Monday, March 31, 2014

For the Love of the Written Word


Hello everyone, how was your weekend?
 Mine was pretty unproductive, but I did have a revelation.

Do you ever feel like sometimes our own words can't do a situation justice? Sometimes it's easier to see someone else's feeling scrawled on a page to truly know how, we ourselves feel. 

I think this is why I love poetry so much or why I loop songs all day. To soak in every word, words that sound better from someone else's perspective than my own. While their situation or feelings aren't my own, I can still relate to everything they say.

That's the amazing thing about human emotion. You are never truly alone. The amazing moments you endure and feel, someone else has felt the same way before. It's a hidden connection we all have. The same, unfortunately, goes for the not so good moments. Regardless, I'm astounded by just how a few words strung together can tie us to other people.

We really are all more alike than we may think and that's a beautiful thing.

Today I thought I'd share a few of my favorite songs that maybe you'll love as well.  


Raining in Paris by The Maine


Your hand in my hand by Explosions in the Sky


Babel by Mumford and Sons

Are there any songs that you can't live without? Any songs that relate to your life more than you ever thought they would?  I'd love to hear or read their lyrics! Have a great day  everyone!

Best,
Sarah

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Weekly Links: Changes are Coming


Happy Friday everyone!
Crunch time has officially started for this gal.
 As, I look at my calendar that says next week is already April, I realize that it really means  all of my projects and research papers are due... and dreaded finals are just around the corner. The calendar also says it's Spring, but when I look outside I fail to see anything but snow.  

* Click the hypertext below to be redirected to the original article* 


Jimmy Kimmel often does bits on his show involving kids. If you've ever seen 'I told my kids I ate their Halloween candy' you know just how funny those can be. This week Kimmel decided to see how many naughty words kids know. I have to admit most of  the video was cute. Then, there were some things  I was actually shocked that kids nowadays know at such a young age. You can see the 'bad words' they know here.


There's an ever growing list of movies I've never watched. I get shunned when I say I've never seen  Matilda, 13 Going on 30 or even the Titanic. Another movie on that list is Miss Congeniality.  This week started rumors that Sandra Bullock actually wants to make the movie into a show For people that have actually seen the movie, is this a good idea?



Pandora, Songza,  Beats Radio, Rdio... there are so many music sites and aps out there for us to stream and listen to songs. This week Spotify announced a 50% discount for students. For only $4.99 a month, students can listen to all the songs their hearts desire without any ads on all of their devices - phone, tablet, laptop etc anytime they want.  With over 20 million songs ( many from just released albums) and unlimited access to all of them, this is sounding like a sweet deal.


Legos can do amazing things and so can well educated individuals. To stand out from other resumes, Leah designed her resume for internships around Lego packaging and it looks amazing. Someone get this girl a job pronto!

Random Little Links

Have a great weekend! :)
Best,
Sarah

Monday, March 24, 2014

How to: Look Luxe for Less

source: here

A month or so before we welcome a new season, magazines and catchy commercials try to sell us all the fun and exciting trends that will be 'in' for the season.

 I love looking at all of this, don't get me wrong, but I often think I don't have enough energy to even want to overhaul my closet just to be trendy for a hot second...

 Also, in my head: knowing that I just don’t have money to waste on what’s ‘in’ for 5 minutes.  I'm sure you have definitely  felt the same way. No need to worry, I hear you! 

Here on Buzz, Boots and Berries, I know you, my lovely reader, are smart enough to realize that this season’s hot (and affordable) trends are hanging in your local thrift store.


Thrift stores are nothing new, literally
But sometimes trying to navigate through them is a bit tricky and  I understand that it's also equally overwhelming ( al la the thrift shop near my house pictured above). Here's some tips I've acquired that will make you a thrifty shopper in no time!

Step 1: Make a list of what you’re looking for
A thrift store is a magical treasure trove, think The Little Mermaid. Endless racks and shelves filled with all sorts of gems can become extremely overwhelming. Before you even get to your thrift store, make a list of what you are looking for. You saw a picture on Pinterest of a gorgeous plaid skirt that you can’t live without? Jot it down.  A simple reminder of why you’re shopping in the first place will keep you sane, focused and with a happy wallet.

Step 2: Know where to go
 To use your time effectively, do some research on where you should be traveling and taking your money. Thrift stores are nothing new and they have built up credibility! Google places in your area or use www.thethriftshopper.com. Both are great ways to tailor your search and see reviews on what other shoppers like you found there.  



**( psttt you can even shop on www.shopgoodwill.com and not have to leave your house!)

 In doing this, you’ll figure out if the store will have what items you have in mind, but keep in mind that thrift shops are always changing- just because they don’t have your style now doesn’t mean they never will.

Step 3: Reevaluate your picks
Do you really need that piece?
It’s always good to look around the store first and pick things up as you go as long as you don’t lose sight of what it is you are truly looking for. You may end up making the mistake of getting things because you thought they were cute for a split second and got caught up in the moment! A savvy shopper does not need that. Take a step back, try on what you have and go from there.

This sweater and dress were both $10 each!

Step 4: Shop and shop often
Ok, maybe this step should actually be browse and browse often but what fun is that? If you are determined to save money and still look fabulous (which I know you are!)  you’ll stay consistent. Thrift stores are always getting new items so don’t get discouraged. Going on different days or even to new places increase your chances of scoring a great piece tremendously.

 
This dress was $15, but can be worn so many ways!

Step 5: Everything old is new again
Style circulates. Don’t feel weird about buying things from a thrift store! There are so many pieces from yesteryear that are coming back in style. If you happen to love a piece, but not necessarily the length or fit that’s ok! All the money you’re saving can go toward a tailor. Not only are you psychically making the piece more flattering on you, but you are also manipulating the piece to be one of a kind and something extraordinarily beautiful. 

One last thing, thrift shops are usually very good at checking their inventory. However, if something is discolored, ripped or deformed in any other way see if an associate knows a way to solve the problem. They may be able to lower the price or you may realize you can fix it yourself.

Good luck on your next shopping adventure! You don't need to spend a lot to look fabulous my friends. 



Have a great day!
Best,
Sarah

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Weekly Links: Selfies, Songs and a Crunchwrap Supreme


TGIF! Did this week seem long to anyone else?

My week was jam packed with exciting things that will hopefully set my summer and next semester up to be remarkably worthwhile and momentous. I guess time will tell!

* Click the hypertext below to be redirected to the original article*
  

As every week wraps up, I feel inclined to include a weekly link that is in some way, shape or form related to Disney's Frozen. This week is no different. College student Brian Hull  put a video up on YouTube of him singing 'Let it Go' by your favorite Disney and Pixar characters. His impersonations are spot on and gives a breath of fresh air to an otherwise over exposed song.  I'll try not to blog about Frozen anymore, but no promises. 



Have you ever loved an instagram selfie so much that you wish you could make it into nail art?... yeah me neither. However, the new app NailSnaps can make this perfectly filtered and composed dream a reality. The concept is still in a work in progress, but has already reached almost half of it's $47,381 Kickstarter goal. ( If you'd like to contribute, click here) For an estimated $20 you could be rocking one of your favorite Instagram pictures on your nails.  Nail stickers and nail art in general have surged in popularity over the past few years so I'm actually quite interested to see if this actually takes off.



Wake me up by Avicii has been all over the radio. You've probably heard of it. Actually, I know you've heard of it...yet you've never heard it quite like this. Performer Mikey Busto decided to create his own rendition of the song. Guitars, drums, the bass- everything was recreated by Mikey by only using his mouth . The overall product took him 7 hours to record and it's definitely a cover unlike any other.



It wouldn't be a true weekly links without a  heart warming story.  In 2007, news anchor Gloria Campos did a report on a foster boy named Ke'onte in  desperate need of a home. Determined to find him a home, Gloria did a second report on him in 2009.  I'm so relieved and delighted to say that her perseverance and love for Ke'onte paid off. Fast forward to 2:50 to see Gloria's sweet surprise.

Random Little Links:
1. 30 day hair challenge that my tresses actually want to try
2.A list of baby names that will be popular in 20 years
3. So just how good is Taco Bell's breakfast menu?
4.The best guess in the history of Wheel of Fortune
5.Holy 90's! A Boy Meets World Reunion

Going through my random links, I have the strongest urge to binge watch Boy Meets World, grab a crunch wrap at Taco Bell and contemplate my future simultaneously. Anyone else?

 Take full advantage of the great outdoors now that it is officially spring! Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Best,
Sarah

(Ps.- Is anyone out there going to go watch Divergent this weekend? I haven't read the books, but I heard the movie is great!)

Monday, March 17, 2014

Luck of the Irish



Good morning and Happy Saint Patrick's day!
Whether you're Irish or not, I hope luck follows you today.

I am slowly, very slowly, restoring my health. I have a sinus infection that just doesn't want to quit. And let me tell you, it has definitely overstayed its welcome! 

While I do love my bed and watching movies, I miss going outside or  -dare I say it- going to the gym. 

I'm currently online shopping, which is probably the worst thing to do when sick and  bored, but it sure is fun to look at 'all the things'.

To commemorate Saint Patrick's day, here is a compilation of all things green, festive and cute from around the web.







$5 Francesca's ( because why not?)

What are you all wearing today? Hopefully a little bit of green! Have a great day.
Best,
Sarah

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Weekly links: Snowpocalypse


Hello everyone!
This week has been one big blur. Such a big blur in fact that I forgot that today was Friday. I've been sick all week and Benadryl has become my new best friend.  Snow was on my side this week, however, as it canceled a few of my classes. Thank god for a 'snowpocalypse' when you're sick. Today's weekly links are going to be very short, but I wanted to send some content your way regardless.

*Click the hypertext below to be redirected to the original article*


Usually or more often than not, a man proposes to his wife and then  all the actual wedding details are out of his hands. Now I say that very loosely as one situation does not apply to all as seen in this situation.  Bride Carly left on an adventure to retrace her grandmother's steps in England and came back to an even bigger wedding adventure.


 So our parents always preached  not to talk to strangers, but they never said anything about kissing strangers. This beautiful video takes complete strangers and asks them to kiss each other. The results range from awkward to full fledged passionate- it's truly mesmerizing.


My last link today revolves around the unstoppable mega movie that is Frozen.  The awards and popularity it has garnered is  unprecedented.  Everyone is obsessed with this movie. YouTube user Screen Junkie takes movie trailers and tells you like it is. They decided to jump on the bandwagon and  just put one up for Frozen and it's so accurate it hurts.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Best,
Sarah

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Recipe: Baby Cheesecakes



You know what I've been missing? A recipe! So let's make this Monday a sweet one.

Anyone who knows me knows I love dessert. Cookies, cupcakes, brownies- anything filled with sugary goodness has  a special place in my heart. One dessert that is equally super easy to make as it is to eat is cheesecake. But not just any kind of cheesecake. I'm talking about baby cheesecake, baby.

The best part? Because they're miniature, it's easier to portion control and each person can add their own topping(s).

I first made these a few summers ago for the fourth of July. With blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and a light base, these petite treats make the perfect patriotic statement. Something to keep in mind  for when July rolls around.


This recipe makes 15 beautiful baby cheesecakes
Here's what you'll need:

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or lemon extract ( not pictured because I forgot it... d'oh!)
1 egg
A box of vanilla wafers ( you will not use the whole box)



1.  Preheat your oven at 375. Blend  your cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice* ( I used lemon extract) , vanilla and egg with a mixer.
*Lemon juice and extract do exactly the same thing. However, extract is  more powerful so  you must use it sparingly!* 



2. In cupcake pans, place down cupcake liners. Add one vanilla wafer, round side up, into each liner. 




3. Next, add  2 tablespoons of your cream cheese filling to each cupcake liner,which hopefully don't look as topsy-turvy as mine.

4. Place your cheesecakes in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
5. Place your cheesecakes in the refrigerator to chill or in the freezer  if you want to chill them faster. When serving, put whatever toppings (berries, whip cream, chocolate, powdered sugar etc.) you desire on top!


Since I finished all my blueberries during breakfast, I smothered this batch in chocolate and powdered sugar. So yummy.  Hey- in less than 20 minutes, you could be eating these too.

Have a great week!

Best,
Sarah

Friday, March 7, 2014

Weekly Links: Queen of Quizzes

                                         

Happy Friday! 
Another week has flown by. It's actually mind blowing that my spring break is over. I was (and still am) sick for every precious second of it. Not even an incessant cough or dwindling voice could stop me from spending time with old friends or going out to eat for almost every meal. I think I have a better chance at gaining the freshman 15 when I'm home than when I'm at school... oops. 

*Click the hypertext to be redirected to the original article*


 Alright, so it's no surprise that  the whole John Travolta  Adele Dazeem Idina Menzel mix up from Sunday night went viral. Have you guys 'travoltified' your name yet? Anyways, also going viral this week: Jimmy Fallon and Idina's remake of 'Let it go' which you can watch here


No one likes the SATs. Arguably one of the most stressful parts of the college process, the SATs are being overhauled once again. The changes won't go into effect until 2016, but the essay will be optional, the test will also have an online option and scoring will go back to its original 1600 scoring scale. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of all these changes, but I'm more than happy to be done with the test for good.


3 year old Emily James and I have a few things in common. First of all, we both love the movie Tangled and I mean, who doesn't? Another thing is that we both have cut and donated our hair to kids with cancer.  Emily's parents documented her experience and it was a very touching thing to watch. What an inspiring girl she already is at such a young age!


Online quizzes are literally taking up all of my time. Buzzfeed rolls out at least 5 different quizzes a day and I feel no shame in doing every single one of them. They range from the normal " What city should you live in?" to the not so normal "What type of potato are you?" and there's one for just about every show or fandom out there. Why do we waste our time doing these things? Since the sudden surge of random quizzes, many people have said we do them out of narcissism, but Wired looks at them in a different way. Instead of seeing ourselves as self absorbed, which we all are guilty of at times, its interesting to see the total opposite view point in this compelling article.

Random Little Links:

Have a great weekend everyone!
Best,
Sarah

Monday, March 3, 2014

Media Minute: The Oscars


Good morning everyone! 
Did you all catch the Oscars last night?

Since 'Let it go' has been in my head on a constant loop, it just didn't seem right to blog about anything else this morning.

If you didn't tune in to what is deemed the biggest night in Hollywood here's what you need to know:

1. Gravity took home literally every award
2. Ellen was the best host ever by taking selfies and ordering pizza
3. John Travolta totally messed up Idina Menzel's name (Watch his big mistake here)
4. The award show lasted way longer than it should have

It wouldn't be an Oscar's recap without talking about the fashion. To be honest, nothing really struck me as unique or even breath taking.  I actually disliked 99% of the outfits I saw, but there was only one that was truly downright awful.... Liza Minnelli.


A satin  pant suit and a Vulcan salute? Right on.

I wasn't a fan of the plethora of nude dresses and a lot of outfits had a little too much bling. However, Lupita Nyong'o showed that simple can be stunning and she was my favorite dress of the night.


Lupita's acceptance speech for best supporting actress was also so beautifully worded. 

"...When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid. Thank you."


I also want to show the world's greatest selfie. Ellen decided to take  a selfie and see if it could be the most retweeted picture ever on Twitter.  Ellen also crashed Twitter in the process. Impressive.


 During the show there was a tribute to the Wizard of Oz. P!nk came out and sang  a flawless rendition somewhere over the rainbow and you can watch it here

Lupita's dress, Ellen's selfie and P!nk's performance were my favorite highlights from the Oscars. I'd love to hear yours! 

 Alright, I also shamelessly loved John Travolta's mess up and this post inspired from his mistake.

Have a great day everyone.
Best,
Sarah