I love listening to music. I can spend the entire day listening to my favorite jams. I gather a list of songs and musicians in 2013 that either redeem themselves this year or had the best song in 2013. Take a look below.
The year is coming to a close and now that it's almost over, it's time to reflect on my past victories and mistakes over the year. No matter what obstacle I tackled I learn more about myself. Here are 13 things 2013 has taught me.
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| In the fifth grade my teacher showed my class how to make a paper Christmas tree. Now, almost 10 years later, I still remember how to make it! Every year, I always make a paper Christmas tree. Here are the steps to making one for yourself. |
*This post is sponsored by Make Your Money Matter, in association with PSCU, though all views expressed are my own.*
One of the biggest concerns we students have while in college is where our money is going. Of course we all know that having a savings and checking account is a great way to manage your money, but not all of us know that who we invest our money is also a big decision that makes a difference. I've been working with 20 Something Bloggers and the Make Your Money Matter campaign to help promote the benefits of credit unions. Last time I talked about the awesome stores on Mulberry Street to check out, this post is specifically on credit unions.
One of the biggest concerns we students have while in college is where our money is going. Of course we all know that having a savings and checking account is a great way to manage your money, but not all of us know that who we invest our money is also a big decision that makes a difference. I've been working with 20 Something Bloggers and the Make Your Money Matter campaign to help promote the benefits of credit unions. Last time I talked about the awesome stores on Mulberry Street to check out, this post is specifically on credit unions.
Hey Guys! I'm Whitney, from Whitney J Decor. I'm a New Orleans based Interior Designer, but I also blog about Interior Design/decorating and offer E-Decor services to those outside the New Orleans area. I specialize in making small spaces more functional (like itty-bitty living rooms, bedrooms, or even dorm rooms).
Today I'm going to show you how to make a super simple faux pearl garland for your Christmas tree. The garland doesn't have to be used on a tree, you can put it in a cute, clear glass vase, drape it on a wall or furniture, or even just add it to your Christmas tablescape.
Today I'm going to show you how to make a super simple faux pearl garland for your Christmas tree. The garland doesn't have to be used on a tree, you can put it in a cute, clear glass vase, drape it on a wall or furniture, or even just add it to your Christmas tablescape.
"Shannah, go talk to that guy over there." Tiffany* said as she was eating her extra greasy cheese pizza. I looked at the guy and noticed the black and red bow tie that complemented his outfit. Of course, I couldn't approach a random guy in the school's dining hall. I assumed he would label me as a thirsty, desperate girl. "I like his bow tie," I said to my friends in a nonchalant voice, as I sipped on an icy cold water. "Then go tell him," Tiffany insisted. "No, I can't," I replied with panic in my voice. "Then I will." Tiffany said walking towards the guy. Everyone at the table started to laugh as Tiffany moved towards his direction.
I was chosen to review some Aveeno products through the Her Campus Blogger Network. Self magazine sent me a $15 Walgreen's gift card to purchase a couple of Aveeno products. I spent a good thirty minutes trying to figure out what I wanted, before deciding on getting Aveeno's Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser and their Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
With these low temperatures, it's still important to take care of your skin and give it lots of love and moisture. I grabbed this tube because it was small enough to carry in my purse for instant moisture wherever I go. I liked that there is no fragrance to this lotion, and I feel as if it gave me real moisture, unlike other perfumed lotions I've bought in the past. It's light, went on smoothly, and didn't require much rubbing to absorb into my skin. Now I'm just regretting that I didn't grab a bigger size since I like this one so much.
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it's time to start checking off your Christmas list. If you're shopping in Montgomery, there's one place you have to visit to get your shopping out of the way, and it isn't the mall. The shoppes on Mulberry Street have all you need for the women and children on your list. You'll be able to find great clothes and accessories for any price range as well as support local small business leaders.
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| A look at just a few of the items at Repeat Performance |
Repeat Performance and Hot Momz Konsignment shops are the go to places for designer
goods without the designer prices. You can grab gently used, and even new,
items as these shops for the fashion forward woman on your list. Both stores are
constantly getting in new items, and carry brands such as Coach, Michael Kors,
Brahmin, and more! Whether you're looking to grab a trendy purse, outfit, or accessory, you'll be able to find it at one of these shops.
There are stores that cater to the little ones a well. Although Hot Momz sells children’s clothes up to a size six, Barb’s on Mulberry
Street is the one stop shop for all the kids on your list. The shop has
clothes, toys, painting and more for kids. The shop also offers art classes,
which can be an unexpected gift for the little Picasso in your family.
If you’re looking for something to wear to that Holiday party next week,
then check out Klazzy Girlz Boutique. You’ll be able to grab a trendy outfit
for a night out, or grab a pair of shoes or a bag to top off your look.
Once you're shopping is all done, drop by Cupcakes by Tish for a taste of the
best cupcakes in Montgomery. With great flavors like Red Velvet, Sweet Potato,
Lemon, and more you’ll be able to end your day on a sweet note.
Not only will you be able to get some people off your list, you'll be supporting local business owners. Your money will go back into your community, just like money you put into credit unions goes back into the community. Unlike big banks that can take deposits and spend them outside of the community, credit union deposits stay local and can go towards a loan for a home or buisness. To find out more about how your credit unions help your community grow, check out Make your Money Matter and find a credit union near you.
Not only will you be able to get some people off your list, you'll be supporting local business owners. Your money will go back into your community, just like money you put into credit unions goes back into the community. Unlike big banks that can take deposits and spend them outside of the community, credit union deposits stay local and can go towards a loan for a home or buisness. To find out more about how your credit unions help your community grow, check out Make your Money Matter and find a credit union near you.
What are some of your favorite small businesses to shop at? If you're a credit union member, tell us why you love it below.
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| Darnell Bennett in front of the camera |
As young women and men, we have days when we're not feeling our best. We may be having a bad hair day, or simply feel ugly. We all at one point of our lives felt we're not good enough. During those days , sometimes we want a friend or a someone to vent out those emotions. I'm going to help. Together, we will listen to songs of encouragement to motivate us. Take a look at the playlist below.
Being a blogger definitely has its perks, but it's even better when you're a part of an awesome network like the Her Campus Blogger Network. The awesome ladies at Her Campus sent us a Back-to-School Survival Kit that included lots of great goodies from sponsors such as Poppin, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Neurosonic, Luna bar, and SK Energy. Of course, Her Campus gave us a few goodies of their own as well.
Some roommates are a disaster. However, some roommates are easy to get along with. Even though you may get along with your roommate, you may have those days that you wish you had a single room. Don't get me wrong, no roommate is perfect, but there are some habits that may get annoying after awhile.Take a look at the list below.
Striped Shirts
Robin Thicke/Beetle Juice
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A black and white striped shirt could be used for multiple costume ideas. If you have matching striped pants, then pair these two together and -wallah! You're now Robin Thicke! If you want to be a little scarier, add face paint and green hair dye and you can be Beetle Juice instead.
I really do love being single. Waking up in my twin bed early every morning to the cold air conditioned room, and to see one person beside me. That one person is no one other than my roommate, who sleeps in her own twin bed. I begin each day listening to "Treasure" by Bruno Mars. Oh! It's no wonder I'm still single, indeed. I like my own space, I can get "ugly" whenever I want. Not one guy can see those moments. Let's enjoy these moment shall we.
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| Single by choice.. Just not my choice |
As much as I love being single, I have to admit I hate being single sometimes. All a girl wants is to hold hands with a good smelling guy. I have those days that I'm so pessimistic about love and relationships, you better stay far away from me. So here's to the single gals! It's time to celebrate why we hate being single sometimes.
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You're new to the school and have not seen one familiar face yet. It can be frustrating when entering college and having to start all over with friends. I remember when I first started school, I instantly thought my roommates would be my friends, but that didn't happen. In fact, my roommates had their own lives and friends. I still enjoyed them as roommates though. Below are some tips that helped me gain friends, and will probably do the same for you.
Looking back at high school memories brings back lots of good and bad times for me. Although I am very, very, very glad it's over, there are a few memories from my years in high school that I do hold fondly. One of them was my very first high school pep rally that included the greatest pageant of all time.
Fashion has always been something I've admired, but haven't really been able to grasp. A I mentioned before, I'm tired of my just rolled out of bed style and this semester is the time for me to change it. In my quest to discover what works for me, I've found some awesomely stylish women to look to for inspiration. I look to these ladies for fashion tips, styling muses, and out of the box ways to mold my own style. Check em out.
I want to nominate Chriselle as the ambassador of chic. As a wardrobe stylist,Chriselle knows her way around the closet and gives people like me lots of tips on how to dress well. Whether it's how to layer, or getting the perfect arm candy, Chriselle is a great source for style inspiration. I especially love her YouTube channel where she uses creative videos to show her viewers everything from transitioning outfits, mixing prints, DIY projects and more.
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Roommates can be unpredictable. Some are clean, and some are filthy. You may think you have the worst roommate ever, but none are like the one's on the list below. After talking to friends who have told horror stories about their roommates, I couldn't help but have a part 2 to the "Worst Roommate Ever!" post I've done previously.
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| (L-R)Me, Her Campus President Windsor Hanger Western, and Shannah posing for the camera |
Last Friday Shannah and I were able to go College Fashion Week Auburn hosted by Her Campus. It was an awesome night of cool fashion, swag, and Her Campus love. Even though we had a bit of trouble getting a rental -and then getting lost -we had a great time at the show and even got to meet Her Campus Co-Founder and President Windsor Hanger Western!
Lizzie McGuire was my favorite show growing up. I used to watch the show 24/7 on Disney Channel. I wanted my middle school year's to be similar to Lizzie. Okay- maybe not being tormented by Kate Sanchez, but living Lizzie's life in middle school would be pretty awesome to me.
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I love Kahi! She is my favorite K-pop singer, rapper, and leader. After leaving the group After School, Kahi started to take the solo route. Which wasn't a shabby idea! She released a song and video "Come Back You Bad Person" back in 2011.
If it wasn't for the BET Awards show, I would have never known about Michael B Jordan. Seeing him standing there presenting an award with Forest Whitaker made me want to attack the T.V. He has the sexiest lips and nice brown skin.
So last month I finally turned 21 and became an official adult. I didn't feel magically different after this day-but it was awesome to celebrate it with my family and friends. Over the last few years I've changed the way I've viewed lots of things in my life. I've met many people and experienced many things that have allowed me to be more open minded, gain confidence, and mold me into the woman I am today. Here are just a few things I've learned about life and myself:
1."If you don't have the courage to take a chance your life will never change." Great quote I got from Maureen, an amazing woman I met on a plane ride to Philly.
I'm obsessed with Iggy's latest song "Change your Life." This weekend, I had nothing to study for which is a huge relief for me. Since I had nothing to do, I pulled a Bruno Mars and had a lazy day. Sometimes it feels so good to be lazy for a day.
Not many of my friends wanted to see The Butler. Apparently watching a movie about slavery and the Civil Rights Movement is too much for some people. I wanted to watch it because I wanted to see a part of history I never knew about. I've heard about the Freedom Riders and slavery, but I never read or saw stories about the domestic work of African Americans in the past. For those of you that hate watching movies that tell the brutal stories about slavery and Civil Rights Movement, I guarantee you that The Butler is not too harsh.
Everyone in touch with pop news knows that Korean singer/rapper Psy's "Gangnam Style" has made history for being the most viewed video on YouTube ever. Now there seems to be a new video coming to knock Psy's hit out of place. |
| Sky Ferreira (left) and G-Dragon (Right) |
I will always prefer G-Dragon's slow songs over his up-tempo dance music. So I'm shocked and happy that G-Dragon teamed up with Sky Ferreira to release the song "Black". They are two of my favorite people. Right now the song is on repeat. Sky does a wonderful job in the chorus of the song, she is so freaking amazing!
School is back in session for most of us, and now along with getting books and studying for tests, thoughts of paying are peeking around the corner. I've already shared a few out of the box ways to pay for tuition, so in this post, I'll share a few more common ways to to tackle the bill.
Federal Loans and Grants
One of the most common ways to pay for school is applying for federal grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) online or mail in a copy. Applying for the FAFSA will let you know what federal loans and grants you are eligible for such as the Pell Grant, Subsized and Unsubsized loans and more.
Based on your FAFSA information, you may be eligible for additional grants. You can contact your school to see which ones you qualify for.
Private Loans
These are loans provided by a private lender. These usually have a higher interest rate and may have a different pay back time than federal loans. Many banks, as well as loan companies, offer these options to students. Talk to a parent or guardian first if your interested in one of these loans.
Men. You can't live with them, you can't live without them. Now that I'm fresh out of my teen years, I've had a few guys who've liked me in college, but it never goes far. However, I have had much older men approach me from ages thirty to probably forty.
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| We start each day with a new opportunity, a chance to be better than the day before. |
I had a difficult time finding a good summer job. Although I found one, it turned out to be a disaster. Now, I'm confused about where I want to work next summer, but if I work hard enough, I'm sure a great summer job is in my future. I have to constantly remind myself about the different obstacles I have to face. Like me, it's time to better ourselves.
Everyday we are given a chance to live our lives to the fullest and take the opportunity to improve it. We all have our own struggles, but it's how we deal with these difficult times that counts. Even though it may seem hard to face our battles, we can do it, all it takes is a positive outlook on life. America's Got Talent host, Nick Cannon, recently began a campaign along with Honda called "Best Yourself." The "Best Yourself" campaign aims for people to strive to be the best and take advantage of each moment that life presents.
You may remember Jade Novah as the actress behind Keyonce Knowles or even for her amazing cover of Rihanna's "Diamonds". Now instead of imitating celebs or covering a song, fans are getting a different shade of Jade with the release of her new original single "Show Out". The single is just the first taste of what you can expect from Novah's upcoming debut album. "Show out" is about being able to take the stage and show the people what you've got. Take a look at Jade Novah in her newest video and if you love it, download the single on iTunes!
What do you think of the song?
I found a new Korean song that I'm obsessed with listening to nonstop. Ladies' Code released the song "Hate You" a week ago. I must say the song was love at first listen. I will admit I haven't been listening to that much K-Pop music especially after watching the trashy video "Wassup" by the the twerkin group Wassup. The song "Wassup"was not that bad, I just couldn't take the video. However, if it wasn't for that trashing video, I would not have discover this awesome song, "Hate You", by Ladies Code. The video reminds me of 2ne1's "It Hurts", but much creepier, mainly because of the weird Barbie Dolls. I really hope Ladies Code become a successful Rookie Group. Enjoy the video.
School may have started for some of you, and you may need a little inspiration to get through the school year. Some of you may worry about passing classes. I understand this anxiety. In fact, I took English Composition One my second semester in college, and I honestly don't know how I passed it.
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| Just a few of the lovely gifts up for grabs |
If you guys have been following us on Facebook and Twitter, you probably saw the hints that something big was about to happen. Though it took us a bit longer than we expected to give you all the big revea, here's the big news: we're co-hosting a big back to school giveaway just in time for school!
If I weren't just getting home, I would have posted this hours ago. 2NE1 has released the video to their new single "Do You Love Me". If didn't get it the first time, I'll say it again. I LOVE this song! Everything about this is just so right. The ladies of 2NE1 also took a different approach with this song that I really like. The girls look like they're just having fun with their friends and I'm loving the filter they shot with. The choreography for this song is great as well. Check out both the music video and their live performance below.
I'm really liking the British singer Sam Smith. When I close my eyes and listen to "Safe With Me", I am transported to a happier R&B world. I imagine myself driving late at night on a road trip to a place unknown. Sam Smith sings with a little soul. When I listen closely, I think I'm hearing John Legend's voice with a small British accent. I think Sam has a lot of potential in the R&B music world. After hearing the song, I decided to research him and discovered that he is a 90s baby. That's right, Sam is one year older than me. For some reason, knowing that he was born in the 90s makes me like him even more because I thought he was in his late 20s or early 30s. If you are hesitant of listening to him, think of Sam as a mixture of John Legend, Adele, Miguel, and a little of Frank Ocean.
The queens of K-Pop are back! All hail Brown Eyed Girls with their music video "Kill Bill". If you are familiar with the movie Kill Bill, by Quentin Tarantino , you know exactly what the video is about. I've never seen the movie before, but their music video was a great take on the movie.
