Father's Day 2013

Hi there, readers!

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and two things are on everyone's mind this June: Dads and Grads. I helped you think of ideas for Mom for Mother's Day, and now Father's Day is just around the corner. Dads might be even more difficult to shop for than moms... at least mine is pretty picky! Here are some ideas to help you start finding the perfect gift for the most important man in your life. 

For the Dad who is always in the kitchen

• My Dad LOVES ice cream. This cookbook from local Seattle company is perfect for inspiring a summer evening spent with Dad over a sweet homemade treat. Pair it with a pint of their unique ice cream for a delicious gift!

•  A personalized cutting board will certainly say "I love you," and every time Dad cooks, he'll think of you!

For the Dad who is always outside

• Help dad relax with a portable hammock. He can use it camping, in the backyard, or even at a sporting event. 

• Give Dad a magazine subscription, like National Geographic or Outside. It's the gift that keeps on giving. If he's tech savvy, get it for his Kindle or iPad.

For the Dad who is always on the go

• A great watch is always a classy and personal gift. With this price guide on Amazon.com, you can find one that dad (and your wallet) will love.

• Splurge and give dad something engraved that he can carry with him... and listen to all of his favorite oldie tunes. 

Even if you don't get your dad something on this list, I hope I gave you some ideas! What do you plan on giving your dad for Father's Day? 

-Ashley

Weekend To-Do List

Jam
Rock Around the Clock Cram Jam 
What: A quarterly study break to prep for finals week
Why: Free food, music, and a swing dancing competition
When: Sunday, June 2, 10 p.m. to midnight
Where: Gwinn Commons

Visualize
SPU Visual Communications Showcase
What: A Showcase of Visual Communications majors' designs
Why: You just might see these designs on a billboard or in a magazine one day
When: May 30th - June June 9th, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Seattle Pacific Art Center Gallery

Sweeten
Top Pot Donuts
What: A great place to buckle down and study
Why: Because it's the end of the quarter, and we all deserve a little something sweet
When: Open Mon-Fri, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sat-Sun 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across Seattle

Thank you

Grads of 2013, this one's for you! 

Along with graduation and the ever-present question as to what you are going to now do with your entire life, comes cards and gifts from friends and family. It's important (and just polite) to make sure everyone who took time to think of you knows you appreciate their gesture. Here are some ways to make sure they recieve your gratitude. 

• Take Advice

cardstore.com has some great tips on what to include in a thank you card for graduation gifts. 

• Get Creative

This DIY will make even the envelope personal.

• Remember Mom and Dad

Out of everyone, they're probably the most proud of you. This list of graduates' thanks to parents is tear-jerking.

How do you say "thank you"? I'd love to hear your ideas and input!

-Ashley

Spring-ify Your Winter Wardrobe

Hi readers! 

It's officially official: spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. Along with sunshine and watermelon, summer also ushers in a milieu of breezy trends and styles. Goodbye, cool colors and neutrals, hello pastels and neons! I, for one, cannot spring for a whole new wardrobe to embrace my favorite warm-weather trends, especially when Seattle is only warm enough for shorts for a few months out of the year. Here are some great ways to amp-up your bundle-up clothes and become a fait beau belle or très chic homme. 

• Dress up your Denim

You can transform that old pair of jeans with the ratty hems into a cute pair of shorts for the beach or boardwalk. Put them on and use a dark marker to draw a small line where you want them to hit on your leg (don't go too short! Just past your fingers is fine). Then, fold the jeans so the legs line up and cut with a pair of heavy-duty scissors. Check out this DIY (and this one!) on how to add your own flair.   

 

• Taste the Rainbow- Or Not

It's hard to keep up with the quickly changing color schemes of every season. Luckily, a big trend right now is black and white: perfect for an easy day-to-night transformation.This article is a great style guide for this easy and always-chic trend. 

• Stay Eco-Friendly

Summer brings out one's inner hippie, especially here in the Northwest. Forgo the whole not-showering thing and become a flower child in this eco-friendly tie-dye. You can upcycle an old T-shirt or tank top, so this activity is free, fun, and perfect for outdoor concerts. 

• Get the Skinny

Gentlemen, this one's for you. With end-of year activities like grad parties and dances well underway, there's a lot to dress up for. Stay on trend by transforming your old ties into a skinnier shape. This DIY is easy to understand and the results look fabulous. 

 

•  Tee Time

Summer is a season when T-shirts are acceptable in most situations. Known for being comfortable, a regular old T-shirt can also be stylish. Make a plain tee your own with this guide. 

 

I love thinking up new styles to wear. What are some of your new spring and summer favorites? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

-Ashley

Soical Media: Yay or Nay?

Hi there, readers!

As students, we are on the forefront of social media: we use it the most, it is marketed to us, and, let's face it, it's really fun. However, there has been a lot of talk about the effects social media has on our performance in school and the workplace and on how we conduct relationships. I found this article, which talks about the good aspects of social media. Enjoy!

-Ashley

Weekend To-Do List

Relax
Emerson Coffee House
What: The perfect place to pretend you're on the set of "Friends"
Why: Because it's the end of the quarter, and everyone deserves time to relax with coffee and music
When: Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m.
Where: Emerson Hall Lobby

Watch
The Great Gatsby
What: A film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's beloved novel
Why: The all-star cast will have you on the search for flapper dresses and fedoras in no time
When: Showtimes for Seattle area here
Where: Cinemas nationwide

Dance
SPU Dance Team Workshop
What: A dance workshop complete with warm-up, across the floor and technique work, and a routine
Why: You can pretend you're Beyonce for a day
When: Sunday, May 19, 2 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Where: Royal Brougham Pavilion

Did You Know?

The Seattle International Film Festival begins tonight!
Here are the top seven films Seattle Met Magazine can't wait to see. Check out the SIFF site for more info on this Seattle culture staple. 

-Ashley