Oh Dear...

I'm going to "Fail Harder" in 2011: My New Years resolution

 

A few weeks ago, I graduated as a Marketing Major from the University of Northern Iowa receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Advertising. The day was a little bittersweet to be honest. Of course I was thrilled to have FINALLY received the degree that I worked for the last few years to obtain, but I knew that I would miss certain things about UNI that I had come to love over the years I spent there.

Ok, so as corny as it may sound, my New Year’s resolution for 2011 is to "Fail Harder." It came to me while watching the "Art & Copy" documentary (I really love documentaries, and advertising simply astounds me!). The camera crew was touring the office of David Kennedy at Wieden + Kennedy and came across a wall that read "Fail Harder," in which the background was  assembled of 100,000  push-pins that took 4 days and 4 nights for a group of students to complete. The lettering is the only part of the wall that does not contain push pins - they chose to complete it the "hard way." In Mr. Kennedy's words,  "it's like Babe Ruth trying to hit a home run. If you miss, you miss - But at least you swung the bat."

So as a recent college grad, I'm taking this resolution to personally and professionally "Fail Harder." I want to take my new found freedom to pursue all my interests, push myself further, and take greater risks  to have fun in life.

 

Watch how the team put this sign together:

 

 

 

 

 

 

What game are you really, really good at?

I must say that I kick butt at Cranium! This game allows me to showcase my collection of random knowledge and the trivia I have acquired from many years watcing Jeopardy!

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So funny - so glad someone else shares  my annoyances :)

Who's your favorite person to see movies with? What makes it more fun than watching a movie alone?

Watching movies w/ my cousin Kelly, one of my bf's Amber, and my sisters! I like when I can add my own commentary to scenes, and can feel free to talk during movies!

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What's the best thing about the skin on your body? What would you like to improve?

I love my skin! I used to be a "Tan-a-holic" during high school, and my Freshman year of college. Four years later, I appreciate my pale skin. I wish I knew then, or cared enough then to take care of my skin the way that it deserved to be taken care of.

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What would you be willing to give up in life to have healthy looking skin?

PROCESSED FOOD, parabens, and chemicals! I've always been fascinated with the beauty and skin care industries, wellness, and health. I love to read about these subjects, and I'm learning more each day as an intern for a skin care company in the spa industry. Most recently, my readings have consisted of the harmful effects of parabens on your skin (chemical preservatives in skin care and makeup). I am astounded the amazing articles I've read regarding the direct relation your diet has in the health and appearance of your skin. I like this website from the Environmental Working Group, they have helped tremendously in my learning as a newbie in this industry: http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/563

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Halloween fun

Halloween is my FAVORITE time of year. I love the feeling October brings, baked pumpkin seeds, the Pumpkin Spice Lattes that follow, apple cider, scary movie marathons, and the excitement of ghosts and the paranormal - I love Halloween hype! Sadly, I wasn't able to carve Jack O'Lanterns this year, so I made my own with pizza toppings during our "Paranormal Activity" movie night! It was a gluten free pizza so I was a little scared to try it, but my hesitation did not last long, I devoured poor Jack in 5 minutes!

(FYI: I used Glutino's premium gluten-free pizza crusts for the crust, it was fabulous!)

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I revel in a good scare! I was giddy as a schoolgirl when I discovered that the Sherman Hills District of Des Moines offer starlit ghost walks showcasing the area's greatest paranormal hot spots. Sherman Hills is a historical district outside the downtown Des Moines area, and is the oldest development in Des Moines, and of the oldest in Iowa. What was so amazing about this experience for me, was that I was able to stand in places, and know the history of the individuals that once lived there, how they lived their lives, and their tragic endings. There were several spine-tingling stories that I especially appreciated during this tour. But, the one in particular that made me smile brightly, was that of an older gentleman and his wife, who to this day, still roam the halls of their century old apartment complex hand in hand (Max rolls his eyes).
I do not endorse or advertise for any company, organization on this blog. Nor am I affiliated with this organization. But if you live in Iowa, and you love history, paranormal, or are looking for a fun Halloween adventure, you might appreciate a visit.

In the spirit of Halloween, here are some links to paranormal sites that I appreciate. ENJOY:

• This is taken from Iowa Paranormal Advanced Research Team's (IPART) online media collection of EVP's and videos during investigations: IPART EVP's , IPART Videos
• This is a place I have been dying to see: Villisca Axe Murder House
• Historic Sherman Hill webpage: Historic Sherman Hills
• Sherman Hill's Historic Gaslight Ghost Tour: Historic Gaslight Ghost Tour

Happy Halloween!

When you experience something great or amazing, who's the first person you want to share it with?

My boyfriend Max! Whether he wants to hear it or not, I always tell him everything - my latest obsessions with random things, or a comment on Family Guy- he can't shut me up! My sisters, my mom, and my cousin Kelly are usually the next to know!