Typography Obsession

I have to take an intro to graphic design course this semester as part of my Newhouse core. I was really nervous for this class because I had heard that it was really difficult, but I have been loving it so far! Luckily I am taking it with a professor that I have already had and liked, and she's actually opened my eyes to how ridiculously cool typography can be. 

Our first project is to create a personalized wordmark for our résumés. Here is what I have created/been taking inspiration from so far:

Spring Semester Goals

One of the things I love most about college is how incredibly motivated and productive I am here. Freshman year I gave everything I had to get into Newhouse with a 4.0 GPA for the year. After a year of the hardest work I have ever done I did it and its probably the accomplishment I am most proud of. Last Spring my Dad inspired me to try to run a 5K as my normal daily workout--I figured it he could motivate himself to try and do it so could I. I knocked that one of my list as well and have been running 5K's a few times a week ever since. This Spring I am ready to tackle something new. I've been thinking for a while of what exactly I want to devote myself to, the goals have to be realistic, and somewhat fun. Here's what I've decided on:

Let's hope I can keep up!! Obviously I have been trying to post as much as possible on the blog and I've been slowly teaching myself the bare basics of HTML codes with the help of this wonderful tutorial website. I also was insane enough to decide that running a 10K the day before recruitment began would be a good idea. I felt incredible afterwords, but I am not sure it was the rest and relaxation I probably needed before recruitment. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress! What are your 2012 goals?

Recruitment 8tracks!

Recruitment Kickoff from hannah.mcdonald on 8tracks Radio.

How to Stay Happy (and Healthy) During Spring Recruitment

Today is the first day of Spring Recruitment at Syracuse!!! I am writing this post a day early because for the next 72 hours I will be doing nothing but losing my voice trying to find the absolute most perfect group of girls for our new pledge class--I could not be more excited! However, I am still trying to figure out why PanHel even kids themselves in calling this "Spring" recruitment. The high temperature in Syracuse this week has barely risen past the one-digits. Between the cold temperature, lack of sleep and the sheer volume of people we will be coming in contact with, its important to have an emergency kit to stay happy and healthy during this busy time.

My recruitment essentials for sisters and PNMs:

 

1. EOS Lip Balm: I've never been one of those girls that absolutely needs to have at least one chapstick on them at all times but something about these little egg shaped ones are so addictive. I have the lemon one and it smells so much like lemon poppy seed muffins that it just makes me hungry every time I use it. Anyways, definitely a necessity with all the outdoor singing we will be doing this weekend.

 

2. Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bars: Snacks high in protein are perfect for these busy days where a full meal may not be an option.

3. Uggs or other comfy shoes: After a day of either racing from house to house (if you are a PNM) or of standing, singing, and jumping (if you are a sister), slipping into some warm and comfortable shoes is going to be a welcome reward.

4. Peppermint Patties: Since you can't really chew gum and talk at the same time, peppermint patties are my go-to treat for rush--delicious and breath-freshening!

5.  Bobble Water Bottle:  Just bought one of these at the bookstore. I already love the fact that I don't have to keep wasting my money on vending machine waters and hopefully it will make it so I won't have to refill the dreaded Brita every single day. 

6. Greek: Relax at the end of the day with a show that will make you remember what all this is about. 

7.  Airborne: I swear by this stuff. While it may taste gross, it really works. I promised myself I'd start each day with a tall glass of water and an Airborne to avoid getting sick these next two weekends, fingers crossed that it works!

8.Crabtree&Evelyn Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Gel: This doesn't dry out your hands like regular Purell does, and it smells really good!

9. Tissues: For the tears of joy on bid day! (And for the cold weather...) 

Hayward Summer

I don't think there will ever be a time time when I won't get goose-bumps when looking at pictures or videos like this from camp. Three years later I still think about it everyday and wish so much that I could relive just one day from my JC summer. Especially now that one of my best friends is going to be the assistant director! So happy for all of the positive changes that are coming to camp and I wish I could be there to partake in them!

January 13 Best of: Frat

January 13 Best: Frat from klofblad on 8tracks Radio.

This month in honor of being back at school, I present you with my 13 favorite weekend songs, frat on.

The Carrie Diaries — the Next Gossip Girl?

Forever a Boston girl at heart, I’ve never been a big NYC fan. Unlike my obsessed friends, Gossip Girl never really did it for me. However, now that Gossip Girl has seen its last days and the CW has made room for a new NYC series I think I can let a little NYC into my weekly TV line-up. First of all, AnnaSophia Robb is absolutely adorable in the series’ pilot. She has the glamor and drive of Blair Waldorf minus her characteristic self-righteousness. I can already tell that my favorite part of this series is going to be the soundtrack– I am loving the 80s music throwback. And did anyone else think that Carrie’s angsty younger sister–Dorrid? Dorris? Dora, (I couldn’t figure it out either)– seemed like she could hold her own spin-off show? With the drugs, alcohol, and running away Dorr[is?] seems like the one to watch! Hope this show lives up to my expectations, ever since Desperate Housewives, One Tree Hill, and The O.C. ended my TV social calender has been devastatingly sparse.

Perks of Being a Wallflower

I know this movie came out a while ago, but it came out for FREE at school this weekend. Transitioning back to college always makes me feel awkward so I was really in the mood to see this. I had heard that this was an excellent book but I had never gotten a chance to read it. But I was really not expecting to love this movie as much as I did. Emma Watson wasn’t nearly as annoying as I thought she would be. The boy wasn’t so awkward that I felt awkward watching him but best of all the soundtrack was INCREDIBLE. Not sure why it’s taken me this long to discover the band that my dad has always called “the original emo”–The Smiths. But the highlight on their single “Asleep” was SO GOOD. On repeat forever. Cannot wait to read this book.