Pinterest

By Andrea Crowley

Now with over 10.4 million registered users, Pinterest has become all the rage in the social media world.

“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it,” says Erik Qualman, founder of Socialnomics. 

And in a tech-savvy generation that grew up with social media, Pinterest is doing just that. According to research conducted by Strategic America, Pinterest is driving more traffic to websites than Google+, YouTube, and LinkedIn combined. 

For those who do not know, Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows its users to organize and share photos of things they admire or love with followers. From gorgeous wedding gowns and adorable pictures of babies, to Ninja Turtle cupcake recipes and funny quotes from movies like Bridesmaids, Pinterest allows you to pin whatever your heart desires. 

Images can be pinned to personally categorized boards via website URLs and personal computer uploads. Each pin using the Pin It button will automatically lead you back to the pin’s original site each time it is clicked on. 

Above is a snapshot of my personal Pinterest account. I have been an avid user of Pinterest since October 2011.

This feature is not only convenient for the user to find similar photos or recipes they might like from the site, but also drives traffic for those websites the pins initially came from, which can be a great marketer and up the site’s number of referrals.  

The majority of sites users choose to upload from are women’s lifestyle, home decor and cooking magazines. With that, Pinterest has become the number one traffic driver for women’s publications – some of which include House Beautiful, Country Living and marthastewartweddings.com. 

Pinterest serves as a dream board for many of it’s users. It’s a virtual getaway that caters to women and the design community. Here are some questions to consider as Pinterest continues to become more popular:

• Should Pinterest be used an acceptable “online portfolio” for those interested in fields of design? 
• Should we pin resumes and articles/clips?
• How does Pinterest compare to sites like StumbleUpon? Which do you prefer?
• For those who enjoy collaging and design, do you prefer the online boards or the physical act of collaging? (Clips, glue, scissors and all).
• Is it as socially acceptable for men to have Pinterest accounts?

Visit Pinterest and discover what all the fuss is about. Who knows, you may create an account and discover that you, too, may have an eye for design!

Also check out Drake’s very own Pinterest page. According to Strategic America in Des Moines, Drake University’s student-run Pinterest account was named one of the top 10 accounts to follow!

Pinterest Account

Above is a snapshot of my personal Pinterest account. I have been an avid user of Pinterest since October of 2011.

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: Ohana’s Steakhouse

We’re in the midst of finals – a time when you find faces of students shoved in books, hands in chip bags and a caffeinated drink in the other. Even though I should be focusing on that Sociology final and poetry portfolio due just days away, my mind will not wander away from the thought of going to Ohana’s Steakhouse when it’s all over and time for break!

If you are a Des Moines native you may be familiar with the restaurant after seeing frequent commercials where Cy, the head chef and owner, does tricks for the customers with chef knives and they then remember him as “that guy”. They even mimic his arm movements, pretending to chop up a steak, with both arms alternating moving up and down in horizontal ways (it’s quite humorous).  If you’ve never heard of or been to Ohana’s Steakhouse, I highly recommend it. It’s one of those awesome, in-your-face Japanese restaurants where they cook all of your food right in front of you – they call it “The greatest tasting show in town!”

The scene and design is modern with Asian influences. The waiting area, next to the bar full of people taking Sake bomb shots and sipping on fancy Japanese beers, is full of lit frame window portraits similar to the real ones you’d see on Japanese houses. There are two eating areas filled with 6-8 large grills connected to the half circled table, for perfect view of the action. In the center of each of the rooms sets Asian water features and rocks held in with short, Japanese inspired, wood fences.

Long before you sit down at your table, your mouth instantly fills with saliva as you take your first step in the door. Everything on the menu is mouthwatering. From the savory Sukiyaki steak and chicken fried rice to the succulent shrimp and seasoned hibachi vegetables. The menu also consists of other types of seafood and meat brought with the special house mustard and ginger sauces, as well as a fresh salad, Japanese clear soup, steamed or fried rice and noodles. Meals usually cost between $20 to $30 depending on what you order. Click here for the full menu.

While cooking, the chefs perform cool tricks with their cooking utensils and throwing ingredients in the air, they like to tell jokes as well. I’ll admit that I’ve been scared one of these times a knife will fly and land on my face… but that’s part of the excitement. I recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and a great time!

Call this number for reservations: (515)225-3325

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: WICKED

Last week during Thanksgiving break I was fortunate enough to attend Wicked, one of the most ‘popular’ Broadway musicals around. It was presented at the Civic Center in downtown Des Moines. Having performed all of my dance recitals there from age 7 to 18, I felt strange being on the other side of the stage. To think that I had graced the same black wooden floor as such talented and beautiful performers was an exciting feeling.

Wicked

The musical was based off of the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, only given an interesting twist many in the audience, myself included, fell in love with. The Emerald City no longer was seen through the eyes of a little girl who couldn’t find her way back home after being blown by tornado from Kansas, but rather was told by two witches of Oz. Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and Elphaba, the emerald-skinned outcast later known as the Wicked Witch of the West. These two unlikely friends, both interested in witchcraft studies and the same love interest, visit the Wizard together in the Emerald City in hopes of becoming well known and sharing their wizard talents as the Wizard does to the people. When they arrive, they learn of the inhumane workings of the Wizard to the animals of Oz and taking away their right of speech. The Oz blames these workings on Elphaba and it is then when all of the citizens come to hate her and attempt to kill her. The story continues with the two friends, Glinda and Elphaba, finding ways through wizardry and love to clear her name, facing challenges together (like fighting for the same boy). The story ends with a surprise that I will not reveal for those who have not seen the musical (but should).

I’ve never seen anything like Wicked before and recommend it to anyone who enjoys musicals and other theatrical shows. The musical quality and overall technical production such as the special effects used, was amazing and allowed the audience to fall into the story and become captivated in its message. After seeing this musical, I admit that part of me has been ‘changed for good‘! Watch scenes from the musical in the video below and be sure to keep an eye out for Wicked, the movie, predicted to release in theaters in 2014!

Visit Wicked’s website for more information on tickets and the cast!

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: What to do with those Thanksgiving leftovers

Who says Thanksgiving has to end early? Follow these quick and easy recipes using some of your leftovers   and let every day be a holiday, at least until the turkey and mashed potatoes are gone…

Turkey and Cranberry Chutney Sandwich (serves 1)

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 2 ounces thinly sliced turkey
• 2 ounces of Brie, sliced (can substitute for a different kind of cheese)
• Sprinkle of arugula (pepper could be used as an alternative)

For cranberry-nut relish:

• 2 tablespoons cranberry or some other fruit chutney
• 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans
• 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans

This recipe, found in last year’s October issue of Real Simple magazine, is an easy way to continue the Thanksgiving meal throughout the week! It’s a simple sandwich making strategy. Place each food item on however you like best. As for the cranberry-nut relish, place each ingredient in the same small bowl. Stir until mixed evenly. Spread onto one slice of the bread and enjoy!

Creamy Potato Soup with bacon and cheese (Serves 2)

• 2 slices of bacon (can be microwavable)
• 1 and 1/2 cups of cubed potatoes
• 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 of chopped onions
• 1 cup of milk
• salt and pepper for added flavor
• 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese

1. In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon until desired crispness.
2. Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
3. Cut the cooked bacon into small pieces.
4. Brown onions in the leftover grease from bacon or add a cap full of cooking oil over medium heat.
5. Add in the cubed potatoes and enough water to cover them. Cover with lid.
6. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Stir together milk and soup until smooth and then add them to the potato mix. Heat but be sure it doesn’t boil.
8. Add salt and pepper for flavor and stir in bacon. Sprinkle on cheese for a garnish and extra taste.

This is a homemade recipe I like to make when it’s crisp and cool outside. This soup is perfect to eat when warming up next to the fireplace and spending an afternoon watching Christmas movies on ABC Family’s ” 25 Days of Christmas!”

Visit my online article, Dorm Room Holiday Feast, on Drake Magazine’s website to learn other similar recipes!

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: Singer-Songwriter Gavin Degraw

Last Tuesday I attended STAR 102.5’s Concert to Combat Hunger featuring three very talented artists: Andy Grammer, Michelle Branch and of course, the one and only, Gavin Degraw. The show was hosted at Prairie Meadows Casino, just outside the city of Des Moines.

A week prior to the show I woke up before 6:30 AM, a rare occurrence for me. I knew around 7:10 AM there would be a chance to win a meet and greet with one of the artists so I called the radio station, hearing the buzzing of a busy tones one after the other as I managed redialing two cell phones at the same time. Then, a ringing.

They asked me for my name and then began to play a song. Name the artist and song title, they said. It was Gavin’s recent single, ‘Not Over You’. Is this a joke? I sure thought so. Apparently my answer fell out of my mouth at fast forward speed, because their response was, “Whoa girl, can you say that again?” So I did. And I won tickets to meet Michelle Branch.

But whom I really wanted to meet was Gavin, actually, to just be reunited with him. I was sixteen years old when I scored front row center seats at his concert. (Nevermind the fact that I was waited in line fours before the doors opened.) When he came onstage I screamed. And then continued for the next two hours.

Mid-way into performing ‘Jealous Guy’, a song written for CW’s hit show One Tree Hill, he walked up to the front of the stage, eyes glued on mine the entire time. Something other than butterflies were flapping around in my stomach, it was more like full-fledged birds. As he kneeled down he reached out for my hand and grabbed it, what had been waiting for the entire night. And yes, he serenaded me. It was beautiful. I didn’t wash that hand for 3 days.

Anyway, despite my plan to sneak backstage to see him, the STAR 102.5 employees kicked me out after I met Michelle. They didn’t care that I was wearing my Gavin bag I bought at his last concert or the fact that he had held my hand or was my all-time favorite singer (besides Taylor Swift) since the sixth grade. I guess the lesson is here, to get more creative next time…

Gavin’s concerts are always worth it. He is unlike many other singers in the fact that he is pure talent. His voice sounds the same live as it does when it’s recorded. He’s got raw artistry and his voice is beautiful. You may remember hearing his hit singles, ‘Chariot’ or ‘I Don’t Wanna Be’ (also the theme song of One Tree Hill) on the radio. He is definitely underrated, and selfishly, I like the fact that the majority of his songs are not mainstream and known by all. But for those of you who do like his singles, check out his four albums (Chariot, Gavin Degraw, Free, Sweeter). Also, Andy Grammer is very up and coming so check out the rest of his ‘Keep Your Head Up’ album!

Vist http://www.gavindegraw.com/home or http://www.star1025.com/pages/8619414.php!

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: When in doubt, wear a scarf

Those simple pieces of clothing you throw on each morning can easily become an outfit to remember. Now that we are in the midst of chilly weather, the scarf can be a fun and functional way to add flare and warmth to your winter wardrobe. There are probably over 100 ways to wear a scarf waiting to be discovered. So get creative. Ready to give this accessory a go? Here are 4 ways to get you started!

Option A: Loop-Dee-Loop

1. Take the scarf with both hands and fully lay it out on a flat surface.
2. Make sure all 4 corners are visible and that there are no large crinkles. If there are, smooth the cloth over using the palm of your hand.
3. Fold the scarf in half, “hot dog” style. Then repeat fold in the same way.
4. Swing the skinny, long scarf around your neck so that it looks draped like an academic cord would on a graduation gown.
5. Take one of the sides and wrap it around once around your neck and back over to the same side it was in originally, to make one loop.
6. Adjust so the right and left sides are both even and wha-lah!

Option B: Hip Headband

1. Follow rules 1–3 of Option A.
2. Holding both ends tightly apart, place the middle of the scarf on the middle part of your head, close to the forehead.
3. Tightly wrap the ends around to fit the size of your head (think around your hairline). Make it secure so it won’t fall out.
4. Tie both ends of the scarf in a knot or bow towards the back, bottom part towards your neck and you’ve got an edgy look!

Image from Tip Junkie blog.

Option C: Swooped Triangle Tie

1. If you don’t have a triangle scarf, take a square shaped scarf and fully lay it on a flat surface.
2. Take 2 opposite corners, bring them together and line them up to form a triangle shape.
3. Smooth out the crinkles in the surface using the palm of your hand.
4. Grab the two ends, opposite of the corner you just brought together and bring those two together around your neck like you would put on a necklace.
5. Instead of a clasping them together, tie a double knot in the back, allowing the front to hang off your neck.
6. Ruffle up the scarf in the front so it caters to your specifications!

Option D: Bow Tie

1. Follow rules 1-3 of Option A.
2. Drape the scarf around your neck like an academic cord.
3. With both right and left sides dangling mid-chest or mid-stomach, tie them tightly together like you would a shoestring.
4. The bow will be tied firmly around your neck. Shift the bow to either the front right or left side of your neck.
5. Allow the rest of the bow to dangle and you are now an official bow tie beauty!

Other wraps to rock are the bandana wrap, forehead, four-in-hand, chain knot, double, balaro, sarong, and French knot. They can also be worn as a belt or as an accessory on the handle of your purse or handbag!

Visit and discover scarves.net\’s 37 ways to wear a scarf!

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: FRIENDS

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about true friends and what defines them. What are their characteristics? Are they there for you? Well, when I can’t count on mine, I know six others who ‘will be there for me’. Cause I’m there for them too. (Opening Season 1 – \”I\’ll Be There For You\” – The Remembrandts) And if you think this sounds familiar, yes I am talking about Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, and Joey.

If you don’t know who they are, seriously consider being a part of this generation. Harsh? Perhaps, but maybe not. As cheesy as it sounds, Friends, one of the greatest lasting TV series ever made, is what I wish my life to be.

Cast of Friends

Being a part of the gang, hanging out at Central Perk sitting on the burnt-orange sofa sipping coffee and reminiscing about careers, romance and the simple things. Do they ever work? You wouldn’t be able to tell since they’re either at the coffee shop or Monica and Rachel’s NYC apartment, but that’s part of the appeal!

You can’t help but fall in love with each character and their unique personalities. They all bring something different to simple everyday challenges and struggles each other face and they do it together, whether it be helping Ross cope with the fact that he married a lesbian and didn’t realize or Joey’s Lazy Boy breaking in half.

We know we can all count on Chandler to crack a joke in the most awkward times. I mean, could he BE any funnier? And guarantee Phoebe to play a crazy off key song for you about ‘smelly cats’ or ‘shampoo and conditioner’.

I love to relive my favorite Friends moments everyday. Not only have I watched the entire 10 seasons five times in a row and have a framed poster of the cast in my room, but I like to quote them when something reminds me of Friends – and almost everything does.

One of my lifelong goals is to visit the Warner Brothers studio set in Hollywood just to take a picture on the orange couch! Until then, watch and fall in love with Friends!

Here are some of the funniest scenes by my favorite character, Phoebe! 

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: Halloween Costumes

A friend and I went shopping recently for Halloween costumes to wear for a few upcoming parties. It got me reminiscing about the good old days when my brother, twin sister and I would get all bundled up for a long night of trick-or-treating and candy eating. We wore layers and layers of clothing underneath our Ninja Turtle and Barney and Baby Bop costumes, as we walked from house to house in excitement, pumpkin sized buckets in one hand, Mom or Dad’s in the other.

Compliments were always given to our parents or us about how cute or sweet we were, maybe it was the whole twin thing (worked every time) or perhaps it was that our costumes were just that darling. Dressing up was innocent and fun back then. What little girl didn’t disguise herself after a favorite Disney Princess or the classic wicked witch?

As each year passed, the costume choice became more mature looking. Everyone competed for the coolest getup to parade around the classrooms each afternoon at school before Beggar’s Night began.

There have been drastic changes in the way our generation now dresses for Halloween festivities. No more candy for us – who needs it when girls dress up to serve that purpose themselves, as eye candy for boys. And who wouldn’t notice? When girls wear a costume made entirely out of duct tape or about a yard of fabric, it’s hard not to look. Resorting to slutty costumes is an easy way to be unoriginal, and well, slutty. We have been influenced by media that dressing risque is encouraged on Halloween. In the film, Mean Girls, Lindsay Lohan’s character says:

Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron in Mean Girls

“In the real world, Halloween is when kids dress up in costumes and beg for candy. In Girl World, Halloween is the one day a year when a girl can dress up like a total slut and no other girls can say anything else about it.”

Perhaps we are a tad more lenient on that particular day of the year, but that doesn’t stop people from talking about your costume – or lack thereof. Let’s stay classy people. Drop the naughty and be one-of-a-kind. We don’t need to see anymore of those showy cop or sailor costumes. Put something on! It’s October!

So if you’re wondering what to go as, here is some inspiration. Instead of Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods’ attempt at a Playboy Bunny, try Cady Heron’s full out “Ex-wife” outfit complete with false teeth, a puffy wedding dress, large wig and face paint!

I guarantee you’ll be the talk of the party and have the most original costume! So for this weekend, and any other upcoming Halloween events, I dare you to try something out of the ordinary! Be bold!

Life in lyrics and the other simple things: Fresh feeling of fall

Downtown Des Moines in the fall. Picture taken by Andrea Crowley.

I step outside into a crisp fall morning, air dry. Leaves crunch under feet as I walk to my first class. Breath exhaled creates a ghost-like image that follows me until I reach the next heated building.

Many people think of dying things when fall comes to mind. However, fall is a time of renewal. A refreshing new beginning when trees begin to shed the old and make room for the new. It’s a time for change. A new school year commences, football season kicks off, we are reunited with our favorite TV shows and the latest trends in fashion are released.

Fall is my favorite season. When I imagine fall, I think of warm apple crisp, bright orange pumpkins on the porch, Uggs I haven’t seen since the last snowfall, pink ribbons, cozy sweaters and nights in front of the bonfire and days spent tailgating, representing the dear black and gold. Not to mention, the weather is so chilly there is an actual purpose for wearing a scarf, although there’s never a needed reason to wear one in my book (I currently own fifteen).

Here are some fun fall festivities to partake in Des Moines:

• Attend the weekly Farmer’s Market each Saturday morning bright and early on Court Avenue, Downtown
• Walk and raise money for breast cancer awareness in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure each late October
• Celebrate Halloween by going to dinner at Zombie Burger then heading off to a haunted house such as Sleepy Hollow and finishing your night of fright off with a scary movie or an episode of Ghost Hunters
• Visit a pumpkin patch or a local apple orchard or perhaps challenge yourself to a corn maze
• Support your favorite sports team, whether it’s football or futbol (soccer), by attending the games. The least you get out of it is hot cocoa and popcorn
• Cozy up next to your best pals or significant other while sitting around a bon fire roasting marshmallows and sipping apple cider

With all this talk of fall, there’s only one thing I would like to fall into at the moment – a massive pile of leaves! (Be sure to shake out your hair after or you might be mistaken for a scarecrow.)

If you’re into carving pumpkins, check out these crazy carvings for inspiration! Click here!

Need ideas for a spooky songs playlist for your Halloween party? Click for monster mash-up!