For those who don't know, I have a pet toad that I caught in my yard. To keep him alive, I feed him crickets (bought at the pet store in the winter). To keep the crickets alive and healthy (and with loads of nutrients so that the toad gets good fibers and minerals), I feed them bits of cooked potato, carrot, and meat. This week I had been neglecting the crickets a bit as I am busy with homework. Today I finally got around to feeding them and it actually touched my heart to see them come scrambling out from underneath the egg carton that serves as their home to eat the bits of potato.
Too often in life we don't stop to enjoy the little things- so today I decided I would try to observe the smaller things in life rather than the big and unnecessary. I enjoyed looking through old FaceBook pictures with my sister, letting her do my hair... I enjoyed having a good hot bowl of soup and the wonderful chat with my grandma and sister... and I look forward to a nice phone call from my Dad later tonight.
I challenge ANYONE WHO READS THIS to spend one day looking for only the small pleasures and treasures in life. If you take time to notice a beautiful sunset, good. If you spend time with your family, awesome! Let me know in the comments what you found in your day, and if it improved your mood in any way. By taking time to notice the tiny things, I found myself a lot happier today.
Maddie
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Amish Cinnamon Bread / Friendship Bread
Last week I was given a bag of mix for Amish Cinnamon Bread. Basically it is a bread that you can keep giving out to people as you make it. You start out with a bag that contains regular mix and you have to mush it for 5 days. On the sixth day, you add more ingredients to it and mush it for 5 more days. On the TENTH day, you add more ingredients and then spoon it out into 4 other bags to give away to people. You are left with more batter that you add ingredients to and then bake into two loaves of bread.
You can either keep one of the starting bags or give them away to others. If you keep a bag, you will be making the bread AND giving away at least 3 other bags every ten days. I made them not in the form of loaves but in the form of muffins and then turned out REALLY good. I would leave the recipe but I don't know how to create the starter bag- only the Amish do. Side note: if you give away all you bags then you have to wait to get one back.
I made a basic cream cheese frosting for the muffins and stuffed/decorated them. It was delicious- so if you get one of these bags, don't get rid of them. They may take awhile but the end result is SO worth it.
Maddie
You can either keep one of the starting bags or give them away to others. If you keep a bag, you will be making the bread AND giving away at least 3 other bags every ten days. I made them not in the form of loaves but in the form of muffins and then turned out REALLY good. I would leave the recipe but I don't know how to create the starter bag- only the Amish do. Side note: if you give away all you bags then you have to wait to get one back.
I made a basic cream cheese frosting for the muffins and stuffed/decorated them. It was delicious- so if you get one of these bags, don't get rid of them. They may take awhile but the end result is SO worth it.
Maddie
Friday, September 26, 2014
Quotes (Part 3)
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson
This quote to me seems more of a life lesson. Do good things for other people with the intention of love and kindness, not expecting to benefit from it at all. If you think about it logically, trees take many, many years to grow, so if you plant one you don’t expect to sit in its shade- in fact, you may already be dead by the time it grows! But plant it with the intention that someone else years later may appreciate it- and sit in its shade.
In life, if you make a large gesture that will not benefit you but others in the future when you are gone, this quote is very relatable. Elizabeth Cady Stanton is a good example of this- she is thought of as a leading activist for women’s rights. She, along with Susan B. Anthony, started the campaign for women to be able to vote. She died 18 years before women were granted the right to legally vote, but she had a HUGE impact on the country- and it is still going on today.
On a smaller scale, your efforts don’t have to be as big to you- even helping out a person who is poor on the side of the street could make a big impact. To you, it may seem small and insignificant to give them a $5 bill, but it could give them food for an extra day. Naturally you don’t expect anything back for your kindness, but your intention was to help the person out.
As children we are taught to be kind to people and to be good and not expect rewards for the good behavior- or at least I was taught that way. Kindness should be a given and all too often it isn’t. I found this short story online (I will leave a footnote) and thought it fit perfectly with the quote.
"Two boys walked down a road that led through a field. The younger of the two noticed a man toiling in the fields of his farm, his good clothes stacked neatly off to the side. The boy looked at his older friend and said, “Let’s hide his shoes so when he comes from the field, he won’t be able to find them. His expression will be priceless!” The boy laughed.
The older of the two boys thought for a moment and said, “The man looks poor. See his clothes? Let’s do this instead: Let’s hide a silver dollar in each shoe and then we’ll hide in these bushes and see how he reacts to that, instead.” The younger companion agreed to the plan and they placed a silver dollar in each shoe and hid behind the bushes. It wasn’t long before the farmer came in from the field, tired and worn. He reached down and pulled on a shoe, immediately feeling the money under his foot.
With the coin now between his fingers, he looked around to see who could have put it in his shoe. But no one was there. He held the dollar in his hand and stared at it in disbelief. Confused, he slid his other foot into his other shoe and felt the second coin. This time, the man was overwhelmed when he removed the second silver dollar from his shoe.
Thinking he was alone, he dropped to his knees and offered a verbal prayer that the boys could easily hear from their hiding place. They heard the poor farmer cry tears of relief and gratitude. He spoke of his sick wife and his boys in need of food. He expressed gratitude for this unexpected bounty from unknown hands. After a time, the boys came out from their hiding place and slowly started their long walk home. They felt good inside, warm, changed somehow knowing the good they had done to a poor farmer in dire straits. A smile crept across their souls.”
This quote to me seems more of a life lesson. Do good things for other people with the intention of love and kindness, not expecting to benefit from it at all. If you think about it logically, trees take many, many years to grow, so if you plant one you don’t expect to sit in its shade- in fact, you may already be dead by the time it grows! But plant it with the intention that someone else years later may appreciate it- and sit in its shade.
In life, if you make a large gesture that will not benefit you but others in the future when you are gone, this quote is very relatable. Elizabeth Cady Stanton is a good example of this- she is thought of as a leading activist for women’s rights. She, along with Susan B. Anthony, started the campaign for women to be able to vote. She died 18 years before women were granted the right to legally vote, but she had a HUGE impact on the country- and it is still going on today.
On a smaller scale, your efforts don’t have to be as big to you- even helping out a person who is poor on the side of the street could make a big impact. To you, it may seem small and insignificant to give them a $5 bill, but it could give them food for an extra day. Naturally you don’t expect anything back for your kindness, but your intention was to help the person out.
As children we are taught to be kind to people and to be good and not expect rewards for the good behavior- or at least I was taught that way. Kindness should be a given and all too often it isn’t. I found this short story online (I will leave a footnote) and thought it fit perfectly with the quote.
"Two boys walked down a road that led through a field. The younger of the two noticed a man toiling in the fields of his farm, his good clothes stacked neatly off to the side. The boy looked at his older friend and said, “Let’s hide his shoes so when he comes from the field, he won’t be able to find them. His expression will be priceless!” The boy laughed.
The older of the two boys thought for a moment and said, “The man looks poor. See his clothes? Let’s do this instead: Let’s hide a silver dollar in each shoe and then we’ll hide in these bushes and see how he reacts to that, instead.” The younger companion agreed to the plan and they placed a silver dollar in each shoe and hid behind the bushes. It wasn’t long before the farmer came in from the field, tired and worn. He reached down and pulled on a shoe, immediately feeling the money under his foot.
With the coin now between his fingers, he looked around to see who could have put it in his shoe. But no one was there. He held the dollar in his hand and stared at it in disbelief. Confused, he slid his other foot into his other shoe and felt the second coin. This time, the man was overwhelmed when he removed the second silver dollar from his shoe.
Thinking he was alone, he dropped to his knees and offered a verbal prayer that the boys could easily hear from their hiding place. They heard the poor farmer cry tears of relief and gratitude. He spoke of his sick wife and his boys in need of food. He expressed gratitude for this unexpected bounty from unknown hands. After a time, the boys came out from their hiding place and slowly started their long walk home. They felt good inside, warm, changed somehow knowing the good they had done to a poor farmer in dire straits. A smile crept across their souls.”
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Quotes Part 2
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries and predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” – William Faulkner
I love this quote because I can relate to it. I used to do karate tournaments and I remember being told to go out and look better than my competitors so I could win- and most times I did. However, when I did lose I would always try to replay my form in my head, to look for where I could have gone wrong. The tournaments taught me what this quote says: to not focus on beating others, but to actually work on beating YOURSELF.
Perhaps you have set a goal and you are working hard to reach it, but you keep getting discouraged by people around you who are doing better than you. Don’t set your goal to beat the people in your way, but if you beat them go further. Set your own example so that others have something to work at and so that you have a constant goal trying to beat yourself.
A perfect example of this for me is the game Temple Run. For those of you who don’t know what Temple Run is, it is a game where you are running through a temple and you have to jump, duck, and turn left and right for a long period of time. As the game goes on, your character moves faster. When you die after your first run, you are shown your high score. It is human instinct to want to beat the score and not give up on the game, so I find myself incessantly playing it for almost an hour trying to overcome my score. Sometimes I will compare scores with my friends, but I am more motivated to beat my own score rather than theirs.
I agree with this quote 100%. I think that there is always room for self improvement and that trying to be the best “you” you can be is great. I have a karate test coming up for my 2nd degree black belt- it will test me both mentally and physically and definitely push me to my limits. I know that physically I am ready because my teacher would not put me up for a test if he didn’t think I could complete it, but I am still nervous. I have a lot of mental blocks about it that I need to get rid of- I know that in the test I will be focused completely on myself and being the best I can be.
In the test, it isn’t about beating others. It’s about pushing yourself and being better than you’ve ever been before. It’s about pain and pushing to get what you want- having enough strength to full apply yourself and take what you’ve worked so hard for. And after you’ve gotten your belt? You have the next rank to prepare and strive for. In karate, there are constantly new goals and new challenges- if you look for them.
What are your goals? Do you agree with this quote? Do you think you are currently being the best person you can be, or do you still have challenges to complete?
Maddie
I love this quote because I can relate to it. I used to do karate tournaments and I remember being told to go out and look better than my competitors so I could win- and most times I did. However, when I did lose I would always try to replay my form in my head, to look for where I could have gone wrong. The tournaments taught me what this quote says: to not focus on beating others, but to actually work on beating YOURSELF.
Perhaps you have set a goal and you are working hard to reach it, but you keep getting discouraged by people around you who are doing better than you. Don’t set your goal to beat the people in your way, but if you beat them go further. Set your own example so that others have something to work at and so that you have a constant goal trying to beat yourself.
A perfect example of this for me is the game Temple Run. For those of you who don’t know what Temple Run is, it is a game where you are running through a temple and you have to jump, duck, and turn left and right for a long period of time. As the game goes on, your character moves faster. When you die after your first run, you are shown your high score. It is human instinct to want to beat the score and not give up on the game, so I find myself incessantly playing it for almost an hour trying to overcome my score. Sometimes I will compare scores with my friends, but I am more motivated to beat my own score rather than theirs.
I agree with this quote 100%. I think that there is always room for self improvement and that trying to be the best “you” you can be is great. I have a karate test coming up for my 2nd degree black belt- it will test me both mentally and physically and definitely push me to my limits. I know that physically I am ready because my teacher would not put me up for a test if he didn’t think I could complete it, but I am still nervous. I have a lot of mental blocks about it that I need to get rid of- I know that in the test I will be focused completely on myself and being the best I can be.
In the test, it isn’t about beating others. It’s about pushing yourself and being better than you’ve ever been before. It’s about pain and pushing to get what you want- having enough strength to full apply yourself and take what you’ve worked so hard for. And after you’ve gotten your belt? You have the next rank to prepare and strive for. In karate, there are constantly new goals and new challenges- if you look for them.
What are your goals? Do you agree with this quote? Do you think you are currently being the best person you can be, or do you still have challenges to complete?
Maddie
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
A Girl's Day Out
Sometimes during the week if we aren't too busy, Grandma, Ashleigh and I go out for a "girl's day". These days are a tradition that happen 1-2 times a month and they usually consist of going either to Keene or the mall and shopping in department stores, a lunch out and hysterical and enjoyable conversations between the three of us. Minimal arguing is done unless it is over what skirt looks better on Grandma and it is excellent bonding time for all of us.
Today's trip started out as a trip to the mall to get Grandma a fall jacket and maybe a pair of boots, but after two hours of shopping in Sears, an hour long break for lunch and ANOTHER hour shopping in Macy's, we left with a jacket, shirt and pair of jeans for me and a pair of sneakers and a tree frog toy for my sister. Oh well.... but we had a great time and we tried on SO much stuff. I actually have a mark in between my thumb and forefinger from where I rested the numerous hangers I was carrying.
What's you favorite thing to do with your family? If you're a girl, do you ever have "girl days out" with your friends or family? Let me know in the comments!!!
Maddie
Today's trip started out as a trip to the mall to get Grandma a fall jacket and maybe a pair of boots, but after two hours of shopping in Sears, an hour long break for lunch and ANOTHER hour shopping in Macy's, we left with a jacket, shirt and pair of jeans for me and a pair of sneakers and a tree frog toy for my sister. Oh well.... but we had a great time and we tried on SO much stuff. I actually have a mark in between my thumb and forefinger from where I rested the numerous hangers I was carrying.
What's you favorite thing to do with your family? If you're a girl, do you ever have "girl days out" with your friends or family? Let me know in the comments!!!
Maddie
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Quotes
Quotes
Thoughts from Madison Nef
“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
The quote basically is saying to not be over-confident, because it can easily turn around and lead to your failure. A good example is the story of the Tortoise and the Hare- the hare boasts about how he is sure to win the race against the tortoise because he is fast and the tortoise is slow. He is so confident, in fact, that he stops continuously along the way and the tortoise ends up winning.
Going to a biblical reference, pride came before the fall for Adam and Eve as well. They didn’t listen to God’s good advice about not eating from the Tree of Life, but instead thought they would be better off to eat from the tree. Their pride CERTAINLY went before a big fall- they ruined life for the rest of us! However, the quote comes from the book of Proverbs, not the book of Genesis.
In the chapter 16 in the book of Proverbs, the author is talking about following God and doing as he says. “The path of the upright avoids misfortune, he who pays attention to his way safeguards his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be humble with the meek, than to share plunder with the proud.”
I agree with the quote to some extent- because more often than not, our large amount of self-confidence does inevitably lead to our own destruction and failure. Just because you aced a test doesn’t mean you can stop studying; just because you won a game 3 times in a row doesn’t mean you will win a 4th time.
A good RECENT example of pride going before a (minor) fall was Dad the other day playing Skyrim. He was in a forsworn camp and was near the end of the dungeon and I warned him to save, but he said, word for word: “nah, I’ll be fine, these guys are easy.” Well, as you can imagine, his pride definitely got the best of him as he was ambushed at the top of a hill, killed, and forced to start the entire dungeon over. OUCH.
This quote is definitely relatable within the karate system too. All too often people will spar without wearing a cup or mouthpiece, saying the famous last words “I never get hit anyway” or “I’m fine without it, I can take a hit.” 3 minutes later, their tune changes when they get hit hard and are in pain. Is looking tough before the fight REALLY worth it if you are going to go out, fight poorly and look like a sissy when you get hit? No.
In the end, if you think about it, the quote relates to our whole life- we go about striving to achieve our goals, be they physical, psychological, or material, when in the end when we die we are left with nothing. All our material possessions and things we were formerly proud of mean nothing to anyone else (most likely). In death, there is no pride- in life, there is too much.
Thoughts from Madison Nef
“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
The quote basically is saying to not be over-confident, because it can easily turn around and lead to your failure. A good example is the story of the Tortoise and the Hare- the hare boasts about how he is sure to win the race against the tortoise because he is fast and the tortoise is slow. He is so confident, in fact, that he stops continuously along the way and the tortoise ends up winning.
Going to a biblical reference, pride came before the fall for Adam and Eve as well. They didn’t listen to God’s good advice about not eating from the Tree of Life, but instead thought they would be better off to eat from the tree. Their pride CERTAINLY went before a big fall- they ruined life for the rest of us! However, the quote comes from the book of Proverbs, not the book of Genesis.
In the chapter 16 in the book of Proverbs, the author is talking about following God and doing as he says. “The path of the upright avoids misfortune, he who pays attention to his way safeguards his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be humble with the meek, than to share plunder with the proud.”
I agree with the quote to some extent- because more often than not, our large amount of self-confidence does inevitably lead to our own destruction and failure. Just because you aced a test doesn’t mean you can stop studying; just because you won a game 3 times in a row doesn’t mean you will win a 4th time.
A good RECENT example of pride going before a (minor) fall was Dad the other day playing Skyrim. He was in a forsworn camp and was near the end of the dungeon and I warned him to save, but he said, word for word: “nah, I’ll be fine, these guys are easy.” Well, as you can imagine, his pride definitely got the best of him as he was ambushed at the top of a hill, killed, and forced to start the entire dungeon over. OUCH.
This quote is definitely relatable within the karate system too. All too often people will spar without wearing a cup or mouthpiece, saying the famous last words “I never get hit anyway” or “I’m fine without it, I can take a hit.” 3 minutes later, their tune changes when they get hit hard and are in pain. Is looking tough before the fight REALLY worth it if you are going to go out, fight poorly and look like a sissy when you get hit? No.
In the end, if you think about it, the quote relates to our whole life- we go about striving to achieve our goals, be they physical, psychological, or material, when in the end when we die we are left with nothing. All our material possessions and things we were formerly proud of mean nothing to anyone else (most likely). In death, there is no pride- in life, there is too much.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Poetry
Look at what we've come to,
look at where we've gone,
people dying every day,
for reasons that are wrong,
murder in the streets,
scandal everywhere,
the world is sliding downwards,
and no one seems to care,
children out of school,
people in the streets,
you need to work 10 jobs,
just to make ends meet,
it shouldn't have to be like this,
the world should be at peace,
God created it like that,
his plans he did not cease,
we've taken what we were given,
so many years ago,
and we truly have destroyed it,
and we barely even know.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Halloween Makeup Tutorial
I know, I know- it's too early to even START thinking about Halloween, right? WRONG! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays- who doesn't like free candy?! And so me and my sister always end up talking and planning for it too early. We actually already have our costumes picked out/made- I am going as a zombie and she is going as a vampire. I was working on the makeup for my costume and figured I'd share it with my readers!
You Will Need:
Pure white eyeshadow
Bright red lip liner
Dark brown or black eyebrow pencil
Dark red lipstick
Black eyeshadow
Clear or pale lipgloss
Dark red/purple lipgloss
And dark shades of eyeshadow of your choice.
To start off, you're going to want your face clear of any makeup. After your face is washed off, start by putting on the lipstick and then applying a thin layer of clear lipgloss on top of it. While the lipgloss is still wet, take some black eyeshadow on your pinky finger and dab it in the corners of your lips. Next, using your index finger, apply your white eyeshadow all over your face (excluding your lips), especially on the cheeks and bridge of your nose. This should make your face look very pale. If it isn't blending into your skin well, use the palms of your hands to rub it in a bit.
Now comes my favorite part- making the bumps and bruises. Start out with a dark brown eyeshadow and put it under your eyes. Now, take the lip liner and apply it like eyeliner on your bottom lash line. This will make it look like you have blood in your eyes. Now use your darker lipgloss and coat the eyelids with it, and then apply eyeshadow layers on top of it. For bruises, take your lip liner and make a big circle (filled in) where you want the bruise to be. Rub it in and add blue/purple eyeshadow to it in layers and it will make a bruised appearance.
I did stitching, and I used the eyebrow pencil for that. I drew random scars and stitches all over my face, and the final result was this:
Anyway, I'll definitely be blogging again before Halloween, so check back Monday for a new post!!!
Maddie
You Will Need:
Pure white eyeshadow
Bright red lip liner
Dark brown or black eyebrow pencil
Dark red lipstick
Black eyeshadow
Clear or pale lipgloss
Dark red/purple lipgloss
And dark shades of eyeshadow of your choice.
To start off, you're going to want your face clear of any makeup. After your face is washed off, start by putting on the lipstick and then applying a thin layer of clear lipgloss on top of it. While the lipgloss is still wet, take some black eyeshadow on your pinky finger and dab it in the corners of your lips. Next, using your index finger, apply your white eyeshadow all over your face (excluding your lips), especially on the cheeks and bridge of your nose. This should make your face look very pale. If it isn't blending into your skin well, use the palms of your hands to rub it in a bit.
Now comes my favorite part- making the bumps and bruises. Start out with a dark brown eyeshadow and put it under your eyes. Now, take the lip liner and apply it like eyeliner on your bottom lash line. This will make it look like you have blood in your eyes. Now use your darker lipgloss and coat the eyelids with it, and then apply eyeshadow layers on top of it. For bruises, take your lip liner and make a big circle (filled in) where you want the bruise to be. Rub it in and add blue/purple eyeshadow to it in layers and it will make a bruised appearance.
I did stitching, and I used the eyebrow pencil for that. I drew random scars and stitches all over my face, and the final result was this:
Anyway, I'll definitely be blogging again before Halloween, so check back Monday for a new post!!!
Maddie
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Great Ancient Civilizations of Asian Minor (Part 2)
The
Great Ancient Civilizations of Asia Minor
(Part 2)
By Madison Nef
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
I Actually LIKE History!?!
Recently, I have started a new college course (not online, not graded) and it is on the Great Ancient Civilizations of Asian Minor. So far, I have covered some of Ancient Greek mythology and civilizations and have gone over the Hittite Empire. When I first started watching the DVD's (I watch the courses taped, and Dad and I get them from the Great Courses) I didn't expect too much and wanted it to be over with. But by the end of the third video, I found myself not only scribbling notes enthusiastically but ACTUALLY ENJOYING THE SUBJECT.
In the past, I have always had a strong dislike for history- its in the past, who cares! I guess I had a mental block to it as well because I have taken courses on similar subjects before and not been too thrilled. This also could have been due to the fact that being I had no interest, I just blocked out the lectures and only took in a minimal amount of info. Oops... in any case, this time around, I find myself deriving 3-4 pages of notes from just half a lecture and being able to turn it into a full fledged paper!
Speaking of papers... I am currently writing a 4-pager (a part 2 to my other paper) and I will have it up on here by tomorrow!!! Do you like history? If not, what is/was your favorite lesson? Let me know in the comments, and remember to check back tomorrow to read my paper!
Maddie
In the past, I have always had a strong dislike for history- its in the past, who cares! I guess I had a mental block to it as well because I have taken courses on similar subjects before and not been too thrilled. This also could have been due to the fact that being I had no interest, I just blocked out the lectures and only took in a minimal amount of info. Oops... in any case, this time around, I find myself deriving 3-4 pages of notes from just half a lecture and being able to turn it into a full fledged paper!
Speaking of papers... I am currently writing a 4-pager (a part 2 to my other paper) and I will have it up on here by tomorrow!!! Do you like history? If not, what is/was your favorite lesson? Let me know in the comments, and remember to check back tomorrow to read my paper!
Maddie
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Apps I Recommend
Today I'd like to share with my readers some apps that I like and find useful. I have done a similar post in the past recommending video games and decided it was time for an app version. So without further ado, here are the apps I like! (PS: all of these apps are free, as I don't like paying for literal games)
The first app I want to recommend is PhotoStudio. It is a free image editor that gives you many different filters, overlays and tools in general to make your selfies the height of the Internet. I can tell you firsthand that if you use it right it CAN get you a lot of compliments and even adding contrast can completely change your picture.
The next app I want to recommend is called iTube- for all the people that wish a) they could have YouTube without the Internet or b) wish that the YouTube app ran music in the background. This app pretty much lets you download any video on YouTube (as long as you are in range of wifi WHILE downloading the videos) and the you can have them with you at any time. What I like most about it is the fact that I can play temple run obsessively while my favorite music plays in the background! Yay technology!
In any case, the last app I want to recommend is the addictive game "Don't Touch the White Tile". Some call it a rage game, some call it fun, and some call it plain annoying, but in all honesty it is just a good way to crack your iPod screen after 15 minutes of frustration. But at the same time it makes you want to keep playing... So I recommend it.
Well, I have other work to keep me busy, so I will end this post here. What's your favorite app??? Let me know in the comments.
Maddie
The first app I want to recommend is PhotoStudio. It is a free image editor that gives you many different filters, overlays and tools in general to make your selfies the height of the Internet. I can tell you firsthand that if you use it right it CAN get you a lot of compliments and even adding contrast can completely change your picture.
The next app I want to recommend is called iTube- for all the people that wish a) they could have YouTube without the Internet or b) wish that the YouTube app ran music in the background. This app pretty much lets you download any video on YouTube (as long as you are in range of wifi WHILE downloading the videos) and the you can have them with you at any time. What I like most about it is the fact that I can play temple run obsessively while my favorite music plays in the background! Yay technology!
In any case, the last app I want to recommend is the addictive game "Don't Touch the White Tile". Some call it a rage game, some call it fun, and some call it plain annoying, but in all honesty it is just a good way to crack your iPod screen after 15 minutes of frustration. But at the same time it makes you want to keep playing... So I recommend it.
Well, I have other work to keep me busy, so I will end this post here. What's your favorite app??? Let me know in the comments.
Maddie
Monday, September 15, 2014
Poetry
Welcome to life,
you only live once,
so spend your time well,
and do not dwell on sadness...
Welcome to life,
yeah it's gonna be hard,
there will be times,
when it seems all's at its end...
But just remember:
we're only given,
as much as we can take,
nothing God gives you,
is gonna force you to break,
it might hurt a little,
but it only makes you who you are...
and if you feel down,
remember the happy times,
cherish the small and tiny,
seemingly pointless little things,
because if you sit,
and reflect on your life,
the little things are what make it so complete,
not obsolete,
and in the end,
when to heaven we're sent,
nothing here on earth will matter anyway-
but we're here for a bit,
I'm making the best of my time,
are you..?
Friday, September 12, 2014
Sick Day
Remember a few days ago when I said my sister was sick? Well, now not only is she STILL sick, Grandma and I are sick too. Today we went out to grocery shop and ended up eating lunch out at Taco Bell. By the time the 3 of us got home, we all felt tired, feverish and flat out SICK. Right now, all of us are relaxing up in my Dad's room (he has a big bed, so all three of us can climb in and be comfy) and watching a Thomas the Tank movie. Tacos PROBABLY weren't the best idea for us- my sister didn't eat more than about 5 bites of hers and said she felt so sick that she wouldn't even eat dessert.
We all have sore throats, so as a treat Grandma bought me and my sister Sour Patch Kids. The sourness actually helps- it coats the back of our throats, and then gets sweeter. We were going to get the ultra sour warheads, but my sister didn't want them. I gotta admit, with the way my taste buds have been acting, I think the Sour Patch Kids were the right move- I would be crying with the warheads.
Well, now it's time for me to watch some Tom and Jerry with my sister, so I'm afraid
Maddie
We all have sore throats, so as a treat Grandma bought me and my sister Sour Patch Kids. The sourness actually helps- it coats the back of our throats, and then gets sweeter. We were going to get the ultra sour warheads, but my sister didn't want them. I gotta admit, with the way my taste buds have been acting, I think the Sour Patch Kids were the right move- I would be crying with the warheads.
Well, now it's time for me to watch some Tom and Jerry with my sister, so I'm afraid
Maddie
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Second Degree Black Belt Test
Today, Dad and I got our invites to our test- for our second degree black belts! I am testing on November 22nd with the 21 and unders, while Dad is testing on Sunday the 23rd with the 22+ crowd. Last test, we got to go together- which was nice, being it was our first black belt test and we didn't really know what to expect except for pushups, pushups, and more pushups. We promised that we would wait for each other to be in the same and/or a close test, so we could work up the ranks together. Now, this will be my last black belt test for another 5 1/2 years at minimum, as you have to be 18 or older to test for your 3rd degree.
I was a bit upset when I found out that Dad wouldn't be testing with me, and it only made it worse to find out he couldn't even WATCH me test. I know, it may seem wimpy, but I have a strong bond with my Dad and I had actually expected us to be on the same test again. I'm nervous about my test to begin with, but this just made it worse. I guess I'll push through it though- I was nervous about my first test too, but I got through it and came out with not too many bumps and bruises.
However, I like to end my posts on a happier note, so before I go I would like to share this awesome recipe for a cream cheese spread.
You Will Need:
3 tbsp shredded, sweetened coconut
1/2 block of cream cheese
2 tsp cinnamon
Put all of this in a medium sized bowl and melt in the microwave for 20 seconds. Take out and stir. The spread goes good on toast, as a dip for fruit, and is even good as a sweeter salad dressing (melt for 30 seconds instead of 20 for a dressing). Enjoy!
Maddie
I was a bit upset when I found out that Dad wouldn't be testing with me, and it only made it worse to find out he couldn't even WATCH me test. I know, it may seem wimpy, but I have a strong bond with my Dad and I had actually expected us to be on the same test again. I'm nervous about my test to begin with, but this just made it worse. I guess I'll push through it though- I was nervous about my first test too, but I got through it and came out with not too many bumps and bruises.
However, I like to end my posts on a happier note, so before I go I would like to share this awesome recipe for a cream cheese spread.
You Will Need:
3 tbsp shredded, sweetened coconut
1/2 block of cream cheese
2 tsp cinnamon
Put all of this in a medium sized bowl and melt in the microwave for 20 seconds. Take out and stir. The spread goes good on toast, as a dip for fruit, and is even good as a sweeter salad dressing (melt for 30 seconds instead of 20 for a dressing). Enjoy!
Maddie
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Weird Chip Flavors
Personally, just from the names, I am hoping that the Bacon Mac and Cheese one sticks around. Nothing to me seems good besides that- even the garlic bread one is pushing it. You can vote for your favorite on www.dousaflavor.com and you are allowed to vote once daily. As of right now, you can purchase all the flavors for yourself and give them a try in various different stores and DEFINITELY online at www.amazon.com. But if you're going to purchase the chips from amazon: be sure to go using the link from my dad's store, Buy Buy Momma. It's at no extra cost to you, and we get a commission of the sale price of whatever you buy! AWESOME!
Anyway, it's kind of late now and my grandma wants me upstairs in bed, so I will say goodnight to all my readers. Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite chip flavor is!
Maddie
Monday, September 8, 2014
Poetry
I don't know why you'd bother,
To try to bring me down,
I don't know why you'd bother,
I'll never come around,
To be what you think I am,
To be what you describe,
Would have to be my only choice,
Else shrivel up an die,
Your harsh opinions never hurt,
And always keep me guessing,
They always make me laugh,
I guess that's a hidden blessing,
Immaturity,
Was never quite my thing,
But I guess it yours,
As you lead a gossip ring,
Lies are stored within you,
As you smile so harmlessly,
I wonder if anyone else,
Sees what I can see,
Cunning vicious snake with tongue,
Ever poisoned and ready to bite,
Director of a play,
That you didn't even write,
Cast the roles among us,
And may the best star win,
But if it don't go your way,
Then it's a tragic sin.
Learn from the past,
Present and future,
Life is a game,
Don't make it putrid.
To try to bring me down,
I don't know why you'd bother,
I'll never come around,
To be what you think I am,
To be what you describe,
Would have to be my only choice,
Else shrivel up an die,
Your harsh opinions never hurt,
And always keep me guessing,
They always make me laugh,
I guess that's a hidden blessing,
Immaturity,
Was never quite my thing,
But I guess it yours,
As you lead a gossip ring,
Lies are stored within you,
As you smile so harmlessly,
I wonder if anyone else,
Sees what I can see,
Cunning vicious snake with tongue,
Ever poisoned and ready to bite,
Director of a play,
That you didn't even write,
Cast the roles among us,
And may the best star win,
But if it don't go your way,
Then it's a tragic sin.
Learn from the past,
Present and future,
Life is a game,
Don't make it putrid.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Sick Sister, Fake Nail Fails and more!!!
As you may have guessed from the title, my little sister was sick today. She woke up at 6:00 AM this morning complaining that her throat hurt and that her stomach ached. My grandma gave her some medicine as she had a fever, but it only helped for a little while. After lunch, we took Ashleigh to the doctor's to figure out what was up. She was tested for Strep throat, but thankfully she didn't have it. The doctor's orders? Lots of liquids, not a lot of solid food and small doses of honey to coat her throat. My poor sister threw up a few times, but she went to bed and has been sleeping soundly for a few hours now.
As for the fake nails... I tried to glue on some fake nails today, being I don't have karate until Monday and figured I could pull them off for a few days. I did my left hand, stopped to eat dinner and was going to do my right hand... Lucky for me my sister wanted me to play a little Skyrim with her first on account of her not feeling good. It was then that I discovered something TERRIBLE: YOU CAN'T USE AN XBOX CONTROLLER WITH FAKE NAILS ON! Naturally this was unacceptable to me as I am a "game fanatic" and like to relax at night while playing Skyrim and occasionally talking to my friends, so I automatically ripped the nails off (and I use the word "ripped" very lightly. It was more of a soft peeling- do not attempt to "rip" nails off at home) and then settled in to play Skyrim.
To put the cherry on the cake, when it was time to go upstairs to bed, I couldn't sleep. I think this was because I had a caffeinated drink about 3 hours before bed, and my caffeine rush hit just as I was ready to fall asleep. When singing, dancing, writing, reading, and cleaning my room didn't help me fall asleep, I decided I would come down and do some homework- and hear I am! In any case, I have other work to do right now, so I will end this post here...
Maddie
As for the fake nails... I tried to glue on some fake nails today, being I don't have karate until Monday and figured I could pull them off for a few days. I did my left hand, stopped to eat dinner and was going to do my right hand... Lucky for me my sister wanted me to play a little Skyrim with her first on account of her not feeling good. It was then that I discovered something TERRIBLE: YOU CAN'T USE AN XBOX CONTROLLER WITH FAKE NAILS ON! Naturally this was unacceptable to me as I am a "game fanatic" and like to relax at night while playing Skyrim and occasionally talking to my friends, so I automatically ripped the nails off (and I use the word "ripped" very lightly. It was more of a soft peeling- do not attempt to "rip" nails off at home) and then settled in to play Skyrim.
To put the cherry on the cake, when it was time to go upstairs to bed, I couldn't sleep. I think this was because I had a caffeinated drink about 3 hours before bed, and my caffeine rush hit just as I was ready to fall asleep. When singing, dancing, writing, reading, and cleaning my room didn't help me fall asleep, I decided I would come down and do some homework- and hear I am! In any case, I have other work to do right now, so I will end this post here...
Maddie
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Finishing up Python
This week, I am finishing up my Python class from Codecademy- I'm really excited for two reasons: For one, I'm WAY ahead of my Dad in the class and number two, next I'm going to be taking a college course that Dad previously took. In that course, you get to program basic games (which from what I hear from Dad, aren't that basic) and it sounds like fun to me. In any case, I'll know soon as I am finishing the first course tomorrow.
Not much has been going on this week- Dad is away in NY again with his new job, so me, Grandma and Ashleigh have been together and doing things. Last night, I made brownies and played skyrim with my sister, and the day before THAT we put on a "concert/dance" for Grandma. It's been fun, and it's kept my sister's mind off of the fact that Dad isn't here. Mine too, for that matter... Dad, if you're reading this- I MISS YOUUU! <3
Anyway, I'm done with the rest of my work for today, and I want to go play xBox with my friends and my sister, so I am going to end this post here with a picture of me and my sister.
Maddie
Not much has been going on this week- Dad is away in NY again with his new job, so me, Grandma and Ashleigh have been together and doing things. Last night, I made brownies and played skyrim with my sister, and the day before THAT we put on a "concert/dance" for Grandma. It's been fun, and it's kept my sister's mind off of the fact that Dad isn't here. Mine too, for that matter... Dad, if you're reading this- I MISS YOUUU! <3
Anyway, I'm done with the rest of my work for today, and I want to go play xBox with my friends and my sister, so I am going to end this post here with a picture of me and my sister.
Maddie
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Poetry
Is It Worth It
Is it worth it?
to be someone you're not,
Is it worth it?
to be always put on the spot,
tell me how that's working for you...
I prefer to be me,
that's who I want the world to see,
not some model in a pose,
not an actress with a rose,
I'm not a puppet held by strings,
I'm not controlled, I do my own thing,
and in the end,
is it worth it, was it worth it?
did you put on a good show?
I doubt the world will ever know,
who you really are,
they'll only remember the rising star...
Monday, September 1, 2014
Happy Labor Day!
Happy Labor day to all my readers! No, Labor Day isn't going to be the main topic of this post- I just wanted to get it out of the way. The rest of the post is just going to be about some changes going on with my blog. I am going to be taking polls down from the site as a) they never get used and b) I'm too lazy to change them. Also, if you've noticed I haven't changed the background of my blog in awhile. This is because a few people told me that it was easier to read with the current background, so I left it. If you are a new reader, allow me to explain: I used to change the background of the site once a month, but after awhile people couldn't read the blog because of the colors/type I used. So that is stopped for the time being.
I also have a bunch of pages that are never used and are a waste of space on my site, so I am going to be taking a few of those down too. I can't say when all of this is going to happen, because if you know me you know that I am lazy when it comes to blogging/blog editing. Sometime in September though :) I want to make the site look better so I might also change the layout- I don't know about that though.
Anyways, no guarantees really about anything but you should see some changes in the blog in the coming weeks.
Maddie
I also have a bunch of pages that are never used and are a waste of space on my site, so I am going to be taking a few of those down too. I can't say when all of this is going to happen, because if you know me you know that I am lazy when it comes to blogging/blog editing. Sometime in September though :) I want to make the site look better so I might also change the layout- I don't know about that though.
Anyways, no guarantees really about anything but you should see some changes in the blog in the coming weeks.
Maddie
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