Randi with an i

Transitional weather

March 31, 2015 Randi8 comments

This wouldn’t be Michigan without one last “in your face” snowfall riiiight before April. Mount Pleasant woke up to three inches of snow this morning, but by the time I left the newsroom after 6 p.m., it was in the 60’s without a single snowflake or puddle in sight. And, of course, it started raining about an hour ago. All four seasons in one day: Pure Michigan. And of course, transitional weather is such a pain to dress for.

Here’s to hoping this is the last time I wear my snow boots before I can stow them away for the next several months!

Weekly Sundown Rundown

March 29, 2015 Randi12 comments

Happy Sunday!

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Links:

I read this post that compared sex to a cup of tea in terms of breaking down consent and found it very interesting.

Six phrases to avoid if you want to be taken seriously at work. This is an old one, but a Facebook friend shared it this week and I thought it served as a good reminder.

Three things millennials want in a career. Do any of these resonate with you? All three definitely hit home with me.

Corporette has advice on remaining productive while working in an open office environment. I have a cubicle with very tall walls and frankly, I enjoy it. I don’t need an office since I like some level of open communication, but I’ve never been a fan of the “put all your stuff in a backpack and pick an open seat at a table” workplace method.

My generation doesn’t want hand-me-downs from parents. I thought this was interesting. There’s a ton of stuff I’m excited to inherit from my parents (like the family china) but definitely don’t need to have stuff unless it fits with my apartment’s aesthetic.

Levo League has a list of rules for group texting. I have a few group text threads that help keep me sane (thanks Emily and Maria!) but sometimes it’s good to remember that not everybody appreciates group texts in the same way.

Uses for silica packets via Stylecaster. Some of these ideas are a pretty far stretch but keeping a bag on hand to help dry a swimsuit is kind of genius.

Taylor Swift stands up for cat ladies everywhere.

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And me this week? I’m going to be very honest. I’ve been neglecting my blog a lot lately for one major, major reason. I’m very actively searching for a new job. If you’ve never been a part of the job search process before, it’s incredibly grueling. It’s pretty much a full time job. Over the last 10 months, I have filled out at least 400 applications and completely exhausted my professional network. My apartment lease expires in mid-May and my landlord has already slotted new tenants, so I have been devoting all of my free time to my job search as that deadline draws closer. It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least. So, if you know of any open positions I might be a good fit for, please please let me know!

So, aside from applying for jobs like it’s my job, this week I…

Finally finished Gossip Girl. I’d seen episodes here and there and was religiously devoted to the show when it first aired my freshman year of college in 2007, but then fell off the train and stopped paying close attention after a few years. I finally sat down and watched the entire series beginning to end and now I’m in one of those post-Netflix show hangover funks.
Read John Green’s Paper Towns. I really want to see Cara Delevingne make her acting debut, and I’m one of those people who can’t watch the movie without first reading the book.
Watched so dang much basketball. I’m not a sports person but Seth works in college sports broadcasting so he has to watch March Madness for his job. We went to Bdubs on Friday and Freddie’s today to watch two basketball games.
Watched Grand Budapest Hotel.
Went to Doozies! Doozies is one of those cash-only roadside ice cream stands that always has an hour-long line but it’s a local favorite. It closes for the winter so it’s always a huge deal when it finally reopens.
Finished a craft that I started last week. I’ll have a DIY post coming soon!
Made whole grain pancakes with brown sugar caramelized banana sauce and peanut butter maple syrup for breakfast.
Grabbed some new fresh wardrobe updates from H&M. I got this pair of shoes, this pair of shoes, this scarf and this hat.
Bought tulips for my roommate because we’re both dying for spring.
Bought Lollapalooza tickets!
Started participating in the #TNClovesspring Instagram challenge! It’s a great way to connect with other bloggers on Instagram and stretch your creativity, so feel free to hop on. It’s totally not too late!

You can follow along with all this stuff as it happens if you follow me on Instagram.

This coming week is… you guessed it… more job applications. That’s really all I have planned. I do need to find a new Netflix show to start on though. I’m open to suggestions! Leave them in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

Weekly Sundown Rundown

March 22, 2015 Randi10 comments

Happy Sunday! Weekly roundup is here.

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Links:

“Google Feud” is a new game that lets you turn common Google searches into your own personal game show.

Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream has made a new Michigan Pot Hole flavored treat, and a portion of sales will go back to the state to be allocated toward road repairs.

New twenty one pilots has got me stoked for May.

Stylecaster has your spring 2015 trend forecast.

Monica Lewinsky gave a TED Talk on the topic of cyberbullying.

Here’s Drew Barrymore’s advice on simplifying your closet. She’s 40-something, so I’m still 20 years away from needing to bore down my wardrobe, but it’s still good advice, nonetheless.

The trailer for Jimmy Fallon’s Lip Sync Battle was finally released! Opinions?

The bloggersphere is prime with lots of blog advice this week for some reason. Or maybe it’s just my feedly? Brenna from Chic Street Style has 10 do’s and don’ts for new bloggers and Virginia from Live Love DIY has 1o tips for growing your blog.

Corporette has advice on remixing your work wardrobe so you can wear trends to the office if you’re a little younger and not willing to wear suits every single day.

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And me this week? I did practically nothing. And it was great. I…

Binged on Gossip Girl. Obviously at the top due to its importance.
Worked 40 hours a week at the paper.
Visited Lansing for a Pizza House date with Seth.
Celebrated Biggby’s 25th birthday with a $1.99 peppermint white chocolate latte.
Went to Grand Rapids to visit my college roommate Caitlin! We had craft night and went to breakfast at Anna’s house. She also gave me a super belated birthday present (we never see each other) of a gorgeous strand of pearls.
Visited Seth’s hometown of Carson City, Mich. and went to all two of the bars there.
Celebtated a friend’s birthday at Peppino’s in Grand Rapids.
Accompanied Seth to his niece’s birthday party, also in Grand Rapids.

You can keep up with all this as it happens if you follow me on Instagram.

How was your week? Done or read anything cool lately? Let me know in the comments!

Casual Friday: Spring is here

March 20, 2015 Randi20 comments

Spring is here! At least according to my calendar. Weather-wise, Michigan still has a way to go.

I celebrated spring with a pop of bright pink lipstick and a bright green belt, but temperatures – in the high 40’s and low 50’s – have been dictating that I stick to my sweaters and pants routine. I hit on this a bit last Friday, but I really do think sweaters are underrated in the spring. I know most climates can ease into sundresses and cardigans with ease, but Michigan will not let me do that, as eager as I am for bare legs and free toes.

I probably shouldn’t complain too much, because at this time last year, the ground was still covered in a blanket of snow and I was still covered in, well, a blanket.

Luckily, like I mentioned last week, retailers are eager for festival fashion and pushing any remaining winter stock out for super cheap. This sweater was less than $5 at Loft, originally priced at close to $50! I feel like I practically stole it.

Weekly Sundown Rundown

March 15, 2015 Randi28 comments

It’s Sunday and that means it’s weekly recap and roundup time.

I worked both yesterday and today, so even though it’s the end of the weekend for all of you, my week is already all sorts of messed up since I feel like it’s Wednesday or Thursday or something. Ah well. I guess that’s good for my productivity? Until I reach my theoretical Friday, which should come Wednesday. Bring on the coffee please! At least an extra hour of daylight at the end of every work day helps. Thanks Daylight Saving Time!

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Links:

You can now play my favorite party game (Cards Against Humanity) online for free.

I thought living in Michigan was rough but this village in Italy received eight feet of snow in a day. What.

Refinery29 put together a list of shopping hacks straight from the source: NYC salespeople.

Robert Downey Jr. aka Tony Stark aka Iron Man presented a seven-year-old with a new bionic arm. All the feels.

Eight red flags that let you know your friendship is ending. Some of these hit me pretty hard about a few people in my life.

South by Southwest is going on now. I’m not there because I’m broke but I’m keeping up virtually. And if you’re lucky enough to be there, go see Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers.

Tuesday is St. Paddy’s Day! Some of my fondest memories of the holiday (aside from college appropriate green beer day drinking ~~in class~~) involve Chicago. I had to miss festivities this weekend because of work but I am flipping through this cool photo gallery of the green-dyed river courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times and pretending I’m there.

Elton John has called for a boycott of Dolce and Gabbana after the designers remarked that gay individuals were not meant to raise children. John remarked: “Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions.” #burn

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And me this week? I…

Accompanied Seth to a networking event for his job in Lansing (there was an open bar so I was convinced).
Stopped by Strange Matter Coffee in Lansing to get some work done.
Got my favorite vintage gold locket (gifted to me at birth by my mother) fixed and wearable!
Received my Shopbop sales picks! I got this new phone case and these drool-worthy sunglasses.
Replaced my iPhone. The home button started sticking after just a week and a half of use, but luckily, the Geniuses swapped it out for free.
Celebrated the 60 degree temps (!!!) by making a huge batch of cold brew coffee.
Practically committed highway robbery at Loft. Bought this sweater in white, this sweater in navy, this sweater in gray and this shirt for about $60! (No. 2 was $4.99. I repeat, FOUR. NINETYNINE.)
Enjoyed an #ilovetheredwings doughnut (or three) from Tim Horton’s.
Was surprised by two gorgeous flower arrangements at work! Thank you Seth.
Caught up over coffee at Kaya with an acquaintance.
Had a movie and candy night (The Devil Wears Prada and Sour Patch Kids Jelly Beans) with my roommate Elise.
Enjoyed a St. Paddy’s doughnut while covering a parade for work.
Toured a maple syrup production facility for work. My job is so fun sometimes!

You can keep up with all this as it happens if you follow me on Instagram.

This coming week should be exciting! Fingers crossed that this coming weekend, I’ll get a chance to visit Caitlin in Grand Rapids. We keep pushing back our get together and I’m determined to finally make it happened.

What did you accomplish this past weekend? What’s on your radar for this coming week? Let me know in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

Maple syrup making

March 15, 2015 Randi8 comments

One of the best parts of being a local journalist is being able to go behind the scenes with my camera and my reporter’s notebook to grab interviews and photos and paint a picture for the local community of area ongoings.

Today, I had the chance to take part in the Shepherd Maple Syrup Pre-Festival, and tour the Shepherd Sugar Bush Corp. while the facility was in action, learning about the maple syrup making process.

The maple syrup industry is huge in Shepherd, and the coolest part? The entire company is all managed by volunteers. Those volunteers spent Saturday walking local residents (and a few out-of-towners) through the facility and the syrup-making process, from sap collection to bottling. There were treats on hand, like maple candies, maple-flavored ice cream and whoopie pies, and – of course – pancakes with maple syrup. Volunteers explained how sap collection buckets work and how the sap is turned into syrup.

Once temperatures warm up, maple trees start turning starch into sugar. The sugar, when mixed with ground water, turns into an almost crystal-clear sap. The sap is drained from trees, using a spout and pail, and then boiled down. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. During the condensation process, sweet sugary steam clouds the facility. It smelled like I was in a real-life version of ~~Charlie and the Chocolate Factory~~ Randi and the Maple Syrup Factory.

Shepherd holds a three-day maple syrup festival every April, but the facility is shut down to accommodate the tours. Obviously, boiling sap means equipment gets hot, and allowing thousands of people near the working equipment poses a huge health and safety risk. The pre-festival is a little smaller, and gives curious locals (and those willing to make the drive) a chance to see everything while it’s in action.

Here are a few of my favorite detail photos (I’m absolutely loving my new 50mm lens!) and if you’re interested, the entire gallery I shot for the paper can be accessed right here.

I also wrote a full story about the event if you’re interested in reading.

Casual Friday: Springtime sweaters

March 13, 2015 Randi17 comments

Michigan is slowly edging toward warmer weather but until the mitten state makes the full spring forward (pun intended) I’m breaking out the springtime sweaters.

I’m still in Michigan, so I can never be too quick to abandon warmth, but the 40- and 50-degree temperatures have be trading my blacks and charcoals for whites, creams and soft grays.

I find that it’s always so hard to dress during early spring. All I want is to break out the strappy sandals and chiffon blouses, but mother nature insists on more blanket scarves and heavy layers. This cream-colored sweater and robin’s egg blue nail color make a fantastic compromise, allowing me to welcome spring with open (and still fully sleeved) arms.

I snagged (not literally!) this sweater on clearance at Loft earlier this week, and I absolutely love it. It’s a soft nylon and wool blend, and is light without being too stifling and heavy. I have a feeling it’s going to be on heavy rotation in my closet this and every spring season.

Plus, as everyone knows, I have a deep love of any and all things neutral and the color of my closet reflects that. It’s so effortless to get ready in the morning when you can pick a base palette of neutrals and then one or two color-coordinated pieces for a pop.

How to refinish IKEA particle board furniture

March 10, 2015 Randi10 comments

This post has been a long time coming and is finally here!

About a year ago, I decided my bedroom was in dire need of a pick-me-up. As a journalist with two degrees worth of student loan debt, I don’t have ~~any~~ a lot of money, so I started trying to put together a plan that would give me a new look while using much of what I already had on hand in order to avoid breaking the bank.

And, it seemed to work! My old IKEA furniture looks eons better after a simple paint job facelift.

Weekly Sundown Rundown

March 8, 2015 Randi10 comments

Happy Daylight Savings! Anyone else a complete zombie today? Here’s a week-end-roundup.

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Links:

Your tipsy face looks best after one glass of wine. Keep this in mind the next time you have staff photo day at the office. Kidding. Kind of.

Did you vote for your city to make it to the next Monopoly edition? I voted for Detroit, of course.

Ikea has rigged a new line of furniture to charge your electronic devices. You just have to remember to plug your nightstand in first, of course.

This man was dancing and some jerk on the internet started body shaming him. Now hundreds of women are throwing him a dance party. How awesome!

Here’s an interesting account of what it’s like to be the “relationship girl” after being the “single girl” for so long.

A Planet Fitness near me revoked the membership of a woman after she complained about a transgendered individual using the women’s locker room.

Stylecaster has some inspiring feminist quotes in honor of International Women’s Day (which is today btdubs).

Stylecaster also has a laundry list of things that 20-somethings need to stop spending money on. What are you guilty of? Pressed juice and overpriced cocktails are two of my biggest guilty pleasures of the list.

Dogs using cat doors. I giggled.

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Me this week? I didn’t really do too much of anything and had a perfectly lazy week. I…

Binged on Gossip Girl.
Went to the Brass for happy hour Perrins brews with my roommate on Friday.
Saw a Michigan State University hockey game with Seth, followed by drinks at Both Crunchy’s and Midtown Brewing Company.
Went on a bookstore, outdoor mall, dinner and frozen yogurt date with Seth.
Worked 40 hours at the paper.
Splurged a little with my tax return on the Shopbop sale.
Made some awesome whole grain pancakes with carmelized banana topping and peanut butter maple syrup.

You can keep up with all this stuff as it happens if you follow me on Instagram.

How was your week? Any plans coming up? Let me know in the comments!

Pull apart Nutella bread

March 7, 2015 Randi14 comments

I mentioned in my last weekly recap that I went home to visit my parents/ get a new phone last weekend, and while I was there, my mom somehow roped me into being her baking assistant.

I don’t hate it. Being the designated taste tester is super awesome.

I’ve mentioned it before, but my mom has her degree in culinary arts. She’s retired, but she spends her free time baking practically non-stop. Her chocolate chip cookies are on point and she has her multigrain bread recipe down to a science.

Sometimes she shares quirky videos and recipes on her Facebook, and this one caught my eye. I commented on it “MOM MAKE ME THIS” and to my surprise, she had everything laid out on her kitchen counter to bake with me as soon as I got home.

Voila, pull apart Nutella bread.