In an effort to finish a Fan Fiction that I am writing, I will not be posting any entries for a few weeks. I am sorry for any inconvenience. - Aubrie

Manly Monday!

I haven't had one of these in a while, and sadly this one is also going to be short because I have an oral presentation due tomorrow, therefore I need to finish my index cards and PowerPoint. Rawr, college... Ok, so on with the point - Last week, I was completely blown away by a very kind and genuine gesture that one of my classmates pulled and it gave me the idea for this particular entry.



It was just after our art class and we were all packing up and getting ready to go home. Now, in our art class, we have a lot of supplies that takes about three arms to carry, it seems. However, one of my guy friends proved to be a true gentleman when he asked to carry a few things of mine to my car. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Throughout the Hey Arnold! series, Arnold often asked Helga if he could carry her books for her. I always thought this was one of the cutest and most romantic things that happend throughout the series, but always thought it couldn't ever happen in real life. Boy, was I proven wrong!

Ladies, please be wary if a stranger asks you to carry your possessions. I have only been going to school here for a couple of weeks, but I said he could help me because the parking lot at the school is a very public place, and my car was pretty close to the entrance to the school anyway. Under slightly different circumstances, I would have declined his offer.

So here I was, being given a break from carrying all of that stuff, and while he and I have the same amount of supplies, he truly didn't mind carrying extra. Men? You, too, can become a potential Arnold for a figurative Helga if you become generous with your time and kindly in your actions.

Weekend Bash!

Surprise!!! I've added a new day to post. I was going to post a Weekend Bash! when I first started the whole scheduled posts deal, but I didn't seem to remember. Grr, I hate that. Anyway, I feel as though this blog has strayed from its original purpose. Not that it really had much of one, but I'd like to think it had more to do with the Hey Arnold! franchise than I've led on. So Weekend Bash! is all about my thoughts on everything regarding Hey Arnold!

This week, I'll make an interesting start!



Did you know that there are chapter books for Hey Arnold!? There are nine in all, four of them are based on episodes, one is based on the movie, but the other four are completely independent, never-been-made-for-television originals!



I was just taking a look at Amazon, and I found that a few of these books in new condition is EXTREMELY PRICEY!!! One of them I saw with a price tag of over $1,000.00! What? For a Hey Arnold! book?! I guess even the book people know how awesome Hey Arnold! is. Someday, I hope it's in such high demand that they bring it back to television. That's my lifelong wish.



BRING ME MY HEY ARNOLD!!!!!

If they get The Jungle Movie out before I die, I will have lived a full life. Now, back to my studies!

Friday Night Movie!

AHH! I almost forgot that it's Friday! I've been so busy today! Plus I got lost on the complete other side of the city, which is much busier and more conjested than I'm used to. I only have an hour to type this up before the place with WiFi closes, so let's get started, shall we?

This week's movie: A Woman of Substance



Ok, this isn't exactly a movie, it's a mini-series, but it is absolutely inspiring! This is by far one of my favorite things to watch. It's about a young woman named Emma Harte who works for almost nothing as a maid. She's basically near the bottom of the social scale. A twist of fate happens and she quits her job as a maid to find work elsewhere. Driven with hate, Emma climbs her way up the ladder and becomes a very rich and powerful woman. This woman totally OWNS!

A Woman of Substance is based on the book of the same title, written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Usually I try to read the book before the movie, but it took me a long time to find the book. I just bought the book last week and after I'm done with my college homework for the weekend, I'm going to start it! I'm excited because I've read that the author says the movie matched her book pretty well.



I chose this movie not only because it's one of my favorites, but because the message is extremely inspiring. Achieving power and making your way to the top is a challenge that most people don't want to take the time or effort to achieve. The thing is, you need to break a sweat to get what you want. Some people are afraid to try new things, but the thing is, you need to say you're going to do it and not go back on your word. For a few years I kept saying I was going to go to college, and never did until I finally forced myself out there.

In the movie, Emma Harte is driven by hatred and in a way I have been, too (I hated that everyone kept telling me I wouldn't amount to much. I'll show them!). I honestly don't think it's very healthy. Helga G. Pataki is driven by love, and that's why I love her so much. Let something drive you (let's hope it's not hate) and you'll be able to achieve anything!



PATAKI FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

Makeover Wednesday!

College is busier and more brutal than I thought it would be. Yuck. That and the WiFi where I live was down for a few days, so I hadn't have been able to get online anyway. Sorry! Ok, so we're back to Wednesday, and that means it's makeover time!



Today's topic: Achieving pearly whites.

I'm pretty picky about my teeth. I try to keep my teeth pretty white because I get extremely self-conscious about my teeth at times. What are some causes of discoloration in the teeth?



Smoking or the use of tobacco is quite possibly the biggest deal. I've seen smokers with brown to black teeth or even no teeth because there was so much damage! The use of tobacco is not only bad for your teeth, it's also detrimental to your overall health. You think your teeth look bad? Imagine your insides. My advice? Quit now. You'll be glad you did.

Drinking certain beverages such as soda, coffee, tea, or wine, can cause staining on the teeth. My advice is to drink through a straw, or just nix these beverages and go for all natural aqua. Water is healthier for you anyway. These beverages I've mentioned actually dehydrate you.

Poor dental hygeine also causes discoloration, which is an obvious one, but important none the less. If possible, brush after every meal. If you can't do that, brush your teeth in your morning routine, and swish with mouth wash after every meal. That way you'll be able to prevent stains as well as bacterial buildup.

Now, I'm sure you've heard of those oh so wonderful (Oh my god, I just pulled a Lila Sawyer) tooth whitening products that completely eat up your stains as well as your money, but is it really worth it? You can actually whiten your teeth naturally without having to fork over a $60 bill every few weeks. I've also listed one tip on how to make it at least look like you have whiter teeth.



Solution One: Brush your teeth with baking soda. You can add a few drops of lemon, or a few drops of water to form a paste, then simply brush your teeth! You can use baking soda in place of your regular toothpaste, or you can rotate the usage of both. Also, my dentist told me that the best way to brush your teeth is to do so in a circular motion at a very slight angle so the bristles reach every crevice of your tooth. Don't forget to brush your tongue! It's a bacterial breeding ground!



Solution Two: Mash up some strawberries (DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO STRAWBERRIES) and use the mashed strawberry paste to brush your teeth. The paste can be left alone or mixed with baking soda. I suggest brushing a second time with either the baking soda or your regular toothpaste so you won't have any seeds in your smile. Strawberries have a certain acid in them that actually fight stains.



Solution Three: This I've never really read about or anything, but it's been working for me. I grabbed a bunch of apples in my last grocery trip and have found that by biting into an apple a few times, my teeth felt as though they were scraped clean. After eating my apple, I simply brushed my teeth (sugar is like a buffet for bacteria! Can't have that on my teeth!). The overall appearance of my teeth has changed slightly with this little tidbit.



Solution Four: Get a tan. I DO NOT recommend tanning beds or sitting outside for several hours because this can damage your skin SO MUCH! Here's a secret: I'm half-Mexican and I'm white as paper and even though I'm in my 20s, I've been told I look 14-17. Why? Because I avoid tanning beds and the sun at all costs. I take vitamin D supplements and consume vitamin D enriched foods and beverages. What I do recommend is using a bronzer or self-tanner. Making the rest of you look dark will make your teeth look white because of the contrast. Don't go all orange on me, instead opt for a lotion that doesn't change your appearance overnight, but over time so you are aware of your color. Wear gloves when you apply so you don't stain your hands. I recommend Moist Hemp Bronzing Moisturizer by Creative Lab. It looks like a natural tan, and it smells NOTHING like a bronzer. It actually smells really sweet. Use it after exfoliating in the shower, and for everyone's sake, don't overdo it. A little bronze is enough. There are enough Oompa Loompas on this earth.



Solution Five: Chew on sugar-free gum such as Orbit or Trident. It's good for your teeth, and it smells good. My personal favorite is Sweet Mint, by Orbit. When I've just had a snack and am on the go without mouthwash or anything, I always have a pack of gum on hand.

Take care of your chompers! Be gentle while brushing! Besides having white teeth, keep your breath fresh. You'll never know when you'll be kissing your beloved!

Friday Night Movie!

Alright, all you chuckleheads, it's another Friday and I promised this entry wouldn't feature a chick flick. I was actually having trouble figuring out which movie I wanted to feature, but I became inspired after I started one of my college classes.

So, I've decided that tonight's movie is: The Godfather



Here's the story behind why I picked The Godfather. In one of my classes, there's this kid named Gino (I hope that's the way it's spelled, because that would be even more awesome!). And the two times I've had class this week, he's had his hair slicked back, and he was wearing a nice suit shirt and a tie. I swear, his look just SCREAMS mobster!



Now, this movie is truly a classic, but I will warn you that it is super long. It's based on a novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. Forgive me, because it's been a while since I've actually viewed the movie, sadly it's not in my DVD collection. The story begins in New York with "Don" Vito Corleone, the head of a mafia family, who is accepting requests for favors at his daughter's wedding. Throughout the movie, threats are made, people are killed, and cars blow up! It's kind of an insider's view of what mobsters are all about.

Amazingly, there is an episode in Hey Arnold! that parodies The Godfather, and that episode is Big Gino. And THAT is why the Gino in my class inspired me. However, the kid in my class seems like a friendly person. In fact, I heard him humming a tune before class yesterday, but his overall look reminds me of cartoon Gino.



I really wish I had a photo of the kid to compare, but you'll just have to use your imaginations.

Thank you all for being patient with me, I've been really busy with moving and now starting college. If I have to, I may switch my post dates around so they'll work with my schedule.

Makeover Wednesday!

I've decided to use Wednesdays to disperse my knowledge of everything girl-related. From hair coloring to lovely pedicures, from hats to high heels! I'll be giving some tips and hints as well as personal opinions and ideas on how to keep looking beautiful. Stay tuned on Wednesdays, girls!



Today's topic: Taming dry, frizzy hair.

Frizzy hair comes from environmental factors, as well as damage from heated styling tools or chemical treatments.

My own naturally wavy hair has been a giant nest thanks to a previous bleach-blonding experiment. I have also been the victim of extreme day-to-day heat styling. So, for several months I've been trying new tactics and experimenting with all sorts of products in order to achieve the soft locks that I once had.

So let's see how we can tame those tangles!



Step One: While in the shower, shampoo and condition with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Before using the conditioner, gently squeeze any excess water out of your hair. I highly recommend products that contain nourishing oils such as the products in the photos above (Dove Nourishing Oil Care, One N' Only Argan Oil Moisture Repair). Do not attack your hair with the towel. Gently squeeze excess water and pat out the moisture.



Step Two: If you can help it, allow your hair to air-dry. While you're waiting, apply a leave-in. Personally, I'm a big fan of One N' Only Argan Oil (photo above). The trick is not to use heat-styling tools very often, but if you are going to have to blow dry your hair, then apply a heat protector either over the leave-in or in place of it. I'm in love with TRESemme Heat Tamer (photo above). Otherwise, leave your hair to air-dry.



Step Three: If you have air or blow dried your hair, but still need to style your hair for an event, spritz your hair with a heat protector, or use a protecting cream. I've only just started using Ion Healing Jojoba Flat Iron Cream (photo above), but my hair felt nice and soft afterwards!



Step Four: Use protein treatments once to three times a week if you have dyed or bleached hair. I use One N' Only Brazilian Tech Keratin shampoo and conditioner (photo above). The reason keratin and protein treatments shouldn't be used excessively is because sometimes it can actually dry out the hair, but it's needed if your hair has been bleached because basically, when one bleaches their hair, they're taking out the protein from it.



Step Five: I have naturally dark chocoloate locks, but am always experimenting with hair color, especially bleach, which is a definite no-no if you want healthy hair. My whole head of hair was turned blonde in one of my hair-coloring experimentations, and I found out that I don't look very good with blonde hair. In order to get back to my natural color I used a box of hair color that you can buy from any drug store. That was a big mistake. Those kits actually lift color out of your hair in order to deposit the new color, even the ones that say semi-permanent. If your intent is to go darker, use a hair glaze. Hair glazes are deposit only and no lift. I just recently used Wella's Color Charm Demi Permanant No Lift (photo above) and after rinsing out the color and using a moisturizing conditioner, my hair looked and felt healthier. Also, if you are going darker, get a shade or two lighter than what you really have in mind.



Step Six: Get your hair trimmed regularly. It's been a few months since my hair was blonde and there's still quite a bit of damage left that I've been cutting off and every time I get a trim, my hair feels much better. Try not to have your hair stylist razor-cut your hair; sometimes razor cuts lead to pulling and tugging at your tresses, causing breakage. Some expert stylists are able to cut your hair to look like it has been razor-cut, but without using such a damaging technique. Get your hair trimmed every four to six weeks.

Now, let me wrap this up. All in all, be very gentle with your tresses. Dry, frizzy hair is more likely to break off when not handled correctly. Try not to use heat to style your hair either, if you can help it. I hope these tips help you out! Tune in next Makeover Wednesday, ladies!

PS. I will be visiting my brother for a week, so I'm sorry if I won't be able to update this blog until then.

Manly Monday!

I do believe that many men who are willing to read from this blog will truly benefit from it. All too often, women are the ones who are practically killing themselves in a relationship. It's only understandable that a man should pick up his fair share. Therefore, I'm introducing Manly Mondays. One day out of the week where I talk about how men can improve their present and future relationships. Sadly, today's Manly Monday! is going to be short, but beneficial nonetheless.



Chivalry is pretty much dangling by a fine thread, practically clinging to life support! But, my fine fellows, it isn't dead yet. Sadly, chivalry is beginning to come to a close. Well, as women, we simply can't let that happen. For what attracts a woman to a man is his ability to be a gentleman at all times. No woman wants to be around a neanderthal who yells and spits and, for some reason, can't seem to find the toilet when they pee.



Today is going to be a simple gentlemanly tip, and one I'm sure that every man knows (but sadly doesn't act on in most cases): Opening the door for others.

Now, let's be honest. I know how to open a door. I'm sure every woman knows how. But to tell you the truth, it's a very nice and considerate gesture when a man does it. All too often during a date or even out with a good guy friend of mine, I am stuck being the door person because the boy suddenly lost the ability to reach out for a door handle.

Opening a door is so very simple, so why should it matter? I'll tell you why it matters, bucko! For a guesture that is so small and simple, it actually says a lot about a man. It shows you are confident and respectful, which are two aspects of a man that a woman finds enduring. The more you respect a woman, the more respect you'll gain in return.

And this doesn't mean you should just open the door for women. It's nice to know that you'll open a door for your date, but what about your elderly? Or a stranger holding a large parcel who is trying to open the door to their complex? Opening doors for others should be second nature. Showing kindness and respect for others will benefit you considerably.



With this knowledge you don't have to wear a ton of chain mail or own a steed to be a woman's knight in shinging armor. Tune in on Mondays, men.

Storybook Sunday!

It's a glorious Sunday afternoon! Before I moved, Sundays were usually my only days off and I actually kept myself busy all day with stuff I didn't get to do throughout the rest of the week while I was working. But today I finally have time to laze about, which is exactly how things should go on a Sunday.

Whenever I have free time I usually get on my computer or cellphone and go to FanFiction.net for some juicy Hey Arnold! fanfiction. Not all works in the Hey Arnold! community are fiction. In fact, one of my favorite authors is one that I enjoy specifically for her essays on the Hey Arnold! show. There is one particular essay of hers that I would like to suggest to all who are just now entering into the Hey Arnold! obsession.

Today's reading is: An Ultimate Hey Arnold! Essay, written by HAFanForever

This essay gives a brief introduction to the show, such as who the creator is and how long it aired, as well as future ideas that were never put to work. It also goes on to describe in detail two of the main and, in the Hey Arnold! community, most well liked characters. I do believe that this is one of the best essays that describe the Arnold and Helga relationship perfectly.

Do not be hesitant to read this because you are already familiar with Hey Arnold! This essay is also a very good read for those who are quite familiar with the show, but would like a new perspective of things. I have been quite familiar with the show for some time, but this essay actually helped me learn a few more tid-bits that I had not thought of before, or had not put much thought into in the beginning. It has been a nice refresher for me.

Do take the time to give this essay a read. I promise you will not be disappointed.

For more of HAFanForever's works, take a look at her FanFiction profile HERE.

Friday Night Movie!

I've decided to have a more scheduled blog starting today. I've been wanting to do this for a while, but haven't had much time. I'm not going to make any promises right now because I am still becoming adjusted to my own schedule, so just bare with me for the time being.

Today is Friday, the beginning of the weekend, the beginning of freedom and sanity (or insanity if you so please)! And what better way to start the weekend with your girl friends or even a pint of your favorite ice cream flavor for a night of awesome flicks?

I know it's extremely cliche, but I really dig chick flicks. A lot of them are really cheesy and lame, but I think it's embedded into all girls' subconscious to love them anyway.

Tonight's pick is Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.



Why did I pick this one? Because I just watched it last night... Haha! But it made me realise, between the cheesy lines and lame acting, that the movie was in some way similar to Arnold and Helga's relationship.

Rosie really likes Tad Hamilton, but Pete really loves Rosie. Kind of like how Arnold really likes Lila Sawyer (or liked, according to Timberly Loves Arnold, when Arnold said he was done with pursuing Lila), but Helga really loves Arnold.





What do Lila and Tad have in common? To everyone else, they are two perfect beings. Lila is beautiful, Tad is handsome. They both have a sort of act going on. Lila has the nice-girl act down, which attracts Arnold, while Tad acts chivalrous in order to keep Rosie attached.





What do Helga and Pete have in common? They are both head over heels for Arnold and Rosie, yet they dare not say anything to anyone. Although, I do think that Helga would go to more extremes to see that Arnold is in good hands, while throughout the movie I was a bit disappointed in Pete's willingness to do the same. He actually acted kind of like a jerk a few times, but then, Helga is kind of a bully to Arnold.





What do Arnold and Rosie have in common? I think the fact that they are both dense as rocks is a huge deal. They don't realise that Helga or Pete love them so much. They are also blinded by infatuation. Lila seems perfect to Arnold, and Tad seems perfect to Rosie, but the fact is, their personalities do not match as couples at all. Lila is too simple for Arnold, and Tad is too complicated for Rosie (because Rosie is more of a small town girl and Tad is a famous, busy actor).





I feel like this is just an essay comparing the movie to my obsession with Hey Arnold!, so I'll just close by saying that I recommend you watch this movie. And for men who aren't chick-flick-shy, I also recommend you watch this movie because Pete says something to Tad about Rosie that seriously made me gush and would probably make any other girl gush if it was said about them and of course was not made up.

Now, I know that Helga Pataki is likely not one of those girls who will spring for a chick flick, so on the next Friday Night Movie I promise I'll pick a different genre. =]

What If?

I'm sure many of you have wondered, boys and girls, what would have happened if you would have done one little thing different. What if you had taken the red pill instead of the blue pill*? What if you had ordered the soup with your meal instead of the salad**? These are actually quite little things that probably wouldn't even matter. You can always order a soup the next time you go to that restaurant. I'm talking about something of bigger importance. Something you probably can't change once it has been done. I am talking about interacting with someone you may particularly like.

When I was still in high school, there was this boy that I had a big crush on. One day, after school was out, I was talking to him in the parking lot by his truck. We had talked until just about everyone else had left. That's when I got the guts to finally tell him how I felt. I told him that I liked him, and his reaction was better than I expected, because he told me he felt the same way. I was so excited that I wanted to kiss him. And why not? We both just confessed to liking each other, no harm in sharing a kiss, right? But for some reason I thought kissing him would be too much, so I kept my lips to myself and thought, maybe tomorrow.

When tomorrow showed up, my heart felt as though it had gotten thrown down a flight of stairs. The boy I had just confessed my feelings for was acting quite intimate with a girl I had never seen before, but word had gotten out fast that she was now DATING this boy. The SAME boy who had just one day ago confessed to me that he liked me! And that was when I saw the two steal a kiss in the hallway.

It has been years since this has happened, and I am over the kid, but ever since then I have always wondered to myself, what if I would have kissed him after our confessions? That thought used to torture me all those years ago, but now I just think it's silly because I can tell you what would have happened.

This kid I had once liked was probably one of the worst choice in boys, and not because he broke my heart, but because he was one of those bad-boy types who did illegal drugs and had sex with girls he had just met. I did not know this until later, but it gives me chills to think what would have happened. I would most likely be a single mother, living in a trailer home and suffering from drug withdrawals because I couldn't afford both diapers and cocaine. I would barely even have a life if I would have kissed this kid in high school.

That seems a bit far-fetched, but I truly think the smallest decisions can change our lives for better or worse. And maybe my imaginary present wouldn't have happened if I would have kissed the kid, but all I know is that when you think you've made a wrong decision, don't get hung up on it, especially if it involves a guy or a girl. If things don't happen between the two of you, maybe that's how it was meant to be. Looking back at all of the boys that I had once liked or dated, a lot of them weren't the ones for me at all and I'm glad nothing more came out of those crushes and relationships.

Bottom line, don't get hung up on the what ifs when it comes to guys and girls. There is still a Mr./Ms. Right out there for everyone.

I've been meaning to mention this earlier, if you feel you have made a decision that lead to an abusive relationship, you still have a choice of getting out of that relationship. Not all decisions are final.

*reference to the movie The Matrix
**reference to the television show Family Guy

How to Overcome an Embarrassing Situation

First of all, I'm sorry for not posting anything in over a month. I was trying to figure out what to write about actually, but a couple of days ago when my butt unintentionally collided with the floor I finally got an idea!



How to overcome an embarrassing situation!



Step One: Don't Become Angry
Embarrassing things happen to everyone and you have to understand this in order to overcome your little slip up. Don't blame others for what happened, and don't blame yourself either. Getting angry at yourself will only make you feel worse in the long run. My advice to you is to just take a deep breath and let it slide.



Step Two: Laugh
This is quite cliche, but it works! Laughing is a natural healer, and the more you laugh about it (non-maniacally of course) the less threatened you feel by the situation.



Step Three: Flight or Fight?
After having embarrassed yourself, it's really tempting to run to the nearest cemetary as quickly as possible to dig your own grave, but let's be honest, that's what everyone expects you to do. Instead, surprise them by sticking around for a while longer, or by walking away as if nothing bad happened.



Step Four: Be Yourself
If anyone dares to address what you did, admit to it in a proud manner! Knowing that whatever happened didn't get you down will most likely get them to respect you. People like others who are ok with themselves.



Step Five: Don't Be Afraid
After an embarrassing situation, some people would rather never show their faces in public again. The thing is, you still have to go to school/work/etc.. It would be irrational to hide from the world. Realize that what happened is in the past and everyone will have forgotten about it by tomorrow.

And that, my friends, is how to overcome an embarrassing situation. Until next time!

It Girl: Eyebrows

We all know how Johnny Stitches described Helga in the episode It Girl: "She's brilliant! That pink dress, that whimsical hair, that powerful eyebrow! That's the girl I want! That girl is IT!"

What makes a girl "It" anyway? According to a few sources (such as Wikipedia... Don't tell my high school English teachers), "It" is absolute attraction. It can be a quality of mind or a physical attraction, perhaps even both.



The woman who made It-girl a widely known term is Clara Bow, who played in 1927 film It (photo above).

In all honesty, I think a lot of things make Helga a truely unique It-girl. I'm only going to mention one thing today, but I'll post more It-girl entries in the future. For now, it's all about one of Helga's most noticeable physical traits: her "powerful eyebrow".



Thin eyebrows were more Clara Bow's thing, a thing of the past. Naturally full, well-groomed eyebrows (not ones that look like they were painted on with a Sharpie, such as in the photo below) are quite unique and also quite bold! Johnny Stitches didn't say they were powerful for no reason.



The fact that Helga's eyebrows are large and in charge really suit her and her personality. Just remember, you don't need to pull out Ol' Betsy to be powerful. After all, Helga is very feminine under her tough exterior.





Because Helga is my all-time favorite character, even I have decided to grow out my brows. I would post a photo, but superheroes tend to keep their identity a secret. ;)

Please take note that Helga Pataki does in fact sport a unibrow, which is even more unique than separated bold eyebrows, but also less accepted in today's modern culture. If one does have the guts to sport a unibrow, or already does, MORE POWER TO YOU! =D After all, Frida Kahlo also had a unibrow and is also considered very iconic!





Until next time, my little minions!