An open letter to morning classes
This is an open letter to my Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. French 102 class. While there are only 10 of you in the class, I feel the need to address a few things. As morning classes are the worst thing college has to offer, they can present some serious misconceptions about a person.
Dear class,
First, I’m sorry for being the empty soul that hauntingly walks into class everyday, like a demon in the night. Outside of these trecherous morning classes lies a funny and often bright young lady — but as it stands, you might never see that side of me.
That being said, I promise I know how to smile, too. I did not suffer with braces for five years in order to never smile again. I was raised in a British household and for the most part, I know what manners are and how to exercise them accordingly. I was always “yes ma’am” and “no sir,” but for whatever reason, that part of my brain isn’t even close to functioning before 11 o’clock in the morning. That’s the reality of it.
I promise I know how to dress myself. Yoga pants and flip-flops are not my usual attire. It may seem like I own a stockpile of old sweatshirts that rival Goodwill’s, but that is not my typical day-to-day. Would you all believe me if I told you I won “Best Dressed” and “Best Hair” in high school? I know some of you cocked an eyebrow at that.
Lastly, I promise that what you see at 9 a.m. every day is completely different than what you might find a 1, 2 or 3 p.m. I know in a different world with later classes, I would more than likely be friends with most of you. But as fate has it, and my major requires it, I was forced into these morning classes.
And thus, I leave you all with a better sense of awareness. While this 9 a.m. French class could potentially be the death of me, at least I tried. My hope is that some of you can sympathize with me from this letter, and in turn, we’ll get through this semester together. After all, nous sommes tous dans le même bateau, n’est pas?
Even science says it is better to give than to receive
We’ve all heard that it is better to give than to receive, and occasionally we follow this motto during specific times of the year – the holiday season for example. The rest of the year, though, you can bet we’re all too focused on what we need and want for ourselves to think of others.
But in a recent study by the University of Buffalo, which took five years and three universities to establish, scientists have found it’s actually better for your health to give than receive. “How” you ask?
About 900 subjects were interviewed about stressful events in their lives during the past year and the occasions they assisted or gave tangible items to their friends or family. The subjects did things like providing transportation to people they did not live with or did errands, housework and the shopping for them.
“We tested the hypothesis that providing help to others would predict a reduced association between stress and mortality for the helpers,” said Michael J. Poulin, P.H.d., the principal investigator.
As it turns out, the study found that stressful situations were less likely to contribute to a person’s death when they’re also helping others. It’s kind of morbid, but poignant nonetheless.
Now, I understand it’s harder as college students to go out on a shopping spree for others when we can barely afford the sterile tasting ramen noodles we eat every night, but it’s something that can be easily done no matter how you stand financially or how much time you have.
Our generation wasn’t raised to be very giving. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s also something we can fix by changing the little things in life.
You can donate clothes and items to Goodwill we don’t use anymore. Or how about babysitting at no charge for a couple who hasn’t been on a date in months? Even the gift of a smile is enough to brighten someone’s day and give you your health benefits.
Even Ben’s Bell’s started a “Be Kind, Step Up” to encourage acts of kindness by giving out bracelets to those who were caught paying it forward.
Whether you can do it or not, you should try to pass it along.
To see the study:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-02/uab-sfi020413.php
Pantone spring 2013 color fashion report
If you find yourself feeling frisky for a fling this season, have an affair; with color.
To be sure, otherwise improper behavior is entirely acceptable this spring, as the newly announced spring 2013 Fashion Color Report by Pantone is blush worthy. A flirty array of delightfully subtle hues and tones that simply exude the essence of all things flighty — Pantone has concocted a saccharine collection for spring color wear.
And Pantone, the world renowned color classification corporation, knows color.
In the palest hues of breathy pinks, ethereal greens and cerulean blues, Pantone has imagined spring as it is seen in nature. Tones suggestive of overtly floral and coy glances feel fresh and cool as the doldrums neutrals of winter swiftly retreat. Rising sweetly from the cold remembrances of all too recent winter we are whisked into a color scheme that pairs nicely with any straying notions.
Shades of “Zesty Yellow,” “Dusk Blue” and “Grayed Jade” certainly sound as intriguing as they appear. Brilliant colors indeed, that transition gracefully between altering seasonal wardrobes.
As spring is a season of whimsy and flippant regard, dress your most bold behavior in the softest shades Pantone so divinely arranged. You’ll be flirting most fashionably with disaster.
Honor national handwriting day by finding out what your pencil says about you
Happy National Handwriting Day! “Who cares?” you may ask, especially since nowadays people are all about typing and texting.
You may think that what your first grade teacher once said about how important it is to learn cursive can be thrown out the window for more practical life lessons.
But not today!
I bet you didn’t know that your handwriting, especially in cursive, carries a lot of weight into your relationships, characteristics and can teach you a lot about a person.
There are even specialists that analyze handwriting, in CIA and FBI investigations and also tests you can take online to uncover your true self
That’s why today, we are celebrating your unique handwriting and uncovering what your handwriting says about you, according to Real Simple magazine.
Slanting
To the left: You work alone or enjoy being more behind the scenes
To the right: You are a social butterfly and like to open with people.
Not Slanting: You are a realist and tend to put up a barrier between your emotions
Size
Small: you are often shy and tend to be more focused on things such as work and school.
Large: You are a bubbly and outgoing individual. Often you like the limelight and don’t shy away too easily from attention.
Average: you’re adaptable and likable
Closed for e: You are skeptical of situations, like to think things through fully before plunging in.
Open for e: You are adventurous and like to be wild and open to trying new things
Round s: You avoid conflict, love to please everyone and always look for a compromise.
Point s: You are more studious and intellectual. You love learning new things and are very ambitious.
7 less known party themes to change up the weekend scene
So you got another Facebook invite to another ABC (anything but clothes) themed party this weekend, or an Around the World themed party, or (God help us), a Toga themed party.
I can’t be alone in hating the same old party themes every time Thursday night rolls around. So pass this list of seven party themes on to all your super cool friends who are stuck on the notion that a “nerd” party is really original and a great idea.
Periodic table of elements theme: come dressed as your favorite element, even if you have no idea what it is! Fly your real nerd flag high!
Stuff that sucks theme: Break out that “Team Edward” T-Shirt we know you have in the back of your closet, or go as a Kardashian!
Cool dead people theme: Pick your favorite dead guy! Have a drink with Abe Lincoln, or play beer pong with Michael Jackson! The possibilities really are endless here.
You are what you drink: Do you enjoy the occasional Sex on the Beach? Then rock sex hair and a bikini. Is tequila and lime more your style? Then it’s sombrero time.
Walk of shame theme: This is nice because you don’t even have to do your hair, or makeup, or shower for that matter. This is all about the “day after” look, so ladies feel free to hold your heels around all night (sweet).
Barbarians and librarians Theme: Similar to the much overdone CEO’s and Office Hoes Theme, but much funnier. Don’t be afraid to utilize loincloths.
What used to be cool theme: Break out the blue eyeliner and $70 Abercrombie & Fitch tank we know you have from middle school.
Fall Makeup Trends!
Girls, I just got around to watching this new video by beauty Youtuber, FleurDeForce (yes, more Youtube!). But I just cannot pass up sharing these videos because they are so wonderful and so beneficial. Fleur is a very classy vlogger and I find that what she has to say is almost always worthwhile.
Here she includes some fantastic trends for fall with eyeshadow shades, lip color, blush, and nail polish. The dark burgandy lips are a bit dramatic for me, but if you’re bold enough for it, it could end up looking quite gorgeous. I’ve been in desperate need of updating my makeup bag, so this was a great start for me. It may really help you out as well, and it certainly won’t break your bank, as Fleur tries to look for affordable products.
Enjoy, and have some fun changing up your makeup!
Ingrid is a Youtube beauty guru with a sweet personality: Check out her fall video
Hey girls! (And certainly guys too if it interests you)
So, I’m a huge Youtube fan and one of my most frequently watched channels is called “Missglamorazzi,” run by the gorgeous and amazing Ingrid. She is absolutely fantastic and always has updates on cute, chic, simple beauty advice. She always goes for a natural look with the philosophy that makeup should enhance your features, not change the way you look completely. And I agree, which is why I watch her so often!
Ingrid also posts videos about clothing (with “Outfit of the Day” videos), end of the month “favorites” videos which include everything from skin products to clothes to candles, and everything in between. I’m always on the look out for new videos from her because she just has such a sweet, cheery personality. So, in celebration of the beginning of the fall season (the best one!), here is an “I <3 Fall TAG!” video by Ingrid (Missglamorazzi). The video includes her favorite lip product, nail polish, Starbucks drink, and Halloween movie, among a handful of others.
