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A Beginner’s Checklist for Aspiring Cellists

January 25, 2022 By Barney Mitchell Leave a Comment

Learning how to play a cello isn’t easy. It will take hours, days, weeks, and even months to master the instrument. Aspiring cellists like you would be more effective if you knew exactly what direction to go in. With this in mind, you need to prepare yourself with a checklist before you start playing the instrument.

Checklist for Aspiring Cellists

You can maximize your time and effort in learning a cello by doing the following. 

Know the basics

To successfully put yourself in the right shape, start familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of a cello. You need to learn its history, parts, nature, and precisely how it is played. Once you understand your instrument, it will be easier for you to thrive. 

Choose the right beginner cello 

There are lots of cellos you’ll encounter in an instrument shop. It feels awesome to have that high-end cello, but is it right for you? Beginner cello players must understand that there are different types of cellos depending on their skill level. Some are meant for beginners while others are meant for professionals or more advanced cellists. There are manufacturers that specialize in manufacturing cellos dedicated to beginners like you. You might want to grab a beginner cello so you won’t have a hard time learning it. 

Compare online and in-store prices

If you plan to purchase your very first cello, the best thing you can do is compare online and physical store prices. By doing this, you’ll have a clear insight into where to buy one and what quality to look for.

Don’t forget to buy cello accessories

Your cello accessories are just as important as your instrument, so make sure that you don’t forget them! Although you can play the cello with some accessories missing, it would be best if you maximize the full potential of your cello through its accessories. If you want to play at the highest level, then buy as many accessories as possible. 

Enroll in cello lessons

Don’t hesitate to enroll in cello lessons where you can meet professional cello instructors. They can teach you the proper way of playing, which will make your learning easier. Likewise, you’ll get a chance to meet people with the same interest as you, which is pretty exciting and enjoyable. 

Regularly practice playing the cello

Nothing beats consistency. If you choose to learn the cello, make sure to commit and allocate time every day to practicing. This way, you’ll build a routine that your memory and body need in order to succeed and eventually become a master cello player. 

Store your cello properly

Treat your cello as a fragile instrument; always store it in a hard case. You might want to protect it from environmental variables like dust, rain, direct sunlight, and other man-made factors. Likewise, don’t forget to clean your cello before storing it.

Conclusion

Starting your cello journey will give you a thrill to the spine, but only if you know and understand the dos and don’ts. The above checklist is a great guide for every beginner who aspires to be a professional cellist someday. This might seem like a dream to you right now, but if you put the work in, you never know what might happen. Take meticulous notes and apply them to your journey!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Best Kpop Songs Of The Last 10 Years

October 15, 2019 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

korean artists performing on stage

For many Americans, our first introduction into the multidimensional world of K-Pop began with Psy’s “Gangnam Style”, a catchy pop-centric rap with a hook line that made the song go viral. But with BTS finishing an arena world tour with two 2019 Billboard Music Awards under their belt, and TWICE announcing a world tour with dates in America, it’s hard to deny that the popularity of K-Pop is ever on the rise in the music industry. If you’re new to K-pop, you might be looking for the best KPop songs to get a better understanding of the genre.

Buckle in and prepare yourself for a crash course in K-pop. We’ll talk everything K-Pop, including the biggest artists, the history makers, and the best KPop songs you should be listening to.

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K-Pop FAQ

 K-Pop is a twenty year old industry that has only recently begun making significant strides in the global market – so there’s a lot of history to catch up on to understand the entire evolution of the genre. We’ve gathered the most common questions and answers here!

1. What Is K-Pop?

A lot of people want to point at K-pop and say, “Well, obviously it’s pop music,” or “K-pop is a separate genre of music.” But the real answer is that both of these statements are both true and false. K-pop is popular music in Korea, but it’s different from what Americans would think of as pop music since there are many sub-genres. The truth is that you can’t stuff K-pop into a neat box.

What is K-pop then? Min Yoongi of BTS probably said it best when he called K-pop “integrated content”. K-pop incorporates the music, the music videos, the fashion, and the personalities and talents of each artist. Albums in K-pop tend to be highly conceptualized, and K-pop music videos are characterized by intense visual stories. More than any other music industry, K-Pop sells the entire concept of the artist as a whole – their musical ability, their dancing ability, and their personality are all part of the streamlined K-Pop package.

2. What Is K-Pop Music Like?

K-Pop music has its roots in pop music – songs with upbeat tempos and catchy choruses. However, each K-Pop artist puts a new spin on pop music. K-Pop songs often include rap, R&B, and trap music. K-Pop music has also explored alternative rock, hip-hop, EDM, and ballads. The sub-genres in K-Pop make the distinction between K-Pop artists very unique. You can think of K-Pop as the ultimate portmanteau of music around the globe.

3. Are There K-pop Collaborations?

K-Pop collaborations with other popular global artists is actually a relatively new thing. The most famous recent collaborations have all been done by the reigning popular artists in K-Pop, like BTS, who have worked with Halsey, Charlie XCX, and Lil Nas.

4. Who Are the Biggest K-Pop Artists?

The biggest artists in K-Pop include BTS, EXO, BlackPink, Girls’ Generation, TWICE, Red Velvet, GOT7, Seventeen, Big Bang, SNSD, Super Junior, and SHINee. These are the artists currently topping the K-Pop and international music charts and the artists that have had the biggest impact on the K-Pop music industry. Many K-Pop fans say that K-Pop wouldn’t be as popular today if not for artists like Big Bang or Super Junior.

5. Are There Any English K-Pop Songs?

Yes and no. K-Pop music is primarily in Korean. However, many K-Pop songs feature a few English phrases. The popularity of using English in K-Pop music has led to the popular rise of Konglish, which is a combination of Korean and English. That said, finding a K-Pop song that is completely in English is difficult, although some groups like BlackPink feature entire rap verses in English.

6. Why Should I Listen to Music I Can’t Understand?

Many fans of K-Pop make the argument that music is universal – you don’t necessarily need to know the lyrics of a song to understand the emotions or the meaning portrayed by the artists. This is especially true when the song has a music video, which tells the visual story of the song and makes the meaning of the song accessible to international fans.

However, it isn’t difficult to find translations of Korean lyrics if you as a listener are adamant about understanding the meaning of the song.

How We Reviewed

group of girl artists performing on stageImage via  Flickr

 In creating this list of the Best Kpop Songs of the Last 10 Years, we went through an extensive and truly impressive list of K-Pop artists to find the songs that made the biggest splash in the industry. We were looking for chart-toppers and record breakers. We also tried to evaluate based on the objective popularity of the artists to make the list fair.

Overall Price Range

Like any other music, you can buy K-Pop songs individually or by the album. Both individual songs and albums are comparable in price to their Western counterpoints. A single track will run you about $1 to $2, while an entire album is between $15 and $30. It should be noted that K-Pop albums tend to include posters, picture books, and other small items like mirrors or key chains. You also have the option of purchasing mini albums or EPs, which run about from $4 to $6.

What We Reviewed

  •  Boy With Luv
  • I Got A Boy
  • Sorry Sorry
  • As If It’s Your Last
  • A
  • Fantastic Baby
  • Boo
  • Sixth Sense
  • Hello
  • What Is Love?

Boy With Luv

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Description

The first single on the album Map of the Soul: PERSONA, “Boy With Luv” is an integrated hip-hop song that paves the road of a new era for this boy group.

Artist

BTS

Year

2019

Hear It

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I Got a Boy

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Description

The first single on the “time machine album” I GOT A BOY, the title track “I Got A Boy” signaled a return from a hiatus for this popular girl group.

Artist

GIRLS GENERATION

Year

2013

Hear It

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Sorry Sorry

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Description

“Sorry Sorry” is a funky, EDM inspired dance track that highlights the newer, more mature sound of this boy group.

Artist

Super Junior

Year

2011

Hear It

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As If It’s Your Last

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Description

“As If It’s Your Last” is a fan-ranked best song produced by this girl group and is part of an EP with other hip-hop songs full of attitude.

Artist

BlackPink

Year

2018

Hear It

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A

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Description

“A” is the song that changed the game for this boy group, proving that hip-hop could seamlessly incorporate retro beats and bright, optimistic vocals.

Artist

GOT7

Year

2014

Hear It

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Fantastic Baby

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Description

This single once again set Big Bang up as the kings of K-Pop when it was released and marked a new turn for the genre as a whole.

Artist

Big Bang

Year

2011

Hear It

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Boo

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Description

This solo artist made a name for herself with the single “Boo“, which was one of the main tracks on her first studio release album.

Artist

IU

Year

2009

Hear It

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Sixth Sense

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Description

The title track “Sixth Sense” is part of the fourth studio album for this girl group and features a soulful R&B with a pop overlay that makes the song an instant classic.

Artist

Brown Eyed Girls

Year

2011

Hear It

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Hello

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Description

Fans of this boy group have voted “Hell??o” as the best song of the group’s second album, with its catchy, joyful tune and melodic rapping.

Artist

Seventeen

Year

2017

Hear It

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What Is Love?

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Description

Known for their bubblegum pop EDM sound, this girl group won fans over with this song: the title track of their latest mini album.

Artist

TWICE

Year

2018

Hear It

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The Verdict

boy group singing on stageImage via Flickr

Picking the best song is a matter of personal taste – maybe you’re a fan of rap-heavy hip-hop or maybe you lean more toward R&B. Maybe you look at this list and listen to these songs and can’t decide which song is best. When it comes to K-Pop, the simple truth is that you will like what you like. But our favorite? Definitely “Hello.”

Our list of The Best Kpop Songs of the Last 10 years might feature the most popular chart-toppers, but there are hundreds of more songs made by dozens of K-Pop artists in the last decade that could have also made this list. The entire “integrated content” genre of music is so expansive that picking the best Kpop songs is a big ask for any dedicated fan of K-Pop music.

You might find it easier to start with the most popular artists of the moment, like BTS and TWICE, or you might start with the K-Pop groundbreakers, like Big Bang and Super Junior. Either way, new and old fans of K-Pop have a lot to look forward to as the genre enters a new decade of content production. We’re looking forward to making another list of the best Kpop songs ten years down the line!

Filed Under: music, Uncategorized

The 10 Best Action Anime Out Now

October 1, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

woman with sword anime action

Tired of never being able to find something exciting to watch? Perhaps it’s time you dive into the wacky, harrowing, and colorful world of anime. Whether you’ve never watched anime in your life or are an avid fan, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what to watch. This is exactly why we’ve created the ultimate list of the ten best action anime series.

Comparison Table

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Best Action Anime FAQ

japan anime

Image via Pixabay

1. What Is Anime?

If you’ve never watched anime before, you might think it’s merely children’s cartoons. In actuality, anime is a specific style of Japanese TV and film that is animated. Generally, those series or films are geared toward adults, but some are designed for children.

2. What Are the Different Types of Anime?

Just like any other form of media, anime has tons of different styles and genres. We’ve compiled a list of the best action anime series, but there are also romance, horror, and comedy series out there. Plus, there is anything and everything in between.

3. Is Every Anime in Japanese?

While yes, nearly all anime series have Japanese actors originally voice the roles, that doesn’t mean you have to understand Japanese to enjoy it. If you want to hear the original actors, you can put on subtitles to help you understand what each character is saying.

Today, many anime series are getting dubbed, which means English speaking voice actors re-voice the characters in a series to make it sound as if they were designed that way from the start. This allows you to enjoy the content even if you don’t want to read along.

4. Do You Have to Buy the Whole Series to Watch the Best Action Anime Series?

No! While owning the series is a great way to support the shows you enjoy and support the dubbing studios who make them, there is another way to check out the best action anime series. Streaming services have become wildly popular, and anime is no exception.

There are a number of different anime streaming services that allow you to have access to their broad selection of titles for a small monthly fee. This is an excellent alternative if you’re unsure of a show or know you’re going to want to watch all the best action anime series at once.

anime couple

Image via Pexels

5. What Makes These Best Action Anime Series Better Than the Rest?

There are tons of great action anime series out there that have held their worth throughout the years. The ten best action anime series shown here is what people are watching and raving about now.

These are titles that maybe aren’t fresh out the studio but are current and popular to avid viewers of the present day. These shows are exciting, action-packed, and well-deserving of the title, “Best.”

How We Reviewed

We searched through a wide selection of anime titles and narrowed in on the ten we feel are great for both new and old fans alike. After selecting the ten best action anime series, we took a closer look at their descriptions, price range, and overall rating to determine which series was the best of the best.

Overall Price Range

woman fantasy anime

Image via Pexels

Buying a complete collection of an anime series, a season of the series, or an anime film will vary greatly in price. Most anime films will range from about $5 – $20. Depending on the length of an anime series, they may sell DVD sets in seasons, parts, or complete series.

Be sure to check which yours is before you purchase it. Because of the differences in episode numbers, popularity, and quality, action anime series title can cost anywhere from about $10 to $80.

What We Reviewed

  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
  • Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)
  • Castlevania
  • Princess Mononoke
  • My Hero Academia
  • Hunter X Hunter
  • Kill la Kill
  • Sword Art Online
  • Needless

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Image via Amazon

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Description

Fullmetal Alchemist is a classic anime series that received a reboot years later to more closely follow the manga it was based on. That reboot was Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and has been viewed by fans as the superior of the two.

Two young alchemists lose their mother and attempt to bring her back from the dead using alchemy. This backfires and causes the youngest, Alphonse, to lose his body and, instead, posses a suit of armor.

The oldest, Edward, loses his arm and leg in the accident but gets auto-mail replacements built by a young friend. Now, the brothers set out on a journey to return what has been lost to them, understand the truth of the mystical Philosopher’s Stone, and stop the evil plots of creatures still unknown to them.

Rating

This series has been highly reviewed for many years. It has intense action scenes, mysteries to unravel, and a great deal of comedy in between. It’s a great anime to start with and an absolute must-see for any avid anime fan.

Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)

Attack On Titan

Image via Amazon

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Description

Many years ago, giant creatures, known as Titans, devoured a large portion of the planet. They stand several stories tall and swallow any human insight. After nearly all the humans were exterminated, the remaining few built a city surrounded by walls to keep the Titans out.

Today, after a horrific attack that killed their mother, Eren and his foster sister, Mikasa, train to fight against the titans and prevent them from ever eating another living soul.

Rating

The thing many people love about this show is the beauty of the animation. They also greatly enjoy the emotional roller coaster this series puts them through. You see some great highs and some devastating lows while getting completely sucked into this high-intensity version of Earth.

Castlevania

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Description

Castlevania has been a popular video game franchise for many years and has only recently been adapted into an anime.

After Count Dracula’s wife was burned at the stake, he sought to take revenge on the people of Wallachia and summons an army of demons to take over the town. Trevor Belmont, an outcast monster hunter, works alongside a magician to take back the city for the people.

Rating

While many people did enjoy the series itself, they were a bit bummed that each season only contained four episodes. They felt it was a bit brief, but, nevertheless, they were excited to see one of the favorite video games come to life..

Ninja Scroll

Ninja Scroll

Image via Amazon

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Description

If you’re looking for an intense film focused on Japan, Ninja Scroll might just be the best action anime for you. In the Edo period, the Yamashiro clan secretly mines gold and sends it to the Shogun of the Dark as payment for protection.

Unfortunately, the ship carrying the gold crashes into the Mochizuki territory during a storm. A ninja team with unworldly powers, known as the Eight Devils, kills the people of the village to keep the transaction a secret. Investigations of the deaths begin, and a sole survivor is saved, leading the way for a whole lot of challenges and gore.

Rating

While still quite popular, this is an older anime film and does not have some the crisp, clear animation some of the newer series and films do. That being said, it definitely has some of the most high-intensity action on this list.

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke

Image via Amazon

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Description

Princess Mononoke is a terrific anime film that was created by Studio Ghibli.After obtaining a deadly curse, Ashitaka heads out in search of a cure.

He soon finds himself tangled up in a bitter conflict between the people of Iron Town and Princess Mononoke, who is one with nature after having been raised by wolves. 

The two sides fight to decide how the land should be used while the forest spirits and an animal god also take action.

Rating

This is a highly rated film with tons of praise for its story, characters, and art style. What’s also great is, if you enjoyed the look and feel of this anime, there are plenty of other Studio Ghibli films for you to enjoy.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia

Image via Ama??zon

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Description

In a thrilling time of heroes and villains, many people begin to develop superpowers known as quirks. Young Deku dreams of being able to fight against the forces of evil, but soon learns that he’s quirkless.

He instead focuses his time on studying professional heroes and, in an act of courage, catches the attention of All Might. With some training, he helps Deku get into a prestigious school for heroes. But soon, their training lessons become fights against real-life villains!

Rating

This popular anime is genuinely one of the best action anime series out on the market. It has high levels of action, hilarious comedy, and offers relatable moments that pull on the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Hunter X Hunter

Hunter x Hunter Set1

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Description

A young boy spends his whole life believing his parents are dead, until one day he learns his dad has become a world-renowned hunter. Hunters do all sorts of fantastical work, such as treasure hunting, locating exotic, unidentified animals, and even tracking down criminals.

After learning about his father, Gon decides to set out and pass the Hunter Examination so he can track down his father and work alongside him.

Rating

This anime has become a real crowd favorite, receiving a ton of great reviews. The thrilling adventure and level of skill needed to pass the exam are exciting to watch. Plus, it has a ton of great mishaps and comedy along the way.

Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill

Image via Amazon

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Description

In a fictional Japanese high school, a fearsome student council runs everything. The council members wear Goku uniforms, which give them special abilities that render the general student body useless.

Until one day, a new transfer student comes in wielding a scissor-shaped longsword that can cut through the life fibers of the Goku uniform. She challenges the council and searches for her father’s killer all while attending classes.

Rating

The true action here is thrilling, and the energy is well maintained throughout the series. Even though it’s a bit older than some of the others, it’s a must-see for many anime lovers.

Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online

Image via Amaz??on

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Description

If you love video games, this is by far the best action anime for you. A new gaming headset, known as Nerve Gear, allows you to dive right into the video game the virtual dimension and become your character.

Excitement is bubbling over on launch day until it becomes announced that the only way to leave the game is by beating every single level. But be careful, if you die in the game, you die in real life.

Rating

This is an incredible anime series with a lot of great reviews in terms of plot, animation, and action. As the players battle through dangerous dungeons, you’re constantly on the edge of your seat as to whether or not they’ll make it out alive.

Needless

Needless

Image via Amazon

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Description

Taking place 50 years after World War III, Tokyo has become nothing more than rubble. This spot has now become “The Black Spot” and is viewed from space as a dark patch. This spot of darkness becomes home to many outcasts who obtain powers, known as fragments, and eventually become known as, Needless.

Rating

This anime is also a bit on the older side, meaning that it may not be the hippest thing to watch this moment. However, it’s a high-energy plot and exciting battles.

The Verdict

via GIPHY

There are tons of excellent action anime series and films out there that deciding on the best is a difficult feat. The best action anime for those who’ve never watched anime before would be Sword Art Online. This anime is still pretty new, has great animation, and provides tons of great action sequences throughout.

The best action anime film is Princess Mononoke. Created by the award-winning Studio Ghibli, this film provides thrilling battles alongside heartwarming relationships, while also questioning our choices of technology over nature.

The overall best action anime series out now is My Hero Academia. This show is ridiculously popular for a reason. It’s relatable, funny, jam-packed with beautifully animated battles.

Give one or all of these action anime titles a try for a night of binging that you won’t soon forget.

Featured Image via Pexels

Filed Under: Uncategorized

30 Funny New Year’s Resolutions

July 7, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Every single year people make brand new resolutions, and they hope against hope that they will somehow stick to them. This usually does not happen, but there’s nothing wrong in getting a little creative with your New Year’s resolve. At least you have something to look forward for to in future. Here are some of the funniest New Years Resolutions that we have found.

1. I promise to buy a brand new scale, because my mind keeps reading the same old numbers.

2. I will stop checking my Facebook feed every five minutes, especially when I have to learn for an exam. I will also refrain from adding embarrassing photos of my friends.

3. I will no longer sit in front of the computer screen all day. I will only stay one hour a day. Nevertheless, this will be difficult to do because I am not a clock watcher.

4. I will play more computer games. Studies have shown that they improve visual skills, reflexes and dexterity.

5. I promise to clean my room once a week, even if last year I only cleaned it when I had friends over.

6. Never again will I fall for the cute guy/girl with a dark past.

7. I’m gonna go on a diet and exercise everyday. I will definitely loose weight this… oh wait, is that cake?

8. I don’t have a New Year’s resolution. You don’t need them when you’re perfect.

8.

New Year's Resolutions

9. I will not tell my potential employer that I have trouble with the authorities.

10. I will protect children by not texting on my phone while eating junk-food and speeding through crosswalks in school zone while my windshield is covered with frost.

11. I will eat more fruit… snacks!

12. I will start a blog about my feelings and then bitch about how I don’t have anything interesting to write about.

13. I will stop saying how hot women on television are when I’m with my girlfriend. Instead, I will say how intelligent they are, this way I will not sound like the typical idiotic male.

14. I will stop pretending that’s it’s not time to take out the garbage by repeatedly smashing the trash with my arms. It’s way better to take it out than to have my hands hurt all day.

15. New Year's Resolutions

16. I will only eat white snow from now on.

17. I will always wear sexy underwear, “just in case”.

18. I will never again wet the bed and blame it on my younger brother.

19. I will come up with better excuses for taking leaves. This way my boss will believe me.

20. I will put an end to procrastination once and for all.

21. Every time I type a smiley face I will actually laugh-out-loud.

22. I will drive by the fitness center at least once a week to pay my respects.

23. New Year's Resolutions

24. I will stop considering other people’s feelings, since they obviously don’t care about mine.

25. I will definitely sleep like a normal person: no more movies ’till 4.A.M. in the morning. Also, I will leave my smart-phone in the kitchen, just in case.

26. I will avoid taking baths often in order to conserve water.

27. I will stop liking my friend’s status only because I like the person who posted it.

28. I will use my treadmill for something else than hanging my jacket.

29. I will stop eating medicine that looks like candy.

30. Never again will I ingest quantities of alcohol that surpass my body’s limit.

31. I will stop blaming my dog for farting whenever I let one slip.

32. I will stop setting three alarms on my phone just so I can turn the volume off after the first one.

33. Instead of losing weight I vow to not gain anymore. First figure out how to maintain weight, then plan how to lose it.

34. I will start saving for the future, the very imminent future.

35. I will make time for my favorite activities. Like procrastinating. Oh wait, I’m already doing this.

36. 

37. I need to start eating more healthy, but I have to finish all the junk food first so I don’t get tempted.

38. My New Year’s resolve is to make better bad decisions.

39. I will finally get rid of all the clothes that I know I will never again wear.

40. I will stop making New Year’s resolutions. I never keep them anyway. 

Some Practical New Year’s Resolutions 

No matter who you are, what you do, or which titles you carry, there is no doubt something you would love to improve or become more proficient in. No matter how much we joke about it, we are all longing to be better at this thing called life, and there are no doubt practical ways to stick to something all year long, making it a daily habit. Wanna eat healthier? Wanna read more? Wanna take better care of the earth? Start small, start somewhere, but most importantly: just start! The best thing you can possibly do is begin a new years resolution.

Eat One Veggie with Every Meal

This is one that can be done with some creativity and planning! The healthiest people will tell you that it does not feel like a real meal to them if it does not involve at least one veggie. This is a great thing to add into your way of thinking for the new year. Instead of going vegan, overwhelming yourself with just the “I’m gonna eat healthy” statements, start with this small step. Add a single veggie, any veggie, into any meal.

Adding in a veggie can be something as simple as cooking bell pepper with your eggs or adding avocado to the size of your breakfast meal. It can mean putting lettuce and tomato in your lunch sandwich. Or for dinner, popping a can open and throw it in a pot on the stove if you don’t have the time for fresh veggies. Seeing your meals as incomplete without at least one vegetable can really be a health game changer.

Make All Your Doctor Appointments at the Top of the Year

Are you the type who will wait until the dentist’s office calls you to remind you that an appointment is overdue and it has been more than a year since your last cleaning? I know I have been that person many times before. what if you made all your doctor appointments at the beginning of the year, so you don’t miss anything or go in after the suggested time frame? An added perk of this is that you will not have a hard time getting the time slot you want since you won’t have much competition. Making all appointments at the beginning of the year can help you stay on track and up to date with your help.

Get Streams of Accountability

It may seem pretty frustrating to see every single person’s new years resolutions. They may seem silly extravagant, or annoying to share with the world. But if you have frowned upon this behavior, you may be overlooking the benefits of it. How amazing to have however many friends you have, all keeping up with your progress? Whatever resolution you may want to reach, social media can help. If you don’t like this approach or have social media, the next best option is a more personal one. Tell a friend and ask them to keep you accountable throughout the year. Offer to do the same for them and their resolutions. Making it a team effort can really spur you on in your goals.

Set Book and Reading Goals

Did you know the normal, everyday person reads between 4-12 books a year? Depending on how you look at it, this can be good or just really sad. If you are an avid reader, the average may be higher for you. But if you are in that 4-12 number and just want to read more, setting a goal may be a good place to start. You can set any goal you want, but as always with new year’s resolutions, it is always best to start out small or manageable. This means you’ll have to turn your reading goal into whatever is doable for you. For me, I have my reading goal set at 26 books in the year, one for every two weeks. Though I CAN finish one a week on average, I also write book reviews for publishing companies. 

Adding that step in the process causes me to have to take some time to really soak it all in and get the most out of the book. I read on a lot of heavy topics with deep meaning that requires me to think through what I really feel about the book in order to write a well-informed book review. So I give myself the ability to read one book deeply over the course of two weeks and then write at least one review a month. These are my personal reading goals. As for my friend who is another avid reader, her goal is 52 books a year and she mostly reads fiction. This allows her to skim and read fast and it works well for her.

In order to set a reading goal you actually stick to, you will need a process and/or system in place. Social media keeps me accountable. I post every time I finish a book and I post my reviews as well. I also post my goals for the year. Goodreads is another great place to keep track of your books. Here, there are reading challenges and you can log your reads with a staring system or with a review, whichever you have time for.

You will also need to determine where you will read. Where will you read? I have friends who take the train instead of a car to work, so they spend that time in a book. I have other friends who spend 30 minutes every night before bed reading, religiously. I personally like to read early in the morning or late at night. This means I am waking up before everyone else or going to bed before everyone else. You can read in the bathroom, on your lunch break, or in the in-between moments of your day. You just need to figure out when you will read and stick to it, building a habit into your day.

How will you avoid distractions? This is a huge question for the one who wants to become a great reader. Will you put your phone across the room because it is too easy to sit on it instead of reading? Will you go down the street to a local coffee shop to read every day because it’s too easy to end up cleaning instead of reading when you’re home? What are the ways in which you will avoid the distractions? This is one of the most important questions you will ask yourself if you plan on making this a habit you adhere to.

Resolve to Become a Plant Parent

We cannot ignore the benefits of plants. Have you wanted to be a plant owner and caretaker for a long time, but just aren’t sure where to start? Join the club. Once you hear all the things that plants have to offer, it is hard to get them out of your head. When they are set in work spaces with humans, they make them more productive and help with the issues that come from being cooped up in an office building all day long, such as air quality. Plants not only help you breathe and work better, but they also promote peace and calm in whatever space they are set in. Caring for plants can give a sense of meaning and purpose as well as lower anxiety and depression.

Having plants in your home and work spaces truly bring so many benefits along with it. But in order to experience all these benefits, you need to make some goals. There are ways to get into plants that do not involve gardening or any of the heavy lifting. Look into houseplants that require minimal upkeep, such as succulents or cacti. These plants are made for deserts. If they can grow in a desert, they can grow in your home with you as the caregiver. Another great place to begin is with herbs on your kitchen windowsill.

These plants provide all the same benefits, but the also have added ones: they spice up your good and make your fresh cooked meals even more delicious! A creative way to incorporate plants into your house is by creating Terrariums, which make nice attractive decorations for your space as well. Another great thing you can do to incorporate plants is beginning an indoor greenhouse. These are perfect for small plants that require minimal care but are more hands-on than a houseplant if you are looking to get really involved. No matter your lifestyle, needs, or desires for decoration or sprucing up a certain space in your home, there is a plant for you. Become a plant parent this year!

Sanitize Your Phone

Have you heard the crazy research on phone bacteria? We check out phones many times a day and bring it with us everywhere. The toilet seat is cleaner than your phone after all the bacteria is picked up from the various locations you are. Think of all the places you go every single day and how many dirty areas your phone touches. Imagine how much bacteria is on your device! This year, make it a point to clean your phone. This may mean disinfecting it with wipes or cleaning the case with soap and water. However you clean your phone: know this, your future self who does not end up with E. Coli will thank you for it!

Plan a Solo Trip

You are less likely to suffer from heart issues if you make time to get away, and that’s just science. Take at least a weekend trip away somewhere relaxing. We all know vacations can be hectic and have all been in a spot where we are not going somewhere we will find true peace and inner calm. In order to avoid this scenario,  plant o do things you find relaxing. For me, the beach does not mean relaxing. I would personally enjoy staying in the city for a weekend (or as long as I can by myself) and enjoying local coffee shops with a few great books close by, seeing a movie or a play, and walking through museum after museum by myself. This is my perfect scenario. If your goal is to get away from it all and enjoy some time of R&R, then make it a priority by planning it first thing in the new year.

Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks

Are you trying to get smarter? This may seem like a pretty silly question, but it is one that might resonate with your desires. For me, I decided I wanted to learn more about the world and how to function in it. I want to be a healthy and self-aware human who lives out my faith the right way. I also want to know about the experiences of others.

I want to become a good listener, someone who knows what is happening in the world around her and is not uneducated and left in the dark, clinging to my own beliefs and ways of thinking. Podcasts helped me do that. Reading helped me do that. These two avenues will benefit your entire life, and they are so easy to do.

Do you commute to work? Do you work from home? Whatever your profession, you have some time by yourself getting there or doing your work. No matter if it’s driving in the car, taking a train, or checking emails on your laptop from the couch in your house. At the beginning of last year, I decided to get into podcasts.

I listened when I did busy work at my job, during my commute, when I cooked and cleaned and folded laundry, and whenever else I could. I listened to so many books on audio and heard so many podcasts, and I know I am better for creating this habit. If you want to grow, include podcasts and audiobooks into your everyday. You don’t have to set time aside, you simply need to incorporate listening into the times when life is happening all around you.

Get Involved in Volunteering

Have you always wanted to get more involved in the community? Do you want the joy that comes in giving back and helping others? Are you passionate about a certain kind of need or displaced person? If these are truths for you, you may want to get involved in volunteer work! Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back. Look at the areas you have experience in and where you are passionate about. These will determine where you will fit in best. Check out local volunteer boards on social media and ask about opportunities at places like the local library. If you want stress reduction and happiness heightened in your life, volunteering is the place for you!

Declutter Your Home

Declutter one area of the house per month. This is such an easy goal to reach, and it will truly change the entire atmosphere of your home. Plan out the areas at the beginning of the year, and really tackle it all but in small, intentional sections.

Set a schedule that goes a little something like this:

-Master bedroom

-Kitchen

-Hall closet

-Guest bedroom

-Bathrooms

-Junk drawer(s)

-Pantry

-Garage

-Basement

-Entertainment area

-Playroom

-Coat closet

Having small, broken up areas to work on every month allows you to take your time in each section. If some areas get done sooner, such as your bathrooms, then spend more time in the kitchen. Adjust this to your specific home and your specific schedule (maybe two months in one area and half a month in another), but come to terms with how life-changing decluttering truly is!

Decluttering holds true power over your day to day life. You will find yourself cleaning and organizing so much less because there is not junk just adding onto itself. You will feel so much more at peace and have so much more calm in your own home. You will find yourself spending your time thinking about other, much more important things than the constant upkeep you have to do in your home when you own too much stuff. The minimalist movement is taking over, and for good reason. Begin with Marie Kondo!

Boredom Kills, Pickup a Hobby

This is the year to start a new hobby! Maybe it is a dance class, or painting, or joining/starting a book club. Maybe it is writing, reading more (as we stated in detail above!), or learning how to knit or sew. There are so many hobbies you can choose from, but the only thing required is that it is fun and you enjoy it!

Try something new to relieve stress, induce rest and relaxation, learn something new and take on something exciting, find what you’re good at, spend your free time wisely, build up your self-confidence, help you build community over a shared interest, and meet new friends. Having a hobby you love does so much more than even that. And who knows, sometimes a hobby can turn into a little extra income on the side, or even a full-time job/business, or passion.

Take Your Lunch Break

Were you aware that one in five people take their lunch break? Wow. In my experience, if I do not take a lunch break, I become very unproductive after lunchtime. Even if I do eat while I work, it seems to have the opposite effect that it is supposed to have. It doesn’t boost my productivity, it significantly brings it down. It lowers my energy levels for the rest of the day and has me lagging. When I do take a lunch break, even if it is only a half hour, I have a renewed sense of care and purpose in my work for the rest of the day.

There are so many things you can do on a lunch break that revives you for the rest of the workday! Read to help you hit your reading goals. Enjoy a time of doing the hobby you take on. Or simply eat for a half hour and move your body for the next half. Call someone you love or pray and meditate. This midday break can do so much good for your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health.

The same New Year’s resolutions can be embraced by those who tend to stay in the office late every day. You can make your resolution to go home on time every single day. Have someone hold you accountable, either in the office or at home. The same can also be embraced by those who take their work home and work on nights and weekends. Learning to detach from work and not let it overlap into your personal time is the key to being a happier, healthier person. Try it for a full year and see what good it does you!

Set and Stick to a Sleep Schedule

The culprit for exhaustion and drowsiness is usually not sleeping on a consistent schedule. If you are getting an average of 8 hours a night but you are still tired when you should be well rested, look at the 8 hours. Are they the same 11-7 or 10-6 or 9-5, or are they all over the place? Make it a point to be in bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same exact time each morning, even on off days or weekends. You will begin to notice an incredible shift in how you feel. If you are not already one of the lucky people who naturally wake up at the same time every day and get sleepy at the same time every night, implementing this set schedule will be a game changer.

Final Thoughts on Funny New Year’s Resolutions

New year’s resolutions can be hilarious when people make extravagant goals at the beginning of the year and fall off the wagon a few months or even weeks into it. But New Year’s resolutions can also be life-changing, depending on the way you look at them. You won’t know if yours will be funny or life-changing until you set a few!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2014, fun, New Year's resolutions, resolve

Which Are The Best Perfumes for Women According to Men

March 30, 2016 By Toby Isaacson Leave a Comment

Perfumes for Women

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, likewise, scent is in the nose of the smeller. The pleasant industry of perfumes is one of the most subjective ones. A fashionista may be able, with some training, to get over her hatred for crocs or denim jackets if the hottest trend at the moment dictates it. After all, it’s all about aesthetic. Perfumes, on the other hand? It’s very difficult to get over the subjectivity of wearing a scent that you dislike and that makes you want to take fifty showers to get off. And don’t think that’s an exaggeration either. We can’t control our reactions when we encounter an odor that we just don’t like, which is why we can find them so repulsive.

When something like this happens, can we really risk shunning our beloved ones away from us by wearing a perfume they absolutely hate? You might be really fond of your magnolia and peony Gucci fragrance, but if those around you are this close to filing a restraining order because of it, is it really worth it?

Most of the time, this is the case of boyfriends and husbands. As the stereotype has it, there are some men that truly don’t pay much attention to tedious little details, like subtle hairstyle changes or a change in nail polish color. Sometimes they may not even notice you’ve traded your Gucci flagrance for a Versace, but the moment a scent that doesn’t resonate with them reaches their noses, they can definitely notice that.

Surely, all men are different and just how much attention to detail they possess varies from one case to another. But generally speaking, there are some perfumes for women that most of them can agree on.

Perfumes For Women

The “Girl Next Door” Fragrance

Just like attires and accessories, perfumes need to be matched to the situation. When making a run to the grocery store or when meeting up with your significant other at the park, you can’t be wearing the luxurious Body by Burberry, for example. When several researchers started a quest dedicated to the discovery of male preferences in terms of perfumes for women, they concluded that many like a scent that oozes clean simplicity.

Don’t we all like the feeling of having just taken a shower? It doesn’t only feel good, it smells good too. The interviewed gentlemen all gave a big thumbs–up to the natural and refreshing scents. Top examples for this particular odor include Dior’s famed orchid-infused J’adore and the Estee Lauder Pure White Linen, which soothes our senses with its blend of freesia and dewy greens.

Perfumes For Women

Don’t Wear Your Desserts

As far as scents that are at the bottom of the preference list go, many men have agreed that anything that resembles the smell of food isn’t exactly the epitome of sensuality. In this instance, strangely enough, chocolate is one of the least preferred fragrances. It’s something that we can easily agree with, given the fact that it’s a fairly tricky odor that requires a certain level of mastery to get right. However, its eternal ice-cream rival vanilla is actually one of the best exceptions to the rule.

It’s understandable why vanilla would be a hit among men and women alike. It’s of exotic origins and it’s a scent that can be recognized from a mile away. Moreover, its incredible versatility leaves room for plenty of combinations and fusions. Clean Skin experimented with this versatility, offering us a fragrance that took the mellifluous scent of vanilla and melded it with musk and amber.

Perfumes For Women

Sex Appeal via Woods and Florals

This might come off as a surprise, but wearing a spicy and woody fragrance can make a huge impact during a first meeting. Men who had come in contact with the musky scents said that a woman wearing this perfume leaves the impression of outgoingness and independence. In fact, some of them were completely won over by the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy, whose soft wood scents, pepper, and vanilla orchid combination really lives up to the name.

But an even bigger surprise is the fact that the smell behind some of the most popular perfumes for women wasn’t all that appreciated. Flowers are the foundation of essentially every fragrance, we know that, but it seems like many of these classics have become outdated. Some men have stated that perfumes that reek too strongly of flowers remind them of “an old lady.” That obviously doesn’t mean flowers should become the pariahs of the perfume industry. It’s all narrowed down to the right balance of flowery scents, like in the case of Dior Addict 2, which is a classy lily of the valley flagrance that was a huge hit among the gentlemen who partook in the research.

Perfumes For Women

The Scent of Luxury

This, right here, explains why some sweet flowery perfumes flopped during the experiment. Although the majority of men generally prefer their lifelong partners to be younger, they don’t seem to want them to smell according to their age. When asked why, they simply said that they don’t want the fragrance to make them feel like they’re going out with a high school girl. This is why sophisticated and mature perfumes of the likes of Si Lolita and Daisy Marc Jacobs managed to appeal to the senses of the men who tried them.

Perfumes like the famous Burberry Body fragrance smell like luxury, which instantly give a boost of femininity. Funnily, this isn’t the best part. The conductor of the research also concluded that these scents make men estimate the woman wearing them as twelve pounds thinner than her actual weight. That being said, don’t avoid spicy floral scents because they can turn you into a walking goddess of sophistication.

The moral of this story is simple: have courage and experiment. Naturally, don’t lose grip on your identity when choosing to pursue one of these vibes mentioned above. Perfumes do more than shroud us in a pleasant scent. They tell a story, something about who we are, and they can often be incredibly influential factors in a first-time meeting.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: fashion, lifestyle, perfumes, perfumes for women

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