When Calvin and Hobbes Spoke the Truth

I've always enjoyed reading Calvin and Hobbes, by Bill Watterson.
Though sometimes put in a comical fashion, some strips can really give truth or wisdom about every day life.

This quote from childhood was such a lie... and unfortunately most of us had to learn that the hard way.

Many have forgotten the value of untouched nature.

To all those who say YOLO

In a world of electronics, this 'rule' has sadly become nearly non-existent.

Me every day in school:

Too many people do this

We are all misunderstood.

Sorry Calvin, but it's hopeless.

What we need isn't always what we want.

Some people just need a furry friend.

7 Apps You Need on Your Phone

App 1: Bible
When you go into the App Store, and type in bible, one of the first apps to show up is this one:

Yes, this one is fine, but the one I really like is the app that allows you to highlight different verses in different colors (and you can click on a color to see what verses you highlighted it with) and also take notes. This particular app looks more like:

App 2: Notes App
I thought I wouldn't use it, but what do I know? At the moment I have 12 different lists going on in this app, from a "Books to Read" list to "Quotes" to "Homework". This thing has really come in handy, especially when I just want to quickly type down something I don't want to forget.
Here's what it looks like:

App 3: Out of Milk
Now this is like the Notes App except it is more for shopping... and I don't personally use this but my mother does (being the chief household shopper), and she has several different lists going for the different stores she shops at. If we run out of something, just type it into her phone and she just uses it as she shops.

App 4: Shazam
Ever heard a catchy song on the radio and wondered what name it is? Well this app would certainly help with that! Just press the large blue button with the weird symbol on it during a song, and it will only take a moment of "listening" before telling you the name and artist of the song (plus a bonus of also giving you lyrics).

App 5: Dictionary
Yep, it comes in handy, especially for all you in school!

App 6: White Noise
This is something that can help you go to sleep at night, with soothing sounds such as rain, wind blowing, or (my favorite) cats purring. Better yet, you can browse their list of sounds and make your own list, adding to it your favorites and then setting a timer for how long they should last.

App 7: Pinterest
I'm sure you all can understand why I recommend a Pinterest app. If you don't understand, then you must not have a Pinterest account. ;)

Pick-up LInes, Rejections, and Friend-zoning

Hey guys! Ever been in that situation where maybe you're a guy, and you have no idea what to say to a girl, or the girl who's getting confronted by some creeper dude who suddenly wants your number or the girl who wants to stay friends with a guy yet not go out with him? In that case, I have a list for all 3 of those types of situations. There are no guarantees any of these will work, this is just a list I came up for the sake of fun and laughter.

Pick-up Lines

--Are you sunburned or are you always this hot? (Never say this to someone in locations such as the beach, because chances are, they are sunburned).

--If I were a cat I'd spend all 9 lives with you. (Especially works with cat-lovers).

--Are you religious? Because you're the answer to all my prayers (might as well add a playful wink in there).

--I'm not a photographer, but I can picture myself with you.

--Do you fish a lot? Because you've caught my heart. (Guys, guys, I made that one up myself!)

--Can I take your picture to prove that angels do exist?

--Are you secretly a celebrity? Can I have my picture with you?

--Do you have a band aid? Because I scraped my knees falling for you.

--Are you a girl scout? Because you tie my heart in knots

--You must be a broom because you've swept me off my feet.

--I thought happiness started with H. Why does mine start with U?

--If I had a dollar for every time I thought of you, I'd have a dollar because you'd never leave my mind!


(Harsh) Rejections

--Sorry, not my type.

--Sorry, I prefer smarter and better-looking people.

--My phone number? Sure, it's 911... I like to call it when I meet people like you.

-- I like your approach, now let's see your departure.

--It's not you, it's me: I'm smart enough to not go out with you.

--Take a picture with you? But wouldn't your face break the camera?

--Sorry I don't understand you... dumb just isn't a language I speak.

(Use this technique with the utmost caution... these rejections are pretty mean, and there's always the friend-zoning technique, as listed below).

Friend-zoning

--That's cute, I'm sure a girl will appreciate that pick-up line someday when you meet her.

--You know, being your friend I'll help you up your dating game so that you don't have to use cheesy pick-up lines!

--Cool, but you're my friend so of course you're just joking [insert fake laugh].

--Date? Me? Pish, boy, I've actually just match-made you with this friend of mine and she is your perfect match!

--Sure I'll take a picture with you, and I'll get my 10 friends and 3 siblings to join so it'll be a groupy!

--Wow, you tease me a lot!...I guess it's 'cause you're practically my brother! [insert fake laugh].

--Aw, I'm pretty? Thanks! My boyfriend tells me that a lot too!

(Notice that the words italisized are the important, key words to use.)



And there you have it! Pick-up Lines, Rejections, and Friend-zoning. :)

20 Songs for Bedtime

Okay so I've already posted 20 Songs to get up in the morning to... most of the ones that I listed are very lively, energetic songs. However, what about when you want to go to sleep at night?
I have trouble just falling asleep so music is one of the solutions I turn to.
But I do kinda wish I had two mp3 players, one for energetic music and one for slow music.
Anyways, here's 20 songs to listen to that can lull you to sleep like a lullaby.

• Send Me the Night by Sam Tsui
• Fields of Gold by Peter Hollens
• Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
• Read All About It by Emeli Sande
• A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
• I Won't Give Up by Jason Miraz
• You'll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins
• Shadows (Ambient) by The American Dollar <-- no words to this one, baby!
• L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole
• Amazed by Lonestar
• Human by Christina Perri
• Everything has Changed by Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran
• Photograph by Ed Sheeran
• When We're Together by Mark Harris
• Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift
• You and Me by Lifehouse
• Valentine by Pentatonix
• Say Something by Christina Aguilera ft. A Great Big World
• The Climb by Miley Cyrus (Just a reassurance, this song was written before she went cuckoo).
• Time of Your Life by Green Day

An Unexpected Twist

Dear readers, I have a knack for, when writing a narrative, drawing it out as long as possible, including every detail, and in the end, writing a 50 page story when the teacher actually only asked for 5 pages. I have been told that a good writer is actually a person who can write a short story, and still get the point across and include as many details as needed, yet within the maximum amount of pages. So I have decided to periodically take a painting, and write a short story for it. I hope you enjoy. 

The Admirer (cliche title, I know)

Indecision by Charles Baugniet

Camille set down the boxes upon boxes of hats and clothes on the small table near the door as was the tradition. Later, a servant would come along, take the boxes and carry them up to the large walk-in closet attached to her room. Because, of course, Camille couldn't do so.
She was a lady of high class, not some dirty maid!
Camille peeled her gloves from her hands and tossed them over her shoulder, not caring where they landed. A servant could pick them up.
"Ma'am, you received some letters today," a servant bobbed in front of her before holding out a packet of mail. "And a gift," she added, taking a bouquet of roses out from where she was hiding them behind her back.
Camille snatched the letters and began hastily searching them. A Bill, another Bill, another Bill ....ah! Here was what looked like a letter from a gentleman. The same gentleman who had sent her the flowers.
And what beautiful flowers they were also! Full of life and color... Camille sliced through the seal and quickly began reading the letter. Who could her admirer be? What was his name? Did she know him, or was he one of those gentlemen, who preferred to admire ladies from afar? Was he rich? Well of course he was, look at the lovely flowers! A rich gentleman sounded like a very good deal indeed!
Hmm, maybe he was one of those lords... perhaps even a handsome lord! A strong jaw, a piercing gaze.... Camille almost swooned at the thought.
Her eyes eagerly scanned the letter.

Dear Miss Camille Keatenly, 
I regret to inform you, especially in letter form, that your dear father, Sir Keatenly, has passed away, God rest his soul. I have read his will, and it has informed me that all his fortune will be donated to several orphanages he specifically listed.I am sorry, but you will need to sell your home, property and possessions in order to earn enough money to support yourself, since Sir Keatenly has left next to nothing for you except for a small bag of money, stating clearly in his letter that you have been alienated from him since a very young age, caring for no one but yourself. I am sorry to have to bear such harsh words for you, therefore I am also sending some flowers as a comfort in your time of mourning. 
Sincerely, Mr. Arlington, Lawyer of Sir Keatenly

Camille stood as if in a trance. Her father, dead? She faintly remembered hearing something about him having a disease.... but that wasn't the worst part! She was now a poor, lowly, girl! What was she to do? She was now in the same station as the same girl who had just handed her the letters!
 Bitterly, Camille turned, stooped down, and picked up the gloves she had flung to the floor. 

20 Songs for the Morning

The annoying, buzzing alarm goes off, and your arm leaves the warm comforts of your blanket to grope for the Snooze button. Admit it, you're not one for waking up, and if you are awake, your mind isn't awake. Coffee is usually the solution to wake you up, or tea.
(I actually prefer neither, except for one day when I was extremely desperate and actually drank hot cocoa. *gasp* I however wasn't used to such hot liquid and started to gag....but that's another story.)
So, to get into the early morning spirit that only a few chosen people truly possess (one of them being my sister who could sing at 6:30 am) here's 20 songs to wake up to.
So here ya go:

• Ready or Not by Britt Nicole ft. Lecrae
• Can't Hold Us by Pentatonix
• On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
• 22 by Taylor Swift
• Be With You by Anthem Lights
• Brave by Moriah Peters
• Catch my Breath by Kelly Clarkson
• Million Pieces by Newsboys
• Pompeii by Bastille
• Ready, Set, Go by Royal Tailor
• Superheroes by The Script
• Sky Spills Over by Michael W. Smith
• Still That Girl by Britt Nicole
• Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers (yes, an oldie. And I like it.)
• When We're Together by Mark Harris
• Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
• Drag Me Down by One Direction 
• Wake Me Up by Avici
• Born in the USA by Miley Cyrus
• Good Morning by Mandisa 

I've also found that it helps to wake up 10 minutes before you usually do, just so that you can lay in bed, stare up at the ceiling in a confused and blurry gaze, and try to get your thoughts sorted out before actually getting up. No guarantees but it helps me. 

So let's hope these song suggestions can help you get on the right track in the morning. :)

A Few Ideas for Wallet-friendly Wishlist

Everyone has a list. Call it what you will, a bucket list, a wish list, a to-do list... They usually include something such as: Go Whale-watching. Go Skydiving. Visit Paris.
Okay, great! That sounds pretty close to my own wish list! (Minus the whale-watching. That was an unwanted adventure!)
Problem though.... mula. Dinero. Money!
Something I really don't have!
So while having Travel the World and Climbing Half Dome isn't a bad thing to have on your bucket list, here's a few ideas for more affordable adventures!


1. Archery Tag!

Photo credit: Agaton Strom
Now is your chance to truly become Katniss/Legolas/Hawkeye! This active game is recommended for people ages 8 and up.... or just anyone who can shoot a bow and arrow, I suppose.
It costs about $20-$25 per person (each place is different, of course) and is pretty safe, considering the helmets and marshmallow-looking tips on the arrows.

2. The Color Run!

Photo Credit: Tumblr.com

Wear a white shirt to this event and come back colorful (and exhausted!) 5K races are usually not exciting, unless you're one of those oh-I-sprint-a-mile-in-5-minutes-'cause-it's-easy people... but this is no ordinary run, centered more on having fun than on how fast you can go! $20-50, unless you're under age 6,

3. Crayola Factory

Photo credit: Manuel Segura
Speaking of color, here's a place where you can watch it made, and also color and play to your heart's content. This factory is located in Easton PA, with tickets $9.75.

4. Ici Ice Cream 

Apologizes to those who do not live in CA... for this ice cream parlor has been dubbed one of the best. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to actually eat here, so I can't give a review on the quality. Since it's ice cream, however, I'm sure it's not bad.

5. The Great Vermont Corn Maze!

Opening day was July 25th, and closing day is October 18th. Every year this maze is changed, and along with it comes other activities as well! Price ranges from Free to $15 depending on your age.
Can you complete the maze?

So friends, there is 5 ideas right there for you... and expand from those ideas! Maybe you don't want to do archery tag, but you DO want to learn how to shoot a bow. Or maybe you hate running but you would enjoy the color...in which case, Pinterest comes in handy. Instead of going to a specific crayon factory you actually want to go to a chocolate factory, or go to a different ice cream parlor other than the one listed above. Develop a fun yet wallet-friendly bucket list.

Patching-Up Clothing

So I have this sweatshirt. I love it a lot. It's comfy, and has a nice combination of grey and turquoise.

However, due to a certain event that involved my stupidity... that I shall not give detail of, the back of this sweatshirt got 3 burn marks along with holes.

So now I am going to show you how to make patches, whether you want to cover up some ugly mark, or just want to add some cute elbow patches to your sweater.
First draw a design on you clothing piece. As you can see, in the picture above I had drawn the outline of hearts.
Then choose the fabric you desire and cut it in blocks that are big enough to cover the whole design.

Turn the the sweatshirt inside-out, and pin the blocks face-down. Make sure that you pin it so that the block is still over the design that you had put on the other side of the clothing article.

Turning the clothing over again, proceed to sew over the design you had drawn.

Afterwards, making sure you do not cut the fabric you had just sewn on, snip off the fabric that is covering your patch.

Proceed to do this as many times as you wish.

So there you go! How to make easy patches!

Last-Minute Cards

You're running late to your best friend's birthday party. This is her special day, you have on nice clothing, and a nicely-wrapped gift tucked under your arm. You are about to rush out the door when Ohmygoodness! You just realized that you have no card for her. And it being your best friends special day, and you being her best friend, well, she needs a special card from you.

But you're already late! Nothing fancy can be made, but you don't want to give your BFFTIB (Best Friend Forever Through Infinity and Beyond) a tacky, worthless card.

Solution? A hole-puncher. They cut out almost-flawless circles, or whatever else kind of shape.

So here are some ideas for a last-minute diy card.

(Etsy.com)

A very simple, yet elegant sort of card, and would be even better if some fancy handwriting were added in the corner. 

(runningblonde.com)

Colorful and happy colors, sure to brighten someones day!

(Etsy.com)

Easy and cute, especially if you have a heart-shaped hole-puncher. But it would still be simple even without one.

(Etsy.com)

This should be no problem, adding punched-out holes in place of buttons.... as long as you can figure out the tune to the well-known Happy Birthday melody...

(bazzillbasics.com)

This one is very pretty, and could fool anyone into thinking it was store-bought.

(Buzzfeed.com)

A simple-yet-cute Christmas card for a friend.



(blush-dolly.blogspot.com)

As long as you enjoy cutting circles from different-colored pieces of paper... this should be a piece of cake.

(mypapersecret.blogspot.com)

As is the same with this card.

(randomcreative.hubpages.com)

And this one.

(splitcoaststampers.com)

A more simple card, yet clean.

(savvysugar.com)

Now there's an idea! Just take some free samples from Home Depot or Lowes and cut out of them... it makes the card look very creative and beautiful!

(Etsy.com)

And finally.... a punny card. Isn't it adorable?

So now, I hope this has taken away some of the stress you might feel when an occasion arises that requires you to give a card (and you have no idea what kind to give!)

Or, you could just go and buy one from the store. That's a thought.