Monday, December 10, 2012

Balsamic and Parmesan Roasted Veggies

I’m a huge fan of roasted veggies. They always taste like a treat, and they’re such a healthy alternative to fries. I love how the sweet balsamic vinegar in this recipe combines with the earthy potatoes and broccoli to create a mouth-watering side dish.
Not only will these veggies make your taste buds smile, it will make your body happy, too!
The potatoes are packed with fiber, and sweet potatoes will give you plenty more than your daily dose of Vitamin A, a nutrient that plays a part in cellular metabolism, the immune system, and eye and skin health. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid (one of the B vitamins, which give you energy and aid in cell development), fiber, and phytochemicals that help prevent cancer.
Olive oil is packed with polyunsaturated fats, which help raise your HDL, the good kind of cholesterol, which helps maintain your cardiovascular health.


Here’s what you’ll need:
3 Sweet potatoes
1 Head broccoli
5 Small yellow potatoes
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
minced garlic
Chives
Minced Onion (although I wish I had enough fresh onion to slice)
Oregano
Turmeric
Grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Chop your potatoes and broccoli, and put in a large bowl. Mix together 11/2 parts balsamic vinegar with 1 part olive oil, then add your herbs to taste. Pour the seasoning into the big bowl, and toss your veggies until they’re evenly coated. Pour your veggies onto a baking sheet, and sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the veggies are soft and slightly browned.

It’s that easy! I had these veggies with salmon and rice, but they’d also pair well with pork, tilapia, or chicken, too! Enjoy!




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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Final Exam Stress Busters

Image from registrar.pitt.edu
It's the most wonderful time of the year again! Christmas decor is up, holiday spirit is everywhere, and you're cooped up in a library with your earbuds, a Starbucks coffee, and a 30-page study guide. Final exams have to be my least favorite part of college. It's so easy to get burned out and exhausted, or to be so sick of schoolwork that you're a five-page assignment away from spontaneous combustion. I know how stressful these next two or three weeks are for so many students, so here are a few ways to handle stress and stay healthy for the holiday season:

Beat Studying Stress:

Work It Out
I know, I know. I talk about exercise a lot. But the truth is that working out is my #1 stress and anxiety buster. I think it should be referred to as "Xanaxersize," it's such an effective coping mechanism. Without a little cardio, I would be a mess of nerves covered in chocolate.
Physical activity reduces cortisol, increases prostaglandins, and gives you the energy, focus, and confidence you need to conquer that exam. Blood doesn't just pump to your muscles when you exercise, you get more circulation to your brain as well. So, having trouble concentrating and feeling sluggish? Turn up the music and show off your jazz hands! Here, I even gave you a few catchy tunes to get you started. Take your pick:






 
Take a Break
Get away from your computer screen or book for 5 to 10 minutes every 30 minutes and do something relaxing. Giving your brain a little down time between study time will help refresh your concentration. If you try to jam everything into one all-night study session, you're going to end up burned out and exhausted, and you won't absorb as much information. Let yourself have a little down time, and your brain and eyes will thank you for it!

Pamper Yourself
When we're under a lot of pressure, many of us forget to take care of ourselves. Exam week puts a student through a lot of stress and anxiety, so it's important to give yourself the chance to recover. Try out my homemade anti-inflammatory mask, take a hot shower, give yourself a pedicure, and get plenty of sleep.
This can also include making time for a relaxing hobby. I love to crochet. The stitching motion is such an old habit, it soothes me, and gives me something to do with my hands while my mind can rest. It's also a great opportunity to make Christmas gifts for friends and family while I'm taking a break! Whatever you find to be soothing and productive, give yourself a little time to enjoy it. Don't have a relaxing hobby yet? Maybe it would be a good time to start one!

Be Still
If you start to feel overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and picture yourself in a peaceful place. Imagine you're sitting by a creek, surrounded by wildlife. Listen for the water rushing by, the leaves rustling in the wind. Smell the wet earth and vegetation... It sounds corny, but this form of meditation really can help ease your panic. You could also try relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and stretching to regain your equilibrium.
I also like to listen to peaceful, tranquil music during my downtime. Explosions In The Sky is a beautiful instrumental band you might find calming:



Stay Hydrated
I don't know about you, but I usually consume a lot of caffeine before my finals, which can sometimes make me feel pretty crappy. Since caffeine is a diuretic, people who consume it are at a higher risk for dehydration. If you're dehydrated while you're studying, you're going to be distracted, lethargic, and grumpy. Dehydration also increases your risk of getting an infection, and we're right in the middle of flu season! For every 8 ounces of a caffeinated beverage you drink, try to drink another 8 ounces of water. This will help keep your fluid balance where it needs to be, so you can feel energized and focus on that study guide.


Calming Exam Nerves:


Eat a Balanced Breakfast
My nursing professors always remind us of the importance of a good breakfast. Get complex carbs and protein in your breakfast, and you'll be ready to take on the hardest of exams!

Pump Yourself Up!
Before I have an important interview or tough exam, I listen to peppy, upbeat music to boost my confidence. It helps me feel more relaxed, and distracts me from worrying about how it may or may not affect my future.

Divide and Conquer
If you have a written exam, tackle the hard questions first, then do the easy ones last. That way, you won't have as much anxiety about finishing your exam in time.
If your exam is multiple choice, try saving the hard questions for last. Other questions may give you clues or reminders that trigger that "Aha!" moment you're desperately looking for.

Seek Help
If you find that you often feel panicky and nervous before and during an exam, you might have testing anxiety. Try talking to a counselor or advisor from your school, and let the professor know that the traditional means of exam-taking is putting you at a disadvantage. Colleges have accommodations they can make for you that help you succeed.

Good luck with finals! Get some rest and take care of yourself. I'm sure you'll do great!





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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Apps I Can't Live Without

Mobile apps are truly a godsend. How many times have I forgotten something, only to remember I can access it on my mobile device?? Here are some I've used countless times during my college career that I can't imagine living without. Some of them may make your life easier, too!

GroupMe:
I've depended on GroupMe so many times, I don't think I'll ever work in a team without it again.
This app allows you to message everyone at once, which makes communicating so much easier.

Your bank's mobile app:
Whatever bank you use, they probably have an app to help you keep track of your money on the go. Mine even lets me make transfers! It's so much easier to monitor my spending when it's available on my mobile device.

Google Drive:
Keep all your documents with you at all times with Google Drive. I've used Google docs for countless group projects and house meetings, and being able to access them in an app is much easier than hauling my laptop around.

Swackett:
It's a weather app that tells you the real and "feels like" temperature currently, for the day, and for the next 6 days. It also lets you track several different locations, and updates you on warnings and advisories for those areas. It even has little cartoon people that suggest what to wear for the day!

Pandora:
Because I get bored with my own iTunes playlist, especially on an hour-long run.

Youtube:
So I can show my girlfriends the latest Jenna Marbles video.

Convert Units:
Being a nursing student, I do a lot of conversions from standard to metric, and vice versa. It's nice to just put the numbers into this app and let it spit out the corresponding value.

WebMd:
Out and about, when you get sick or hurt? Let the symptom checker on this app tell you if you should seek medical attention if you're not sure what to do.

Nike+ Running:
My campus's co-rec has workout equipment that let you plug your iPod/iPhone in and track your progress on Nike+. It's a great way to challenge myself and stay motivated during a treadmill workout (as if the Around the World circuit wasn't hard enough)!

Purdue (or whatever college you attend):
Includes news, maps, a calendar, media, menus, open computer labs, bus routes, and more.

Find iPhone:
I haven't lost my iPod yet, but if I did, I would probably rip my hair out. At least with this app, I can locate it, send messages to it, and even wipe my information.




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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Breakfast Eggrolls

I'm always looking for new ways to make my morning routine quicker, especially on days when I have to wake up before 5am. I've found that pre-making my breakfasts on Sunday lets me sleep in an extra fifteen minutes during the week.
For a quick, healthy breakfast, I heat up a breakfast eggroll and pair it with greek yogurt. Each roll has around 150 calories and a serving of veggies!

Breakfast Eggrolls (Makes 5 rolls)
  • Egg Roll wrappers
  • 3 eggs
  • A couple handfulls of spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 2-3 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces (I just microwave mine)
  • A couple dashes of dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste (I only add pepper)
  • Mrs. Dash Table Blend to taste
  • 1/2 cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese
  • Small bowl/cup of water
1. First, preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on your eggroll package (or 375 if not otherwise specified) and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Next, scramble your eggs and fry them until fully cooked. While your eggs are cooking, chop up your spinach and cooked turkey bacon, then stir them into your cooked eggs. Add seasonings to taste. 


3. Scoop a small amount of your filling onto the center of an eggroll wrapper, and sprinkle some cheese on top.

4. Fold the corner of the eggroll closest to you over the filling, then the two sides. 

5.Next, dip your fingers in the bowl of water, and wet the final edge of the eggroll. Roll it tightly, with wet corner as the outermost part of the roll.

6. Place your rolls onto the baking sheet, and spray the tops with cooking spray, or brush with oil.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Turn them after about 8 minutes.
They're done when they're crispy and golden brown

These would also taste amazing with some Greek yogurt hollandaise sauce!

Enjoy your breakfast roll!




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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Have a Healthy Thanksgiving!

Pic via kaboose.com
Thanksgiving is a time for family, football, pumpkin pie, and putting on a few extra pounds in one sitting. This Thanksgiving, you can leave the extra weight on the buffet table instead of your hips with a few easy swaps and a little portion control.

Here are a few healthier alternatives to traditional high-calorie Thanksgiving dishes:

1. Mashed potatoes:

  • Garlic Sweet Potato Mash: Although white potatoes and sweet potatoes have about the same amount of calories, sweet potatoes have 1 extra gram of fiber, Vitamin C, and 384% of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin A per serving. Vitamin A is essential for supporting eye health and the immune system, and can give your complexion a beautiful glow.
  • Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes": This recipe has 80 calories and 8 grams of protein in one cup!
  • Garlic Roasted Cauliflower with Toasted Asiago Breadcrumbs: If you don't want to skimp on any flavor, this is the dish for you (and it's only 130 calories per serving!). I made it with steaks for the boyfriend a few days ago, and he loved it! I'll definitely be making this dish again.
Balsamic roasted green beans and mushrooms. MMMM!

2. Green Bean Casserole:

3. Pecan Pie:

  • Pumpkin pie is a much lighter choice, especially when made with graham cracker crust.
  • Gluten-free, no sugar added pecan pie
  • Try a healthy vegan Pecan Pie Smoothie!
4. Stuffing/Dressing:
  • Try this healthy Stuffing with Cranberries recipe form the Mayo Clinic. It's 147 calories per serving, and has a fraction of the fat, calories, and sodium that boxed stuffings contain.
A few more tips for keeping the pounds off:
  • My biggest downfall isn't the meal itself, but all the delicious appetizers family members bring. Try limiting yourself to three or four items, and only eating from a small plate. If you want to go reload, put the food on the plate first. It will help you be more conscious of what you're eating and how man times you've gone back for more.
  • Don't hang out in the kitchen. My family seems to be drawn to the kitchen like moths to a flame, but if I can put distance between myself and the serving table, I have more self-control over going back for more.
  • Go for the items with the least amount of ingredients. Chances are, they're healthier because they aren't loaded with extra sugar, fat, carbs, or preservatives. My family always has a fruit plate and bowl of raw veggies and dip for appetizers. It's easy and delicious, and you know what you're eating.
  • Limit calorie intake a couple days before and after, so you have a little bit of wiggle room on Thanksgiving. Now, it's important that you don't starve yourself (you don't want to scare your body into storing ALL of your feast), just try to cut 300-500 calories from your daily recommended caloric intake.
  • Don't forget to exercise! Even if you have to get up a little earlier in the morning, go for a run, or even better, do some kind of weight training. Stressing your muscles will increase your metabolism all day long.
  • Pick just one dessert, and ask for a small piece. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 
Don't forget to like, share, and comment! ^_^


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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Treat Common College Illness at Home: Head

If there's one health problem every college student faces, it's headaches. Tension headaches. Migraines. Sinus congestion. Caffeine withdrawal. Hangovers. It doesn't matter what kind it is, they all make you want to throw in the towel and call it a day. Here are a few ways to give that nasty headache the boot:

Tension Headaches:
A tension headache is pain or discomfort in the shoulders, neck, head, and scalp associated with muscle tension in those areas. People most often get tension headaches when they're under a lot of stress or anxiety, or if they sit in one position for too long. This kind of headache causes a pressure sensation all over, like a tight band is around your head.
Thankfully, tension headaches are easily treated at home. If you've been sitting at your computer for a while, stand up, stretch, slowly and gently drop your left ear to your left shoulder, then your right ear to your right shoulder. Then, look to your left and right; next look up, then down. Repeat this a few times as needed, and you should feel your neck and shoulders loosen up.
Another trick I've learned is the art of a good head massage. Here's how I do mine:

1. Spread your fingers along your hairline, then press down as much as is comfortable, and make 30 little circles

2. Move to your temples, and press three finger against each side of your head. Gently make 30 circles.

3. Spread your fingers along the top of your head. Make 30 circles here.

4. Move your hands down to the side of your head, with your fingers outlining your ears. Now you know what to do. 30 circles.

5. Move your fingers to the sides of the back of your neck. 30 circles.

6. Now to your shoulders.

7. Repeat as much as you like. Ahhh, feels better!



My Bed Buddy (Sorry if I look a little grody. I'd just finished a long run :/)!
If you still feel tense after your head massage, try taking 200mg of ibuprofen and applying moist heat to your neck and shoulders. I use a pack called, "The Original Bed Buddy Hot and Cold Pack" I found at a local pharmacy. It's so convenient. I just pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, and I have a warm compress to put on my neck!
Another trick you could try involves a foam roller. You'll just lay on the floor with the roller under your neck and shoulders. Slowly look to your left and right, continuing until your neck loosens up.
When should you see a health care provider?
- if the headache is severe
- if it is persistent
- if it began suddenly after a possible injury
- if you have other symptoms with the headache, such as changes in your speech, vision, hearing, sense of smell, or balance.

Migraines:
According to the Mayo Clinic staff, 
"A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can cause significant pain for hours to days and be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down."
Migraine headaches usually start in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. If this is your first time having a migraine, or you've never seen a doctor for it, you need to go ASAP. It's really important that you make sure that it's not something more serious. You'll be prescribed medications that can help with the severity and duration of your migraine, and maybe a medication to take every day to prevent them from occurring.
With that being said, there are ways to treat migraines at home. These at-home treatments should be supplemental to any medication you're prescribed:
- Muscle relaxation exercises (I listed a few in the tension headache section)
- Get adequate sleep
- Keep a diary to help figure out what your triggers are

Congestion:
Congestion is a pain in the butt, but easily treated. There are a lot of different over-the-counter medications that will help with congestion, and one may work better or worse for you. If you find one that works, stick to it. I've found that Sudafed with pseudoephedrine works best for me, but you have to be 18 and go to the pharmacy counter to get it. Each state has different limits to how much you can buy in a month, too.
If you have allergy-induced congestion, you might want to try a Neti pot. It looks like a little tea pot. You fill it with warm saline and literally irrigate your sinuses. You can find Neti pots at your local pharmacy, and a pharmacist should be able to show you how to properly use it. People who have used Neti pots (myself included) have reported a marked difference in the severity of their nasal allergy symptoms.
One medication I would suggest you avoid/use cautiously when treating congestion at home is nasal spray with phenylephrine in it. It can be used as directed for three days, but after that, continuing to use it can cause rebound congestion. Try using the Neti pot or normal saline nasal spray instead.

Hangovers:
Naturally, the best cure for a hangover headache is to prevent it. Drink in moderation and know your limits. But since we're talking about treating a hangover, here's how you can make the nasty headache better.
If you're hung over, your first priority should be to replace fluids and electrolytes. Alcohol inhibits  antidiuretic hormone, a hormone that helps regulate body fluid volume. When ADH doesn't work properly, you lose water and electrolytes that you need to keep. One of the easiest ways to prevent a hangover is to drink a glass of water for every serving of alcohol. When you're treating a hangover, drink something with electrolytes in it, like fitness water.
If your headache is still throbbing, try taking 200-400mg of ibuprofen. NEVER take acetaminophen/Tylenol and drink, or vice versa. A combination of alcohol and tylenol can cause liver damage and toxicity.


Good luck easing your aching heads! If you have any questions/comments, let me know below, or send me a private message! If you like my post, please like it below, and share!




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By the way, in case you were wondering why I'm wearing the button with workout clothes, it's my Old Masters button! Old Masters is an organization at Purdue that brings back 10 celebrated Purdue alumni each year to help inspire future leaders. It's a huge honor to be a part of this 62-year-old tradition, so to show our excitement for the program, each member wears their button at all times. So that's why I wore mine running! If you're interested in learning more about the program or having one of the alumni come to one of your Purdue classes, you can get more info here: http://www.purdueoldmasters.org/.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

How to Treat College Illnesses at Home: Hormones

I get a lot of questions from my friends about their various ailments. I love helping them all out, but I can't be there every time something comes up, nor do I always have a ready answer. So, I've decide to dedicate several blog posts to what ails you. First up is hormones!

Menstrual Woes
If you have a heavy flow, nausea and vomiting, and/or bad cramps, take ibuprofen when your period starts, 200mg every 4 to 6 hours. Try to take it with food to prevent stomach irritation. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, the main hormone responsible for menstrual cramps and other period symptoms.
If you feel weak and tired during and after your period, you may be anemic. Try getting extra iron in your diet by eating more deep green veggies, red meat, and eggs. Also, try to choose a women's multivitamin that includes iron, especially if you're vegan.
Exercise can have a profound effect on how you feel during your period. I understand that most women don't want anything to do with their gym shoes or yoga mat when Aunt Flo is visiting, but the endorphins exercise releases is a natural pain-killer. If you're not doubled over or feeling anemic, there's no need to stop your weekly routine.
Here's a video that demonstrates some yoga poses for relieving period pain.

When should you see a healthcare provider?
- If you have severe PMS symptoms (take a free online screening for premenstrual dysmorphic disorder here)
- If you're soaking through heavy pads in an hour or less, for two hours or more
- If your periods are consistently irregular
- If you've gone 90 days without a period (called amenorrhea)
- If you have unexplained lower abdominal pain and heaviness that persists for several days
- If you have pelvic pain during or following intercourse
- If your period lasts longer than 7 days
- If your period is disrupting your daily activities (i.e. you can't go to class because you can't get out of bed)

Hormonal Acne
Hormonal Acne (via honeyforacne.in)
I've had my fair share of hormonal acne, so I can speak straight from experience on this one. The best way to treat stress/hormonal acne is to combat it continuously. I wash my face twice a day with a cleanser containing salicylic acid, then use a cleansing pad if I wore makeup or got sweaty. I also exfoliate with baking soda a couple times a week, and use oil-free moisturizers. Every night, I apply a lotion with tea tree oil to my trouble zones, then use a non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) night cream. If you have sensitive skin, I wouldn't suggest using products with tea tree oil. It will dry out and irritate your skin.
It may sound like a lot, but it still turns out to be much cheaper than Proactiv, and I've had good results. The most expensive product I bought was The Body Shop lotion with tea tree oil, and I got it for $13 on Amazon. Do some shopping, dig around.
If you still have bad hormonal acne, you have a few clinical options:
- Birth control pills to regulate hormones
- Prescription of Retinol or antibiotics to kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Other prescription medications for acne (be careful with these. Some can have serious side effects)
Not sure if your acne is hormonal? If you can time it around stress or your period, or if you've started or changed birth control pills, it's probably hormonal. Hormonal acne also occurs along your jawline more than in your T-zone. If it's mainly in your T-zone or along your hairline, it's likely your makeup, hair product, or a face product. Try modifying your skincare routine and include medicated skincare products. And remember to always go to bed with a clean face!

Stress-Related Weight Gain
Pic via allwomenstalk.com
I know I've mentioned cortisol before (see my "Ten Realistic Tips for Staying Healthy in College" post), so I'll just give you a little refresher. Cortisol is a stress hormone that prepares you for times of adversity. It suppress your immune system, makes you hungry (thus, the most popular drug among women, comfort food), and changes the way you metabolize food. Instead of burning up calories like you usually would, cortisol tells your body, "Hold on! We might need that later!" so it gets converted into fat. What's worse, cortisol causes an increase in abdominal fat, which puts you at a higher risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dealing with stress-related weight gain is a little harder than just trying to lose weight. It's just as important to handle your stress in a healthy way as it is to just cut calories and eat clean.
In my post "Ten Realistic Tips for Staying Healthy In College," I talked about the importance of sleep, relaxation, and exercise for reducing your cortisol levels. In summary, make 8 hours of sleep a priority, have fun often, and get sweaty with some cardio 5-6 times a week.
I've also given some tips on how to lose fat and keep it off in my post "8 Easy Ways to Lose Inches Fast." I think I've got you covered, but if you have any questions or other requests, let me know, and I'll be glad to help you out!

You should see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms:
-your weight gain is sudden and drastic
- you start to bruise and bleed easily
- thicker body hair in women
- irregular or absent menstrual periods, or if they become heavier than normal
- decreased libido
- new or worsening high blood pressure
- fatigue and sluggishness
- a slow heart rate
- you feel depressed


Want me to cover any other hormonal issues? Comment below or email me! Hope this post helps you out!







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Monday, August 27, 2012

How to Resolve Roommate Drama


Whether you live in a dorm, an apartment, a sorority, or a cooperative house, drama among women is inevitable. Thankfully, the way you communicate can reduce the frequency and duration of any spats that may come up between you and the ladies you live with. During my 2+ years of living in a house full of women, I've been learning these ways to change my own communication style to help solve the problem, not exacerbate it:

Take a deep breath...
Hold it for ten seconds, then slowly exhale. Take a few seconds to think and calm down a little. Is this even worth your time and emotions? If so, what can you do to resolve this with the least amount of damage? If it's not worth getting frazzled over, go blow off your steam elsewhere.

Always attack the problem, not the person
If you are approaching the situation as a problem to be solved, both parties are less likely to get defensive. If you are pointing your finger at her, she will either shut down or lash out, which causes more drama. For example, if you're tired of your roommate bringing guests to your place while you're studying, don't accuse her of being rude or inconsiderate. Talk about the issue. You're stressed out about an upcoming exam, and having people there is distracting you from preparing for it. Sounds more productive, right?
Put away the big guns, girl! Can't we talk about this?

Try to see her point of view
You don't have to agree with her, just try to affirm why she feels the way she does. Maybe she's completely overwhelmed with her workload. Maybe she just broke up with her boyfriend. Maybe her cat hates his Kitten Mittens (Any Always Sunny fans out there?). In nursing, we're taught how to use open-ended questions to gather information and help our patients discover more about themselves. You can use this same tactic with everyday conflicts. "You seemed upset when I said ___," "What are you doing to make ____ more manageable?" "What can I do to help you feel better?" Try to avoid "why" questions, since they usually put people on the defensive moreso than simply asking, "Tell me about ___."

Now give your opinion
Once she's explained herself, it's time to tell your side of the story. Remember to speak carefully, focusing on yourself and the problem, not so much what she has done. "I feel stressed out when the tv is loud while I'm studying," or "I really appreciate when be both do our share of the cleaning."

Lay down ground rules before drama even starts
In my cooperative house, we have roommate agreement forms that all the roommates fill out together, sign, then turn in to the house president. These contracts address anything from music volume, to food storage, to guests, to cleaning and organization, anything. If you're not living in a co-op or sorority, there's obviously not a way to enforce an agreement like this, but if something comes up that you both discussed and wrote down beforehand, it's easier to point to that piece of paper with her John Hancock on it than to put her on the spot.

Be willing to compromise
You can't expect to get your way all the time, and neither can she. It's always best to figure out what's most important to everyone, and sort things out from there.

If the issue doesn't involve you, then stay out of it
You are Switzerland on the continent of Roommates. Do not pick sides or gossip about it. The only situations in which you should get involved is when someone is engaging in potentially harmful or destructive behavior. Even then, don't let yourself get emotionally compromised. Stay objective. If you get caught in the middle, someone will always end up resenting you, too.

Avoid giving unsolicited advice
This is the one I need to work on the most. As a nursing student and an "older" sister to most of the girls in my house, I feel like it's my calling to take care of people, and this sometimes means I don't keep my distance when I should. Instead of telling someone what to do, first ask, "What do you think you should do?" If she isn't sure, then it's a better time to put on the nurse's hat.

Stay Present
Don't wait until a week after something happened to finally confront someone about it, and don't recall issues that have already been settled. Bringing up the past is unfair, and neither of you will remember exactly what happened. Also, waiting to solve the problem will only make it eat at you, so you're more likely to lash out at the person instead of trying to productively solve the conflict.

Less drama, more fun with mustache band-aids
Forgive for yourself
Forgiving isn't forgetting that an injustice occurred, it's letting go of your desire to get even or watch them suffer for it. Don't say that you forgive somebody just to superficially fix the relationship. Truly give up your right to be angry so the hate doesn't poison you. Resentment is like eating rancid meat and waiting for the other person to get green in the face. At the end of the day, you're the one hugging the toilet.

Last but not least, don't forget to laugh at yourself! A little sense of humor will go a long way in making situations feel less tense. I hope you find these communication skills to be as helpful as I do for keeping drama to a minimum! Good luck! ^_^



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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

DIY Swirly Pens

Plain pens are so boring, but fancy ones can get really pricey! This tutorial will teach you how to jazz up boring, cheap Bic pens. The shafts of these pens will hold up for years with proper care, and you can simply replace the ink cartrige as you run out of ink! You'll only need a few materials and an oven to make these funky pens, and for about $2 to $5 for a whole brick of clay, you can give dozens of pens as homemade gifts!



Materials:
  • Plain Bic pens.
    • They really do need to be Bic. I've tried with other cheapo pens, and the plastic melts before the clay hardens properly
  • Two or three different colored polymer clay blocks. One block will make you dozens of pens.
  • Needlenose pliers
  • Wax paper (optional)
    • I use wax paper to protect the surface I work on from the clay residue
  • Scotch tape (to tape down the wax paper)
  • Xacto or box cutter knife
  • Cutting board (optional)
Step 4
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on your clay package (usually 275)
2. Use your needlenose pliers to carefully remove the ink and ballpoint from the pen shaft. You should only need to twist and wiggle it a little bit. Set the ink aside, and discard the pen cap
3. pinch off a small amount of polymer clay from each color you want to use.

Step 5
4. Roll each color into a ball the size of a small marble
5. Use the pen shaft to flatten out the balls, like you would dough, until you get an irregularly shaped elipsis that's just a few millimeters thick
6. Stack the clay one on top of the other. The color on the bottom will be the outermost color on the pen.
7. carefully curl the edges into the clay, then roll it up. The tighter you get the layers rolled, the more defined the swirl will be
8. Use your hands to thin out the clay roll until it becomes about 1/2 cm thick
Step 7
9. With your Xacto knife, carefully cut off the ends of the clay roll, then slice the roll into 1-2mm thick sections
10. Starting at the top of the pen shaft, press the clay pieces into the pen.
11. As you get a small section done, lightly roll the shaft against your working surface to smooth and blend the clay seams. You may need to press the top of the pen back into a squared-off or rounded shape. Continue pressing and rolling small sections at a time.
Step 8
12. Once you get to the end of the pen, smooth the edges one more time, then cut off whatever hangs over the edges of the opening.
13. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Check the clay after 10 minutes by very slightly bending the pen between your two hands once the pen has cooled. It should be firm against pressure, yet supple enough not to break or crack. If it's still too forgiving, bake it a little longer.
14. Once the pens are done baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes
15. Using your needle-nose pliers, carefully insert the ink back into the pen tube, then you're all done!

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11
Step 13: the pen should bend slightly
Step 15
And they're done!


A special thanks to Lyndsay for helping me take pics for this tutorial! It was fun getting crafty with you! =)




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