Newport/Narragansett/New York: The Big Weekend Recap; PGC 2012 Days 18-21

I haven't blogged in a few days, and a lot has happened.

First of all, I got my first PGC 2012 prize in the mail! As of today, I have five more prizes coming. It's like Christmas, except Santa is tossing out organic, non GMO foods and riding a Hybrid sled instead of unethically traded, processed candy and a BigRedSled450.

Thank you Teens Turning Green! 

Thursday's PGC 2012 Day 18 challenge focused on technology. One component of the challenge was to take a picture of all the electronics in your possession. When I got out all of my electronics and put them together, at least two of them were faulty or dead. My iPod Nano, for example, has been rendered obsolete, because I have an iPhone. It's weird thinking about how we are constantly shelling out a lot of money for technology that keeps changing every 18 months.

 I could buy the iPhone 5, but I am waiting as long as possible to buy a new phone.

Thursday's Outfit: Cardigan, Old Navy; Shirt, Forever 21; Jeans, Gap; Booties, Report; Bracelets, Primark

All my electronics

 Friday's PGC 2012 Day 19 Challenge was organic cotton. I made a Pinterest board of organic cotton products--I wish I could buy them in real life.

Friday's Outfit: Sweater, Gap; Leggings, Gap; Boots, Coach

Saturday morning, my friend and I volunteered at the Newport Food Truck Festival at the Yachting Center. My boyfriend and I tried to go to the Food Truck Throwdown in Boston (I was told there's a difference between the two events), but it was really crowded. I was happy to volunteer for a little while before I went home to celebrate my grandfather's birthday, but it was so misty and cold standing outside! Of course by the time I left, the sun was shining brightly like a late summer afternoon. After such a busy day, I found it ironic that the PGC 2012 Day 20 Challenge focused on wellness and less stress.

Chocolate cupcake--and if you must know, it really was a "Kick*ss" cupcake

Izze had a booth at the Food Truck Festival and were giving out tasting samples. I asked if they had the Pomegranate flavor, my favorite, and they were kind enough to give me the bottle for free. That made my morning.

I went to New York City yesterday with member of the student newspaper and the student literary magazine. Aside from the fact I woke up late and sped over to Newport at 5:50 am to catch a 6:30 am bus, it was so much fun.

My roommate from Oxford went on the trip and we hung out most of the time. When we all got dropped off at Rockefeller Plaza, she and I went to H&M, Starbucks, Alice's Tea Cup on 42nd St., Laduree, and Central Park. After spending way too much money than we should have, we ate at Subway for lunch. From there, she went to the New York Public library for a tour, and I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Andy Warhol exhibit. Afterwards, we walked through the city one more time to get to our bus to leave. 

Needless to say, I did not get any homework completed while I was in the city, so I stayed up late last night studying and finishing up the PGC 2012 Day 21 Challenge, sharing and collaborative consumption. 

Those are indeed $900 shoes in a fish tank.

After going to the Laduree teahouse in Harrod's I have been wanting to come  here. I want to come here every time I'm in the city...

The only thing holding me back is that this small box--6 macarons--is $21.00. That's French imports for you.

Sunday's Outfit: Jacket, Bebe; Pants, Gap; Belt, vinage; Tank Top, (from Oxford); Bag, (from a NYC vendor); Flats, Nomad

Newport/Narragansett: Sweaters on Sweaters on Sweaters, PGC 2012 Days 9-12

In case you haven't noticed already, it's getting cold. It's hard to believe last week I wore sandals--now I'm thinking about pulling out my trapper hat for Boston tomorrow.

Tuesday's challenge focused on the benefits of gardening. One component of PGC 2012 Day 9 required to take a picture of a community garden--I chose to photograph my university's vegetable garden. The dining services and students take care of it, which is great because it's an effort on both fronts to make the university meet its sustainability goals. Another component of the challenge was to plant an organic seed. When I got home that night, I ate an apple, took the seeds out of the core, got a cup, ran outside, quickly scooped up some soil in the dark, went back inside, then put the seeds in the cup. It will be a miracle if anything grows. 

Tuesday's Outfit: Sweater, aerie; Jeans, Express; Vest, Gap; Scarf, BCBG Max Azria; Boots, Coach; Earrings (from Trendz)

Salve Regina University's vegetable garden

Let's hope this guy survives!

Wednesday was a bit of a whirlwind. Work study kept me busy, updating information and a few Powerpoint presentations. I do not remember much else except completing PGC 2012 Day 10 on Zero Waste and learning I won a "Greener" level prize for my entry on PGC 2012 Day 8, Meatless Monday--that was the highlight of my day.

Wednesday's Outfit: Sweater, Juicy Couture; Top, Gap; Pants, Gap; Boots, (from Tropical Gangsters)

I had to take a picture of single-use items I use on a daily basis then find reusable alternatives for them

I don't really remember what I did yesterday either, everything is such a blur--wake up, get dressed, drive to Newport, and get to class. And PGC 2012 Day 11, of course, which focused on voicing awareness about a social issue. It also had a component which required a video or written submission about an important woman in your life. I tried a video for this challenge and posted it on Teens Turning Green's Facebook page. I'm so much more awkward than I want to be. The highlight of the day was when I got Starbucks and received a free drink coupon, because when I asked for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, the barista said they were out of the flavor.

Thursday's Outfit: Blazer, Forever 21; Scarf, vintage; Jeans, Gap; Flats, Nomad

One of my favorite stores in Newport

 This week I realized how much the Project Green Challenge has gotten me thinking more deeply about sustainable living. Today's challenge, PGC 2012 Day 12, was on packaged foods. I know some of the labels and ingredients to be wary of when buying packaged food, but I was surprised to find that labels I thought would be more regulated, such as gluten-free or grass-fed, were not.

Tomorrow, I'm going on a trip to Boston to see the New England Aquarium. My boyfriend and I are meeting up, too, so I'm looking forward to spending the day with him.

Today's Outfit: Leather Jacket, New York & Company; Scarf, ESpirit; Jeans, Express; Boots, Mudd; LV tote (from Wish Newport)

Newport: Pell, Presidential Debate and PGC 2012, Days 3-5

On Wednesday, I started my work study at the Pell Center of International Relations. I am responsible for several duties, including blogging about one public policy issue throughout the year (I chose to focus on fair trade), attending Pell Center lectures and updating the social media pages. I stayed at the Pell Center after my work study hours, because I volunteered for the viewing of the Obama v. Romney presidential debate, as well as the foreign policy debate preceding it. It was a long night, but I was happy to participate in conversations the next day.

On Thursday, G. Wayne Miller of The Providence Journal spoke to my Magazine Feature Writing class about how he wrote An Uncommon Man: The Life and Times of Senator Claiborne Pell. He showed us some pictures of the research documents, the places he visited, the people he met, even pictures of Senator Pell in his last days and pictures of his funeral at Trinity Church. Miller told Pell's story beautifully, I look forward to reading the biography someday.

Today, nothing of particular note happened. Class. Work study. Project Green Challenge stuff. Homework. I signed up for a trip to the New England Aquarium in Boston next weekend--that will be fun.

The Project Green Challenge 2012 is going pretty well. I am on the lower end of the leader board, but still one of the higher scores nonetheless. It's been a great initiative to participate in so far.

Wednesday's Outfit: Sweater, aerie; Scarf, aerie; Leggings, Gap; Boots, Coach

Thursday's Outfit: Sweater, vintage; Scarf, (from Crosswynds Traders); Shorts, Banana Republic; Tights, Leggs; Boots, Coach

Today's Outfit: Cardigan, Chili Pepper; Tank Top, Parang; Leggings (from LF); Sandals, (from Mr. Shoes UK)

Black Friday Haul

This was the Black Friday weekend so far. I didn't wake up at 4am, but I was still able to get great deals in the afternoon yesterday and today. I also bought a few gifts for my family and my boyfriend, but here are some of the things I got for myself, check it out:

Jack Wills, Newport

Fishergate Passport Cover 

(retail $11.00)

~**~

Macy's

                                       

(Left) Coach Tasha Boot and (Right) Nine West Rocha Pump in Black

(Retail: $128.00, $79.00)

I also bought nude pumps by Style&co. and a black pinstripe suit, but couldn't find the pictures online.

~**~

aerie by American Eagle

(Right) Drew Push Up and (left) matching tanga in Turkish Blue 

(retail $44.50, $12.50)

(Left) Open Stitch Dolman in Sandstorm and (Right) Softest Cable Dolman in Red

(Retail: $39.50, $49.50)

Want: Christmas 2011

Source: annawithlove.com via Mia on Pinterest

It's not even Thanksgiving yet and Christmas is everywhere! I have been trying to figure out what I want for Christmas, but I honestly have no idea. My PHL 220 Philosophy and Responsibility course has convinced me that material things are superfluous and undermine our journey to seek wisdom and become philosopher kings...

But since we are not living in the time of Plato, materialism is a reality that we must face in every situation: Do you have the right suit for that interview? Are you driving the right car to impress his family? Was that bracelet too much with that dress?

And of course, the all encapsulating question, "Does this [insert article of clothing here] make me look fat?"

I digress.

I've thought carefully about what I want for Christmas this year. The list is subject to change, but here's what I came up with:

1. These Juicy Couture rain boots. In Newport, rain boots are a necessity, not so much a "want." It's a need.

2. A tailored black pants suit. I need to start looking at professional apparel for job interviews and internships.  Again, a necessity.

3. High heeled pumps to go with #2. I'm tempted to buy leopard pumps for this (like the Coach pair below), because I think interviewers would remember "the girl with those shoes." I think as long as the rest of my outfit is conservative, closed toed pumps should be fair game to express myself. This way, I hope to read "Yes, I can be professional, but I also love representing my individuality as a creative." If not leopard, maybe a beautiful jewel tone pump, definitely.

4. Handbag with #2 and #3. I went to a job fair in Boston and I noticed all of the women had gorgeous, professional handbags. I do not like totes, although that's what I would probably have to get. If I do find a great satchel, that would work too (Mulberry, anyone?)

5. Black trench with #2, #3, and #4. Must have a cute lining inside.

6. A leather portfolio to complete "real world outfit"described in #2, #3, #4 and #5.  So my information is not all wrinkled. Also folders and binders are just cheap.

7. Well-made sunglasses not a $5 pair off Canal Street.

8. Jeans or Rugby cords in plum or merlot.

9. Sweaters.

10. A JOB!