Heres To Another Chance

As the year winds down, in addition to thinking about resolutions (hopefully focusing on positives), most people reflect on the year that has passed. We think about all the good things that happened, the friends we made, the classes we took, the places we've been... but we also think about the bad things that happened, the friends we lost, the not-so-good grades we received, the tears we cried. Thinking back on all of these memories it's easy to wonder where the year went, how it's already over.

As the new year begins, along with making positive resolutions, making promises to yourself you'll do better in such and such, remember the good that has come out of the last year.

Maybe you made a new friend or developed a stronger bond with an old friend. Remember that.
If you found yourself in a new relationship (or still in a relationship), hold on to that.
Perhaps an old friend or love came back into your life. Cherish the fact that they are in your life again.
People come and go. The impact they have on your life is essentially up to you. What you remember about them is how they are going to change your life.

We have good and bad experiences every year. The way you view those experiences shows what kind of person you are. Everyone has rough times. It's important to remember that those times don't last forever and you always have someone who will be there for you when you're going through those times. The good times don't last forever either. It's sometimes hard to remember this when life is so good in a moment. Next time someone you know is down, don't knock them further down, help them get back up so they can make it to their good times - it'll help make your good time last longer.. We promise.

With this new year, try to remember it's not a new beginning but, as Oprah once said, another chance for us to get things right. It's another chance for us to create new memories, have new experiences, learn from our mistakes, and keep living our lives.

XOXO, A&E

New Years Resolutions

It seems like every year the top resolutions are always geared towards changing the negative.
-Lose weight
-Stop smoking
-Drink less

While it's good to look at the negatives in our lives, why don't we try and add more positive resolutions to our list?
-Try to do a random act of kindness once a day
-Volunteer more
-Try to organize and follow through something you've always wanted to do (go sky diving, take a trip, etc).

It just seems that we always emphasize our negatives, which while they should be looked at, they shouldn't be our only focus. A new year brings new opportunities. Let the past be apart of you, but don't let it hold you back. Live out your dreams and don't let the negatives or the impossibles stop you!

"Remember today, for it is the beginning of always. Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold. Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true."

XOXO, A&E

Random College Related Rant

Everyone has their own opinions of their college experience. Everyone has their own ideas as to what should come out of their time spent at college. As someone who is a graduating senior this upcoming semester, I would highly suggest to younger students to begin thinking about what they want out of their experience as soon as possible. Advisors in college aren't the same as they were in high school, at least not like the one I had at my high school. Our brace advisor in HS was extremely helpful, making sure we knew deadlines and requirements. Advisors in college? They can change before you even turn your back around to say bye to them. &More likely than not, they don't know you personally so they don't know the best ways to help you get to your next step in life.

GRE, GMAT, LSAT. What do all of these things mean? Why do we have to take them after taking 4 years of college-level classes? Most students find out about deadlines and requirements a little too late and end up scrambling to get everything done. I, for example, speak from experience - repeatedly changing my mind about what I want to do after graduation didn't help much either. I've also seen firsthand through working in the graduate admissions office for psychology at FSU that there are a lot of students, from all different parts of the country and world, who just don't know what to do sometimes. I'm not sure why some students seem to know more than others, but seeing how universities and colleges employ advisors, in my opinion, they should advise more often. In talking with other friends, some have even told me they have spoken to advisors who clearly had no idea what they were talking about - at my school and at different universities. If this is a worldwide, or countrywide, problem something needs to change.

Do we come to college to find life-long friends, husbands, wives, etc? Some of us do. In between studying and partying and stressing out, some of us meet people who seem to be the ones we'll keep in our lives forever. Through finals and breakups and rough hangovers, a lot of us meet friends that will stand by us no matter what. The realization that college may be some of the most important, moving, and fun years of our lives has set in for me. With graduation in the somewhat near future, I think back on my years at FSU and even through the hard tests, unsatisfying grades on papers, drunken nights, and rough mornings - the friends by my side stand out in my memory.

So whether you decide after college that you're going on to graduate, law, or medical school, or plan to enter an armed force, or have every intention of getting a full-time job and never plan on going back to school, figure out what it is you want to do and go for it. Don't let deadlines and requirements hold you back. Don't let not knowing something stop you; although an advisor may not be the best source of information, your professors know a lot and so does the internet - of course. Ask your friends, your parents, and your peers. The only stupid question is a question not asked.


XOXO, E

The Greatest Gift of All? Family

Like clockwork, every mid-December I find myself making a 7 hour drive down to south Florida to spend a few weeks with family for the holidays. During these trips, most of my time is spent sleeping, shopping, visiting old friends, and spending time with family. As I've gotten older, the presents seem to matter less, and the company I'm surrounded by has started to matter more.

I remember a time when the only thing I wanted was to be older and independent, but as I've reached this new level of independence and maturity I long for the times when life was simple and carefree. With college passing by quickly, I realize that soon enough these breaks will end and I will start to see my family less and less.

Coming from a small family, I used to see them as a crazy group of people that by some chance I happen to share DNA with. But as we've gotten older, I've come to see them as a crazy group of people that have impacted and influenced my life in the most profound way. I may complain about my "out of this planet grandmother" and my "extremely overbearing father", but the truth is I don't know who I would be without them.

Seeing certain friends come and go over the years has shown me that no matter what trivial fight or disagreements we may have, your family will always be there for you. No matter what.

Christmas, like any other holiday has gotten extremely commercialized, which isn't the worst thing to happen (gifts are always a nice way to end the year :) ). But try not to forget that the best gift of all sometimes is to simply be surrounded by that crazy family of yours.

Hope everyone is enjoying their break, and looking forward to an amazing new year filled with new opportunities.

XOXO, A

The Rules of the Road

Dear south Florida drivers,

There are laws. You should follow them.

Driving in the rain with no lights on
Running red lights
Making right and left turns without the right of way
Ignoring stop signs
You name it, the drivers down here do it.

Within a couple of minutes on the road, there's a high chance you'll run, almost literally, into a driver who clearly has no idea what he or she is doing on the road.

A driver's blood pressure is significantly higher while on the roads of south Florida because there is no telling what's going to happen next.

South Florida might be the only place where you will see elderly retirees who cannot see past the steering wheel and have no idea where the accelerator is, while also seeing tons of college kids on break going at least double the speed limit all at the same time.

South Florida might also be the only place where you will see a person driving while on their cell phone, foot OUT the window, and doing their hair all at once. It's nice to know that you value your life, but please stay off the roads for all the other drivers who would like to make it from point A to point B in one piece!

Warning: If you're driving in south Florida, be on the look out for the crazed drivers who obviously need to get their license taken away.

XOXO, A&E

A True Friend is the Greatest of all Things

One of the most amazing things a person can have in life isn't a thing, it's a friend.

Over the past couple of days I've seen friends that I've known since middle school, friends I had in high school, and friends that have become family in college. Although I met them all at different times in my life, the one thing they all have in common is that at some point, we shared a bond. To know that you can meet up with friends, whether it be years or days since you've last seen each other, is a special feeling.

If there's someone in your life who used to be a great friend, someone special to you, and you haven't spoken to or seen them in a while and you want to, go for it. What can you lose?

As for the friends you continue to make as your life goes on, hold them close to your heart. A true friend is hard to find and shouldn't be let go of.

To all my friends, thank you. Thank you for being there for me, for all of the laughs and good times.

XOXO, E

Best and Worst Holiday Gifts

Every year there are always those people who decide to wait until the last minute to go holiday shopping. Buying presents for friends and family might seem like a daunting task, but just remember, it doesn't have to be the most expensive item or the flashiest in order to be good. On that note, lets go over the good and the bad to help you last minute shoppers!

Good Holiday Gifts

*Pets!! What better way to celebrate the holidays with a new furry addition to the family??
*Jewelry (but remember it doesn't have to be expensive, something with sentimental value is always nice)
*A homemade video (rated G please) show you care by compiling your special moments with family and friends!
*A massage/manicure and pedicure. Over the year we're all filled stress, what better way to let someone relax and be pampered?
*Homemade desserts. I don't know about everyone else, but getting a fresh batch of cookies, cakes, pies, etc are always a nice treat to have around during the holidays!


Now onto some things you should avoid...

*The ugly holiday sweater. While it may seem like a good idea, stay clear! They're usually always one size too large, extremely scratch, and not fashionable whatsoever
*Gift cards. Yeah we all love them, but sometimes it seems like a generic gift. Everyone likes to feel like they're been thought about for more than five minutes so try to surprise us :)
*A re-gift! Most people always get those random gifts from others and decide to hand it over to the next victim. Please, we all know when it's been re-gifted, and chances are if you didn't want it neither will we.
*Body washes/perfume/cologne. Yes, we all like to smell nice, but in the back of our minds we wonder "Are you trying to tell me something?"
*Workout videos. During the holiday season, sure most of us over indulge a bit, but no one wants to be called out on it with a fitness dvd.

Remember, the holidays are about being around the ones you love! Don't stress about the gifts and just have a good time <3

XOXO, A&E

Did he Just do That?

Today I stopped at a rest stop and as I was walking to my car, a man that was clearly at least twice my age made that noise the male species makes when they see a girl they like... "mmmm" or something of that sort. Not sure why men/boys/males/whatever they are referred to as, don't understand that hitting on a female who is definitely nowhere near your age is just not acceptable! This isn't the first time this has happened. For some reason there seems to be no age barrier in their minds. But there needs to be. Plus, chances are that if I'm not looking your way, I'm not interested.

So what else do "men" do wrong?

Chivalry is not dead, nor should it be.
Grabbing an arm, or touching, isn't cute. If we respect ourselves, we don't like it. We don't know you, why are you grabbing us?
Pick up lines. "Are your feet tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day!" Cheesy! Be original. Use your own words, they'll get you further.
Scratching yourself in public? Ladies are classy, what happened to men?



Side note:
Ladies if you don't respect yourself, how can you expect a man to show you some respect? Get your acts together and you'll be on a better road. If you're trying to meet your future husband in the club, you should reconsider your actions :)


XOXO, A&E

7 Layered Cookies, Perfect for the Holidays!

Every year around Christmas my mom, sister and I make these festive treats! They are super easy to make and are delicious! Hope you try them and enjoy :)

You'll need:

1/2 cup of butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup butterscotch flavored chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts if you prefer)
1 1/3 cups of coconut flakes

Directions:

Before you start, preheat the oven to 350 degrees (325 if you use a glass dish)
Use a 13x9 in baking pan
Put the butter in the baking pan and melt it in the oven.
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the butter
Then sprinkle the butterscotch, chocolate chips, pecans, and finally the coconut flakes
Pour the condensed milk evenly over the top
Bake for 25 minutes or until it's lightly browned.
Wait for it to cool before you cut it. If you prefer, you can also chill it in the fridge.

XOXO, A&E

Some Entertainment

We would like to share a video we find hilarious!

So funny


Shout out to JD for bringing this video to our attention

XOXO, A&E

Our First Post

First of all, we would like to welcome you to our blog.

We are more than excited to get this thing up and running and hope that you all enjoy what's to come in the future!

Our first topic:
How to avoid FFUs this holiday season.
♥ Avoid ugly sweaters - some family members think these are appropriate gifts, but you should know what's acceptable and what's not
♥ No leggings with jorts : submitted by our reader, Kathryn A
♥ Also, leggings cannot always be substituted for pants! Your shirt/dress should cover your ass, people.
♥ Stay clear of tacky holiday headbands (including those with reindeer antlers)
♥ Shorts and boots do not mix. If it's cold enough to wear boots, where are your pants?
♥ When attending a christmas party, don't dress slutty. It's never cute, especially for the holidays. You don't want to be the one person dressed like you're going to the club at a family/ company holiday party.
♥ Turtlenecks  ≠ cute on everyone
♥ Men, leave the socks and sandals combination at home
♥ If you're carrying a backpack, why are you also carrying a purse?! What is in your purse that cannot fit in your backpack?
♥ Ladies, we're all for embracing your curves, but wearing shirts and pants that fit you properly is always a plus!


We all like to help each other out with fashion, so these are just a few tips from us!
For further information on FFUs please visit this link: FFUs
(link introduced to us by reader, JD)

Stay tuned for a holiday recipe from your faves!

XOXO, A&E