Tag Archives: allison werner

Columns, Forum

Changing outlook provides feeling of gratitude

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By Allison Werner

“I want this.” “I need that.” These phrases have become the norm in our everyday lives. Advertisements convince us to ditch what we have, and get the latest and greatest thing. My perspective changed when I picked up a peculiar little orange book.

Driving down Veterans Parkway one sunny afternoon, I decided to stop by a favorite of mine, Family Christian Bookstore. I cannot even count how many times I have been in that store. When I walk in, I go straight to the best sellers section. A book catches my eye called Enough by Will Davis Jr. What any book novice would do, I start flipping the pages to see if I would enjoy reading this. Laying the book down on the counter to purchase it, I never would have thought it could change my perspective.

The main point of this book is the idea of gratefulness. As I look around my surroundings, I realize I am very fortunate to have what I do. There are people less off than me that still enjoy the little things in life. Although I do not have the newest car or the most high dollar house, I still have these things. That just goes for the material part of my life. I also have to take into consideration the fact I have two happily married parents living under one roof. There are some people that do not know what that is like.

Before reading this book, I would use these phrases I mentioned above. I did not think of how well off I am and how I do not need these material things. Since reading Enough, my outlook has changed and my humility has gone up. I am not saying I do not want things from time to time, because I do. But when I start getting in that frame of mind, I think back to this book and realize how lucky I really am.

If I am being completely honest, before picking up this book, I was very selfish. I liked the attention on me and to have nice things. But after reading Enough, my attitude on this has improved drastically. I consider others as well now and put their well-being before mine. So much joy comes from giving back, and it took an orange book for me to realize this.

I encourage everyone to read this book and to hold on to what it says. I have learned so much from reading it and want others to experience the eye opening moment like I did. After thinking on what I have and grasping the context, I can finally say I have more than enough.

Abbie Ewing, Allison Werner, Features

St. Mary’s Navilleton Pumpkin Festival provides entertainment, contests

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By Allison Werner and Abbie Ewing

 

As a newer festival that is sure to keep growing, St. Mary’s Navilleton

Pumpkin Festival will take place this year for the third year in a row. And

as the name suggests, people can expect lots of pumpkins, but that is not

all that the festival will be offering. Games, craft booths, the Largest

Pumpkin Contest, face painting, bouncy houses, and performances by SIGS and

Backs Karate will be just some of the available activities.

 

With all of this going on, St. Mary’s has many volunteers helping out with

the festival. Sophomore Emily Naville is one of these helpers. She has

helped sell pumpkin ice cream at the fundraiser for the church. Naville

also enjoys the company of all the children that come to the festival with

their families.

“There’s a pumpkin decorating contest, and I like seeing kids get excited

about it.”

September 22, 2012 from 10 am to noon is when the Pumpkin Festival will

occur this year. There will be a Pork Barbecue Dinner in the Parish Hall

from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For the adults, a dance featuring The Rumors will

take place from 8 pm to midnight in the Activities Center. To join in the

fun, visit www.stmarysnavilleton.com.

Allison Werner, Columns, Forum

Spring brings in new fashion trends

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By Allison Werner

With spring coming up, old and new trends will start to arise. In the fashion world, they are first showcased by designers putting together a fashion show. Then, people start to take notice of them. The people who decide to wear the latest trends take the designer look, tweak it a bit, and make it their own. With that being said, it is time to ditch those wool sweaters and heavy coats and dive into the bright spring season.

First up is my favorite category to discuss: makeup and beauty. One product to definitely try out would have to be BB creams. First introduced in Asia, this cream is a five-in-one product that hydrates, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects skin. This is perfect for those mornings when putting on primer, foundation, concealer, and powder seems like a hassle and leaves the skin feeling cakey.

Another trend in the beauty world is hair painting. No, not actually taking a paintbrush and painting your hair. That would be a disaster. Hair painting, among the other trends, has to be the boldest. It is a mousse formula that when applied, creates vibrant highlights in your hair. It is a cheap alternative to getting it done at the salon. Plus, it is a reasonable price. Another added bonus: if the color looks awful in your hair or is just way too dark, it washes out within in one shampoo.

The next category is the most obvious: fashion. Designers put together a fashion show each year showing off the next big trends. One trend that is popular among the runways is the clean cut look. Whether it is a white dress, pearls, or a white blazer, elegance is in. Pair that with pastel colors and you have a recipe for success.

While elegance is in, do not be surprised to see bright, floral patterns. Whether it be on a dress, a skirt, or a shirt, floral is also in. Introduced in 2011, color blocking was the biggest craze. Now prints are being thrown into the mix. While print blocking is not completely out of season, it is more common in shoes now then clothes.

The last category for spring is nails. Boring one color nails do not cut it anymore. With Sally Hansen nail strips, colorful, pattered nails have never been so easy. Just peel off the back, stick them on nails, and ta-da. Now the hassles of waiting for the polish to dry and the stress of messing up the nails are gone. These strips will definitely strike up a conversation.

From makeup to fashion, there can be trends in just about anything. While some might be bolder than others, except to see them in the coming weeks. Do not be surprised if while walking to class, someone goes down the hallway with a floral dress and streaks in their hair. As the saying goes, expect the unexpected.

A&E, Allison Werner

CC Spa provides relaxing experience

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By Allison Werner

“Relax and de-stress.” These are the words I hear as I am about to get a facial. From the soothing voice of the esthetician doing my facial to the calming music in the background, CC Spa is anything but stressful.

First up was my 30-minute facial. I have never had a facial before and the only time I have heard of someone getting them are on T.V., or if they are rich. I loved getting a facial and will definitely get one again.

Usually the massage is the most relaxing part, but I have to say I think I was more relaxed during the facial. The esthetician first took a water soaked towel and put it on my face. After that, she put GLO clear complexion pads on my face. These are especially good if you have acne-prone skin. Every time she put a different product on me, she would then take more water and cleanse it again. This really helped the products soak into my skin and not all combine together and make my skin have more acne. When she put the products on, she would rub them in by making big circular motions.

Along with the soothing music in the background, it made me forget all my worries for a minute. I was not even thinking about the homework I still had left to do. A facial was the most relaxing thing I have ever had and will definitely be getting more in the future.

After my facial, I had a massage. Now I have had a massage there before so I knew what to expect. Like the facial room, it too had relaxing music playing. Like most people, this helps me unwind and gets my mind off my worries. I had my back and neck massaged and I could tell my back was definitely knotted. The reason is from constantly carrying around a heavy backpack. Unfortunately last time I went there, I had the same problem. Because of this, it caused the same effect:  A sore and sensitive back. The massage therapist suggested that I get them more often to take out the knots. Most people love massages and when my back does not hurt, I see why. It can be a stress reliever. I would also like to add this was not the person’s fault who massaged me. She was using the lightest touch on me.

If one is not into getting a facial or massage, CC Spa has other services to offer. Relax and get a manicure or pedicure, or just stop in to buy GLO products. They offer GLO makeup products and skincare. The atmosphere of the place, as it should be, is also very relaxing. With calm music, comfy couches, and the right lighting, this spa hit all the right marks in my opinion.

All in all, I would most definitely come back again. From the services offered to a relaxing atmosphere, CC Spa is a must visit on my list. Do not waste time searching for a spa that charges hundreds of dollars for one service, come to a spa that will not break the bank.

 

A&E, Allison Werner, Nathan Hemminger, Weekly Playlist

Weekly Playlist: Traveling Tunes

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By Marah Harbison, Allison Werner, Nathan Hemminger, and Chase Gosman

Traveling anywhere this Thanksgiving? Here’s the perfect playlist to help you pass those boring hours in the car.

1. “Steal My Sunshine” by Len

2. “Riding In My Car” by She & Him

3. “You Da One” by Rihanna

4. “Fly” by Nicki Minaj

5. “Rev It Up” by B*Witched

6. “9th And Pine” by Less Than Jake