I realize that coming back from Winter Break is really making people want the school year to just end or Spring Break to begin. From going from sleeping in for a week and half straight right back to waking up early, staying in school for six and a half hours, and then having homework to do after school can be a huge switch in a small amount of time, but we should be used to it right? We’ve been doing it for how many years? It still doesn’t make it easier. Sometimes, it seems to make it harder – especially for seniors.

Seniors, this is our last year- and our last semester coming up. This is it, and we’re done. Some of us are off to college, some of us have jobs lined up for us, and some are moving away. We all have a plan for something, and I hope none of you plan on being here another year – or even having to go to summer school after the rest of us are graduating. We’ve waited 12-13 years for graduation day, and this last year can be the most stressful with figuring out college, working part time, and getting all your last credits together.

I have seen a lot of people slacking – not coming to school, falling back on homework, and using “senior slide” as an excuse, but honestly most of you guys probably “senior slid” for the past four years. This is the year that counts. Colleges will be looking at your current grades, and your current attendance. Do well because on graduation day when YOU are walking across that stage, sitting next to your friends, laughing, thinking about how you’re going to miss everyone, YOU’LL be able to say “I finally made it.”

So, come to school, do your homework, give it all you’ve got; this is your last year. Don’t waste away the past 12 years because you’re lazy this last one. Also, come see your friends. You’re never going to be surrounded by these specific people everyday again.

I have a friend that didn’t do too well in school; she had many problems with school – with the people, with her anxiety, and with the homework. She dreaded coming to school, and she swore up and down that once she left she was never going to look back. She graduated and is now in college and I hear her over and over again saying “I wish I could go back, it was so easy.”

You guys might believe life after high school is going to be easy but that’s when it all really starts. You’re eventually going to have to start paying rent, you’ll probably be working and in school, and you’ll have so many more responsibilities than you do now. So, take this one responsibility that you have and make the most out of it, because you will regret it if you don’t.

Sometimes gift giving to foodies can be difficult, but with this gift guide you and a family member can team up and give the best gifts of the holiday season.

Many coffee lovers know how tiring the same old flavors of boring plain coffee can get, and how it’s hard to replicate a drink from their favorite coffee shop. The Keurig system takes little pods and turns them into hot fresh cups of coffee. There are many different companies who have teamed up with Keurig, such as Starbucks, to bring to you the flavor of their coffee to your own home. The machine itself can run a little pricey but it is worth it when you don’t feel like going out for a cup of coffee. http://www.keurig.com/Brewers/Home/Keurig®-2-0-K550-Brewing-System/p/keurig-2-0-k550-brewing-system

Juicing your food is something that has recently become very popular. Most juicers don’t do your fruits and vegetables justice. The Nutri Bullet RX actually keeps all of the precious fibers that make the fruits and veggies healthy. This makes your juice just as healthy as eating your food in a solid form. Juicers can be very expensive though, for instance if you want the Nutri Bullet RX, but the cheaper the make, the less expensive. https://www.nutribulletrx.com

Going out and buying soda for a party can be pretty pricey at the checkout. The Sodastream uses water and flavor pods and creates soda that tastes exactly like the name brand. Water is something that almost everyone has and it is an ample resource. The flavor pods are costly but it is a convenient way to always have soda on hand. https://www.sodastreamusa.com/play-starter-kit-p591.aspx

Sandwiches are the classic snack whenever you really need a quick bite to eat. Paninis are something that you used to only be able to get at specialty restaurants, but with a panini press you can finally make them yourself! These can run pretty pricy if you want one that tells you when your sandwich is done, but the cheaper models will also get the job done. http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-GR-1-Griddler-Panini-Sandwich/dp/B000CPZXGO

Using a full size blender can be a hassle when you have little counter space, especially when you’re trying to make lots of sweets for special occasions. This is why a simple hand blender will make any baking job much easier. http://www.qvc.com/KitchenAid-Two-Speed-Hand-Blender.product.K301210.html?sc=K301210-Targeted&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-3-_-K301210&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/k/10/k301210.001?$uslarge$

I’m Maria and I’m here to answer your beloved questions.

Questions that you feel you need advice on whether it’s love, school, friends, or any sort of question that you feel you many need advice from someone with experience.

I’m  here to answer any concerns or anything you maybe need advice on.

I’m very interested in helping you out with the burning questions that you feel are either too embarrassing to ask or some advice on things you have no experience in.

When I answer your questions or give you advice, I will not disclose that it was from you, so you can be sure you identity will be secure.

I want to help all of you have a easier time with things so that’s why I am here to help.

To get advice, you can leave a comment below, send one through our twitter feed #askmaria, or send an email to: hpshplaidline@gmail.com ATTN#askmaria

I have heard several people discuss getting a new pet recently. I own 3 ferrets and whenever that topic comes up I hear people say “I want to own a ferret one day.” Ferrets are a great animal to own, as long as you can provide everything you need for them.

Ferrets can get a little tricky. They can be messy, stinky, curious, expensive, and sometimes even mean. I have found that the female ferrets seem to be a little more vicious than the males, but by all means do not have these animals around children, even if it seems like the sweetest animal you have ever met. They do have teeth and claws. The children and the animals do not know better. There have been several incidents where parents have had their infants around ferrets and it never, NEVER ends well for the child.

Ferrets will cost you a decent amount of money. You’re going to need to pay for a decently sized cage, preferably multiple litter boxes, litter, ferret food, treats, toys, water dishes, and bedding. Ferrets also require vet visits. It is necessary to get them their rabies and distemper shot, after the first year they will need at least one visit a year. Also, keep in mind, ferrets can catch sickness such as the flu when you are sick, so be careful when holding them when you don’t feel your best.

A ferret’s diet is very simple. They are carnivores, so their diet consists of meat. High in protein, high in energy and low in fiber. Marshall’s Ferrets is a large company that Petco gets their ferrets and other products through. It is a ferret mill that hasn’t had the best reviews on how they treat their ferrets when they are in their fosilities, and also in the products that they sell. Many people purchase a ferret and think ferret food would be the best option for them. I know that’s what I thought, but this is why you should do a lot of research before purchasing an animal. Cats and ferrets have similar nutritional needs. Most high quality kitten foods are better for ferrets than some common ferret foods. A great substitute would be WELLNESS core kitten food. Why wouldn’t you want to feed your ferrets Marshall ferret food? Well, like I said, ferrets are CARNIVORES, strict carnivores and Marshall’s food has a lot of harmful ingredients for these picky creatures. One ingredients in this product is corn, do NOT feed your ferrets vegtebles or fruits. A ferret can live off of Marshall’s ferret food but will not have the longest or healthiest life span (they should live about eight years), they will also be more prone to illnesses.

Buy ferrets in bunches, and learn about the place you’re purchasing them from. Many people purchase ferrets from Petco and do not know that those ferrets come from a ferret mill, and that could also be a result in aggression or health issues. Ferrets consist of a lot, a lot, a lot of attention and I cannot stress this enough.

Do not purchase a ferret without a large time span of researching and thinking about this purchase. A ferret will sleep when they are not being held/played with, just because they are sleeping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wake them up and play with them. Wake them up! Play with them! At ANY time, they love it. Not having a cage for your ferret and letting them out all day to play is the most ideal thing to do for them, but it is not always the safest, such as in cases where houses may have holes that lead to basements or outside, places that have a lot of cords out, or multiple things you do not want your ferret to get into. Having your ferret out of the cage for four hours a day is the minimum you should be playing with them (especially without a second ferret).

I do not recommend having a ferret if you do not purchase two. They love cuddling, wrestling, and playing with each other. There will be days where you do not have much time to spend with your ferret and those are the days you’re going to be glad you purchased a second because you don’t want a depressed animal, and if you’re okay with your animal not being at its happiest then you should not own one. Some people even say you should purchase three in case one dies and the one left can become HIGHLY depressed in that case. Although, do not purchase too many because vet bills can become intense and when you are not providing them with good health you might as well not have bought one in the first place.

Please, do not go out and purchase a ferret just because you think they’re cute one day – if that’s the case, then you’ll probably be trying to return them in the next two weeks or so.

Just keep in mind that I only went over a few basic key points to purchasing and owning a ferret. Going to Petco to learn all of your information isn’t always the best idea, so use your computer and do your own research. I’ve owned my ferrets for over a year and a half and I’m still learning.

These are amazing animals to own, and you will have a lot of fun with them, without a dull moment, but make sure you remember that this is a long term commitment as they can live eight years if taken care of properly.

Good luck!

6 easy steps
To draw a bear you need
-Paper
-Pencil

1. Sketch the face
2. Draw the ears and the nose
3. Sketch the body
4. Fix the face of the bear
5. Draw the front and back legs
6. Shape the body of the bear the you want it to be

The Do’s and Dont’s of driving

When you first go to take your driving test it is important to remember where your lights are and where you emergency brake is. They will ask you to turn on and off your lights and and left and right turn signal. They will also ask where your windshield wipers are and your defroster is.

Now the Dont’s

1. Don’t hit a pedestrian
2. Don’t roll through the stops
3. Don’t turn into the wrong lane/incoming traffic  
4. Don’t forget to check your mirrors
5. Don’t go too fast or too slow

Now for the Do’s of taking your test!

1. Do be a confident driver
2. Do remember not to hit polls
3. Do remember  your left and right
4. Do remember to be prepared with you driving information at the window
5. Do ask questions at the end if you’re confused about anything

These are the Do’s and Don’ts of taking your test. It is important to remember the do’s and also the don’ts. If you fallow the do’s and you remember not to the don’ts then you are sure to pass you test on the first try!

Thinking about getting a new piercing soon? Holy Mackerel is the place to go. They have had the best feedback with barely any complaints other than to be pricey!

Verno, a piercer, is very understanding and clear about the piercing and after care instructions. Although this shop can get a bit pricey, compared to other shops, you always want your piercing to turn out looking great. It’s all worth it in the end. I have had great experience getting my navel and industrial pierced there.

Other great local shops would be Saint Sabrina’s, and Steady tattoo and piercings.

Also, whatever you do, I highly suggest you to not go to Almost Famous, located at the Mall of America. There are not too many good reviews from people that have had experience getting pierced here.

Samantha St. Clair, a former student here at Highland Park Senior High, has gotten her navel pierced at Almost Famous: they misplaced it and didn’t give her very direct cleaning instructions, and the piercing got infected within the first month and had to be taken out.

She later on went to Holy Mackerel to get it re-pierced once it healed. It turned out well, but there is still some scar tissue around the piercing where it got infected the first time.

So, be patient if needed, be safe, clean, and good luck! Also, remember you have to have a parent or guardian with you while getting pierced if you are under the age of 18.

                                                       Decorations for Halloween.

Here are some great ideas to make your Halloween pumpkin different from everyone else’s this holiday. These fun and creative decoration ideas for your pumpkin will make yours stand out from all your friend this Halloween!

#1 Glitter Pumpkin

Things you’ll need  

1. Pumpkin
2. Glitter of choice
3. Spray adhesive
4. Paint brush
5. Newspapers
6. Spoon

Instructions for glitter pumpkin

1. Lay out newspaper onto flat surface. (Table, floor, cement)
2. Spray the top half of your pumpkin with spray adhesive, if you don’t want the stem of the pumpkin to be covered in glitter do not spray with adhesive.
3. With your spoon, sprinkle glitter over the adhesive you previously sprayed onto your pumpkin.
4. Remove unwanted glitter by carefully shaking pumpkin over newspaper.
5. Let your pumpkin sit for at least 5 minutes.
6. Spray the bottom of your pumpkin with adhesive.
7. With spoon, sprinkle glitter over the adhesive you previously sprayed on your pumpkin.
8. Let your pumpkin sit for at least 5 minutes.

#2 Glow in the Dark Pumpkin

Things you’ll need

1. Pumpkin
2. Glow in the dark paint of your choice
3. Paintbrush
4. Newspaper
5. Paper plate

Instructions for  glow in the dark Pumpkin

1. Lay newspaper down onto flat surface. (Table, floor, cement)
2. Squeeze glow in the dark paint onto paper plate.
3. With your paintbrush, design your pumpkins how ever you choose.
4. Let the paint on your pumpkin dry.

#3 Starry Night Pumpkin

Things you’ll need

1. Pumpkin
2. Dark blue or black paint
3. Silver paint
4. Gold star stickers
5. Newspaper

Instructions for starry night pumpkin

1. Lay newspaper down onto flat surface. (Table,floor,cement)

2.Paint the entire pumpkin (including stem) either dark blue or black, depending on which color you chose to use.

3. Let your paint dry.
4. After the paint has dried, using the silver paint, paint a crescent moon onto your pumpkin.
5. Let paint dry.
6. Stick the gold stars all over your pumpkin.

                                                            Halloween Treats

These snacks are great for any upcoming Halloween event. All tasty, affordable and easy to make!

#4 Nutter Butter Ghosts

Things you’ll need.

1. Nutter Butters. (How many packaged you need/want)
2. 8 ounces of melted white chocolate.
3. 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.
4. Plate or tray
5. Fork
6. Parchment paper

Instructions for Nutter Butter Ghosts

1. Put 8 ounces of white chocolate into a microwaveable bowl and heat for 1 minute and 15 seconds.
2. Carefully place bowl onto a flat surface.
3. With a fork dip Nutter Butter into white chocolate, rotate until the whole cookie is covered.
4. With fork, pick up Nutter Butter and place onto parchment paper
5. Place two mini chocolate chips as the eyes of the ghost.
6. Let your ghosts dry.

#5 Gummy Worms

Things you’ll need.

1. 2 Rubber bands
2. Bendy straws
3. Jello (red)
4. Water
5. Large cup
6. Bowl

Instructions for Gummy Worms

1. Pack all of the bendy straws together and wrap two rubber, one on the top and one on the opposite end.
2. Make jello.
3. While the jello is still in a liquid form, pour into straws.
4. Let jello sit for 2-3 hours in fridge.
5. Carefully pour warm water over jello filled straws to release “worms” from straws into a bowl.
6. Pour out extra water.

#6 Witch Finger

Things you’ll need

1. White bread
2. Red jam/jelly
3. Peanut butter/almond butter etc.
4. Shaved almonds
5. Knife
6. Rolling pin
7. Plate

Instructions for Witch Fingers

1. Cut the crusts of the bread off.
2. With rolling pin flatten out bread
3. With knife spread peanut butter or almond butter onto the bread.
4. Roll bread vertically.
5. Cut a V shape onto one of the ends of the bread.
6. Put a small amount of jelly/jam onto the V shape of the bread.
7. Push shaved almond into the jelly/jam
8. Put sandwich onto a plate
9. Put jelly/jam onto end of sandwich

Helpful links:

http://ilovetocreateblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/diy-glow-in-dark-pumpkins.html

http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-glittered-pumpkins

http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/145588/nutter_butter_ghost_cookies_fo

http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/holidays/8-fun-new-ways-to-decorate-a-pumpkin-pictures

http://www.annabelkarmel.com/recipes/deadman-finger-sandwiches

http://www.allthingshomerelated.com/2012/10/ghost-cookies/

The gap year between senior year of high school and freshmen year of college is finding an increase in popularity in the United States, with a 20% rise since 2006, according to Forbes. Gap years originally started in the United Kingdom, but have expanded into an actual life decision. The American Gap Association records gaps as long as two months to two years.

Pros (according to Forbes and Time):

• Gives students a chance to learn about themselves and increase self-awareness
• More colleges are offering scholarships for students who want to take gap years, universities include Princeton and University of North Carolina.
• Can help you re-evaluate what college you want to go to.
• There are low cost gap year plans, such as AmeriCorps, City year, or WWOOF-USA

Cons (according to Forbes and Time):

• Because gap years are such a big commitment, it’s not a good idea to only want to only want to commit yourself if you just want to have fun or travel.
• Many public schools won’t let you take a gap year, if this occurs, try to talk to your school administrator.
• To avoid colleges, you have to go back to school by the end of the year, so make sure to decide where to go before or during the gap year.

Marah Prpich Grade 12, Highland Park High School, when asked about her stand on gap years says, “No, I want to get college over with, if they want a break from the academics, or a break to find themselves then that’s a good idea.”

Ms. Esso counselor from Highland Park High School says, “I think they’re a good year if students have a plan; if they’re going to volunteer or intern.  Sometimes, it can be harder for students to start school again if they take a year off.”

So, the decision is different for everyone. Just be concerned with what is the best for your future and which career decision will make you happy.