Do Women Talk A Lot?

I heard it on the radio awhile back, but this is hard facts that do indeed talk more than men. Or, at least, the average male. Here's my spin on it:

Talkative women; Silent men.

Is that stereotypical of me? Well it’s not just me. Now the stereotypes have been given scientific substance, of sorts, by a book in the US, The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine (clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California in San Francisco).

In her book, Brizendine claims that men and women are different because their brains function differently. One of the most interesting examples she comes up with is that women talk more - 20,000 words a day compared with 7,000 for the average man - and they talk twice as fast.

Everything makes so much sense!

Braids

This year I mastered french braiding my bangs out of my face... Which was a good thing! I started to grow them out and we all know that "awkward phase" that bangs have. So since "mastering" that skill, I have tried different hairstyles involving braids. And let me tell you, it's hard! I didn't think that doing one's hair could be so difficult... But then again, that coming from a girl who barely does anything to hers after showering.

Have you seen this pic of Selena Gomez? Her hair is gorgeous to begin with, but then I saw this... I need to try it. But I didn't think that I had enough talent to copy the hairstylist who did that. BUT THEN I cam across this wonderful blog post from Oh So Pretty: The Diaries. I already LOVE their blog, but then it's like they read my mind!! Since seeing this post, I have yet to attempt the great feat; but with the awesome step by step instructions, I am sure that I will have a pretty BoHo look in no time.

On a side note, if you are looking for awesome tutorials or fashion advice, Oh So Pretty is a great blog for all of the above. I found them on Pinterest and love all the things that they post. Check 'em out!

Packing List 2012

Well, it's August 1st! You know what that means? That while the weather still says it's summer... Fall is just around the corner for some students (mainly those students who have selected private institutions). With school fast approaching, there will be packing to do!

Do you know what you are taking with you or leaving behind?

Here is a list that I have started for your convenience:

School Supplies:

• Folders
• Notebooks
• Backpack/Messenger bag
• Laptop/Tablet/Netbook
• USB flash drive
• Pencils/Pens
• Calculator/graphing calculator
• Stapler --> Staples
• Printer --> Printer ink
• Computer paper
• Tape (Duct, Masking, Scotch)
• Post-it notes
• Scissors
• Planner

Bathroom:

• Body Wash
• Face Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Shower shoes (recommend for communal bathrooms)
• Razors
• Shaving Cream
• Shower caddie
• Toiletries carrying case
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• 2 sets of towels (for when you can't/don't do laundry right away)
• Deodorant
• Hair dryer/Flat iron/Curling iron 
• Comb/brush
• Hair products (gel/mousse/hairspray)
• Nail clippers/file

Electrical:

• Surge protectors (who knows when the lights will go out in that dorm room built in the 70s)
• Extension cords/Multiple outlet adapter 
• Extra long cable cord (for TV if you have one)
• Cell phone charger
• Laptop charger
• Ethernet cable (you may not have wireless Internet in your room)
• ^OR you can take your own wireless router to school for your personal use (check with school to make sure this is supported) 
• Adapters (if you're going to school abroad, you'll definitely need converters and if you're going to school in the United States, you may need 3-pronged to 2-pronged adapters)
• Alarm clock (or cell phone)

Organizational Tools:

• Storage units for below your bed (I like the long/flat ones on wheels)
• Over the door hangers/mirror
• Clothes hangers
• Extra storage bins (for your desk drawers, closet, dresser...Possibilities are endless)
• Lock box?
• Shoe organizer?
• Trash can (maybe: most college dorms will provide trash cans and recycling bins)

Appliances:

• Microwave
• Small refrigerator (does a friend/sibling have one you can buy for cheap?)
  • Look into renting the microwave/refrigerator combo!
• Fan (I hate stale air, so this helped with circulation)
• Television
• DVD player
• Coffee pot
• Hot Pot/electric tea kettle
• NO OPEN FLAMES

Bedding: *Sheets and Comforters need to be Twin XL in size*

• 2 pairs of sheets (again, for laundry purposes)
• Comforter /Quilt
• Pillows
• Pillow covers
• Egg-crate, foam pad
• Blankets

Clothes/Laundry:

• Laundry bin/bag
• Small ironing board and iron ?
• Laundry detergent /Dryer sheets
• Quarters or Laundry cards 
• Stain remover
• Business casual clothes for presentation/interviews 
• Seasonal clothes (depending on the climate and how far from home you are)
• 2+ weeks of underwear and socks (this is from personal experience - I would do my laundry every two weeks on average. You need clean underwear and socks each day, so shoot for having enough to carry you for two weeks)
• Jacket
• Gloves
• Hat
• Boots
• Sneakers
• Dress Shoes
• Casual shoes

**When it comes to clothes, pack what you KNOW you will wear and a couple of things that you MIGHT wear... Trust me, space is limited in the dorms and you don't want to waste it on something you won't wear while you are away.

Decorating/Smell Good stuff:

• Posters/Pictures 
• Desk stuff
• Area rug (cover that ugly dorm carpet!)
• Desk lamp
• Floor lamp  
• Picture hangers (Command/3M hooks)
• Oil diffusers
• Air freshener
• NO OPEN FLAMES (ie: Candles)

Did that cover it all? I sure hope so... If not, feel free to leave a comment! :-) Happy packing!

Bright as the Sun

When you are around me, you are certain to get glitter on you.

"Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?"

Shine so brightly that they can't help but stop and notice you.

Do you own a pair of Toms? You should. And I highly recommend getting a pair in the Glitters collection. Look how shiny my Silver Glitters are :-) I'm in love and I know you will be, too, as soon as you have them on your feet.

Passport In Hand

Traveling to places step by step,

Wherever intriguing things are kept.

Unknown places I might be,

Taking pictures for those to see.

Walls made of sadness,

Here it’s almost timeless.

The picturesque churches and cobblestone streets,

All my dreams seem to meet.

What an imperfect world we truly are,

But how the beauty perfects it is bazaar.

It’s indescribable, this place,

I want to have this picture in my memory, just in case.

The beautiful golden arches, up high,

Why does it make it so hard to say goodbye?

Enchanting lights fill up the streets at night,

The spectacular view, what a sight.

I look up and down,

I look all around.

Such a place full of wonder and mystery.

A place I love so much, it’s where my heart will always be.

My Form of Art

I love photography. Looking at others' artwork and making my own. I have only taken one basic level class, so I don't really know what I am doing.... BUT I love it anyways. My favorite part has to be editing the images after i download them. Sometime it can make everything just come to life! What do you think?

What's Cookin', Good Lookin'?

I LOVE chocolate. Don't you? Also, I like eating a BIT healthier when it comes to sweet treats. But really, I just love food. My mom likes finding recipes online and having me execute them.

So here is the newest one: *FLOUR-LESS* chocolate & almond cookies.

Ingredients:

1 cup Unsalted Slivered Or Sliced Almonds

1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut

½ cups plus 3 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa

3 cups Powdered Sugar

½ teaspoons Kosher Salt

4 whole Egg Whites, *At Room Temperature

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

¾ cups Mini Chocolate Chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spread almond slivers and shredded coconut evenly on a large rimmed baking pan. Place in the oven and toast for about 7-8 minutes, turning/tossing once halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. *While in the oven, crack eggs and leave on counter to reach room temp. Reduce heat to 325ºF.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together cocoa (1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons total), powdered sugar, and salt. Continue whisking while adding egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until just moistened. Don’t overwhisk or the eggs will stiffen. Stir in almonds, coconut, and chocolate chips.
3. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon batter by the tablespoon onto the baking sheet (this makes ~24) or by heaping tablespoons (this makes ~18 large cookies).
4. Bake for 14-16 minutes, turning pans and shifting the top to bottom rack halfway through. Cookies are finished when tops are shiny and cracked. Slide the cookies off the pans and allow to cool completely before removing.

Yummy chocolate cookies studded with almonds and coconut. Gluten-free and low fat so you can have your cookie and a waist line, too!

On a Budget?

You want to look "high fashion" or put together, right? At least, I want to look my age (being 5'3" sometimes has its downsides...). Well, classier looking clothing can often come at a price; a price that I am usually not willing to pay! College costs an arm and a leg, ya know! So here is my guide to thrift/sale shopping for all your needs:

• Don't be afraid of Goodwill. Really. There may be donated items there, but you can find a piece of clothing that is BRAND NEW. You just have to look.
• For example: Brand new wallet at Goodwill for $2.95. BAM!
• Are there consignment stores in your area? GO FIND THEM. I find that that is where the nicer things are. Sometimes, they are higher priced, BUT you can start selling your "used" clothing there as well.
• Avant Garb (Ashland, OR): Wedges for $7.
• Deja Vu (Ashland, OR): Crop Sweater for $10.
• This phrase never gets old: TRY IT ON. If you think it looks good on the hanger, or even if you are unsure of how it will look on you... TRY IT ON! You never know, that garment could surprise you!
• Are you furnishing an apartment or dorm room? These thrift stores can also be good for that, too! While not EVERYTHING is going to match, you can go for that eclectic look ;-) Don't forget to make sure that things are in good shape.
• Garage Sale: gently used futon for $25.
• Have you seen Extreme Couponing? (It's okay to say no)... Well, I am not quite that eccentric, BUT I do love me some discounts. I usually only buy something if it is on sale... That is mainly the only way that I can justify the purchase! SALEsaleSALE. Know when they are, and GO.

*Side note: If the thrift/consignment store has a make-up or undergarments section... Feel free to skip it. No, really. Are you comfortable wearing 'hand-me-down' undies?.... Didn't think so.

Class of 2012

Well, they did it! 15 Valedictorians made for a great "end of the world" tips speech... Beach balls, bubbles, umbrellas, decorated caps and lots of laughs. It has been fun watching all of you grow up this far... Can't wait to see what you all do in the next chapter of your lives as you all part ways this summer. Congrats, you bright bunch! 

BA 330-Principles of Marketing

What did I learn this term, you may ask me... I may not have a lot to say in response. However, in Marketing this term I learned that starting up a business is not all that simple. BUT there was a little fun to be had ;-) Like making this commercial and radio ad for our smoothie cart business. While not easy, it was a lot of fun to put our good knowledge to work.

Have a look!
Commercial Ad
Radio Ad