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)