Sunday, February 23, 2014

Respecting the Game

The Olympic games this year have been unusual in many ways.

Reporters tweeting pictures of unfinished hotels, tainted water and no roofs. Issues at the opening ceremonies of technical difficulty. Most people have been focused on these problems and have not payed much attention to the games.

One way Russia reportedly tried to pull attention from these errors was by launching a series of photographs of their women athletes in sexy lingerie.

In this article it explains how ESPN Body Magazine and the Sochi stunt compare to one another.

In the ESPN Body Magazine there are pictures of both male and female athletes nude and in their elements. Where as the two Russian Olympians featured are posed with no connection to their sport and it is viewed in a completely different way.

No matter what, these women are gorgeous and amazing for what they can accomplish with their bodies. They work hard and should be treated with respect.

Having a body like them, who wouldn't want to show it of! Though there are better ways of doing it for such accomplished women.

They are Olympian athletes not lingerie models.

Read more here.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Pin it to Win it

Pinterest is an amazing website! From planning your dream wedding, house and vacations, to trying new recipes and DIY projects, it has them all. Finding inspiration for whatever you are interested in is not hard to do.

Caribou Coffee realized the inspiration Pinterest gave people and worked with that to do amazing things. 

Right now in the Mall of America Caribou Coffee has made a five-story Pinterest board made from people using #CaribouInspires. It is a great interactive way to have people be involved with coffee. They used their Pinterest account to let people post what inspired them and used those photos to come up with a new coffee blend. 

Social media and the technology let's us connect on so many wonderful levels. It brings creativity to a new place where can all contribute and brainstorm. 

Read the full article and watch the short video from Caribou Coffee here.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Calling for a Time Out!

When some think college, they think party. When I think college, I think stress!

To do lists build up, classes add more assignments, work gets crazy and your friends are yelling at you to hurry and get ready for a night out. As you feel like your head might explode, going to hide in bed seems to be a great idea.

College is stressful and things never seem to slow down. Call a time out.

Don't have time for that? Just take 30 minutes and change your whole outlook on your day.

Here are 30 minute time out ideas:

1. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt can be a miracle worker! It is known to detox the body, relieve stress, sooth aches and pains and many other issues. Why is it so good for you? Epsom salt is a great source of magnesium that is major player in our bodies functioning. Due to your diet most American's magnesium levels are very low. Epsom salt is available at most grocery stores. Just add two cups to your hot bath and soak in all the goodness it has for you.

2. Thirty minute Workout
Relieve the stress with a workout! Getting out your anger and frustrations is always good to do and working out is a great outlet to do it. There are many videos, books and programs that have thirty minute workouts. Find one that works best for you and set aside time each day to do it. It will be getting you healthy and improving your mood by the minute!

3. Music Chill Down
Music is a big part of my life. Most people can tell what kind of mood I am in by what music I have on.Pop in your headphones and go for a walk, lay in bed blasting your favorite rock song or sing along in your car to the radio. There are great sites like Stereomood and 8tracks that let you find the perfect music playlist that matches your mod. Put music into life not just 30 minutes a day, but all day whenever you can.

4. Write
Throughout the day we have so many thoughts and feeling pass through us. If we keep them in all they do is build up. Sit down and write it all out. Frustrations with work, stressful things at school, an argument you had with your friend, what you thought about your new co-worker, anything that is bothering you write it down and get it out.

5. Tea Time
Tea has amazing benefits for your health and there are many different kinds.  Some relieve anxiety,  help with sleep and even bad breath. If you aren't a big tea fan just keep trying different kinds until you find one you like. Also, adding honey to tea is a great way to sweeten it up!Go to your local coffee place and grab a tea and relax for a moment. This could be a good time to also write while sipping on your favorite tea. 

6. Clean
Usually cleaning is the last thing I want to do but, I have recently found it to be very relaxing. Pick a room, closet or area in your house that needs a little clean up. Organize your desk, do the dishes or clean out the closet. Doing this will take your mind off other things and you will feel great knowing you were productive. Spice up cleaning with some music. Put on something upbeat and makes you feel good. It will also clean up your mood!

7. Read
Reading is great to do and helps you escape. Cosmo, Field & Stream, 50 Shades of Grey or even your  book from class, reading is a good way to wined down. I prefer to read in the evening when before going to bed.  Read while your taking an epson salt bath even! Put your mind somewhere else for a while and relax.

8. Call a Friend
In other times you may just need that friend to talk to. Call them up and let it all out! Tell them you don't need a response and that you just want to vent. Everyone needs to go on a good rant now and then so do it! If you don't want to spill everything to someone then spill it to yourself go but a drive and let it out. It may sound weird but, hey it works!

9. Research a trip you want to take.
Cant afford to go anywhere right now? Don't have the time to go anywhere? Well, don't let that stop from letting you plan something! Look into places you want to go, things you want to see and try. Slowly work on getting it all planned from where to stay, eat and explore. When the time comes you will be ready and won't waste anytime!

10. GO Out!
As you are reading this you friends still might be yelling at you to see if you are coming out tonight or not. GO! Let loose have some fun! Go bowling, dancing, to play pool and have a couple drinks. It will most likely be longer than half an hour but your work isn't going anywhere. We all need time off and to hang out with friends. Laughter is the best medicine and will get you out of that stressful funk your in. 

Remember, take that time out and bring yourself back together. Things will keep piling up no matter what. Take thirty minutes and do something for you. 

When you are done jump back in and keep playing that college game!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Keeping it Healthy

    

College is crazy and rushed. During the week the to do list keeps growing and on weekends it is time for some fun.

Don't forget to keep it healthy though!

Saturday morning grab a friend and hit up Panera. Start the day right a refuel with a mango smoothie or green tea (has healthy caffeine, better than coffee). Then enjoy a Mediterranean Egg White on Ciabatta Bread. A healthy mouth watering sandwich that will fill you up with spinach, roasted tomatoes, white cheddar cheese, and basil pesto. Yum!

Has a total of 410 calories but you have plenty of time throughout the day to throw in a workout and get it burned off.

I highly recommend it was delicious!