Sara's Simple Pleasures: Water Bottles

I was eyeing a similar glass bottle online, but I got this one for $10, $20 cheaper than the glass one!  By Contigo, the Tranquil Water Bottle is great – it’s made from durable BPA-free plastic with a pretty silicone grip.  The cap comes off for easy drinking, and the entire top comes off so you can add ice or fruit!  It’s also dishwasher safe, good for people who actually have dishwashers…

 

 

It comes in a few colors – I have the blush color (pictured above).  But seriously, I already drink a lot of water, but now I’m excited to get my hydration on with this little beaut!

And it’s so easy to tote along.  I can slip it in my purse, or just carry it by the built-in handle on the cap.  So easy.

 

It might sound kind of strange, but having a pretty water bottle makes it fun to drink out of throughout the day!

Do you guys have a favorite water bottle you tote along throughout your work day, or on trips?

Until next time,

♥Sara

 

Photo from Contigo

Sara Is: August 2014

It's the end of August, guys. Cray. The past couple of months haven't been super exciting, but there have been a few niceties here and there.

 

 

Drinking: Starbucks’ Caramel Iced Coffee VIAs. Since I don’t get to Starbucks as much as I used to, I’ve really been enjoying the convenience of using these at home. A box of 6 packets is about $6, more or less, but it’s actually cheaper than buying 6 grande or venti iced coffees in the store. And since you add your own water and milk, it’s exactly how you want it, which to me is a win. I've seen a lot of coupons for them as well in the weekly paper, and popping out at Target.

 

Eating: Altoids Arctic Peppermint mints. Well, I wouldn’t consider them a snack, but these little mints really pack quite a punch. They’re really great after meals, plus they open your sinuses in an instant. Not exactly their number 1 selling point, I'm sure, but still good.

 

Listening to: Ingrid Michaelson - Lights Out.

 

Loving: Slow-motion video on the iPhone 5s. Don’t judge me, but it’s hilarious. I don’t know why, but it’s hilarious.

 

Not loving: Technology. I guess that kind of contradicts my love for slow-motion video, huh? But when the internet at your house is down, and Final Cut Pro doesn’t work at the office, and you can’t find the right DVD to burn a file onto, it gets kind of old. Let’s just go back to dial up and VCRs, huh?

 

(Okay, so let’s not…)

 

 

Watching: Deadliest Catch. Yup. Love it. I’ve been watching Deadliest Catch for years now, and while I missed last season, this season is reeling me in (Heh. Get it? Reel? Fishing? Okay...). I can’t really say exactly what it is that keeps me so entertained, but I love it. I’m especially fond of the F/V Northwestern and F/V Cape Caution.

 

 

Wearing: Dresses and skirts. It’s been pretty hot and humid lately, so pants just really aren’t cutting it. Comfy, casual dresses from Target are really nice, and I’ve been especially loving dresses and skirts from the Loft. They’re cute and comfortable, and the best thing about them??? They have pockets!!!!!! Talk about a girl’s best friend.

 

What about you guys? Anything exciting from August you want to share?

 

♥Sara

 

 

Pictures from here, here, and here

Happy Fourth of July!

Hope you have a lovely weekend with friends, family, fireworks, and food (how about that alliteration, huh?)!!!!

 

Be safe out there and enjoy your long weekend!

 

❤️ The Blue Typewriter

 

100 Happy Days — Week 1

Well, I sure picked a hard week to start the 100 Happy Days challenge! But that's the challenge, right? to find something that makes you happy even though you're stressed out the door, have an extra heavy work load, and a dead treadmill....

Day 1: home. 

After a crazy long day, coming home and crawling into bed was pure happiness.

Day 2: a letter from a friend I hadn't heard from in a very long time!

It was wonderful to find such a sweet note in the mail, and to know that she was ok.

Day 3: having awesome texts waiting for me when I get off work. 

Sara "attexts" me all the time. I can always count on her to make me laugh. 

Day 4: signs of spring.

Winter is still my favorite season, but I'm looking forward to sunny days and milder weather.

Day 5: reading.

With another long day crossed off the calendar, my bed and a book were an excellent way to unwind.

Day 6: SUSHI!!

Sara and I spent Saturday shopping, laughing, shopping, drinking coffee, shopping, getting more coffee, and finally capped off the day with sushi. The perfect Saturday? Indeed. 

Day 7: protein plate for lunch.

Think of it as a DIY Starbucks Protein Box.....minus the box.

On to week two!!

— Courtney —

What's In My Purse + Giveaway! [CLOSED!]

Admission time… I have a guilty pleasure. Have you ever seen those “What’s in my purse?” videos on YouTube? Yeah… I don’t know what it is, but I love watching them. I think as a girl, it’s just programmed into my brain to wonder what other girls carry in their purses – even though it’s pretty much the same things that I carry.

I have the Harper Tassel Tote from Francesca's; I'm not 100% sure it's available online anymore, but I've also seen it in stores, so it could still be around. It’s a pretty big bag, but it’s not bulky and it’s really comfortable to carry.

So I guess it’s pretty much just the basics.

Wallet. I’ve been using a credit card wallet I got from Target, like this one, instead of a big wallet. Saves space.

Glasses case. I always wear contacts, but I need to have my glasses and some contact solution with me, in case one of my contacts gets dry or falls out.

Umbrella. I really only carry that with me when it’s supposed to rain, but I forgot to take it out the other day, so I thought I’d leave it in there. Why not.

Makeup case. Pretty self-explanatory. Touch up makeup, portable eyelash curler (this thing is great for my stubborn, straight lases!), extra set of keys, girly stuff, hair ties, medications, the usual. Sometimes, I’ll just grab my powder compact if I want to travel lighter.

Keys. To you know, get in and out of places that are locked.

Lip gloss and chapstick. My Burt’s Bees Pomegranate lip balm is usually all I use, but I do like to have the Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie with me. It’s nice to have in case I need a little color.

Notebook and pen. Always carry a pen and paper with you. Always.

Gum. I’m kind of addicted to mint gums.

Bobby pins. The spiral ones. They’re amazing.

Hand sanitizer and lotion. Again, pretty self-explanatory.

Mirror. It came with a Sephora gift card I got as a gift. I like having a mirror on me, in case I eat spinach for lunch or something and I can’t get to a bathroom.

Work ID. I need to prove my identification and stuff to get into the building. It’s like a safety thing, or something.

Earbuds. You never know when you’ll need these puppies.

Portable phone charger. This is definitely a must-have. I can’t always get to a wall or car charger, and we all know the lovely battery life of an iPhone. My dad gave me this one a while ago, but you can find them online.

Cell phone. I forgot to include this because, well, I was using it to take the picture. It’s always on me though.

Food. I also forgot to include a snack in the picture. I always like to have a snack on me. Crackers, trail mix, a protein bar – anything that’s quick and easy to eat when I’m at a stand-still on I-95 on my way home from work. Applesauce pouches are a new favorite of mine. Childish? Maybe a little. Convenient, healthy, and delicious? DEFINITELY.

There are definitely days when I switch to a smaller purse and carry only my wallet, phone, and keys, but usually, this is the stuff I always have on me.

So now here’s the fun part – tell us what’s in your purse and you could win!

One lucky winner will get this wallet/clutch from Target, a Burt's Bees Replenishing lip balm with pomegranate oil, and a $5 Starbucks gift card!

Here's how you can win!

Leave a comment telling us what you carry in your purse! Something unique, something you must have with you, whatever!

Here are some other ways to gain extra entries!

• Follow our blog and leave a comment saying you're a follower!
• Follow our blog on bloglovin' and leave a comment saying you're a follower!
• Follow us on Twitter (@BlueTypewriter), tweet/re-tweet about our giveaway, and leave a comment saying you shared it!
•  Earn another entry by liking us on Facebook and leaving us a comment about it!
• Follow us on Instagram (@BlueTypewriter) and comment letting us know you followed!

• PLEASE BE SURE TO LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR EACH!

Anyone can enter, and I'll randomly pick a winner and announce it in this post on Tuesday, April 1, so be sure to come back and check if you're a winner!

Good luck and thanks for reading!

♥Sara

Pictures by Sara and edited with Afterlight, Whitagram, and A Beautiful Mess. I’m not affiliated with any of the companies or products mentioned, I’m just a fan. I purchased all of the products myself.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

Congratulations to Instagram user @giiiveaway_time for winning our first blog giveaway!!!!!! Please email thebluetypewriterblog@gmail.com by Wednesday, April 9 to claim your prize!!!

 

Courtney's Top 5: Greek Yogurts

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Greek yogurt. No, you don't understand . . . I can't live without it. I HAVE to have it. It's a staple in my fridge, my cooking, and my number one go-to snack food. Here are my top five favorites:

1. Fage Cherry Pomegranite: Cherry is always a top yogurt flavor choice for me, but combining it with pomegranite takes it to a whole new level! Great flavor, and no artificial cold medicine taste — Fage nailed this one. Plus, Fage is so rich and creamy — never watery. 

2. Stonyfield Chocolate: Chocolate and Greek yogurt? How can you go wrong!? It's like a healthy form of pudding. Rich, satisfying, and the perfect base for a multitude of mix-ins! 

3. Chobani Simply 100 Blueberry: A new product by Chobani, "the only 100 calorie yogurt made with only natural sweetners." My only concern was that, being made with stevia, it would taste like stevia! Don't get me wrong, I like stevia. But sometimes you get that signature aftertaste. However, Chobani came through with their Simply 100 — all flavor, no aftertaste. WIN. 

4. Chobani Blackberry: Creamy and sweet, this blackberry yogurt is great topped with cereal, or even a broken-up graham cracker for a faux-blackberry cheesecake. 

5. Chobani Bites Coffee with Dark Chocolate: Yes, more Chobani. I guess you can tell which brand is my favorite! This coffee flavored yogurt is WAY MORE dessert than anything! Rich and decadent, reach for this next time instead of that pint of ice cream. You won't regret it!

Sara's Spring Wishlist

 

 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

 

What are some of your spring must-haves?

 

♥Sara

On the Needles: Boat Neck Faux Rib Pullover, Part 1

I'm excited to start sharing my knitting (and sometimes crochet) projects with you in my "On the Needles" blog series!

Meet the Boatneck Faux Rib Pullover (pictured on cover). This is my first sweater project, and so far, it's knitting up like a dream. The pattern is from the Boyfriend Sweaters book, by Bruce Weinstein. 

I chose the Boatneck Pullover for a few reasons:

1. Who doesn't love a slouchy, oversized sweater?

2. The skill level of the project is easy.

3. The stitch is stylish and unique, while being simple. I really didn't want a sweater in garter stitch. The garter stitch is lovely, but it's not what I wanted in a sweater. 

4. The finished sweater will be reversible. Two styles in one!

5. Since it's an oversized sweater, it's a more forgiving project. It doesn't have to fit exact measurements. 

I chose Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash yarn, in Dark Grey Heather. Since this is my first sweater project, I wanted a fairly inexpensive — but not 100% acrylic — yarn that I could buy at my local craft store. Also, by not making a sweater that cost $100+, I will actually feel like I can wear it without fear of messing it up!

Here's a shot of my current progress. You can see what a nice texture the faux rib stitch creates!

So those are the details on my current project. I'll keep you updated as it progresses. 

What are you currently knitting or crafting?

— Courtney

All photos taken by Courtney and edited with Afterlight and Instagram.

What Gets Me Through My Week

So, sitting in an office all day isn’t exactly my idea of a fun time. And having just recently come from a retail environment, it’s actually really boring. Like… stare at the floor and try not to fall asleep on the keyboard boring.  But a job is a job, and I’ve gotta do what I’ve gotta do, right? Sure.

But for as long as I can remember, I’ve tried to incorporate fun things, big or small, into the days or weeks, or even months, to get me through the monotony of my daily chores. Something as small as eating a cupcake when I get home can certainly help my day move along a bit quicker. It’s like a reward for the hard work you put in, a little light at the end of the tunnel.

These are a few things that I tend to look forward to that maybe you can too.

Girls’ Night Out (or in). Meeting after work one night to get dinner, or going out for coffee on a Sunday afternoon is one of my favorite things. You can vent about your day or week, laugh, eat and drink, laugh some more, and see your besties. You don’t have to go out, though. Stay in! Watch a movie, order take out, and wear sweatpants! Win.

TV night. Sooo… I guess every night is TV night for me… But, I particularly look forward to seeing new episodes of my favorite shows every week.

Mom hugs. Yes.

Baseball games. I love baseball and going to games. I go to a lot of games with my dad, so it’s nice to catch up and watch a game together.

 

Weekends. I think we can all agree, two days off to do whatever you want is definitely something to look forward to every week.

New toys. If I get a new purse, cell phone case, book, notebook, shirt, snack – whatever – I look forward to using it! Going home for the evening, putting on those pajama pants (I like stretchy pants, can you tell?) and relaxing with your new toy. Simple. Relaxing. Something to look forward to.

 

There are plenty more things that come about that I look forward to, but those are just a few things that I could think of.

 

What kind of stuff do you look forward to to help get you through your day?

 

♥Sara

 

Pictures by Courtney and Sara.

Sara Is: February 2014

Drinking: Simply Lemonade with Raspberry. I love this stuff. The office where I work always has these in stock in the kitchen, so it's been my go-to drink when I want something with flavor. The regular lemonade is great too! You can find it at your local grocery store. I've also seen them at Target.

 

Eating: Nothing in particular for the month, BUT at this exact moment, as I type this, I'm enjoying a Ferrero Rocher. I don't know how I didn't realize it sooner, but these things are filled with Nutella. It reminds me of a Nutella Kit-Kat, and that's pretty amazing.

Listening to: Brandon Heath. The man's voice is velvet. Just do us all a favor and go listen to him, if you haven't been already. You're welcome. 

Loving: Snow. We had the biggest snow of the year mid-February, which resulted in a couple of snow days (which was great since I pulled out my back and being horizontal was really the only comfortable position to be in).

Bonus! I'm also loving this commercial. Boots and pants and boots and pants and boots and pants and boots and pants...
 

Not loving: Snow. Being stuck inside gets to you after a little, and slippery roads are one of my worst fears.

 

Wanting: The Muku Shutter Remote. For $40.00 (which seems pretty reasonable to me), you get a tiny bluetooth remote that can snap photos on your iPhone or Android phone up to 30ft. away. Perfect for selfies or spy photos... I really see this coming in handy for taking pictures, as I can be a little shaky sometimes (or all the time). I definitely see this in my future, so I'll be sure to let you know about it if it ever becomes mine!

 

Watching: The Winter Olympics. Yup... I love the Winter Olympics. I feel like a lot of people aren't into it (who doesn't love a good curling match?), but I am not one of those people. I've always enjoyed watching skiing, snowboarding, and hockey the most, but even figure skating is interesting to watch. Bash them all you want, I'd like to see you get on the rink and try your hand at a triple axel (I know I couldn't do it).

Wearing: Scarves. I went through a scarf phase about a year ago, and then kind of cut back, but the scarves are back! When I can wear black, black, and more black without being boring by just adding a fun scarf, I'm a happy camper.

What are you guys into right now?
 

♥Sara


Snow photo by Sara, other photos found online. I'm not affiliated with any of the companies or products. I'm just a fan. :)

Homemade Vanilla Milk

Okay. Ready for a delicious hug in a mug?

It's super simple. So simple, it's actually kind of ridiculous.

All you need is milk, vanilla extract, and sugar (honey instead of sugar will work too!). Whipped cream and marshmallows are highly recommended, but not necessary.

Heat your milk in a saucepan. Add a splash of vanilla and a couple of spoonfuls of sugar (I'm just going to say add as much vanilla and sugar you want, to taste. I prefer sweeter, but that's just me.). Wisk until the sugar is dissolved. Boom. Done.

Pour into a big mug and top with whipped cream and/or marshmallows! I didn't have any marshmallows. Sad face.

Enjoy! Seriously though. A mug of this before bed, or on a cold day and whoa. It's like being wrapped up in a soft blanket with a fluffy puppy while wearing your favorite fuzzy robe.

❤️Sara

Photos taken by Sara and edited with Afterlight. 

Courtney's Top 5: Healthy Snacks

1. Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp: Think giant Kit-Kat that's all delicious and waistline friendly. Available in chocolate, peanut butter, and raspberry. I'm all about the peanut butter!

2. Boom Chicka Pop: Popcorn, sunflower oil, sea salt — that's it!!! No preservatives, no fake stuff, no greasy gross-ness. Just fluffy, perfectly salted popcorn ready whenever the craving strikes. 

3. Tribe Zest Lemon Hummus: The lemon really brightens up the natural flavor of the hummus. Add a generous dollop to make your raw veggies wayyyy more exciting!

4. Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolate: Anytime you can put cow and skinny together and make it yummy, it's a good thing. You get three chocolate in each pouch! And not skimpy, tiny chocolates — three large scrumptious chocolates with filling in every bite! Available in carmel and peanut butter, both are a satisfying treat. 

5. VitaTops Deep Chocolate Muffin Tops: Healthy chocolate cake. Nothing more needs to be said. 

— Courtney —

I'm not affiliated with any of the companies or products. I just like food. :)

Sara's Simple Pleasures: Planners

Today's simple pleasure is truly a simple one, so don't judge me...

 

Having a pretty planner to jot down events, my work schedule, blog posts, etc. Now, I very openly admit that I don't really have much of a life, but I still like to use a planner for whatever I do have going on.

I got this Lilly Pulitzer planner and I love it!

 

 

I love the bright colors and how it's organized (and it comes with stickers!).

 

Planning and organization. Sigh. I love it. I just can't help myself.

 

What's your simple pleasure?

♥Sara

Photos by Sara. I'm not affiliated with any of the companies or products. I'm just a fan. :)

My (Extended) Weekend in Photos

I had a five-day weekend, because of snow and Presidents' Day, and was stuck in the house for a couple of days, but here some photos I took when I could.

The weekend started early with snow days on Thursday and Friday.

So what else does a girl do when she's stuck inside the house? She bakes 4 cans of cinnamon rolls.

It was nice to get out of the house and get some errands out of the way (and of course get a macchiato).

I picked up these Huggable Hangers. I've been meaning to pick these up, but never got around to it. Oh. My. Gosh. I love them. I need tons more, but my closet is slowly coming together.

Blog meeting! 

Hope your weekend was great!

❤️Sara

Snow Day!

SNOWWWWWWWW DAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you tell I'm excited?

I spent my snow day watching the Olympics and knitting my sweater (more on that in the future!) . . .

I did do a little work, so I wasn't totally unproductive. But that's not entertaining, so I didn't take pictures. 

I needed a last minute Valentine Gift, so I whipped up this little trivet. Thank you, Wild Olive, for your incredibly easy tutorial!

The finished product! I had a great little stash of fat quarters that I bought from The Quilter's Haven in Menominee, MI. Their fabrics are outstanding in quality, and they were perfect for this project!

So my snow day consisted of Olympians and crafting, with lots of eating in between. 

How did you spend your snow day?

 - Courtney

All photos taken by Courtney and Sara and edited with Afterlight and Instagram.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

 

Whether you're spending your Valentine's Day with your boyfriend, the bestie, family, or that cute boy you're following around the book store (We won't tell), we hope your day is great!

 

 

How are you spending your Valentine's Day?

 

♥ Courtney and Sara

 

All photos taken by Courtney and Sara and edited with Afterlight and Instagram.