50 Ways to have an Unforgettable Summer!

HELLO HELLO!!!  It's been almost eight thousand years since I've written anything and I promise to never leave you all for that long ever again (I hope).  But I have officially finished my first year of university and despite the fact that I will be starting summer school and work soon, I will have a lot more time to write posts.

Anyway, since there are four months for us Uni and College kids before school picks up again, I thought I would give you some suggestions on how to spend the summa.  I know that high school students still have a couple of months before their summer begins, but it is never too early to get excited for those hot summer months, and the possibilities that come with them.  Some of these suggestions are most likely what you were already planning on doing this year, but others will hopefully help you get out of your comfort zone, give you some alternatives to your typical routine, and have the BEST summer ever yay!

In no particular order, here are my FIFTY suggestions for spending this summer vacation.

Summer vacation is full of opportunities...how are you going to spend yours? 

Photo from Pinterest 

1. Teach yourself a new language via Google, Rosetta Stone, or even a phone or iPad app.

2. Read at least three books from totally different genres 

3. Muster up the courage to talk to the cute guy or girl at the coffee shop (or confess your love to someone you do know) - and if they don't feel the same way, you have 2 - 4 months to pretend nothing happened ha (just kidding)

4. Do a run or walk for charity - there are so many fun charity walks that you can participate in teams, while also raising money for a cause you really believe in.

5. Spend an entire day doing absolutely nothing - but not, like, everyday...

6. Start a DIY project - cut your jeans, decorate a mug, get creative!  There are so many ideas you can search up on Pinterest.

7. Spend the day with yourself - go to the library, visit a museum or art gallery and become a lil more cultured (or just go to the mall and shop until your heart's content because you really cannot go wrong with that)

8. Go to dinner or a party with the members of all your different friend groups - it might be kind of awkward hanging out with your friends from camp, school, church and your soccer team all at once, but their different experiences and personalities can make for an unpredictable and interesting night

9. Cook an entire three course meal - yes, you'll probably be in the kitchen all day, but the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you've finished cooking an appetizer, main course, and dessert, will make it all worth it

10. Do something active - and by active, I mean skipping dinner or the movies to play laser tag, go go-carting or paint balling, and get sweaty and even a little messy

11. Have a grade-school style slumber party - complete with pajamas, magazines, nail polish, and a solid game of Truth or Dare (which will probably be juicier now that we're older than 10 years old)

12. Wear something embarrassing out in public, and see what kinds of reactions you get - this for the people who are don't care what anyone thinks, or those who want to stop caring

13. Pull an all-nighter - stay up from the moment the sun goes down, all the way until sunrise the next day

14. Perform a random act of kindness - or many acts of kindness

15. Go to a public event in your area - this could include a sporting event, a music festival, or a carnival

16. Spend the day with your parents doing what they want to do - go grocery shopping, help them run errands,go to the movies; earn your title as Son or Daughter of the Year

17. Don't check your social media accounts for a whole day - and try not to roll over a die...I believe in you!

18. Go on an evening walk or bike ride with a friend around your neighbourhood - the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and good conversation is when the sun starts to set and the air starts to cool down

19. Have a movie or TV series marathon - choose a series on Netflix or buy a bunch of five dollar movies from Walmart or Target, and park yourself on the couch or in bed with an abundance of food by your side

20. Go to the beach - spend the day frolicking in the water, playing a game of beach volleyball, and having some fun in the sun

21. Go downtown and visit the more obscure and unique shops - support entrepreneurs who are offering one of a kind items and yummy food

22. Go to a local farmer's market - nothing's better than waking up early on a Saturday morning, buying fresh produce, and socializing with the residents of your community

23. Rekindle a friendship - call (or text...or Facebook message...or direct message...) someone you used to be close with, and even if you don't necessarily "rekindle" the relationship you once had, enjoy a nice conversation with an old friend

24. Get a job - because a lot of these suggestions are gonna cost ya!

25. Make your own cocktails or mocktails and sip them on the porch or patio - homemade popsicles work too

26. Go camping or have a bonfire with a bunch of friends - going camping is still one of my favourite memories and best experiences of my life, and I recommend it 100%

27. Get ready to go out using ONLY Youtube tutorials - we all watch beauty and hair tutorials, but almost never actually try them out...this is your chance

28. Eat something you swore you'd never try - or do something you swore you'd never do, because realistically, I would try any food once

29. Redecorate your room - or your Tumblr, or any type of redecorating

30. Go on a long drive to nowhere in particular and see where you end up

31. Make a new friend - and make the effort to keep them!

32. Go thrifting - don't just buy second hand clothes from the same stores you already shop in...try to find something different or vintage (or something that looks cool and vintage, same thing)

33. Splurge on something you've always wanted - provided you have or got that job I suggested earlier

34. Buy new music - purchase your favourite artist's new album and fall in love all over again

35. Take a class at the community centre - register for cooking, or ballroom, or guitar, or basketball

36. Have a Dare Night - gather up your friends, get into groups of four or five, dress up in matching outfits and complete a set of dares before the end of the night

37. Visit a theme or water park 

38. Learn about a different culture - find out about their customs, rituals, and traditional dishes

39. Go on a last minute getaway or road trip - if you have the funds, why not spend the weekend (or longer) away in a different city, province, or state

40. Hold family or friend Game Night - complete with classic board games, Twister, and those wizard and dragon games like in that one episode of Lizzie McGuire (thumbs up if you know what I'm talking about)

41. Watch all of your Disney movies - because every kid born in the 90's or later has an extensive collection of Disney films that need some lovin'

42. Throw or go to a house party - but be safe and responsible *mom voice*

43. Exercise - because I had to add this on the list (how are your New Year's Resolutions going, by the way??)

44. Strike up a conversation with a stranger - a simple conversation with someone in line at Starbucks or the supermarket can actually make someone's day...even yours!

45. Go on a late night trip to get fast food or candy - for some reason, places like McDonald's and Walmart are so much more fun at 3 am

46. Volunteer - find an organization or even a company that you really admire, and see if you help out by giving up your time for free

47. Update your wardrobe - as I said, you can't go wrong with shopping

48. Try to laugh at something (or with someone) every single day - enough laughter can even burn calories so that's a win-win

49. Record your memories in a journal; on little pieces of paper you stick in a jar and read later; or in the form of a picture or video diary

50. Be a yes (wo)man - spend the summer saying "yes" to things you normally wouldn't, and put yourself in situations where you can learn, grow, meet new people, try new things, gain new experiences and perspectives, and have the best times of your life

How do you plan on spending your summer?

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.  Have a wonderful week!

The Single Girl's (or Boy's) Guide to Spending Valentine's Day

We are now into the second week of February, and are quickly approaching what most people call Valentine's Day, and what I call Friday.  That's right, I'm single.  Please contain your excitement boys.

Anyway, as a single person who's never had a valentine before, I've had to be creative with how I spend this special love day.  And I thought I'd share what I've come up with.  This isn't a post to make you feel bad about your relationship status, and these aren't activities that should or have to be reserved for Valentine's day--as I said before, it's essentially just another Friday night.  You can choose to do one of these, or spread the activities out over the entire weekend.  SO without further adieu, here is your single girl's guide to how to spend Valentine's day...or any day.

Thanks but no thanks...

Bake something 

Click on the photos for their recipes, and visit my Pinterest for other recipes!

Look for a really easy recipe on Pinterest or Allrecipes.com for brownies or cake or something yummy, and pull a Betty Crocker (she's not even a real person, oops) in the kitchen.  The best part about creating these treats as an independent young person who doesn't need anyone to define you, is that you can indulge in them all by yourself.  Nothing's worse than having to give away half your cupcakes or cookies to others (kidding), when you can stuff your face with all of them, ha.

Get Pampered 

Do some primping and make yourself feel good.  Get a manicure or a facial and use this day to give yourself the TLC you deserve.  Go all out with what you choose to do at the nail salon, and for the next two weeks, let those pretty nails be a reminder of the wonderful day you had with yourself...the #1 person in your life.

Send V-Day cards to your loved ones 

Instead of sending a sappy text message to some guy, make or buy a few cards, and write personal messages to the people who will appreciate it the most: your friends and family.  Love isn't always professed to a significant other; your platonic relationships are important too.  Use this day to remind your loved ones how much you value, admire, and, well, love them!  I guarantee it'll warm their little hearts, and that your card will be the one they actually keep after V-day.

Surf the internet

This is exactly what I mean by surfing the net..yep.

If you read my last blog post, you know how much I love the internet.  It can be used for productivity, like searching for summer jobs or companies you'd like to work for in the future, but I also personally enjoy searching for vacation destinations, taking personality tests, reading blogs, or watching celebrity news or pointless videos on YouTube.  Try googling one topic, and see where it takes you by the time the clock strikes 3 am (because that's what the internet'll do to ya).

Go out with a potential new friend 

As much as you may be worrying and/or complaining about it, I'm sure not everrry single one of your friends is in a relationship.  And if they are, why not invite someone you've been meaning to get to know out for coffee or dessert (or, you know, both)?  This will give you a chance to engage in some stimulating one-on-one conversation, and you may even end the night with a new friend with whom you bonded with because of your lack of Valentines dates.

 Attend a school event (or any event)

Most schools plan some sort of event to "celebrate" V-day, whether it be a dance, traffic light party, or just a crazy bash for the student body to enjoy.  And I encourage you to go, not necessarily with the intention of meeting your next boy or girl toy, but to go out, have a good time, and meet cool new people.  Talk to someone or everyone, and keep an open mind.  You might be surprised at how much fun you have.  Show others just how charming and amazing you are, and maybe you'll meet your Prince Charming (you probably won't)!!!!!!!

Raid the discount DVD bins at stores

Big box stores like Walmart and Target always have those huge bins of discounted DVDs in the electronics section.  Visit one of these stores and purchase your favourite movie, a classic film you haven't seen yet, or even a $5 flick that looks terrible--that way you'll either be pleasantly surprised by how good it turns out to be, or entertained by how horrible it truly is.

Get some retail therapy

It's been proven that shopping for the soul is actually a thing now.  It can be relaxing and reduce stress, but it's also so much fun.  Head to the mall and buy some new pieces for your spring wardrobe, because getting new things is good.  And if you don't have money, tell your parents that because you're not in a relationship, you have to buy yourself gifts, letting a single tear fall down your cheek and guilting them into funding your mid-February shopping trip.

Stay Home 

If none of these suggestions tickle your fancy, something that never fails is spending the night wrapped up in a blanket like a little burrito, and engaging in the two best activities ever created: sleeping and eating.  It's nice to go out and have a good time with friend or partner, but there are times when I'm thankful that I don't have to dress up, make my face look decent, and leave the house (unless I'm stepping outside to pay the pizza man or something).  Ugh, there's just something so attractive about my bed...and the thought of me in it.

Count your blessings

Being single isn't the end of the world.  In fact, it can be a blessing, depending on how you look at it.  Take this time to focus on school or work, become more independent, and grow as a person.  Be thankful for what you have, confident in who you are, and have faith in what's in store for the future.  The right person for you is out there, and you will both benefit from how much more amazing you'll be after this time you've taken to work on yourself.  But in the meantime, be patient and enjoy your life!



What are your plans for Valentine's Day?



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**Click on the photos to be directed to their original web pages**

~

Lena and Jezebel and Vogue, Oh my! Why I'm Still Confused About the Situation

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!! Jezebel.com reports that Lena Dunham received serious touch up work for her cover and photo spread in Vogue.  These major alterations include her dress' neckline raised, a "smile" line disappearing from her face, her waist raised (even though she is wrapped up in a blanket and her waist isn't visible), AND she was in fact NOT in the middle of the street for one of the shots when that's clearly what Vogue is portraying! This is an outrag--wait, did I miss something here?

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Body image continues to be a huge issue among women and fashion industry professionals. Magazines and designers have even been slammed for doing too much retouching on photoshoots and magazine covers, as well as having the same slim, young, caucasian model walk down countless runways.  

All that said, most of us know about the whole debacle that went down with Jezebel criticizing Vogue's photoshop work, and many people voiced their opinions and responses on the situation, whether on Twitter, Facebook, or directly in the comments section of Jezebel's article.  And now it's time to state what I think!  And I, like the majority, still don't understand the controversy surrounding this photoshoot, and I'll tell you why.

1. Photography is art

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Even though it's not produced on a canvas, photographers have visions of themes they want to see played out, and their photos are seen as artwork.  However, not everything in this world is within reach.  Photoshop allows visions to come to life in order to strike a nerve and resonate with audiences.  What I'm trying to say is if they could not get that bird to stay on Dunham's head long enough to take 80 shots, I absolutely give my consent for it to be edited perfectly on her head by computer software if they so please.

2. What's wrong with editing??

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When I write essays, I get my mom to edit my work in order to come with a more sophisticated way to say what I want to say, and create a polished piece.  I'm even going to edit this post!  I'm not saying editing someone's body is as harmless as editing an essay, but I kind of am.  In both cases, the essence of the original person is still there; it is merely enhanced, with the editor tweaking, removing or adding some things that the original writer, (model, photographer, etc.) may have forgotten, changing the wording (or lighting), and finishing with a product that everyone is proud of (except Jezebel I guess).  It's also no more dramatic than choosing an Instagram filter that camouflages a pimple or makes your eyes stand out. I know we've all used those tricks!

3. Was Jezebel's article more offensive than the retouching itself?

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The fact that Jezebel went to such lengths to get a hold of unedited photos may suggest to some people that they didn't believe Dunham could have looked that good without her photos being touched up.  And that's possibly even more offensive than the retouching itself! Oops.

4. Going to extremities

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Is this shoot really being analyzed to the point where we should be appalled that Vogue swapped Dunham's pic background from a storefront, to a crosswalk?  Is this discrimination towards store fronts everywhere? Is it time to make protest posters and boycott storefronts????!!!  Yeah, I think I'll pass.  

5. Negative comments are going to happen regardless

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I'm 100% sure that if the shoot had in fact been totally unedited, people would still have negative things to say.  There may have been tweets like "wow, they should have raised her dress' neckline!" Or "that smile line makes her look weird" and "I really think this photo would have been complete with a bird on top of her head".  Regardless of the photos themselves, people look for something to criticize. 

6. Lena Dunham is confused as well

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Her tweet about the "ridiculousness" of the situation just shows that she's not into the pettiness of the media, she's confident in who she is, and that she's happy with how the pictures turned out.  She even made an even longer response to Slate.com, stating that Vogue had supported her, that the editors were accommodating and understanding of who she was, and styled her in a way to depict that.  She even thanked Vogue magazine! 

xx

In conclusion, freedom of speech is celebrated, and so is fighting for a more open idea of beauty--it is needed in our society, and I love how more and more websites and publications are starting and surfacing for this specific purpose.  But as much as Jezebel tried (and is still trying) to justify their reason for the article, I think maybe they missed the mark with this one, and have people wondering if this was done genuinely, or merely out of spite.

Is there a "right" and "wrong" situation?  Was this a genuine effort to raise awareness about genuine beauty?  What do you think?

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