LifestyleMar 22, 2017
5 Best Desserts Tulsa Has To Offer
Are you ready for a sugar overload, Tulsa?
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It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.
It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2023, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.
Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."
Sometimes, I even get the answer of, "Anything." I can bet that a lot of you go through the same thing, or even have family members to whom you give this answer. Take some notes and send this to your favorite aunt and uncle...
Here is a list of gifts for the people (anyone & everyone) who just don't know what they want:
Of course, the easiest thing to do when unsure what to get someone is to slip a $20 into a card and call it a day. To make this a little more personal, you can give it in a beautiful money envelope or a brainteaser box. Pinterest also has cute ways you can give the money.
Who doesn't love a good pair of fuzzy socks? A good pair of cute or comical socks can be found anywhere. There are even online stores specifically for this.
Weighted blankets, heated blankets, comforters, or even those five dollar fuzzy blankets at Wal-Mart will do.
Possibly one of the best things to get are gift cards. They're easy for you to buy, and the person getting it can spend it at their leisure. Buy them a few $10 gift cards for their favorite places, or one Visa gift card they can spend anywhere.
I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE hoodies. I have enough to fill a second closet, and I wear them all year round. If I've been around you and a hoodie of yours has gone missing, it was most likely me. What better to get someone than an oversize sweatshirt and matching sweatpants?
If you know someone that does a lot of 'Netflix & ChillNapping', this is the perfect gift for them. The best are the cozy pants that feel like clouds.
Candles are something that can be bought for anyone. Even some guys out there will pick out a great-smelling candle. They're cheap and there's so. many. to. choose. from.
Hear me out. A small beta fish in a little vase is the perfect gift for someone. If it's for a kid, be sure to run it by their parents first. I had no idea what to get my brother last year, so I brought him home a beautiful beta. He loved it, and still has it today!
I know almost everyone has Spotify, Apple Music, and more. However, a great CD (even a home-made playlist) is always awesome to have in the car.
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A movie is a great idea for someone if you know their favorite genre. If you don't, just buy some pre-paid movie tickets or a gift card to the local theater! These are always good because you can use them whenever you want.
Grab a basket and fill it with the person's favorite candy. If you don't know what kind to get, you can get an assortment to cover all your bases -- or try getting the small individual candies that are 10 for $1!
It's always fun to take an idea and completely switch it up. You could get the cheap prank gifts at any store - Five Below has so many - or you could take it one step further. This gift is perfect for people who want 'nothing' for Christmas, or you can pick from a variety of other hilarious ones.
Do you know a man that just can't find the right razor? Look no further, Dollar Shave Club is here. Have razors and shaving accessories sent to the person's door for a low price. This idea is so cool, and they even have a line for women.
Shopping for kids no longer has to break your bank. Simply buy a cute stocking for cheap, and fill it with small toys, trinkets, and even candy.
What girl doesn't love cool pens, stickers, and notebooks? They can use it to write letters or use it for note-taking or journaling. Either way, it's a sweet and practical gift.
I can honestly admit that 99% of the time if I don't know what to get someone dear to my heart, I wind up getting them a picture frame. There are so many things you can do with picture frames. Designing your own or buying a pre-made one are both great ways to go. Plus, it costs less than a dollar to print a picture.
If you know someone that plays sports, what better than to get them things that go with what they do? Water bottles, mouth guards, anything that they can use would be a great gift. If you aren't sure what they could use, get them a gift card to their local sports store.
I love a good bath as much as the next person. How about buying that person a few bath or shower accessories? Bath salts, bath bombs, and fresh smelling shower gel will all do the trick.
Honestly, just fill my stocking with a bunch of these. These are so useful for literally EVERYTHING. Concerts, sporting events, vacations, and more. The person receiving this gift will thank you now, and most certainly later.
Men, women, adults, and children all wear hats. It's perfect as it gets colder outside. Go with a nice beanie or the classic Dad hat. Either way, it'll make for an awesome gift.
Winter is coming, and I definitely want to stay in my pajamas all day. Slippers are perfect for the people that just want to stay cozy all day.
I honestly see everyone and their grandmothers collecting these. From children to adults, everyone can use a little extra Pop on their shelves.
I know a bunch of stores that sell really cute phone cases for really cheap. You can even get them at farmer's markets! What better to go with that new case than a really cool pop-socket? There are so many designs for anyone.
My mom LOVES these. They're really sweet collectibles for everyone to enjoy. They have a lot of themes, movies, and colors to choose from.
This one is perfect for everyone. There are so many websites that have monthly boxes you can buy. Usually, you start off paying for one at a time, and if you want to renew it you can. They have boxes for every interest: make-up, snacks, coffee, and even gaming boxes!
If you're of age, showing up to the Christmas party with a bottle of alcohol is the way to go. There are ways to decorate even a simple wine bottle to make it festive and put a smile on someone's face.
These are time-consuming but totally worth it. You can make one online for an easier route, or home-make them for a genuine feel. They're totally cheap, too.
Do you know who your friend/family's favorite performer is? Why not buy them tickets to see them? You can even find cheap tickets to Broadway remakes of children's movies for your favorite little nugget in your life.
Try being crafty with these adorable jars. I have received so many of these from my friends and my boyfriend, and they all still sit on my shelf today. I love periodically looking at them to put a smile on my face.
Another cute and crafty idea is 'Open When' letters. These are usually aimed toward a significant other, but they can be made for anyone really. There are even kits to help you make your letters if you're not feeling very crafty.
If you have someone that enjoys pampering themselves, get them a certificate to get their nails done. For ladies, you can get a cut or dye certificate and for men, you can get one for a haircut or beard trim.
This gift is for all ages. Coloring is such a stress reliever, and everyone loves it! You could get scrapbooking supplies, adult coloring books, clay and sculpting tools, markers, or fabric paint. Depending on who it is, you have so many options.
For those beauty-loving girls - and boys - who can never have enough makeup. There are so many things that define makeup, and because it can be expensive, go with some accessories. A new eyelash curler, some moisturizer, or some new brushes will do wonderfully.
Hallmark is like if you took almost every gift idea ever and put it into a store. You can find funny to serious gifts that'll make for the perfect addition under the tree.
No, for real. Stop laughing and head to the nearest store for these items. I cannot express how many hair ties I go through in less than a month. It's an endless cycle of buy, use, and lose. The girl you buy these for will be forever thankful.
What child doesn't smile when greeted by a cuddly stuffed animal under the tree? Actually, deep down, who at all doesn't smile from a stuffed animal?
Everyone loves a great poster hanging on their wall. From My Little Pony to Sports Illustrated, there's a poster for everyone and anyone.
I know a lot of people have specific scents that they enjoy, but why not buy them something new to try? I know one of my cousins buys everyone new scents each year, and it's awesome because I get to try different kinds. I've actually found some of my favorite perfumes that way. Don't be afraid to pick one for someone else.
Air fresheners, their favorite design as a steering wheel cover, or even a cute thing to hang from their mirror. It's a unique idea that'll be used on the daily.
Suppose you don't have the money for any of this. Don't beat yourself up. Make a card and simply show that person love. Give them the gift of holiday cheer and your affection. Out of all of these things, this one will put the biggest smile on their faces.
Hopefully, this list gave you some ideas for the perfect present. If not, hopefully, you're sending this list to your favorite relatives to drop hints for them. Bring on the holiday season.
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If you go to or went to Kent State, then more than likely you have done or will do some of these things.
The winters at Kent are brutal, and while the heated sidewalks and some great snow boots are always a help, there’s no chance you won’t bust it on the ice at least once in your four plus years at school.
woman holding glass jar Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash
Kent has an awesome recreational center, but what’s even better are the smoothies and juices you reward yourself with after your workout. I mean, did you really go to the gym if you didn't get a smoothie?
We cheer for the ‘Golden Flashes’ at every football, basketball, and baseball game and more. But honestly, most of us are still not completely sure what the Golden Flash is, even if it's been explained to us a thousand times.
Kent has seen its fair share of protests and you’d be lying if you said you haven't passed by a large group of protesters, or picked up a sign yourself and joined in yourself.
To say Kent's winter is miserable is an understatement, and when classes aren’t called off when the weather is down to -12 degrees, you call them off for yourself.
You're either almost out of meal plan money by midterms, or you have hundreds of dollars left by the end of the semester. There's no in between, but hey, now you have an excuse to eat out.
Sure, you go for your finals and midterms, and maybe on Sundays if you get behind in your homework, but most nights, you stay as far away from the library as possible.
The campus is perfect for sledding, but there is not point in spending money on a sled when you can just walk out of Eastway with a lunch tray.
Rosie's is the only eating place that stays up as late as you do, but unfortunately, everyone on campus is aware of this, so that grilled cheese you ordered? Yeah, its going to take a while, but it's so worth it.
Even if the weather is terrible, your classes are too hard, and you have to wait forever to get your late Saturday night snack, you have to love this place. The people are awesome, the teachers are great, and the experiences here are unlike any other school's. No place can beat this college in this little town. Go Flashes!
Christmas is literally so close. We can almost taste it. But there is just one thing standing between you and the big day: FINALS. It's not the studying, lack of sleep, last minute cram sessions or crappy food intake that is the worst... but the fact that you cannot focus because, well, CHRISTMAS. How do professors expect you to focus when Christmas is soooo soon. For all my fellow Christmas lovers out there, I feel your pain.
1. Telling people believe they can make it to finals because Christmas is so close.
2. Everyone is stressing out about finals and you're over here like...
3. Studying with music is so hard because all you want to listen to is Christmas music.
4. You have your entire winter break already planned out to get in the Christmas spirit.
5. The second you turn in your last final and Christmas break can finally begin.
We are so close!! Merry Christmas, everyone!!
One of the most dreaded places on campus is the library. Nothing awesome ever happens here. Usually, the only reason you're here is because you've procrastinated so long that the library is the only place you'll actually get stuff done. It gives you this feeling of sadness and impending doom. You have no idea how this is going to go or how long you'll be here, but you do know it is about to be the most excruciating experiences yet. But it has to get done, so you drag yourself to the lovely library.
Looks like a sign that I just shouldn't even be here to begin with. I think I'll just go home.
I honestly do not care about any of this. I do not want to be here right now.
You did not want to put any effort into your outfit. Every ounce of motivation you have is towards the assignment that's due at midnight. You are not going to be bothered by your clothes.
It's the library not a fashion show. You have no one to impress. Do you not see everyone else here in their comfy clothes? Do less.
No, thank you. I'm kind of busy doing my own work at the moment. I do not have time for you.
You are so loud I can't even concentrate. Please take your giggly chit-chat outside.
I physically cannot function anymore. I need a break. Coffee, anyone?
I won't make it any longer. I can't go on. Please let me out of here.
You are the queen of the world at this point. You knew you could pull it off this whole time. No stress.
It's 2 a.m. at this point. You know what? It's not even worth killing myself over. I'll just fail. It's no big deal. It's only one grade!
Mom? Dad? Friends? Sunlight? This is all so overwhelming!
I thought we were in this together. Does our friendship mean nothing to you?
With each new year comes new goals.
Deciding on a goal can be hard, unsure of what to change for this new year. A new goal for myself is to be happier and take care of myself more. I am a very driven person; so driven that I commit to a million and ten things.
For a while I am killing it then all of sudden BAM! I crash and burn out. My goal is to avoid this for the coming year. Taking care of myself needs to become a priority. I cannot be used or fully get everything out of my education if I am not taking care of myself mentally.
Here are some ways I plan to take care of myself:
Today I am Grateful Journal Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
Having a way to record everything going on is a major way I clear my head. For some reason when I am anxious and overwhelmed writing it down decreases my anxiety about the issue.
Go to the gym StableDiffusion
I know everyone says they are going to go to the gym for their new year's resolution and unfortunately a commitment like that is not always realistic. I hope including the gym in my overall goal of self-care will make it possible to achieve.
Listen to more music Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash
Music is a major relaxer to me clears my head and brings me back to what I really need to be focused on.
Have more patience StableDiffusion
I need to be more patient and think my decisions through. So goal of mine is to be more in the moment and not always be so ready to plan the future.
Songs About Being 17
Grey's Anatomy Quotes
Vine Quotes
4 Leaf Clover
Self Respect
1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society
2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook
3. Kristen Haddox, Penn State University
4. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook
5. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign