How DIY projects can help with stress in college

We have all been there before week of a test you are so overwhelmed by everything that is coming at you in the upcoming week, so we just break down and avoid the world by avoiding the work all together and binging on Netflix.  This definitely doesn’t help with your stress at all instead you just have that nag in the back of your head that you can’t ignore. Well what if I told you taking 1 hour of your day to work on a DIY project could diminish your stress, build your self-esteem, and give yourself a feeling of accomplishment.

Studies have showed that doing an activity with repetition (such as knitting or crocheting) can help you destress and keep your mind actively engaged.  Combine repetition with a physical activity such as gardening and growing your own flowers and vegetables, then it becomes a super stress reliever.  I recently underwent my own DIY project of fencing off a part of my yard with pallets I found around Missoula for free.  I then planted my own peas and other vegetables.  Needless to say I have a very unique looking garden and some delicious food.11194519_10153365557939208_6273767940525080640_o

Educators have also found that when you do your own projects you build up your own self esteem.  By buying inexpensive items and making them into a finished project, this creates feeling of competency, self-worth, and confidence.  This in turn helps you create your own personal power and positive identity that helps you return to your own school projects feeling empowered.  I have currently started making small inexpensive candle space heaters.  I have one that sits next to my desk and keeps my corner warm.  I get a sense of accomplishment out of this project and also a cheap way to heat my office corner.


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This all wraps up in to you feeling great about yourself because of the accomplishment.  Your friends will come over and say “That’s an interesting way to use flower pots” or “Wow look at those tomatoes.” This in also pushes you to continue working hard in every aspect of your life.  Next thing you know you are making homemade wines in your house to serve at your next party along with all your vegetables you have grown.  So maybe take the time to look around your dorm room or apartment.  Maybe you just need to make a new scarf for the winter that will be blowing in soon.  Step away from the school work turn off the tv and make something for yourself you deserve it.20150919_151129

By: Jesse James Haberman

9 Differences Between Freshman and Senior Year of College

We all started off college the same way for the most part. Most of us went from our respective high schools, to a university that fit what we wanted to achieve both academically and socially. Something happens over those four years in college though. For many of us we go through the first “real” experience of change. The changes we go through in college are all part of growing up and here are nine examples of changes we grow through in college between our freshman and senior years.

1.Freshman: you make friends with a ton of people and are willing to do pretty much anything.Pic 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior: you have a set group of friends that you continually hangout with doing the same stuff.Pic 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Freshman: worried about where you’re going to party on Friday night.

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Senior: worried about having to leave college are start paying off student loan debt.

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3. Freshman: running to class to avoid being late.Pic 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior: already 10 minutes late and you still don’t care.Pic 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Freshman: eating like royalty on your meal plan.Pic 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior: trying to convince yourself food is overrated because you can’t afford it.

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5. Freshman: getting to the football game two hours early to sit in the front row.

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Senior: tailgating for as long as possible and missing most of the game.

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6. Freshman: buying textbooks from the bookstore, paying full price because your teachers say you need the book by week two of class.

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Senior: waiting as long as possible to get the book and even then shopping online for a book that’s three editions prior.

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7. Freshman: note takingPic 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior: note taking

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8. Freshman: school suppliesPic 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior: school suppliesPic 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Freshman: forgetting to studyPic 17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior: forgetting to studyPic 18

 

 

 

 

 

 

With all the things that are different between your freshman and senior year of college, there is one constant that always remains…

  1. Freshman and Senior’s: what does the future have in store?Pic 19

 

 

 

 

 

 

*This article was written by Lee Mueller, and as such is the expressed written opinion of himself only. Lee is a student at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Article written 9/20/2015.*

3 Simple Holiday Nail Art Designs

I love nail art, I always have!  Though I never thought I had the artistic ability to do all of the fun and unique designs I saw.  After researching it a bit more I learned that anyone can do nail art!  It’s all about choosing the right designs.  In this post I’m going to walk you through three super easy and fun Holiday Nail Art Designs to show off these next 3 months.  Let’s get started!

First things first, you are going to need the right tools!  You will need a toothpick, a small paintbrush, and a dotting tool.

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If you don’t have these tools don’t worry!  You can find these at any beauty supply store.  I bought mine at Ulta.

Now that you are properly equipped I’ll dive into the nail art designs.  I’ll also tell you what brand and the names of all the nail polishes I used so you can recreate the same look if you would like!  (But know that you can choose whatever colors you like!)

Halloween Nail Art

That’s right folks!  That spooky time of year is just around the corner so here is a fun nail art design worthy of communicating with the spirits!  First things first, apply a layer of base coat to all of your nails.

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This will help your manicure last and protect your natural nails.  Next paint your thumbnail white and the rest of your nails orange.

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Then using the dotting tool and black polish make three large black circles on your thumb to make a ghost.

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Your circles don’t have to be perfect and actually add to it if they are a little wobbly!  Then using the same black polish use the small paintbrush to write BOO across three of your nails.  Remember you don’t need perfect letters!  Having some shake to them makes the font look like thriller.

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Now for the pinky!  Using the small paintbrush make three small black lines around the edge of your nail.

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Then connect the three lines with smaller curved black lines.  You can use the small paintbrush or a toothpick to do this.

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When you are finished be sure to apply top coat!  This will keep your nail art shiny and it will help it last longer.

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And there you have it!  Fun festive Halloween nails that are sure to make a scream!

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(Polishes used were all OPI.  The colors were Alpine Snow, Black Onyx, and Hot & Spicy.)

Thanksgiving Nail Art

Fall is such a peaceful time of year.  It’s also the time of year we get to play with warm rich colors!  So here is a fun nail art design sure to get your family talking over turkey dinner!
First, remember to apply your base coat!  Next paint all of your nails (except your ring finger) a light brown/nude color.  Then paint your ring finger a dark brown.

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After you have done this use the small paintbrush and paint small leaves on your ring finger.  Use lots of fall colors such as red, orange, and the color you used on your other nails.  Add some top coat and voila!  Cute fall nails that will keep you warm all through the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

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(All polishes were OPI.  The colors were, Going My Way Or Norway, Espresso Your Style, Coca-Cola Red, and Hot & Spicy.)

Christmas Nail Art

This next nail art design is nothing but nice, and is sure to make a statement at your next holiday party!
First start off with a base coat on all of your nails.  Next french tip all of your nails except for your ring finger.  Then with a small paintbrush dipped in red polish, underline your french tip.

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Then using the small paintbrush dipped in brown polish create a half circle on your ring finger.

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Using the same brown polish add another smaller circle above the half circle you just made.

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Now using your dotting tool, dip it in the same red polish and create a red nose in the center of the two brown circles.  Then use the smaller end of the dotting tool dipped in white polish and add two eyes.  Then take a toothpick dipped in black nail polish and add pupils!

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Next take the small paintbrush dipped in a darker brown polish and paint two lines at the top of his head.  Then add as many lines as you would like coming off the side of the main line.

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Finally if you have some glitter polish add it to his nose to give a little extra shine!  Add a top coat and you have a fun festive design that Santa would pick every time!

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(Polishes used were Zoya and OPI.  Colors used were, Zoya’s Desiree, Black Onyx, Alpine Snow, Coca-Cola Red, and Espresso Your Style.)

Hannah Brinton is a student at The University of Montana.  She will be graduating in December with a Degree in Marketing and a Certificate in Entertainment Management.

10 Life lessons Friends taught us

 

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    1. How to Make a Proper Entrance: Whether you are moving into a new place, entering a big party, or returning home to your parents’ house you should always make a memorable entrance. Maybe not as extravagant as riding a greyhound sculpture into an apartment, but maybe a beagle or something.How_To_Make_An_Entrance
    2. Dress to Impress Your Guests: It can be a friendly get together or a big family holiday dinner whatever it is you should bring you’re A apparel game! Remember accessories are key especially ones that accentuate the giant turkey on your head.Monica wearing a turkey
    3. Don’t Let Your Haters Get You Down: When someone is down on you for any reason or you are down on yourself because of someone else you just need to do this motion and forgetaboutit! Go see your Friends at the coffee shop and get the downers off your mind.Not_To_Care
    4. Knowing a Foreign Language is an Impressive Skill: Many employers in this age seek a candidate who knows at least a second language. So get a great language tutor like Pheobe and kill that audition.How_To_Speak_French
    5. A Great Football Strategy: For all you athletes out there, you have teammates out there with you so use them to your advantage against a strong opponent. And if that doesn’t work just flash them. This is usually only acceptable in an informal game with Friends, not so much in official competitions.Win_At_Sports
    6. Know your competition: If you are playing against someone use your knowledge of them to your advantage. If they have a tendency to overlook certain details, then win around those details, at least it will end up reminding them of something important such as dry cleaning.Coin_Flip
    7. Get some of that ever important self-confidence: If you are a bigger or smaller than most, then own that look and be happy with who you are. Joey is an actor and he knows what is worth is, why shouldn’t you?Be_Confident
    8. Once you get that self-confidence you are going to attract a lot dates: And you are going to need to develop some new “moves” when things progress back to your place. Being obvious and straight forward about your excitement has to be the most attractive way to initiate things. Even if it is with one of your Friends that is part of a prank to get you to admit you are secretly dating someone else in the friend group.Come_Here
    9. The proper fake surprised reaction: You love surprises but you hate the anticipation of finding them out, so you do some professional spying and figure out the secret. But now when it is intentionally revealed to you it would be wrong to let them know that you found out. So when you find out the secret, like that two Friends are now dating, this reaction will certainly sell that you are still oblivious to the fact.How_To_Act_Surprised
    10. The way to make your significant other feel loved: When you finally find the “One” the best way to explain your love is the famous lobster theory. They will know that you two will be together into old age holding claws *cough* hands. They will forever be your lobster.Lobster_Theory_PT_1Lobster_Theory_PT_3Lobster_Theory_PT_2One final thought: Just remember who they were. So no matter what you think of someone and their past you shouldn’t write them off, because they could become one of your best Friends or more.Final_Thought

Sam Johnson is a senior in the School of Business at the University of Montana. Graduating in December 2015 with a double major in Marketing and International Business and a minor in Russian Studies.

 

Pick your Puppy – How to Decide What Kind of Dog is Best for You!

Dogs are truly man’s best friend, so it’s not surprising that many people find themselves wanting to add a puppy into their life. However, while having a dog can be great, one has to realize that the perfect dog for you, is the perfect dog for YOU. It’s okay to be a little selfish, this is a big decision and you want to make sure that you will be happy too. So before you run out to your nearest shelter or breeder, here are a few things you might want to consider about your prospective canine pal before adding another member to your family:

Attitude

A dog is one of the longest commitments you can make, so it’s important to consider the kind of pet you will want to have in your home for 10 to 15 years. Every dog’s attitude is unique, but different breeds are known for certain desirable temperaments. If you are picking out a dog, first of all, think about what you want. How do you want to spend time with your dog? Cuddling? Running? Do you want your dog to be silly and enthusiastic or shy and reserved? You want to make sure that you will be happy and that the dog is well suited for your lifestyle.

Size

Everyone knows puppies are cute and tiny, but even the smallest puppy can grow into a giant dog. Think about your home and how much space will you have. Do you live in a studio apartment? Then maybe a Newfoundland isn’t the best bet! Consider the space you have in your home to make sure that your happy little puppy can grow into a happy big dog (or a happy little dog, if that’s what you decide).

Age

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If you are thinking about adopting your dog from an animal shelter, you’ll definitely want to at least consider adopting an older dog. While raising a puppy can be very rewarding and fun, it is also a huge commitment. Think about the time you can put into raising this dog; do you want to deal with potty-training? If the answer is no, then a grown-up pup might be your best option.

Activity Level

No matter what kind of dog you are going to get, they will need daily exercise. Again, think about yourself, do you want a dog that wants more than one, long walk a day? Or do you want a dog that loves to play fetch? Or do you want a dog that is able to tire itself out in your backyard? Your dog’s happiness will partially depend on their activity level, so you’ll want to make sure that you are able to fulfill those needs.

Gender

While there aren’t too many differences between male and female dogs, especially when they are neutered or spayed, this is still something you should think about. Even if picking the gender is only your first step to the perfect name, this dog is your baby and you want to make sure that you are happy with your dog choice and you can provide your pup with the best possible life.

Health

All dogs will end up incurring some veterinarian bills, regardless of the breed. However, it is important to know that some dog breeds are more susceptible to diseases and problems later in life than others. Look through this list, put together by MainStreet.com, to see if any of your desired breeds could end up costing you a fortune at the vet.

Overwhelmed? No need to worry! While it is great to consider all of these traits, most dog owners will tell you that they “just knew” when they found their perfect dog. Now that you have been thinking about these different traits, you might be curious about what dog breeds fit your specific needs! Take this free online quiz to find out what kind of puppy you should pick!

Samuel Brown is a senior studying Marketing at the University of Montana. He plans to graduate in May 2016.