All posts by katebranca

Advice/How To, Entertainment

Stocking stuffers for teens 2016

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As your teenager gets older, their interests may tend to differ from yours. Shopping is harder because you don’t know what to get them, or you might have a tight budget, or you don’t know if they will like it, and maybe you aren’t sure if what you want to get them is “in.” This article is a guide to small gifts (perfect for stockings) that are popular to the current teenage generation.

Earphones/Earbuds

Earphone/earbuds are a perfect gift, with technology, electronics, and music being at a societal high. The cost varies, however, the most efficient brands seem to be Sony or Apple.

Gums and Mints

A common essential for teens in school are gums and mints. Some claim it helps them focus, others just enjoy being able to pop something flavorful in their mouth throughout the day. It is a common stocking stuffer and is inexpensive as well.

Junk Food

Teens love junk food. Chips have been around for years and have maintained their status as one of the most popular types of junk food. Along with that, candy, pop, and sugary treats like doughnuts are consumed with great pleasure.

Caribou and Starbucks Gift Cards

Sleepy, hardworking high school students love to indulge in coffee drinks, whether or not they have much coffee actually in them. Specifically, Caribou and Starbucks are the more popular chains people go to.

Gas Gift Cards

If you have a teen, they are probably driving or will be soon. This is a resourceful way to give your kid money for gas in order to secure they will use it on gas.

Elites/Socks

Socks are a good way to go. Providing warmth and style, they are convenient to receive in the winter. Elites would be a good gift for the sporty type of teen. Another popular alternative is fuzzy socks.

Chapsticks

Chapsticks are the perfect stocking stuffer. It is an essential that everyone loses before it’s gone. This is the perfect opportunity to help your teens stock up.

Lotion

A good stuffer to ensure your kid/s stay moisturized throughout the winter is lotion.

Video Games

Video games are perfect for gamers who always want the newest games released.

Ornaments

Gifting an ornament is a good gift for your teen who will soon move on to live in their own place with their own tree.

Nail Polish

An inexpensive gift for someone who loves being creative with their nails and making them their own personalized accessory is nail polish.

Phone Case

A new way to accessorize is alternating your phone case and/or having more than one. This is a good gift for both genders. A good way to find a nice variety of cases to choose from is to go to a phone accessory kiosk located in most malls.

Keychain Lanyards

More of a practical gift, keychains are a good organization tool for teens with keys for their houses, cars, etc. You even have the option of buying one or making a lanyard on your own.

Wallet

Another practical gift, to help organize money and cards, is a wallet. No more money falling out of pockets accidentally.

Compact Mirror

A compact mirror is a useful tool when on the go to check and make sure your appearance is up to par, or to re-apply any makeup you may have on. Directed traditionally towards females.

Face Wash/Creams

Teens = Hormones! Acne is highly common among teens who are growing into adults. Help them maintain hygiene by getting them something to wash their face with or additional help from acne creams, etc.

TV Show/Movie DVDs

Entertainment plays a major role in mainstream teen society. If your kid has shown interest in a tv show or any movies, buying it is a good gift idea so they can have a permanent copy to watch at their leisure.

Mini Tool Kit

A mini tool kit is a good gift for older teens who will soon have to fix things on their own when in college and later on in life. This is a good starter kit, providing the essentials to make minor repairs.

Perfume/Cologne

If you smell good, you feel good. Gifting your teen with a nice scent can help them step up their charm and give them character. Once people are older they tend to be defined by their “scent” usually provided by their perfume/cologne of choice. This gift would be the start of that.

Advice/How To

Seasonal Affective Disorder awareness

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), commonly known as seasonal depression used to be identified as a disorder primarily seen in people in their 20’s. However, it is becoming very relevant among teenagers. SAD affects around 10 million people annually, and that number is growing. It specifically targets people who live in the north or places with four seasons, like Minnesota. For those who may not know, SAD is a type of depression that changes your mood during the same time every year. It also tends to correlate with the changing of seasons.

For the majority of patients, SAD begins in the early fall and lasts through the spring. Possible reasons for this include the reduction of daylight time, snow/cold weather causing people to stay in their houses more, school, less exercise, and the holidays. Symptoms of Fall/Winter SAD include lack of energy and motivation, crying spells, oversleeping, fatigue, overeating, anxiety, depression, and weight gain.

While fall/winter is the most common time period for SAD, the spring/summer time period does affect around 10% of people with the disorder. Possible reasons for this include the length of the daytime, the lack of scheduling/routine that summer provides for people, specifically teens who are at home, the heat triggering stress or trapping you inside your house with the AC on, and body insecurities brought out through peeling off the layers worn all winter and trading them in for minimal summer clothing. Spring/summer SAD symptoms include weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decrease in appetite, anxiety, and depression.

SAD is something that goes away, but always creeps back. It is a disorder that people live with and at times have to struggle through. However, there are ways to succeed and persevere with SAD in order to live life the way you want to. Tips for people dealing with SAD vary, the key is trying out different strategies and using resources to find what is best for you. Planning ahead is an important factor to beating you SAD whether it be in the spring/summer or fall/winter time period.

You know when you will have to endure your SAD symptoms, so think about your weaknesses and previous failures, or worries, during this time in the past, and come up with ways to help lessen these challenges. Talk to someone. This could be a teacher, counselor, therapist, friend, coworker or family member. Confiding in others can provide emotional support and offer you an outside perspective on your situation.

Getting active is another tool. Exercise helps your confidence, health, and hormones that control your emotions. Another way to control the imbalance of your hormones are anti-depressants for those who aren’t opposed to the medication route.

Individually, you may explore and find stress relievers, specifically, hobbies that could help you cope with your SAD. Don’t overlook any positive strategy. Everyone is different and something that may work for someone won’t work for the next. This is a trial and error process.

If you have been diagnosed with, or may have SAD, or know someone who needs help with issues relating to depression, there are free resources provided to help you in order to take steps toward improving your life.

Highland Senior High Schoolers can talk to teachers, the nurse, their counselor, or the therapist in the clinic.

Outside of school resources include:

For Minnesota funded 24/7 confidential crisis counselors go to http://txt4life.org or text LIFE to 61222

For the 24/7 national depression/suicide prevention hotline call 1-800-273-8255

Fashion/Make-Up

Fall 2016 fashion trends

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For those who like to keep “in style,” follow the trends, or are wondering what to get next time you go shopping, this article is for you. From fabric to footwear, the fashion is always changing with a few classic styles continuing to stay relevant from year to year. The colors of the changing leaves continue to be the ideal clothing colors for fall wear, with most bright colors being retired for the year.

Specifically, Fall 2016 is all about cool fabric, alternative streetwear with a twist, and some similar styles from last year – including faux fur and layering. Below you will find examples of the hottest fashion trends currently.

The Color Tan

Tan is in! Any shade, any piece of clothing, any accessory, the subtle color ironically adds a pop of color to a neutral, sleek look.

Bomber Jackets

Bomber Jackets are short, cropped, and typically zip-up or have buttons. Stores are selling them in a variety of colors and most that are in style now have a shiny/sheer quality to tie together the smooth style.

Knit Sweaters

They are making a comeback! In a variety of colors, patterns, and lengths, knit sweaters have been all over the runway. The revived style is now being paired with almost anything but specifically skirts or denim and thigh high suede boots.

Bodysuits

Bodysuits are the one of the biggest trends of the year. They are shirts/tanks/sweaters with a snap attachment underneath the crotch to keep the shirt in place and give a clean, tucked in look without having to re-tuck and fix lines/bulges every time you stand up like most regular shirts when tucked in.

Satin

Designers this year created a different take on satin. Originally used for things such as blouses, slips and robes, the material is being used for other items of clothing, including pants, to create a unique looks.

Knee/Thigh High Boots

Knee and thigh high boots are a fall essential, providing style and warmth. This year the material of boots are expanding to things like velvet and suede in a variety of colors. They are used to tie several looks together such as denim, dressed, oversized hoodies, and more.

Chokers

Chokers are making a comeback as well. From black fabric to diamond studded, chokers have made appearances at almost every red carpet this year. The make a statement and are a girl’s new favorite accessory.

Velvet Everything

Quite possibly the biggest fashion trend of 2016 is velvet. The eye catching fabric has been used to create any and every piece of clothing at accessory. It provides anything from a goth to chic vibe depending on what color it is and can be paired with other fabrics or accessories to give a dressed up or casual look.

Advice/How To

Pros and cons of attending a Community College

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Community College is an alternate college path, with its cost and resources differing from a traditional four year university. Many juniors and seniors weigh their options carefully, with a community college path being one of them. The questions for prospective students include: What are the differences between universities and community colleges? What benefits would you receive, and what aspects of the system may not correlate with your goals? Is community college a reasonable option for you? The pros and cons below may help some decipher these questions.

Pros

Community College is a less expensive option for college, or the beginning of your college path. With tuition at private universities rising 3-5% annually, the difference between community college and universities is almost 50%. 529 money is often accepted through community colleges as well. This is not the case for public and private schools.

Many people also find community college beneficial for getting their general credits done at a lower price before transferring to a public or private university.

Community colleges are also located in populated areas, in state, providing an easy location to get to, and possibly the opportunity to stay at home through college, instead of paying for a dorm.

Another pro is the class variety in times and topics. There is a selection of general education classes as well as individual career programs where you take a mix of general courses along with courses directed towards your career path. Timing of the classes is very flexible as well, with day classes and evening classes available.

These two factors produce smaller class sizes which helps students get a deeper level of learning with easier access to help from their professors. The flexibility has also been found ideal for things like holding steady jobs, teen moms, sports, etc.

Cons

As you may know, community college is a less expensive option. While it can be used as a tool to save money and help make a steady plan for your future financially, it can also be a place for less motivated students. Some worry these individuals could be a distraction in classes.

Another concern for people is the fact that most community colleges only offer two year Associate Degrees. While credits can transfer to four year schools, not all do, and it is something that needs to be looked into prior to attending community college if you plan on going for higher degrees.

Another thing some have found difficult is the transition from community college to a university due to the increase in intensity of the workload after the first two years at community courses. Some people are willing to modify and piece together a plan with various colleges, but for others it leads to be too messy and stressful.

Lastly, for those who are looking for the “college experience” on campus with things such as activities and clubs, community college may not fit the description of that because they primarily focus/provide the education aspect of college life.

Either path you choose to take, you will be getting college degree, helping you secure more job opportunities in the future. If you know what you want to major in, research programs at community colleges and universities. Compare curriculum and costs. If you aren’t sure what you want do for your future occupation, community college may be a good way to get your general courses done while thinking about your future plans.

Advice/How To, School Life

Minnesota scholarships

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For those interested in college, a main concern is the price. However, there are many scholarships available from Minnesota schools that are directed towards juniors and seniors in high school. It is helpful to know what you need to qualify for one, and the different categories for scholarships to see if you fit into one. In this article you will find a variety of scholarships known for helping students pave their own college path.

Army ROTC Scholarship: The Army ROTC Scholarship is directed towards people planning to serve but want a degree as well. The scholarships are awarded less based on your financial status and more on your academic performance.

For more info: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html

EMPOWER Scholarship: The EMPOWER Scholarship is directed towards people going into the medical field. Students are selected for the scholarship based on their intended use of the college education, need, high school stats, and personal achievements.

For more info: http://www.allinahealth.org/Courage-Kenny-Rehabilitation-Institute/Programs-and-services/Volunteer-opportunities/EMPOWER-Scholarships/

Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship: The Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship is directed towards people planning to enroll to a private or public Minnesota university. Selections for the scholarships are made based on applicants who have excelled in multiple school subjects, demonstrating a high success rate with potential for many different career paths.

For more info: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?PageID=150

Minnesota Child Care Grant: The Minnesota Child Care Grant was made to help people, with kid/s ages 12+, financially in order for them to proceed with college while continuing to support their household. To qualify your income must qualify and you must also be a Minnesota resident.

For more info: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=140

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program: The Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program is meant to provide financial aid to people who are ¼ or more Native American. You must also be a Minnesota resident. The scholarship amount ranges $4,000-$6,000 per year based on need and education status.

For more info: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=149

Minnesota State Grant Program: The Minnesota State Grant Program is directed towards low and moderate income families with financial aid. There is no application fee for this specific grant. If awarded with this grant, it is eligible at both universities and community colleges, however it must be in the state of Minnesota.

For more info: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=138

PFund scholarship: The PFund Scholarship is directed towards members of the LGBTQ community. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000. To be elligible you must live in Minnesota and attend a Minnesota college.

For more info: https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/pfund-scholarship-program-111_157203.aspx#/sweeps-modal

Movies/TV/Theaters

Cool camps for teens during summer 2016

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iD Tech Camp

Held at Macalester college, this camp is perfect for computer and technology lovers. The program consists of a 2 week camp, with opportunities available for ages 7-17.

For more info:

https://www.idtech.com/locations/minnesota-summer-camps/st-paul/id-tech-macalester-college/

Alliance Francaise Camp

Held in Minneapolis, this camp is open to beginning or experienced French speakers to learn and grow with the language during this 5 day camp. It also provides opportunities for immersion in the future. Open to kids ages 3-18.

For more info:

http://afmsp.org/

Animal Humane Society’s Unleashed Camp

This is for the animal lovers! Grades 3-10 have the opportunity to work and learn about animals and the responsibilities that come along with taking care of them. The camp is for 5 days and costs $300.

For more info:

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/education/unleashed-summer-camp

First Step Summer Institute

This is a free camp open for young women of color ages 16-18 held at St. Catherine University. This camp is 4 days and focuses on providing the women a college immersion experience for knowledge and a little background on a potential future at a university.

For more info:

https://www.stkate.edu/pdfs/mips-first-step-application-form.pdf

Gustavus Adolphus Athletics Camps

These camps last 4-7 days and have an option for full day or a residential stay for kids in grades 5-12. The focus of these camps is in the name itself, athletics. There are a variety of sport options including ones like swimming, golf, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball and many more. The camp is held in St. Peter, MN.

For more info:

https://gustavus.edu/camps/

Guthrie Theater Acting and Theater Camps

Held at the Guthrie theater, the acting and theater camps focus on bringing out the imagination and expression of kids in grades 3-12. Camps last 5 days with half and full day options and prices range from $250-$495.

For more info:

http://www.guthrietheater.org/education/camps/summer_camps

Advice/How To, Entertainment

The best parks with walking paths in Minnesota

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Now that the weather is getting nicer, many of us who enjoy walks and want to get more exercise are looking for places to go for walking. There are many walking paths in the Twin Cities. Minnehaha Regional Park, Swede Hollow Park near Dayton’s Bluff, Fort Snelling State Park, and Harriet Island Regional Park, are some of the walking paths that aren’t too far from the Highland Park area. All these parks have history behind them, and today they are used for site seeing, and are calm recreational places for us all to enjoy.

Minnehaha Regional Park is right across the Ford Parkway bridge. It’s known for it’s big waterfall. Minnehaha Regional Park has walking paths along the Minnehaha Creek, it allows you to follow it as it makes it’s way to the Mississippi River. The path is a beautiful, calm environment. Walking along the water can make your walk more exciting. It’s very family-friendly, and pet-friendly, and wildlife is all around. Biking is also available at Minnehaha Park; you can rent bikes for you and your friends and family and biking is a great way to get exercise.

Swede Hollow Park is near Dayton’s Bluff on the East Side of St. Paul. It is near the Mississippi River and Downtown St. Paul. This Nature Park has great views of the city, and the change of noises you hear in the park is remarkable; with all the traffic around the park you wouldn’t expect it to be a very quiet and secluded recreational spot. Swede Hollow has bike paths and walking paths all throughout the park. At the northern part of the park, there is a assemblage of stones arranged in circles that are very cool to see.

Fort Snelling State Park was built in the 1800s and is located by the Mississippi River in Hennepin county. It is a great place to go for a day outside and for a glimpse into the life of our past, involving civil rights and the lifestyle that came with it. Some of the State Park’s attributes include multiple hiking trails along the river, a beach for swimming in the summer, tours, and scenes/displays of how it was like to live daily at this military base in the 1820’s. These scenes/displays include the jobs and standards of men in the military, nurses, families, blacksmiths, and slaves. Fort Snelling offers many different opportunities depending on what you are looking for, and it is great for people of all ages.

photo taken from Saint Paul, Minnesota: The most livable city in America

Harriet Island Regional Park is located along the Mississippi and is near downtown Saint Paul, with a bridge as the connection. Harriet Island is one of the most popular parks in the Twin Cities with its beautiful views and spacious grounds. The park offers great scenery and picnic areas, perfect for a day out. These grounds are known to be great for hosting events such as weddings, festivals, etc. Playgrounds, tents, and many hiking and biking trails are available to the public as well.

Advice/How To

Curling irons: How to achieve the curl you want

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The Curling Iron

This has been used as the primary heated tool to create fake luscious curls since the 1800’s. Many people have these but don’t know the different techniques that can be used to achieve the kind of curl you desire.

Size

The smaller the iron, the tighter the curl.

Styles based on size:

2” barrel
Relaxed Waves (Best for medium/long hair)

This is a nice look for a casual everyday on the go vibe.

1.75” Barrel
Loose Waves (Best for medium/long hair)

Perfect for everyday wear or even casual dress wear

1.5” Barrel
Voluminous Curls (Best for Medium/Long Hair)

This is a loose curl but produces a lot of volume especially if you have longer and thicker hair. This is a good hairstyle when trying to spice up your look.

1.25” Barrel
Medium Loose Curls (Best for Medium/Long hair)

This is more of an elaborate curl. It can be more time consuming than some of the other styles but is worth it for special events or when you want to enhance your look.

1” Barrel
Full Curls (Good for short to long hair)

This is a sleek put together look that gives you a sophisticated or a sweetheart exterior depending on what outfit you match it with.

¾’’ Barrel
Vintage curls

This look in a voluminous alternative for people with bobs or shorter hair. However, if you have longer hair than shown in the picture it will give you ringlet curls that give you an extra bubbly, youthful look.

⅜’’ Barrel
Tight, spiral curls (best for short/medium hair)

This is the tightest kind of curl. It will work on all lengths but lasts the longest on people with thinner and shorter hair because the hair will hold it the best.

Advice/How To, Entertainment

March horoscopes for Zodiac signs

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Capricorn (12/22 – 01/19)

March is the month of health for you. Focus on your physical and mental health. Make a beneficial change in your routine. Go to the gym or incorporate healthier alternatives in your diet. Better yourself, and accept love. This is a good month for romance, with feelings blooming around the full moon on the 23rd. Open your heart while making sure that these new beginnings are healthy for you.

Aquarius (01/20 – 02/18)

March is the month to recognize your power. Realize the role you play in situations and the effect you have on others. Take responsibility for your part in conflicts this March and try to make peace in a stressful situation that may arise.

Pisces (02/19 – 03/20)

March is the month to find balance. Instability may become a problem this month for you, do your best to find a way to cope and steady these outside stressors. Focus on your goals and find a balance in order to accomplish them.

Aries (03/21 – 04/20)

March is your month for self-control. Urges and impulsive behavior will be your biggest self conflict. Focus on the positives and remember that feelings and emotions aren’t always reasonable. Remember to use your logic and common sense. Keep level headed and you could do big things this month.

Taurus (04/21 – 5/20)

March is the month to focus on your career and goals. Work for what you want in life and earn what you receive. However, make sure while doing this you don’t isolate yourself and get consumed within your craft. In your spare time, spend quality times with understanding friends. People who accept your newly busy lifestyle are the ones to keep around during this time.

Gemini (05/21 – 06/21)

March is the month of new beginnings. Take risks and try new things. Find new hobbies, interests in career paths, and social atmospheres. Go new places and reach new levels in your life. If you have a dream this is your time to chase it. Run on your ambition this month.

Cancer (06/22 – 07/22)

March is the time to find your inner peace. Complications will overwhelm you. The little things may begin to add up and you will feel as if all the weight is on your shoulders. You may need to find a source of relaxation. Try things like working out, meditation, a musical instrument, a painting class. Find your outlet. This is a time of acceptance for what things truly are.

Leo (07/23 – 08/22)

March is the month of insight. Listen to yourself and process your observations on a deeper level. This will help you when having to read the people around you and making judgements on their intentions. Protect yourself but make sure not to come to conclusions too fast. Insight is not factual.

Virgo (08/23 – 09/22)

March is the month of good vibrations. Within yourself and those around you. Release a good aura and it will influence those around you to as well. There will be some complicated situations that may arise near the end of the month. If you don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed, these issues will soon resolve themselves.

Libra (09/23 – 10/22)

March is the month of expression. Share your thoughts and feelings, show your true personality, be bold with your moves, and make positive statements. You have a voice and this is your time to use it. You may find that people in your life have more of an interest in your opinions than you once thought.

Scorpio (10/23 – 11/21)

March is the month to follow your dreams. Whatever you set out in life to do should be pursued. You have the determination and drive. Make your dreams a reality. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Just be sure that it is a healthy decision and will benefit your life. Avoid making reckless moves that will throw you off track.

Sagittarius (11/22 – 12/21)

March is the month to embrace things. You can’t control everything around you and some things won’t change no matter what you try. Acceptance is key for a content life with moments of happiness. It is okay to be proactive, but sometimes you just need to go with the flow and see where it takes you.

Advice/How To, Entertainment

Things to do if you’re single on Valentine’s Day

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Valentines Day is known as the day you spend with the person you love. However, if you don’t have that special someone, here are some ideas to show and express your love for yourself or friends/family in your life.

Hit the clubs

Go out and party with some friends and give yourself the opportunity to even other singles doing the same as yourself.

Go out to dinner

Spend the evening with someone in a different position in your life that you love, like a family member or some close friends.

Binge watch chick-flick movies on Netflix

Get a bucket of ice cream or a comfort food of your own and watch a bunch of sappy romance movies.

Ask someone on a casual date

If you don’t feel like being lonely on this special day, ask someone that you have interest in on a friendly first date. Who knows, there might be potential.

Treat yourself

Splurge on something that you’ve wanted for a while. Maybe go to a spa, get your nails done, or take a nice warm bath along with a bath bomb. Do what makes you feel good.

Have a singles party

Throw a little get together with other single friends and ask them to bring a snack. Be sure to have a combination of activities, like movies or interactive games.

Get out of town

Go on a spontaneous, quick, getaway trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit.

Share the love

Send a cute sentimental gift, big or little, it doesn’t matter. Perfect for friend or family member that you have love for.

Appreciate the single life

Recognize the benefits of being single and independent at this time in your life.

Volunteer

Nothing spreads love more than some volunteer work for those in need. Giving back in your community is important.