10 Ways to Spice Up Your Thanksgiving

     When you think about Thankgiving Day, what comes to mind? A picture perfect family feasting on roasted turkey and warm pumpkin pie in front of the fireplace? Or a stressful day of work which consists of sitting in silence around a dead bird? Whatever Thanksgiving day means at your house, there's always room to make it a little better. (Or more tolerable!) Thanksgiving should be fun, it doesn't have to be all about the cooking and cleaning. Here are a few simple ways to brighten up your November holiday. Stop dreading and start doing!

     1. Cook! Don't leave your grandma stranded in the kitchen! Lending a helping hand is never as awful as it seems. Get your ass in that kitchen and help out, even if it just means skinning potatoes. You'll not only make the cook happy, but you're also gaining experience in the kitchen AND making time pass by monumentally faster. Triple whammy.

     2. Make a playlist. As cheesy as it sounds, music sets the mood. Always. Have you ever tried watching a scary movie on mute? Not so scary anymore, is it? Create a playlist to fill your home with music on the big day. I'm lucky enough to come from a family that sees "Date Rape" by Sublime as appropriate holiday music, but other families might not be as tolerant. (Or as awesome. Cough cough.) Try to pick something everybody can enjoy. Make a mix of upbeat, mellow, happy songs and let it echo throughout the house!

     3. Pick out a movie. After the food has been devoured and the wine bottles are empty, a strange phenomenon called the "food coma" takes place. Plan out a movie or two to watch after dinner with the fam to keep them from passing out on the couches. Just make sure it's not Saw III.

     4. Dress up. There's no need to impress your family and friends with your appearance, but what's wrong with getting a little dolled up on a special day? Nothing! Slip into a warm, cozy, Fall-themed outfit with a simple necklace or scarf. An adorable apron adds to the whole "holiday" look. (Not cooking anything? I won't tell!)

     5. Serve a sinful dessert. Now's your chance to break out that triple-chocolate-hazelnut-caramel pie recipe. (I just made that up, but doesn't it sound amazing?) With everyone trying to cook low-calorie and low-fat meals nowadays, you have an even better excuse to go crazy with dessert. Find a sweet recipe and whip up something yummy. Now you'll really have something to look forward to!

     6. Break the wishbone! Never, ever, ever forget about this simple tradition! Dig that bad boy out of the turkey and find someone to break it with. Whoever gets the bigger side is granted a wish. Why not?

     7. Shut off your smartphone. However tempting it may be, the Thanksgiving dinner table is not the time for status updates. Tinkering around on your phone makes you look bored, rude and uninterested in the table conversation. Leave your phone in another room during your family feast. Twitter notifications can wait, I promise!

     8. Whip up some drinks. Although we all love turkey and stuffing oh-so-much, the drinks served at the Thanksgiving table are often overlooked. Instead of serving the usual wine, milk or orange juice, take it to another level and serve some creative holiday drinks! Try out these amazing recipes for apple pie spiced cider and the sleigh driver. You can't go wrong with cranberry juice either, but try to add a little extra zest. Cranberry juice slushies? Who knows!

     9. Snap tons of photos. Even if Uncle Paul hates having his photo taken with a red hot passion, he will appreciate it later in life. Don't be afraid to become to designated photographer on Thanksgiving Day. Try to get a good snapshot of everyone at least once, and don't forget to take a few pictures of the yummy food!

     10. Just deal with it. For some people, Thanksgiving will always be a miserable holiday no matter how hard they try to make it work. People get caught up in the food, the stress, the cleaning, and the nagging thought of everything being perfect. They forget the real meaning behind it. However your Thanksgiving day goes, just remember not to take it too seriously. Dropped the turkey? Laugh about it. Get snapped at in the kitchen? Brush it off. Get poked fun at during dinner? Shrug your shoulders. Thanksgiving is not about stress. It's about what YOU make it about. So suck it up and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

10 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

     As Halloween night creeps closer and closer, so does the anxiety level of us costume procrastinators! For those of you who still haven't chosen a costume yet, I've compiled a list of last-minute fixes for even the laziest ladies. Me included. They may not be the most elaborate costumes in the world, but thats exactly the point. Most of these ideas only require a handful of materials, a steady hand and 15 minutes of your time!

1. Zombie Anything. (15-20 mins)  Zombie-fying can transform an ordinary old costume into a spooky Halloween suit! Purchase any "sexy" costume you can find (Sexy nurse, sexy pirate, sexy maid. You know the drill.) Slip into your costume, then splash fake blood or dark red paint all over it. Powder your face with flour for a pale, dead looking effect. Smear blood-red lipstick across your lips. Draw a few stitches and scars across your face. Use dark eyeshadow to get an intense smoky eye, along with heavy under-eye circles. Don't forget to stumble around and moan like the living dead all night long. There you go, instant sexy-scary!

2. Snooki: (30 mins) Channel your inner "Italian" with this quick, easy, cheesy costume. First things first, bronzer! Bronze your entire face and neck, making sure to keep an even tan. Come to think of it, an un-even tan works too. Glue on a pair of huge false eyelashes, and tease your hair 'till your comb breaks in half! Scan your closet for anything leopard print and throw it on. Add a jar of pickles into the equation, and you're good to go! Snooki isn't the only option, however. Click here for a how-to guide including every Jersey Shore cast member!

3. Masquerade Mistress: (10 mins) This simple costume can be worn by even the worst Halloween procrastinators. Slip on a sexy dress, heels, over-the-top makeup... And add a masquerade mask. Yep, that's it. You can purchase them at any party store for less than five bucks. Easy peasy!

4. Beer/Soda Can: (1-2 hours) This costume will take you a bit longer than the others, but it's well worth it! Find a slinky tube dress, preferably white. Paint your favorite beer or soda's design on the dress, as if it were the actual can. While your dress is drying, cut a can opener tab shape out of thick cardboard. Cover the cardboard shape with tin foil, and use hot glue or double-stick tape to attach it onto a headband. Slip on the dress, put the headband on, add some matching heels or flats and there you go! For added effect, carry around a can of the actual stuff. Being a walking advertisement never felt so good!

5. Wind-Up Doll: (15 mins) This clever costume only requires one easy-to-make prop! Cut out an oversized wind-up doll tab from a piece of cardboard, as seen below. Find a way to attach the tab to your back, and that's all you need! Just don't let anyone wind you up, it might fall off.

6. Peacock: (1-2 hours) An elegant bird makes for an elegant costume. Peacock feathers can be purchased for relatively cheap from any craft or party store. Buy a bunch, hot glue or tape them all together in a fan shape, and stick it on your booty! Anything green, blue, or purple looks amazing. Look at the colors of the peacock feather, and try to channel those colors in the rest of your outfit. Don't forget the killer eyeshadow! Swirly cat-eye designs and bright, colorful eyeshadow make this costume pop. Put your costume together and strut your stuff!

7. Killer Bee. (30 mins) Buy a cheap, cute bumblebee costume from your local party store. To take the ordinary bug ensemble up a few notches, splash fake blood or red paint all over yourself. Make sure to get some violent-looking splatter marks going! Grab the biggest knife your kitchen drawers can offer, and carry it around all night. An axe or any other deadly weapon works just as well. There you have it, a well executed killer bee costume. Buzz around town and see how many people get the joke!

8. Amy Winehouse: (45 mins) I've already showed you a tutorial for creating a beehive, now let's put it to good use! Tease your hair to your heart's content. If you're a blonde, pick up some non-permanent black hairspray at your local drug store in the Halloween section. Use liquid eyeliner to sweep on huge, thick cat eyes. Wear some chunky hoop earrings with a wifebeater, leggings and ballet flats. Have a friend draw some fake marker tattoos on your arms, and you're done! Carrying around an empty bottle of vodka adds authenticity, but people may find it disrespectful since the singer has recently passed. It was okay for everyone to poke fun at her constantly while she was living, but now it's suddenly off limits. Oh, society. I'll never quite understand you!

9. Pin-Up Girl: (30 mins) Time to awaken your ruby red lipstick from hibernation! Get pretty in front of the mirror by sweeping on some red hot lipstick, pink blush, cat-eye liner, and maybe even a drawn-on beauty mark or two. Curl your hair as tight as you can, or just leave the house with your hair in curlers! Scan your closet for any clothes with a hint of retro. Animal print never fails. Pair your outfit with some fishnet tights, classy pumps, and a huge flower in your hair. This costume is the perfect excuse to get all dolled up and get away with it. (Zombie pin-up girls are always a plus, by the way!)

10. Ghost: (5 mins) The king of all crappy costumes, the simplest of the simple suits... You guessed it, a ghost. How creative! Only take this route if you absolutely must. Like, Halloween-party-starts-in-five-minutes must. Take a clean bedsheet, cut out two holes for eyes, and slip it over your head. Boo!

My Top 10 College Essentials

     I've only been in college for a month so far, but I already feel like a seasoned university student. I've somehow become a world-class expert on catching buses, finding classes, speed reading and staying awake during Philosophy 101. It's been smooth sailing for me so far, but I definitely couldn't have made it through without these ten college essentials!

     1. Coffee. This lovely hot drink seems to show up on every list I make, doesn't it? Well, there's a good reason for that! Coffee is a well-known college lifesaver. Ditch those syrupy energy drinks (so high school!) and start your morning with a hot cup of flavored coffee instead. Grab an iced macchiato in the afternoon to put some pep back in your step. Take a shot of espresso in the evening to give your brain a buzz for a late-night study session. Yep, coffee comes in handy at all hours of the day for a college student. It's definitely an essential, at least for me!

     2. iPad. I strongly, strongly, strongly recommend that every college student out there invest in an iPad! This thing is a powerhouse, and probably the most useful item I've ever bought. It's a camera, an internet browser, a word processor, a video player, a note taker, a dictionary, a calculator, an iPod, a game player, a photo editor... Need I go on? Screw those people who say the iPad is just a big, awkward iPod touch. It's not. It's an amazing product that comes in handy on a daily basis, for just about everything. In fact, I'm typing up this post on my iPad right meow!

     3. Rosebud Salve. This little miracle product packs a big punch! Rosebud salve is an adorable lil' round tin full of pink, rose-scented salve that can be used for just about anything. Swipe some on your lips, elbows, ankles, knees, and just about anywhere else you have dry skin. I usually rub some around that weird bone you have on your ankle and pat a little on my lips from time to time. It looks like lip gloss, feels like lip balm. No fuss or stickiness. Rosebud salves usually go for about 5 bucks each, but one tin of this stuff will last you forever!

     4. Public Transportation. I'm fortunate enough to live right around the corner from a bus stop that goes straight to my school, a one way trip! All students ride for free as well, so it's absolutely perfect. Especially since I don't own a car. When you rely on public transportation to travel around town, you don't have to worry about parking permits or gas money. Get on the bus, get off the bus, get where you're going. Try it every once in awhile, it's not half as bad as people think!

     5. Leggings. Let's face it, ladies... We can't all walk around in skinny jeans 24/7. There comes a time in every college girls life where she just wants to be comfy. This is where leggings come into play! They're stretchy, they're cheap, they're perfect for studying or lounging around at home. They also make for an amazing yoga ensemble. Leggings should be a staple in every college girls closet! Just please remember that leggings do not equal pants. I've seen many-a-girl make this terrible mistake. If you're going to venture out into the wild with leggings on, wear a long tunic or a sweater that covers your booty!

     6. Filofax. A Filofax is basically a day planner taken to the next level. It's a little binder filled to the brim with calendars, note paper, envelopes, address papers, to-do lists, and pretty much whatever else your heart desires! I'm an organization maniac, so my Filofax helps tremendously with keeping up on due dates and remembering homework assignments. It's my little black book full of madness. I got mine for a high school graduation present after pining over it on the Filofax website and dropping subtle hints about it for months. (Hehe!) It was 99 bucks, a pretty steep price for a day planner! But it's made from real leather, which means it'll last a lifetime. Shiny, sleek, real leather. The thing smelled like a new car when it first arrived. I couldn't stop smelling it. People looked at me funny. See it below!

     7. Sunglasses. Every college student needs a pair of trusty sunglasses! Not only do they protect our peepers from the sun's harmful rays, but they can mask a hangover or a sick day in an instant. I've been sporting my brown tinted wayfarers (fake ones, of course!) for years and years. Mostly on my head. This might sound weird, but I always wear sunglasses on my head. Every day. Inside or outside. I'm even wearing them on my head in my college ID photo. I feel naked without 'em up there! However you choose to wear them, a good pair of shades will always come in handy. Sunglasses are adorable and timeless, they will never go out of style. Definitely a college essential!

     8. Tic-Tacs. One of my many, many addictions in life. Ask any of my friends! I rifle through packs of these tiny little breath mints like it's feeding time at the zoo. Tic-tacs are cheap, yummy, and less than 2 calories each. They're the perfect fix when you're sitting in class with a sweet tooth. Pop a pack in your school bag for a some quick little pick-me-ups throughout the day. The orange flavor is my absolute favorite!

     9. Financial aid. No matter what kind of financial situation you're in, always apply for financial aid! It's a huge help, and you never know how generous the government can be. I won't be giving out any details, but let's just say this: After tuition was paid for, I was left with enough money to buy my iPad with it's keyboard, textbooks, clothes, school supplies, pretty much everything in this post and food for the rest of the year. Long story short, I'm being paid to attend college. Pretty awesome, right? Financial aid is a wonderful thing, so do yourself a big favor and sign up ASAP!

     10. A big bag! I learned this lesson the hard way. Strapping a teeny-tiny bag around your shoulder, no matter how adorable it may be, is so not worth juggling twenty pounds of textbooks in your arms. College students typically carry a lot of weight, so a spacious bag with lots of pockets is key. All you need is one big, heavy-duty, reliable bag. Save your cute little purses for the weekend, and bring out the big guns when it comes to class!

10 Ways to Get in the Autumn Spirit

     Yes, folks, it's that wonderful time of year again! Time for fuzzy sweaters, knit hats, yummy pies, and pumpkin patches! It's officially Autumn. This is my favorite season, and I'd like to share my passion for it with all of you. Here are some ways to take advantage of this lovely season and all the fun, delicious things it has to offer! 

     1. Make a yummy, hot drink. There's nothing better than a hot cup of spiced apple cider to warm up a dreary Autumn day. If you're a chocolate lover, try whipping up some Mexican hot chocolate or maybe even a pumpkin pie milkshake! If you're pressed for time, most coffee shops are bringing out their Fall specialties. Salted caramel mochas from most places are lovely. But which ever delicious drink you decide on, heed my warnings and stay the hell away from Starbuck's "Pumpkin Spice Latte." That drink is an abomination of stale pumpkin and an overload of cream & sugar. Mine was so bad we threw it off the second story balcony into the alley! Sorry, Starbucks. You didn't do it for me this time.

     2. Try a simple DIY project. If you've got half an hour to kill, why not make something creative and cute with your own hands? There's plenty of ideas on the internet, so search around to find the perfect project. You could try making your own Autumn wreath, a gorgeous flower headband, or a cute little birdie bag. (Can you tell I'm a fan of that website?) Get your hands dirty and make something adorable!

     3. Break out the nail polish. Put your Summer hues back in the cabinet and bring out the Fall colors! It's time for rich reds, mauves, nudes, greys, and beiges. The colors sound gross, but they look amazing! I'm absolutely in love with Essie's Fall nail polish collection, pictured below. Their bottles are a little pricey... Okay, a lot pricey. I may or may not have painted my nails inside Rite Aid and then rushed out the door once or twice. But trust me, it's worth the steep price. The polish comes in hundreds of beautiful colors I've never seen before, and it glides on smooth and perfect each time. I have "Carry On," the dark dark purple-ish color. It's gorgeous! 

     4. Get cheesy. Try a super cliche, K-Mart catalogue worthy activity. Instead of picking up your annual pumpkin at the grocery store, try visiting a real pumpkin patch instead. Go on a hay ride. Get lost in a corn maze. Bake an apple pie and serve it on a picnic table amongst the orange and red painted trees. Dive headfirst into Autumn and enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer! Take a bunch of photos along the way, they'll make for some great cheesy Christmas cards later on.

     5. Decorate. A few pumpkins here, a few candles there... Turn your home into an Autumn wonderland! Try replacing your ordinary bathroom towels with seasonal ones, or picking up some cute throw pillows with Fall designs on them for your couch. Buy a bag of 99 cent store candles & some funky candleholders to add a warm atmosphere to your home. Drop some orange & red flowers into a vase for a simple transformation of your coffee table. The DIY projects mentioned earlier in this article make for great decorations as well. Oh, and don't forget the pumpkin on the porch, which will become a Jack-o-Lantern in a few weeks. The possibilities are endless!

     6. Go on a bike ride. Just because the weather has dropped a few degrees doesn't mean you can't have fun in the great outdoors! Get out your bike, throw on a comfy sweater & scarf, and you're on your way. Take a ride around your neighborhood and absorb everything around you. No need to speed around town, just take your time and enjoy the ride. Take in the smells and the sights and the sounds of Autumn! While you're out, you might want to stop into a local coffee shop or bakery. That seems pretty Fall-ish, doesn't it? 

     7. Change your look. Pull your old sweaters and boots out from hibernation and bring them back to life. There's no need to buy a whole new wardrobe for Fall, just work with what you already have. Add some Fall accessories & accents to give your old clothes a new look. Try wearing colored tights with an old dress, or a new skinny belt around an old top. The small accents are what make the outfit work. You can also change things up by experimenting with hair and makeup. Be bold! Try an Autumn-inspired eyeshadow look or a red-orange lip gloss. Sweep on some peachy blush or espresso colored eyeshadow. For the truly daring ladies out there, change your hair color! Bleach blonde and highlighted locks are for Summer, the colder months demand something darker and richer. I'd dye my hair a reddish, chestnut brown if I had the balls... but I don't. My inner brunette will show itself one day, though. It's coming. I can feel it!

     8. Try out a new Fall recipe. Pies, breads, cookies, cakes, casseroles, pastas, and pastries! The possibilities are pretty much endless. Try whipping something up that you've never had before like baked apples or mini peach pies. It might become your new Fall favorite! You can go the sweet treats route, or the hot food route. Either way, it's going to be delicious! Here's an idea: Grab a friend and have a Fall baking day. Whip up some goodies, and have a great time while you do it! Play some music. Lick the bowl. Have fun. Set the table fancy-shmancy for added effect, and enjoy your hard work together! Package up the leftovers & tie them up with cute ribbons for your friends and family when you're all finished. Double whammy.

     9. Plan your Halloween costume. October is here, which means Halloween is now on the radar again. Start brainstorming ideas now. Give yourself lots of time to prepare! That way, you won't have to cut out a makeshift "ghost outfit" from a bed sheet the day before Halloween, like so many have done before. Halloween is a dying holiday, at least in Long Beach, and it needs to be brought back to life. We can't let this amazing celebration slip through our fingers. Get involved, get creative and get ready for the spookiest night of the year!

     10. Jump in a pile of crispy autumn leaves! You only get the chance to jump into a pile of leaves without looking like a crazy person once a year, so take advantage of it! Just make sure there isn't concrete beneath it. Learn from my mistakes. Ouch.

10 Benefits of Waking Up Early

     Waking up early in the morning one of the best habits you can develop. It's an essential key for productivity & overall well-being. If you aren't already an early riser, it's never too late to change! Discover the benefits of gaining a couple extra hours each day. You'll never go back, I guarantee it! For today's 10 Things Thursday, I'll be sharing some benefits, common misconceptions, and lovely things about early rising. Enjoy, then see for yourself!

     1. Coffee. This is my favorite motivation for waking up early. A hot cup of flavored coffee (Hazelnut is wonderful!) can turn a cold, dark morning into a warm heaven! Instead of heading to your local Starbucks every morning, make your coffee at home and save tons of money. I use Nescafé Clásico instant coffee- A few spoonfuls, some hot water, a little creamer and you're good to go!

     2. Peace. Morning time is one of the most peaceful times of day. When the rest of the world is still asleep, only the gentle noise of birds singing fills the air. No honking cars, no screaming children, no soccer balls. Just you, your cup of coffee, and your peace of mind. This rarely ever happens, so do as Depeche Mode says and Enjoy the Silence!

     3. Energy. It's a common misconception that the longer you sleep in, the more energy you'll have for the day. It would make sense, but don't be fooled! More sleep does not necessarily mean more energy! Hitting snooze over & over again will never work! Take it from a girl who was late for school almost every day of Junior High- When you wake up in the morning, really wake up. Force yourself to get out of that warm, tempting bed and splash some water on your face. Whether you wake up at 4AM or at 9AM, you will still be sleepy. So just wake up and go.

     4. Head start. You'd be shocked by how many things you can actually get done before 10AM! Make a to-do list for the day, and I guarantee that you'll crunch through half of it while the ordinary you would still be dreaming away. Once you've got everything done in the morning time, what do you worry about for the rest of the day? That's right, absolutely nothing.

     5. Sunrise. We all know what the sunset looks like, but have you ever really seen the sunrise? It's a whole new atmosphere, a whole new feeling. Watching the sunrise can be a romantic and magical thing. Grab a blanket, find a way to get up on the roof without decapitating yourself, and enjoy the show.

     6. Beauty. Yes, ladies... Not only will you have more time to perfect your hair & makeup, but waking up early brings a world of other benefits to the way you look. Waking up at 11AM, skipping breakfast, and not having enough time to wash your hair can take a major toll on your mood. Congratulations, you're now sleepy, hungry and dirty-haired! The girl who wakes up early is a smart one. Say goodbye to pillow marks, bed-head and smeared eyeliner for good. You might even have enough time to curl your hair or create a fancy updo, like a waterfall braid. Why the heck not?

     7. Good day. Do you like to feel rushed, frazzled and sleepy as you fly out the front door late for work? Or would you rather be rested, relaxed and ready for the day? Unless you're some sort of masochist, most people would choose the second option. The way our morning turns out often sets the mood for the rest of the entire day, and becoming an early riser can dramatically change the way you go about your life. You can get everything done before noon and walk out the door cool, calm and collected. Oh yeah, baby!

     8. Breakfast. Warm pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and crispy bacon taste way better when enjoyed while watching the sun come up. Not only that, but you don't have to rush- You have time to cook your breakfast right. No more grabbing a stale pop tart as you run out the door, or skipping breakfast altogether. You might even gain enough extra hours in the day to take a special trip to a breakfast café once a week! Woohoo!

     9. Exercise. An extra couple of hours in the morning leaves plenty of time for a jog, a quick bike ride or an at-home yoga session. Saving your hardcore abs workout for the end of the day often gets put aside for more important things like homework, cooking, and just plain being too exhausted. Exercise in the morning so you can cross it off your to-do list and get on with your day!

     10. Morning sex. Just kidding, unless you're into that type of thing.

Bonus Round: How to Wake Up Early!

     We all know how beneficial waking up at an early hour can be, but how do we get there? Here are three of my tried-and-true methods.

     1. When you wake up, stretch as you lay in bed. Stretch each part of your body one by one, slowly and carefully. Stretching wakes up your muscles and gives your brain a boost, just enough to help you get out of bed!

     2. Set your alarm clock for the morning, and place it on a high shelf or an out-of-reach nightstand. This age old trick really does work. It forces you to get out of bed and walk to the alarm clock in order to shut off the annoying beeps. Well, look at that- You're already standing up and out of bed! There's no turning back now!

     3. Have something to look forward to. Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the excitement of having something to wake up to. Remember how early you sprung out of bed as a kid on Christmas morning? Well, why can't every morning be that way? Start a new job or project that will get you going.