Sparkling Stars

Shapes Of Malachite Beads

Editor — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:41:10 +0000

Malachite beads look very lovely as they take on the green color thus making them look similar with jade beads. Although these beads look very lovely, they have obvious scarring along the edges which is one of the drawbacks of using these beads. Malachite beads are soft and brittle thus it easily breaks down through time or when high pressure is applied to them. Although this may be the case, there are some malachite beads that are durable because they are hand crafted by expert artisans. However, there are more durable alternatives to malachite beads. There are also malachite beads that are made from imitation stones but they appear less elegant than those made from real malachite. An expert artisan can make different designs and shapes of malachite beads.

The different shapes of malachite beads on beadsbarn include rondelle, chipped and faceted. Rondelle-shaped beads are used as fillers for your necklaces. On the other hand, chipped malachite beads have a raw look on them thus making them perfect when making modern and funky jewelry. Malachite beads can also take form the round and faceted designs which you can use to make elegant jewelry pieces. Making faceted beads can be very challenging as it requires steady hands. What makes faceted round malachite beads great is that they reflect huge amount of light that makes these beads look shiny and elegant. Round faceted malachite beads are perfect for whatever jewelry that you want to make. The different shapes and designs of malachite beads will allow you to make different types of jewelry. Moreover, they can also complement other types of colored gemstone beads that you have in your kit. Moreover, they also work well with other types of threading materials such as nylon and metal chain links.

*Disclaimer: The credit for the avatar goes to DeviantArt Artist AprilFoolsDay.*

A Unique Touch

AnnieW. — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:35:46 +0000

Who isn’t looking for something to make their hair and outfit more noticeable? According to Cosmopolitan magazine and hairfinder.com, a clever trend that has been around for decades is natural flowers clipped into hair styles. It can be as casual or as formal as you choose, but it will always look classy, creative and original. Even though this look easy enough to achieve, an important factor that plays in is how long the flowers will continue to stay fresh. A long work day, or a dinner date could mean that the flowers would be without water for a matter of hours.

To achieve this look it is important that the flowers stays beautiful and fragrant for as long as the hairstyle is in use. After researching I found that the Aster family, which is a daisy-like flower found wild on hillsides, stays fresh for long periods of time without water. This would be the perfect contribution to an outfit for lunch with the girls or to run afternoon errands. Orchids on the other hand, a very elegant flower, can last for days without water and would be the perfect attribution to an evening look.

*Disclaimer: The credit for the avatar goes to DeviantArt Artist V-IMAgine-L. Credit for the photos used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artist SayuriEyes.*

Give Your Skin A Break

AnnieW. — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:22:24 +0000

The summer months are finally here, the heat is back and the sun is beaming. Ladies! Give your skin a break! Let the natural oils in your face repair and rejuvenate your skin, rather than over loading it with various products and caking on foundation. “A person’s skin acts as a shield, but it is not an impenetrable shell. Even though this large organ protects the rest of the body from germs and other contaminants, it cannot keep the dangerous chemicals out.”, stated naturalnews.com. During the summer months, it is important to take advantage of what nature is supplying by throwing away products! According to Self-magazine, sun exposure is key. Rather than continuously lathering on sun block, let the sun naturally nourish your skin to restore it to health, in an instinctive way.

The biggest evidence shown to improve the look of skin is nutrition! According to L’Oreal.com the toxins in our food cause the human body to produce different hormones, which is reflected in our skin. The most effective mineral to focus on is Zinc. It is proven that Zinc controls the production of oils in your skin as well as certain hormones that can result the creation of blemishes or the prevention of it. Take a chance, save some money, and use nature to bring the beauty back into your skin.

*Disclaimer: The credit for the avatar goes to DeviantArt Artist Polkapiggy. Credit for the photos used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artist Paperbeth.*

Healthy Hair Challenge!

MorganW. — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:51:41 +0000

While browsing Krista Bradford’s hair tutorial YouTube channel (arkristabradford), I came across her crazy idea. Her idea was labeled “The Healthy Hair Challenge.” Her challenge consisted of three, what seem like, simple rules. Well they sound simple, but anyone who is a hair product lover like me would know that this is not going to be easy. This challenge was made to help get longer, stronger, and healthier hair with more shine. The three rules are:

1. No HEAT!
2. Follow all the basic hair care rules and techniques.
3. Only use quality products.

I know this might sound insane, but I have decided to participate in this challenge for the entire month of May. I have noticed that within the past couple of months, my hair has become dry, dull, and I have even spotted some– wait for it– split ends. I also want to grow my hair long for the summer. My hair is in need of a serious intervention. I have been using my straightener on it religiously for at minimum once a day every single day for the past year and a half. My hair is extremely fine, and although I use Redken protectdent spray, my hair still gets dry. The biggest issue with this challenge will be the separation anxiety I will be having with my Ultra Chi. Although this will be difficult, I have a feeling that I will be pleased with the result of “The Healthy Hair Challenge.”

I feel that this challenge will be great for my confidence and my knowledge in hair styling. I have not worn my natural hair down in at least two years. I would like to regain confidence in my natural waves and be able to go out without feeling that my hair looks like a mess. I believe that this challenge will expand my knowledge of hair styling. While purchasing new products at my favorite store Ulta today, I realized my ignorance of hair products. I know basically everything there is to know beauty and fashion related, but I lack knowledge in the area of hair. This challenge will give me the opportunity to experiment more with up-dos and no heat hair styles. I am looking forward to trying out all kinds of new braids. Besides getting up earlier to do my hair, I am making other changes in my routine. In the video, Krista Bradford recommends using all Moroccan Oil products.

As a student right now, I cannot afford all those products. That is why I am resorting to Tresemme hair styling products. I have used them many times before and in my opinion, they work very well for a beauty lover on a budget. I will be using the moisture rich shampoo and conditioner and the Nourishing Rituals Protein Renewal crème. I added protein crème to my routine because I found through research that protein was essential to hair growth. In addition to Tresemme items, I will be using the Chi Silk Infusion Reconstructing Complex after I get out of the shower. Overall I am both exciting and nervous for this month. For this month, I guarantee bobby pins and pony tail holders will be my new best friends. I will be keeping you updated on the progress of my hair and if I’m staying true to the challenge. Make sure you watch the full “Healthy Hair Challenge” linked below.

Krista Bradford’s video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HvGXAfkGfk

Here are the goods Morgan will be using while on the experiment:
Tresemme Moisture Rich Shampoo and Conditioner: Buy
Tresemme Nourishing Rituals Protein Renewal Creme: Buy
Chi Silk Infusion Reconstructing Complex: Buy

Want to try the “Healthy Hair Challenge?”

*Disclaimer: The credit for the avatar goes to DeviantArt Artist AprilFoolsDay. Credit for the photos used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artist Never-Neverland.*

Have A Passion For Fashion

Editor — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:29:40 +0000

Years ago makeup artistry was on the low end of career spectrum; however one website, a group of girls, and a love for all things beauty changed everything. In 2008, YouTube was the coolest idea since MySpace. The site allowed people from all of the world to interact with one another by posting videos on anything subject. Many college aged girls started to turn their love for beauty and fashion into a hobby by posting videos share makeup tutorials, product reviews, and even showcase their weekly beauty purchase. These, what use to be just few number of girls, started the YouTube Beauty Guru Community. Some of the most popular and original guru are MakeupByTiffanyD, DulceCandy87, KandeeJohnson, MichellePhan, and AllThatGlitters21. Back when these girls were just making videos for personal enjoyment they weren’t bombarded with hate, subscriber count didn’t matter, and free stuff was the least of their desire. Elle Fowler, better known on YouTube as the perky and sophisticated AllThatGlitters21, has taken the hobby and turned into a career.

Elle started her videos while in college to pass the time and share her girly side with the world. By watching her videos you’d discover that she was in a sorority, which could have you rolling your eyes think she is the typically blonde sorority girl. However this fashionista was a per-law major and seemed to be following in the foot steps of the fictional character, Elle Woods. People loved Elle because she was nice and engaging, which is why she quickly reached over a 10000 subscribers. A lot of her viewers were shocked when another Fowler joined the beauty community and were bit disappointed when her first video held some dishonesty. Elle sister Blair became a “beauty guru” through her older siblings guidance and encouragement. She used the screen name “JuicyStar07″ and her first video was a “What’s In My Purse Video.” In that video Blair stated that she was eight years old, however it wasn’t until a few videos later that subscribers found out that she was only sixteen years old. No one knows the real reason behind the little white lie, but it could be that when Blair started making videos the beauty community was filled with girls older than her and didn’t want viewers to think any less of her because of her age. Once JuicyStar07 came on the scene the beauty community was opened up to a younger generation bringing force gurus such as MacBarbie07 and MeganHeartsMakeup. While the younger gurus were starting to find their footing the community, the original gurus channels were growing and beauty company everywhere were starting to take notice.

AllThatGlitters21 became known throughout the World Wide Web and with all the popularity and support that she was getting, she begun to think maybe her talents are better suited for somewhere other than the courtroom. In 2010 Elle, along with her sister Blair, took the move to Los Angeles, California to further their careers in the beauty and fashion industries. The pair have already come out with their on line of cell phone cases, been to red carpet events, and Blair was even featured in the Disney film “Prom.” They are now the host of a beauty competition web-show and will be releasing a YA (Young Adult) novel in September titled “Beneath the Glitter.” They have proven that if you find something you are passionate about and have the dedication to share that love with world all things are possible.

Other gurus that have turn their YouTube hobby into a career include MichellePhan who has her own Makeup line and is the creator of the monthly superscription bag called “MyGlam” and Kandee Johnson who has become a makeup artist to the stars while still rising four kids, and making YouTube videos.

*Disclaimer: The image before the article does not belong to Sparkling Stars nor are we claiming it as ours. Credit for the photos used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artist Kaskawaii.*

Anime Review: Fairy Tail

Editor — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:16:13 +0000

Anime/Cartoon: Fairy Tail
Genre: Adventure | Fantasy

Synopsis: Across the Fiore kingdom, wizards join guilds and make their pay by filling magical needs—but one guild has a reputation as the roughest, rowdiest, most dangerous of all: Fairy Tail! When four young Fairy Tail members unite, their bond is forged by a power found in neither muscle nor magic and grows stronger with every mission. Whatever you do, don’t mess with these friends or you’ll get a taste of Natsu’s flaming fist or Gray’s ice hammer, suffer a painful blow from one of Lucy’s celestial spirits or catch the edge of Erza’s mighty blade!
Source: FUNimation

In the first episode of the show viewers will meet Lucy Heartfilia, a 17-year-old celestial wizard that wishes to join the wizard guild Fairy Tail.Throughout the episode she crosses paths with a boy named, Natsu Dragneel. Natsu is traveling to the land of Fiore with his partner Happy, a talking cat, in search of a dragon named Igneel who had disappeared seven years prior. Lucy is tricked into going to a party by a wizard claiming to be from Fairy Tail. Once at the party she discovers that all the women are being drugged and abducted. Natsu, who is actually a member of Fairy Tail, is mad that this wizard is tarnishing the Fairy Tail; he crashes the party to teach the lying wizard a lesson and saves the day. However, he gets carried away with the battle and destroys half the town. He flees from the scene taking Lucy with him and offers her a membership to Fairy Tail, which she gladly accepts.

The anime has various characters with different personalities, which helps make the series liked by many people. Lucy is a newbie wizard that’s flirtatious and ambitious. Natsu is a happy-go-lucky guy who loves a good meal and a great adventure. Happy is a talking blue kitty who is Natsu’s sidekick and companion. Gray is somewhat clueless and seen as one of the most talented wizards of Fairy Tail. Erza is a fierce woman warrior-wizard who can whoop giant monsters and intimidate her fellow rowdy Fairy Tail wizards into submission. As you can see no two characters are alike. The show finds a way to display diverse characters and make them all work together.

If you are a fan of the anime One Piece than Fairy Tail is for you. It talks about friendship, teamwork, and loyalty. And, a bonus it’s funny without it being stupid. Battle scenes have always seemed boring to me, but Fairy Tail changed my opinion of them. The battle scene did not drag on; they were short and simple while still giving viewers enough action without being dull. So to all the anime fans out there who want to know if Fairy Tail is for them, the only way to know is to watch it. And, for those who just want to leave behind the walls of reality escape with a Fairy Tail.

Anime fans can own all of Fairy Tail on DVD/Blu-ray to order the series visit RightStuf today.

*Disclaimer: Credit for the Avatar on the front page before the article goes to DeviantArt Artists Incubeth. Credit for the drawing used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artists JH-creator.*

OTH: Most Memorable Moments

Editor — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:58:13 +0000

The popular teen drama Dawson’s Creek ended in 2003. In 2007 Fox’s hit high school drama The OC went off the air. Now the time has come for viewers to say goodbye to another popular drama One Tree Hill. On Wednesday April 4, 2012 the series will air its two-hour series finale. There is sure to be some tears, laughs, and remembrance of the past nine years. To honor the series Sparkling Stars is counting down the series most memorable moments.

20. Episode: #13 “One Tree Hill”
Scene: Chase asks Mouth if he remembers when Tric was first open.
Quote
Chase: “You remember where you were the first night this place opened?”
Mouth: “Yeah, Brooke got drunk, I took her home, and then Felix got all the credit.”
Chase: “Who?”
Mouth: “It doesn’t matter.”

19. Episode: #624 “Remember Me as a Time of Day”
Scene: Payton tells Brooke her baby’s middle name, which happens to be Brooke.
Quote
Brooke : Hi, Sawyer. I’m your aunt Brooke, and I am gonna spoil you. Yes, I am, Sawyer Scott.
Peyton : Sawyer Brooke Scott.
Brooke : Really?
Peyton : Yeah.
Brooke : See, I always knew you were a Brooke. And it is a really good name, baby Brooke.

18. Episode: #106 “Every Night Is Another Story”
Scene: At basketball game Payton and Brooke talk about the “love rectangle” forming at Tree Hill High.
Quote
Peyton: She’s tutoring Nathan… supposedly.
Brooke: And hanging out with Lucas. Right. We’re supposed to believe she’s just friends with both of them? Did you see that?
Peyton: What?
Brooke: Nathan just gave her “the nod.”
Peyton: What nod?
Brooke: The “let’s-hook-up-after-the-game”-nod. Wanna know what I think? I think Nathan likes tutor girl. But I think tutor girl likes Lucas. And I know I like Lucas. And I don’t know who the hell you like anymore. This is all turning into one big love… rectangle plus one, whatever that is.

17. Episode: #401 “The Same Deep Water As You”
Scene: Brooke visit Rachel in the hospital.
Quote
Rachel: Slut
Brooke: Bitch
Rachel: Whore
Rachel: Well, I know I’m not in Heaven cause they wouldn’t have let Brooke Davis’s kinky ass through the gates.
Brooke: And your ass wouldn’t fit, at least not the old one. How are you?

16. Episode:#420 “The Birth and Death of the Day”
Scene: Right before graduation Brooke tells Principal Turner cheated on a test, but realize now what she did was wrong.
Quote
Brooke: When I was a freshman, I wasn’t a very good person. I mean sure I was popular and dating seniors but as a person I was pretty lost. And over the last four years I’ve been forced to grow up. I stopped letting boys define me and I started believing in myself and in my potential and I ran for student council president and I designed a clothing line and somewhere along the way the lost, little, party girl became the girl on the wall of honor. And I know what I did was wrong, I know, but the girl I was when I came to this school? I’m not sure she would have. And isn’t that the point of high school? Isn’t that what you guys have been trying to teach us for the last four years?

15. Episode: #417 “It Gets The Worst At Night”
Scene: In a small town the gang asks a police officer if he has seen Mouth, because he has sent out an SOS.
Quote
Skills: Excuse me sir we’re looking about a friend of ours. Kind of a goofy looking kid. Big lips, spiky hair.
Chris Keller: Needs ass.
Police Officer: Marvin McFadden.
Chris Keller: Damn! Our guys name is Mouth!

14. Episode: #502 “Racing Like A Pro”
Scene: Payton tells Lucas that his writing is important.
Quote
Peyton: Do you remember when you first joined the Ravens? And you took all my sketches over to Thud without asking? And do you remember what you said that night that you entered the gym for the first time?
Lucas: Your art matters. It’s what got me here.
Peyton: Yeah, it’s like you touched my soul. And a few days ago I was ready to quit again, but you saved me, with the words you wrote about me in your novel. So, if you’re struggling to write the next one you should know that your art matters, Lucas. It’s what got me here.

13. Episode: #813 “The Other Half of Me”
Scene: Haley’s toast at Brooke and Julian’s Wedding.
Quote
Haley: Well. When I first met Brooke Davis, she had no idea who I was. Of course everyone knew who she was, she was the most popular girl in school. She was head cheerleader, annoyingly pretty (still is), and I used to wonder back then ‘What would it be like to be friends with Brooke? Would she make me popular? Would all the boys are asking me out?’ And then one night I got to hang out with Brooke, all night. Oh, and she didn’t like my name, though, so she decided she was gonna give me a name that, uh, she did like, which ended up being Brooke. And from that moment I knew that I wanted Brooke to be my friend. Not because she was gonna make me popular, and not because boys would start asking me out, but because I got a glimpse of the real Brooke. A girl with the biggest heart that I have ever known. And you know, when you’re in high school, it’s not very easy to let people see who you really are. I could see it though, it was in the eyes. So we became friends, and now she’s my best friend. We’ve been through so much together over the years, and our friendship is still growing. So I know that your friendship and love for Julian will continue to grow every year for the rest of your lives and I feel so lucky to be a part of that. I love you, Brooke Davis.

12. Episode: #421 “All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone”
Scene: Brooke sees Rachel again at the end of senior year bash.
Quote
Random Boy: Name?
Brooke: Brooke Davis.
Random Boy: I’m Sorry. I’ve got strict orders not to admit Brooke Davis.
Brooke: Excuse me? Whose stupid party is this anyway?
Rachel: It’s mine, bitch. And your fat ass isn’t invited.
Brooke: Oh my god!

11. Episode: #910 “Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will:
Scene: Dan and Chris Keller go to save Nathan from his dangerous kidnappers.
Quote
Chris Keller: If I get their attention, they’re gonna chase me, with guns and really sour looks on their faces. Chris Keller doesn’t like that!
Dan: Well maybe you can sing them one of your songs, and drive them away, like you did most of your fan base.

10. Episode: #103 “Are You True?”
Scene: Haley tutors Nathan for the first time.
Quote
Haley: Do you see this book? Because this book is me. I am math.
Nathan: What’s that supposed to mean?
Haley: It’s supposed to mean that you can work your whole “I’m Nathan Scott, Mr. Big Shot, scoring my touchdowns” on somebody else, because -
Nathan: I don’t even play football.
Haley: Whatever. The point is, at the end of the day all your bluster and BS don’t mean anything to math because math don’t care, and neither do I.
Nathan: Well, does English care? ‘Cause I really suck at that, too.
Haley: Please don’t waste my time. I’m already taking a huge chance on you because my instincts are screaming that you’re full of sh… Let’s just get started, okay?

9. Episode: #102 “The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most”
Scene: Payton tells Lucas why she didn’t submit her drawings to a local magazine.
Quote
Peyton: I want to draw something that means something to someone. You know, I want to draw blind faith, or a fading summer, or just a moment of clarity. It’s like when you go and see a really great band, live for the first time and, you know, and nobody’s saying it, but everybody’s thinking it, we have something to believe in again. I want to draw that feeling, but I can’t. And if I can’t be great at it then I don’t want to ruin it. It’s too important to me.

8. Episode: #501 “4 Years, 6 Months, and 2 Days”
Scene: After years of not seeing each other Payton calls up Brooke.
Quote
Peyton: Hi, it’s Peyton. Yeah, I’m sorry. I know it’s late there, I just… what happened to us? You know? I don’t know who I am anymore. Or how I got here. I miss who I used to be. I wanna have a home again, ya know? And real friends. You know, the kind of friendships we used to believe in. I miss that. And I miss you. I guess I just miss all of it. Does any of that make any sense?
Brooke: Yeah, it makes all the sense in the world, Peyton. Four years ago, it all seemed so clear, didn’t it? Conquer the world, save the world, live happily ever after.
Peyton: Are you happy, Brooke?
Brooke: Sometimes. Not always. Are you?
Peyton: No.
Brooke: Okay, then let me ask you something. What is gonna make you happy, Peyton? Is it how you look? Or the car you drive or the people you know? Is it money or celebrity or power or accomplishments? Because I have all those things and I don’t think it’s enough.
Peyton: Well then, what is?
Brooke: Love, I think. And that love can be for a boy or a girl or a place or a way of life or even for a family. But where you find it is up to you. So where are you gonna find that love, Peyton?
Peyton: I think I need to go home.
Brooke: Yeah. I was hoping you’d say that.

7. Episode: #415 “Prom Night at Hater High”
Scene: Before their senior prom Peyton and Brooke hashes it all out.
Quote
Brooke: I’m the one with no boyfriend, no prom dress, and a black eye! You’re going to prom with the guy you love, so you win! Okay, Peyton, you win! Why do you even care anymore?!
Peyton: Why do I care? Brooke, this has been one of the worst years of my life. And I needed my best friend more than ever, and you cut me out because I was honest with you! And you were never, ever honest with me. You made fun of my mom’s death, Brooke. You knew her. You cried with me when she died. And now you use her as a punch line for a joke to hurt me. It hurt. It did. Not anymore, ’cause you and me, we’re done. You were right. She’s dead. As far as I’m concerned, so are you.

6. Episode: #09 “Some You Give Away”
Scene: Right after the Ravens when the state championship game Lucas realizes Peyton is the girl for him.
Quote
Lucas: Peyton. It’s you.
Peyton: What?
Lucas: It’s you I want standing next to me when all my dreams come true.

5. Episode: #101 “Pilot”
Scene: Lucas and Haley talking about the meaning of more than on Raven.
Quote
Haley: So, Luke, what are ravens? I mean, more than one?
Lucas: An unkindness.

4. Episode: #13 “One Tree Hill”
Scene: In the series finale Julian gives Brooke what she’s always dreamed, to turn her old high school house into a home.
Quote
Brooke: I wished for this. Right here without even knowing it. I wished for you and our family and this. Ever since New York I wanted to come home. I just knew in my heart that there was treasure here, and I found it. In our sons. In my parents. In you. This house always wanted to be a home and now it will be. Our home. Everyone should have that, a place that makes them happy.

3. Episode: #101 “Pilot”
Scene: Lucas and Peyton’s first meeting when he comes to her aid when her car breaks down.
Quote
Lucas: Come on. Let me give you a ride. I’ll let you insult me.
Peyton: First of all, you don’t know me. Second of all, you don’t know me.

2. Episode: #122 “The Games That Play Us”
Scene: In the finale episode of season one Lucas and his mom share a touching moment.
Quote
Karen: In your life you’re going to go to some great places, and you’re going to do some wonderful things. But no matter where you go or who you become, this place will always be with you. There is only one Tree Hill. And it’s your home.

1. Episode: #103 “Are You True?”
Scene: Brooke naked in the backseat of Lucas car after a basket ball game.
Quote
Brooke: So, anyway… You’re in it now, aren’t you? When that last shot when through, did you feel it change?
Lucas: Feel what change?
Brooke: Everything. I mean, how many moments in life can you point to and say: “That’s when it all changed”? You just had one.

Source: One Tree Hill

*Disclaimer: Credit for the Avatar on the front page before the article goes to DeviantArt Artists Keti93. Credit for the drawing used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artists AnoukR

Book Review: Tuck Everlasting

Editor — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:42:51 +0000

Book: Tuck Everlasting

Author: Natalie Babbitt

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Doomed to – or blessed with – eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family wanders about trying to live as inconspicuously and comfortably as they can. When ten-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles on their secret, the Tucks take her home and explain why living forever at one age is less a blessing that it might seem. Complications arise when Winnie is followed by a stranger who wants to market the spring water for a fortune.

Source: Goodreads.com

At first glance readers might think this to be a love story, however it is much more than a typically love story. The book has message that we all must take pleasure in the fact we only have one life to live and growing up is apart of changing along with the world. Although living forever sounds intriguing it can also be lonely and repetitive. The story follows Wennie a young that doesn’t see the bliss in being young and enjoying every passing day. Once she meets a family trapped in time and as they put it “cursed” to be live forever, she learns that there is beauty in growing up slow and steady just as was intended for all humanity. Wennie finds comfort and sympathy in the family and they teach her lessons she wouldn’t have learned other wise. Although, staying locked behind a fence and watching the world pass on by isn’t good neither is escaping home, a good home take on life before you’re ready.

The love story aspect was a underline side not to the plot and the author didn’t go into much detail of the romance side. The author gives readers knowledge that Wennie does have some feelings for Jesse, however being that she is only ten years old she is unsure of her emotions towards him. Jesse a youthful spirit finds Wendy young and lively, and like himself she too has a desire for adventure. In the book there is a childlike romance between them neither of them displaying their feelings for one another, however readers see that there is something between them when Jesse asks Wennie to drink from the fountain so that they can run of together and live a life of adventure.

“You can’t have living without dying. So you can’t call it living, what we got. We just are, we just be, like rocks beside the road.”

Tuck Everlasting, Page 63

Although, Wennie and Jesse side story is cute I enjoyed the bond of love is the one that she formed with the entire family, and Mr. Tuck in general. Even though her meeting with Tuck family was unconventional and at first scary she came to connect with them and would help even when the consequences lead to her being punished. Throughout the story the author gave Wennie private moments with each of the family members, so that she could bond with them all in separate ways. The most touching part was her conversation about living with Mr. Tuck when he told her not to be afraid of dying but to live life while she has the chance. The story ended nicely, giving readers and Tucks to discovers that Wennie did in fact live until her time, just as Mr. Tuck hope she would.

From reading the story you’ll get a sense that the others message is that people should live in the moment and just because you could live forever doesn’t mean you should. The story proves that living and dying is the natural order of the world, and never growing old doesn’t promise a happily life. It was sweet and short story that had a meaning for message by life and death, however it wasn’t the lest bit morbid.

*Disclaimer: Credit for the Avatar on the front page before the article goes to DeviantArt Artists DawnElaineDarkwood. Credit for the drawing used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artists Vhfm.*

Get Fit With Netflix

Editor — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:28:23 +0000

It can be hassle to hit the gym everyday, not to mention the cost of a membership. Buying workout a equipment is another option; but than again who really has time to put a treadmill together and some only last for a year, which means you’ll be paying $400 a year for one piece of exercise equipment. A great a affordable way to get your workout on is none other than Netflix. This might come as shock to some people but the company actually offers a lot of great workout DVDs that can shipped to members. There are many different membership plans available, however the one I recommend is the “Unlimited Streaming + 1 DVD out at-a-time” plan, which is just $15.98 a month that is only $200 a year so half of what you’ll pay on reequipping your home gym.

Some of the fitness videos that are only available in DVD form are “The Biggest Loser: The Workout: Cardio Max” and “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Power Squad Bod: Body Slimming Yoga”. Members can get some good workout routines through Netflix instant streaming too. There are many full workout segments to choice from on instant streaming such as “10 Minute Solution: Kickbox Bootcamp,” “Healing Yoga: For Common Conditions,” “Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam,” and many more.

This isn’t to say that workout classes are a waste of money and time, on the contrary they can actually be really fun and a great way to bond with a friend. Also, if you are a college student many campus offer free access to the university gym so why not take advantage of it. But Netflix is a great choice for those that are self-conscious of working-out in public, busybodies, or anyone looking for an easy way to workout when ever they want just by the click of their mouse.

Source: Netflix

*Disclaimer: Credit for the Avatar on the front page before the article goes to DeviantArt Artists Whatumeandude. Credit for the drawing used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artists Evil-panda0404.*

Chloe Moretz: Beautiful, Bright, and Blonde

Editor — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 07:01:07 +0000

Chloë Moretz might only be fifteen but she has already been a superhero, vampire, a Hick, and now she’ll star opposite Johnny Depp, as Carolyn Stoddard in the 2012 film Dark Shadows. The film is based on the 1991 series, of the same name, about a young woman that find herself at Collinwood, an isolated mansion in seaside Maine, she is quickly drawn into a world of vampires, ghost, and secret family curse. The show was a mix of horror and drama; however movie takes a different spin of the story turning it into a comedy.

In an interview with Movies.com the young actress talks about her role in the film; she states “Oh, Carolyn, that’s a fun character, that’s a really fun character. She is crazy. She is this teenager, like 15-year-old hippie who is into The Carpenters and Alice Cooper. She’s super music-y and raw, like free love, you know. She’s fun. I can’t say much because she has a really dark secret I can’t tell you.”

She add that the film is similar to other classic movies, “It’s Tim Burton so it’s like Beetlejuice. I have to say [Dark Shadows is] a mixture of Beetlejuice, a teeny bit of Sweeney and the scariness of Sweeney but the fun of Sleepy Hollow with the scariness of Sleepy Hollow. I’d definitely say it’s a lot like Sleepy Hollow because you go from the Ichabod Crane character to the Headless Horseman who’s comedic and yet terrifying. It straddles that fine line of camp and drama so it’s like a drama horromedy thriller.”

Speaking of Tim Burton in an article in Empire magazine the filmmaker commented on Moretz character saying “Carolyn is capturing that feeling of being a teenager and that internal loneliness and weirdness that you feel at that time.” Burton adds that he was thrilled to have Chloe in the picture “I was just happy [Chloe] was available,” he adds. “Chloe’s done great things, but my only concern was whether she could play a real teenager, you know? But she was great. She’s very thoughtful. There’s just a reality to her, whether she’s playing a superhero girl or a vampire, there’s always a reality to it. She’s got a very old soul, like someone who’s been around a very long time.”

Ironically enough the actor herself doesn’t feel like an adult. She tells Allure ‘’I think I’m definitely not an adult. I just turned 15 on February 10. If you are mature then you are mature; there isn’t always a need for labels.” Although, Chloe isn’t ready to take on the titled of young adult one thing is for sure, she is very graceful and has good head on her shoulders.

Dark Shadows will open in theaters nationwide on May 11th.

Source: Movies.com, Empire Magazine, and Allure

*Disclaimer: Credit for the Avatar on the front page before the article goes to DeviantArt Artists Karlyilustraciones. Credit for the drawing used in this article goes to DeviantArt Artists Bramblejam.*