Thursday Threes II

January 19, 2017 No Comments

I started up my second semester of my sophomore year this week. I can already tell it won’t be an easy semester but I’m excited to get started on some projects, especially for design. I’m planning on sharing more of my design projects on my blog instead of my portfolio this year, so stay tuned for those!

ONE

I shared my 10 minute college makeup routine on the blog this week and made a Youtube video of it! I’m planning on making more Youtube videos, so I’d love if you subscribed.

TWO

My Fitbit is one of my most favorite Christmas presents that I’ve been utilizing regularly. However, this article about how having a friend to keep you accountable is better than a tracking device is so true! I did the BBG with my friend last year and it definitely helped us encourage each other and get in a routine.

THREE

I’m selling these shirts to benefit Warrior’s Best Friend. It’s an organization near me that provides service dogs to soldiers with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries at no cost. They also adopt the dogs from local shelters to train them, which is very unique to many service dog organizations. Even if you don’t want to purchase a shirt (they’re a reference to Kansas basketball), there’s a button to donate as well.

pay heed shirt mockup.png

What have you been loving this week?

xo, Hannah

school, style, videos

10-Minute College Makeup Routine | VIDEO

January 16, 2017 1 Comment

Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing my 10-minute college makeup routine. I do this every day, give or take the eyeliner/eyeshadow, and filming this took me exactly 10 minutes and 15 seconds! It’s seriously so easy and definitely cheap as well if you’re on a budget. I’m by no means a makeup expert, but I’ve perfected this routine over the last year (even when I wake up late).

I start off with the Maybelline BB Cream for an even base. It’s just a tinted moisturizer that I use year-round. I apply it with a Real Techniques powder brush I’ve had for forever-it’s probably not what I should be using but it works for me! Then I use my Maybelline Better Skin Concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes and blend it out with my fingers.

Next, I’ll fill in my brows with the Maybelline Brow Drama pomade crayon. I got this in a Voxbox from Influenster last year and found it’s the perfect shade for my blonde hair. Then I’ll just brush them out with the Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara.

For my eyes, I start with my ELF eyelid primer if I’m using eyeshadow or eyeliner on my top lid. I always use the Rimmel Exaggerate eyeliner in nude to line my waterline (this is especially helpful to make your eyes look awake for that 8:30am class). Then I use my basic Maybelline eyelash curler like normal.

Before finishing my eyes (I’m just now realizing my routine is super out of order), I put on blush and bronzer. For blush, I love the Milani baked blush in Luminoso. For bronzer, I use Rimmel bronzer in 021 Sunlight. I’ll finish with a highlight (something new to my routine since freshman year of high school!) with this Maybelline strobing stick in the shade Iridescent.

Next, because I’m lazy, I use my bronzer as my eyeshadow all over my lid because I like the orangey shade with my blue eyes. I use the highlighter in the inner corners of my eyes and on my browbone too. I use these super cheap ELF brushes. Occasionally I’ll add the Rimmel Exaggerate eyeliner in Rich Brown. Told you I’m not a makeup expert…

I finish it off with my Maybelline the Rocket mascara that I literally never leave the house without- I wish I could permanently tint my lashes! Lately I’ve been using Glossier Balm Dotcom in Cherry as my final step for some chapstick and color.

I’d love if you subscribed to my channel, I’m working on growing it more this year!

Thanks for reading,

xo Hannah

uncategorized

New Year’s Goals, Not Resolutions

January 1, 2017 2 Comments

Every year I hear people talking about their New Year’s resolutions, but I never hear people talking about them in terms of goal-planning. Instead of setting resolutions that you’ll most likely forget about by February, set goals instead! Goals that are achievable, trackable, and have a timeline or set schedule are ones that tend to be more effective. I’m a competitive person, so if I were to pick any of these goals below (especially exercise) then I’d definitely enlist a friend to help keep me accountable!

New Year's Goals

Exercise

I know that almost everyone puts exercise on their New Year’s resolution list, so I had to include this one! This is perfect for the person that doesn’t know where to start or doesn’t want to head to the gym in busy January.

Nike Training Club is my favorite app to use for workout plans that are fast and effective. I tend to get bored with long reps of several workouts, but this uses short, quick bursts of repetition instead. This workout includes a warm-up and cool-down as well, so it’s perfect for the beginner that doesn’t know how to compile the ‘perfect workout routine.’

They even have bodyweight workouts if you don’t have any equipment. It’s a free app that you can take literally anywhere. I’ve been using it for a few years now and still return to it when I’m in an exercise rut.

Improve a skill

Whether it’s something creative or something technical, working on improving a skill is a goal that’s definitely attainable and trackable. Personally, I plan on doing something that’s creative every day. Whether it’s hand-lettering, sketching, or photography, I’m going to put it all in one sketchbook so I can look back and see my progress throughout the year.

Doing a 365 project can seem daunting, so even if you minimized it to doing 2 creative things weekly, there’s still enough material to track progress. Be sure to document your skill to see your improvement at the end of the year!

Hydration

I’m the worst at drinking water, but once I got a Hydroflask for my birthday it helped me start the habit of regular hydration. I think that buying a cute water bottle- especially one that keeps your water cold for 24 hours -is one of the most effective ways to start drinking water regularly.

I carry this water bottle around with me at school and don’t have any other cups in my bedroom, so refilling this is a must! A S’well water bottle is a super trendy option if you’re wanting to go for function and fashion.

If you need an extra reminder, the app Plant Nanny has a virtual plant that either grows or dies depending on how much water you drink. It’s essentially a water tracker but seeing your plant die adds some extra guilt and motivation to keep drinking.

Giving back

The holiday season spurs a mentality of giving back, but this is something that can absolutely last all year long! There are so many ways to give back in your community with an organization that you love.

If you’re in college, there’s most likely an organization at your campus that facilitates volunteer coordination around your community. My sorority requires volunteer hours (which I love), so this semester I volunteered as a kindergarten soccer coach with my college town’s Parks and Rec department. In the past, I also volunteered as a dog-walker with the Lawrence Humane Society, which was an easy way to give back.

There are so many options around your community to give back! If you Google for a cause that you’re passionate about, then add your location, you’re sure to find results for nonprofits or organizations that would love your help.

What’s your New Year’s goal for 2017?

xo, Hannah

uncategorized

2016 Year in Review

December 31, 2016 No Comments

2016 ended my freshman year of college successfully and kickstarted my sophomore year. Here’s a recap of my favorite moments from each month, with my 2016 year in review!

January

-I started the second semester of my freshman year and felt more at home than ever at the University of Kansas

-I got to witness one of the best games in college basketball (in Allen Fieldhouse!) with KU beating Oklahoma 109-106 in triple overtime

-I got to meet Jay Bilas at College Gameday (thanks Dayton!) and made a video and blog post recapping the experience

February

-I went to Snow Creek for a sisterhood event with my sorority

-I had the official launch party for Spoon University, a food blog that I was the editorial director of until July

-I attended several basketball games

March

-I got accepted to KU’s graphic design program (even after making the application literally a day before the due date)

– My roommate Jordan and I took our friend Kelsey to her first Sporting KC game

-I made a video about my relationship with my mom in ADPi

-I celebrated Easter with my family

April

-I went to my first sorority formal

-I posted about my freshman year dorm room

-I ran my first 5K

May

-I rebranded my blog (and spoiler, it’ll be happening again next year)

-I survived my first year of college!

-I went to Dallas on family vacation

-I attended my first USMNT soccer game

June

-I got to return to one of my favorite places on earth (summer camp) as a counselor for the first time!

-I wrote a blog series about sorority recruitment

July

-I celebrated the 4th of July, my favorite holiday

-I started making my monthly recap videos

-I did my first ‘adventure hunt’ with my parents and got hooked…I’ve done three total this year!

-Second adventure hunt with my parents and roommate Jordan

-I went to my first USWNT soccer game (and it was way more entertaining than the men’s game…)

-I celebrated my 19th birthday!

August

-I photographed my second wedding

-I returned to KU for sorority recruitment, on the other side this time…

-…and I made it to bid day!

-I started my second year at the University of Kansas

September

-the KU football season started again

-I made my September recap video

-I got my awesome little, Emily (see any resemblance?)

October

-I went to Mallard ball, an ADPi date party

-I collaborated with one of my favorite photo printing companies

-Brad Paisley came to KU and gave a free concert

-My sorority won homecoming!

-I went to my first Ben Rector concert

-I made my October recap video

November

-I got to witness KU beat Texas in football and it was glorious

-I had Thanksgiving with my family

-I made my November recap video

December

-I moved one room down, from 3 to 5 in ADPi

-I finished my first semester of sophomore year

-I visited Boulder, CO with Jordan and my friend Jayden (who lives there)!

-I celebrated Christmas with my family (excuse the look on my black dog’s face haha)

Overall, I had a great 2016 and can’t wait for more!

xo, Hannah

sorority, style

Blanket Scarf + Lavalier Bracelet

December 29, 2016 9 Comments

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite gifts I received this year: a blanket scarf! I’ve been wanting one of these for a while (mainly because they looked incredibly warm, not gonna lie) and the one I got is in one of my favorite patterns. I paired this scarf with a white button down, a red lip (perfect for the holiday season), and dark-wash jeans.

Blanket Scarf + Lavalier Bracelet

I’m also collaborating with Sorority Things to show you all this beautiful lavalier bracelet! If you’re looking for some extra last-minute gifts (or gifts to bring back to school post-break) then this website is perfect for any sorority girls you know. This bracelet is one of their newest creations and is a simple but classy way to show off your sorority.

Blanket Scarf + Lavalier Bracelet

scarf // shirt // jeans // lipstick (in Ruby Ripple)

Linda from Sorority Things gave me this 35% discount code: THANKS. You can use this at checkout and you can also get free shipping for all orders over $25! This code lasts until January 10th, so be sure to order soon. The bracelets come in several different sizes and the toggle makes it so easy to put on by yourself..does anyone else struggle with that?

Be sure to go check out their website!

What was your favorite gift you received this holiday?

xo, Hannah

style

ELF Voxbox Review

December 27, 2016 1 Comment

I recently received the E.L.F. Voxbox courtesy of Influenster. I’m always interested in trying out new products and testing what works best for me, so Influenster’s program is awesome! They send you free products to review, sometimes in sample sizes and sometimes in full sizes. You can sign up with my referral link here.

E.L.F. (eyes lips face) is a brand that I’ve been using for a few years now, once I started trying to test makeup but wanted to start out with the less expensive products. As far as drugstore products go, these are definitely on the less pricey end. The Voxbox included the Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac, the Matte Lip Color in Wine, the Mineral Infused Face Primer in Clear, the Baked Highlighter & Bronzer, and the Hydrating Bubble Mask. These are all full-sized products.

The lip exfoliator is a popular product that I’ve seen around some blogs, but I haven’t seen the mint flavor before. The packaging is really handy because it’s just in a lipstick bullet, so it doesn’t get everywhere. It reminds me of a sugar scrub more than anything and I love how easy it is to just swipe on in your normal skincare routine.

ELF’s lipsticks have always been one of my favorites and the matte lip color is no different! I’m not into dark, vampy colors and I thought this would be too dark, but it ended up being a really pretty shade that still looks more natural than anything. The wine color is more of a berry shade that leans more red than pink. I wish this shade was in lipstick form, because I don’t like having to fill in my lips like a crayon–but that’s just my personal preference.

The face primer is a product that’s fairly new to me. I don’t typically like to use face primers because I don’t like the silicone feeling on my face and this one was no different. However, I did find that my concealer and other face products stayed on my face longer than usual, so it does the job.

The baked highlighter and bronzer was my least favorite of the products. There was little to no pigmentation, and if there was, it was just straight-up glitter. I haven’t tried any of ELF’s bronzers before, but I did pick up their Illuminating Palette recently to try out highlighting and I like it so far. I’ve actually found that these work really well as eyeshadows too!

mask

The hydrating bubble mask is totally new to me! I hadn’t heard of carbonated masks before receiving this product. I don’t have dry skin so I can’t say I’ve seen a difference in that, but it’s fun as a novelty kind of product. My skin feels less oily and tighter (not uncomfortably tight) after using the mask. It bubbles up after about five to ten minutes, then you can work it into a lather with a little water. It rinses off really easily.

What’s your favorite drugstore brand?

xo, Hannah

videos

Dear December 2016

December 15, 2016 No Comments

Here’s my latest video recapping December! These are always so fun to make and I’d love to see anyone else’s similar videos. I’m trying to reach 20 subscribers by 2017 (small, I know, but significant to me) so I’d really appreciate if you subscribed!

I’m going to Boulder, Colorado on Friday and I’ll have another video after that. I’d love to hear recommendations of places to eat/where to go while I’m there!

xo, Hannah

videos

Dear November 2016

December 2, 2016 1 Comment

Hi everyone! I’ve decided to keep up with the trend of making monthly videos and I’m loving looking back at the little memories throughout the month. I think these will be cool to look back on to show my kids in the future too–if Youtube is even a thing then still.

I’m also planning on expanding into more video content, so subscribe to my channel and like the video for more to come!

Thanks for watching!

xo, Hannah

school

Two College Apps Everyone Should Have

November 18, 2016 14 Comments

Hi everyone! I haven’t done in a college post in a while, but I’ve just recently discovered two college apps that every student should have. Let me know if you’ve heard of Pocket Points or MyStudyLife before–I hadn’t!

via

Pocket Points

College is expensive, and even if you’re not paying for your own education, you probably still have to pay for your own food. That’s why the app Pocket Points should be every college student’s new best friend.

Whenever you’re on campus, all you have to do is turn on your phone’s GPS and not use your phone. I use this in class all the time and it definitely reduces the temptation to check your phone for new messages or scroll through social media. For every 25 minutes or so that you’re not using your phone, you get a point. These points then add up to be used as discounts around your town or online.

Personally, I prefer the local discounts because there are so many options for food that actually have really good deals. A free appetizer or half off an entree never hurts! (I think I’ve gotten my last four half subs at Which Wich free because of this…) Look here to see if your school uses the app and you can get 10 free points by using the code vSS8M.

MyStudy Life

The second app that I just discovered is MyStudyLife. I use a planner more as a to-do list than anything, so if you’re the kind of person that needs to stay organized like me but can’t deal with paper, this is the app for you. This is essentially a digital planner made just for classes that makes organization so easy. (Bonus: It’s 100% free!)

You can put it all your assignments, reminders, tests, etc at once and easily add notes to each task. I do wish that there was an option for sub-tasks because I have a lot of projects instead of individual assignments, but to fix that I just put every single small task as a separate one. You can track how far along you are by adjusting the percentage, which I find helpful when looking at my assignments for the week all at once. Seeing that I’m already 60% done and 30% done for two separate assignments makes me feel like it’s not just a massive workload sitting in front of me!

What’s your favorite college app to use?

xo, Hannah

style

Steal Her Style: Silk Scarf

November 14, 2016 2 Comments

After ‘redesigning’ the aesthetic of my Pinterest (I’m not ashamed, go check it out), I’ve become a lot more aware of my personal style. It’s classic, it’s preppy, and a little bit trendy too. When I found this photo (source unknown), I instantly fell in love. I’ve been wanting to try the silk scarf trend for a while now, but I haven’t found the perfect way to wear one. Looks like my inspiration is just below.

Steal Her Style