Apps for You

So yadda yadda yadda. I know - I neglected my account. But all that matters is that I'm beginning to post once again. Between school, basketball, piano, and confirmation I'm just the slightest bit busy.

Noe, getting down to business. I download lots of apps and some I think you guys would like. Of course we all have our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Pinterest , and many other social media apps, I've found a few more - one bring a game - that I'd like to share.

The first is Covet Fashion which is the game. In this game, you design fashions with different requirements for different events and real people vote. Depending on your ratings, you'll earn different prizes. This has recently become very popular. Its a free app if you're interested.

Next is one many of you probably have, but I a obsessed with...Wattpad. Yeah, I know. Books. But I love it and you should to - not that I'm forcing you to do anything...

Moving on. A shopping app called Vinted. People sell their own clothes for a much cheaper price in good condition from many of the brands we love like The Gap, American Eagle, and Maurice's.

If you're religious, then you'll love Instapray. The app is a community of Christians praying for each other. You can ask for prayers or give inspiration to others.

The final app I'd like to share is Wanelo. Its also become popular and lots of you probably have it, but I can have an obsession over it anyways.

Hope you download any of these apps and enjoy them. They're quality!

YouTube

So for all of you reading, you know I haven't posted for awhile. Well, not to make up excuses, but basketball season has been starting up and some things went terribly wrong at basketball practice yesterday (some terribly scary things) and it was semester this week and the football team has made it to the semi-finals today and won so we're going to the championships next Thursday, so I'm very busy.

But, on top of that all, a few nights a week, I've found time in my chaotic schedule to create a small YouTube channel and watch a few other YouTubers. If you'd like to see, you can view my fashion, DIY, make-up, haul, and randomness channel right about...here.

So please go follow me and any of the people I follow. I especially love PiinkSparkles and plan to write her a letter to be added into one of her P.O. Box hauls. She's a great inspiration and she deserves everything that all of her fans around the world give her.

That's all I have to say for now. Stay tuned for more and we hope to see you soon!

P.S. If you'd like to hear about the terribly scary things that happened at basketball practice, just as in the comments section and I'll post if you like, although my life isn't so important as yours, beautiful. XO

I'm Back

I now have neglected you to the max. Although I don't have many regular readers, I still liked to post regular. Now that I'm back in school, I've got a lot to say. So, if you care, I'll catch you up on my life.

Summer was full of fair project and record books for 4-H. Fair went very well, and I almost went to state, but was just short of qualifying on both of the projects that got considered.

I've had many great summer reads. For a few, I read the Selection, the Elite, and the One, all an amazing trilogy with an extension into the next generation coming out in 2015. Right now I'm reading the second book in Divergent, Insurgent.

School started into junior high. I started volleyball the first day. We had a great season with wins and losses (but mostly wins), and I can't wait for next year already. Soccer season ended. Our record was 3-2-1. Can't wait for the spring.

Basketball starts November 10. I'll try it out even though I haven't played since 3rd grade, but I can make a free throw if I get fouled. You'll have to wish me luck with that.

Again, I've become interested in YouTube and decided to make my own videos this time. So if you're interested in fashion, beauty, singing, DIY, and crafts, check out the link to my channel below!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR3VUcOsHJmXgb2G6w5S-OQ

So thanks for reading and becoming as loyal as ever and I'll hope to see you soon. Please check out the YouTube channel and Subscribe to my channel. And do what the video says. You always do what the video says. =)

See you soon!

The Selection

I've began reading yet another trilogy. Many of you have probably heard about it, if not read it. It's a really great love story, more of the Bachelor TV show, but it's better in this kingdom in Angeles where American and Maxon truly love each other.

Right now, I'm on book 3, The One. The first two books are The Selection and The Elite. I hope you've liked the books as much as I have. If so, tell us what else you've read that's similar to this trilogy so I can read it and tell you if I loved it as much as you guys did!

Write soon,

Brianna

A Follower Of God

This week, I went to church camp. With other teenagers my age, we learned about Him, His lessons, and everything he sacrificed for us. Although I got homesick and I didn't feel that I fit in with the other kids, I still had fun most of the time including a trip to CiCi's (although the pizza made everyone sick. I didn't eat the pizza, though.) We also went mini golfing after the pizza and on Thursday, took a trip to Adventureland, just another gift God has given us.

Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center has given me a new insight on God. I hope to be a more religious person now that I've learned so much more in the week that I was there. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait for more Sunday School in the fall with the most awesome Sunday School teacher, Becky Fish.

I hope you're religious, and have stayed that way. God made you the way you are, and as long as you believe in him, your life will be okay. Even if things don't go your way, you shouldn't give up on God, because things will just get worst because you're not a follower of God.

Write soon,

Brianna

Fair Judging

Yesterday was fair judging. I got 8 out of 9 of the projects I signed up for done. Would you like to hear what I did for each one? If not, stop reading. If you do, keep going. I've got time.

Ceramic Turtle-I painted a ceramic turtle and painted on it with inspirational words on him in white, gold, and grey. He got a blue.

Cloud Photo-Although I should've had a black or brown mat around my cloud photo, I got a blue in photography.

Pillow-After sitting FOREVER, my 9 square pillow was judged and got a blue.

Buying Used-This one is a little longer. The judge judged the whole thing for clothing, but she said it would go further in Consumer instead of clothing, so she changed topics so I got judged AGAIN, but she got me Considered for State.

Chocolate Chip Cupcakes-I made some chocolate chip cupcakes that apparently the judges liked more than me. They gave me a blue.

Ginger Snaps-I made ginger snaps (and not even with my grandma's recipe), and the judges really liked them. She said I should have pictures and explain more of what my goal was. She said blue. Then na, considered them for state. But I was plenty okay with that. =)

History of the French Horn-After waiting FOREVER I got judge on my french horn project with a blue.

Self Determined-My last project that my mom thought would get considered got a blue. I think the judge didn't look it over very much. She talked more about the pictures than she did anything else, but she gave me a blue.

That was the end of my judging and I have to see today if I'm going to state, but we're probably not going to the fair today and I'm so anxious!


Also, shout out to my friends Jordan and Reagan. Happy birthday!

And my cat, Buddy's, birthday is tomorrow.

Buddy

So you've heard about my lovely guy, Buddy. Well, after coming back from our 4th of July vacay Sunday, we hadn't seen Buddy. It started that day and continued the next...and the next...all the way until today, and I had pretty much lost hope.

Last year, the week before Thanksgiving, his brother wandered off and we never saw him again. I thought that's what happened to Buddy, but this morning, my brother was playing tennis against the garage door and Buddy walked out of the shop. I guess he'd stayed there that night, but was very hungry, so maybe he'd gone on an successful hunt or got stuck in the corn but somehow found his way home.

Buddy may be a dumb cat, but he can be smart when he wants to be. =) I'm so glad to have him back and I'll gladly give him plenty of love so he'll stay here until the day he dies. (Unless we move, then he's coming with me!)

4-H Season

Well, if 4-H goes on in your state, you know that it's fair season. For my county, judging is the 15th and fair is the 16th through the 20th. Today, I've been working for hours on my french horn history project for music and it's becoming a complete failure. My mom had the...GREAT idea to glue the timeline to my board instead of taping it which made it look even worse than before. But I'll get it done...eventually.

None of my projects are done, and no one wants to help. I have 9 projects, and all my mom wants to do is focus on my brother's 5 projects which he doesn't even want to do which is very unfortunate, but I guess I can't change her mind. I've already made her seriously mad a few times too many.

I guess while she sleeps, I'll go ahead and do my clothing project. I decided to find an outfit themed casual for under $20. I found a long-sleeved shirt with light fabric kind of a blue-ish green-ish color with buttons half-way down the middle. It goes with a pair of long 5 R jeans from Lee's that were really cute and to finish it off, a pair of Emu boots for $4.50.

My mom and I had never heard of the brand so just a bit ago, I looked at them. I got a pair similar to these and I was like. "Oh my, God. I got THESE boots for just a tiny price." And they're in awesome quality and JUST MY SIZE!!! And I promise you, they'll be worn plenty and a few questions might be asked about how I got them by a few of those girls who dream about shoes.

Anyway, very excited, but I gotta go work!

Birthday Week

Hello, readers! Sorry not to've written in so long! I had a fun time with my grandparents and other family this 4th of July weekend. What about you? My grandfather began to teach me archery and I'm sure we'll do more of it when we go camping later this month. My brother tried, but his little nine (almost ten!) year old body can't pull back the thirty-pounder. =)

Now, the reason I'm here is because I'd like to tell you about birthday week. In my house, we have three birthdays in a week, not to mention my grandma's.

My dad's was yesterday. We got him a John Deer shirt, a green plaid shirt (button down), and I got him a piece of wood that said "A father is a person who puts pictures where his money used to be." I liked it a lot.

Yesterday was also my grandma's birthday, but we never saw her or gave her a call, but Brandon got a present and Mom and Dad got cards because Grandpa must've dropped them off and we didn't even know it.

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday. She'll be turning the big 40! We were so great that we got her presents YESTERDAY while we were at Walmart because we needed pop and TP.

Anyway, since she doesn't read this blog, I can tell you that because she's going to Connecticut later this month, we got her an airplane pillow, luggage tags, a phone case, and a nice card. The card says, "You must be a really great Mom..."-open it-"because kid's like us don't happen to just anyone!"

It also came with a cool bag with butterflies because she really likes butterflies. =)

And on the 14th is Brandon's birthday. I, honestly, haven't gotten him anything, but he wants a mini ping-pong table. So I'm going to go look into that.

We'll see you later,

Brianna

Geneology

Well happy day-before-4th-of-July! I've been working on my fair projects because our 4-H county fair is in less than two weeks and I signed up for nine! Lately, I've been working on my geneology because that one's going to take a lot. I worked on it during the school year as an EAGLE project, and now I've got to put it all together in a tree. I've used Ancestry, which is really awesome, but now I need to put it all together. I've bought a tri-fold board and that's where all my ancestors are going. I hope to have pictures soon, but now, I need to finish!

By the way, if you're thinking of doing the same, or a family project, I'm going to individuals on Pages like this:

And it's going to go like that for the almost 300 people in my tree. Wish me luck and I'll tell you how I do! =)

Brianna

T.V.

I've got three shows for you. There's kind of two topics or "perks" of watching them.

1. You can be on the shows.
2. And you can win things and vote on some things.

Not to mention that they're all funny/action packed. =)

The first show I've got is American Ninja Warrior. It's very action packed with very strong people trying to cross the courses to become the first American Ninja Warrior. It's very fun to watch them to go through the difficult courses to see who wins.

The second show is America's Funniest Home Videos, which is very funny. It's some 25 years old or something and most of you have probably heard of it. Well, let me just say that it's worth it to watch. Very funny, you'll love it, every Wednesday.

The last show is Wipeout. There are some different competitions and themes that they have and the Johns (hosts) are very funny, too.

I hope you check out these shows and like them. And I apologize to any people who aren't Americans who can't watch this show, although hopefully there are some from your country.

Oh! And another show you might want to look into is America's Got Talent. This show is awesome. There's a whole bunch of different talents and it's a show worth watching! So check out this one two!

That's all the time I have, but I hope to see you later on my blog!

Brianna

2048

So maybe movies weren't such a hit, but who doesn't like games? I was gifted with this app thanks to a recommendation from my cousin about a game called 2048. 2048 is a thinking game, but not necessarily a math or multiplication game. You add up numbers (Ex. 2 + 2 = 4) Then you keep going and your goal is to keep going until you get to 2048. The tiles slide on a 4x4 board. I know this sounds really confusing now, but it'll make more sense later when you get it! You can find 2048 on the Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, or wherever you buy games.

Happy playing!

Movies

You've seen fonts and book suggestions. You've seen lots of things here, really. But how would you like to see movie recommendations? I've seen some really good movies lately and I've wanted to share them, but wasn't quite sure how. Because who cares about that when they can go on and on about the carnival in town (you'll hear about that later).

So my first movie is called Raising Izzie and I'm seeing it right now on the UP channel. I've seen lots of their movies and shows, and they've always seemed sketchy and like they all had the same plot, but this one is a little different.

Raising Izzie is about two girls who are living on their own-and they have been for awhile. Gertrude and her sister, Izzie, live alone and no one really knows. Gurty can copy her mom's signature and make excuses for why she's not there, but that's getting harder and harder. One day before school, Izzie leaves the heater on and doesn't shut it off. When they get back that night, they're apartment has been burned down and they have no where to go, so they go to Gertrude's junior high and try to sneak in, but they find her teacher there and everything is spilled out. She takes them home and...well, I can't tell you. =) I'm watching it right now but I can already tell it's going to be a great one! =)

The next one is another I watched today on UP. It's called Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio. It's about a baseball player who's life was murdered and he just wants to get away to find somewhere where his son, Bobby, can just be a normal kid. And then he meets a police officer there, Rachel and he starts to fall in love. But then...you'll have to watch the movie to find out. =)

I hope you find these movies and watch them because they're really great. They're similar to ones on Hallmark, but a little different.

Fonts

Neglecting my blog, I've done it again! I guess I've been so busy with softball and haven't had time to do things that I usually enjoy.

Although I've neglected my poor blog, I also have to say that lately I've become obsessed with fonts. There are some really cool ones that you can just download and POOF, an awesome story that looks pretty professional.

Here I have some links to the places where you can get them. I also have some for the upcoming 4th of July for all those Americans out there! =)

It may be bad that some of them link to another blog, but I love her blog so much! What a tough woman!

This is where you can download these fonts.

This is where you can download these fonts.

This is where you can download these fonts.

This is where you can download these fonts.

Trilogies and Book Tracking

Oh, sorry, I haven't written on my blog in forever! But I do have something to recommend for you. More like two things. You can find it here.

1. I've started a trilogy this week. It starts with Matched. It's kind of fantasy, futuristic, and action all balled up in one. All I can tell you is that Cassia, the main character, is matched with her life-long friend, Xander. She's really excited. Along with that, she meets Ky, but then her emotions are mixed because Ky is handsome and full of secrets just like she is. Read more and find out. Right now I'm on the second, Crossed. The final one is Reached.
2. The next thing I'd like to talk about is Goodreads. You can show people what you've read, what you're reading, find your friends, and find recommendations. It's really great. Send me a friend request, just look up Brianna Strohbehn. Hope to see you there!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is an important day to celebrate Moms everywhere. Well, there must be some spirit in the holiday because yesterday, my mom gave me $20 to buy her present because my dad was in the field planting.

So my brother and I walked around Target finding her a present. I found a coupon in the cards section so you texted a number to the TARGET number. I entered the coupon, but you had to spend $25. I knew I had $4 if we went a little over.

So we finished up and went to the register. She checked everything out and it was about $27. The lady scanned the coupon off my phone, but it didn't do anything. She tried for about 5 minutes to fix it, but nothing was working. I was really embarrassed.

Finally, she concluded that the $27 was the price. I told her, "I'm sorry, I don't have that much. Can you take the notebook off?"

She said sure and then I paid all of my allowance and the $20 for the stuff. The woman  behind us said, "How much for that notebook?" after we paid.

The cashier woman scanned it and told her. The woman bought it and gave it to us. How sweet! I think that you woman knew that I was getting a last-minute gift for my mom and that woman had a Christian heart. I'm glad that that woman was there, because that was my mom's favorite part of the gift!

I plan to give back to someone because of that action the one woman did. I encourage you readers to do this because it just made my day although I was very embarrassed at the fact I didn't have enough money.

Kitties!!!

Today I went to meet my soon-to-be-kittens and they are adorable! There were four originally, but one was taken by the owner's sister. There are still three and the mom. The kittens-one boys and two girls. The boy and one girl are getting spayed/neutered, but one will remain for my cat, Buddy, to mate with. Also, the mother could go with Buddy, too. Anyway, all have the main color of black. The boy has small white markings and the girls are orange-black pretty much, almost calico. We're hoping to get them next month since they'll be getting their operation the Tuesday after Memorial Day! These days are either going to go by slow as slow, or lightning speed, I don't know yet. We're just hoping their healthy and happy to go to our home. I wish I could get pictures, but they don't want to load from my home. To be continued!

Another Batch Of Kitties!

If you've been interested in my cats part of this blog, I'd like to tell you that I'll be getting more cats hopefully Wednesday of this week. (Super excited!) I'll be kind of experimenting with them (on their behavior, not some medicine I created. That would be cruel and I hate when people do that to animals!).

I'm hoping to see results. There are more details on this blog.

http://eagleprojectblog.blogspot.com/

Wish me luck!

Tea Time

Well, today was really busy. I had a visit from my grandparents and we had a small grill-out. Then the three generations of girls went to a "tea" which was a fundraiser at our church. Since the dresses were so small, I was one of the models and got to wear several of the dresses. All together I wore four dresses, and they were all really pretty.

Although playing dress up as a kid wasn't always my cup of tea (pun not intended), it was really good to be part of this because it was a fundraiser for our church's women's group.

Another important thing I'd like to mention is at this vintage show, there was our "2014 Bride", who'd been married in January and modeled her dress with her bridesmaid daughter, and I also thought it was really great when she told everyone about her dress (every dress had it's own story). She said that after the tea, she was going to give her dress to Angel Dresses, a place where they make clothes for infants who die when they're just babies. I thought it was really great and something I want to do when I get married.

Catching Up

I've realized I haven't been blogging very much, but there's very good reasoning behind it. My school eventually blocked it after they figure out I was on here, but after I asked today if our tech adminstrator knew any other blog sites, so he just unblocked this so I can write to my dear readers! So now I'm back, and I hope to continue my lives with you!

The Fault In Our Stars

You've seen me write small book reviews on here, but the Fault in Our Stars is the most touching book I have ever read. I am not an emotional person-about anything, and this book made me cry. This book is a must read and I can't wait to see the movie. It comes out June 6!

Soccer!

Well, soccer season  has begun and I am happy to say that today, we beat Grundy 4-1! We scored all of our goals in the second half and they scored the one early in the game. I think it's a great way to start this season and bring us to victorye at cup in June!

Easter Fashions

Well, boy have I been busy! The week before Easter and the teachers are piling up on homework! I've been looking forward to Easter ever since a week or two since I found the perfect orangish-pinkish dress for IZ Byer in the juniors section-my first from that area. It has a light Browne belt with lace detailing and a bronze metal clasp. I plan to wear a silver necklace, black heels about 3 inches, and maybe some sort of hair band got go with my 'do. Ya know-thinking and writing about all this makes me realize that I'm finally growing up- and high school is almost here! But maybe I should be glad because this is what I've always dreamed of!

Lady is Lucky!

You may have read about my cat, Lady. Well, I found her on a front cover of the newspaper, but then found it was a 20 pound cat, not mine. Turns out, Lady has been here the whole time and we didn't know it! She hangs with Buddy and Scout, although no where near one of us. I love having her around and can't wait to get more!

I don't know if Lady is lucky or if I am, but I'm glad to have her at home!

The Time-Traveling Fashionista

Bianca Turetsky-probably not a name you've heard before.

But now, it will be a household name if you've got some fashion-loving girl ages 10-14! Bianca writes a series called The Time-Traveling Fashionista. This series is about Louise Lambert-an almost normal middle school girl. Louise faces the normal-and something more. Louise gets an invitation to a fashion sale on a street she didn't know even existed- and then is transported to the Titanic! Find out Bianca Turetsky's vintage fashion magic in this series-you'll be sure to love it!

Lady's End

Well, I've been trying to tame Lady for the past week, and haven't paid much attention to my blog (dearest apologizes!). Any way, I went on a trip to the Wisconsin Dells for Spring Break with my mom and brother and on Wednesday night, my dad put Buddy in with Lady so she wouldn't be lonely. He went in the morning, and the cage door was open, Lady no where to be found. Now, I wasn't mad when I found out Thursday night, since I'd been frustrated with the feline. But I think she'll be best in the wild and Buddy will be glad to have more of the attention to himself. =)

Our next plans for cats are to get the kittens right when they can be weaned. That way, they'll be used to people right away. And I'm also hoping we can get more of Barb's (the lady who gave us Buddy and Voldy) cute kittens. And now that we're used to having six-week-old kittens- we know they'll grow to be big and fluffy and we'll have to duct tape proof the cage (they slip right through!). Wish us luck and let us hear your animal (especially cat!) stories!

My Lucky Lady

Today, I was given a new cat, whom we've named Lucky Lady. She's got golden-brown fur in stripes mixed with grey in black, but no spots. She's never been around people, and I was the first to touch her. She's been warming up to us real fast, and I hope soon she'll be ready to be my friend. I'm glad that she could be my cat, and I'm sure she'll be great with the boys (I'm thinking kittens with Scout). Just updating you. Go back on to your day and wish me luck with my Lucky Lady!

The Horses of Oak Valley Ranch

I've recently been acquainted with two books by Jane Smiley. Now, I'd ready the three books in The Horses of Oak Valley Ranch series. I met Pie in the Sky which is about Abby Lovitt, the main character who wants to teach her horse, Blue, to be a better jumper. He takes him to a jumping clinic, and the teacher hates him and puts her on another horse, Pie in the Sky. She likes Pie in the Sky, but wishes she could be on Blue. Find out the ending by reading the book.

Also, I am currently reading the next one, Gee Whiz. Blue has become a better jumper, and now people want to put another horse they own, Jack, into racing since his parents were amazing racers. They take him there and he becomes great. Also, they meet two new horses-Bee Bop and Gee Whiz. Gee Whiz, the rodeo horse-is huge. They train him a little, and he has great jumping potential. You and me both will find out the ending after we finish the book.

Good luck to you, and I hope you like the books. And don't jump ahead of yourself if you haven't read the other ones. In order-here is the series.

The Georges and the Jewels

A Good Horse

True Blue

Pie in the Sky

Gee Whiz

Activities To Do With Children When Babysitting

10 Activities to Do with Kids While You’re Babysitting | SittingAround.com Blog



A large portion of a teenager or pre-teenagers money can be made off of babysitting. But sometimes they run out of ideas. This is a list of 10 creative things to do with children while babysitting.

Noah

Years ago, I middle school student who belong to the same school district as I did was diagnosed with childhood cancer. He's been fighting this battle for 2 years. However, his battle ended last night. He came home from Iowa City yesterday. He had time with his family and then his friends around 4. There was a prayer group thing at 8 and he died sometime in his sleep. It's been very emotional already for the entire school district and we pray that he's now in God's hands. I also hope that you'll be praying for Kyleah Dougan, who was his girlfriend even before he was diagnosed with cancer. They've stayed strong and I know she'll never forget Noah. We all supported him, but it was hard and we're glad that he can be where he's in no pain any longer.

If you'd like to learn about Noah and his cancer life, please visit the link below. It tells what happened and keeps the people whom loved him and cared for him updated.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noahohrt

God's Ways

Although I'm no person obsessed with church and got (not like it's a bad thing), but for some reason I was thinking about Him today. It started this afternoon as I read one of my friends stories about a girl who's family lost their home and she's one of the shy girls. As I read it, I was thinking in my head that with God, she would've been better off, although her family still would've lost their house. It just comes to show how different God made us all.

Another thing relating to that is I was singing in the shower to the Miley Cyrus song, Our House, where she says in a lyric, "Only God can judge ya." When you think about it, it really is true. Sure other people can judge you, but only God's words should matter. That's why he made us all different. And I know I nor Miley Cyrus are the best person to tell you this since we are both judgemental people, but it's still true no matter who says it. I'd like you to think about it. Remember, God made you beautiful and you. Be you, because everyone else is taken. That's the way He wanted it to be.

Swimsuits

Now, it seems a little early to be talking about swimsuits unless you live in Florida, but I'd like to talk about the topic of swimsuits. First of all, I found my swimsuit yesterday at Kohl's, and I'm glad I did. At school, we're having a swimming unit that starts next week, and my old ones are too small. But before Kohl's, we went to nine stores, trying to find myself a swimsuit. My mom and dad don't approve of bikinis, so I was limited to tankinis and one pieces. I didn't find any at Younkers, Gordmans, Old Navy, Walmart, Target, or JCPenney's. I did find one I liked in Justice. However, they did not have my size. We next went to K-Mart, where I found one that I kind of liked, so we bought it. I tried it on later that day at home. But, it was too frilly. We returned it the next day when we went to see my grandparents. We went to Kohl's with them and I found a nice one there that was reasonable enough (I tried it on before we bought it this time), and I've kept this one.

Why am I telling you this-you ask? Well, I'm telling you this because not every woman, girl, or child is the same. There are different body types. We aren't all skinny and perfect like these companies think we should be. Now I'm not calling myself or any one of you fat, but you know we could do better. And I also found that there are so many bikinis, but very few tankinis and one pieces. There weren't many choices, and so it made it pretty simple. NO. What I'm saying is that you don't have to wear a bikini to be perfect. You can wear a tankini or a one piece and still look like the beautiful. And also, one more thing before I go- we don't all like pink. I'm not a girly girl, but I still like to show off what I have a bit. Nearly every swimsuit I saw was pink and I didn't like it. The other color group is basically blue and green, which most girls who don't like pink like. That is how I feel.

The point is, women, girls, and children are all different and none of them should have to wear these swimsuits just because that's all that you make. Make swimsuits that a father would approve for her 11 year old daughter. Make swimsuits that explain the person, not the person they want to be. Think about this, and I'm sure you'll agree.

And this is the swimsuit I finally chose, just in case you cared.

Ukraine

As we all know, Ukraine is having their own Civil War. Fighting against the protestors. Many are stuck in cities with horrible conditions. No things are being shipped in and no one is getting out. Why is this important to me, a girl from Iowa, you ask? Well, this is important because it marks the world and hurts inoccent people. My teacher was showing us pictures of her daughter, who is studying abroad in Turkey, on winter break just two months ago in Ukraine. Just then, people were coming and going in dangerous situations. The Christmas tree was covered in protest banners and there were piles of stuff, out on the streets. Now, in February, no one is coming in, no one is coming out. The cities are on lock down. There's a girl name Luda who was a foreign exchange student at our school. She was from Ukraine and lives in the capitol city where it is very dangerous. Now in college, she stays in the dorms. She tells about people from across the street being kidnapped and no one knows where they are. Grocery stores, banks, any thing and everything is shut down. Hungry people lay on the streets, so do the dead people, who were shot by the police. This may not seem important to you, but it should be. These people are just like you, but they're living in a war and dying. And although we can't do much, we can pray for them, especially Luda. So Ukraine can go back to the way it was, not living in war.

Volleyball

So this year, I started to play volleyball, which I mentioned in the About Me section. Any way, I wanted to tell you a little bit about that. You see, a few weeks ago I got sick and the doctor miss diagnosed so I was running a fever for 11 straight days and missed 6 days of school (it would've been eight, but we had two snow days). When I was well, the next weekend we went skiing with my 4-H group missing yet another week of volleyball. The next week, which was two weekends ago, I was a little rusty, but getting back. However, I missed much information like positioning, which they discussed while I was gone. My mom told me I should've spoke up and asked where I should be, and you should too. Don't feel like a wallflower if you don't want to. Sorry if this sounds like a public service announcement, but I believe that you should stand up, not sit down when you're pressed down. And this weekend, we're going to have a tournament (wish us luck). And all the practice I've been doing better count. Everyday, I practice with my volleyball around my room and on the closet door. It's really helped me with ball control and I hope it helps me at the tournament, too. Wish us luck!

Scout: Day 4

Day 4
Today is was my fourth day with Scout and my 3rd encounter. I came out and he came up pretty quickly. I brought him a can of Friskie's which him and Buddy ate, although I was concerned because he wasn't biting down. Maybe he has dental problems? Anyway, I pet him and gave him belly rubs although we didn't have as much contact today. I tried to pick him up (he's heavy) once and put him on my lap. A second time I stood up, grabbed him, and then put him in my arms hoping to take him to the shop so he couldn't stay with Buddy. However, he only enjoyed about 10 steps of that until I put him down. That was about all I did with Scout today, although I'm hoping that he'll like me a little more than he does right now. Wish me luck!

Scout: Days 1-3

As I stated in a previous post, my cat, Buddy, hangs out with a stray whom I named Scout. Many times this new year I've found Buddy and Scout together in our south shop. I'd like to explain a short story about Scout and in just 3 days, it's become a beautiful things.

Day 1
Buddy was down in the shed and I went to go get him. I heard meowing and looked down and saw Buddy at my feet. I still heard meowing and followed it to under the wagon wheel. It was the black cat, Scout. I pet Buddy and gave him many belly rubs to draw Scout closer and he was jut inches away! I was so excited, but thought touching him would scare him away. I was so excited, or so I thought!

Day 2
Buddy was down in the shop again, so I went to go get him. However, Scout was not there. I left Scout a can of food to eat because I know he doesn't always get a lot of food.

Day 3
Today, I went down to get Buddy. He ran to me and I heard the meowing, so I went over to the wagon where he was again. I first noticed that the can of food was long gone. Scout looked at us and then quickly neared. I let him sniff my hand, which he licked kindly and soon, he was circling around me. After he got used to circling, I pushed my hand out to touch him. He didn't mine, so I stroked his fur lightly (it was so soft!). I'd seen Scout roll over before, and he rolled over for me and I lightly gave him a belly rub. Then he rolled over the rest of the way and sat back up. I pet him some more, and then he went away, and he looked very tired. Buddy and I went back to the north shop where I put him away for the night. It was so much more exciting than being inches from him!

Breathing Room

There are lots of different opinions about reading some people say it's "too hard" or they're "too cool" for reading. But, I've found a book that will make you rethink that. The book I'd like to share with you is called Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles. The book is about Evvy, who has tuberculosis and has to go to the Loon Lake Sanotarium. Follow her and her friends on their battle through TB and the road to recovery. Breathing Room is truly great.

Justine Magazine

Recently, I found an new magazine called Justine and just after reading one issue, I love it! Justine is perfect for girls 12-15, an age where it is sometimes hard to find things you like. However, Justine is a step up from your old American Girls (not that there's anything wrong with them), but a little bit of a prep for your magazines life Girls Life and Seventeen. Sure you can read J-14, but in my opinion, I feel like I'm reading the same thing every issue. Justine magazine has completely appropriate material that girls can relate to and also has articles about how to become a better friend and how to improve or organize your life. And don't think a magazine this perfect is going to cost a ton of money. It's only $3.99 in stores and even less on your devices. Try it out and see how you like it. I think you'll like it just fine.

Cats

Although this may not be a tip, I wanted to tell you that I love, Love, LOVE cats. I was given two cats by a neighbor this year in late August. One disappeared the week of  Thanksgiving and we never saw him again. I learned from the lady who gave them to us that the brother died in December. That only left Buddy, my cat. Buddy is now eight months old, and weighs around eight pounds. Lets just say he's not the smallest cat you'll ever see. Buddy loves belly rubs and food. He's friended a stray whom I named Scout. A few nights, Buddy has spent with Scout and I believe while I was away at school, Scout taught Buddy to hunt since I found a mouse in the shop where Buddy lives. Do you have a cat? Have you had a cat? Tell me your story in the comments section! I love to hear!

Aussie 3 Minute Miracles

Yesterday, I learned of a new product called Aussie Smooth. Before I had found this, I had been using the basic 3 Minute Miracle. This is one in their new line of 2 Minute Miracles. There are 4 or 5 different ones and just feeling my hair this morning, my hair is very smooth and feels nice. It's not often that I find a product that I like as much as this one. And I can't believe I liked it right away! Hopefully, these 3 Minute Miracles by Aussie can help you with your day to day struggles with your hair. The collection consists of 5 different things to help your hair which include strong, color, moist, smooth, and strong. With these products, you hair is sure to cooperate better. They also smell great! These products rage from $3.59 to $7.31.