07.20.10 Random Musings

Surviving Summer

It’s been a busy summer (evidenced by the severe lack of posts).  Lots of trips, taking on new responsibilities at work, and attempts at wedding planning have kept me consumed.  During my unintentional blog hiatus, these things have helped me beat the heat and the boredom.

1.  Canon Rebel xsi Camera – I have recently begun documenting my trips by creating Shutterfly photo books.  While my point-and-shoots have been convenient, I am less than thrilled with the picture quality.  My parents surprised me with this Canon DSLR for my 26th birthday, and I’ve been busy snapping pictures of anything and everything.  The camera is easy to use and produces phenomenal pictures.

2.  Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Grapefruit – The humidity on the East Coast, coupled by traveling every week for the past 2 months, has taken a toll on my poor skin.  This face wash has not only successfully prevented a single pimple since June, but also leaves my skin incredibly refreshed after a long, sticky day.

3.  Amazon Kindle – If I relied on United Airways for entertainment during my 20+ flights since June, disappointment would’ve sinked in immediately on the first flight.  I have been tearing through books while flying around the country on my convenient Kindle.  My favorites this summer so far – The Facebook Effect, The Accidental Billionaire (both about Facebook’s origins), Getting to Yes, Wine Politics, and The Big Short

4.  B.O.B, The Adventures of Bobby Ray – This album has been on repeat since I downloaded it weeks ago.  I play it while I work, while I drive, while I’m waiting in the security line…pretty much all the time.  It’s eclectic, addictive, and one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time.  It’s a nice alternative to my other iPod addiction (which I’m too embarrassed to divulge on the blog, but have no problem rocking out to in the confines of my own car).

5.  Club soda – I drink it.  I use it to remove stains.  And I drink it some more.  On ice and with a squeeze of lime, it’s a more refreshing option than water (and looks like a vodka soda, when I’m done drinking for the night).  I love this so much that I even added a water carbonator to my wedding registry (and I will love you forever if you buy it for me).

6.  Amrita Singh bangles – I’m all about adding a few accessories to jazz up my summer basics (shorts, tank, gladiators).  I throw on an armful of Amrita Singh bangles and am good to go for a night out.  The bangles do double duty, as they accompany my Indian clothes perfectly as well (which is handy for the many upcoming weddings this year).

7.  The Beauty Bean – I am obsessed with this website, with its great product reviews, helpful workout plans, and tasty recipes.  The message of the website is fantastic (promoting beauty from within), and I am a dedicated participant of Makeup Free Mondays.  Follow the website’s founder Alexis Wolfer on Twitter as well.

8.  BU shorts –  I live in these simple navy mesh shorts.  So much that I went ahead and bought another pair (in pink).  Comfortable and cool, they are perfect for working-from-home in, and convince me that I will actually go work out.  Even though I don’t.  But that’s another story.

9.  Amazon Video On Demand -Being away from my DVR and battling subpar Internet connections at hotels (*cough*Hilton & Marriott*cough*) means I need options for my TV show fix.  Love that Amazon has streaming and download options.  Love that it’s overall cheaper than iTunes.  Love that I’m newly addicted to Pretty Little Liars and Covert Affairs.  Love that I always have something new to watch when stuck on a flight  In a word, love.

What are your summer survival goods?  Share!

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