Jelly Belly recipes

Jelly bellies are not only my favorite candy just because they taste good, it is also because of the fact that you can make “recipes” with them. By this I mean you can eat a few at one time and they will taste like some sort of recipe.

Combine all of these flavors together by eating them all at the same time:

(I stared my all time favorites)

For the bakery lovers:

1       Cotton candy, 2 French vanilla and 1 Piña Colada tastes like a wedding cake

2 Sunkist lemon and 2 coconut makes a lemon meringue pie

2 strawberry jam and 2 French vanilla makes a strawberry shortcake

*2 blueberries and 1 buttered pop corm makes a blueberry muffin

*2 green apples, 1 cinnamon, and 1 honey bean makes apple pie

For the coffee lovers:

*1 chocolate pudding, 2 cappuccinos and 1 raspberry tastes like a raspberry mocha

*2 cappuccinos, 1 chocolate pudding, 1 A&W cream soda makes a tiramisu

For the fruit lovers:

1 kiwi, 1 strawberry jam, 1 cantaloupe and 1 blueberry makes a fruit salad

For the sweet tooth:

2 A&W root beers, and 1 A&W cream soda makes a root beer float

1 Carmel corn, 2 toasted marshmallows and 1 chocolate pudding tastes like s’mores

*1 top banana, 1 chocolate pudding, 1 crushed pineapple, 1 strawberry jam, 1 very cherry and 1 French vanilla makes a banana split

2 chocolate pudding, 1 French vanilla and 1 A&W cream soda makes a chocolate milk shake

 Unique recipe:

1 mango, 1 lemon lime and 1 chili mango makes mango tango salsa

           I spent many summer days with my neighbors testing recipes out. When any of us got jelly bellies we would all sit around and try out recipes we found and we would even give “points” to the person who could guess correctly what the combination of jelly bellies made who ever won the most points by the end got to keep the remaining jelly bellies. For many years I always asked for jelly bellies for my birthday. My parents always thought it was a strange gift to want until one day I had them try out the recipes and they agreed it was a lot of fun and then they no longer questioned my gift request for jelly bellies. To this day I still love hanging out with friends and telling them to eat the jelly bellies I give them and have them guess what the recipe makes. It’s also a very fun thing to do when you are babysitting because it keeps the kids entertained and it is also fun to make up your own recipes. (441)

Five beauty tips I live by

Here are five beauty tips and tricks I cannot live without

1.      Moisturize your skin, especially your face.

Even being a teenager you should moisturize your face every day. Moisturizing your face will actually make your face less oily in the long fun because in a way it tricks your skin into not making as many oils because your skin can tell that the skin already has oils (which is actually just the lotion or cream you used) if you do have oily skin stick to a lotion that has a thinner formula rather than a thick cream like formula, because your skin may have difficulties soaking in the thicker formulas.

 

2.      Drink plenty of water

Always have water on hand. Drinking water as many people know is very good for your complexion. It can reduce breakouts and even out the texture of your skin. This is because the skin in your face will be more hydrated and this will give the skin more elasticity and evenness. Not to mention drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your overall body as well.

 

3.      Use blush

Even when running late for school and you don’t have time to put makeup on quickly brush on some blush and you will instantly look more awake and healthier. The blush will give you a glow that will make your whole complexion look much more put together.

 

4.      Wear simple jewelry on the lazy days

Wearing simple jewelry will instantly make you look put together, even if your outfit isn’t too great. The jewelry will show that you put effort into what you are wearing, yet still it will look like you didn’t try too hard, and it won’t be overpowering to a simple outfit.

 

5.      Sleep as much as possible

Everyone one knows that sleep is important. It helps your mind, soul, physical strength and yes, even your appearance. When you get more sleep your whole face will be brighter and luminous. Of course we all know getting the right amount of sleep is close to impossible, but when you get the chance to go to bed at a normal time take it because your body will be thanking you the next day! (374)

 

 

If i had a million dollars

The song if I had a million dollars by the bare naked ladies (who, if you don’t know, are actually men) can cure any sadness. This song is fun to listen to because the lyrics are very random and funny, yet still very catchy and creative. The combination of singing and talking makes it even more enjoyable because it makes the song more casual and personal to the listener.

 If I had a million dollars
We wouldn't have to walk to the store
If I had a million dollars
Now, we'd take a limousine 'cause it costs more
If I had a million dollars
We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner
But we would eat Kraft Dinner
Of course we would, we’d just eat more
And buy really expensive ketchups with it
That’s right, all the fanciest ke... dijon ketchups!
Mmmmmm, Mmmm-Hmmm

            I like this part of the song because it just makes me laugh. This song is just a feel good song if you are ever feeling down just listen to this song and it will bring a smile to your face. Whenever I listen to this song I always think of how fun this must have been to write. Just a few best friends/band mates sat down and wrote the most random song, knowing that it would bring happiness and giggles to whoever listens to it. That just sounds like it would be a great job, getting to make so many people happy while enjoying yourself and acting goofy.

If I had a million dollars
I’d buy your love

                     This part of the song also shows the still “romantic” side because it cute that someone would try to use money to buy love. This part of the song manages to be serious, yet funny.

                     Some fun facts about this “if I had a million dollars” by the bare naked ladies.

                     When the bare naked ladies sang the part of the song “But we would eat craft dinner” fans used to throw macaroni and cheese on the stage, at first it was cute but it got very annoying. Unstead the band asked the fans to donate Kraft dinner at the local food bank.

                     They sing the line “I’d buy you John Merrick’s remains” it refers to the “elephant man”. He had a disease that caused him to be very deformed. Sometimes when the band is performing they will change the words to “I’d buy you John Davison’s remains” he was a goalie for the New York ranger’s hockey team. The bare naked ladies love hockey.  (426)

My heart will go on

The titanic theme song “My heart will go on” is one of my all-time favorite songs. The combination of the beautiful sound and melody as well as the lyrics makes it a very emotional song that can relate to anyone. 

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

This part of the song represents, to me, that even once people you loved more than anything leave the earth there heart still remains and your hearts will be together again someday, nobody ever leaves forever. This song really has helped me through tough times because it raises your hope and faith in knowing that you will see your loved one again someday. Love is too strong for it to only last for a life time and not forever.

        If you have watched the movie titanic then this song has an even greater impact on you because the story line is so beautiful of something that actually happened years ago. The song is so powerful because it makes you think of all the people that we hoping for a better life, but instead they died and had to watch their family die with them on the horrible day of the titanic sinking.

Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you go on

        Almost everyone has felt this songs truth before, were they could tell that someone is always there with you, even when they are “gone”. I believe your body has a way of healing when you miss someone because you can feel there presents around you and they give you the strength to carry on, thus your heart carries on with them as the song states.

You can see this song from many angles. That’s why I think this song is so great. It can trigger the heart strings on so many people and in so many different ways. It can help people heal; it can also give them hope.

I thought this song was perfectly placed in the titanic. This song made the movie more powerful and emotional. Even the heartless people could possibly shed a tear when they watch the movie because of this song. Even if you don’t listen to the lyrics and listen to just the actual song you will see it is influential in itself. The enchanting, and in a way haunting melody gets me every time. (425)

Danni N.

My big, unrelated family

         Many people definitely take neighbors for granted, or it may just be that they got a crappy set of them. In my case I am extremely lucky with the people who live right next me. I moved into my house when I was very young and pretty much the whole street had many kids my age, as well as my sisters age. All of the kids have known each other for pretty much our whole lives. Our summers when we were still quite young consisted of swimming in a little kitty pool together every day. As we got older there were not quite as many opportunities to be around each other because our schedules started to get booked but we still were all very close. In our free time we jumped on the trampoline, played games that we made up called “don’t wake the kitty” and “level 4”,as we liked to call it,  of our detective game. We were always more creative around each other and we were always the happiest around each other. It was like growing up with many brothers and sisters. Now that we are all teenagers we are still very close, but I would say it’s even more in a personal way now. We know that we may not be able to trust some of our friends at school, but we can always trust our neighbor family. Now our summers consist of swimming (this time in a bigger pool, thank god) and going from house to house eating popsicles. Around this time of year we have a Christmas with just our neighbor family. All of the kids met at one house and exchange gifts. Everyone always gets exactly what they wanted because we all know each other so well, some may even say too well.

         The adults of the kids in our neighborhood are exactly like having another few sets of parents. They are always there to give advice and tell you when not to do something stupid. They are always cooking things with all of their kids in mind (meaning all of their other neighbor kids). The moms can always hang out and sunbathe together, or talk about the kids together. (In other words gossip about parenting techniques that did and didn’t work on their kids) The dads love to golf together and play sports with the kids. Our neighborhood is like one big, confusing family. And I am so lucky. (407)

Danni N.

Clocks

           

What would our world be like without clocks? It seems like clocks are either what slows down the day, or gives us hope. For example as a kid in school you look at the clock pretty much every 5 minutes. The clock seems to make the day slower because the clocks make you realize how slow time is traveling. At the same time clocks can give you hope because when you look at a clock you will always know there are fun things ahead, and if you are going through a bad event the clocks are proof that only In a matter of time things will get better.

            There is always a lot of complaint about the clocks that are usually in schools, you know, just the boring ones that take a little bit of effort to read, in other words they are not digital. I wonder if school administrators ever though that they should put digital clocks in the school. I bet they have, but they realized that it was a school, and what is school without having to think about things, even if it is torture having to look at the clock and figure out it has only been 3 minutes since you last checked the time.

            Something I honestly have pondered a few times is how people when about their lives before knowing the exact time, because there were no clocks, or not many.  How would you know when to meet up with people at the park, or when you needed to be at the barber shop for your monthly trim? I guess things were just simpler then, and clocks were not as needed because their lives weren’t as face passed as they are now. They could just show up around the right time and everything was fine. Now time is detrimental for your job, school, and pretty much, well, everything.

            It’s amazing how the appearance and technology behind clocks has evolved. Clocks are one of the oldest inventions, so I guess time was not much of an issue when clocks were not around because time was determined by how high the sun was in the sky. I think having clocks has messed up with our natural way of doing things. In the “cavemen” years the people did things pertaining to how they felt, for example if they were tired then they went to bed. Now a day if we are tired we don’t go to sleep until the clock hits a certain hour. (417)

            Danni N.

Don't complain, instead see its beauty.

            Many people hate the snow. But I believe they just never give it a chance. Walk outside when the first snow of the year happens with an open mind and you will understand why snow is a magical thing. Breathe in the cold air; the air you breathe seems fresher and cleaner as it enters your lungs. The air even smells fresher. It is like the snow is clearing the earth of its pollution.

            Many people also hate snow because of the fact that it is cold. Well when someone is injured they go into an ice bath to relax their muscles. The same goes for being out side in the cold, once you go inside after being in the snow and warm off, your muscles feel more relaxed.

            When it snows, to me, it feels as though I am in a snow globe and I am not part of the world anymore, I am in my own world. The sounds around me become mute long enough for me to enjoy the beauty.

            Snow is such a beautiful thing because it interacts with all five of the sense. Sight- it looks wondrous as it falls to the ground. Touch- obviously it is cold. Smell- the earth around you smells different, it smells fresh. Hearing- when you are outside in the snow all other sounds seem to muffle and give a peaceful quietness. Taste- the snow seems to taste fresher than any water you could possibly taste because it’s so cold and refreshing.

            When it is someone first time seeing snow they absolutely freak out at its beauty. They jump around in it, they watch it fall to their face, and they indulge in the fact that it can interact with all of their senses. If only each snow fall could be like our first, well it could. If we just saw they beauty every time, instead of complaining the first second that you know that there is a chance of snow. I couldn’t imagine Christmas without snow, or even the long winter days before Christmas without snow. Snow still entertains me to this day. I think there is a reason for snow; to entertain the restless kids that can’t wait for Christmas!

Here are some unique ideas of things you can try out in the snow:

1.    Build ramps on the hill by packing snow into a pile, when you ride over them over them with your sled there will be a bump in the road and you will fly and pick up even more speed!

2.    If you have a trampoline, build a snow wall around all of the legs of the trampoline leaving room for a door of a crawl space. That way you will have your own little winter house outside!

3.    Use water tubes for sleds, they move much faster on snow because of their slick material, plus you can fit a couple people on each one! Have races to test out the fastest tubes.

4.    On a very cold day when you don’t feel like playing outside just grab a cup of clean snow and bring it inside. Then pour in your favorite pop to make the perfect slushy. Some ideas for what to pour into the snow are: chocolate milk-(crush up some Oreos and add to this), any kind of juice, any kind of pop.

5.    If you have snow drifts and piles of snow where all of the snow is piled up from shoveling call it the Great Wall of China and have two teams. Then have a snow fight, one team gets to have the wall to hide behind.  

6.    Instead of making a family of snow men, try making the biggest snow man you can possibly make. This may take a few peoples cooperation.

7.    If you live in a cul-de-sac or a road were not many people drive through. On a very icy day go to the biggest hill in the neighborhood that ends with this slick cul-de-sac or road. Make a big jump/ramp almost all of the way down the hill so that you will gain more speed and fly onto the cul-de-sac, the ice will continue to carry you further and further!

 

Enjoy the snow this year if you are lucky enough to have snow where you live!!! (720)

 

Danni N.

 

What? Still 2 more weeks!?!

Is it just me or is everyone only thinking about one thing at this time of year? CHRISTMAS! I seriously cannot get my mind off of Christmas, you may say “yeah well I am a Christmas freak too! “But I can almost guarantee that you are not as fanatic about it as I am.

 

I have always been this way, since I can remember. I have always loved not only Christmas, but just this time of year in general. I love everything from decorating, to caroling, to wrapping presents. Everything I do this time of year has some correlation to Christmas.

 

SCHOOL GOES BY EXTREAMLY SLOWLY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I fell like every day is literally ten times longer the few weeks before holiday break. I don’t know what it is, but there is just something in my blood that begins to spread to my whole body until at this time, a whole 2 weeks before break, I cannot think and I just can’t concentrate on anything because every single thought that pops into my brain has to do with Christmas.

 

            So I don’t know about you, but I will be counting down the days until Christmas arrives. I will grow more and more exited as each day gets closer to Christmas. The thing I love the most about Christmas are just the little things that make people happy, like the lights on the tree, the logs burning on the fireplace, and seeing family and friends that you miss dearly. Remember, as always, this Christmas season to enjoy every minute of it because Christmas miracles only happen once a year! Happy holidays everyone! (275)

Danni N.

Elf Spaghetti

So you’re lying around and all you want to do is eat. Does that sound like you during the Christmas break? Well when in doubt elf spaghetti it out. This is a great way to have something to do with the people you are around during this time of year!  The movie “Elf” is a must see. It’s fun to get in some comfy, lazy clothes, turn on the fireplace and watch the movie with a big steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Ok so you know the part in the movie when buddy makes his own unique elf style spaghetti for breakfast? Well you can make that in your own home. Keep in mind that it is way more fun doing this with friends or family! (If your mom is a clean freak then I would suggest waiting to do this until she is out of the house because it does get a little messy!)

Here are the ingredients:

1. Spaghetti

2.  M&ms

3. Mini marshmallows

4. Frosted chocolate fudge pop tarts

5. Sprinkles

Once you have all of these items added into a heap, cover it with loads of maple syrup along with heresy’s chocolate syrup. (Remember if you are on a strict diet you should stay far away from this concoction)  Then for the most fun part, put your hands into the spaghetti and crunch all of the ingredients together until you get the consistency you like.

       Then enjoy this messy finger food! Some may absolutely hate this elf breakfast, and some May thoroughly enjoy it. Which preference will you have? You never will know until you try.  (270)

                 Danni N.

Your perfect match

I believe everyone should have someday they can just click with. Not just that person that is fun to hang out with, but that person that you can do anything around them and not be embarrassed, that person that would never do anything to harm you. Unfortunately for me this person just happens to be a state away. Her name is Becca. To me she is more than a friend, and more than my cousin. She is somebody I can tell anything and everything, and she never judges me. And the same goes for her, she can tell me anything, and I will always be on her side. Without someone in your life like this I would imagine it would be a lot of less quality of life. When I am feeling down I know I have someone that cares, I couldn’t imagine living without that feeling of someone needing me, and me needing someone too.

Support is a very important thing people need. What is life without people caring about what you do and what you have been up to? Without support you are destine to fail because you have no one to see your accomplishments, thus no reason to keep accomplishing.

Everyone should also have people in their life that they never get tired of being around. For a lot of people that their family. Yeah at times they may get extremely annoying, but when they are gone you miss them so much. That’s how you know these people are worth your time, when you love them even for their imperfections and they love you for yours too.

Another good thing to have in a good relationship with someone is when they are happy when you are. If they are always putting you down and making you feel anything but happy then they are also not worth your time. Of course with every relations ship, weather it is your sister, cousin, boyfriend or girlfriend there is the occasional argument. But if they truly care about you in the end they would never want to do anything to make you feel anything but happiness.

Another indication of a good relationship is when they can tell how you are feeling without you even having to say anything, of course they won’t be able to read your mind but if they are really paying attention to you then they will know that you are not feeling the best if your shoulders shrug or your feeling cheerful if you are humming.

Communication is key in any relationship. If your friend is not willing to communicate with you, especially if you have a problem about something they are doing that may be upsetting you then they are also not the best people to be hanging out with. If they are really there for you then they will take your thoughts into consideration. I think the main thing that splits up a relationship is no quality communication. If something wells up bad feelings about a person for too long then excessive anger can erupt and they may go crazy on a person and mixed feelings will begin. But if things are talked about right away then there should not be anything to worry about. (540)

Danni N.

Have you found your talent yet?

               Isn’t it amazing how many different forms of art there are? There are the obvious, painting and drawing, even sculpting. If these are not for you don’t be discourages because there are many more forms of art. Cooking, decorating, singing, acting, dancing, even some activities such as horseback riding and swimming are seen as an art. There really isn’t a worldwide definition as to what art is, but in my eyes it is something that shows your distinctive talent. Weather your talent is making the most scrumptious cookies or maneuvering through cones and jumping over fences while on an elegant horse. Both of these use talent and can be used to show your own unique self through them.

               The “act” of art is very calming. If you are ever stressed out I can grantee you that you can find your own form of art that inspires you and calms the soul. Art, to me, makes me happy because it helps me improve myself as I improve my art. I feel proud of myself every time after I finish a painting or a drawing and see that each consecutive one grows better. The thing with art is that you are never done, its good knowing that you can always get better and will always have something to do when you are bored or in need of inspiration.

               All of the forms of art can be viewed differently by different people. Some may look at a painting and think of death and despair while another person may see the complete opposite, life and hope. Not only do the forms of art vary, so do the artists themselves. Some artists are mysterious and they paint abstract pictures that have a meaning that no one will ever know for sure what it is. Some artists may decorate a room, and make it turn from an empty old room to a room of true stylishness. And this type of artist may be more open, were you can tell what the meaning of the room is, to be new and sleek.

               There may seem to be a huge difference between a tattoo artist and the painter of the Sistine chapel, but the similarity of the two is that they love what they do and they have found something that has inspired them. They have found what makes them happy, and that is really what art comes down to. Have you found what makes you happy yet? (410)

               Danni N.

Holiday Baking

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. This means before Christmas rolls around there is one last thing to do, its holiday baking! I believe most family’s at this time of year participate in some form of baking in a holiday manner. My family likes to make a big deal of it. Usually my family is very healthy and we watch what we eat very closely. This day gives us a chance to let go of the heath strings just for a while and pig-out on all of the delectable treats we make, while enjoying time with family. We make loads of candy and pass off all of the extras to friends and family. We hand make everything from cherry bars, fudge, sugar cookies, chocolate and Carmel turtles to even some secret recipes that only my family makes. Cousins and grandparents from out of town and even out of state come and visit on this day.  

After the festivities are over there are still containers of sweet treats left to remember the wonderful day by. We send a package of goodies to my grandparents down in Florida; and my dad takes some to work for the rest of his employees to enjoy. I think holiday baking brings everyone closer, not just within a family but also with your friends because everyone brings their treats around to share, and spread the joy of what is soon to be Christmas, Hanukah, or whatever you may celebrate this time of year. For me the most important part about holiday baking day is just getting into the spirit for Christmas, it is like the introduction to how wonderful Christmas will be. (278)

Danni N

The perfect clothing store for you

 

               Some people go shopping only for the fun of it. For them it’s the getting to spend time with friends and family and just hanging out that they really enjoy. Some people are content with just looking around, thinking “yeah, that’s really cute, but I don’t need it”.

               On the other hand some people go shopping because they are on a mission that seems all so simple: get some new clothes. Finding new clothes can sometimes seem so difficult but my advice to you is just finding your go to store. Once you find the store that has all of your favorite styles and clothes that fit you perfectly you are good for years. Anytime you need new clothes you know exactly what store to go to, that way it’s not as stressful and you can enjoy the “experience’ aspect of it as well.

               Some people may think they have a favorite store, yet when they go there they really don’t seem to find a lot that they like. I really do think there is the perfect store for everyone, so don’t just settle for “ok”.  You know that the store is perfect for you not only if you enjoy the clothes, but you like the environment of it. This may seem dumb to many people but you really will enjoy shopping more if the store plays the music you like or is just “your type of place”. You also know the store is good for you if when are trying on clothes at least half of the stuff seems to fit you well. Some stores carry clothes meant for taller thinner women, some for taller curvier women, and some for shorter women and so on. I think each store has one of these certain fits, even if it does seem like each store has many sizes, they always specialize in a certain body type.

               Finding the faultless store for you can seem hard at first but just let yourself gravitate toward what you naturally would, don’t let your friends decide what’s good for you because you many have completely different likes in style and trends, along with a different body type. (362)

Snacks to snack on when you are feeling snacky on the snackiest of days.

          We have all been there, we were starving and we didn’t have a clue what to eat because either nothing sounded good, or there was just no good food around. Well, here are a few unique snacks I really enjoy whether if it’s on the go or just to eat while studying. These are all different than the typical snack, if you are bored of always eating the same ole same ole.

1.   Pirates booty

Pirate booty is like popcorn, but so much better, didn’t think that was possible right? But seriously, it like popcorn in a puffed up form, it’s pretty buttery and just the right amount of salt. The bite size puffed bits will start to melt the second they are in your mouth. Open up a bag and your mouth will water from the delectable smell! (This is also a heather option than that fatty popcorn you get at the movies, and in my opinion its better!)

2.   Pomegranate seeds

Not many people seem to mention how good these puppies are! They are juicy and perfect for popping in a small Tupperware and bringing for a snack. Pomegranate seeds are very good for you, they are high in fiber, vitamins and phytochemicals which are great for the heath of you heart along with the prevention of cancer. One pomegranate contains around 600 seed which will last you for quite a few snacks. Pomegranates are very low in calories so dig in!

3.   Dried berries

Getting dried fruit with no sugar added are a great snack because they give you all the benefits of eating fruit without the hassle and mess of carrying around fresh fruit. I think berries are the best dried because even without sugar added they taste the sweetest out of all the fruits. (My personal favorites is dried blueberries) Dried berries really do taste like candy and they are very filling, they are great to last you over until your next meal.

4.   Trail mix

Some trail mixes can be very high in fat and sugar, but with some searching around there are always some healthy alternatives. I love trail mixes with yogurt chips in them, they taste exactly like white chocolate chips but so much healthier. Trail mixes are also extremely filling because they usually contain nuts. Just remember when eating trail mix that a small portion really does fill you up enough for a snack, you need less than you think. You can easily make your own trail mix by adding dry cereal, nuts, chocolate chips, and crackers to a baggie. Be creative and add your personal favorites to the baggie.

5.   Yogurt

Many people believe they don’t like yogurt before they even try a few flavors. I have tried A LOT of yogurts because I am a huge fan, but I always seem to go back to the cherry flavors. When purchasing yogurt make sure to get the light kind if you are looking for a heather option, I guarantee you that it will taste just as good as the regular. There are so many kinds so experiment with them; maybe you will like the fruitier ones or the dessert tasting ones better. You can also add things on top to add a crunch like dry cereal or granola. My favorite thing to add is fruit to the top; it tastes wonderful and looks pleasing to the eye too! (582)

Danni N

Instruments

Instruments

 

Playing instruments really can help yourself confidence. Being able to play instruments can show your intellect, especially if you can play more than one of two. I think being able to play many instruments is impressive because it also shows that you have patients to learn them all and that you have a knack for music.

It’s the coolest thing to be able to get together a band of friends and just make new music or play music that is well known by everyone. Being able to play music can also help you to connect with people in a whole different level. I think it’s really cool how some people can just pick up an instrument and learn it without a teacher because they have such an ear for music. It’s not as hard as you think to learn an instrument if you just set your mind to it. I think the most fun part of learning in instrument would have to be just being able to get the satisfaction of improving after practicing. It is fun to get better and better each time you play. I think playing an instrument gets you in a creative mood and you begin to think out of the box more freely. It allows you to be creative with everything you do, and just gives you such a great sense of happiness. It makes you feel worth something knowing you can make beautiful music.

            Sometimes when I am in a bad mood all it takes is playing my drums to make me feel better; it gives me something to concentrate on rather than my worries. The drums are a way of helping me “de-stress” my life. (283)

Danni N

Animals

Animals

               It’s amazing how animals can make you feel so good about yourself. If you are having a bad day they can really cheer you up in no time. They have these amazing “powers” because they love you for who you are, not what you look like or what you have been through. They can feel your pain and have sympathy for you without you even having to tell the story.

               I volunteer at an animal shelter and after being there for a few minutes my shoulders are lifted and I just begin to feel like myself again. I adore the love the animals give, they all just want to be cuddled and want some attention. The animals are always exited to see you, even if they have never met you before.

               Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, even if they are not really listening. That’s why I love animals, you can tell them the craziest crap and they will just carry on with their normal lives. (Plus you get the effect of being a crazy person by talking about your problems to animals.) Sometimes people just can’t be trusted, or you just feel like you don’t really want anyone to know what’s going on, well animals will never tell anyone the gossip you told them J

               It incredible how each animal is so different. I mean you could go up to one dog and he reminds you of your great uncle Sam, really lazy and smells really bad. And then you could go up to a bunny and she reminds you of your sister, very energetic at times, yet shy at other times. It so cool to meet new animals because it’s a lot like meeting new people. Dealing with animals is a whole different kind of interaction than we are used to. When you communicate with people the sense of hearing and seeing is used mostly. Animals are a lot different because the sense of feel is used more, not feeling like with your touch but feeling as in emotions. You can feel whether or not an animal is happy. It’s unique because you have to use these emotions to communicate with animals instead of talking. You have to show the animals that you enjoy their company by being gentle with them, and they will return the feeling by not being afraid to sit on your lap and fall asleep, or trust you with their favorite toy.

               No matter how you are feeling, if you like animals, I can guarantee if you go to an animal shelter you will be able to find one you can connect with. Animals will always love you for who you truly are. They never take you for granted and they are all unique just like people. Most of the animals at the shelter just want a nice home, and a lot of them just want someone to care, and they will care about you in return. (496)

Danni N.

Music Room

Music Room

               A few years ago my parents decided to change our very outdated guest room into a music room. The old lumpy mattress and 80’s looking bed frame were taken out and musical instruments were put in. Guitars were hug on the walls by clasp hooks, over time drums were slowly added until we had a pretty nice set going and a keyboard too. A huge record player was requested by my sister for Christmas, and soon enough Santa brought that clunky thing down the chimney. It plays records, cassette tapes, cd’s and an iPod all on the same “machine”. It really is fun because my sister and I enjoyed listening to all the different decades of music on it. The shelves were hung on the walls to accommodate my sisters’ huge collection of records. Lots of other stuff was added, a microphone, some amps, random stuff like cowbells, tambourines’ (anything that will make noise). A sleek couch was added that can pull out into two twin beads, (put in the room especially for when our cousins visit!) Man my sister and I loved that room and we love it even more now!

               Recently my sister got a recording microphone and some software that goes along with it; we enjoy singing and playing instruments and making music out of it using the software! It’s very addicting; I can spend hours up in the music room recording without even noticing it is time to get to my homework. It’s amazing because you can lay down a track, and then the next track you can harmonize or sing backup with your own voice! You can also beat box to get a nice back beat to sing to. My sister and I made a good “studio couple” we record her playing the guitar, keyboard, or piano. And I played the drums or beat boxed. Then one of us would sing lead and the other would sing hums or harmony. We had some great times!

               Many hours were spent in that room with my family having what we called “family jam sessions”. We also spent many summer days messing around in that room with our friends and neighbors, even if it wasn’t to play music, but just to listen to it. When Christmas rolls around we play Christmas carols and sing along. That room has harvested many great times. It has seen party’s happen, and individual people trying to find themselves with music. It has been such a blessing having that room to always look forward to entertaining me. (426)

Danni N.

Bandeaus

Bandeaus

                Bandeaus are a unique way to dress up or down an outfit. Bandeaus are like a tube top that just go around the chest, like a sports bra without straps. To dress up an outfit you can wear a shear blouse and a sparkly or lacey bandeau. To dress down an outfit wear a shirt with a lot of holes and put a colorful bandeau under it. To get a very laid back look wear a slouchy oversized tank with a patterned bandeau. You will look super casual, but still somewhat put together.  A trend that I think is really cool, but not many people seem to do, is pair two bandeaus together, a lacy  bigger lacy one on the bottom and a smaller colorful one on top of that one, under a slouchy tank. It looks so cute because it has that very trendy layered look.

                You can also easily make your own bandeau by cutting a piece of fabric into a tube shape to fit around your bust, and then twist the fabric around to make a cross in the middle. You can also take fabric paint and make designs on it to match any shirt you would want it to go with.  You could also add lace or some kind of detailing to the border of the bandeau to make it more feminine, you can add studs as well or sequins. You can be very creative and personalize it in any way. These are also great gifts because if you make it yourself then it won’t cost much at all and you can make it to fit that person’s style.

                Bandeaus can be found in many stores, if you don’t want to hand make one. These stores include; Von maur, American eagle, Abercrombie, and Hollister. Many other stores have them but these are just a few that should have some in stock the next time you go to the mall. (324)

Danni N.

Taken for granted

               Sometimes It is taken for granted the fact that a lot of the people I love the most live very close. I am so lucky to have the support of so many people always surrounding me. I do have a few relatives that live a state or two away, but I still get to keep in touch with them more than most family’s do. I love getting to visit my family a lot because I just feel so complete with them. I always wonder what it would be like if I moved away from all of my family members. It would hard to be the same person I am today; they keep me strong and honest with myself.

               Also having family so near makes holidays a lot easier and simpler, we can focus more on each other than the traveling and just trying to open our schedules so we can drive or fly places far away. I love holidays because usually all of my family can make it, it just feels partial without all of them there to celebrate some of the most important days that we should all be together.

               When it is all said and done I know if I ever have a breakdown or know I made a bad mistake and I just need someone to talk to, there is always an aunt or uncle or cousin or grandma and grandpa that is 20 minutes away at the most. Being able to see them all the time has strengthened my relationship with all of them making it easier to know that you are always worth something to all the people that love you.

               It is taken for granted because ever since I was born there were always family members going in and out of the house and we were always visiting as well. I grew up with someone always coming to see how we were doing. I was so lucky to have people wanting to be there as I grew up.

               If you are having a hard time with life the best thing you can do is build a close relationship with someone whether it is a family member or a friend. I know from my childhood and present life that having such good contact with people I love made an impact on how I live my life and how much I really do enjoy my life.

               If you do have family members that live close by and you never visit because you are afraid that you will have nothing to do (especially if there is a big age difference) the best thing to do is just talk. You will be surprised by just asking them a few questions how you will receive a well-rounded conversation. Most of the time, especially if it’s a grandparent, they just want to know how you are doing and what you have been up too. Another great way to spend time together, especially at family reunions, if you have a musical family tell everyone ahead of time to bring an instrument and then you can have a jam session, play some oldies that you know because everyone knows those song no matter what generation, and if they don’t then they can just sway along or sing background hums. I think this is a great way to become closer because it makes everyone one big group, and often the words in the songs can relate to some of the people, giving them something to talk about and you might learn some interesting stories about your family that you never thought possible. (601)

Danni N.

Why I just don’t care

Facebook, twitter, instagram. Whatever it may be i just don’t really give a crap. Honestly I find they make some people very antisocial especially at parties because it seems like everyone who is anyone has all this on their phones. When you are at a party you don’t need to peer at your phone every few minutes, just set it down for the night and I promise you everything will end up just fine. You might even have more fun because you are with the people at the party instead of the people online. You can’t beat face to face communication, its way better than anything like Facebook, twitter or even Skype could do. If this is how technology is taking over life today I am afraid to see what it is like when I am 60. I want my grandchildren to actually talk to me instead of only caring about the next shiny new technology related thing that comes out in the stores.

Even just typing on this computer, I would honestly rather be doing something else, it is beautiful fall day here and I am stuck here with this thing shining in my eyes, making them hurt. If technology is apparently so good, then why does it make my eyes hurt and give me a headache? I am pretty sure people become less intelligent the more technology they use, because I always see phones on in class, and a lot of people don’t pay attention to a single thing the teacher is saying so they pretty much learn nothing their whole high school career. They are too focused on their phone to concentrate and learn. A lot of people just take phones in general way to far because it seems like some people are literally going to be in pain without their phones. It pathetic, don’t be one of those people, try getting a real life, not a fake one online. (328)

Danni N.

Perspective

I think perspective is such an interesting thing. It so intriguing to see something in your own way and somebody else sees it in a completely different way. You may think the other person is wrong but it really is the way their brain works differently that makes things so different depending on the person. This is another reason I love art, especially abstract. It’s so cool to peer into a piece of art work and be a able to see something so different than the person right next to you. Your perspective can also change how you can see many different things out of one piece of art work, or one sentence in a story.

                I think it all comes down to what matters to you. For instance if there is a girl that is really interested in soccer she may look at some clouds in the sky and see a soccer net, and her best friend who loves to eat may see a waffle.

 I think our whole life depends on perspective otherwise we would all thinking the same things, speak the same things, and do the same things. Life would just be so dang boring! Perspective is what makes us unique, what makes a joke incredibly funny to one person and immature to the next person. Neither person is wrong in their reaction to the joke; both just have their own way of encoding the joke and interpreting how they feel about it.

                My advice to anyone is don’t hold back on what your perspective because perspective can really be such a creative thing. With your unique perspective you can show the world something that has never been seen before, something that has never been thought of, something that has never been invented. Don’t hold back, I know you have it in you! (307)

Danni N.

Old photos         

When I was a lot younger I never really understood why grandparents liked looking at photos so much. It seemed like they could sit there for hours looking at everybody from years and years ago. They would look at pictures of me when I was just three and just love the way I looked all puffy and round still. They would say “just look at those cheeks.” I always thought to myself “hey grandma I am standing right here! You can look at my cheeks in real life if you want too!” I guess I just never truly understood the importance of pictures.

 I understand fully now! Pictures are so important because they help document what happened so they can help you remember all of the good times. They are also really fun to look  at because it is interesting to see where you got your features from, maybe you got your nose from your great grandpa on your dads side and the shape of your eyes from your grandma on your mom’s side. It’s amazing to look at the pictures of your grandma when she was a teenager because you are so used to seeing her at her older stages of life that is feels just so different to see her at your age, and vice versa for your grandpa.

               Old photos capture the essence of what life was like when they were taken, you can imagine what the person was feeling, to even what the weather was like. You can see how life is so different now, even if it is pictures are only from five years ago. Never underestimate pictures, if someone is going through hard time pictures can help them out. They can show them that they have a lot going for them when they peer into their own eyes of happiness a few years ago from a picture at Christmas, it will show them that there is always a chance of happiness because it has been achieved before. The right pictures show that there is always hope. (344)

Danni N.

When you are bored and will do anything…….

               You know those times when you are hanging out with your friends and you didn’t have any real plan of what you were going to do that day? Usually this can result in some kind of boredom, but fear not; this little game works every time! First set up an obstacle course in a place with a lot of space, like maybe an empty basement. To make the obstacle course take random stuff you find in closets and spread them around the room, make sure it is nothing that will break if you jump on it! Like a small trampoline, or a spinning chair. Add some pillows and blankets and your good.

               And know this is the most important step, take a light saber (fake of course, because if its real then you might slice your own arm off because this obstacle course can get pretty intense) then just make random rules, but you have to be swinging around the light saber the whole time. (If you don’t have a light saber at home you were a deprived child and should go to a phycology clinic) any way the obstacle course may sound something like this; first spin around on the desk chair 10 times, then jump onto the trampoline and bounce 15 times while singing “little bunny foo foo”. Then bounce onto a gaming chair (the rocking ones) and ride it like a pony back and forth 6 times ( while still waving the light saber around like you belong in a nerdy movie….sorry to anyone who enjoys star wars, but come on…. Really?) Then jump onto the couch, do an impression of the other person when they are dancing, and then to end jump into a pile of pillows and blankets like it is a pile of leaves. The whole time be timing how long it takes the person. You can also record them doing the course and if they do something embarrassing you can always blackmail them latter! Being bored is not an excuse to sit around and do nothing; there really is always something to do when you have fun friends around that are willing to do anything, no matter how crazy. The main thing while doing these obstacle courses is not to hold yourself back, they really aren’t about how long it takes you to finish the course, its bout how ridiculously dumb you look doing it and the laughter that comes along with it! Go ahead! Give it a try! (424)

Danni N.

 
Music holds all of the emotions

 

It seems so silly how different songs can strike different emotions. Try listening to an upbeat song, it’s hard not to bounce to the beat a little, or shake your head and make insane faces at your favorite parts. Then listen to a slow dreary song, it seems almost like your whole day changes, you begin to see the sadness in everything. Then listen an oldie but a goody like uptown girl and memories of all the times you heard that song come to you with a great impact.

When you hear a song and when memories come with it, It seems like the memories are just that much more vivid because the song helps you remember specifically what was going on at that time. For example I only seem to remember the times when I was really little when I think of the songs that where always playing. I think of the songs, “you’re my best friend”, and, “good ole boys like me”, by Don Williams and I seem to remember things much more clearly. Of course when I was super little I didn’t know the names of the song but I still remember their melodies and the way they made me feel.

Music also gives inspiration, when I am listening to music a get more ideas. I think it gives you the push to do things though, more than anything. Like when my room is a mess and I really don’t want to clean it, if I put some music on I am more willing to clean and I do it more efficiently because it helps me to concentrate on my room because the sound seems to block out everything else.

One thing I don’t get about music is how people can listen to it while studying or doing homework. I just want to listen to the words of the song or sing along so badly that I only concentrate on the song and not the homework that needs to get done.

Imagine a commercial or movie without music. It would change the whole feel that it gives. Say there is a commercial selling perfume and there is no music, how many people less would buy the perfume would you think? I say it would be a lot less because the perfume would seem a lot less attractive to the buyers.

            It amazing how if you listen to holiday song in the dead of the summer they still make you happy just because they are like the stimulus in your brain that makes you remember the good times. Music just has such a great impact on every person, no matter who you are or what you have been through. (457)