Archive | April, 2011

Serious water quality discussion needed in Des Moines

21 Apr

You wouldn’t leave a wolf to guard your flock of sheep.  However, moving the responsibility of monitoring Iowa’s water quality from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship would be doing just that.

Senate File 500 would transfer the control of watershed improvements and federal Clean Water Act programs out of the DNR as well in addition to water quality monitoring.  The original bill, House File 643, that spurned this controversy died during the first funnel week in the Senate.  It only adds to the need for discussion about Iowa’s waters and how they should be taken care of.

The move, if adopted, would create a devastating conflict of interest that could further harm water quality, wildlife and natural resources across the board.  The DNR’s work in this area is also a crucial part of the recovery that has barely arrived after the 2008 floods. Continue reading →

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Carrying the weight

19 Apr

Photo by Robert S. Donovan, Flickr

I was always a chubby kid and for me, to be chubby was to be ugly.  I struggled with this physical and emotional burden over the first 19 years of my life before I realized I needed a change.

Almost all Americans are aware of the obesity epidemic that is overwhelming this country.  However, many people do not realize the extensive and constant internal struggle that overweight and obese Americans go through as they try to lose weight.

In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the U.S. Department of Health, found that 17 percent of U.S. children and one third of U.S. adults were obese.  They also found that those living in the Midwest and South were struggling with obesity more than the rest of the country.  Their findings provide an outline of the obesity epidemic, defining the problem for everyone; however, they are unable to show us how we got here or how to overcome the situation. Continue reading →

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Dresses to adore

11 Apr

Silence & Noise Knit/Mesh Dress, Urban Outfitters

Oh, if only I had the money to go shopping.  This Urban Outfitters creation has me falling in love this spring.  The flattering cut of this casual look is amazing for any woman.  If the color isn’t your style, not to worry.  There’s a simpler black and white pattern that would work for any girl’s wardrobe.  And at $49 even the price is making me wonder, “what’s not to love?”  Check back with me after my next paycheck, chances are I’ll still be dying to buy it. 

Not your favorite?  Here are some other sun dresses I’m loving this season.

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Paris wears an arm-cape

7 Apr

Paris Hilton

Oh Paris Hilton, my love-hate relationship with you continues.  I hate your acting, but I usually love your clothes.  However, your recent fashion disaster is making me question it all.

Normally, you’re the one woman that can always rock the bling.  Your clothes can outshine any diamond or disco-ball and you still look more like a million bucks.  Many look tacky, you look fabulous.   This is the one-sleeved wonder definitely needed a little shine reduction.

The calf-length sleeve resembles a bullfighter’s cape more than a chic statement.  I might have gone for it with about a yard’s worth of fabric reduction, but there’s no way anyone could pull this look off.  Leave it on the runway girl, stick with something more practical and less old school.

Oh and one more thing, it’s spring. Keep your Christmas-red platforms in the closet until next winter.  You’re ruining my warm season fashion high.

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Spice up your spring wardrobe – Ditch the florals

4 Apr

April has arrived, meaning that it’s time for us Midwestern girls to break out those spring clothes.  The cold weather will soon be gone and I’m hoping that most of these floral prints will leave with it.

The flowers will soon be blooming all over the ground, so they don’t need to take over your closet.  Here’s a few ways to bring some pop and color to your look without being typical.

Animal prints – Leopards, tigers and zebras, oh my!  These patterns (without the fur) are stylish and eyecatching all year round.  Whether you wear it as the central part of your ensemble, like with this Forever21 dress (pictured) or as an accessory, like this Urban Outfitters feather bracelet, you’re certain to stand out.  These pieces look great when paired with basics and are sure to be an asset to any wardrobe.  Whether you love feathers, spots or stripes I know you’ll find something to love here.

Other looks: Wendy Top-Slip Peacock
                          Leatherette Embossed Reptile Skin Handbag, Forever21 
Pareo, Express
                          Sleveless Draped Python Print Michael Kors Dress, Macys Continue reading →

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ACM Fashion – What worked

4 Apr

Author’s note: This post also appeared on April 4, 2011 on HerCampus.com’s University of Iowa Chapter.  You can check that out here.

Laura Bell Bundy – Some critics are wondering whether or not Ms. Bundy will be able to make it in the country music industry, this is one fashionista I would hate to be without.  She looked absolutely perfect in this Jean Fares Couture gown.  The details on the dress made it a unique statement that would have grabbed attention all night long.  This is the kind of dress that should be seen more often on red carpets everywhere. Continue reading →

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