Laze Craze

Several of you who are reading this blog may take this personally because you have been doing it for the last few hours, days, weeks, or even months. Prior to owning a personal computer, I used to be far more mobile. Now, as I am seemingly attached to my electronic device, the better part of my days are spent sitting down and playing with my laptop, sitting down and submitting assignments from my lap top,  or looking for the latest news scare while also sprawled across my bed like my body has lost movement.

Although there was a dangerous storm in the greater part of the bay area today, I was fed up with this routine and decided to get out. I found a dance studio in the city, which upon arriving was nowhere to be found but that is besides the point,and decided I was going to at least take advantage of the fact I am still able bodied. Now, I came close to getting into several major accidents, so please avoid driving through storms even if you are feeling half of the urge I was.

Over the holidays I was visiting with my father and preparing to add a new piece to the blog you may be currently reading, and he pointed out that all I ever do now is engage in cyber activity while sitting on my behind. As much as I itched to produce a counter argument, I couldn't for the life of me. Yes, ever since I left for college, the majority of my time is spent on the internet and it is disgusting. For anyone enrolled in any modern college program at the moment, I am sure the blackboard systems have your mind permanently tunned into thinking something is due, at least this is the case for me. Anyways, my physique has suffered from these choices as has my taste for primary exploration so I decided we must quit this!

Also during the holidays I spent several hours driving around San Francisco looking for a dance class, when I stopped at a Starbucks to refuel with 12oz of pure sugar before driving home. When I walked in I was not only very wet, but cherry as well. Already understanding that there is a lack of customer service quality in my native State, I was shocked by the amount of customers who were not only accompanied by their computers but completely engaged with them. And the worst part? Some of them may have been sitting there for several hours straight. .

Without a doubt,  I could wake up in the morning, begin working on a project and never move until bedtime if it was called for. All the while, I would be isolated, anti-social, and forcing my joints to adjust to sitting still for long hours. Trust me, there is so much more to still see while we are alive, and explore as well. Let's end the Laze Craze and do something away from our handy notebooks, offices, desks, bedrooms, or whatever other space you occupy for entirely too long. ;)

Solidify your Schedule

A close family members birthday recently passed, and as any normal family member would do, I placed plans to go dancing aside in order to attend this particular persons birthday dinner. As I was getting ready to walk out of the door in order to meet some friends, who were providing transportation, this family member said "you know what, I am too tired and I don't think I want to go anymore." Bam! Those words seriously put a blow to my little heart. Earlier in the day, I had looked for a dance class in the city, which has been on my to-do list for months as well as a college I had recently applied to. Instead of looking at my school and exploring a new choreographer and studio, I waited on someone who had their own agenda.

Now don't get me wrong, eating at Rustic ( a new restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola's Winery) was a memorable experience. I was inspired to continue my own film making ambitions and got to catch up with a few old girlfriends. However, the entire time I was sitting there all I could think was "wouldn't you rather be dancing right now? or hanging out with mom?" Trust me, I felt bad not living in my moment and was well aware I was going against the rules of a healthy lifestyle but I just could not get past how I changed my entire day for the 3rd TIME, for my mothers birthday!  A mother who I have been absent from for almost a year.

While my girlfriends are preparing to go to a Rage-ea bar I am not legally permitted to enter, I am sitting on my bedroom floor, reminding myself of a lesson I should have known long ago; Everyone else has their own agenda, so stick to yours. True friends and loved ones are always understanding, but if you do not go out of your way to do what makes you happy, no one else will bother; even if it is your mom.

So next time you are moving steadily on your path, only make stops you are assured will be beneficial. Otherwise, you might miss an important appointment... or dance class ;)

Rolling back in Time

I realize that not all women are fans of curling their tresses, but I on the other hand am obsessed with it. I think the curler gives everyones hair the extra bounce and volume it needs to look that much sexier( pardon the inappropriate language.) My roommate at school asked if I would curl her hair one night, and although she was concerned her hair would be too short at first, the end result was amazing. I did the same for a different friend on her 21st birthday and the curls not only made her new highlights look amazing, but had her as the center of attention, which she should have been considering the occasion.

Anyways, the trend became an everyday habit for me to a point where my hair was in serious danger. Although I managed to find a combo of the perfect products and hair tools, a more conventional way to keep the curls in was required. One day, as I was browsing the aisles at target (something I advise you all to avoid!) I came across a set of old fashion sponge rollers for a relatively inexpensive price. I grabbed a couple of sets and decided I was going to experiment, 1940's style, that evening. After about an hour of tedious hair rolling, which may have been beneficial for the toning in my arms, I was finished and peacefully rested as the sponge curlers only added to the cushion of my pillow.

When I awoke the next morning,, I took the curlers out and "vwala!" perfect spirals. Not only was this kinder to my hair, but it also enabled me to start my day sooner because no time needed to be spent doing my hair. Soon after I made this discovery, I left for college and took them with me. A woman I was staying with a night prior to moving into my dorms told me how much she enjoyed seeing a young girl using curlers. And to be honest, I felt cute just doing it ( I am also completely too happy of an individual, so you may the same immediate pleasure from seeing your head full of pink sponges.)

Anyways, I had curled my hair earlier and it looked wonderful before the rain reached it, the only solution I had to the issue: why my curlers of course. So next time you are feeling flirty and want to style your hair without damaging it. Roolllll back to the days hair styling was done without heat and use some curlers. Oh, and when you are all finished, don't forget to "Winc".

Channeling Christmas Chaos

Begin that christmas is alive and well, hopefully reaching it's conclusion by the time I post this, I have seen friends and family memebers stressing themselves out to make sure all of the gifts on their lists' are crossed off. Yesterday, I was on a hike when my mother called me asking if I wanted to join her to shop for my nephews. As difficult as this was, I had to politely decline as I was enjoying a peaceful mountain top, listening to the latest rain run to the bottom by way of a small stream. The best part? I was away from traffic, obligation, and the smell of the food court at the mall.

My sister suggested that I write a piece about the holidays, as she has too been frantically in and out of the house, visiting with old friends and making sure to catch up with the new before they leave town again. My only personal suggestions is to enjoy home or wherever it is you are spending the holiday, close to freinds and family, because this is what the season is about. Some activities I prefer to engage in outside of shopping include baking, listening to carols, and a nice run or hike to escape the madness.These activities are far more relaxing and enjoyable then buying buying buying and going from one store to the next, which unfortunately is a trend that has consumed the spirit of Christmas.

Another thing we all need to understand; friends or family will not like you less for staying within your means when it comes to gifts. In my family, gift giving is always a competition, as is receiving, but this usually causes chaos. If someone does have a problem with what you are giving them, I have some advice; don't buy them a gift again, and then delete them from your address book for this is no true friend. We can not all afford to go overboard on the holidays so be simple and thoughtful when giving gifts.

Among presents I had not been expecting, was a notebook and pens as well as my favortie movie from childhood. My sister got these for me and although she probably did not spend more then 10 dollars it was seriously the most thoughtful gift I have recieved in several years. Another valuable present was an itunes gift card, which will be put to use quickly and inhanses the value of object I already own.

Anyways, this is my way of saying cut the crap ( which are the unecessary overexpensive gifts some of us find useless/ family fueds) and cut the stress. Although it is christmas day, I put aside 30 minutes for a great run outdoors and it earased any ill or overwhelmed feelings.

Being at peace; this is the true spirit of Christmas. Enjoy the holidays and do not forget to "Winc". ;)

Toodles!

Parental Profile

Okay, so I have a problem letting my parents and their own personal issues overshadow me. I know for a fact I am not the only young woman with the problem because a good majority of my friends come from homes with divorced parents, parents who are alcoholics, and parents who a simply d-motivated individuals. So as I was in my mothers home, an entire story above her and heard she and my father arguing for at least 30 minutes before I decided I needed to do something. I was on the verge of letting their issues completely consume me (and although at the time I am trying to act strong so I can encourage my fellow women to do the same) I cracked before I calmed down. 

For me, it sort of went in the sequence of going down stairs, telling my mom to stop taking crap from someone who has been emotionally abusive for 30 years, and then taking her self phone to help her. (this was all out of love just so you know). After I placed her phone in her room and attempted to encourage her to quit these habits, I went outside to my car, turned the keys, and called one of my good friends. This friend told me I was more then welcomed to come over and get away from the madness at home but then I acknowledged several different facts. 1. Petaluma was going to take a lot of gas and if I was going to drive that far I might as well go all the way to the city. 2. My mom had been doing this to herself for years, if I think my being upset about it is going to change anything now, I am wrong 3. I managed to stress myself out, ruin my make-up, and almost eat a candy bar. It just would not have been worth it.

So now that I managed to calm down and control my resentful attitude towards my parents, I thought it would be an appropriate time to write. We can not be bound by our parents. Period. We were born into the world by them, but that being the big curse it is now days (I am a joking) we owe ourselves equally as much as we owe them. Since I was a little girl, I have always clung to my mother and been there to pat her back when she was sad, but now that I am becoming my own woman, it is time to leave that in the past. One person's burdens are enough to carry, but two will bring you to a point where even standing up straight seems impossible.

So now I am making sure all of you know we can not hide behind our parents profile. It may be solid and dark, but behind it there is a colorful you with a life and experience completely different from theirs. I know it gets hard at times to look in a separate direction or onto a higher road then those who raised you, but it is possible and you can do it! Make your own profile stand out now. Free To Be! (those are the key words of the day) 

Sweet "Eskate"

I have been frantically running around trying to figure my life out the past year and I needed an escape when I came home to visit. I contacted a friend who attends the same University as me, and we decided to get together and do something aside from partying, too intoxicated to remember or care what happened.

I was shy to admit it at first, but when he asked what I would like to do, I told him I wanted to do something active... like maybe ice skating? To my surprise not only was he happily willing to join but he admitted his love for ice skating, which not only made me comfortable but excited as well. He offered to pick me on and we were soon on our way to the ice skating rink.

Ice skating can be scary, but once you get the balance together, there is something therapeutic about being able to stabilize your body while skating freely across a floor of ice. So while we skated, we talked about school, and both of our choices, as well as his up coming venture to Chili. Oh, and the child who had face planted in the rink every time we completed a circle. (I really was concerned for his, he was even rubbing his head after a spill.)

None the less, it was one of the sweeter activities I had decided to do in the last few months. With so few places that are fresh, happy, and over flowing with people drinking hot cocoa, this was definitely a sweet e"skate". So I am encouraging other ladies to get with a friend, boyfriend, or new acquaintance and clear your head with a little ice skating session. Just remember to watch out for the small children, who I guarantee will be decorating the floor of the rink. Oh, and do't forget a "Winc" ;) (It rhymed and I couldn't help myself)

Three Thorough Boyfriends (this is all you pri ;) )

After going to the mall to pay a cell phone bill, which I am starting to think is a complete waste of money, me and a friend visiting from college had a talk about the empty spaces in our lives. She is dealing with boyfriend problems as well as a difficult journey to self discovery. After we purchased a tasty fat filed cinnabon, I explained my identical tribulations and suggested a few life fillers that are working for me right now. Although I have spent about 7 years trying to fill all of my empty voids with boys, after I broke away from my real passions which include dancing, academics, and doing stupid things with my friends, the act is getting old. SO, I am proposing you pick three things which make you absolutely happy in order to fill your own voids and here are a few suggestions...

 Pick a hobby. I like to think of hobbies as the activities that make you happiest in life. Some of us grew up, consumed by extracurricular activities and find this easier to identify with then others. Unfortunately, not everyone took the time to be dedicated to hobbies because we have managed to be consumed with our parents or friends issues and this can be dentrimental to our growth. Well, the habit must be broken eventually and I think trying new things is a good place to start.

Next, spend quality time at school or work. When we put energy into these areas, we get better grades, promotions, and progress without even noticing. It is okay to put yourself before others, trust me the majority of Americans are doing the same and for those who say they put others before them always are lying.

Last, occupy your time with good friends who reflect your likes and values. I know as we grow older, many of us feel a need to act "cool", but being cool is overrated. When we groom ourselves constantly, try to dress up to please others, and paint our nails so the boy in our communications class will think highly of us (which I have done), then we are not being true. (I was happy when my toe nails were painted like the rainbow, thank you very much!) Back to my point, good friends reflect a good you! So surround yourself with genuine personalities and yours will blossom.

Who needs a boyfriend while all of these good things are going on anyways? Go on a few dates, put yourself first, and all will be well. ;)

Lucrative Letters

When the word lucrative pops up, the idea of profit comes to mind right? Today, I walked to my mail box before leaving for my mothers and received a letter from a dear friend, who I have not spoken to since we both began our college ventures. The weight of the letter surprised me, especially because it was a thin flexible envelope, meaning there were several pages sealed inside. "I thought to myself, when will I ever have time to read this many pages while I am getting ready to leave for home?" but I did anyways and had no regrets about it.

I tore the letter open, and it was exciting considering most people resort to email or face book for intimate communication, and began to read. The letter started out with her informing me about a jumbled growing phase, which most women in there twenties seem to be going through (me included). She continued by asking about family, and reminding me of some joyful experiences which are worth recollecting during difficult times.

It was at that moments I thought about the last time I wrote anyone a letter and sent it by mail. The last letter I could think back to was in 8th grade, which was sent to my best friend Kate while we were separated for a summer. I am 20 now, so you do the math.

The letter this particular friend addressed to me seemed like a way for her to mend misunderstandings that had never been addressed, while also reminding me of our more playful days. Since a lot of us are too self consumed to truly listen or vent to one another, I thought it fit to promote writing some "Lucrative Letters". Lets face it, being able to express ourselves freely by filling a few pages with emotions, memories, and healing is profitable for your soul, friendships, and future. So next time you have 20 or 30 minutes to spare, write a friend, loved one, or family member,  releasing some of the built up thoughts and emotions we so often hold inside. 

Making the Grade

A new century has rang in, and it is one where education is equally accessible to all genders. In the 20th century, women did not have much to think about career wise; the choices were to be a nurse or hold a clerical position. With all of the options available these days, we need should be able to confidently pick a path will be and stick with it. Enrolling in school was the the first step for me. I did not have any idea what I wanted to do and managed to complete two years of coursework, and still have nothing beneficial from my General Education experience.

My sister is someone I look up to and her first several semesters when she began college were not exactly productive. She would drop most courses, but now is re-enrolled, pursing personal interests and grasping the material (not to mention her GPA is impeccable). Even though I seemed to get further faster, there are gaps in my comprehension of material, which she does not.

I rushed trough the general education requirements at my junior college, and although speech was one course I thoroughly enjoyed, the rest were just something I did to get a grade and keep going. Obviously, after falling into this habit, I had difficulty once it came time to transfer. All of the "required" work was done and it was time for me to make solid career decisions as I began my upper-division core. I immediately jumped toward the University of Oregon because it was easy, I followed their articulation agreement with my California College's, and I wanted to get away and be a "real" student. I quoted the "real" part because, like many of us do, I used my student status as a security blanket; enabling me to avoid taking full advantage of my free education. 

After a year of trials at the University of Oregon, and no idea why I was there (aside from the fact it sounded nice) my path is beginning to form. This only began while I left home, frantically scrambling around a lightly populated city trying to kill time being creative. I even contemplate staying and finishing now that I have an idea what I want. However, I spent a lot of time and money trying to get a fancy degree, ignoring what I was obtaining for the material. For example, I could not tell you anything about marketing except the 4 P's and it was the only course I took last term. The saddest part is, there are probably students who passed that course with an A and could say even less.

So ladies, take your time with the courses you select and make sure your educational experience is beneficial. Make the grade, don't let the grade or school make you. Next time you are avoiding the real work and benefits of a course, think about what you want to give back to yourself and others. It is then you can happily "Winc" and continue chasing your educational goals.

Graham Snackers

My friend Alex and I have an ongoing joke about Graham Crackers. One day I called her while she was trapped in her ex-boyfriends dorm and while we were chatting I was eating my favorite cracker, THE GRAHAM. Well, she told me how much she wished she had some graham crackers to eat and that was the point my mind began to wander about all of the wonderful graham snacking possibilities out there. Aside from s'more's, which are an american classic, I have thought up some pretty crafty ways to eat the tasty golden cracker.

Graham Crackers with Home made Frosting
My roommates were shy to the idea at first, but my mother made this
often when I was a child and it turned into my favorite late night treat.
Anytime a cake or any other desert requiring we add frosting was made,
my mom would place some aside for the graham crackers. Place the frosting in a platter and surround it with a bunch of crackers for dipping. It is the greatest and tastes yummy with any frosting flavor. Oh, and my roommates LOVED it ;)


Graham Crackers with Butter or Margarine
It does not sound as good until you try it, but this combo is equally as satisfying as the frosting, minus the sugar. The perfect blend of sweet and salty, this is an ideal mid day snack.


Graham Crackers with Peanut Butter
For those of you who make it a point to avoid carbohydrates, this is a good filler when your body needs a little extra push. One day I was bored out of my mind and decided to make a different kind of snack. I grabbed the Grahams and Peanut butter and stared spreading. To my delight, it tasted similar to a peanut butter granola bar, but it was a little lighter and just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth and stomach.

Graham Crackers and Jam
I was shy to trying this, but I figured if peanut butter worked out, there was not a reason Jam or Jelly would not. For some reason, this tasted just like a mini tart of sorts. The graham was like the crust and the Jam was the savory yet tangy addition. It is like a desert with 1/5 th of the health issues. Hurray!





Not to mention, this yummy cracker comes in cinnamon as well, just in case you want to add a holiday twist to snack time. Enjoy! and don't forget to "Winc" while eating your authentic graham cracker snacks.

Learning to Let go

Goodbyes are never easy nor are they pleasant. Unfortunately, we live in a high populated society surrounded with an abundance of wonderful people and meaningful acquaintances. I am packing my belongings right now to leave one college, in hopes of a less stressful experience at another.One of those meaningful people just exited my apartment door, and three of them will still be occupying the space after I head home.


The worst thing we can do to ourselves as human beings is hold on to each other to tightly. Our presence here is  temporary as are our possessions. I was working at a soul food kitchen in Oregon several months ago and a man named Charles would walk past the restaurant everyday. Charles was homeless, but not always. Come to find out, he used to be a lawyer and had a wonderful family. His wife and children passed, and he quit everything that made him happy because he lost the things which brought him the most happiness in the world.

My loss is not half as tragic, but I have always had a hard time letting go as most of us do. Maybe it is a high school sweetheart, a college crush, an ex husband, or even an old hobby that used to bring you excitement; no matter what, we have to learn to release and let new things in. Although I am attempting to preach about living life without attachments, trust me, my heart is being tugged on as we speak. I have been hurt before, by someone who seemed to care so much but cared so little and then hurt again by someone who cared so much but showed me so little. No, I do not have relationship issues is that is what you are wondering; I just may not have the best of luck.

In any case, I am packing to change schools right now and I do not know if I should do it. I have clothes in a bin, my sister (who flew several hundred miles to rescue me), and my soul, which is all I truly have any right to hold on to. The only way for me to make a sound decision about my move is if I learn to let go; of my hurt in the past, of my love in the present, and of my fears of being back at home.

 If I could climb to a mountain top right now, I would scream. But at the present time all I have is a blog, a few moments of silence, and a good head on my shoulders. Maybe if I look at myself in the mirror and "Winc", all will be well.
;)

No- Dependent

I am learning to stand on my own two feet in what seems like a pile of quicksand right now. We leave our nest, or home, and attempt to become an individual with no ties to our past expect there are a few problems these days which enable us from doing so. This is a little something I like to call co-dependency. Most of us identify being a co dependent with always needing a boyfriend or latching onto friends to tightly, which is in fact a form, but I think it has transformed into something far more dangerous as our social media outlets are gaining more and more control of our lives.

I am one of those crazy people who deletes their Facebook every other week ( don't judge me I am sure you do it too) because I find myself looking at all of the positive things my peers from adolescence are doing and feel inadequate. This is usually the point where I begin to publish small tidbits of pointless information or musical interest while I was for a few likes or comments. It is incredible how much confidence we receive from seeing the number 3 next to a thumbs up sign on a status.

Well, this is the new kind of codependency I am talking about. Instead of taking the active steps we need to in our real live (our lives on earth) we are busy flipping through pictures, memories, and that one girls page who hooked up with your best friends ex boyfriend. Please, do not act like you haven't done it. I am guilty as charged.

The last term I spent at the University of Oregon, I finally took an active step and applied for an internship I wanted for a long time. Initially, I was sending emails telling them I was looking for a chance to help around the office because I was too scared to step out in the real world. I felt much more comfortable sitting at my computer desk, and seeing how many new people who knew nothing about me wanted to be a Facebook "friend". From the internship, I gained enough confidence to start my blog, met a journalist who taught me playboy used to stand for a political message opposed to a perverted one, and got a few free gift certificates to some restaurants I would not have been able to afford as a broke and busy college student.

So women, young and old, do not get wrapped up in the codependent world of social networking. Actually, stay away from all co-dependent issues. They will tare you down, you were meant to stand tall and "Winc" at every opportunity in life ;)

Airline Anxiety

The last few times I rode in a plane, I have been lucky enough to have teammates or my sister accompanying me. Before every flight, I like to send a massive text out to all of my friends and family, saying how much I love them in case my flight doesn't land. Some people may find this humorous, but I am not joking, it  gets that bad! Instead of listening to my sister complain about me grabbing onto her when we fly, or laughing at me when I hold her hand with my eyes closed, I composed a list scare proff flying of tips for those of us with Flight Anxiety.




1. Buy your favorite snack before boarding the plane, and make it low fat because you will probably eat it all. I usually buy gummies, as childish as it may seem. If that doesn't work there is always gum, which will be appreciated by whoever you are stuck sitting next to, it is even a good conversation starter.



2. Bring an iPod, and if you do not have those, buy 2 dollar head phone as listen to the planes radio station. To this day I have White Flag by Dido permanently etched into my memory because it was played over 20 times on a flight from Florida to California and all I owned was a pair of head phones ( this was when iPod's cost too much for the middle class.) If all else fails, watch Spongebob Squrepants on the airplane's television, he takes nothing too seriously and is always ready for an adventure; maybe you will be too.







3. Bring a book or homework if you are a students. I found bringing these things can sometimes help me trick myself into thinking I am still on the ground, with no possibility of crashing into the Golden Gate.





4. Last piece of advice, if you are friendly enough, is to make friends with whoever is sitting next to you. I once met a man flying from San Francisco to Washington DC who was a prison guard at San Quentin. He had so many captivating stories about prisoners throwing inappropriate things at him and one another that I was on the ground before I knew it, jaw still glued to the floor and everything. Oh, and I met a famous architect once, who was convinced his "Pamela Anderson look alike" girlfriend liked him for more than his money, he was also amusing enough to expel my fear of flying.

So next time you are on a plane, eat some candy, listen to some tunes, expand your mind or help lift your GPA, and make a new friend! "Thank you for choosing Winc Airlines, have a safe flight." ;)

Shine On

Okay, so one of my good friends from home has a shopping habit that would make anyone sick, rich or poor. It was so bad, it nearly took me over when I spent everyday with her. I was working at an upscale Retirement home and I have nothing to show for my wage, which was earned by selling my soul to a bunch of people who were to rich to acknowledge my existence, except for an immaculate wardrobe. This is how I know it literally became a problem.

Anyways, before I met her I was the type of girl to wear hoop earrings everywhere. If you have read anything earlier, then you know I managed to take on the characteristics of my closest friends for a confidence boost. Well, I did not mention this friend is GORGEOUS. I mean literally, the girl looks like she should be in a pageant and I planned on joining her if she every made it to one.

Noticing how popular she was with the guys, I thought "she's got something I need to get a little bit of!" The first thing I was able to pick up on Alyssa was that her earing were always so shiny, and it made her face shiny too! I mean, they literally made her seem like she was glowing! The first thing on my to-do list when I when I had free time was to get a pair of those shiny shiny little rocks she had. 

Unfortunately, I was cheap and broke as a 19 year-old and my mom wasn't going to purchase me real diamonds, at least I could not ask her to. One day, as I was browsing the mall, I entered an "Icings" which is an inexpensive jewelry store in the mall. It was then that I saw them! A packet of the shiniest earrings a girl could own for only $8! I was all over it.

The first thing I did when I got home was rip the earrings from the bag and place one through each hole in my ear. After I turned around, I swear I saw a different person in the mirror. I wore those earrings every single day that summer, not even bothering to change them for a different size in the variety pack. Yes, I put in the biggest ones in the pack.

My employer approached me later in the week and said "My goodness Alysha, are those real? they are beautiful!" At first, I contemplated the idea of lying to her just for kicks. Then I figured what the hell, I'll be honest with her, she looks like she could use a pair. "No, they are not real YET. But one day I will get myself a real ones!" I happily replied. Well, this only proved that me earrings stood out and could trick an older woman who probably knew more about diamonds than I did.

I still wear the cheap things to this day. Before, I would have felt ashamed writing about them but now I am comfortable encouraging everyone to go get a pair. I have never received so many compliments on something so inexpensive. "Thank you Alyssa!" is all I have to say. You have helped me discover my inner confidence through a pair of rihnestone earrings and you never knew.

This is me saying Shine on Ladies! Go buy a pair of cheap earrings and see how much more you glow. Oh, and you do not need to tell anyone they are fake. ;)

Healthy Hibernation

Winter is approaching, and for some of us, that means cold weather and a whole lot of hot beverages. For those of you who are able to avoid treacherous winter storms and freezing weather, just stop reading now. ;)

Last  year, I encountered my first extremely rainy season, and went into what I like to refer to as a "hibernation period." Along with the frequent rest, came sugar, pastry's, and whatever else my instincts told my body to ingest to keep happy and safe in the conditions. I believe I began eating muffins, doughnuts, and cookies with every white mocha I purchased ( there were a lot of mocha's, trust me). It was not until I came home for the summer, where it was hot and friends already put away their winter wear, when I realized I was flirting with unhealthy diet. My body could hardly even keep up in dance class, which is a hobby and passion of mine.


I decided to go back to school in the deep northwest where I would be dealing with another long wet winter and this time I would be prepared. Following, are a list of foods I would began to keep around in order to maintain a healthier diet. I do not think it is bad to have sweets every now and then, but the change of lifestyle combined with my first time away from home threw my nutritional habits for a loop.

One filling and relatively healthy carbohydrate I eat as a regular part of my diet is oatmeal. Add brown sugar or fruit, and because it is a comfort food; you'll be full and happy when you set out for class, internship, or work.







Another food which is beneficial to anyone's diet are hard boiled eggs. Considering we are supposed to have snacks in the middle of the day, if you bring eggs in a small container, they not only fill an empty stomach, but also provide a great source of protein.


Broccoli can be another filler in a diet. I was not  fan before, but I began to steam it and eat it along side grilled chicken and the taste became obsolete. According to pharmacology professors at John Hopkins, broccoli is supposed to help the body produce sulforaphane, triggering the production of phase 2 enzymes, which can detoxify cancer.







Finally, the best way I have maintained my body heat, comfort, and health during the rainy season is soup! The best part about soup; you can buy it in a can, you can make it fresh with very few ingredients, and for a college student, it is inexpensive! According to goodguide.com, Pacific Foods canned soups are the best, Followed by Amy's organic soup, and next Healthy Valley. I say Campbell's Soup is still a good way to go. I worked at a grass roots garden in Oregon ,who sells them celery to make soup.

For those of you who have hard time in the cold like I did, good luck ;)

Cinematic Classics

Okay, so it is the rainy season and you are stuck inside bored right? At least that is the case with me. One of my roommates is always so happy and excited and I can never figure out why for the life of me. Not only is she happy, but she dreams big and she is not the kind of dreamer who speaks about what they want to do, but she is aggressive and takes the healthy steps we should all be taking to accomplish our greater goal.


Well, one day I could not help but hear cartoon voices through her bedroom door, accompanied with a giggle. The weather usually gets to me pretty bad, so I was curious to know her secret to year around happiness. I knocked on the door, and saw her engaged in her computer screen, which is when I asked what she was doing. "I'm watching Cinderella" she happily replied. My roommate is a year my senior and I looked at her curiously because this was not something encouraged at home in California. Most of what I remembered getting is be sexy, be aggressive, be confident, and be independent.


The following night, I began to watch my own Disney favorites on you-tube which included Brother Bear, Pocahontas, and Snow White. I even invited a close guy friend over to join, and although he attempts to hide his child like characteristics, he enjoyed the films as well. In our new age of media, the messages are not as simple and classic as they once were.

While watching Cinderella, I realized that even as she slaved away everyday, she waited for her dreams to come true patiently and without anxiety. Sure, she was talking to mice, but most of us talk to ourselves when we need to; so who are we to judge? The fact of the matter is, we need to embrace our childlike characteristics to succeed in this world, and watching classical movies that hold a positive message is a way to start. My favorite line in Cinderella is when she says "if you tell a wish it wont come true... and then breaks into song about dreams and how you lose your heart ache in them." Again, these are films which spark faith and growth amongst other positive messages, so next time you are feeling down buy, rent, or watch separate clips of these classics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgTwrns4qD8

Looking Past the Numbers

Okay, lets admit it, Most of us have an addiction with looking at the scale and letting it determine whether or not our bodies are in adequate shape. Pump the breaks! I have had this problem too over the last couple of years, which has not only teetered my eating habits to a point where they take over my focus, but it has made me unhappy with my body when it was in perfectly wonderful condition.

Senior year of high school, I was a competitive cheerleader. Although it was difficult and excruciating, my body was very healthy as was my diet. I was eating very full meals at the time, and my focus was too heavily weighed on cheerleading to be overly concerned with my size. Towards the end of the season, I weighed more then I ever had before in my life and I literally thought I was fat. I even went to a point of not cheering anymore because I did not like the way it made my body look. Well, jogging my memory now, my body was in amazing condition. I was eating all of my proper meals, even a little pork when my mood called for it.

When I stopped cheering. I went to all lengths to minimize my food intake. I believe there was a point I was eating two waffles a day and maybe some grapes. This is NOT healthy! But it did help me lose weight. The waffle and grape diet also ate away at my muscles and made me exhausted and moody. As humans, we need protein to function normally and maintain our health. I am hoping this article will inspire other women my age to look past the numbers on the scale. My body is no where near the shape it was when I ate properly, nor is my mood or confidence.

Stick to the essentials in your food pyramid. I know it is hard taking care of ourselves at times because we are busy, but that is when you cook a ton of chicken breast or prepare a salad and put it aside so you still get in your main meals. Our metabolisms do not have as much to do with our bodies when we get older as our poor eating choices and avoidance of a balanced diet . So this is me telling you to look past the scale, and look towards your food pyramid. Cut the sugar, increase the protein, and enjoy eating to keep yourself alive and happy.

Bag Habits

So, the holiday season is ringing in and we all have our favorite gifts to give and receive. While searching yahoo the other day, to my surprise, I saw coach bags as the number one search. I love bags and accessories like every other girl, but lets face it, congress is having a problem with bipartisanship and North Korea is preparing to declare war on South Korea. But still, we all need a coach bag. Right?

Well, I still like the things, so I propose a solution to our habits. We only need so many bags for personal use. Our obsession has turned into something of greedy material lore, which I hope passes soon, but this is highly unlikely. Last winter, I went to Nordstrom's and purchased a beautiful blue bag beyond my budget, but still it magically made me feel better. I never used the bag, and ended up re-gifting it, which I find to be shameful... trust me.

Anyways, just thing past week, I pulled out a favorite bag of mine I bought 4 years ago. It was 17.50 and I purchased it at a Forever21. The bag is in as good of a condition as ever, at least on the outside, and I have received a compliment on it everywhere I have gone.

Truth be told, I am beginning to feel like this is the only bag I need. It looks cute with a dress, it looks cute with jeans. Hell, it even goes perfectly with my sweats should I chose to have one of those days. So I have a proposal ladies! Try to limit your purse load. I remember last year opening my sisters closet door and seeing about 10 bags hanging on it, just because she liked having them. Well, I managed to go through very few purses, aside from the ones I have gotten stolen ( lets not go there) and I am still getting compliments on the cheap bag I bought 4 years ago.

Take the purses as gifts but stop over spending on bags that will do nothing but clutter your closet and make you feel guilty! Remember, simple is always best. Just because you can buy something doesn't mean you should or need to. Break your Bag Habits! ;)