I Want S'more Brownies!: Recipe Repertoire

I love S’mores.  I love brownies.  I thought, why not combine the two?  This is a great summer treat (or anytime of the year), and you don’t have to build a campfire!

I have experimented quite a bit with this, and always get a different result.  Here is the recipe that has turned out the yummiest:

What you will need:

-box of your favorite chocolate brownie mix (and ingredients to prepare it)

-box of graham crackers

-bag of mini marshmallows

-bag of mini chocolate chips

What you do:

1)  Prepare the box mix as normal.

2)  Add to the brownie mix 1 cup of mini chocolate chips and ½ cup crushed graham crackers.

3)  Line a brownie pan with aluminum foil, and cover the bottom with a layer of full graham crackers.

4)  Pour the batter over the graham crackers and bake as directed on the package.

5)  Remove 10 minutes early to sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the brownies, gently patting them into the soft batter.  Promptly return to the oven to finish baking.

6)  When a knife inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean, they are done!

NOTE:  If you typically do not bake with aluminum foil, it can add 5-10 minutes on to your cook time.   The graham crackers also have a tendency to rise to the top of the brownies during baking, so do not be alarmed if that happens.

What Will You be Wearing?

     Something important happens around this time.  It is time once again for nutritious cafeteria lunches, sleepless nights studying, and the dreaded mile run.  That’s right!  The youth are heading back to school.  For many the truly important question is: what will they be wearing?  Everyone has had that dreaded dream of sleeping through their alarm and showing up in class without any pants, but for many teenagers, fashion is a back to school must.  Or is it?

      “I consider my fashion to be pretty important the first week of school; after that it’s [just] thrown on in the morning,” Amanda. Fashion is ever-changing.  What is “in” today can get a kid laughed at tomorrow.  But styles come back, although often too late to redeem those who were considered fashion pariahs.  Bell-bottom pants are making a comeback, and many teenagers are recycling their parent’s “retro” pairs from the 70s. 

     That is not the only way today’s kids are being resourceful.  For a generation which never seems to leave the house without the words “Hollister” or “Aéropostale” plastered somewhere on their body, they are practicing smart shopping techniques, and are not afraid to save a few dollars on their quest to finding trends.  Between Marshalls, The Salvation Army, and yes, even Wal-Mart, teenagers are going to be going back to school in style while having a few extra dollars in their wallets.  “I go where I can get the best buy for good clothes,” said Anthony.

     Typical teenagers are on a fixed budget when it comes to their wardrobe, or still shop with their parents.  Either way, they are going to be limited in the quantity of clothes they can buy, and must look for clothes that are interchangeable with several outfits. 

     The popular trend now is to layer.  Whether it is summer or freezing out, layering shirts, sweaters, and jackets is the style.  The necklines decrease in height, with the outer layer usually tucked in to emphasize those beneath.   Skinny jeans are also popular for both men and women, as they have been for decades.

     Accessorizing is kept simple.  Headbands, pony tails, or buns are dressed up with a simple hair clip such as a flower.  A new, more permanent hair style is to get a feather extension.  The extensions are rooster feathers that last up to six weeks, and can be attached by almost any hair dresser.  Jewelry is worn sparingly, and is something simple used to accent an outfit or meant to showcase something treasured, (such as a class ring or Chamilia bracelet).  

The feather extension. Real rooster feathers, last 4-6 weeks, and are reusable.

     Believe it or not, you can shop at the mall and still get a good deal.  H & M and Forever 21 are reasonably priced, and the clearance racks at J. C. Penny and Macy’s have the latest fashions for a bargain.  Wal-Mart may be looked down upon by many people today, but nothing can beat saving ninety dollars on the same pair of pants you would have bought at Abercrombie, (minus the label).

     Sometimes all of the fashion drama could make you wish that you did not have to worry about what to wear in the morning.  The more expensive trends get and the quicker they change, the more appealing schools with uniforms begin to look.  Between magnet schools, private schools, and even some public schools switching to uniforms, many of today’s students do not have to worry about fashion.  

Hurricane Irene

     Hurricane Irene has struck the Bahamas.  At a time like this, we should not only be worrying about ourselves. When I heard about the storm, there was no sign of it outside my window, so I thought it must not be a big deal.  That is not the mindset we should be in.  The storm will eventually hit a good portion of the East Coast of North America.  It will effect a lot of people, some more so than others.

     To some it will be devastating; others will only be on the outskirts of the storm.  If we band together and are always supportive of each other, whether monetarily or just encouragement, times like these will not be as devastating.  We all will be on the receiving end of bad luck at one time or another.  Wouldn't you like someone to step up and help in your time of need?

     Stay informed on the storm.  Don't remain ignorant.  Being far away from it is not a valid excuse.

You can check out a stream of the storm here:
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/cvplive/cvpstream3

The Place I See

     The place I see somewhere between a long-gone star and the receptor in my father's brain which interprets the sight as light.  It lives where the rerun of that canceled show still plays.  It is a beautiful place where sickness, suffering, and Death are not welcomed.

     The wind is all of the babies' first laughs.  The sun is the warmth of every hug ever given.  Happiness engulfs the hearts of every visitor as is simply existing was as grand as winning the lottery.

     Crime, jealousy, and evil are as shunned and ignored as the lepors of long ago.  The tear-stained meadows at dawn sigh as inhabitors find their day's use of them.  Whether is be a picnic for two seasoned with love, or a game of catch riddled with jokes, the grass is simply happy to be there.

     We can learn something from this place.  Where a snear is a smile, and a slap is a pat on the back.  Mistakes never happen, and confusion never was.  This place is perfect...but if there is no such thing as perfect, does it really exist?

Cancer Made Me Similar to Harry Potter

·         It gave me a scar that people can identify me as a survivor

·         Since I was struck as a child, everyone knows my name and is rooting for me to win

·         I fought an evil within myself

·         There will always be a threat that this evil will rise again

·         Others have helped me with my fight, even have sacrificed themselves, but in the end, I had to fight to the death alone

25 Things That Make Me Happy (My Weaknesses)

1.      Johnny Depp

2.      Whip Cream (I’ll eat it on any dessert or straight out of the can)

3.      Whenever I can cross something off of my bucket list (hopefully because I have done it, and not because I’ve given up on it)

4.      The numbers 3, 4, and 7

5.      When I make someone laugh (even if it is just myself)

6.      When I get exactly what I have been waiting for

7.      Payday (not the game or the candy so much.  I get the same lousy bills month after month in that stupid board game.  I like getting real cold hard cash.)

8.      Chocolate + salt (as in chips, popcorn, peanuts, you name it)

9.      Chocolate + mint (as in ice cream, candies, etc.)

10.  Chocolate + strawberry (as in chocolate covered strawberries)

11.  The smell of marshmallows

12.  Eating marshmallows

13.  The feel of warm towels or sheets straight from the dryer

14.  Being close to the person I have a crush on

15.  Finding out the person I have a crush on actually knows my name

16.  Finding money (all the better when it wasn't mine to begin with)

17.  Realizing my favorite movie is just beginning on television

18.  Getting a new friend or follower (but not stalker) on a social networking site or blog

19.  Being loved

20.  Being complimented

21.  Bunnies, penguins, polar bears, and turtles (the cuter the better)

22.  Seeing a friend I haven’t seen in ages, and reconnecting instantly

23.  When the people I least expect to, reach out in a time of need

24.  Running into someone from my past, (such as a teacher), who not only remembers my name, but knows what I have been up to, (as long as it is not on a creepy level and I don’t feel like crud for not remembering them)

25.  Actually completing what I set out to do (I finished my list this time!)

Memory Check

Study the picture for 15 seconds, and then answer the questions that follow:

1.      What did you wear yesterday?

2.      What did you eat for lunch last Thursday?

3.      When was the last time you said “Thank you?”

4.      When was the last time you said “I Love You?”

5.      Where did you see your best friend the last three times you saw them?

6.      What were the last words you said to them?

7.      Were those words hateful, or loving?

8.      What were the last words they said to you?

9.      What were the last words you said to either of your parents? 

10.  Where those words angry or loving?

11.   What were the last words they said to you?

12.  Name three things from the picture without peeking.

How did you do?  Maybe we could all afford to be a little more observant, and not just when we are being tested.

Teen Choice Awards 2011 Full List of Winners:

Choice Movie Action - 'Fast Five'

Choice Movie Actor Action - Johnny Depp, 'The Tourist'

Choice Movie Actress Action - Angelina Jolie, 'The Tourist'

Choice Movie Sci-Fi/Fantasy - 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'

Choice Movie Actor Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Taylor Lautner, 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse'

Choice Movie Actor Romantic Comedy - Ashton Kutcher, 'No Strings Attached'

Choice Movie Actress Romantic Comedy - Emma Stone, 'Easy A'

Choice Movie Actress Comedy - Cameron Diaz, 'Bad Teacher'

Choice Movie Actor Drama - Robert Pattinson, 'Water for Elephants'

Choice Movie Villain - Tom Felton, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'

Choice Movie Liplock - Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'

Choice Movie Hissy Fit - Ed Helms, 'The Hangover Part II'

Choice Movie Male Scene Stealer - Kellan Lutz, 'The Twilight Saga- Eclipse'

Choice Movie Female Scene Stealer - Ashley Greene, 'The Twilight Saga- Eclipse'

Choice Summer Movie - 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Choice Summer Movie Star Male - Daniel Radcliffe, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Choice Summer Movie Star Female - Emma Watson, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Choice TV Show Drama - 'Gossip Girl'

Choice TV Actress Drama - Blake Lively, 'Gossip Girl'

Choice TV Show Fantasy/Sci-Fi - 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi - Ian Somerhalder, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi - Nina Dobrev, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Male Scene Stealer - Michael Trevino, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Female Scene Stealer - Katerina Graham, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Villain - Justin Bieber, 'CSI'

Choice TV Reality Show - 'Jersey Shore'

Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star - Paul Pauly D Del Vecchio, 'Jersey Shore'

Choice TV Show Comedy - 'Glee'

Choice TV Actor Comedy - Cory Monteith, 'Glee'

Choice TV Actress Comedy - Selena Gomez, 'Wizards of Waverly Place'

Choice TV Breakout Star - Darren Criss, 'Glee'

Choice Music Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Choice Music Female Artist - Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group - Selena Gomez and The Scene

Choice Music Single - 'Who Says', Selena Gomez and The Scene

Choice Music Female Country Artist - Taylor Swift

Choice Music Country Single - 'Mean', Taylor Swift

Choice Music Love Song - 'Love You Like a Love Song', Selena Gomez

Choice Music Breakup Song - 'Back to December', Taylor Swift

Choice Summer Music Star Male - Bruno Mars

Choice Summer Music Star Female - Katy Perry

Choice Summer Song - 'Skyscraper', Demi Lovato

Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon Female - Taylor Swift

Choice Male Hottie - Justin Bieber

Choice Female Hottie - Selena Gomez

Choice Comedian - Ellen DeGeneres

Choice Twit - Justin Bieber

Choice Vampire - Robert Pattinson

Choice Web Star - Rebecca Black

Ultimate Choice Award - Taylor Swift

Off to College Tips

            For many people, going off to college can be daunting.  As if starting a new school is not enough pressure, they are also learning how to live out on their own for the first time in their lives.

            Here are a few tips for the soon-to-be college student, whether they are living at home or movie across the country.

1.      Buy as many of your books online as you can.  College books stores seem warm, inviting, and cozy, but their prices are much higher than you will find if you shop around.  Most colleges have their book lists posted online by the end of July. Amazon will become your closest friend when you see that you are saving $200 a semester on books.  Many of these websites even buy your books back at the end of the semester for more money than your college will offer.  Just double check the publisher and edition before purchasing.

2.      Stay in touch with your friends from home.  That seems like a no brainer, but if you are missing them, chances are that they are missing you too.  But it is also normal if you grow apart from your “friends forever.”  Sometimes it takes growing up, to realize you were growing away from each other.

3.      Change-it-up in the cafeteria.  Do not eat the same thing day in and day out.  Raman can only get you so far.  If you are on a smaller campus that has limited food options, get creative.  Throw some vegetables into your pasta, or try some fruit, nuts, and chicken in your salad.   And if you are close to home, visit once in awhile for a home cooked meal.

4.      Eat breakfast.  Everyone says it; not many people actually do it.  Chances are you are going to be staying up late many nights, (your reasons for doing so is your own prerogative).  You cannot ignore the fact that starting your day with a balanced meal helps you think and focus better.

5.      Call your parents once in awhile.  You don’t have to be the kid that calls home every night exactly at 7 pm, (unless you want to be), but do not be the one that only calls when they are out of money either.  Believe it or not, your parents want to hear from you.  Surprise them by calling first.

6.      Communicate with your roommate.  There is nothing worse than getting a bad roommate, but you can just as easily become one.  If they do something that irritates you, talk it out. 

7.      Stay active.  Most colleges have a gym right on their campus.  Many even offer free membership.  Use it.  Exercising is a great stress reliever, especially during finals.

8.      Get involved.  Take advantage of what your school has to offer.  When you join a club, you meet people you normally would not have.  You also are resume building and getting a break from studying.

9.      Think about your future NOW.  No matter what your advisors tell you, get a jump on planning your college career.  Take the classes that will meet your graduation requirements, or help you in the future.  Sometimes that Beginners Break Dancing just does not have room in your schedule, (unless that is the path you have chosen).

10.  Enjoy every minute of it.  Whether you are at college for two or five years, the time will fly by.  Ask anyone who has gone through college, that there may be a lot to soak in all at once, but you cannot be living in your past or future.  Enjoy the ride while you are on it.

Losing a Friend

     No matter how old you are, losing a friend never gets any easier.  I just lost someone who was so much more than a friend to me.  They loved me unconditionally, something that is rare to find outside of your family.  The beginning is the hardest.  I am still waiting for the emails that she would send me all of the time.  They were the most inspirational and uplifting emails, and would always brighten my day.  If someone means the world to you, make sure that you tell them while you have the chance. 

     You definitely have to go through a period of denial before you can accept that a person is truly gone.  There are a few other stages that are neither fixed nor guaranteed for everyone who experiences the loss of a loved one, but the eventual stage is acceptance of the loss.  It may take a while and a lot of struggling, but hopefully you will get there.

     When you have a great friend, hold on to them.  Don’t let stupid arguments or unimportant issues get in the way of the time you have together.  Forgive and forget.  I know that is something that is so much easier said than done, but it is a skill that needs to be mastered if you are to enjoy life and appreciate the people in it.  If someone is worth loving, you can overlook almost anything.  Meet them all the way and back.  That way when that person is no longer in your life, you will have no regrets.  There will be no, “Oh I SHOULD have.”  “If ONLY I had forgiven them yesterday.”  Seize the day, and live as if today is yesterday, (that way if you had been putting off until tomorrow, today is yesterday’s tomorrow).

     Regret nothing, and be reckless with your love and forgiveness.  There are more important things than to be angry all of the time.  And you’ll be surprised at the friendships you’ll find when you allow yourself to be open to them.

     I hope you ALL find at least one person who was as awesome as the friend I had.

So Long Harry Potter

As many of you may know, something epic happened on July 15, 2011. Harry Potter came to an end. After 14 years in the making, seven books, eight movies, and a billion fans later, the saga has come to a close. No more movies, no more Hogwarts, no more Harry, no more magic.

To get the full experience of a Harry Potter movie, you would have to attend the midnight showing the night before it opened. Since Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, (that is the fifth one in muggle speak), I have been going to the midnight premiers. The experience of seeing the movie first, in a theater packed with fans as enthusiastic as you are, is unparallel to anything else.

If you drove up to any cinema on Thursday July 14^th around 11 p.m., you would have had a tough time finding a parking spot. Upon entering the building, you would have found the lobby packed with avid fans, most of which were dressed as their favorite character or sporting Harry Potter attire. 

As midnight approached we were unleashed into the theaters. When the lights finally dimmed, the tension skyrocketed. As the movie started, the audience cheered with anticipation. The end was beginning.

We laughed, we cried, we had a great time. The first movie in the series came out in 2001, so many of us had literally grown up along with Harry Potter. This marked the end of a chapter in my life; my childhood was officially over as the credits rolled off the screen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the perfect ending to the series. Whether you have been there from the beginning, or are recently joining the party, I would recommend this movie. It gets an 8 out of 10 on my scale.  It’s rated PG-13, in theaters everywhere.