SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this class this semester. I feel that although Mrs. Chism is an online teacher, and I've never gotten the pleasure to talk to her person to person, I think she is better teacher than some of mine that I have in person, which is a huge accomplishment in my opinion. I was very scared to take an online class, seeing as this is my first, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up. Mrs. Chism has taught me so much, and I feel that I have improved throughout the duration of the course. She made it very understandable, and made it very organized and easy to keep up. I enjoyed writing our own experiences with our own topics. It made it much more pleasurable to be able to pick our own topics. Even with the blogs, I enjoyed writing them because they were my interests. I do wish that I could keep up with my blogs more, and not completely dread them. Writing "The Week in the Life of Me," was easy, and I liked writing it, but when it came to writing an article about news, I was stuck. I do not keep up with news very well, or things that are happening today, so I had to reach out and find something. Then I realized, there is news out there that interests me. I just had to find it. Once, I began writing about news that interested young girls such as myself, I could spit them out fast. I just had to get past that boring first blog post, and move on. I feel that the blog posts were just right for the length, and I loved being able to link information that pertained to the article, even videos. I feel that the blog posts made a slight difference in my writing skills, and made a huge difference in the way I viewed the world. I feel that my writing skills have always been acceptable, so I feel this was just practicing them the correct way. I do think that by having to look up credible sources for a topic to write my blog about, I learned much about different topics that were occurring in society. I think that I will continue to blog if I do have the time. I may not blog twice a week because sometimes, interesting things don't happen, but I do enjoy having followers and writing about things I love. I think this semester went amazing, and I am so glad that I decided to take this class online with Mrs. Chism. I can't believe the semester is almost up. It makes me so excited knowing that I only have ONE year left until graduation, but for now, I will just await my trip to Florida:)

“What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course."

     This semester, I have recently been hooked on the show, "Smash." It is a show about the musical/Broadway industry. The show has been mainly about Marilyn Monroe, because that is the current Broadway show they are producing. I am not sure if they show will move on with different musicals, but because the show has alot about Ms. Monroe, it sparked my interest. See more about "Smash," here. I am obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn. Something about their time era, and their sparkling classy dresses just really makes me wish I was a movie star then. I've learned much about Marilyn, and it got me wanting to watch her old movies, and learn more about her personality, and what kind of life she had growing up. Actress Marilyn Monroe was born as Ms. Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. Marilyn overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the world's biggest and most enduring sex symbols. At only 36 years old, Marilyn died of a drug overdose on August 5th, 1962. Marilyn never knew her father, and her mother Gladys, developed psychiatric problems and was eventually placed in a mental institution. While Marilyn was growing up, she spent a lot of time in foster care and in orphanages. In 1973, a family friend and her husband, Grace and Doc Goddard, took care of her for a few years. When Doc's job forced them to transfer to the East Coast, they could not afford to take Marilyn with them. Marilyn was facing more life in foster care. The only way out was to be married. She married her boyfriend Jimmy Dougherty on June 19, 1942. Dougherty was sent to South Pacific to be a merchant marine, so that left Monroe working at a munitions factory in Burbank. She eventually was discovered by a photographer, and by the time her husband returned, Marilyn had a successful career as a model. Their marriage declined as Marilyn began to focus on her career. They divorced in 1946; the same year she signed her first movie contract. Since Marilyn was becoming an upcoming star, she needed a fancier name and image. She began calling herself Marilyn Monroe, and dyed her hair blond. In her personal life, she has a long line of unsuccessful marriages and relationships. Her marriage to baseball player Joe DiMaggio in 1954 only lasted 9 months.  Soon after, she was wed to a playwright, Arthur Miller from 1956-1961. The television show "Smash," focused on Marilyn's life while she was married to Joe Dimaggio. There were also rumors that she was involved with President John F. Kennedy and his brother around the time of her death. See a video of her singing to "Mr. President," here. At only 36 years of age, Marilyn Monroe died on August 5th, 1962, at her Los Angeles home. An empty bottle of sleeping pills were found by her bed. There has been speculation that she may have been murdered, but it was officially ruled as a drug overdose. Marilyn was a beautiful woman, and is known for being a real woman at size 16 some say. There is controversy with Marilyn's real size, because some say she was British size 16, while some say she was a 12.Don't get me wrong, Marilyn's waist was teeny tiny, I think she gets her reputation from her bust, and hips. Either way, Marilyn gives myself and other curvy women hope, because she looked absolutely gorgeous with her hour glass shape. See more on Marilyn's size here. I've also posted a couple more links to videos for you to watch if you are as excited about this post as I am. I hope you enjoy! They're very neat to watch!

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend (My favorite song!)
Memoir of Marilyn Monroe
Interview of Marilyn

 

A Week in the Life of Me.

     This week has flown by. I can only hope for the next week and the next week to do the same, so that I will soon be in SWEET, SWEET Florida. I can smell the salty water, and white sandy beach, it is getting so close. I wish we could stay an entire month. My family and I are concerned because we are going to a new location this year for vacation: Siesta Key, FL. Siesta Key was rated the #1 beach in the annual Top 10 Beach List in America produced by coastal expert, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Dr. Beach. Siesta Beach in Sarasota claims that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world. The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and sparkling. They have a beach park that is complete with showers and bathrooms, snack bars, grills, picnic tables, shade trees, and a large parking area. Siesta Beach is also a smokeless beach. I am so excited. The reason why we are so worried is because we have never been to this side of Florida, and we are nervous about the ocean life. I am going to be researching if sharks are worse where we are going, and how the jellyfish count is. Needless to say, I am still stinking happy that it is only two weeks away. I am mostly excited that I will be out of school, and going to Florida is the cherry on top. Last weekend was my pinning ceremony, and cupcake event, and it turned out lovely. It was so much fun and refreshing, knowing that it is near the end! After going to my pinning ceremony, my boyfriend and I went fishing, and we forgot to wear bug spray. Now, I am covered in mosquito bites. They are the itchiest things, and I can't help but scratch them! Hopefully they go away before bikini time. Yesterday, we surprisingly didn't have class all day! This is the first time ever that class was just canceled "just because." So, I took the day with my mom and sister to finish up my Florida wardrobe. I bought three pairs of Nike shorts, two Nike tshirts, like 6 tank tops, and a pair of jean shorts! I think I am finished with shopping. :S I have spent too much money. All I really need is a swim suit, now, and it has been stressful looking for one. This weekend I am celebrating my bride's bachelorette party at a winery! I am going to drink my stresses away the classy way:) Wish me luck, and I'll tell you all about it next week! Stay Tuned:)

Raspberry Ketones: Fat Burner?

According to Dr. Oz, Raspberry Ketones could be the secret to burning fat! I saw this on pinterest, and just had to do some research. Once I did, I became engaged in figuring out if this really works! I found reviews of people who are taking them, and they claim that they have lost at least two pounds a week! See this video here. Raspberry ketones are a compound present in red raspberries and is on the USDA's list of ingredients that are generally recognized as safe. As Dr. Oz stated, it would take 90 pounds of fresh berries to get the equal amount of a ketone one dose supplement. I will start the with the good reasearch first. Raspberry ketones work by regulating the body's unleash of norepinephrine, that causes a rise in body metabolism that leads to weight loss. Though, any supplements aren't a replacement for healthy diet and excercise, when used together, the raspberry ketones can be found useful in losing weight. Raspberry supplements are high in antioxidants that are sensible for health. The only downside is that there has only been tests on mice, so many people feel that it is not enough.  Other microbiologist disagree with the raspberry ketone "miracle drug." See this debate here. Despite the debate, I feel that if Dr. Oz agrees with the natural supplement, then why shouldn't I? So, I jumped on the Raspberry Ketone diet and bought them the other night with my mom. We bought a 2 pack of raspberry ketone, and it came in today!! I will start the supplement tomorrow and I am so excited! See what I bought here.   I will keep everyone updated with the results!!!

A Week in the Life of Me.

This week has flown by pretty darn fast. Last Friday, I celebrated my dad's birthday. He decided he wanted to have a casual night with his family and go to pizza hut. It was yummy, seeing as I really have not eaten bad in a while. We got him a Galaxy Note phone, which is so big and cool! I think I want one now. I am just not sure that I can ever give up my iPhone. I also got him a grill light for cool summer nights when we want to grill steaks, and drink Coronaritas. On Saturday, I went to the Azalea Festival near my home. I go every year, and I absolutely love the area. The house are old fashioned, and decorated beautifully with flowers this time of year. The festival is held outside, and it has tons of craft booths, that are fun to look at. The best part of any festival though, is the food. Yes, I know I've been ranting about my diet, and getting skinny, but I can't pass up fair food. No one can. And I am never off on Saturday's to do fun things, so don't judge me. I know this past weekend was horrible. :) After going to the parade and eating everything in site, we went back home to rest and get ready to go back that night for the candlelight walk. My boyfriend and I decided to take the jeep since it was warming up, and we brought some chairs so we could watch his family sing gospel on a front porch of one of the really pretty houses. After watching them sing for a little while, we decided to take a little walk down the candlelit paths. It was so nice, and romantic. We then decided to go back home, and watch a movie. It was a great night. On Sunday, I worked and got ready for the week of school! The work week has pretty much consisted of studying for my perio test, going to baseball games, and dieting. Oh, and running. I need to run. I hate running. My sister started this new thing with Austin, my nephew where they run every day. She started with having him run half a mile, so I decided I would run with them too! My sister left me and Austin in the dust. Austin and I suck. I have asthma so I have always had problems breathing while doing any exercise activity. That's why I never run, but if I am determined to lose some of my hips and get in shape, I am going to have to start. I was out of breath, the other day, so it only has to get better. I am going to start running every, whatever I can, it has to help. On another note, my pinning ceremony is this weekend, so tonight, myself and Lindsey Mercer(another blogger), and Char are going to decorate the centerpieces for the tables. I am excited!!! And tomorrow, I am going to be making 50 cupcakes, that I have talked about in previous posts. Only THREE more weeks of school, folk. GET EXCITED. It is almost over. AND THREE WEEKS UNTIL I'M BASKING IN THE FLORIDA SUN!!!! Ahhhh. Three weeks and counting. Stay Tuned:)

Looking Great in a Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.

As I have shared in my past posts, I have been on a great diet for a few weeks now, and I really love it. I prepared the diet last summer as well, and lost ten pounds, and was feeling extra energized. What I love most about the diet is that is realistic in preparing, and time management. It is also realistic tasting foods. The meals are very easy to prepare, and filling. Each day is planned for you in one week, and each day is 1200 calories. I found the diet last summer online off of the Good Housekeeping website. Some day meal plans include; oatmeal with blueberries, and yogurt for breakfast, turkey pita with veggies and honey mustard dressing, with cottage cheese, and fruit(I usually do pineapple or peaches). It is very good! Then, for dinner, you could have grilled chicken with asparagus and a sweet potato. This diet promotes energy from the diet, and allows less stress on your digestive system. This diet is a great tool to losing weight, as long as you are also making sure you are taking a multivitamin and drinking plenty of water each day. See this diet plan here. I have a gym membership 30 minutes away at a great gym, but I don't always have time to drive up there, stay for a couple of hours, and then drive home. I usually have too much homework to do, or I get out class to late to drive to Cape. So, in an adamant search of finding a good workout DVD to try on the days that I couldn't make it, I ran across Jillian Micheals' 30 day Shred. There were at least 3,000 reviews and the rating was still 4-5. So, I knew I needed to spend the time to read the reviews to see if it were worth it. People praised the DVD, saying how much sculpting it did to their body only in 30 minutes a day, and how they feel so much better only even after a week. I knew it sounded too good to be true, but for 7 bucks, why not give it a shot? I ordered the DVD. The DVD came with three levels of hardness. I started on level one, and even had a hard time getting through every single circuit. Although the cardio is only jumping jacks, it sure does kick your butt. I can feel a difference in my legs, and my problem zone, love handles. I haven't been doing the workout DVD long, but I feel that I should be able to handle 30 minutes a day, so I try to push myself. I am trying so hard to at least improve before wearing a bikini in Florida in one month, so hopefully this works! See this DVD here. I noticed that since starting this diet and workout plan, even when I am not strictly on the diet, I still find myself making better choices of whole wheat English muffins or sandwich things, with turkey(not ham), and a variety of veggies. My breakfast would also usually consist of a fiber bar, and a banana. So, if you aren't looking to follow the diet strictly, that's okay. The diet will still guide you and teach you to make the right choices for eating healthier, and steering your overall intake in the right direction. Planning your meals ahead of time, creates healthier meals, and gives you time to think about the nutrient density in your food. There are many benefits of planning your meals, including saving money, and being stress free, when time comes around to pack lunches. See the benefits of meal planning here.   This link is a free site that can help you and your family plan a healthier and timely meal.

A Week in the Life of Me.

This week has been the slowest week EVER. We had a test at the beginning of the week, and all at once millions of things got piled on us, and everything was due today. Thankfully, and surprisingly I finished every single last bit of it! I did get nominated for the Outstanding First Year Award, which I am so happy about! I may or may not receive the actual award, but I am proud of myself for being part of the four that were nominated! I have been busy planning my pinning ceremony and we have the centerpieces in the process of making, and I think it will be very pretty! Another dental hygiene girl and I are making 100 cupcakes for the event, and we are hoping to make them very yummy, and gourmet. She is going to be making double chocolate cupcakes with snickers crumbles on top, and red velvet cupcakes with chopped nuts! I am going to be making white cupcakes with a fluffy butter cream frosting and hot pink sugar crystals. I made those for my friend's birthday a couple weeks back and they were absolutely delicious. They were very light, and melted in your mouth. I am also going to be making a strawberry cupcake with home made strawberry icing, with pureed strawberries in the icing. I can't wait to try one! I hope everyone likes them as much as I think I will. This weekend is the Azalea Festival, so Saturday I am going to go to my nephew's baseball game, and then we are all going to go to the festival. It is so fun! It has a craft fair that is very nice to look at, as well as great carnival food. Sunday, I work again, and am ready because I need to rack up on money, since this Summer I am not able to receive financial aid. I really think it is dumb that you have to have a limit on your loans. It is not like I have free money coming my way, just loans to get through school. It is not an option for me not to go to school in the summer because if I don't take the summer classes, then I drop out of the dental hygiene program which is not an option for me. I've put too much time into this already to give up because of financial problems. My mom is not very happy with MSSU right now. It is hard to get a hold of anyone, and sometimes they don't even get back with you. I feel like this school is very hard to receive financial aid for, compared to SEMO. It is really frustrating because how do they expect students to get through school. Thank goodness I have a small nest egg and great family to help me through the summer. Once Again, I've been counting down the days until my vacation. 29 days and counting... Stay Tuned:)