block Party with my best friends back home. It is two nights of live music on three stages in Minneapolis hosted by Cities97, and it is one of my favorite events each summer. This year the lineup for the night I want to go includes, Death Cab for Cutie, American Authors, X Ambassadors, Matt Hires and more. I need to get to this concert.

4. Spend as much time as possible on the Terrace. 
The Memorial Union Terrace at UW-Madison is my favorite part of campus. Although, there is still a little construction going on there, everyone is thrilled that it is back open for the summer. And it is looking better than ever. I can't wait to have some more great summer nights hanging out in our terrace chairs.

5. Get outside. 
Living in between three lakes makes getting outside easy. Being near those lakes never gets old. There are so many beautiful spots in Madison and I want to spend more time exploring new places around here.

I wish every moment could be like this one ☀️🌎

A photo posted by Taylor Shiff (@tay_shiff) on May 6, 2016 at 4:56pm PDT

6. Make time for friends. 
This is the last summer that all of the amazing friends I have made these last four years will be together. Some of my friends are studying abroad in the fall and some of us are graduating in December. It's hard to believe that this is the last time we will all truly be together before people start moving away and getting full time jobs.

Last summer in Madison was great, but I know that this one will be even better. I have a feeling it's about to be a summer I'll never forget.

What are your summer goals?

SNAPSHOT SUNDAY: THE END OF SUMMER

This time of year is always bittersweet. I will admit it is nice to get back into some sort of routine after a long summer. But summer. It's no secret I am in love with summer. It has come to a close, and it is time to accept all that comes along with the beginning of a new semester. We still many adventures. So before we really begin focusing on school, let me tell you about the memories I made at the end of summer.        

Girls Night // The girls are back, and life is good. It felt so good to have a girls night and catch up. Plus, catching up in a rooftop hot tub with a view of the Capitol in the background wasn't all that bad.

Chicago // I have only been twice (both times for the day), but I love it already. Hopefully one day I will get to spend some more time there. But I had a wonderful day with some of the girls exploring the city. From our cliche Bean pictures to walking around Navy Pier it was a day to remember.

Breakfast food // I love breakfast. I am convinced I could eat breakfast food for every meal and be content. If it weren't for pizza, I might try. The avocado toast is something I love making myself. The breakfast sandwich and potatoes are from a place called, Mickie's Dairy Bar. People have been talking about this place since I got on campus, and it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I finally went. I didn't even want to try something new the second time I went, because I liked this so much the first time. Then, in Minneapolis we went to a place called Black Coffee and Waffle Bar. My waffle had cream cheese frosting, strawberries, and whipped cream. Needless to say it was the best waffle I have ever had. 

Surprise Concert // When one of my roommates asked who Phillip Phillips was, I never imagined the conversation would end with, if you want to see him tonight go get free wristbands at the Union today.

The Great Minnesota Get Together // The 5 of us girls piled into my car and made the drive back to Minnesota for the State Fair and more fun. Three of us are from Minnesota, one is from around Chicago and the other is from Wisconsin. So we took turns showing our friends from out-of-town around the cities. We stuffed ourselves with Sweet Martha's cookies and other fun food on a stick at the State Fair. We snapped some pictures and walked around the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. And we shopped 'til dropped at the Mall of America. It was a weekend for the books. 

Kitten // His name is Tux. And I am in love. Apparently my brother just brought home a kitten a few weeks ago that he got from a friend, and now my family loves him. Only, no one told me about him. But if there is any surprise to come home to a tiny new furry friend is certainly a good one. They named him Tux, because he's black with white fur on his front side. But my little sister keeps calling him Sylvester. Whatever they want to call him,  I wish I could take him back to school with me. 

It's hard to believe that classes have started, and summer is over. Where did the time go? Now it's time to remember all the reasons to be excited to be on campus. I guess part of the reason I don't want the summer to end is, because the start of the semester marks the beginning of junior year. It's scary! Every year is that much closer to the "real world", and I have no idea what life right after college will look like for me. Hopefully the future includes copious amounts of breakfast food and a decent salary to pay for all of it. 

HOW ALMOST FAINTING TURNED INTO MEETING MAT KEARNEY

So, I know what you're thinking. The fainting is supposed to come after an encounter with one of the coolest people on the planet, isn't it? However, almost passing out had nothing to do with being starstruck.

Here, I'll set the scene:

It's our fourth year of going to Basilica Block Party hosted by Cities 97, and we are beyond pumped. Per usual, the July heat leads us straight to the food ticket booth so that we can stay hydrated. We get a piece of pizza and some drinks, run into some old high school friends, and walk around to check out the different stages. We're looking at the schedule deciding who we want to see most and when. Ultimately, we decide on first seeing Mat Kearney, staying a bit for O.A.R., and then heading to catch the tail end of Weezer.

Lauren, Shelby, and Me

So we end up getting pretty decent spots for Mat Kearney. We get there a little bit early and listen to whoever was on before him, while more and more people pile in around us. Before we know it, we are belting out songs like "She's Got the Honey" and "Ships in the Night." Mat is absolutely killing it. And it has already made the books as one of the best nights as Basilica.  

Eventually, Mat sings his final song and crowd shows their approval with an appropriate amount of whoops and hollers. And then it's over. The temperature is hovering somewhere around uncomfortably hot, and being in a massive crowd of people is not making it any better. We gaze longingly at blue guitar shaped fans that the people next to us were using to cool themselves off. Meanwhile, the people on the other side of us decided it would be a good idea to start elbowing people around them to box them out and have plenty of space (this is a game plan they decided to make out loud as we gave them dirty side glances for being rude concert go-ers*). But you have to make sacrifices. As people ran off in sight of food and hydration after Mat Kearney, we moved even closer, so that there was only a few people between us and the stage. 

Finally, O.A.R. takes the stage with "Love and Memories" and a few other opening songs that I don't really recognize. My friends decide that they want to hear "Peace" and "Heaven." Everything is going great. Again, we are singing and dancing, enjoying a view we rarely get close enough for. A few songs in "Heaven" came on, and we were all excited to hear it. Then out of nowhere, I feel like I am going to see my pizza again. I turned to my friend Shelby, and I was like "I have to get of here, but you guys stay. I'll be just fine." Clearly, they could see on my face that I was not going to be fine, and they followed my out of the crowd like the awesome friends they are. 

As I am pushing through this massive hoard of people, I can barely see where I am going. I'm seeing spots, and I can't figure out how I am actually still standing. Just when I think I am at the edge of the crowd, I feel a fence, and I look up to see I had reached a fenced in grass area surrounded my people. At this point, standing is barely an option, and I drop to the ground gripping the poles of the fence. I vaguely recall some women standing above me saying (read in snotty voice), "If she's going to throw up, will you please move her?" to my friends. 

I know that I have to make it out of the crowd, and continue to push to edge of the crowd. I sat with my head in my knees right next to the fence that marks the boundaries of the concert area, as one of my friends went to get my water. And this is when it happened: I don't remember exactly what Lauren said, but it was something like "Is that Mat Kearney? Yeah, that's totally him right there." So we all look over, and sure enough he's standing only yards away from us on the other side of the fence. We watched as he talked to Cities 97 people, until some girl manages to get his attention and was taking a picture with him. I quickly assure my friends that I am good enough to get up and that we have to get a picture. 

First Lauren managed to get a quick selfie with him, and when Shelby and I caught up, I asked him if it would be okay if we got one with him, too. I SAID WORDS TO MAT KEARNEY (I know that is the least eloquent way to put that, but that describes my mental state at this point). And then we snapped this awesome picture, which I am still a little disappointed isn't the best quality, but still. I have a picture with Mat Kearney now. Shelby kept saying that she was really sorry I had to get sick, but she was really glad that I did, because otherwise we would have never met him. And I agreed. 

In reality, this probably occurred from being super dehydrated since it was so hot out, and I had barely had anything to eat or drink that day, since I took a 5 hour bus ride back into town that day. However, I would still like to think that it was meant to be so we could meet Mat. 

Cheers to more years of Basilica Block Party ahead!

Have you had any unexpectedly amazing concert experiences?

*It was at this time that I decided my blog post about Basilica would be on concert etiquette. But meeting Mat Kearney was way cooler. So the date on that blog post is TBD.
(Also, shout out to Becky. We wish you could have been there to experience this one with with us. But I still plan on photoshopping you in on this pictures.)

TREATS TO STAY COOL IN THE SUMMER

It's like one day it was fine, and the next day it was unbearably hot. Welcome to July. Now is the time to keep the ovens off and crank the AC. But that doesn't mean your only option for a little treat has to be ice cream.

One of my favorite summer treats is popsicles. So today, I decided to make my own!

I always see Pinterest posts on making homemade popsicles, which I love, because you have so many options! It gives your more flexibility, especially if you are looking for a healthier treat. Today I made mine out of SLIMQUICK Pure Extra Strength Drink Mix. Unlike using something like Crystal Light, it is designed to address reasons we might have losing weight:

• It increases metabolism
• It reduces appetite
• It boosts energy
• It reduces excess water
• It supports hormones
• It reduces stress

The great thing is that it is made with natural ingredients, such antioxidants and BioPure Green Tea, and it is designed to help women lose weight three times faster than dieting alone.

Since this was my first time using the popsicle molds, some of the popsicle flooded out, as you might be able to tell in the picture. It also didn't help that our freezer is stuffed to the max. But it was such an easy to treat to make. 

It took about five minutes of preparation. The hard part can be waiting for it to freeze, so I did it the night before, and now they are ready to enjoy whenever I feel like it today. 

This is a great snack if you want something that tastes great and has health benefits, like boosting your metabolism. I think I might go eat one right now!

What are your favorite cold treats to make in the summer?

Use this coupon to save $5 off your own drink mix!

*This is a sponsored post, powered by BrandBacker, but all of the opinions in this post are my own.

JULY GOALS

Where is the summer going? I can't decide if I feel like I have done a lot or nothing at all. There is still so much that I want to do. At the beginning of summer it feels like you have time to do everything. But before you know it is winding down and people start using words like syllabus and welcome week again. Ew. 

So this month, I have decided to make some concrete goals, and maybe if I share them I will be more likely to accomplish them. Who knows? It's worth a try. 

//ONE// Blog 2-3 times a week. I haven't been great at this lately. During the school year it was nearly impossible to find the time to sit down and actually blog. Most of my posts were re-posts from my Her Campus articles, and I felt awful about it. I wanted to create more posts just for the blog, but I definitely over-committed myself last semester. 

//TWO// Actually open the case to my guitar. I have wanted to learn the guitar for ten years now, and I have yet to put in the effort to actually learn, even though I have a guitar. So my goal for this month is to actually take it out of the case and put some work into learning how to play it. 

//THREE// Learn more about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I love coding websites. As nerdy as it sounds, it's true. I probably won't try to learn anything more complicated than JavaScript. I know some HTML/CSS, but I keep telling myself I am going to learn Java. There's no time like the present, right?

//FOUR// Read for 30 minutes a day. This is something I have wanted to do forever. I read a lot--but mostly from a screen. My goal is to finally make it through some of my books. I just got Aziz Ansari's book, Modern Romance, and it is already helping with this goal. It's so good. 

//FIVE// Keep my curls at least 3 days of the week. Taming my curls is nearly impossible. I find it hard to wear my hair naturally usually, because I just can't get the curls I want. Especially with the humidity, my hair gets large and frizzy, and sometimes I can't help but straighten it. 

//SIX// Exercise 3-4 times a week. Admittedly, I haven't been working out as much as I want to this summer. I was so good about it at the end of the school year, but I definitely need to get back into making it a part of my routine. 

//SEVEN// Try something new every week. I think summer is the perfect time to try out new things. One of the things I really want to try out it kayaking. Hopefully I can make that happen this month. 

//EIGHT// Take more pictures. As I have been trying to find more images for the blog, I realized that I haven't been taking that many pictures lately. I plan to take my camera with me more often so that I will force myself to take more pictures. 

//NINE// Eat more veggies. I love fruit. I could eat berries all day long, because they taste like candy. The thing is they are like nature's candy, because they are sugary. So I have been trying to be conscious about incorporate more veggies into my diet, too. Any suggestions about how you do this? 

//TEN// Comment on other blogs more often. One of the ways that I love to get inspiration is by reading other blogs. There is so much to learn from other bloggers, but I want to focus on commenting more. I know how much it means to me to receive comments, and I want to return the favor!

What are your goals for July?

A LOVE LETTER TO SUMMER

Dear Summer,

I have never been in love. I have been in lust (as you can see here, here, and here). But with you it's different. I promise this isn't something I say to every other season.

The time I spend with you is extra special, because I know it cannot last forever. But the truth is I am happiest when you are around. You invite endless adventure and time to do everything I put off during the rest of the year. My smile is a little bit brighter when I'm with you. And I get a little sad when I think about what it will be like without you, but I am appreciative of the time I have with you now. 

I could spend hours gazing at the lakes on the warm summer nights. Mornings by the lake are serene. Afternoons by the lake are lively. And nights by the lake are a part of some of my favorite memories. 

I know our relationship isn't always healthy, but sometimes you just want a little danger in your life for the thrill of it. You know? I'm tempted to forget the SPF 30, because of the beautiful glow I know I could have. But I know it's not good for me.

It makes me giddy just thinking about all the fun times we still have ahead of us. The late night talks that last until we are convinced we have uncovered the meaning of life at 3am. The random ice cream runs, because it is too hot to eat anything else. And the spontaneous adventures that turn into stories we will tell for years.

I'm usually not one to broadcast my relationships, but I want the world to know about our love affair. I am madly and hopelessly in love with you, Summer.

 

CURRENTLY // JUNE '15

Listening to // "I Need Your Love" by Shaggy. I heard this song on the radio the other day and instantly loved it. The lyrics are pretty simple--it says "I need your love" a million times. It's a good one, though. 

Shopping for// I have been focusing on eating more fruits and vegetables lately, so I was excited when my mom wanted to go to the Farmers Market when I got home. My little sister loves her fruits and vegetables, but I think she was most excited over the cheese samples. As soon as we got there she announced that she wanted the cheese you could eat with toothpicks. 

Watching // "Parks and Rec." I love Amy Poehler. She is one of my idols, and I have been meaning to watch it for the longest time. Hopefully I will be able to watch the whole series this summer.

Following // Shaylen Carroll on Vine. Wow her voice is great. I don't go on Vine that often, but when I do I am always so impressed. One of my favorites on Vine is "Us the Duo." I saw them for the first time last summer when they opened for Eric Hutchison during a short concert for Oake on the Water.

Working on // Learning calligraphy. I have wanted to learn this forever. I plan on spending some time practicing this summer.

Playing //  Lately I have been trying to get better at volley ball, because a lot of my friends seem to be pretty good at it. Last week my friend Jessie and I sat on the sidelines and colored, because we were too tired to play. We made signs cheering on the teams with names like "Glitz and Glamor" and "Why Do You Like Fishsticks?" It was a good time. 

Reading // "Screenwriting Tips, You Hack." I have been trying to get through this book for a while now. I really enjoy reading it, but I feel like I need to dedicate more time to actually practice the things I am reading.

Writing // I keep telling myself that I am going to practice screenwriting. My goal by the end of the summer is to be doing it a few times a week. For now, I am trying to get some posts out and practicing when I can.

Catching up on // My sleep schedule has been turned upside down by work. One day I will sleep four-five hours and the next day I will sleep for ten hours. Thankfully work is settling down, so hopefully I will be able to establish a better sleep schedule.

What have you been up to lately?

HOW TO SURVIVE FINALS AS TOLD BY MINDY KALING

That time of year is here again. Summer is so close, but it might feel like a lifetime away. Here are some tips for surviving finals week:

Step 1: Make sure to stay comfortable. The weather is warming up, and everyone is excited to bring out their spring wardrobe. Just remember to keep it comfy. And maybe wear some of your favorite outfits on test days. Dress well, test well. Right?

Step 2: Indulge in a little treat as a study break. Obviously you want to stay healthy during finals week, but a trip to Greenbush might be the extra motivation you were looking for.

Step 3: Take care of yourself. Don't be the person at the library that has been in the same spot for eight hours and hasn't showered in three days. Get some sleep, take breaks, and prioritize your health.

Step 4: Cut yourself off from the people that don't have finals this week. Soon you will have your freedom, too, and you can resume those friendships.

Step 5: Get to the library early. As the week goes on, seats will open up as more and more people start to finish. But if you don't get there early enough you will wander around praying to find a table. And don't even think about finding a spot near an outlet.

Step 6: Stay focused. As your friends start finishing up, it can be tempting to get distracted while they celebrate. Study breaks are necessary to maintain your sanity, but just remember not to go overboard.

Step 7: Know when to stop studying. There is such a thing as over studying, and at some point you have to call it quits. It might be tempting to study up until the moment they ask you to put everything away, but at certain point you just know what you know.

Step 8: Have some confidence in yourself. You put the time in and studied hard, and now it is time to show those finals what you are made of.

Good luck with finals! The end is near.

Must Have Beauty Products for Going Back to College

A year ago I was packing for my first year of college, wondering if I would make friends easily, and worrying about what it would be like to be in a lecture with over a hundred other students. My freshman year I learned a lot, inside and outside of the lecture halls. Today I am heading back for round 2.

At first I wanted to share something super insightful heading off to school, but seeing as this has been a busy time (packing for college and all), I decided to share some of the items on my packing list that I had to make sure I got.

Original Image from Picjumbo

// ONE // 

Redken Iron Shape

If you are going to be styling with heat, you need to protect your hair. Coming from someone with sometimes out-of-control curls and frizz (don't be fooled by the pictures on the blog--the curls must be tamed), I am often straightening or touching up curls with hot styling tools. It is no secret that these tools are harmful, but having a good protective spray can minimize the damage, and help you feel better about making your hair look the way you want it. 

ULTA Beauty $16

 //TWO// 

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover

For years I used the recognizable orange bottle of Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash--you know the one with the "#1 Dermatologist Recommended." It's true, in middle school my doctor told me that I would see the best results from this face wash. I stayed faithful to that orange facewash until I tried Neutrogena Naturals in our bathroom last year while I was back at home. I would never go back after using naturals. It feels so much better on your face, and this kind even has the make up remover, cutting down your time getting ready for bed. 

Target $6

//THREE//

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Going back to school August or early September means that it's probably going to be hot and humid. I find that during these times oil absorbing sheets are my best friend, because a rise in heat and humidity can cause skin's oil production levels to increase. They are compact and portable, making it easy to toss into your purse or bag when you are on the go. If you already have oily skin or are more prone to breakouts during this time, these sheets are a great solution for a good price.

Target $4.50

//FOUR// 

Garnier® Fructis Style® Volumizing Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray

This hairspray is the best thing that I could have come across with my curly hair. During the most humid times at the end of summer, my hair will barely straighten, and by the time I get it to look half decent it starts to curl again. And in case you haven't seen it, half straight-half curly hair is not a style that anyone looks good with. We are not talking about beach waves or big barrel curls at the ends. I am talking about frizzy, large, ship-wrecked-looking hair. Not only does this product give me a healthy-dose of volume, but it prevents me from looking like a woman from the eighties who just wondered out of the jungle. (It's really that bad--or at least I think so.) But this doesn't only work for people with curly hair--it's perfect for keeping in place a 'do that you spent a while working on, and it doesn't leave your hair feeling crunchy or stiff.   

Target $3.50

//FIVE//

Loreal BB Cream

I love my BB Cream. Since I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, I have also invested in some more expensive foundation and full-face makeups. But for $8 you can't go wrong with this BB Cream. It's especially great when I am in a hurry and want to cover up some of the imperfections on my face. This makeup corrects your skin for an all around even complexion. On top of that it hydrates and smooths your skin. It can also be used for touch ups later in the day, especially since you might be sweating off your makeup in the heat.

Target $8

 What are some of you favorite beauty products? Do you prefer special items around this time? 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All of the products in this post are ones that I use and would recommend.
*Prices might vary by location.

Friday Favorites

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year: the day that I go to the Minnesota State Fair. I don't so much like the overabundance of people and dirty surroundings (as it was the first day, it really wasn't that bad--the real filth rolls in around the last few days of the Great Minnesota Get Together). However, I am a big fan of food. Isn't everyone?

I don't know about other state fairs, but in Minnesota we apparently like things deep fried and on a stick. Is that pretty normal? I guess it is America, after all--the land where McDonald's is the number one food-chain, and companies have convinced us that two patties on a burger is obviously better than one. It's sad really, but that's a topic for another day. Today I want to talk about food, and how much I look forward to my favorite Fair-Foods. 

A couple of years ago I wrote a post called "Can I have that deep fried on a stick?" There's one part that still remains true, and probably always will--and that is the 3 things you can guarantee at the Minnesota State Fair.

So today, I want to share some of my favorite treats at the fair. 

//ONE//

Sweet Martha's Cookies 

Sweet Martha's Cookies are everyone's favorite (and by everyone I mean everyone I associate with, because I don't understand how we could be friends if you didn't love these gooey-bites of chocolate-chip heaven). They are warm, fresh, and if you do it right, served with an ice-cold glass of milk. Yum. 

//TWO//

Fudge Puppy

What is a fudge puppy? Only a Belgian waffle on a stick covered in chocolate, with whipped topping and sprinkles. In one word: delicious.

//THREE//

Deep-Fried Candy Bar 

I have to admit I was a skeptic for years. I mean who needs to deep fry an already sugary fatty substance? But it turns out deep-fried Reese's Peanutbutter cups are kind of amazing. Sadly, I didn't get one this year, but seeing as I ate plenty of other unhealthy foods, my blood sugar is probably thanking me for refraining. 

//FOUR//

Pronto Pup 

A pronto pup is like a corndog, but better. I really couldn't tell you what makes them so much tastier, other than the batter on this dog must be prepared with a much better recipe, because they always have me coming back for more. 

//FIVE//

 Corn on the Cob

This corn is fresh, flavorful and fantastic. It's hard to look at other cobs the same way, because I have tasted the savory delight that awaits near the Grand Stand. But beware: you will be in need of dental floss afterward. My parents have always talked about how they should open a stand selling floss next-door. However, since that plan was never put into motion, it's best to come prepared or remember to snag a toothpick before you leave.

//SIX//

 Fresh Fries

These are often simply referred to as "Fair Fries" by Minnesotans. Ah, Fair Fries. They are fresh, and live up to their reputation of being some of the best fries in the state. However, I witnessed the beginning of my four-year-old sister becoming a fry-snob when she refused to eat them, because they were not from Honey and Mackie's. That's right, folks. You heard it here first, Fresh Fries has some stiff competition. Maybe you can settle the dispute by stopping in and seeing what all the fuss is about Honey and Mackie's fries.

//SEVEN//

Bacon on a Stick

This was the food that I originally thought looked gross, because I am a self-proclaimed anti-aficionado of bacon. What does that mean? I am not that big of a fan. In fact, you might go as far as to say that I don't like it. Gasp! Did I just say that I don't like bacon? Sorry, guys. (Unless you don't like bacon, too. In that case, let's be friends!) But I have to admit this thick-cut bacon was pretty tasty. With that being said, it's definitely not my new favorite thing at the fair, and I continue to keep living a relatively bacon-free lifestyle.

What do you like to eat the fair? Do you have any new favorites this year?