Finding Old Writing

Have you decided to go through the forgotten files on your computer, dusty diaries, unfinished journals,  and torn up notebooks from school; rediscovering old pieces from when you were younger? When you read the words that you have written so long ago, you realize how much things have changed. I always enjoyed finding writing because it reminds me of who I used to be. It can bring up a lot of memories; what you were doing and how you felt. Maybe you'll stumble upon a letter you wrote to the president in the third grade and find a stain only to remember that you were drinking cola at the time and spilled a little. Then you smile because its part of the person you might not be anymore. I think everyone should get into the habit of saving their affairs with words because its always an accurate portal back into the past.

-Kristy (Edited/Modified: Kristin)

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Tips for de-stressing yourself

As the school year progresses, the workload continues to increase causing Baruchians to stress.
Freshmen: overwhelming amount of classes and work
Sophomores: multiple regents
Juniors: experiencing an AP class for the first time or college now
Seniors: the end of the college process and the beginning of FAFSA
Whatever it is, stress can be unhealthy and although its inevitable, it's the way that you deal with it that makes the biggest difference. Stress can turn you into a completely different person; causing you to snap at family or friends. It's important to know how to relax especially when there's so much on your plate.
Here are some tips that I have personally used over the years that I have found truly effective:

• Close your eyes and breathe. It sounds silly but this little moment of silence in all the chaos really does help.
• Light a candle. Scents like lavender are proven to calm the mind. However, make sure that you have experience with lighting candles as they can be dangerous if left unattended. Light, soft scents are recommended. 
• Chocolate! A little Hershey's kiss here and there never hurt anyone! We all know that chocolate releases endorphines which are basically happy hormones!  
• There are sites which you can use that will restrict your access to sites such as facebook, tumblr, or whatever you want for a period of this. This ensures that there are no distractions! 
• Music! I personally can't concentrate while listening to music but I know many people who actually focus better with music. 
• If you're in the middle of your work but feel like you are unable to continue, simply take a break! No one saids that you needed to finish all your work within an hour! Time management is the key to staying stress free. 
• If you are given an assignment ahead of time, set goals for yourself every day. This way, you are more less likely to get lazy and procrastinate. It's also a great time management method. 

Just to reiterate, it's super important to pace yourself and not leave a bunch of work last minute! That's the number one cause to stress. 

Good luck & stay stress free. 

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Contacts vs. Glasses

I've had glasses since middle school and throughout most of high school. It started with a pair of wire rimmed burgundy glasses. By my sophomore year I upgraded to a trendy, black plastic frame. And finally as a senior, my parents decided that I was responsible enough to get contacts. It was something that I've wanted for so long and I was so excited. I currently use Acuvue with hydraclear plus which are two week disposables.
Since the switch, its pretty darn clear, I am definitely a contacts type of girl. I never felt comfortable with glasses and I hated the feeling of something sitting on my face. I also noticed that a lot of oil around where the glasses touched my face so I made sure to sterilize my glasses at least once a week. My hair always got caught in my glasses and sometimes it was painful to release them. Although contacts are definitely a lot more work, I enjoy them a lot. Every contact wearer knows that it's so important to keep your hands clean. I don't know that I've ever used this much soap in my life.
But not everyone likes the hassle. So what do YOU prefer? Glasses or contacts?
And if you have 20/20 vision, then lucky you.
(Lookie at my owl friends creeping in the photo)

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Closet Essentials: Chambray Shirts

I love chambray shirts because of their versatility. They can be causal enough for school but also dressy enough for a party. It all depends on the shade of blue and what you pair it with. The collar will instantly make these shirts classy. With their denim appearance and the flexibility of cotton, they are just as important as a pair of jeans in any closet.
So how do you wear them if they look just like your everyday jeans?
There is no shame in wearing a chambray shirt with a pair of jeans, the trick is to make sure that your top and bottom are different shades of blue. Try breaking up the blue with a neutral color belt, brown or black work the best. If you don't like wearing too much blue, try pairing a chambray shirt with a pair of black leggings. Chambray shirts are usually long enough for anyone to wear with leggings with, it's also a very comfortable outfit for school.
Chambray shirts are so popular and I believe that even people with entirely different styles could own a chambray shirt and make it work.
American Eagle has good quality chambray shirts in various shades. With their current 40% off sale, it's in the mid $20.00 range. I usually wouldn't spend that much on just a shirt but because I know that I'll be wearing it for a long time, it's a good investment.
I prefer ones with the snap buttons just because its more convenient in the early mornings. If you're skeptical, go to a store and give these shirts a chance! They make outfits effortless! They also make an gift that any girl would appreciate (boys too)!

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