Make the Best out of Hand-me-downs!

You loved your sister's new blouse, but that was two years ago. Now it's yours. The blouse—and your love for it—have faded. How do you wear it without becoming a fashion "don't"? Read on for some fashion tips on putting new life into old clothes.

A Different Color 

You can totally change the look of a piece of clothing by dying it. Make sure it's really dyeable—dying works best on things made of cotton. Polyester and nylon are much harder to dye. Ask your mom or dad to help, since dye is messy and can permanently stain anything it spills on. Also make sure you wash the dyed item separately from other clothes for a few washings—as much as you love lavender, your family might not want everything they own to be that color.

Change the Buttons 

New buttons will give a hand-me-down new energy. Pick buttons that are really different from the original buttons—but they have to be pretty much the same size so that the buttons holes still work. Use shiny metal or rhinestone buttons to add some sparkle.

 

Shorten It 

A new hem may equal a new outfit. Change a long skirt into a mini-skirt and wear it with a cutoff T-shirt. Whenever you hem something, always measure carefully so you don't trim off too much.

Decorate It

The easiest fashion tips involve adding accessories! Make the hand-me-down something that no one else has worn by turning it into something different. An old pair of pants can become your new skirt by decorating it. Add a cool strip of ribbon or lace to a pair of jeans an inch or two above the hem. You end up with a stylish pair of pants without having to break them in. Sew fringe around the cuff of a hand-me-down sweater to make it fun and funky. Sewing stores always have a lot of fun stuff. Hand-me-downs are hardly ever as much fun as something new, but if you try some of these fashion tips, your seconds will look so good that your sister will want them back.

Hand-me-downs are hardly ever as much fun as something new, but if you try some of these fashion tips, your seconds will look so good that your sister will want them back.

Aaliyah feat. Drake - Enough Said

Song of the day.. I'm not too sure if I posted this song up earlier this year but I'm posting it now. I love Aaliyah and this song really touches me cuz ahe's passed away since 2OO1

May her soul rest in peace

RIP Aaliyah

1979 - 2OO1

"Enough Said"
(with Drake)

[Aaliyah:]
Cause I, ooooh
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah

[Aaliyah:]
I can tell you some
But you tell me do you wanna talk about, talk about
You say you got a lot on your mind, sit down let's talk about it (talk about)
I hate to see you feel this way
So tell me what can I do to make it better for you
Make it better for you babe, hey...

[Chorus:]
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Wassup)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Wassup)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Yea wassup)

[Aaliyah:]
Baby tell me what I gotta do to get you to talk about (talk about)
Cause we've been together a little too long for you not to talk about
So tell me what would you like me to do, to help you, help me, help you
Cause I don't really wanna tell you without you

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
Tell me why...

[Chorus:]
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Wassup)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Wassup)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Yea wassup)

[Drake:]
Went from my nigga serving it by the tele
To venues in Manchester just swerving with Balotelli
The fuck are you trying to tell me?
Bothers me when you got to play therapist
That shit's embarrassin'
They even bring up these niggas make the comparison
They just got to forgive me, this watch is a 150
Still ain't got the time for a bitch to be acting iffy
Running through the city with niggas I'd give a kidney
Selling under 150 you niggas gotta be kidding
Is this even still a discussion?
Don't you ever wake up disgusted?
Every million I gain an enemy or a cousin
And people's feelings have changed ever since I became somethin'
Girls that becoming ladies
And my friends are having babies
And babies are dropping dead in my city
This shit is crazy
And I don't know if speaking on it helps
This the shit that's on my mind I just keep it to myself
You know

Can't you talk to me
Let's talk about it, talk about it
Tell me what you need
Just tell me baby, tell me baby

Sometimes you are, all alone
But there's no doubt
So don't just shut me out
Cause that's not what love's about

[Chorus:]
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Wassup)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Wassup)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeaaaah
(Yea wassup)

Came too far to give up
Gotta try, cause I can't do it on my own
Can't you talk to me
Tell me what you need
Can't you talk to me
Tell me what you need

What to Do on New Year’s Eve

Our Best Ideas to Celebrate

What are the best things to do on New Year’s Eve? We’ve got a few ideas we think you might like. With all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas, sometimes it’s hard to focus on New Year’s Eve only a week later. One thing is for sure though, you’ll probably want to do something with your closest friends versus sitting around at home and watching everyone else have a great time on TV. Here’s what we came up with for ideas.

1 – Rent a Limo or Party Bus

If budget isn’t a huge determining factor, then renting a limo or party bus for New Year’s is a great option. Don’t worry, we have some more budget friendly ideas below as well. Really with ten of your favorite friends, the cost isn’t even that prohibitive. Of course you’ll probably want to make a few stops along the way, especially when the clock strikes midnight. In any event it’s a great relaxing and carefree way to spend the evening with the closest of your friends cruising the town.

2 – Go to a Hotel or Casino

There are usually lots of local hotels that plan big parties that you can look into; they also then usually offer a discounted room rate following the evening celebration.

Towns focused around casinos are also a great place to be as they will usually host some kind of big event with fireworks etc… Chances are you know where these are and it certainly doesn’t hurt to check out what they have going on for the evening.

3 – Local Ball Drop or New Year’s Celebration

Everyone knows about the big ball drop in New York City, but chances are that most towns of decent size hold some kind of party downtown with their own fireworks or a ball drop too. If your town doesn’t have something fun going on, then we’d suggest looking to your closest bigger city where you may have better luck. This gives you a great chance to hang out at bars downtown, go dancing, etc… as well throughout the evening.

4 – Spend the Night Outside

If you want to do something more unique this year, depending on the weather, doing something outdoors can be a great option, especially if you’re a bit budget conscious this year. Whether it’s a fire pit in your back yard or you choose to drive out somewhere with friends to have a bigger bond fire, it can really be an enjoyable experience. Additionally there are lots of unique games to play out in a more desolate area like capture the flag. It might sound a bit like an odd idea but we think you’ll discover that it’s really lots of fun.

5 – Hold a Game or Movie Night

While many probably wouldn’t consider having a game or movie night on New Year’s because it’s a bit more subdued, once again it’s a great idea for the more budget conscious. Just make sure you pick more active games like Things, Taboo, Pit, Catch Phrase, etc… so that everyone makes it to midnight. Great food is of course a must when it comes to this idea, and there are also always some decent New Year’s Eve specials on TV that you can tune into to help entertain guests as well.

Omarion Ft. Wale - M.I.A

Here are some tricks to get you started on your way to your own personal style. Choose the ones that work for you or try on some of your own. Either way, take it slow...teenage girls style takes time to develop and stick.

1. Accessorize! Accessories are style's quick fixes. You can't go wrong if you throw on a terrific fringed belt, a fabulous hair ribbon, a great beaded bracelet. Beware, however, of over-accessorizing. Less is more. Your accessory style shouldn't scream!
2. Hats Up! Not everyone can wear hats and feel comfortable but if you can, you have a winning style. There are so many varieties of hats from baseball caps to vintage '40s berets—you'll never be bored coming up with new versions of this fashion statement to rock your own teenage style!
3. Vintage Is New and Refreshing. What's old is new again. Research the vintage shops near you and pick up an inexpensive jacket, a whimsical purse, or a pair of earrings from the 1970s. Combine a vintage item with your new, trendy school clothes and your same old teenage girls style takes on new meaning.
4. Play with Your Hair. You'll find your hair is your untapped style resource for your new teenage girlsstyle! Experiment. Crimp. Straighten. Gel. Pull it back or wear it up. You'll be surprised to see how many different looks you can come up with. Now go a step further—complement an outfit with a hairstyle. If you're wearing an embroidered peasant top and low-rise bell bottoms, accessorize your outfit with crimped and gelled hair.
5. Makeup Should Add Glow, NOT Color. It is truly the age of the bronzer. However, nowhere is your personal style more important than in the way you apply your makeup. It is not enough to wear the latest eye colors or lip shades. You need to wear makeup that compliments your skin tone and your skin type. It is suggested you see a makeup professional (the tailored women behind the makeup counters in every department store can set you on the right track!) Once you have a basis for your face, you can be daring—experiment with colors and styles that define you. Your own personal style is the signature you become known for. Make it a color or a scent. Maybe it's your love of hats or your talent for mixing styles. Who knows, maybe you have a knack with socks! It doesn't matter—as long as it matters to you. Your teenage girls style will make you feel good about yourself and get you noticed. It will make you memorable.

Alicia Keys - Brand New Me

It's been a while
I'm not who I was before
You look surprised
Your words don't burn me anymore
Been meanin' to tell ya
But I guess it's clear to see
Don't be mad
It's just a brand new kinda me
Can't be bad
I found a brand new kinda free

Careful with your ego
He's the one that we should blame
Had to grab my heart back
God knows something had to change
I thought that you'd be happy
I found the one thing I need
Why you mad?
It's just a brand new kinda me

Ooh, it took a long long time to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
It took one too many excuses
One too many lies
Don't be surprised, don't be surprised

If I talk a little louder
If I speak up when you're wrong
If I walk a little taller
I've been under you too long
If you notice that I'm different
Don't take it personally
Don't be mad
It's just a brand new kinda me
That ain't bad
I found a brand new kinda free

Ooh, it took a long, long road to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
I've taken one too many excuses
One to many lies
Don't be surprised, oh, said, you look surprised

Hey, if you were a friend
You'd wanna get to know me again
If you were worth the while
You'd be happy to see me smile
I'm not expecting sorry
I'm too busy finding myself
I got this
I found me, I found me, yeah

I don't need your opinion
I'm not waiting for your okay
I'll never be perfect,
But at least now I'm brave
I know my heart is open
I can finally breathe
Don't be mad
It's just a brand new kinda free
That ain't bad
I found a brand new kinda me
Don't be mad
It's just a brand new time for me

Winter Holidays

The fourth week of December is a busy one; usually Chanukah begins during this month, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and Kwanzaa, one of the newest winter holidays, starts on the 26th. While Christmas and Chanukah (which means dedication) celebrate faith and religious tradition, Kwanza (Swahili for first fruits) is a link to the past for African-Americans and a way to honor their ancestral connection to Africa.

Although winter holidays are all different in origin, all share more in common than you would imagine. When the sun sets early and the winds blow snow against our windows, families all over the world gather together. They seek what people have always sought in winter: light, warmth, food, and human companionship. Although 96% of Americans celebrate Christmas, 5% celebrate Chanukah and 2% celebrate Kwanzaa, 100% of us are aware that this is the red letter time of the year.

No matter which winter holidays your family celebrates, rest assured there will be: 

1. Lights. Whether a menorah which is lit for the duration of the holiday commemorating the miracle of a bit of oil lasting eight days; or the black, red and green candles of Kwanza representing the principles of unity, self determination, creativity, work and responsibility, purpose and faith; or the fabulous indoor and outdoor light displays and Christmas trees, hope is illuminated.
2. A strengthening of bonds. Whether creating a beautiful home environment to spend time with family and friends or coming together for a spiritual reunion...family bonds are strengthened.
3. Time taken off from school and work enables us to enjoy the holiday spirit.
4. Traditional foods. Whether prepared with corn (Kwanzaa) or potatoes (Chanukah) or old family Christmas cookierecipes, guaranteed there'll be too much of it! One in five expects to gain a few pounds over the holidays, and 26% say they'll probably put on three to five pounds.
5. Prayers. In these dark times, all three holidays help us remember the past and reaffirm our hope for a peaceful and loving future.
6. An awareness of the less fortunate. Each holiday recognizes the plight of those who have less and encourages gift giving to those in need.

The flip side of the season...jam-packed shopping malls, crazy traffic, economic pressures and a generalized heightened stress quotient...can be handled without getting in a mood if we keep in mind what's important. This time of year supplies each of us with the opportunity to do something nice just to be nice. Don't push in line. Don't freak out. Hold open a door. Smile. We promise the rewards will last far into the coming year.

Luke James - I Want You

This song right here.. HITS THE SPOT!

I love love love love love this song!!!

Treat Yourself : Queen For A Week

Getting your period can be a real bummer—as if you didn't already know! The bloating, the cramps, the ATTITUDE...the list goes on! Every month you're bound to feel your worst. What better reason to treat yourself like the Queen you are!

Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, celebrate and treat yourself with these Queen for a Week tips!

Take a bubble bath.

There's nothing more soothing and relaxing than lying down in a steaming hot bubble bath. First, make sure you can hog the bathroom for at least 45 minutes—there's nothing relaxing about your little brother banging on the door every 5 minutes. Set the mood by lighting a couple of scented candles around the bathtub. Bring a radio in and play some mellow tunes (don't place it on the edge of the bathtub for obvious electrocuting reasons!). Fill the bath with tons of bubbles, two cups of Epsom salt, and a couple of drops of Lavender oil. You can purchase Epsom salt at most drugstores. Epsom salt is a natural way to soothe muscles and tension and draw toxins from your body. Lavender oil can be found at natural health stores. Lavender promotes calmness and balances the mind and body. Once your bath is all set, sit back and chill out!

Plan a movie night for yourself! 

What types of movies do you like best: comedy, drama, thriller, or action movies? Rent two movies and veg out on the couch. When you have your period, you tend to crave certain foods. Satisfy your cravings by making your favorite snacks. Buy yourself a box of chocolate or a bag of gourmet jellybeans. Crave salt? Mix onion dip mix with sour cream and grab your favorite potato chips. (The down side...the calories still count!)

Dress up or dress way down.

Wear comfy pants ALL DAY. There is nothing better than your favorite pair of sweatpants. They are soft and comfortable and you look awesome in them no matter what time of the month it is.

Or you could go the other route. Dress up! Sometimes when you feel really down and icky, dressing up can be a real mood lifter and a great way to treat yourself. Take extra time in the morning to do your hair and pick out an outfit that is dressy but comfortable. You'll feel extra pretty all day. You'll get so many compliments that you'll forget you even have your period!

Try out Always Ultra Thin Regular or Always Regular Pantiliners—they'll be discreet no matter what you choose to wear!

Go to your favorite restaurant.

Plan a night to go to your favorite restaurant with your favorite person, whether that's your boyfriend, your best friend, or your mother! Splurge on an appetizer and a non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri. Order the entree you've always wanted to try but thought was too expensive.

No matter how you choose to treat yourself like a Queen, make sure it's something that makes you feel relaxed and really special. It can be something as simple as reading a good book, painting your nails, or taking an extra long shower. Getting your period is tough enough—treat yourself to something special!

Janet Jackson- Let's Wait Awhile

One of my all-time favorite song by

Janet Jackson

There's something I want to tell youThere's something I think that you should knowIt's not that I shouldn't really love youLet's take it slow

When we get to know each otherAnd we're both feeling much strongerThen let's try to talk it overLet's wait awhile longer

Let's wait awhile before it's too lateLet's wait awhile before we go too far

Remember that special nightWhen all of the stars where shining brightWe made our first endeavorTo stay together

We made our very first promiseTo love, to share and be real honestBut on that very first nightIt wasn't quite right

Let's wait awhile before it's too lateLet's wait awhile, our love will be greatLet's wait awhile before we go too far

I didn't really know not to let all my feelings showTo save some for later so our love can be greater

You said you would always love meRemember, I said the same thing tooYou don't have to be frightened with my loveBecause, I'll never give up on you

Let's wait awhile, awhile before it's too lateYou know you can't rush love, love

Let's wait awhile before it's too lateLet's wait awhile, our love will be greatLet's wait awhile before we go too far

Let's wait awhile before it's too lateLet's wait awhile, our love will be greatLet's wait awhile before we go too farI promise, I'll be worth the wait

Ingredients

• chocolate chips (I did one batch with white chocolate, one batch with milk chocolate)
• 
  
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 
  
• 16 ounce bag of mini pretzels
• topping of your choice (I used crushed up peppermints and nuts) 

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together over a double boiler.
2. Once the chocolate and butter has melted, mix it up and then carefully dip the pretzels into the chocolate and immediately place the dipped pretzel onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper.
3. Sprinkle your topping of choice over the pretzels.
4. Place cookie sheet into the refrigerator and allow to set for 30-minutes.

Not only are these little guys seriously delicious (and addicting!), they also make for excellent holiday gifts. Seal them in a jar with a pretty bow and you’ve got yourself an instant present, or set them on a platter and they’ll serve as a delicious holiday party treat. No matter what you decide to do with your Dipped Pretzels, they’ll always be a big hit.

JS - Officially Missing You - Tamia (cover)

HAD TO REPOST THIS!

I loveeee these two girls bunches!

Lyrics below.. Feel free to sing along <3

Enjoy :)

All I hear is raindrops, falling on the rooftop
Oh baby, tell me why'd you have to go
'Cause this pain I feel, won't go away
And today I'm officially missing you

I thought that from this heartache, I could escape
But I've fronted long enough to know
There ain't no way
And today I'm officially missing you

Ooh, can't nobody do it like you
Said every little thing you do, hey, baby
Said it stays on my mind
And I-I'm officially... 

All I do is lay around, two years full of tears
From looking at your face on the wall
Just a week ago you were my baby
Now I don't even know you at all, I don't know you at all

Well, I wish that you would call me right now
So that I could get through to you somehow
But I guess it's safe to say, baby, safe to say
That I-I'm officially missing you

Ooh, can't nobody do it like you
Said every little thing you do, hey, baby
Said it stays on my mind
And I-I'm officially

Well, I thought I could just get over you, baby
But I see that's something I just can't do
From the way you would hold me
To the sweet things you told me
I just can't find a way to let go of you

Ooh... can't nobody do it like you
Said every little thing you do, hey, baby
Said it stays on my mind
And I-I'm officially... 

It's official
Hoo, you know that I'm missin' you, yeah, yes
All I hear is raindrops, oh, yeah
And I-I'm officially missin' you

8 Tips For College Students

8 Tips For College Students

1. Get Good Walking Shoes! 

Yes, I am very serious! You need good shoes so you can get around campus without damaging your feet. Also, the better th shoes, the more you'll be encouraged to walk a little extra and use the stairs more often. Thus, you'll be getting some exercise while in school.

2. Eat a Good, Healthy, and Hearty Breakfast 
In order to make it through the day, each day, you need a nice healthy breakfast. So think big...healthy...tasty... and satisfying. If a breakfast fits all the above, then you should be good until lunch time.

3. Take Notes!

Maybe you would rather listen to a lecture instead of taking notes, but you will not be able to remember everything unless you go home and type everything immediately. Thus, while in class take as much notes of the important points as you can. If needed, type up your notes as soon as you get a chance so they'll be more readable later on.

4. Visit Your Professors During Office Hours.
I've said this before but I am going to repeat it because it's crucial. Visit your professors during office hours and show them that you care about learning (because you do, right?). Ask for help if you're having a hard time understanding an assignment or discuss any concerns you might have. Always keep in mind that professors are there to help you.

5. Pack Your Lunch. 
If you have money to spend, feel free to buy your lunch. However, if you're like the rest of us college students, then you're pretty much broke, so pack your lunch every day. It only takes five minutes to fix a sandwich and if you do it the night before, then you don't have to worry about it in the morning when you're always in a hurry to leave.

6. Get Enough Sleep.
Sleep is very crucial and should be a thought out part of your day. You should make sure your schedule allows you to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. You need this sleep to function well, even if on some days you're pretty energetic with only four hours of sleep. Eventually you will crash, so don't let that happen; get enough sleep.

7. Network. 
You need to network with your fellow classmates, professors, faculty, etc. Get to know everyone, even the lady who sells coffee in the cafeteria. You never know how these people can help you; even if they don't, just be human and acknowledge those around you. Throw a "good morning" here and a "smile" there.

8. Get a Planner
If you don't have a planner and you're managing fine, that's awesome, but believe me you're going to need it. Thus, get yourself a planner so you can keep track of all the important dates and deadlines. A planner is a nice way to organize your life...even if you don't always stick to the schedule you set for yourself :) 

Janet Jackson - That's the Way Love Goes

Lyrics below ^_^

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VVVVVVV

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Like a moth to a flameBurned by the fireMy love is blindCan't you see my desire?That's the way love goesLike a moth to a flameBurned by the fireMy love is blindCan't you see my desire?

Like a moth to a flameBurned by the fireMy love is blindCan't you see my desireThat's the way love goesLike a moth to a flameBurned by the fireThat's the way love goesMy love is blindCan't you see my desire?

Come with meDon't you worryI'm gonna make you crazyI'll give you the time of your life

I'm gonna take you placesYou've never been before andYou'll be so happy that you came

Oooooh, I'm gonna take you thereOo-ooh hoo-ooh oo-oohThat's the way love goesHooThat's the way love goesThat's the way love goesThat's the way love goes

Don't mind if I light candlesI like to watch us play andBaby, I've got on what you like

Come closerBaby closerReach out and feel my bodyI'm gonna give you all my loveOoh sugar don't you hurryYou've got me here all nightJust close your eyes and hold on tight

Ooh babyDon't stop, don't stopGo deeperBaby deeperYou feel so good I'm gonna cry

Oooooh I'm gonna take your thereOo-ooh hoo-ooh oo-oohThat's the way love goesHooThat's the way love goesThat's the way love goes it goes it goesOooh that's the way love goesReach out and feel my bodyThat's the way love goesDontcha knowThat's the way

Like a moth to a flameBurned by the fireMy love is blindCan't you see my desireLike a moth to a flameBurned by the fire My love is blindCan't you see my desire?That's the way love goes