First Day of the Semester

 Every semester is a new beginning!

Every semester is a chance to meet knew peers and professors, and these meetings can be very important for your professional future.  First impressions are crucial and I have a few tips about it.

When you meet new people in your classes, don't forget to get a phone number, email, or a full name to find them on Facebook to be able to message.  It's important to keep connected to those you meet, you never know when you will need their help, or when they will need yours.

I hope these tips help you to easy into meeting new people!

See y'all soon, again!

-Ms Curly Texan

A Texas Love: Cotton Fields

A Special Post: A Texas Love

"For behold the field is white already to harvest."

Doctrine and Covenants 4:4

Most of Texas does not receive any snow, or only does every hundred years or so, during winter, but another wondrous white beauty happens in August; harvest time for cotton.

I live in a small town in South Texas and it is surrounded by crop fields.  During August, the cotton fields turn white and are harvested.  If you have seen cotton grow, it starts as a small green shrub-like crop, then the buds grow in.

The bud turn brown and it breaks open to reveal a soft white cotton bloom.

When you drive by the cotton fields at 80 mph, it looks the fields are covered in snow.

It's a beautiful sight.

I’ve made a wreath from faux cotton stalks I bought at Dollar Tree in 2019.

I place it on our door during August; the time the cotton fields are white and already to harvest. 

Find beauty all around.  God gives with both hands.

See y'all soon!

-Ms Curly Texan

A Relaxing Type of Mask

Welcome everyone!  

During this time when masks are required, take some time to wear a different kind of mask.

Facial masks are a great way to de-stress, and there are so many out there to try; bubbles, peels, sheets, and home-made ones, but how do you pick the right one for you?  Well, you just need to understand what each kind of mask exactly does.

Bubble Masks are the newest trend in States when it comes to facial masks, but what's the big deal about it?  I'll tell ya!  These masks usual start of in a liquid form and once it's applied to your face, the oils in your skin will cause it to turn into what looks like soft foam.  This foam, or bubbles, gets into the pores of your face by naturally using the oxygen inside it.
Bubble masks can work for any skin type, but if you have very dry skin be sure to follow it up with a moisturizing sheet mask.

Moisturizing sheet masks are something you could use everyday, just as long as you are also washing your face everyday.  Never put a moisture sheet mask on dirty skin!  All that will do is help the dried dust of the surface of your face become moist and seep into your pores.  Those with oily skin may think a moisturizing sheet mask is the opposite of what you need, but that's not true!  You just need to find the right kind of sheet mask.  Some of them are for just moisturizing, but there are also ones with aloe and cucumber which are wonderful natural agents which help reduce swelling and redness.  Sometimes I put an aloe sheet mask in the fridge for half an hour before I use it to help the process even more.

Peeling masks are my favorite of all beauty masks!  Maybe because they were the first beauty masks I've used, or maybe because they are what help me look ten years younger than I am. (That's not an exaggeration.  People are always surprised how old I am by my looks.)  If you use them too often, they can damage your skin, or if you use the very strong ones and you have sensitive skin, so pay attention to which ones you use an how often.  These work in a very simple way; smooth onto your face, when it dries, it holds onto the ickiness inside your pores, and when you pull off the mask, out comes the ickiness!

Now finally, homemade face masks.  These are usually meant to moisturize and are made with things you often have in your kitchen already.  I've made an oatmeal mask, which I have down below, but there are many to find online.  I plan to try different ones in the future and I will tell you all about them as I use them.

This oatmeal mask moisturized my skin, and I noticed it also temporarily tightened it.  My skin was also brightened, which I love when that happens, I look like a just had a day at the beach; shiny and new!  I know the sun doesn't normally do that, but for me it still does.  Talk to me in another five years...probably not so much.

Be sure to spend some time taking care of your skin, and have fun while doing it!

See y'all soon!

-Ms Curly Texan

Self Care Kit

Welcome y'all!  Today, I wanna talk about self care.

A goal of mine is to take one day out of every week to focus on mental clarity; clear mind, happy mind.

I have quite recently looked into creating a Self Care Kit for myself to help me achieve this.

What is a Self Care Kit?

A Self Care Kit is a box, or basket, with supplies which help you to become relaxed, centered, to help you understand yourself better, or to just plain give you a moment to breath.  It's important we take time to pull ourselves from the world to be able to refocus and understand our situations, our wants, our needs, and our abilities.

10 Items for Your Self Care Kit:

Weighted Blanket

Specifically, lap size, or child sized.  Weighted blankets have been shown to help enhance sleep and reduce stress, and when you use a lap size, you have your arms free for what comes next.

Books

The type of books in your kit are all up to what makes you happy.  I like novels, but I also like little books about de-cluttering or about organizing.  They make me happy and become excited.  For some, books about de-cluttering only make one feel more cluttered in their mind, but for me, I enjoy those things.

Journal

Nothing fancy, just a blank notebook to put your thoughts.  You can keep fun pens, markers, and stickers with your journal, or just a single simple pen; it's up to you.  This journal should help you destress, not make you feel obligated to be creative when it's not really your thing.  For some, being creative opens the mind and frees them, but if this is not you, then don't worry about markers and stickers, but don't forego the journal.  I love to journal with markers and colored pencils, but sometimes I just write, and every now and then, it's just a list of things.  Journal how you want.  Heard of the Wreak this Journal journals?  I've been holding out on buying one, waiting to be gifted one.  Until then, I stick with my everyday ones; a simple dotted composition book.

Music

Now, this is the only reason to have anything electronic in your kit.  Nowadays, our music is on our phones, not in it's own little box, or big box, so using your phone in this instance is a check.  When you listen to your music, lay back and breath.  The music is your choice.  Find what soothes you.  Remember Squishy's mother in Monster's University?  She totally mellowed out to her heavy metal jams and I completely understand that; sometimes you play music, not to listen to it, but to feel the pulsing of the screaming guitar ripple through your head to relieve you of your migraine.  I know I'm not the only one out there who does this.  Most of the time, I just want to chill out with some sweet 80's ballad, but sometimes I need the shred of the guitar tremble through me.  As I said, the music that soothes you is the choice to make, and be sure to find the right kind of headphones for yourself.

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks can be aroma-therapeutic and can lessen swelling; it always surprises me how little my sinuses need to swell to make me feel off.  There are all kinds of sheet masks out there, with all types of benefits.  I suggest buying a bulk of them to see which you like.

Nail Polish

Taking a moment to change something, is as simple as making a few strokes across your finger nails.  Change can be hard to take, but when we stop, clean off our nails, and apply a fresh new coat of color, or even a simple french tip, we see change can be beautiful and beneficial.  It's not always easy to get the look you want, or to "stay inside the lines," but with practice, it will become easier to make these changes, and perhaps help you understand and/or accept other changes.

(My favorites are Sally Hansen Insta-dri.)

Tea

I only drink herbal teas.  You can buy them at the store or online, or make them yourself, and they have different benefits.  Add honey, a sprinkle of sweetener, or drink it straight, it's all on your taste.  You may say you don't like tea, but there are so many out there to try, I'm sure there is one to your liking.  I've even had one that tastes just like a glazed lemon cake, once I added a cube of sugar.  Your tea can be calming or help you wake up, both should be in your kit because you don't know which you'll need when.

Photos

Photos of happy moments or cards with funny sayings can bring a smile to your face.  When you smile, endorphins are released; the chemicals in your mind swirl and let you know you're happy.  It could be a meme that always gets you, or a print of a painting that makes you sigh in joy, it's up to you.

Candles

I have become a fan of wood wick candles.  I found one at Walgreens, of all places, when I had never used one before.  When I brought it home, I set it on my dresser and lit it.  I instantly fell in love; the wood crackles.  It crackles like a fire place filled with burning wood, like a camp fire.  I love it.  I like earthy smells, like this Palo Santo and Patchouli one, and with the added sound of a crackling fire, oh!  It just completes it.

Essential Oils or Facial Mists

I have a cactus facial spray by Pearlessence that I can no longer find, but Amazon has others of the same brand, which are also nice.  I sometimes spray my face to just breath in new air.  I have asthma, and chemical smells are my biggest trigger, so I prefer subtle scents and these facial sprays hit the mark.  I use just about one essential oil, and it's not entirely an oil at that, but I know they are beneficial because I've seen the results.  A drop or two of lavender into distilled water to spray on your pillow, or your neck, can be just what you need.

I hope this all helps y'all to create your own self care kit, and I hope it betters your lives.

Thank y'all for coming!  See y'all soon!

-Ms Curly Texan

What's in My Backpack: University Edition

Welcome y'all!  Glad to see ya!

I am thirty-two and I am an undergrad student at our local university, Texas A&M University Kingsville.  I love school, I truly do!  August is my favorite time of the year, well probably second favorite, but I do absolutely love the start of school.
I've said before, August is my New Year.  It's when the school year is about to begin and when all my favorite things come out onto the shelves; school supplies, warm clothes, rich golden tones, pumpkin spice everything, and a million different new mugs to choose from!

I returned to university Spring 2019 and started a new major.  I have about two years left to go before graduating and I plan to continue on to a masters degree.  I think I have my backpack well stocked and I hope it helps you understand what you need for your courses.

1. Rolling Backpack--I have asthma and I'm overweight, which now adds to my asthma.  My first semester back to university, I had a regular backpack, but in spring, when all the cut grass is flying and pollen just loves to get right in your face, you sometimes just need to breath better!  Taking the weight off my shoulders helped my asthma for sure.  This one is great, only wish it had a separate pocket for the laptop so there would also be a pocket for just my folders and books.
2. Folders with Pockets--One for each course plus one extra.  This is where you will keep your printed syllabus, handed notes or worksheets, and returned work for each one of your courses.  The extra folder is for general university information.  This is where you should keep a printed copy of your schedule, a few Blue Books, a few scantrons, a copy of your degree plan(s), and a small map of your school.  I also have a sheet of collegiate stickers in my extra folder.  If you attend orientation (which most universities require this) then you may receive a folder from your university with their name on it.  Use that one as your extra; it will be extra special that way.
3. Notebooks or Composition Books--One for each course.  I usually use Fivestar single subject spiral notebooks, but I only use about half of the pages, so this semester I decided to purchase composition books.  Still using Mead, because no joking they are always quality, and I chose bright fun colors.  Even if you take notes on your computer, you should still have a notebook or composition book to use.
4. Pens--I was first turned on to these pens by another Girl Scout leader.  She gave us these pens as a gift and I loved them!  In turn, I ended up buy all of us nice pencil cases for the pens.  When university came around again, I knew they were the pens I'd want to use.  I lent out two of these pens to two different people in two different classes, and both of them asked if they could keep it.  I let them, which is why I buy them on sale and as many as possible.
5. Pencils--Ticonderoga all the way!  I have a straw dispenser at home and I am slowly filling it to the brim with Ticonderoga pencils.  Oh so wonderful!  Our university has old pencil sharpeners on the walls still, in almost every building, so I don't worry about staying sharp.  I have most of my classes where everyone's degree involves a lot of writing, so the sharpeners have stayed.
6. Highlighters--I use these for my notes.  I also use them on index cards when I create flash cards.  Use each color for different things, such as: keyword, term, don't forget, and person of importance.  I change it with each class.
7. Permanent Markers--I always have permanent markers on hand.  Even in my purse.  It's a critical tool for life.
8. Fold Away Scissors--I have had a couple of versions of scissors, one of which looks like a marker.  I love those the best.
9. Pencil Case--How else will you hold everything together?  I prefer these styles because I find they take up the least amount of space and protect my implements the best.
10. Laptop--This is the one I am currently using.  I found it on sale, but I will be replacing it this soon, with a Macbook.  Find a laptop that suits your needs and major.  I am a communication journalism major with a minor in writing and I will be going on to get a masters degree involving film and screenwriting.  I want a Macbook because I find it very user friendly for such things and it will last me for years to come, even into my career.  If you can, find one not too heavy also.
11. Document Organizer--I use this as my laptop holder.  My backpack doesn't have a special padded spot for a laptop, so I use this.  I also like that it has a handle, so when I want to just take my computer some place, it's easy.
12. Wireless Mouse--I prefer having a mouse, especially when editing film or scrolling through articles, it just makes things quicker and easier.  In college, anything that makes assignments go easier and quicker is what you want.
13. USB Flash Drives--Notice that is plural.  I have three flash drives; one for school, one for photos from my phone, and the third for short films I make.  This makes it easier to separate school and home info also.
14. Tassel USB Charging Cord--The one I have I bought on sale from Walmart.  This is great to have because sometimes you just need to connect your phone to your laptop, or a computer at school, and this makes it quick and easy since it dangle right off your backpack.
15. Lightning/Micro USB/USB-C Multi USB Charger--The one I have is actually one I received at my university's College Night, where the Art and Science Department had each college set up tables to share what each of them do.  My department, the Art, Communication, and Theater (ACT) department was giving them out.  This is great to have on hand.  You will be doing group projects all the time and you need to be ready for anyone in your group to not be quite as ready as you.  If you have this, you will be able to adapt to anyone's phone whom might be in your group.  Before I had this, we met at a group members apartment and one of us was supposed to supply the audio for our short film, but his computer only had USB-C so we couldn't pull it off his computer.  We ended up having our editor do the background music herself.  This just helps so much.
16. Phone--Self evident I think.  Popsocket--I've used the twisting pop holders, but they do not last the way Popsockets do. (The one pictured)
17. Phone Charger--When you're sitting in class you can charge your phone, or use the cord for connecting to your computer.  You know you'll need it.
18. Power Bank--Because you're not always going to be staying one place.  With my courses, I sometimes have to on "location" to get an interview or shoot a scene or even scout out those locations and a power bank is what I need when I've been using my phone to record the interview or shoot the scene.
19. Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloth--I bought both these guys from the Dollar Tree.  I love the Dollar Tree, and why not have cuteness where you can have it.  I use these for my sunglasses, phone, laptop...lots of different screens and lenses.
20. Collegiate lanyard--You should have some collegiate spirit in your everyday things.  I have so many TAMUK shirts for two reasons, promotionals and Walmart, but I'd rather not wear a t-shirt everyday, so my TAMUK lanyard covers my everyday collegiate spirit.  I got mine from the university bookstore for only $2.19, including the tax.  Mine is a blue knit style and just says "Javelinas."  Hygiene Bag--I got this bag for free, so this is what I use.  I put all my electronics, flash drives, and student ID in here.
21. Headphones--I just got these.  Call it a birthday gift, but I've been wanting to get noise cancelling headphones for a long time, but I forgot how sensitive I am to certain sounds since my last pregnancy, so I need a little more time to get used to them.  Even so, I think the sound is amazing!
22. Thermal Food Jar--This is the easiest thermal container to use, but I also have a bigger one with a divider.  Sometimes I use the bigger one, put it in a lunch bag and hook it onto the trolley bar of my backpack.
23. Thermal Water Bottle--I have about five of these in both straw and chug form.  I have others too; TAL and Hydroflask, in different sizes.  I got rid of all my thermals in the typical water bottle shape.  I found they didn't keep my drink cold for as long as the others do.  I might get a Tervis water bottle this year.  I like that they are dishwasher safe.  (I've been trying to make all our dishes dishwasher safe.)
24. Umbrella--This is important no matter how often it rains where you attend school.  This can shield the sun too, and could help for shoots.
25. Stapler--I learned quickly that you need to carry your own stapler with you.  I've had a class where we were put into groups and we took turns decorating a bulletin board with a subject we learned in class.  I've printed up several essays at school and needed to staple the pages together.  Trust me, it's better to have one with you than end up having to beg a secretary or a really mean professor who is very stingy with their stapler.
26. First Aid and Meds--You can put something together yourself easily.  A few bandages, small tube of antiseptic, and antibiotic cream is all you need for quick fixes.  I carry an inhaler with me at all times, and when I've especially been having problems, I carry an epinephrine pen, also.  I also keep pain killers and cough drops.  I buy the menthol cough drops because they can also help you wake up a little when studying.
27. Lip Balm--A simple everyday need.  I like this Baby Lips by Maybelline.  It doesn't dry out my lips like some others do and this one specifically has some shimmer to it.
28. Lotion--Might as well be ready.  Sometimes it's the classroom, sometimes it's the weather, either way, be ready.  I like to use the ultra shea instead of the other lotions from Bath and Body Works; it's richer and still smells great.
29. Hand Sanitizer--Because even before COVID-19, there were germs everywhere at a universities
30. Snacks--I always bring them from home; it's cheaper.  I keep mostly healthy snacks, but I'll also keep a candy bar or some minis to help boost energy quickly.
31. Wallet--I pull this out of my purse every morning and stick it into my backpack.  One semester, I didn't actually have a purse, but just had a little coin and card wallet I would stick in my pocket when I went to the store because I always had my backpack with me.
32. Face Mask--I bought this one just in time for classes.  I have several others to rotate, but when I saw this collegiate one, I had to have it!  Etsy is a great place to find one for your university if you can't find it on Amazon.

It seems like a lot, and alright, it is, but I have what I need to get on the Dean's List.  If you notice, I don't have any text books in my back pack.  Classes start in just short of a month and my freshman year of university, back in 2006, taught me to wait to buy my books for class.  I've had several professors give us PDF files or not even use the book.

I also have other school supplies which remain at home, but that will be another post, which once made, I will link here.

Good luck this year everyone.  We're all going to need it!
See y'all soon!

-Ms Curly Texan

*Tip: Don't buy your books until you have attend your class

*Tip: Don't buy your books from the university bookstore.  Go to Amazon or free websites for your books.

At the Dog Park: Socializing Your New Puppy...Even During 2020

Welcome and thank y'all for being here!

(I live in Texas, in the US, so some of this post may not be applicable in other countries.  I don't know the laws about dogs in most states, let alone other countries, but I hope you enjoy this post nonetheless.)

It was been two weeks and two days today, since we brought home our new pug puppy, Willow.

We also have a full grown husky named Odin.

We got him about a year and a half ago; a rescue, rejected and rejected, basically for being a typical husky.  But today I'm talking about puppy socialization.  Taking in an adult dog will be another day.

I am not an expert on dogs or puppies, but I have a little experience with my own puppies and I have two kids.

(Sometimes the same rules apply for children and puppies.)

Socialization is crucial for a well rounded dog.  If you are getting a dog at the puppy stage, socialization is important for their development.  If a puppy is well socialized with other dogs, of different sizes, and a variety of people, your puppy can grow to be the type of dog that accepts new comers into the home and will not be aggressive towards other dogs when an adult.

This of course, is not guaranteed even if you socialize it often.  Your puppy's personality is a factor that will be a determinant in what dog it will grow into.  Breed can also be a factor for personality.  Small breeds often have a domineering attitude,

usual due to having to "prove" themselves for self-preservation.

First a little background on my experience with puppies.  When I was a child, we had outdoor dogs all the time and we had them all from being a puppy. 

 Two of our dogs went to live with my uncle on his ranch when they became around a year old; I was around eight.  I cannot remember how old I was when my brother and I shouted at my parents to stop and see the chow-lab mix puppies someone was selling at the mall parking lot.  We picked a white one and named him Snowball.

He was also an outdoor dog.  All our pets were outdoor pets because of my mom; she didn't want pets inside the house.

My twelfth birthday was closing in and I wanted a toy poodle.  I had three aunts with poodles and I wanted one of my own.  My parents gave in and my mom accepted having a pet inside the house.  We found a toy-miniature poodle in a near by city and I had my very own puppy.  She was white and I named her Daphnie.

Daphnie slept in my bed with me and I took care of her myself.  This was the very first pet that was all my own.  I went through house training, loss of puppy teeth, and heat cycles with her.  This was before we had the internet in our home, so I had a book I bought about toy poodles [link], and I rented videos about puppies and poodles.

  I learned how to speak to her and how to love her without hurting her.  Again, she was my very own first puppy.  I took care of her until I got married and moved out with my husband.  Sadly, we had to leave her at my parents' home because our apartment didn't allow pets.  My oldest daughter remembers her still.  Daphnie lived to almost be fifteen years old.

Now, I mentioned children and puppies having similar rules and it's true.  If you have children, or have sat for children, think of the rules you give them, and they are very similar to rules you give to your puppy.  Most of what is listed on the info-graph is similar to how you socialize a small child.  

During this time where some states have a mandate to wear a mask at all public spaces, and parks are shutting down again, or still are, you can still find places to socialize your puppy.

I hope this helps you to know how to socialize your puppies, even during these trying times.

Thanks for visiting!  See y'all soon!

-Ms Curly Texan

Hello Again!

It's been a long time, hasn't it?

 I tried several times to create a format for myself to be consistent with my posts and I believe I found the correct format now.

January 1, 2020 was the start of the new youth program for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Instead of the young women, and young men, having goals given to them, they now have to create their own goals for themselves.

The Personal Development program focus on four fields to create goals in; Spiritual, Social, Physical, and Intellectual.  These four fields came from the scripture Luke 2:52;

"Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

There is a pattern for growth while creating and working through goals in each of these fields; Discover, Plan, Act, and Reflect.  I plan to use all this to help me post on this blog.  This blog is to help myself and others; that has always been my idea behind starting this.

Examples to look forward to are self-care nights, family time, youth church activities, what's in my university backpack, and parks in Texas.  I look forward to this!

Thanks and love y'all!  See y'all soon!