15 Reasons to Date a Figure Skater

I found this while I was surfing the web, and I thought it was cute:

15 Reasons to Date a Figure Skater

1. We learn new positions fast
2. We enjoy sliding on long thin objects
3. We perform to please the crowd
4. We enjoy an audience
5. We like being video taped
6. We are seductive
7. We have strong abs and tight thighs
8. We show off our legs
9. We compete for the best spot
10.We always want the top
11.We work hard to get what we want
12.We push harder and harder to go as fast as we want
13.We do what we’re told
14.We like doing hard things
15.We like doing it right

Solution Day

You have SIX lines.

| | | | | |

Add FIVE lines to make NINE.

You can only add FIVE lines, no more and no less.

How will you make NINE?



The FIVE lines are added to the previous lines in diagonals and horizontal lines to form the word "NINE"

This makes the solution:

N I N E

Tricky Tuesday

Okay, it's been awhile, I know.

You have SIX lines.

| | | | | |

Add FIVE lines to make NINE.

You can only add FIVE lines, no more and no less.

How will you make NINE?

Check back Thursday for the answer!!

Donating Blood

I donated blood today. It was my third time, and every time has ended the same way: with a wet towel across my forehead. I always get faint and then everyone comes running over saying I'm too pale, someone reclines the bed instantly, and hands come out of nowhere with cups of water in my face. Then I'm stuck at the Red Cross for another hour with cookies thrust left and right. Don't get me wrong; I love free cookies, but not when I'm surrounded by strangers half-passed out. Anyway, if you're not a pathetic weakling like me, then go ahead and donate blood. Besides my unfortunate ending to the experience, it's not so bad overall.

I should be studying

Right now I should not be allowed on the internet. I certainly shouldn't be blogging. I should be studying. I have two final exams tomorrow, one Friday, and one next week. I should be spending every spare second I have to Ace my finals . . . BUT . . . I just don't have the will to do it. I'm not motivated anymore. I've lost it.

My mother keeps telling me, "You have your whole life to work, you should focus on school now." The problem with that is, I like to work. As far as I'm concerned, I've spent my whole life in school, I want to work now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about ditching school. It's just that I'd like to do both, and work is more fun.

And so, I'm not working, but I'm not studying either. I'm just sitting here blogging about how I shouldn't be blogging.

Go Green to Grow Green

How great is this?!?! At re:modern, you can get this awesome Twist and Spout that fits on almost any screw top soda or water bottle. Instead of throwing out your bottles when you're done, twist this handy tool on top and you've got an instant watering can. They are cute too! Cheers for re:modern!

UniquEco - The (flip flop) Recycling Company

After my last post about how my obsession with flip flops has inflicted pain, I decided maybe there are other uses for my old flip flops than just to trip me as I race for the bus. Check out this video about a company in Kenya that actually recycles old flip flops into toys, artwork, and sculptures. It's fabulous!

My Demise

Like every other girl, as soon as nice weather rolls around, I'm bringing out the flip flops. I'm addicted. The only problem is, I haven't quite figured out how to walk in them yet.

Okay, okay, I should start by saying that the bus WAS early!


So, I'm walking to the bus stop this morning, and as I turn the corner, I see that the bus is already at the stop! If I didn't catch it, I'd be late for class, and I absolutely can't miss any school on the week before finals!

So, I run! I'm racing across the street flailing my arms with my over-sized backpack smashing into my shoulder blades, phone in hand, and...

I was wearing flip flops. It was inevitable.

I went down. And not just that, but I went down as I was crossing the street just as the light changed in a busy intersection in morning traffic. My phone smashed into the concrete, my cute outfit got scuffed up, and of course, the flip flops didn't do a thing to protect my toes. Ouch!

I tried to play it off as I collected myself (and phone) and jumped up in an attempt to still catch the bus. People were looking at me, cars honking confused, but at least the entire audience on the bus saw as well, so they managed to hold the bus off from leaving until I made it on.

It was... let's just say, I probably won't be wearing flip flops on the days I have to catch the bus.

Almost Summer

Summer is coming, but it's hardly in sight. With Finals Week approaching, and the end-of-semester projects, it's absolutely impossible to dream of sunny days. I'm nervous. I know I can do better than I've been doing this semester, but I honestly don't have to energy or willpower to keep doing it. I really desperately need the break to catch up on sleep and energy. I just hope I can get by at this point.

50 Ways to Help the Planet

Wohoooo!!

Wire & Twine presents:

50 Ways to Help the Planet!!!

Solution Day

Here's the problem from Tuesday's post:

"A farmer is taking a fox, a chicken, and a bushel of corn to the market. On his way, there is a river he has to cross. He can only fit himself and one other in his row boat. He can't leave the fox and the chicken together, or the fox will eat the chicken. He also can't leave the chicken and the corn together, or the chicken will eat the corn. How can he get everything across and make it to the market with everything he started with?"

Solution:
First, the farmer will cross the river with the chicken. He'll leave the chicken on the other side and cross back to pick up the corn (he could pick up either the corn or the fox as you'll learn in a moment). Then he'll cross back with the corn and leave it on the other side. Then, the farmer will take the chicken back to the first side of the river and leave it there. Then he'll take the fox to the other side, cross back alone, and cross the river a final time with the chicken again. Get it?

Fun Finds! (And a New Camera!!!)

Well, I did it. I bought a new camera. I got the one I talked about here, except I bought it in the color blue instead of pink. The only colors that were available in the store (and weren't on backorder online) were blue and brown. Neither looked that bad, and I decided I didn't want to wait another month for a camera, so I went with blue on an impulse. It looks nice, and this time I'll take much better care of it so it won't get stolen!

Well, I've been make-up shopping again! Estée Lauder has been gift-crazy! At the Boston Store right now, Estée Lauder is giving away a free make-up gift set with purchase. Also, online there was a special deal for Estée Lauder subscribers last week for a free sun-protection bag with purchase. Here are some pictures (taken from my new camera) of my new bags:

Tricky Tuesday

A farmer is taking a fox, a chicken, and a bushel of corn to the market. On his way, there is a river he has to cross. He can only fit himself and one other in his row boat. He can't leave the fox and the chicken together, or the fox will eat the chicken. He also can't leave the chicken and the corn together, or the chicken will eat the corn. How can he get everything across and make it to the market with everything he started with?

If you can't figure it out, check back later this week for the Solution.

Camera Shopping

Canon PowerShot 8.0MP Digital ELPH Camera in Pink

Since I've finally been able to accept that my beloved camera will never come back, I've been looking around for a new one. I love spending all my hard earned money, not, but it would be nice to have a camera again. I keep hearing Canon is the way to go, and that's what I had before, so that's what I'm looking at again. I think I'm going to go with this one at Best Buy. The only problem is that it's on backorder, so if I do order it, I won't get it for another month.

I'm still looking around, so if you know of another good camera, a good deal, or have any other camera advice for me, comment please!

More About Taxes

Since my last post, I've been searching around the web, and I've found a couple more sites that might help you out with your taxes. At The Container Store, there is a sale for tax-related organization items. Check it out! Also, click here to see a list of Filing Strategies from RealSimple's Organizing Channel.

The Container Store - Tax Time Sale

Funky Fabrics and Other Fun Things

Fredrika Fabrics
I've always been a fan of IKEA, and this doesn't change my mind.



REPRODEPOT FABRICS
I love every fabric here! Jackpot!



Funky Flowers Lime Collar
I absolutely adore this leash and collar! If only I had a dog...



Dotty Teapot 6 Cup
These Dotty Dishes are adorable!

What in the world is a Webkinz?

I learn a lot doing all the Birthday Parties at Hero's. For example, kids are incredibly spoiled these days! Sometimes our parties run late because the Birthday child has way too many presents to open in the amount of time we give them. But who would have known that these kids would be getting 30 presents? I'm pretty sure I was lucky to get 8 presents when I was 5. I'm honestly a little jealous. There are some pretty awesome toys out there like Fashion Bratz Dolls and Hatching Dinosaur Eggs. But, hands down, the present I see way more than anything else are fuzzy, furry Webkinz toys.

I had no idea what all the hype was about. What in the world is a Webkinz, anyway? I mean, they were cute little stuffed animals, but why were they so incredible? I had to get to the bottom of this mystery, so I finally looked it up for myself. Webkinz are these little plush animals that the kids adopt online. So, what I kept seeing was a cute little plush pet that the kids were opening. But I didn't understand why these topped Barbie dolls. Was it the next Beanie Baby? No, with the stuffed animal, they get a special code that they plug into the Webkinz website. There is a whole Webkinz world online. It's the Facebook for Elementary Schoolers. It makes more sense to me now.

Anyway, the parents love these things too because they not only teach responsibility (since the kids have to take care of their pets), but also the website is totally kid friendly and personal information free. So, I guess you know what to give your six-year-old niece for her next birthday. Plus, I think the stuffed animals are adorable.

Fun Finds!

Sorry for the lack of interesting posts lately. Things have been CRAZY! I would tell you all about it, but pretty much it's just skating, Hero's, skating, Hero's, and school thrown into the mix every now and then. Plus, last week I woke up one morning and I couldn't see! One of my eyes was blurry all morning which preceded a horrendous headache in the afternoon. That was not the least bit fun! Anyway, I'll try to make it up to you with these good deals:

Macy's is offering this free Estée Lauder gift set with any Estée Lauder purchase of only $26.50. I plan on getting mine tomorrow. And, if you can't stop there, The Boston Store is offering a similar deal with Elizabeth Arden makeup. I've never tried Elizabeth Arden, but if you have, let me know what you think. Click below to learn more.

Estée Lauder
Elizabeth Arden

Comments are appreciated if you use or try any of these makeup gifts, or if you know of a similar deal.

Facebook on YouTube

R.I.P. Camera

So, throughout the weekend, several people were over at our house, and suddenly my camera has gone missing. I'm nervous that someone might have taken it, because I was letting people take pictures and it kinda got passed around. I've searched everywhere. How can I take pictures now?? It's sad.

Food Blogs! Yay!

So, some fantabolous people came up with this Food Blog Search, and I'm super excited about it! How easy is that?

Octopus

Check this out:

Clutter Control

I love Ikea! I bought these spice jars there last year. The are a cheap, easy way to collect all the small clutter that I have laying around. I have one with paper clips, one with push pins, one with safety pins, etc... They are small, easy to set on a desk or shelf, and they are see-through, so I know what is in each one. Plus, they have two flat ends, so they can sit upright or at an angle. I love them! Try something similar for an easy way to show off your clutter!

Another easy trick I use all the time is with coffee mugs. I don't drink coffee, but I still have a large collection of coffee mugs scattered around my apartment. I use them all the time to fill with other tools. In this picture here, I've filled the mug with desktop utensils such as pens, pencils, permanent markers, a scissors, etc... It's another quick fix to keep everything nice and neatly organized, but still looking cool.

Roses and Wall Space

My awesome, incredible boyfriend bought me roses and a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. Isn't he sweet?!?



I love the roses, because they look great on the end table next to my bed. Hopefully they last for a little while. They're so pretty!



Also, I came up with a fun idea to cover up some blank wall space and show off some of my favorite things:



The picture doesn't really do it justice, but it looks kinda cool on my wall. The bottom thing is just one of those cheap, picture holding bulletin boards that I got as a graduation present from High School. I just shoved some random pictures in it of friends and family. It's an easy way to display photos, and it's cheaper than buying a bunch of frames.



The shadow boxes I found at a craft store last year. They weren't too pricey, and I like them because they hold more than just a flat photo inside. In mine, I folded up some of my favorite T-shirts that were too tattered to wear, and I hung them on the wall so they could still be displayed. I just hung them in a random pattern, but there are probably many creative ways you could hang them.

Badger State Games

It's late on Sunday night, and I just got home from a crazy weekend. I'm exhausted from all the events that took place in the past four days, so hopefully I can stay awake long enough to complete this post.

I suppose I should begin by saying that I'm a Figure Skater. I'm also a Figure Skating Coach. Every year since I was in Middle School, I've attended the Badger State Games in the winter for Figure Skating. This year was no different.

The Figure Skating Competition at Badger State is huge. There are so many competitors that the competition takes place at three different rinks and runs all day Thursday through Sunday.

I skated in two events on Thursday (because, of course, both of my events would be scheduled perfectly so that I would have no choice but to miss every one of my classes at the start of the semester). For most of the remainder of the weekend I coached and helped prepare other skaters for their time on the ice. Everyone I coached did really well!!

As I said, I'm exhausted from the weekend, so that's all you get. Have a great night!