Santa's Little Helper - Third Chapter

Hmm...which person to shop for next? I know! It's always challenging to come up with gifts that will meet the high standards of teenage girls, but here are a few ideas that are surely up to par.

"Strong, smart, and bold."

Any item from Margot Elena's personal care line, Love & Toast, is the perfect present for a pretty girl. Not only are the designs youthful and spunky, but the quality of the products even surpass the adorable packaging. This is an instance where you can judge a book by it's cover. The various fragrances mainly consist of fresh fruits and florals. Overall, they have a very clean scent.

It seems like every teenager has their very own camera these days, and now you can encourage them to bring their photos off of the computer and onto their walls with Butch and Harold Stickr Frames. Talk about convenient cuteness! These frames require zero hooks and hammers during the application process. They simply peel on and off of the walls; no fuss, no muss.

The sticker frames pictured on the right also come in pink and brown. There are other styles and textures, such as the metallic frames and dry erase board, that are a part of the framing collection as well. You can move the frames around about eight times before they start to lose their stick. As long as you don't mess with them, they seem to stick forever!

"I'm a hoot! Really."

Okay. How charming is that little owl in a bottle cap? Edgy Petal bottle cap necklaces are handmade from recycled materials. These necklaces sort of speak for themselves, so I'll try to keep it brief. It is difficult to find her products online, so the best way to retrieve such a charm would be to come visit us at Notice in either Lake Geneva or Highland Park.

Lauren Gauger, the creator of Edgy Petal, first began when she was only 20 years old. Her inspiration comes from many different directions. I own a Wizard of Oz necklace, with Glenda the good witch of the North inside, and another completely filled with sprinkles. My sister has one with a little skull with a bow on it that she got for the Halloween season. I could go on and on about all of the many designs she has produced, but the list would be too long! What's great about sporting these necklaces is that you are truly wearing art while being eco-friendly. Each necklace is one-of-a-kind, which makes finding the perfect one that much more of a treasure. Well, so much for keeping it brief!

Now that these girls will be getting the adorable bottle cap necklaces, they will need a proper place to store them. Umbra has a small collection of jewelry hangers, which is an ideal way to keep your jewelry organized. This is also a great way to avoid tangling, while making it easier to see what you are working with when you are getting ready in the morning!

The jewelry hanger pictured on the right has an adorable dish on the top and bottom to place rings and earrings, and the necklaces and bracelets can be hung by the sweet little birds and hooks under the top dish. We carry a version of this jewelry hanger at Notice, but ours also has branches coming out of the middle that are able to be moved around.

Last, but certainly not least, are the craze we call string dolls. This phenomenon has traveled all the way from Thailand, and I am sure it has only just begun. Each doll is handcrafted from only one piece of string, and the accessories are added later. Similar to the Momiji dolls aforementioned, "The 'Original' String Doll Gang" serves the dual purpose of being cute and bringing a specific charm to their owners life. For example...

&

Each string doll is approximately two to three inches in height, and the lobster claw key ring adds and additional two inches. Their specific charm - or message - is attached to the key ring on a double-sided tag. All of the string dolls bring comfort and optimism to your day. I own Lady Liberty and Elfy, both of which were given to me as presents by my manager, and I love them! Elfy is currently strapped onto my Mosey convertible bag. View the entire gang, and their good intentions, by visiting Notice at either of their two locations.

It's good to know that the items on this list are not exclusive to teenage girls, but bring joy to people of all ages. Click here to visit Notice's website, and search for your favorite items from this gift giving guide. (All of the pictures were provided by their given website.)

Santa's Little Helper - Second Chapter

Now that I have given a lot of attention to finding the perfect gift for the style-savvy women in our lives, I am now going to focus on the children. This is, after all, their holiday; filled with magic, anticipation and excitement! I remember being a young child on Christmas morning. I felt sorry for my parents who never seemed to get any presents under the tree. Good thing Santa liked me!

All of the toys at Notice are do-it-yourself, create-your-own, hands-on sorts of toys. They are a great alternative to all that is battery powered now-a-days. These toys have a funky twist on old school concepts. Unwrapping these presents are sure to make the light bulb go off and put a smile on their face.

For example, Seedling is a New Zealand based toy company that puts together creative kits for creative kids. The kit pictured on the left is complete with everything young girls would need to create their very own dolly. Not only do they give you a lot of fabric and yarn to work with, but they also give directions teaching girls how to sow. I should get this kit and learn a few things!

There are also a lot of fun kits for boys. They even have an outdoor explorer kit, which includes a nature journal, creepy crawly critters, and a headlamp for nighttime adventures. 

For the future mechanic, I re-introduce the ever-so-popular Automoblox. These award-winning toys are essentially a lego version of the classic matchbox cars. Most of their body is made from wood, the accessories from plastic, and the tires are made from a soft rubber - which is easy on the home. These toy cars come in a lot of different makes, models and colors. Built by the children themselves, these cars will cruise the floor with a new sense of accomplishment. When you purchase multiple cars in the same size, you can mix and match the parts to create your own model!

These toys are not only cool, but they are official. Don't forget to register your car at the Automoblox Owner's Club. You will then receive your custom 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as well as many perks that only members have the privilege of getting.

Next on the nice list are the adorable, and irresistible Momiji dolls. Measuring in at approximately three inches tall, these hand-painted figures are sure to bring out the joyous child in all of us. Since they are collectables, their nature is timeless and their designs are classic. It is a great gift for the young girls, for it will teach them the importance of kindness and giving. How, you ask? Each Momiji doll has a folded card hidden inside, which serves the purpose of passing along your own secret message to a dear friend.

Each of my young-hearted friends should expect a Momiji doll from me this Christmas. They are too sweet not to share! What a perfect way to spread the cheer. Anything with a personal touch always adds to the sentimental value of a gift. Speaking of personal touch, each doll has specific characteristics that are fun to match up with your own friends. For example...Love, pictured above - holding the heart, likes lollypops and love letters. Hmm. Do I have a friend that likes lollypops and love letters?

The next gift that is sure to please are the robot-themed Piperoids. Origami is revived by these paper robots with pizazz and intrigue. Similar to the Momiji dolls, each Piperoid has individual traits specific to each character. In order to bring them to life, it is up to you to transform their paper pipes into the predetermined shape. No glue is required for them to maintain their form, and their movable joints allow you to adjust their pose when the inspiration strikes.

The two Piperoids above are
the rockin' out Guyzer and Bean.

Originally, they were designed to provide a childlike experience for adults. Although this may be true, I have noticed that people are typically buying them for children. Apparently, these little figures have the ability to bring out the child in all of us. And trust me...they look more complicated than they actually are, but the process is simple enough for children to understand. The only supplies needed are a pair of scissors and able fingers. These robots come in a thin envelope that would be ideal to use as stocking stuffers. They are also a great collectors item.

The next product, which is ideal for nurturing the artist in each child, is the Modern-Twist placemat for kidz. This item comes in a variety of art scenes, and should be colored on with washable or dry erase markers. Although, each placemat comes with a box of washable markers, you can still use your own. In order to avoid staining from the marker, it is wise to wash the placemats regularly.

By children using the Modern-Twist placemats, they are also contributing to a green way of living. This product is made from silky-food grade and hand silk-screened silicone, which makes it extremely durable and easy to travel with. Each placemat is sold individually, and is measured at 14 x 16 inches. This design-inspired company encourages children to "color again and again." The owl placemat is my personal favorite (pictured right), but there are so many adorable art scenes - it is difficult to even choose a favorite!

Question: What's hip from Holland? Answer: Three-dimensional puzzles...that's what! Each boxed set comes with a variety of puzzle pieces that can take shape in various objects and forms. Forget the old-fashioned puzzle that only gives you one picture to work towards. Now children have the ability to choose the fate of their puzzle.

Notice carries select products from the Totem Collection. The suggested age is six and up, but it was even a challenge for me to assemble the dragon - after accidentally knocking it off of the shelf. Probably something I shouldn't be bragging about, but at least I can say I was attempting to do it without the directions. Since these clever puzzle parts are a fun challenge, they make a great toy for the mind and soul. It is important that children experience the feeling of accomplishment that is achieved in a creative way, as the Hip from Holland toys provide.  

I hope this post has enlightened your thought on what is out there for children this holiday season. I believe that it is so important for children to actually play and use their imagination, rather than let the toy do all of the work. All of these toys nurture creativity, promote learning, and are loved by children and parents alike. Click here to visit Notice's website, or enjoy a day of shopping at either of their two locations. (All of the pictures were provided by their given website.)

Santa's Little Helper - First Chapter

Notice is located in Lake Geneva, WI,
and Highland Park, IL.

Since I currently work at a boutique that prides itself on having products that are ahead of the trends, I thought I would share some gift ideas for this holiday season - specifically from their store. I know some people have had all of their presents bought before Thanksgiving, but I know there are still a lot of us that aren't that efficient! For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle, I present the first chapter to a great giving guide for our loved ones.

I love shopping at boutiques - as opposed to department stores and shopping malls - because there is usually a lot of thought that goes into each product they carry. After all...it's the thought that counts. Shopping at boutiques won't ensure the best buy, but it will ensure that your gift recipient will feel special. Chances are you will be giving them a gift they hadn't even heard about yet, which is always exciting. At Notice, you are guaranteed to find a great gift for anyone on your list.

For women with style, and a flare for the up-and-coming, I would suggest any of the following designers. All of the mentioned products and designers can be found at notice-this.com.

Freshie & Zero is a jewelry line that is "made with love and a hammer." I'm serious! The metal of choice is often molded to the chain in this manner. She purposefully leaves the marks from the hammer in the newly shaped metal - it is her signature look.

My mother owns a Freshie & Zero lariat necklace and oval-shaped earrings that she absolutely adores. She cannot count all of the times that people have complimented her on them. This is the perfect jewelry line for every type of woman. Even women who are self-proclaimed "not big jewelry people" end up loving this line. The design aesthetic is clean and simple, with an artistic edge.

My favorite is the blue clutch.

Next we have the recycled-chic handbags from Escama Studio. These purses are handmade by women in Brazil from recycled pop tops. Not only are they unique, but purchasing them supports their economy and craft. People often remark that they could do the same, but forget to consider the great artisanship and quality that is given to each product. They're durable, flexible, and the aluminum will never tarnish.

I have to admit that I didn't have the love-at-first-sight reaction, but I sure love them now! They're different, but that is why they make such great conversation starters. Women who own them usually come back to get another for themselves, and their friends. They are handwoven with a variety of vibrant and earthy colors to choose from.

When it comes to fine leather goods, MyWalit is the one-stop shop. Known for their use of color, MyWalit has the brightest and best wallets on the market - in my opinion, of course. Depending on how much you are looking to spend, there are a variety of leather products that are suitable for anyone on your list.

One of my favorites is the Credit Card and I.D. Holder, which is a thin sleeve with just enough slots in it for a night out. There are definite times when you don't want to have to carry a purse or chunky wallet with you, and the many variations of the MyWalit sleeve is the perfect solution at a reasonable price! This particular product can be found under their 'men's wallet's' and 'ladies wallet's' sections of their website. Their extensive and eclectic color combinations are sure to match your recipients particular style - or yours, for that matter.

For the environmentally savvy consumer comes a handbag line made completely from recycled plastic bottles. Mosey is not only adorable and functional, but you are supporting Mother Earth by carrying these bags! I just bought the Convertible, their most popular bag, which is an over-the-shoulder bag that can be converted into a backpack. I love it! I mostly wear it as a backpack, which is much more comfortable when shopping than having to worry about a purse. There are so many different places to store all of your things, thus remaining organized, and you can avoid the difficult search of digging around in a bottomless pit!

Isn't that dog adorable?!

A lot of the women in my family own their own Mosey bags now, too. My grandma and my aunt have the Gadabout, while my mom has the Walkabout - pictured on the left. The Walkabout is great because it can be converted into either an over the shoulder handbag, clutch, or fanny pack. I know you don't think fanny packs are cool or acceptable, but trust me, this one is! Their is something so effortlessly chic about all of their handbags, as well as overnight bags. They have surely thought of a bag for every occasion, and they meet the many diverse needs of women on-the-go. They have a very sporty, down-to-earth look that is fit for most women. When visiting their site, pay close attention to the interesting color combinations of each bag - especially the lining.  

I will continue to post great giving ideas throughout the week, to help during this festive and busy time. For those who cannot make it out to boutiques, now is the ideal time to shop online. I encourage everyone to visit notice-this.com, while continuing to search for the perfect presents. They also have a page dedicated to great gift ideas. Happy shopping! (All of the pictures were provided by their given website.)

Thanks-living

In a hymn we sing at my church, it reads: "Gratitude is riches; complaint is poverty." When I first noticed this little note of inspiration, it was written on my dad's desk years ago. It is a saying that has really stuck in my mind, and for that I am truly grateful! It is such a great reminder that our wealth and value in life comes from how we look at it, which attitude we decide to bring to each situation. We mistakenly think of gratitude as an aftereffect, but it is actually an outlook that brings daily blessings that would otherwise go unnoticed.

I have a lot to be grateful for. It is a fact that simply cannot be argued. I try to express and acknowledge my gratitude daily. I believe that recognizing your blessings is the healthiest and happiest way to live life. It is so important to live in the moment, and notice that joy is attainable in the present - not something we have to anxiously wait for. We should not set ourselves up for failure by deciding that we will only be truly happy once we can afford designer products, marry Mr. or Mrs. Right, or get that dream job. If you cannot feel gratitude now, chances are you won't feel it once you attain whatever it is you thought you always wanted.

Today is Thanksgiving, but everyday is an opportunity for Thanks-living. Everyday there is something to be grateful for. Those who have the attitude of gratitude in the present, are sure to have gratitude for eternity. The instant we recognize the good we already have, it opens the door for more goodness to come our way. We don't always have the ability to change the situation we are in, but we always have the ability to change our attitude about it. What a freedom!            

We have all heard that good things happen to good people, and that is because these people are constantly expecting and discovering good for themselves and others. There is never a lack of goodness; and this goodness can be expressed at any time, at any place, by anyone. Even if we are momentarily feeling a lack of goodness or gratitude in our own lives, we can recognize the good in others lives and expressions. This will eventually lead us to the realization that good was never absent in our own life.        

I am grateful that we set aside specific days to celebrate and acknowledge the wholesomeness in our lives. Thanksgiving rings in the holiday season. It is a time I treasure. I believe that we are all aware of the great need to understand the deeper meaning of the holiday season. It is easy to become frazzled because of the high expectations during this busy time, but here is an idea that has always helped me in high-pressure situations: It is not about impressing, it is about expressing. I think this to myself any time I feel the need to re-prioritize my responsibilities.

I also wanted to share the following words of wisdom with you that one of my dear friends shared with me. I had told her that I hoped to write a post on Thanksgiving, and soon after she sent me a very helpful email. Her yoga instructor started one of her classes with these readings on the concept of gratitude.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow."

I end this post with warm wishes, and I hope that everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Let it be filled with love, life, and grateful expressions! However we choose to celebrate this great holiday, I know we will feel the love, give love, and acknowledge that love is ever-present.

Glamorous

Every month I look forward to receiving my Glamour subscription in the mail. I love magazines, but I especially love glamour and Glamour. It is sophisticated, fun and intriguing, without being trashy - like the ever-so-popular Cosmopolitan tends to be.

My career goal is to work for a magazine that has the same values and passions that I have. To me, magazines are the most creative and spontaneous publication out there. I love flipping through their glossy pages, admiring the layout, design, and content that continues to lure me in month after month. It is ever-changing, and yet there is a consistency that you can depend on. When I have felt isolated from society, particularly at my college that was out in the middle of nowhere, magazines were my connection back to it.

This month's issue of Glamour honored the "Women of the Year" for 2010, for the 20th time in the magazine's history. The cover was graced by Fergie, one of Glamour's featured "Women of the Year," for her many outstanding accomplishments. Some of the other honored women included Julia Roberts, Cher, Katie Spotz, and Queen Rania - to name a select few. None of these women are considered "Women of the Year" for superficial reasons, of course. They have each demonstrated true grace and good living, by challenging themselves to beat the odds.

In the magazine, Katie Couric interviewed Fergie about the wonderful year she had had. They also delved into her past, and how it has affected her present and future. While reflecting on her success, Fergie mentioned something that I definitely thought was worth sharing. She said, "[If] you start making the right choices for yourself...you'd be surprised how addicting high self-esteem is." Bingo! That is the message I always hope to send with this blog I have started.

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah.

Fergie is a woman who has admittedly made some wrong decisions in her life, but she is not defined by them. She has turned her life around for the better, and that is admirable. We should never fear that our life has been imperfect, but rather challenge ourselves to live a life that's true and joyful. This does not have to be a challenge - per say, but it is wise to constantly have a higher goal before you.

I think we all can agree that it is a complete waste of time to sit around and worry about the past. We cannot go backward, we can only move forward. I have found that people are surprisingly forgiving, and truly want to see the best version of you. It is incredibly refreshing, as Fergie indicated, to live the right life.

I thank Glamour for continuing to highlight admirable women, instead of the women who thrive off of negative attention. I believe that it is so important to shine light on the good in this world. I would encourage everyone to pick up this month's issue - full of inspiration and style. Visit the website by going to glamour.com. (Picture provided by: accesshollywood.com.)

Barbie World

There has been a lot of controversy over the years about the impossible standards the Barbie doll has set for young girls. She is disproportionate and plastically, I mean...practically perfect. But I think young girls know that Barbie is a glamorous doll, and that is what makes her so great. Playing with a "normal" doll is simply not the same sort of play-date.

Jonathan Adler, a famous designer, triggered my thought about this topic. We carry a lot of his products in a boutique I work at, and I recently learned that he designed the 50th Anniversary Barbie Dream House, located in Malibu, California. I have only seen pictures, but I think the concept is fabulous. It is a life-size house designed especially for Barbie. It isn't normal, and that is what I love about it. Should we start worrying that the abnormality of this dream house is setting impossible standards for homeowners everywhere? I don't think so!

I love the mod feel you get from this room.

If there were no eccentricity in the world, it would be quite a different place - for the worse I'm sure. Artistic expression is often an exaggeration of the norm. Creativity is harmless if we see it for what it is, and embrace it. Can't we just accept Barbie for who she is, and not worry about her being too unreal or spectacular? No one has ever worried about the affect super hero toys have on little boys - double standard, perhaps?

I believe that we have the greatest imagination when we are children, and having an extraordinary toy just adds to the fun. Trying to dull down these precious dolls to make them more realistic would alter their identity. Maybe we should allow ourselves to channel more of that creative energy we were so full of when we were young children. Then we might all be living in our dream home!

I know this post is a bit different than the others I have written thus far, but I felt that it is something I should share. I am no Barbie fanatic, but I do appreciate the legacy that she is. My view on this sensitive subject is not meant to push buttons or ruffle feathers. I simply wanted to address the need to see and acknowledge things for what they are, and give credit where credit is due. (Pictures provided by: thinksprout.com.)

Preventing the Tempting

My sister just came home from basketball practice baring bad news. Apparently some rambunctious teenagers vandalized the girls locker room, and she discovered that all of her belongings had been stolen from her locker. She was especially upset when she saw that her brand new shoes had been stolen. And she loved those babies!

You're probably wondering how someone could have gotten into her locker, how they cracked the code. Well, since she did not actually lock her lock, there was no code to crack. Those teenagers hit the jackpot when they found her unlocked locker filled with snazzy athletic apparel. (Although, she did not understand why they wanted her deodorant, as well. That's...different.)

I was sitting in the living room when my mom and sister arrived at home. I heard them arguing about how irresponsible and careless leaving her locker unlocked was. My sister claimed that she didn't mean to leave it unlocked, but she was in a hurry and apparently it didn't snap shut all of the way. Then that erupted into another argument about managing her time better, and at that point I felt obligated to jump in and help out my little sis. Let's just say, I have been in her shoes before - no pun intended.

I have misplaced and lost many valuable things throughout my life. I have even had things stolen. Some of those items have been restored, and others have not. Looking back, I'll admit that almost every one of those times I was, in one way or another, at fault. The most common faulty trait I had in each of these unfortunate incidents was a lackadaisical attitude. I would subconsciously assume that others wouldn't be tempted, just because I wouldn't be. Of course stealing is the big no-no here, but in most of our situations it could have been prevented. Playing the role of the "innocent victim" simply wouldn't cut it.

Temptation is a powerful and deceptive force. Believe it or not, we have the power to eliminate a majority of the situations where people may be tempted to do wrong. For instance, we do not store our hard-earned money in a clear box at the end of our driveway. We store it in the bank where it is being carefully guarded. It is the responsible thing to do, and we are keeping it out of harms way. I do not believe that we, as human beings, are bad by nature. Although, sometimes we do have a lapse in judgement. If we do our protective work, which would also promote good living for all parties, we will begin to see man's true goodness.

There are exceptions, though. Some troubled individuals are driven by more than temptation. And in that case - all we can do is hope that someday they will find freedom and balance in their lives. When someone participates in wrong activity they become a slave to wrongdoing, and they are no longer in command over their own lives. Once having committed the faulty action, they are controlled by fear and paranoia. We have all heard that "the truth will set you free," and that statement could not be more accurate. Facing the music and accepting the consequences is never a joy ride, but it is much better than living a life in fear.

The great thing about experiencing these upsetting situations, is that they teach us extremely valuable life-lessons. Most people, myself included, learn the right thing to do once they have done the wrong thing. Maybe it is because of our invincible attitude, or assuming that nothing bad would ever happen to us...until it does. In any case, each of these situations are a blessing in disguise - if we learn from them. I look back on a lot of the "upsetting situations" I have been in with gratitude. If we do not learn to lock our locker when we are younger, we could be facing much more serious and trying problems in the future.

The Importance of Being Sorry

What is the point of saying "sorry" if we are not? Wouldn't it be more beneficial to everyone if we were honest? Once we have lied - and yes, I consider saying "sorry" when we are not a lie - we are forced to live that lie. 

I believe there is a big difference between saying, "I'm sorry," and actually being sorry. I have always believed that actions speak louder than words. For that reason, I do not appreciate it when people say "sorry" without having thought about why they are sorry first. Their half-hearted apologies are fluffy, and practically meaningless. They use "sorry" as a cover-up to avoid an argument. For some people, "sorry" has become a reflex, triggered by a fear of being in trouble.

Okay...maybe I am being a little harsh, but I promise there is validity to my concern. Apologies should not get watered down, but they tend to when it becomes the hundredth time you have had to apologize to the same person about the same problem. How do we then bypass the argument/apology process we are so tired of repeating? In order to avoid this downward spiral, we must make a conscious effort to identify the problem and find a solution. When we don't give enough attention to an argument, or an apology, the issue never gets resolved. 

When someone actually is sorry, rather than just claiming to be, it creates a healthy foundation for relationships to flourish. I have not been the best at actually saying the words, but I do see their importance. These words are equally important to the recipient as they are to the person apologizing. By saying them, we are openly admitting that we have done something wrong. These words also show that we are aware, and care for, the other persons feelings.

If someone has said "sorry," they have at least acknowledged the fact that they should be. That is a huge step! Some people never get there. Our message will be heard more clearly if it is said with grace and compassion, rather than aggression. My father once told me, "use honey instead of salt" when you are trying to get your point across, because then it will be better received.

Once we have taken the time to be sorry, we will be free. Let's free ourselves from the bondage of pride, and have the courage to admit there is a need for change. When we refuse to reevaluate our past decisions, there is little room to improve the decisions we make in the future. The leaders and heroes of this world are not faultless. They have taken advantage of the mistakes they have made, by learning from them. The people who did not learn from their mistakes continued to make them. We have the ability to shake our pride, and apologize for the wrong acts we have committed. When we strive to live a sincere life, there will be true progress.

Dirty Dancing - Take Two

Do people dance at dances anymore? I mean, I know people are out there on the dance floor...moving - somewhat scantily, but are they dancing? And if their inappropriate motions qualify as dancing...is this really what our youth has resorted to? I do not exclude young adults from this phenomenon either.

I promise I am no prissy-pants wallflower when it comes to dancing. I love busting a move when I get the chance, but when I am dancing I express joy and spontaneity. From what I have heard, and witnessed, this new style of dancing is trashy and highly sensuous. Sure there are times and places to let your hair down and have a little mischievous fun, but that time and place is not typically at a school dance. I apologize if I am sounding too school for cool, but this trend should stop for the sake of our youngsters.

My two siblings, both of which are in high school, attended their homecoming dance last weekend. Being my sister's first high school dance, she had been eagerly anticipating a night of good, clean fun. She was quickly disappointed by the raunchy behavior the majority of her peers had participated in, and she left the dance with a shocked daze on her face.

Even her clean-cut friends had succumb to that style of dancing. She was shocked when they were flattered, instead of feeling the same way she had, when approached by boys wanting to dance in that manner.

I partially blame the music we are given to dance to. Rap and Hip-Hop, the genres most played at school dances, have extremely suggestive and blunt lyrics. While people claim they just like the beat, which is catchy and fun to dance to, the words are impossible to ignore. Music is subliminally influential, clearly. Look what it makes us dance like!

Let's challenge what has become the norm. Sure it is tempting, because "everyone" is doing it, but who made "everyone" king?  That type of dancing is not truly fun or enjoyable. Of course mischief will always be around, but it should never be accepted as the norm. Which reminds me...where are the chaperones at these shin-digs? How can we expect our youth to shape-up if there are no adults enforcing what is right and setting standards?

I really just want everyone to have fun...real fun. It is a shame to think that an entire generation can be robbed of true enjoyment. I want our youth to feel the freedom to express themselves and be individuals. Look how much fun they had in the movie Grease at their school dance! Okay, that reference may be a little rusty, but at least they were actually dancing. It is time to start having fun again, and create memories that will be enjoyable to look back on - instead of embarrassing. So go ahead - dance and be merry!

Thank You, Rachel Zoe

My guilty pleasure: reality shows that revolve around fashion.

Earlier this week, while I was at home doing some house chores, I had The Rachel Zoe Project on in the background. It was the episode where she was scrambling from runway to runway in search of the perfect Oscar dresses for her famous clients. Since she is probably the most popular stylist in the industry, she was often bombarded by questions from reporters as she was entering and exiting each show. Most of these questions had a negative spin on them, and they implied that Zoe was not going to achieve the goals she had set out to accomplish on this very important trip.

During an interview clip, she mentioned something that I thought was brilliant, and that everyone should be well aware of. "People want to see me squirm," she said. "No one likes a success story, so that is why I have to work so much harder." Is this true? No one likes a success story?

When it comes to media that could very well be true. There really isn't any "story" in having something go according to plan. Yes, this is an unfortunate reality, but at the same time it means that people know that success is what should happen. People expect things to go well, but some may hope that it doesn't for various reasons.

The reason why I loved that she pointed this out is because she is aware that she is a target, and she knows that she has to work that much harder because of it. If you are someone who steps away from the crowd, attempting to do amazing things with your life, you are going to be looked at. Some people see your example as something to admire, and others turn green with envy. We cannot control how others feel, but we always have the ability to control our own actions. In this situation, the best thing to do is to live by the Golden Rule. We should give these people the same love and support we wish to receive. People will choose to either accept or reject your grace, but at least you stay true and represent the qualities you wish to see in others.

I understand that everyone has a completely unique situation. But in any case, don't be discouraged by human opinions! We know in our hearts what we are capable of, and that passion will take us far. These negative opinions are designed to make us second-guess ourselves and discourage us from being so great! We need to protect the goodness we plan on expressing from the negative thoughts of others. I feel sorry for people who are prone to criticizing others, because I know that they too have dreams and a desire for more. Whenever I criticize, I know that I am the one with the real issue.

It is ironic how doing great things simultaneously attracts negative attention. If you are feeling discouraged, it is probably only because your good has been recognized. We can take this negative attention as a compliment, for people wouldn't feel the need to challenge something that wasn't a threat to their beliefs or identity.

During these trying times, it is most important to have confidence in yourself. No one will have confidence in you if you don't first have confidence in yourself. Have fun challenging the norm and breaking the mold. By staying true to yourself, you allow others to do the same. (Picture provided by: hulu.com.)

A Proper Introduction

My name is Alexandra and I am a recent college graduate. I have a degree in Mass Communication, and I truly have a desire to spread my message to the masses. What is my message exactly? My intent for starting this blog is to post thought provoking statements and questions that challenge our day-to-day norms. The title of my blog, 'Oh My Goodness,' emphasizes the need to live a quality life full of goodness. Our world, at present, seems to be saturated by sensationalism. I believe that this has happened through the powerful presence of technology in our lives today.

Technology is not going to go anywhere, nor do I think it needs to, but I do believe that we need to reevaluate and rebalance our relationship to it. Social networking sites, for instance, have both opened doors and put up walls. It is scary to think that our younger generations main source of communication is through a keyboard. This habit is sure to stifle growth in social graces and communication skills - two very important things to have in the "real" world. 

I am a member of Facebook, and agree that there are great things about it, but I think some people have taken it too far. I am guilty of having checked my profile more than once a day, particularly at school, but only out of boredom and procrastination. And just the fact that I checked my profile based on such a silly foundation is a huge indicator that I should be spending my time more wisely. Let's challenge ourselves to resist the temptation!

Admirable people consistently redefine their lives and challenge themselves to be better. What is most important, I think, is that we are constantly asking ourselves how we can be better individuals. No matter how large or small that question is to each of us, we all have the potential to be the best version of ourselves.