Hannah’s Links of the Week // April 24th

The internet is awesome. Every day brings countless new opportunities for killing time and having fun doing it right to our fingertips. But remember, not everything has to be a complete waste of time! Here are five ways to procrastinate right now that your future self may actually thank you for!

1. Write a letter to your future self. FutureMe.org is a magnificent. You write a letter, pick a date for it to be delivered and there it goes! When I was 16 I wrote one to my 18 year old self and when I got it, I had long forgotten about the site, but now had this beautiful note written for myself, by myself. It sounds ridiculous but just try it! I swear your future self will thank you for it. And yes, you’re all free to e-mail me too
   
   
2. Figure out if you have what it takes to be a great leader. The good people of Forbes have brought us another great story on how to succeed no matter what job or industry you’re in. In addition to doing the self-test to see if you have what it takes, be sure to take note of their five important principles to live and work by in order to exude leadership without really trying!
   
   
3. Learn how to look beautiful without make-up. From SPF to hot water with lemon, MindBodyGreen comes through again, this time fully loaded with ways we can improve our skin to feel more beautiful sans all the beauty products. What girl wouldn’t love that!
   
   
4. Get a free education for life via Pinterest. I know, I know. Pinterest? Really? In all seriousness though, I can’t tell you how many things I’ve learned just going on Pinterest and reading through the picture links. How many recipes, home remedies, health tips, DIY projects I’ve found and gone on to try with success. So if you don’t already have an account, it’s about time you made one and started learning beyond the classroom about things you actually care about.
   
   
5. Earth Month Tips for the Home. As if I needed another reason to love Whole Foods, but here it is: a list of easy things you should be doing to stay green at home. You’re probably already doing some of them without realizing it–taking shorter showers, using recycled paper in your office–but it’s good to take a moment and reconsider the impact of your choices.
   
   
6. On Giving Boston a Chance. Given the events of the past week, I think everyone should read Josie’s take on what Boston means. What this city really is. Somebody I know was sent it from somebody they know so now I’m sharing it with you guys. If you’ve ever spent a good amount of time in this city, you’ll really appreciate her post.
   
   
7. Anti-Cancer Lifestyle Tips. Actually, let’s just call these 14 things everyone should already be doing if they care at all about their health. Seriously.
   
   
8. Amazing Places To Experience Around The Globe (Part 1). For the wanderlusters in all of us: a stunning compilation of 30 destinations around the world that will take your breath away. Adding all of these to my bucket list.
   

‘I’ve Never Been More Proud to Be a Bostonian’ — A Finish Line Volunteer’s Account

‘I’ve Never Been More Proud to Be a Bostonian’ — A Finish Line Volunteer’s Account

Here’s the fuller version of my story. Thanks so much to everyone who’s reached out to me over the past day, you guys are incredible. Near or far, your support is definitely being felt and I’m so thankful to have you all in my life.

15 Reasons to Instantly Love Netflix

As every college student in North America knows too well, Netflix’s growing library of Instant Watches are as wonderful to watch as they are dangerous to your productivity. But if you have a spare couple of hours, there’s no better place to spend it on the internet than this movie-goer’s mecca. Here are a few cinematic triumphs I promise you won’t regret clicking.

Movies:

1.   TiMER – Yes. Yes yes and yes. What if there was a timer that counted down to the moment you met your soul mate? That’s just the reality in this 2009 indie gem, and at times it feels like a less funny, more love-focused version of Bridesmaids. Definitely worth watching though.

2.   Sleepless in Seattle – A classic rom-com never hurts. This one features two beautiful cities, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks at his best. Even if you’ve already seen it, it’s worth re-watching when you need to believe in fate and second chances.

3.   Safety Not Guaranteed – This movie may have one of my favorite casts, ever. Aubrey Plaza from Parks and Recreation, Jake Johnson from New Girl and Kristen Bell from Veronica Mars all make appearances, and take us on a quirky journey we’ll never forget to discover what’s real.

4.   The Go-Getter – Sue me. I’m a sucker for a good indie road trip movie. Featuring a pre-New Girl Zooey Deschanel and the majority of the soundtrack being composed by her old band M. Ward, The Go-Getter is a lesser known Little Miss Sunshine that grows on you.

5.   Exit Through the Gift Shop – This one I actually discovered in my Producing for the Entertainment Industry course, but it was so intriguing I can’t help but include it. Made by the notorious artist Banksy, it’s the story of a man with a camera who followed big street artists around the world, and I dare you to try and answer at the end who the joke’s on.

6.   Take Me Home - Another great road trip flick. This time, with a taxi.

7.   Happy - A recent documentary, Happy tries to identify, yep you guessed it, what really makes people happy. Want to live happier? Just watch it. Documentaries are good for you.

8.   Breakfast at Tiffany’s – A classic in girl-world, the fact that this is an instant watch will save so many ladies nights. Audrey Hepburn for the win.

 

TV Shows:

9. Arrested Development – It’s a downright shame there are only 3 seasons out so far. With no finals left I made it through every episode in 2 days, but I’m not sorry. I laughed out loud more in those two days than I had in two weeks! The show is incredibly well written, the cast is phenom, and its simple twists and turns make it irresistibly watchable. Plus it’s also set in Southern California. I pretty much love anything set in in Southern California.

10.   How I Met Your Mother – This is not a suggestion, it’s a requirement. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you did as long as you watch this. Your life will be better because of it.

11.   Grey’s Anatomy – Grey’s is… perfection. For the modern-day, I-want-to-believe-in-ove-but-life-is-complicated kind of girl, that is. It’s drama and romance and medical/life lessons you won’t get anywhere else like this. Plus the music used is always exactly on key.

12.   Revenge – It’s almost too dramatic and suspenseful but it’ll hook you from the start. The first season of this new hit is a must-watch. As the title suggests, it’s about a girl returning to the Hamptons to seek revenge for her father who was framed for a terrorist attack by his next door neighbors.

13.   Parks and Recreation – A wonderful little comedy show from Amy P. that’ll make you giggle and wish every government official was like Leslie Knope. With a rock star cast and brilliant writing, you won’t be able to watch just one.

14.   Mad Men – It definitely is a certain type of person that appreciates this show, but it has a cult-like following now for a reason. This, my friends, is the business show of the decade. Chronicling the lives of New York advertising men in the 1960s, Mad Men will broaden your creative thinking mind every episode. Don Draper is perhaps the most epic American businessman character on TV, and with a knockout cast list and guest stars, it’s easy to get lost in his world for a few hours. One girl I know even changed her major to be in the business/marketing field after watching she became so enamoured with the concept.

15.   Weeds – Not a show for the conservative or faint-hearted. Do not let your children watch it, heck maybe even cover your eyes sometimes when you’re watching it. But do watch it. I always enjoyed the fact it basically takes place 10 minutes from my house in Cali.

So there. That should keep you busy for a while.

Hannah’s Links of the Week // March 8th

Inspiration can come from anywhere–a walk through the snow, a movie, a blog–so this week I’m sharing a few of my favorite inspirations from all over the webisphere! Enjoy!

1. MOVE. It doesn’t take much to inspire me to travel, but MOVE does more than that. It makes me smile like crazy every time I watch it. And for that reason it is still one of my favorite videos of all time.
2. Take a peek inside my beauty cabinet… With the endless options, ever wondered what products a Vogue beauty editor uses? I have! Alexandra Brown’s story will give you lots of new ideas and brands to try for yourself. (And yes, this is from Vogue Australia, because lately I’ve like their online content even better then Vogue America’s)
   
   
3.  The Glitter Guide. Okay ladies if you haven’t heard of this site you need to get out of that rock you’ve been living under and check it out. TGG has everything from awesome DIYS to style to home decor.
   
   
4. Your Life Is A Journey of Preparation: 25 Things To Do Along the Way. I love this list. Best 30 second read of the day, and definitely worth remembering to look at every now and then.
   
   
5. 50 Best Cheap Date Ideas. This list is seriously too good to pass up! Just goes to show how many ways there are to spend time with that special someone for little to no money. Love it.
   

A Day In the Life of a Lazy College Vegan

I’ll be honest: I don’t like complicated things. Long math equations, recipes with 15 ingredients… Trouble is, I cook most my own food now and I like to eat well. Not just college well, but actually healthy, substantial and delicious well. So over the past few months I’ve been training myself and have come up with this: A look at a day in the life of a lazy college vegan.

Breakfast: Oatmeal & Berries
Time to prepare: 3 minutes
Health benefits: Oatmeal is so good for you you can’t afford not to love it. It lowers cholesterol, boosts immunity, stabilizes blood sugar, prevents breast cancer and is gluten free. Here I used the organic, instant kind from Whole Foods with cinnamon (which boosts metabolism) I add maca and ground flax for something special: Maca because it improves energy, strength, and stamina while reducing anxiety and flaxseed because it’s got lots of fiber and omega 3s. Since I like a solid breakfast, I use two packets of oatmeal and add 2/3 parts water 1/3 part vanilla almond milk for a creamer texture. Plus berries because they’re fantastic. And sometimes chia seeds because they’re tiny tasty miracles.

Lunch: Rice Noodles with Basil & Peanut Sauce
Time to prepare:
10 minutes
Health benefits: Rice noodles themselves aren’t anything special health-wise but they’re cheap, delicious, vegan and gluten free, so there. Basil and peanut sauce are two simple additions that will fill you up with healthy happiness for far less than that $5 footlong. Today I glammed mine up with too many peppers, but it’d also be great with chopped peanuts or shredded carrots.

Snack: Apples & PB
Time to prepare: 30 seconds
Health benefits: If you don’t already you should really try eating an apple a day. Fiber, vitamin C, a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and an endurance booster… as far as I’m concerned they’re the best raw fruit around. The peanut butter is especially important for me as a vegetarian because it has tons of protein in it (not to mention tastes delicious with them apples). I have them together almost  every day. Or alternately, lentils or black beans. A veggie can never be too health-concious.

Dinner: Kale, Basil, Avocado & Jalepeño Salad
Time to prepare: 2 minutes
Health benefits: Kale is a god send. Not only is it high in fiber, but it supports bone health, eye health, has a multitude of vitamins including tons of calcium, lowers cholesterol, and has carotenoids that help protect against cancer, heart disease & infections. Avocado is great for the same multitude of things, as well as for keeping skin hydrated & smooth thanks to all its vitamin E.

Plus I’ll have my nightly glass of green tea because it’s also ridiculously good for you as well as delicious, and so relaxing to drink with honey after a long day. Fun fact! You can get 2 or 3 good cups of tea from a single tea bag. Keep saving those pennies for something else!

And these are just cookies I made for my friend’s birthday. Whoops! (Made here with real eggs and butter…) We’d found the recipe on Pinterest a while ago and finally had a reason to try it. So, so good!

Hannah’s Links of the Week // March 1st

I know you loved getting my picks of the week last Friday, so I’m going to try to keep  sharing new ones each week! This week there’s a lot of variety, with everything from healthy living to humor to business. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

1. Jennifer Lawrence’s Post-Oscar Press Conference. Before watching this, I liked JLaw but couldn’t place why. Now I know. Girl’s witty and so genuinely funny it’s impossible not to like her! If you watched the Oscars this year this one’s a must.

   
   

2. 7 Healthy Foods That Will Make Your Skin Glow In a Bikini. If you’re not already on it, spring break is coming up fast! Luckily Her Campus put together some great tips for looking great in that bikini you’ve been dreading all winter.
   
3. 4 Essential Questions to Ask at the End of a Job Interview. Whether you’re applying for coop or getting ready to join the real world, you always want to stand out from your competition. Asking these four questions are a good place to start!
   
4. VSX Sports: VS Angel Workouts. This YouTube playlist is every girl’s dream for getting fit and looking great. Victoria’s Secret has made 13 workout videos on how to train like and angel, wherever you are. Runway butt and arms, here I come!
   
5. 11 Simple Concepts to Become a Better Leader. Who’d have thought the LinkedIn Today blog could be so helpful? No matter what industry you’re in, Kerpen’s concepts are great for strengthening your interpersonal communication skills and become a better leader for a thriving business.

Hannah’s Links of the Week // February 23rd

Some wonderful things worth checking out on the web when you get the chance. Since this week was the kick-off of Sigma’s biggest loser, 3/5 are all for learning more about healthy living!

1.  The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food. (NYT Magazine) It’s a disgusting, long read, but worth it to understand the recent history of what Americans have been putting into their bodies daily.
   
   
2.  Vegan on the Cheap. (Healthy Bitch Daily) A great list of ways to eat healthier for less! Don’t judge just because it has the word vegan in there.
   
   
3.  Absolute Powers: Ad Men, Mad Men, and Saying No. (Vogue) If you’ve ever watched Mad Men, you’ll get this. It’s an interesting reminder on how America’s advertisement culture is forever affecting us.
   
4.  25 Lazy Ways to Stay Skinny Healthy. (Redbook Magazine) Fight obesity, America! It’s easier than you think if you just take the time to be a little more conscious of your eating habits!
   
   
5. My awesome pinboard. Yep. You read that right. Because I’ve actually started getting into it lately and it’s full of wonderful, wonderful things! Yay!