Tech Talk: Apple's iPad Smart Case

I've had my iPad 3 for over a year, and I love it! I love my Macbook Pro and my iPhone 5s, but some things are easier and more enjoyable on my iPad. Today I'm going to talk about why I love my new case for my iPad.

A few weeks ago I was going through the electronics section of Wal-Mart and I saw a clearance bin full of iPad and tablet cases. I was in a rush that day so I didn't stop to browse. Saturday I had to make a run to Wal-Mart and on my mind was checking out that clearance bin. I'm glad I did!

I found a Targus Versavu case and an Apple Smart Case. I took both cases to the register for a price check and the Targus case was over $50, and my heart sank a bit. I wanted a new case, but I didn't want to spend that much. The cashier scanned the Apple Smart Case and it rang up for a little over $30. Perfect! I spend less than $40 on a lovely grey Apple Smart Case.

I love it! The case is nice and slim, and it makes sliding it in and out of my purse or book bag easy! Plus the cover is great because it wakes and puts my iPad to sleep! Helpful when you're in a rush and are always forgetting to turn the screen off. I love how the cover folds into a stand. It's the perfect angle to tilt it up and use it to type, scroll through Pinterest or watch movies and shows. I love it at school too. I use it mostly in my English class because we have many online reading we have to reference in class.

If you are thinking of buying a case for your iPad or even getting a new one like I did, then I definitely recommend the Apple Smart Case!

Side Note: For older model iPads like the iPad 2-4, you may have to look at stores such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy or even Amazon. Apple doesn't sell these case online through their store.

Odds & Ends

I was going to call my posts that are about events, links, news and other things I found cool or interesting Laney's Roundup, but I decided to change it to Odds and Ends.

Today is Monday and I have loads to talk about!

One: http://www.taylorswift.com

After weeks of trying to figure out the clues, Taylor Swift finally answers all of our burning questions with a LiveStream on Yahoo! Her fifth album, 1989, will be in stores and online on October 27th, 2014. I already made an event in my calendar!

Two: Taylor Swift's newest single "Shake It Off"

"Shake It Off" is AMAZING! Taylor has definitely moved from her country roots and gone to the pop side! She still is an amazing singer and performer, so this move isn't all too surprising. Check it out! You'll instantly be addicted!


Three: Sophie Simmons Wearing Her Dad's Iconic KISS Makeup 

I'm a huge KISS fan and have been since I was 14. I loved watching Gene Simmons on The Celebrity Apprentice. Then I got hooked on his reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A&E. This was so much fun to watch!

Four: Jimmy Fallon says Ew! with Taylor Swift

I love Jimmy Fallon. I love Taylor Swift. I LOVE Ew! This is a perfect combination!

Five: Hilary Duff - All About You

More new music from Hilary Duff! It just keeps getting me excited to buy a new cd from her!


Six: Tribute to Robin Williams

It has been a week since Robin Williams passed away. Death is always sad, and I think everyone feels the sting from Robin Williams' passing because he brought joy and light to our lives, and it was a shame that he didn't have the same feeling. My favorite of his movies are Mrs. Doubtfire, Bird Cage & Jack. Honestly, all of his movies are amazing because he brings something special to them. Here links related to Robin Williams that I enjoyed.

5 Facts You Didn't Know About Robin Williams

Jimmy Fallon's Tribute to Robin Williams

Organized Chaos: Makeup Mania

This is the first post of my continuous series, Organized Chaos. 

Last night I decided to organize my makeup, which is no small feat. I went through makeup phases as a teenager. I had the phase wear I wore tons of lip gloss, dark lipstick, heavy eyeliner, bright colored eye shadow and more.

I haven't really gone through my makeup in a long time. I just kept buying more and throwing the older stuff in a box. I just wasn't ready to part with anything, because as I mentioned, I go through makeup phases.

To organize my makeup I gathered all of it. I keep a three drawer organizer in my bathroom, another box under my bed and I keep my current faves in a Clinique makeup bag in my purse. I also grabbed my box of hair supplies, but I haven't tackled it just yet.

My form of cleaning/organizing tends to be gathering and piling. I put all my makeup on my desk and started dumping makeup bags out. I sorted it into eyes, lips and face. I even experimented with some of it, because what fun is makeup if you don't try out new looks?

Avon Lip Glosses

For many years the most makeup I wore was bright lip glosses. My favorites were the Avon Glazewear Lip Glosses. I don't think Avon makes this king anymore, but these were my faves because they look good and have pretty colors. They also lasted longer and didn't wear as fast as lipstick does. Avon had five different type of lip glosses, Intense, Sparkle, Shine and Dazzle. Intense and shine were my top choices. Unfortunately, I haven't worn these in years and I figured it was time to part with them. Bad lip glosses are not something I want on my lips.

As I've gotten older I have come to love lipstick. The colors and the way it makes me feel. I always feel like a new person when I put lipstick on. My favorite lipsticks come from Avon or Clinique. Most of my colors are light pinks or corals and a few always classic reds. I also have this amazing bright hot pink one and a lovely darker reddish brown! Those are the ones I wear when I want to stand out!

Victoria's Secret Pink & Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck

 I like perfume, but I am extremely picky about what I wear. I love Victoria's Secret Pink perfume because it is vibrant, flirty and packs a kick that makes it hard to forget! I also wear Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck, which has a lighter flowery smell. I have the big bottle and travel sized bottle which were in a gift set I got for my high school graduation. Yes, that was two years ago. I'm good at making my makeup products last. My final perfume staple is Vera Wang's Princess. It's light and sweet, and truly makes me feel like a princess.

This is my three drawer makeup organizer. I think it'll soon be replaced by an open makeup organizer. I want to keep my main staples out and move the rest to another location. My mother is always complaining about how crowded my bathroom counter is with all my hair and makeup products. I'm finally starting to agree with her (Shhhh! Don't tell her that!).

I'm planning to buy bathroom organizer rack that stands over the toilet soon, so I think that's where I'll store my current makeup organizer, as well as my blow dryer and hair supplies.

I realized I didn't take any pictures of my eye makeup. I use Avon eye shadows and eye liners, mostly. I especially like eye shadow quads because of the color choices. For mascara I use Clinique and Loreal.

How do you store and organize your makeup? Do you have a favorite brand for your makeup or do you use a little of everything?

Cougar Pride: Preparing For A New Semester

I start my junior year of college in 16 days. When I think about it only being 16 days from now I get this nervous excited feeling. Nervous, because new semester means joining a sorority, new classes, new professors, new friends, new opportunities and responsibilities. Excited for all the exact same reasons, hence nervous and excited.

This semester I'm taking French 201, which means my required language courses are almost over! Geology 103, which is environmental geology. I'm also taking Intro to English Studies, which I'm guessing is English Theory (that's a thing?) and techniques for writing papers. I'm also taking my first creative writing course at College of Charleston, and I can't wait! Finally, I have my internship with Blue Bicycle Books, which I'm receiving credit for.

A few of my textbooks

On top of my schoolwork and internship, I still have my supervisor duties. I'm trying to get as much of the little stuff done now, so that when school starts it'll be smooth sailing. Somehow, things will get crazy, but I'm prepared for it! Soon I'll post about my life as a supervisor.

For now, I'll leave you with two awesome college related links!

I have this app on my iPhone and iPad. I love it! I use it with my summer classes and it was helpful! I imagine with a full load this semester it'll be even better! -  http://istudentpro.com

A great blog that's full of idea for college students is Organized Charm! I have gotten many ideas and tips from this blog! - http://organizedcharm.blogspot.com

Laney's Roundup!

This post is the first in a series, which I'm calling Laney's Roundup!

Yes, it is like Woody's Roundup, which is the part my brother stuck on and wouldn't let go when I mentioned it to him.

Aside from the endless Toy Story references, I like my little clip art design and my series title! It took me forever to come up with on I liked that is original and unique. 

It's hard to believe tomorrow is the last day of July! Where has the summer gone? To school and work mostly, but tomorrow I'm going to have a little fun at the beach! On that note, here's my roundup! 

Chasing The Sun

Hilary Duff is back! Her new single, which is the first one since 2008 (it's been TOO long!), Chasing The Sun sticks to her sweet, pop sound, while also covering adult territory such as working all the time and wishing for an escape. The music video is adorable! 

One of the writer's of the song is Colbie Caillat, and if you've listen to Colbie Caillat's earlier music you can feel her vibe. Certain writer/songwriters always have a certain musical vibe, even when they aren't singing the song. 

This song will be my anthem for the rest of the summer! 

I showed the video to my mom, and she said after the second time she listened to it, it grew on her. I told her how excited I am for a new cd from Hilary Duff and hopefully a new one from Taylor Swift! We reminisced about how the first concert she took me to was Hilary Duff's Most Wanted Tour. 

Hilary Duff is and always will be my idol! I feel like Disney tried to copy the Hilary Duff formula with Miley Cyrus, but it went all wrong. No one will ever be as amazing as Hilary Duff. She's managed to age into adulthood, get married, have a baby, write a series of books and still be as amazing a lovable as she was during the Lizzie McGuire days. 

Laney Logic: New Opportunities

Hello all!

Many great things have happened to me recently!

Here's a list of the awesome things:

1) I applied for a internship on Tuesday morning, and a few hours later I was approved! The internship is with Blue Bicycle Books, an independent bookstore in Downtown Charleston. They are also the sponsor of YALLFest, Charleston's Young Adult Literature Festival. This November will be the third year YALLFest has been held in Charleston. It's an amazing opportunity, and the chance to be a part of it is beyond belief!

2) I got business cards for the rink. I love them! It makes me feel special to have business cards and it has proved really helpful!

3) The closer we get to school starting the more excited I get! New classes, new books and new friends! Also, rush is coming up! I'm excited for Greek Life!

I hope to blog more, read more and write more this fall. We'll see how that goes!

Have a super day!