Who Wants to See Your Underwear Anyway?

 I had to write a summary for my Eng 102 class, for the article, "No More Mr. Saggypants", by Andy Guess. You can find the original article here . This is my finished product ...

 In “No More Mr. Saggypants” by Andy Guess, B.A. of Information Science from Cornell University, documents universities and colleges enforcing a dress code for students while on campus and the reaction it gave. Some students can be regarded as fairly ignorant to how they should dress in certain circumstances often mimicking the popular culture of hip-hop and its counterparts (pants so low, underwear is shown) or they’re just plain lazy (wearing their pajamas) . “I don’t think they know how to dress”, said Richard Holland, President of the University of West Alabama. Therefore, it becomes relevant that a dress code become enforced to ensure that the students know what’s appropriate to wear in any given environment. Practice of such dress codes will give students more confidence when they begin their journey as a post-grad and later as a career-minded individual.

Guess goes on to prove how the President at Paul Quinn College in southern Dallas, enlisted a dress code policy everyday of the week with the exception of Fridays; ISU’s College of Business made it a requirement to wear “business casual” in specific business majors. These policies were met with luke-warm-to-warm reception from the students who had to adhere to them. Richard Holland continues by saying, “We’re not trying to be punitive at all, we’re trying to give them guidance.”

However, if there’s going to be a dress policy that the students are expected to stick to then there must be authority on campus to enforce the rules also. But according to Donmonique Gracie, vice president of the student government of West Alabama, “the professors haven’t really been enforcing [the dress code].”  Therefore it stands that the professors who see the students daily should be held accountable also by their superiors in making sure the dress code is enforced.

In conclusion, students are not always directed properly on how they should dress. Therefore, dress codes within the campus, so long as they’re consistently enforced, can give students the ability to learn that how they dress can affect their overall success, whether in a classroom environment or a professional one. These policies will give them a better understanding of what’s appropriate and save them from future embarrassment.

Embarking on the Pre-Teen Attitude

*sigh* ... Requested a kiss good-bye, from my 11 yr old & what I got was something more like a head-butt :-/
When did a smooch from me become an unacceptable endeavor? Now, I totally would get this concept if I had say, attempted this in public or in front of friends but c'mon, really? At home, in the kitchen, has now become off limits to the love fest I wish to bestow upon my children?

I have only entered into the first stage of this descent into abandonment. I can say I'm slightly getting used to it, however I know there's more to come.  For years, I've been taking surveys from parents who have experienced this realm into the abyss, taking mental notes on what to expect. The results have been more positive than I expected but still, none-the-less, a hard pill to swallow.

Reflecting on the behavior of my 3yo and how easily she excepts unlimited amounts of kisses, hugs and even the occasional lick (don't get it twisted people, I mean like a dog... she gives out puppy-kisses and I gladly reciprocate). Hearing words like " I love you " on a constant basis or the rushing of the door when you finally come home after being gone for more than an hour. I am more wise to not take these moments for granted.

Survey says that although this period can be trying, it is only a phase and eventually it ends and they return to you with gratitude...usually. I can only pray for continued wisdom in how to deal with these people patiently, all the while still nurturing and loving them.

I do have this little bit of advice: cease every moment you can, do not take them or the moment for granted! For example, my 9yo daughter has recently requested that, while she's showering, that I would "scrub" her hair.  It was a novelty at first but after a few times, quite frankly, it was a burden for me...but I quickly changed my perception of the request.  I now gladly (even though it may not be convenient) fulfill her request, each and every time because it really is the little things they remember and cherish the most, right?

So what's your advice?

Them Roudy Boys...

Boys are a little more wilder than girls... Mix that wildness in a 5'x6 bouncy and what you got is a little girl wanting NOTHING to do with it! Lol

Spring Fashion 2011!

Hey there...OMG, this is my first post for 2011!  What a great time to begin though, after all Spring is all about new beginnings. Everything is coming back to life and it's time for us to do the same.  Get outta of the house and go for walks to the parks or to your local ice cream shoppe....the smell of freshly cut grass (that's my fav), birds singing in the morning...and fun Spring fashion!

I want to share a few of the trends that are hot this season. So if you've got cabin fever and you're ready to shop...well then, here it goes...

Who Said Neutrals are Boring?
The trend is all about neutral, neutral, neutral with pops of color.  Imagine this, white on cream: white top & bottom, paired with a cream jacket, add a splash of color like a yellow necklace or red shoes or maybe a green purse.  But don't do all three, only pick one to accent as color.

Who wears Short Shorts?
Lets talk shorts, I personally don't like them but that's because I'm not a fan of my legs but if you don't mind showing them off, shorts are very in for Spring. Any length of shorts are acceptable just keep in mind, don't go too short. Keep it age appropriate, if your 45 wearing Daisy Dukes (regardless of how good you may look in them) you'll give off the perception of trying "too hard" to stay young and that's actually NOT flattering!

Here's the rule for shorts, whatever length skirt you're comfortable wearing should be the length of shorts you wear also.

Happy Prints
Prints, prints, prints and more prints...all together at once.  Yes anything goes with this style, however keep the colors of each piece in the same family, so that it's not too overwhelming.


High-Wasted Jeans
So, some of us really resented the fact that for the past 10 years or so, low-rise jeans were in.  If your mid section was anything less than Jillian Michael's, there was some serious issues going on there.  WELL BEHOLD BECAUSE HIGH-WASTED JEANS ARE SERIOUSLY HERE THIS SEASON!! Yep, that 70's-inspired look is back this season and boy are we grateful, lol! Tuck in a pretty blouse and add some wedges and you got yourself one serious, slim look going on!

So these are just a few of the trends going on here this Spring.  Do some Spring cleaning and shopping and get on these so that you're the hippest, chic chick out there!

14 Day Manicure...All the Craze

So, you're having lunch with your BFF and you noticed her manicure and how gorgeous it looked.  You're absolutely positive she just came from the nail salon as recently as this morning or at best, yesterday afternoon.  Not thinking anything of it, you give her a compliment then ask her what the name of the color she's wearing because that's almost half the fun, learning of the hilarious concoctions of names these nail lacquers have.

To your surprise she actually said her manicure was a week old.  Still in shock as to what you just heard and looking at these shiny, still completely in-tact, nails in front of you, she begins to explain.

A week ago, she had what is called a no-chip manicure, this is the term it has become known as. What it is exactly, is a form of lacquer combined with a gel base, made in a huge array of colors.


It is applied just like a traditional polish however each layer is cured inside of a UV light, which bonds it to the natural nail, therefore securing it in place for up to two weeks with a brilliant shine...and yes, NO CHIPPING!


How does it come off, then?  After about two weeks, maybe even three, see the technician that originally applied it and she will gently remove the gel by simply soaking each finger with acetone wraps for about 15 minutes.  The gel eventually breaks down and crumbles right off. 

Seeing is believing and this concept is amazing!  Call around your local salons and find out which ones are offering this service.  It is rapidly growing, so you should be able to find one without a problem.  The average cost for this service is $40.

One definition of revolution means a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something...it's time we revolutionize our way of thinking, of what a traditional manicure should be...toss out the notion that it can only last a few days. There's a new Mayor in town and her term is...indefinite.

Contemporary Wedding Hairstyles

 

Born and raised in Chicago has given me an advantage in seeking and finding the most unique wedding hairstyles. The Windy City serves as home to the finest stylists in the world and it is my pleasure to be able to work with some of them. So if you're looking for something different when it comes to your wedding-day hair or bored with all the hum-drum styles you've been seeing in all those wedding magazines, then read on Ms. Bride-to-be...you're about to view the latest super-chic, ultra-modern wedding hairstyles this great city has to offer!

Ahh, that special day that you've been dreaming about since the days playing dress-up in your bedroom as a little girl. Fantasizing about the man that will one day sweep you off your feet and live happily ever after. On this day, you will transform into the most beautiful creature the world has seen! It's a day of very thorough preparation, made months or even years in advance. Every detail is accounted for to the table centers and gift favors to the special bustier that keeps the twins in place and that baby-gut-before-the-baby, nice and tight and right.

This day that I am referring to is YOUR WEDDING DAY!

So lets see, we got the man...CHECK...the ring...CHECK...the dress...CHECK...now it's time to complete the look. Aside from the dress of your dreams, one thing that is taken into great consideration is the hairstyle that you'll be donning as you're walking down the aisle...all the way to the stroke of midnight after some intense celebrating, that almost always includes alcohol and a little dancing. So one must ponder what style suits the dress and personality of the bride and can positively withstand the grueling activities associated which such a day.

Now, what I'm about to unveil (no pun intended) are some styles I picked out that fall under the category of modern-contemporary. There are short wedding hairstyles, long wedding hairstyles and everything in between... so let's get started!

 The first style I picked is a cross between 1st grade meets 20-something. It's basically a grown-up version of what is known as a "pig-tail".  The hair is parted and pulled tightly into two sections. Both sections of hair are piecy with straight and coiled  locks.  I really like this one!  This style is for the bride who will always have the inner-child in her, yet exudes sophistication and maturity.

Next up is a style that reminds me of The Princess Bride...remember that movie?  This is a very wholesome, innocent look.  It's best worn with medium to long hair lengths.  After damp hair is diffused, pieces of hair are curled toward the ends so that to leave hair smoother at the root.  The hair is tousled and slightly teased.  A middle part and and jewel-adorned pins on each side, complete the look.


This next style is like a 21st century, Bridget Bardot.  Again, made for medium to long hair types.  Big, loose waves are secured to one side by wrapping strands of hair around the "tail".  This is simple to achieve and works best with hair that is thicker than fine and is more wavy than straight...does that makes sense?






I have really short hair so it's only fitting for me to give you at least a couple short styles.  This one's super fun...and easy!  It literally looks like the hair is blowing in the wind...love Ashley Judd, too.

Alyssa's hair is long on top and short through the sides and back.  Long strands are curled and set off the face...hmmm, I'm getting ideas.

This style is pretty....elegant...soft-spoken...flirty...nuff said.

I saved the most unique style I found, for last. OK, so sections of hair are pulled up then painted...YES, I said painted...to add dimension and match the colors of the roses. Um yeah, this is pretty cool...what more can I say?

There you have it!  I hope that this serves as an informational tool to help guide you through the process of deciding, how should I wear my hair for the wedding?

Black Friday 2010!!

Thanksgiving is upon us once again and let me tell ya how excited I am to stuff my face all day long with a bunch of carbs and calories (ahem, pumpkin pie) and of course turkey!

I got a killer sweet-potato recipe, of which, I will be bringing to my Aunt's house this Thursday..it's more like a dessert however, it is very sweet!

So after "Brown-Thursday" (that's what I call it...get it?...turkey?...brown?...LOL) we roll into, literally at 12am, this thing we now know as "Black-Friday".  This is the day when all the stores have some pretty ridiculous sales on all the stuff you want (or others want) for Christmas.  For awhile there, I didn't understand why it was called "black" Friday (cuz numbers and money$ are not a favorable subject for me).  I get that concept now and for those of you that don't, well here it goes...

...Black Friday is when all the stores that are in the "red" according to their accounting records for the year, actually have a fighting chance to get off life support and out of the red and into the black...ah, where we all want to be...I'm still trying to get there...apparently so is our country...phew, I'm thankful I don't have their debt!

I must admit however, I have NEVER experienced this crazy way of shopping in the middle of the night with a bunch of others racing through the aisles at Walmart, Best Buy, Target or whatever your [drug]store of choice is.  I haven't done so yet becuz I never have enough capital this early in the game to take advantage of such great deals.

Yep, I'm one of those that waits til the last minute, right before Christmas...that last paycheck before and running to the stores to make my purchases.  It works for me though.  Don't get me wrong, I have a plan...I do know what I am going to get and for whom and I've mapped out my paychecks til then to know what I can afford.

The two big-ticket items I need this year are the iTouch and the PlayStation 3.  Once those are purchased, I'm pretty much home-free from there!

What I would like to know is, which one of you will be out bargain-hunting this Friday and what items are on your "to-get" list?

Successful or not so-successful stories wanted...and of course any of those stories of fighting over such items is always entertaining to hear also.    =)