Mio - The liquid water enhancer (review)

So there is a new drink on the markets called Mio. It is a liquid enhancer that aims to make drinking water fun. I like the concept and think that it is easier than using powdered drink mixes, however, I am disappointed at the fact that it is a drink full of chemicals. 
If you want flavored water, go for options that will not do any harm to your body. The food colorings this drink uses are harmful to the body. Just because some of those options may not add bright colors to your drink, that does not mean that they are not as tasty. And if you do want fun colors, there are tons of natural food colorings available. If you go to natural food stores such as whole foods or even a local health food store, you can find many options to make drinking water fun that are chemical free.

What do you think about MiO? 
Will you drink it  after knowing that the ingredients are harmful?
What are some of the things you do to make drinking water fun?

The American public school system

There has been a lot of talk lately about the American school system and about why it is failing.  What do you think about the American school system? what do you think really needs to change?


As a current college student I am speaking out as someone who as recently been out of public school. Honestly adults NEED to listen to some of their children's suggestions. If a child is telling you that they feel like they can not wake up at 6 o'clock and then spend 7 or 8 hours sitting in school all day then listen to them. (obviously don't listen to them if they say there should be no more homework)

 In my old public school the reason why everyone skipped first period was because they wanted to sleep in. The days where we had some sort of a delay, those were the days mostly everyone showed up. YOUR child is the one that has to endure whatever the school board decides so if they are telling you they don't like something try to reason with them and see their side of things. Being in school for 7 hours a day used to give me massive headaches because the only break we had was a 20 minute lunch break. If only we could have some time to get some fresh air besides lunch and take our mind off of school for a few minutes.

Honestly I feel like one of the BIGGEST problems in American schools is the fact that students are forced to wake up so early. Studies have shown that if a child receives more sleep they will do better overall. There is a school in New Jersey that has there schools start only 30 min later and student attendance, grades and overall attention span during the school day has dramatically improved (search it up, they have worked around parents work schedules and everything!)
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Links to pages that talk more about the schools in New Jersey and schools starting later in general: http://www.northjersey.com  

http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/07/08/start-school-later-improve-conduct-grades-and-even-save-lives/


http://www.scientificamerican.com
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If the school day begins at least 30 minutes later then students overall performance will dramatically improve. Also I feel like public schools need a more structured way of teaching. The reason why I was never able to learn math was because it got so confusing when every teacher contradicting each other and telling you to do different methods. If Public school curriculum could be more structured and instead of teachers doing things very differently then I feel like students will also have a better grasp on the material being taught to them year after year.

Also a lot of people are complaining that asian students are better than our students over here then what is so hard about looking at what they do differently then trying to do something similar to them?


Also a list of things I feel would dramatically improve students education
1. better classrooms or at least better desks
2. a late start (even 30 min. would make a big difference)
3. better pay for the teachers
4. less concentration on standardized testing. Instead of teaching students material so they can pass a standardized test, teach them for knowledge, teach them so they will learn something and so that they can better themselves in the future
5. More funding for public schools!


Also if our government can afford to WASTE money on exclusive vacations to exclusive resorts and also waste money on pointless things like making signs that say "putting america to work",  Then how come we CAN'T afford to invest in our children's education?

If politicians and other wealthy people can afford to spend thousands and millions of their own money towards a campaign, then how come they can't donate some money to a public school?

If the taxpayers spoke out more against our governments wasteful spending then maybe there would be a little less waste. Its not just that the country doesn't have money, there is a lot of wasteful spending going on that people don't realize

Easy French Manicure Nail Design

I absolutely love getting my nails done in the nail salon but sometimes when I don't have time to go or I need my nails done for a last minute event, I like to do them myself. 


I tried to post a video of an easy french manicure nail design but it wouldn't work, but if your interested you can find the video here >>  Easy french manicure with black nail design

Check out these affordable tools to help you create the perfect at home french manicure! 

The pink polish I used in the video is pictured in the first nail set. This french manicure set is very cheap because at the store this polish brand can go for around $8 or more per bottle.

Debra Lynn Professional 6 piece Nail Art Set



SEPHORA COLLECTION French Tips & Toes Manicure Pen



Orly French Manicure White Tip Guide

Back to school so soon!

In some places school is already in session, in others places (like mine) school is starting in the next 2 weeks.

Eating healthy and keeping a healthy lifestyle while in college is something that is extremely hard to do. During my first semester of college I ate all the unhealthy options that were available in my food court, I also used the elevators a lot trying to avoid stairs as much as possible. I decided that this was not a good way to be spending my college years and decided to change it all. I know it is hard but it is possible. Now I avoid elevators as much as possible, pack my own snacks and make healthy choices at the food court.

For lunch I make a salad at the salad bar. But don't drown your salad in dressing!, if you must use a dressing such as ranch use a very small amount otherwise vinaigrettes are a good choice also. Something I do is that i put a very small amount of ranch dressing on my salad and a small amount of olive oil and I found that when you mix it all up in the salad the olive oil kind of helps make it seem as though there is more ranch dressing than there really is. Make sure you do not skip the dressing because if you do your body won't absorb some of the vitamins in your healthy salad. Fat soluble vitamins are only absorbed in the body with the presence of fat so a little bit of dressing helps the body absorb them but if you top you salad with olives and nuts then the fat in the olives and nuts will help and you can then skip the dressing if you please.

Tips for healthy college lifestyle

• use the stairs instead of using elevator (sometimes run up or down a flight for an extra mini workout)
• pack your own snacks in your bag for when hunger creeps up on you in between classes so you won't be tempted to make a vending machine run and go for the unhealthy chips and candy bars.
• Make one of your school meals vegetarian .. this saves in some calories and is healthy for you
• join a sport or intramural 
• use your schools gym!
• eat a healthy filling breakfast! if you have no time make a healthy smoothie and drink it on your way to school/class or make a quick breakfast wrap

Healthy snacks

• granola bars (make sure you read the label and ingredient list because some granola bars are not healthy for you at all  because they include things such as a lot of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and a bunch of preservatives and a bunch of other ingredients that you probably won't be able to pronounce.) Make your own or look for a brand that has the least amount of sugar and ingredients
• veggies sticks and cheese ... prepare and put in a ziplock bag 
• fruit
• pita chips... you can make your own by cutting up pita and brushing olive oil on top and baking it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until they crisp up. You can also put herbs and garlic on the to flavor them. Or you can buy them at the supermarket. They are healthier than potato chips

Do you have any healthy college lifestyle tips? comment and let me know!

Green is the new Black!

These days there is a lot of green talk around. Being green is not just about preventing global warming but its about taking care of our planet, a healthier way of living, and overall improving the quality of life for both humans, animals and plants.


By clicking on the banner above you might be able to get a free energy efficient light bulb. And also learn more about solar energy.

Summer Must Haves

Hi,
Here is a list of clothes I think that are really cute and trendy this summer and that are essential in every summer wardrobe.


In no particular order at all

1. Sandals like the one I have pictured below. These sandals come in all different colors and styles. Some of them look more gladiator like and some of them are a little more simple like the ones I have. They look great with any outfit and when your flying they are easy to slip on and off during security.
 
2. A two in one dress
I have these dresses in many different styles. Some are more formal and others are nice and casual. If you don't know what to wear during a hot summer day you can easily slip one on and pair them with any cute shoe. They are light weight and super comfortable! i wear the ones I have all the time.
 


3. Floral prints. Floral skirts are fun and flirty and can be worn with a shirt or tank tucked in for a super easy and super cute look. Floral dresses and rompers are a very nice way to add a little color in your summer wardrobe.




4. Rompers. I love rompers because when I have no idea what to wear it is so easy to just throw one on and pair it with some sandals or heel and cute accessories. I also love them because they are comfortable and stylish and they aren't too revealing.


5. A cardigan. For those chilly summer nights and cool fall day, a cardigan is light enough to keep you warm when the weather isn't quite cold just yet. They can be worn with any outfit and come in all different styles and colors.

                 



My favorite summer item is the romper.
What is your favorite summer clothing item that you own? 
What are some of the things you can't live without during the summer?

Easy Nail design with silver, black, and white polish