Category Archives: Lifestyle

99 Problems…Being 22 is one

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Ti’Ana Marshall

99 Problems..Choosing a School is 1

Choose a school. Pick a career. Find a white picket fence, a dog, a wife, husband, and have a child—or two, or three.

Life is a whirlwind. A constant swirl of events that never seems to stop and in the midst of your roaring twenties, the roar of those winds are even louder.

This year alone, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 20.2 million students are enrolled in universities around the country.

20.2 million young minds going through a transition that is rarely talked about—the move from childhood to the feared “a” word (cue doomsday music) adulthood, also known as adulting.

20.2 million adults having to make decisions without a clue of what they are doing or really where they are going.

Stressful is not the word.

With all the talk of creating a bright future for oneself it can be overwhelming to say the least. I for one, am experiencing the feeling of this weight on my shoulders as I am moving from one part of life to the other, which is graduation from undergraduate student to graduate.

Transitioning from one part of life to another is never easy in fact, of the 20.2 million students enrolled in college at this very moment at least 7.2 million of those are expected to graduate this year alone.

I am counted among those 7.2 million and although it is exciting, it is scary all at the same time.

This weekend I traveled to Jonesboro, Arkansas in pursuit of my next step in life. As I rode down the open road full of anxiety I realized that I am truly not alone in moving forward, though it felt as such.

Several cars passed by me with Arkansas tags screaming of school spirit, all with the windows down and seeming to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

I stopped thinking so hard for just a moment and cranked up the radio the loudest it would go allowing myself to become lost in the harmony the road and I were creating.

The beauty of the fields whipping past my window, the bumping of the road underneath my Chevy Cruze was all amazing. Not to mention, the friendship I am sure I made with the girl rolling past me jamming to the same Beyonce song—I mean it was Beyonce, need I say more?

As I reached the crescendo of Upgrade you, I realized that in this second I was moving forward to upgrade myself. Change is good, and it should not be feared, but celebrated.

It is a time to enjoy where I and the 7.1 million others are in our lives, even if we are not so close to the white picket fence or the bushel of kids as we think we should be.

Take time to celebrate life. Turn your music up and lip sync your heart out to Beyonce, because…Beyonce!

Take joy in not knowing what is around the corner. This is the only time it will be okay not to know exactly where you are going. Realize that at twenty-something, confusion and uncertainty, even anxiety is all part of your adventure.

Embrace where you are, and look forward to what is ahead of you.

You will never be this young again. Make the best of it.

Small Steps to a Stronger Immune System

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cold remdies
Ashley Morrow

As a college student, balancing work, school, and free time can become overwhelmingly busy and getting sick doesn’t help make it easier. Try using these tips as preventatives before full-blown cold or flu symptoms occur. Follow nature’s way to health!

Sips of Citrus- Adding a lemon or a lime wedge to water or tea allows the body to detox and rid itself of any impurities. Both fruits are a great source of Vitamin C, and they are an inexpensive alternative to orange juice or Vitamin C tablets. Lemon and lime both contain anti-microbial properties that assist in fighting bacterial or viral infections.

Tea Time- Herbal tea with Echinacea root can be found in most health food stores or grocery stores. Echinacea is a powerful herb that stimulates white blood cells, which help attack foreign bodies. This herb is also an anti-septic which is used to alleviate sore throats, allergies, colds, or the flu. Fair warning: tea with Echinacea does not taste great, but it beats a trip to the doctor.

Diet and Exercise- Compared to supplements and pills, eating your way to health is much more satisfying. Fruits and veggies containing Vitamin A, B-6, C, and E are the best immune boosters. Vitamin C can be found in many foods including broccoli, oranges, kiwi, and strawberries. Blueberries provide several B vitamins. Sweet potatoes and carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, and green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain Vitamin E.

Exercise increases and strengthens blood and lymph flow. The lymphatic system protects the body from infections by tracking down and killing any invading germs that have already entered the body. It takes only 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, but activity must be moderate and consistent to be effective.

Essential Oil Massages- Again, the lymphatic system is responsible for cleansing the body of waste by moving cellular fluid through the system. Lymph nodes are filtering centers for the blood and can be found all over the body including the throat and underarms. Massaging lymph nodes with essential oils such as rosemary, lemon, and grapefruit may aid in boosting the effectiveness of the immune system. Essential oils are all natural and may be found in health food stores, selected grocery stores, or online. If you are interested in essential oils, popular brands are Now and Young Living.

Cold Water Blasts- Some may not be eager to jump on this tip, especially during the cold months. Scientific studies from Canada and the Czech Republic show that exposure to cold water temperatures is a mild stressor that activates the immune system. This does not mean the entire shower must be a cold one. Take a regular warm shower and only use cold water the last 30-60 seconds of the shower time.

Drinking enough water, lowering stress levels, and getting enough sleep are also necessary for a healthy immune system.

A Spoonful of Honey Helps the Allergies Go Down

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honey
Ashley Morrow

Honey is a historical power food used for medicinal purposes. The Natural and Alternative Treatment database states that Hippocrates, the Greek physician, suggested honey for topical use, such as treating infected wounds and ulcers on the lips. The Romans used honey for upset stomach, sore throat, and cough. Egyptian records include honey for eye diseases, surgical dressing, and as an ingredient for homemade salves to treat burns. Honey is considered one of the oldest and natural sweeteners on earth and is an item to keep in the cupboard because it contains so many uses and health benefits. Also, because of the antibacterial qualities, honey has an impeccable shelf life. Egyptians would bury their royals with jars of honey, so the soul would have sustenance for the afterlife. Archaeologists are now finding pots of unspoiled honey in Egyptian tombs.
Numerous studies are conducted to see the medicinal benefits of honey. Included in these studies is an informal study conducted by students at Xavier University in New Orleans. The researchers divided allergy sufferers into three control groups. Some were given two teaspoons of honey a day, while others took non-local honey. After six weeks, the study showed that each group suffered less allergy symptoms, and the group taking the local honey showed the most improvement.

I recently moved to what seems like the allergy capital of the world: Texarkana, Arkansas. Growing up the country, I have a pretty strong immunity towards certain allergens but something in the air leaves me sniffling. Homeopathic medicine suggests fighting sickness with the small doses of that sickness over time. For example, if one is allergic to ragweed, exposure to small doses of ragweed will eventually help the body develop immunity. Recent health craze suggest using local grown honey to help with allergies because the pollen used to make that honey is collected from plants near the living location. Naturally, the pollen that causes watery eyes is used to make the honey. Local, raw honey is available in Texarkana in several locations: The Granery, Spices Unlimited, The Farmers Market, Twenty Cedars Farms, and selected grocery stores.

I decided to purchase local honey and test this theory on myself and my husband, who also suffers from allergies. We found many different uses to incorporate honey into our regular diets. I replaced the sugar in my tea with honey, supplemented using honey in my cookies and other baked goods, used honey in smoothies, and poured honey on daily servings of fruit. After using local honey daily for one month, we both eliminated our allergy symptoms. Once the honey jar emptied, I stopped buying it for a month to see if our bodies reverted back suffering from allergies. The theory proved true. Neither of us ingested local honey in two months and the allergy symptoms returned.

1 Chepulis, Lynn. Healing Honey: A Natural Remedy for Better Health and Wellness. Universal- Publishers, 2008. 30.

2
Buchmann, Stephen L. Letter from the Hive: An Intimate History of Bees, Honey, and Humankind. Random House. 2006.

3
Cochran, Brittany. “Honey: A sweet relief?” Xavier University. October 23, 2003. http://www.twobeekeepers.com/raw-honey-for-allergies/

Death over Designer

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Alvin Stuckey

They are killing people for J’s, that’s death over designer. Has it really come to a point that it is not safe to wear nice designer athletic shoes? Fashion is a way for some individuals to express themselves, but the senseless acts of violence that has taken place over the past few years has prevented some sneaker consumers to stop buying shoes in order to survive.

The huge debate started in December 2011 when the Jordan brand decided to re-release the retro Jordan 11 Concords. Up until this point people could buy Jordan’s with no worries of senseless violence afterwards. However, on December 23, 2011, this ideal would change. In a Maryland mall, 18 year old Tyreek Amir Jacobs, was brutally murdered over his pair of Concord 11’s.

Many Maryland residents did not want to believe that he was murdered over his sneakers, but as word spread through the Maryland and Washington D.C. area it became clear that his young life was taken from him over a pair of $175 sneakers.

Since 2011 crimes like this have gone down but as of late 2013, there have been some acts of violence over Jordan’s. I have seen numerous videos posted on social media sites of people getting beaten up and robbed for shoes. What goes through the mind of an individual who decides to beat, rob, and sometimes kill for something as simple as a shoe?
I am a sneaker lover and Jordan’s are my favorite shoe, but since all this has happened it has made me have second thoughts on whether I should purchase them. My life is more important than a pair of expensive shoes. I don’t want to go to a rough part of town with my Jordan’s on and be in fear for my life because shoes come and go. You can always save up and buy a pair of sneakers, but you only have one life. Why should I lose my life over a pair of sneakers that don’t mean anything to me? As I get older this makes me hesitant on buying Jordan’s for me and kids whenever I decide to settle down and have a family. I would be in consistent fear of my future children wearing Jordan’s and being hassled for them by those that seriously want them and would do anything for them.

They are killing people for J’s that’s death over designer. Really is that where the world is headed to. It is a shame that people are in fear for the shoes that they wear. If that is the world that we live in then we have a lot of trouble heading our way.

Accessorize

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Ti’Ana Marshall

“I’ve come to a place in my life where I’ve accepted things that are me.”
–Lady Gaga

2013 has been the year of the perfect accessory. From spiked heels to leather clad necklaces, the perfect bangle or necklace can add the necessary pizazz to any outfit. Glamour Magazine informed the fashionista masses on the dos and don’ts in the land of accessories; however, the best accessories are not seen with the eyes, but felt by the heart.

Glamour’s 2013 women of the year celebrate women who ooze confidence, power, and, above all else, love themselves. The cover features pop phenomenon Lady Gaga, who is the face of a self-love movement and founder of the Born This Way Foundation. Gaga is quoted in the magazine saying, “I’ve come to a place in my life where I’ve accepted things that are me.” Her organization is founded on the importance of that self-acceptance, and she has made it her mission to spread that message.

Social activist and Scandal super star Kerry Washington joins Lady Gaga on Glamour’s list, adding a powerful punch of beauty and brains to the mix. Alicia Keys commented on Washington’s character, calling her a gift to us all. Malala Yousafzai, a young lady from northern Pakistan, is highlighted for her passion for education for girls in her country. With such a humble and gentle spirit, it is astounding that Malala stood up to the Taliban singlehandedly—how’s that for girl power? Glamour’s 2013 women of the year embody the message that confidence, courage, and intelligence are always the best accessories. Whether you are leather clad and spike from head to toe or not, loving yourself will never be out of style.

Restaurant Review: Taste and See

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What is gelato? How is it different than ice cream?

Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, but it isn’t the same as its American counterpart. While ice cream is generally around ten percent fat, gelato is around five to seven percent because it uses more whole milk than it does cream. Gelato is also churned at a slower speed than ice cream is therfore it is denser, so it only contains about 25 to 30 percent air; whereas ice cream contains around 50 percent. Gelato is also kept at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream. Gelato tends to have more flavor than ice cream because it has less fat.

Taste and See makes homemade gelato every day, so it is guaranteed to be fresh! They have many homemade chocolates from chocolate turtles, caramels, to chocolate covered gummy bears. They have a wide variety of chocolate too, they offer some of their chocolates such as their caramels in a dark chocolate format, and they also have white chocolate candies as well. Taste and See also sells pre-made candy such as giant gummy worms, gummy mustaches, and gummy shot glasses. Taste and See allows local artists to display their artwork and sell it at their shop. They currently have pieces in their store such as Abraham Lincoln made out of pennies, and a spray painted piece that features Marilyn Monroe.

Taste and See has a really down to earth atmosphere, and their interior is very retro as well as sleek. They offer a wide variety of all of their candies, and gelato. Their chocolates are simply scrumptious, and they offer customers to purchase a half pound box for around nine dollars, and a pound box assortment for around 18 dollars. It is absolutely free to try their gelato flavors, and they sell their gelato in a small cup, large cup, pint, and a chocolate dipped waffle cone. Their gelato is absolutely flawless with a ton of flavor, and a smooth, rich consistency you just can’t get with ice cream. When you’re looking for something warm, they also sell homemade hot chocolate that is absolutely delicious. The store is family owned, and the family runs the store. They are some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Their prices are very low, and their flavor is crazy good. I definitely recommend going there for something that is absolutely fresh, different, healthier, and out of this world.

Location: 2838 Richmond Road Suite B, Texarkana, Texas 75503

Type of Cuisine: Gelato & Candies

Pricing: Varies upon size and product

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

http://www.tasteandseecandies.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-and-See/111205962260874

Phone Number: (903) 792-1468

 

Health Benefits of Green Tea

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Originally cultivated in East Asia, Green tea has played a role in traditional medicine for more than 4,000 years in Indian and Chinese cultures. Due to scientific and population based studies, the importance of drinking Green tea is making a popular appearance in the Western world.

Green tea is made from the same plant as black tea, camellia sinesis, but what makes green tea different is that it undergoes less processing compared to black tea. Green tea leaves are plucked and briefly steamed making the leaves soft and pliable; the leaves are then set out and dried with hot air. Steaming the green leaves prevents oxidation that happens during the processing of black tea. Oxidation refers to the fermenting or browning of the leaves, just like a cut apple that begins to turn brown after it sits for a while.  The oxidation process in black tea takes up to three hours, but for green tea, the short method of steaming or pan frying prevents the leaves from fermenting and changing color. Naturally, since green tea does not oxidize, it contains beneficial health components and a higher concentration of antioxidants. The antioxidants in green tea help fight free radicals, which are compounds that change, damage, or even kill the cell structure. Free radicals can cause early aging, illness, or disease.

Listed below are some of the many health benefits of green tea found in The Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database:

  • Keeps arteries healthy and helps fight high cholesterol and helps in preventing heart attacks
  • Holds antibacterial properties to fight foreign intruders of the body
  • Reduces redness and inflammations of the skin associated with acne
  • Found to improve bone health and prevents tooth decay
  • High in Vitamin C and boosts the immune system
  • Known to reduce the risks for skin, lung, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancer
  • Used topically to soothe sunburned skin
  • Works as an appetite suppressant
  • Boosts metabolic rate resulting in weight loss
  • Contains anti-aging properties by reactivating skin cells that were almost at the end of their life cycle

Green tea is not a miracle drink, but numerous studies have given evidence of the many benefits of drinking green tea. Teaming this drink with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine may produce greater results. In tea drinking cultures, the recommended amount is 3 or 4 small cups a day.

Compared to black tea, some claim green tea has a bitter flavor; however, adding lemon, raw honey, pure maple syrup, or stevia can naturally sweeten and give a better taste.

Freshly brewed tea is best; tea in a can or a bottle has less antioxidants and usually contains high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Loose tea leaves are ideal, but if buying by the box, check that the ingredients read “100% natural green tea leaves.” Many popular brands of herbal teas have additives such as food coloring, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

photo Some rights reserved by IsabelFeistPhotography