3 Christmas DIY Gift Ideas

      So the most magical and most wonderful time of year is coming up. If you're like me, you're already stressing out on what to buy for your friends, family, or a special someone.. that someone being your CAT! Just kidding, some of you are probably serious about that person. :) But don't worry- I'm gonna save all that trouble for you. Today I'm laying out some easy DIY gifts you just might wanna use yourself!

DIY Mugs

First, let's talk about some DIY mugs. These are super easy to make, and there's so many different things you can do to customize them! 

 1. Chalkboard Mug

  

You will need...

 - a mug

 - chalkboard spray paint or paint

 - painter's tape

To begin, get your mug and put your painter's tape all over the areas you don't want chalkboard paint to be applied. 

Next, we're gonna put the chalkboard paint on your mug. If you have spray paint, spray the uncovered areas with the paint. If you have normal paint, apply in the uncovered areas. 

An example off another blog of a chalkboard mug.

And you're done! 

 2. Sharpie Mug

You will need...

 - a mug

 - sharpies

 - (optional) letter stickers

Get out your mug and sharpies. Decorate your mug in any way you want to. 

One idea is to draw funny noses, like a cat nose on your mug.

Another is to get letter stickers and put them on te mug. Dot around the letters, then peel off the stickers for a cool design. 

When you're done with your design, pop your mug in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes to make the design permanent, and then you're finished!

 3. Mani in a Jar

You will need...

 - a jar

 - nail polish

 - (optional) ribbon

 - (optional) sharpies

 - (optional) a tag

Open your jar, and place your nail polish in it. Screw the lid. If you want, tie a ribbon where the lid is, put a tag and write what you want, like "Mani in a Jar!", and you could even decorate the jar with your sharpies. Super cute and easy to make!

Those are some of my DIY gift ideas! I hope you found something you might want to use! Happy Holidays!

How To Get Over a Guy

So.. there's this guy.. He's super sweet and has what any drama geek would fall for- a great singing voice. I fell for it. I'll just admit it there. He was going out with someone at the time, and being the shy person I am, didn't do anything, but we became friends. After a while he broke up with his old girlfriend, and we hung out together.. and I was pretty sure he liked me.. but then asked out a girl.. that wasn't me. Oh, the heartbreak. Seeing his warm, kind eyes turn to another girl after you thought you sealed the deal- it still hurts me badly. I guess I have to get over it though- he doesn't know I'm hurt, and I need to keep it that way. Here's some tips that I'm going to use to get over this guy, which can help you too.
- Ask yourself some questions.
I know,  I know, it sounds stupid, but it'll help. Ask things like, Why did I spend my time wanting a guy who ignored me?, or  Why do I want someone who makes me cry more than smile or laugh? Also, ask yourself to write down the negative things about him, and the positive things about you without him.

- Get rid of him from your life.
This one's hard. If you're in my situation, being friends with him, getting rid of him is hard. If it can't be done, still be his friend, but maybe act a little colder to him. Let him come to you in your friendship.
If you can forget about him, do it. Get rid of his contact in your phone, don't talk to him, and delete those pictures of you two together. Unfollow and unfriend on social media sites. Get rid of anything reminding you of him. Trust me, it might hurt in the process, but like a shot, it protects you from being hurt again.

-Think of all the people who love you.
Just because the guy you had feelings for didn't have them back, or turned on you, doesn't mean others don't love you. Think of your family, friends, cat, dog- maybe even pet rock... who ever and what ever loves you.

-Spend some time with your friends.
Your friends are the people who help you get through many things. Just hang out with them and forget about the boy.

-Relax.
Don't cry over him, he wasn't worth it. Remind yourself you are beautiful in every way, and that you are perfect. Do something you love to help you feel better, and yes, you can pop out the ice cream if you want to. Just do things to get your mind off of the problem.

In all, just remember that this guy wasn't worth your time. Everything happens for a reason, and it wasn't meant to be. He wasn't worth it, and there's another guy out there who might just be your husband one day. (He's probably hotter than this guy anyway!) Remember you are who you are, and that it's okay that this happened. You just proved to yourself that you are strong and can move on, and gain from this.

Don't be a Bored Beach Bum!

The beach is a fun place to be. The salt in the air, and the wind blowing.. ah....

But is it just me, or when I go to the beach, sometimes I have absolutely no idea what to do, and I just wanna sleep?




Whoops...



 

Yeah.. If your family is like mine and goes on trips to beaches for 3-5 days, after a couple walks on the beach, you get bored. You've picked all the shells, walked on the shore, and you're just bored out of your mind. Here's some things to do when you're bored of the literal beach. 

•Go fishing. 

It's actually not that bad. Make sure if you're impatient like me, to go look at areas where people frequently catch fish. 

•Swim. 

In a pool, or in the actual ocean, it's always fun. Some places you could snorkel, which is one of my favorite things to do. 

•Google some cool harder sandcastles to build.

Building a sandcastle by your memory of a simple one tends to be pretty boring. Try looking up intermediate or hard castles to build and try it out!

 

• Get a floating mat and relax.

It's always good to just sit there and do absolutely nothing. The ocean can be a relaxing place to do it. Use a floating mat on the sand or on the water and just relax...

 

•Have a cookout.

Mmmmm... Just thinking about a cookout makes my mouth water! If you're at the beach with your family or friends, eating together is always a fun thing to do! Cook some hamburgers or hotdogs and enjoy your time!

 

Hopefully some of those things will keep you from being bored at the beach. If you're about to go to the beach, or are vacationing there right now, have fun! If you're just reading this because you wanted to, there's always You Tube videos of the beach to watch... :)

 

How to Stay Alive in a Class with an Evil Teacher

This year, I'm in eighth grade. The scary final year of middle school- and the toughest. But no matter what grade you're in, you might have a teacher who makes you pull your hair out- and confuses you

to the point where you're insane, and pounds you with homework. I've got that teacher this year. But here's some tips to stay alive and maintain your grade in his or her class and your other classes.

•Always come to class prepared. 

If your school is like mine and you only have 5 minutes to get from class to class, you don't really have any time to waste. To get to the tough teacher's class, I have to get to the 2nd floor from the other side of giant hallway. (Our middle school used to be a big high school) If you can, stop by your locker before the class you're going to preceding the class. It's a time saver.

But sometimes, we forget things.. like me. Here's some tips inside my tips, if you get what I mean, for finding what you need as quickly as possible. 

- Have everything in your locker neat and organized. Having a completely messy locker just wastes time that could be used to talk to people, or to finish up that homework assignment you forgot about. 

-Have a class materials checklist. Using something like this could keep you from forgetting things you might not remember, and could save you from getting into trouble.

Here's part of mine..

•Stay on the teacher's good side. 
We all know who that one person is who some teachers are always annoyed with, even if they don't do anything wrong. You don't wanna be that kid, especially around a teacher you're scared of or is harsh on people. Raise your hand to answer questions occasionally if you know the answer, always pay attention, (or at least act like it..) and try to be an angel in his or her class. 

•Know what's going on. 

Always know everything about what is happening in his/her class, from assignments to tests. Always keep up with notes if you take them, and know your due dates for everything.  Agendas are a great way to keep track of due dates and progress with assignments. 

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! I know it's extremely hard not to, but it's better to do things slowly over time rather than do it all in one night. 

•Don't stress over the class.
You don't want to put all your energy into that one class you feel like you will/are going to struggle with. If you need to, put a little more time into the work in that class, but still evenly study with the other classes. I've learned from experience, if you focus on one thing, the rest of your grades do drop.

Hopefully you can use some of those tips to help you get through your school year!

Crazy with cosmetics! xoxo

Hey guys! Hal here. 

You've probably seen a lot of girls wearing makeup at your school, right?

((Ariana in a natural makeup look))

Lets admit though, some of them look completely RIDICULOUS, but theres a few who can pull it off with just the right amount of cosmetics. Hopefully this article will help you become part of that "few"!
A lot of guys prefer a girl who goes natural, and natural is the BEST type of look on a girl! But they also like a soft look as well, which means soft and simple colors. It honestly just depends on the guy! 

One example of a celebrity who likes to wear a natural look would be Ariana Grande. ---------->

I can't tell you exactly what products Ariana used in this, but I can help you out as to getting the exact same look.

To start off with, you would need a black mascara, brown eyeliner, (or black if you want your eyes to stand out more), cream,dark brown, and a light, light brown eyeshadow, as well as a light pink/bubblegum pink lipstick.

((Pic of Pink Punch and someone testing it out on their lips))

Preferably use brands like Maybeline, Lo'real, Babylips, or cheaper but beneficial brands, like NYC or Wetnwild.
Ariana's lip color really reminded me of Babylip's Pink Punch, so that's why I recommended it. I've heard alot of great reviews on Babylips. Its affordable, ( 2-3 dollars for just one) and can be found at places like Walmart or Target.


You can begin with the Black or brown eyeliner, but I would suggest brown since it gives off a more natural vibe.
Apply it ONLY to your upper lash line. If you apply it to the top and bottom, it is going to look way too thick. You're only in middle school!
After applying that, start with the light,light brown.

((Dark,and Light Light Brown))

Apply it to the whole lid, and then swipe it across the brow bone. Not too much though! Then, take the cream/white color. Start at the INNER CORNER of the eye as highlighted in the pic below, slowly bringing it up and across the brow bone. Once your finished, Take the darkest color out of all 3,
which should be the dark brown, and focus ONLY one the 

outer sides of the eyelid and browbone. I hope that makes sense haha!
**Tip: Applying primer on your eyelid/brow bone can help make the eyeshadow show up more.**
Once that's complete, add some mascara! Mascara can make a HUGE difference to your eyes, as well as eyeliner, so be careful not to overdo it. 
You should always curl your eyelashes first before applying mascara, but its optional.
One easy way to apply mascara is to put the wand underneath your eyelashes while having your eyes closed, and to blink as you apply it. Its also a way to not poke yourself in the eye!
**Tip: When you wear mascara ALL the time, your eyelashes can become dry and brittle. Applying Petroleum Jelly/ Vaseline on your eyelashes can help keep them moisturized and may even help them grow. I've been doing this and I've actually noticed a difference!


So your done with the eyes. Now its time to apply the lipstick. That shouldn't be too hard to do. Just be sure you have it on both lips, hehe!

((Eyelash curling))

**Tip: Putting petroleum jelly or Vaseline on your lips after applying lipstick or lip stain can help keep them soft,smooth, and hydrated.


You're finally done with the natural look! It wasn't as natural as it could be, but at least you won't look like a cakeface, right?! 
Its your choice to add any foundation or blush. A light blush would make it look even more natural, but that's just my opinion. I'm not sure if I am going to be making any more beauty posts.. I'm not that good at them to be honest!
So let me know what you think.
XOXO
-Hal

This and vaseline can be used to put over the lipstick.

Love's a HOAX!

Middle school may seem like the worst place to be, but its actually not. Unless you have one jerk that ruins it all for you. One jerk that you seem to fall for. Their hair, their eyes, their voice. *sigh..* You hate yourself for falling for someone so cruel and mean that doesn't deserve to be a part of your life.. but you do it anyways. And you feel stupid for it,don't you?

7th grade. I was a nerd. The type that sat in the back of the class and didn't really talk to anyone. I was basically the observer. I had my share of friends but never could gain as many as the populars could. I wasn't the prettiest girl or the smartest girl, and I didn't focus on boys as much as I do now. Sometimes.. I wish I could go back to that girl, and that time. Everything was cool before "the boy," lets call him Jay, walked into my language arts class. He was the new guy of 7th grade.
We were paired up for an assignment by my super strict teacher. I was actually pretty happy that she paired me up with the cutest boy in class. Maybe she wasn't so bad after all.
Anyways, I remember working on the assignment with him. He was SO sweet! I gave up on using my crappy pencil so during that time I asked him if he had a pencil. He ended up giving me his pen. "Umm, a pencil?" I said. He blushed. " Oh, right." he said. He dug in his drawstring bag and handed me one.
After we finished the assignment he offered to move the desk back for me, and I thanked him.
So maybe that wasn't a big deal to you, but I guess it was the start of it all. The start of me liking him.
He had the kindest eyes, yet so mysterious. They were big and brown. And his hair.. was a swishy dark chocolate brown. He was perfect. Or so I thought..
2 months later he had gotten a girlfriend. She wasn't the greatest girl ever, and I'm not speaking in jealousy. She didn't even like him! She broke up with him within a few weeks for no particular reason. I remember hating both of them, but I got over it. It was clear that the only reason he dated her was because she was one of the most popular girls in the grade.. and that's how he got to the top. He slowly started making his way to the "cool" lunch table, ditching his old,geeky friends.
A while later, me and him were the talk of the team. Everyone had found out that I had liked Jay, and he even knew it too. He never did say if he didn't like me back, but I guess I got the signal that he didn't. I made the effort of trying to start something with him, but all I did was get hate for it.  Sitting by him at lunch? Probably the biggest mistake. We were teased.. ALOT. But occasionally I would get glances from him.. or stares.. like he was trying to figure me out.
But then again, even if he did like me, why in the world would a popular date a NON-popular?
8th grade. I changed for the better. I do miss the old me, but some parts of the old me I don't miss at all .I walked into school confident. A whole new look, a whole new attitude. A whole new girl.
Some heads were turned, but there was only one person I still wanted. Jay. But why? Why would I want a guy who said I was ugly back in the summer? Why would I still want a guy who played mind games, and hurt my feelings? I had no clue.
Gym class. the only class I had with him this year in 8th grade. The first day I had gym with him was the first day I passed him, not even making eye contact, and his head had turned to look at me. I wonder if he was thinking the same thing everyone else was. I didn't even recognize myself anymore. 
I used to be the girl who always wore her hair in a ponytail and didn't really care about makeup. I had grown my soft brown hair out during the summer, and became known for my light glimmered blue eyeshadow I wore. I wasn't aiming to be a popular, stuck up girl, or get tons of guys. I was aiming for a new look, and to feel more confident about myself, and I guess i had worked.
A few weeks later, after thinking that I didn't like him anymore, he was told that I still liked him through a friend, and he believed it. He didn't really react to it, though.
It  really surprised me because in gym, all he does it stare at me. Especially ever since he sprained his ankle and sits up in front of the whole gym. He spots me out of the whole crowd. Every time I look hes already looking at me! One time he even smiled at me. But the thing is, why would he do this, especially when he says that I'm annoying and he hates me. He acted as if he didn't even know who I was.
And to be truthful, I'm the exact opposite of annoying, and we don't even talk to eachother.
So that's why I started to slowly give up, because it wasn't going to go anywhere with Jay. I felt like we really had something, you know? But no guy deserves a girl if hes going to say that about her.. even if he was lying.
He was a football jock that had me fooled. He was nice.. before he was carried away by the popular witches. Why would I want a boy that cares about what other people think?

Love is such a hoax. In the end, you realize you were deceived by that person. You were deceived BADLY. Its a game, a very risky one at that. A game that you never want to play.
-Hal

The Problems of Being a Middle School Drama Geek

Ugh. Middle school. I love it, but seriously, so much drama. But, I get away from all that in musical theatre at my school. It's the one place I fit it in... and also makes me look like I'm not a computer nerd, and that I have a life. I love it, but you could say it seems just like the world of Broadway- the rush of joy doing what you love, making second families, and feeling you're finally doing the right thing. And, unfairness, favoritism, and the enemies you make. And if you're a fellow drama geek, I'm gonna let myself air out, and tell you all about my Drama Geek life.

I love the casts of all the musicals I've been in. Love almost everyone to death. Why not everyone, you ask? Certain people I've dealt with have ruined experiences in shows for me.

The second show I was in was basically like the first for me. I was the female lead- it was like a dream come true- and the most popular kid in school was the male lead- and the leads were in love! It all seemed too unreal. Everything was great, and I secretly started to crush on the guy. But, he had a girlfriend, who I thought was an angel. She was so sweet to me, even though I had the female lead she was dying for. But, one day backstage, I overhear Miss Angel gossip about me and say I was the worst singer and should be kicked out and never come back. She said other things too, but that's not appropriate language. Ever since, I've secretly hated her guts. But we still are 'friends.' Anyway I better cool off about that before I go even further.

My director likes to bring in her friend every show to evaluate how each cast member does. This show, that I'm currently in, she evaluated recently, when my director was sick. The stairs to my upstairs eighth grade hallway is right by backstage left, and I saw my somewhat older teacher going down the stairs. She had a lot in her hands, so I quickly ran out to help her. I missed my cue for doing that, by LITERALLY 5 SECONDS. She screamed her lungs out at me, and said I was a 'failure in this industry,' and that 'it will ruin your shows here at the middle school.' I don't even know how I can describe how stupid that was. This is MIDDLE SCHOOL, not real life! Whatever...

I guess I've gotten myself mad and depressed. I wanna write about heartwarming and happy things about middle school theatre, but, I just can't. It doesn't seem that bad the way I've been writing things, but that's because I just can't expose everything, just in case anyone I know reads this. That could kill me socially, if you get what I mean. I'll try to blog some other time, So I can cool off and think "Happy, happy, happy" (I've been watching too much Duck Dynasty...)