Depression around my birthday By Essa (MerESSAmaid) Birthdays are normally a day that people really look forward to. However, I know that some people really dread them and become depressed when they are coming up. I myself am one of those people that get anxious and depressed when my birthday is coming up. I am going to explain why I think this happens and how I plan on stopping the things that typically happen for me this time of year. ...

Surviving the holidays as an LGBTQ+ teen By Sammi (Orenda.) The holidays are often regarded as a time of cheer and festivities with loved ones. However, for many LGBTQ+ individuals, this is not necessarily the case. Whether you're still in the closet and fending off questions about your love life, out and being misgendered by intolerant family members, or anything in between, even the most joyous of times can become difficult. While it can seem unbearable, it is possible to enjoy your...

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) By Brittany (.Brittany.) What is it? Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, also known as NAS, is a group of withdrawal symptoms that a baby is born with when the mom has taken certain types of drugs while pregnant. These drugs can include Heroin, Oxycodone, and Meth. The reason that the baby is born with withdrawal symptoms is because the umbilical cord is attached from the baby to the mom's placenta, which means when the mom smokes or does drugs, it makes...

What is acupuncture? By Cassie (Cassado) Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that was developed centuries ago. Acupuncture is thought to reduce the intensity and frequency of issues such as nausea, chronic pain, or mental health conditions like anxiety. According to Live Science, acupuncture is, “a complementary medical practice that entails stimulating certain points on the body, most often with a needle penetrating the skin, to alleviate pain or to help treat various health...

Six Stories: A review By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~ ) Six Stories is a mystery/thriller novel written by Matt Wesolowski. It is a novel told as though it is being done on a podcast where an investigative journalist, Scott King, details the death of a teenage boy; the teen's death was never really solved by the police. Scott King interviews six people who had connections to the dead teen and through these interviews he tries to piece together what might have really happened. ...

Makeup tips and techniques By Patricia (Patricia92) Every person, and every culture, has their own rules and techniques for beauty and application. This article will show you some of the most basic techniques in your every day beauty routine. It will also show you some things that professional makeup artists do to spruce up even the best of looks. First of all, let’s begin with skincare. Skincare is vital in your overall makeup look. Just as an artist wants a clean, clear canvas...
1 Comments

The effects of bullying By Cassie (Calico.) Bullying is more common than most people like to admit. Fortunately, people are more educated about it now than ever before and are becoming more aware of this issue. However, despite the effort to educate people about bullying and eradicate it, bystanders feel powerless to help and victims are left in the dark. Bullying is a vicious cycle and a lot of people don’t know how to handle it effectively. Bystanders are often too intimidated to...
1 Comments

What is guided imagery? By Cassie (Cassado) Guided imagery and affirmations are one of the many useful tools available for people who want to work on themselves. It can be used by itself or as an addition to therapy and other treatment. Guided imagery and affirmations have been written to support people through a lot of different issues from depression, anxiety, and trauma, to fibromyalgia, healthy pregnancy, or cancer treatments. People interested do not have to have an underlying...
1 Comments

1984 by George Orwell: A review By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~ ) The end of September will mark Banned Books Week and so I thought it would be fun to review and discuss a book that ranks #5 as the most challenged books of all time. Source] The book has been challenged for a number of social and political reasons and there have also been times when it has been challenged due to people feeling there was too much sexual content. The book 1984 was written in 1949, and while 1984 has...

Queens of Geek: A review By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~ ) The novel Queens of Geek by Jenn Wilde focuses on two characters named Taylor and Charlie. They are best friends but they have very different personalities. Taylor is quiet, shy and deals with things like social anxiety and generalized anxiety. These things make it hard for her to speak her mind and be herself. Charlie is outgoing; working to become an actress and is a YouTube sensation. Charlie, Taylor and their friend...

Himalayan salt lamps By Cassie (Cassado) Himalayan salt lamps are known for their pleasing look, calming lighting, and different benefits such as help with anxiety or insomnia. Salt lamps are relatively easy to find and their positive effects make them great for any room, from an office or a living room to a bedroom. This article will discuss what these lamps are, how they work, and their benefits. What are they? Himalayan salt lamps are lamps that have salt crystals usually mined...

How to make a zen garden By Cassie (Cassado) Sand gardens, also known as zen gardens, are boxes lined with sand and other decorations such as rocks or figurines. These gardens can be easily rearranged and raked through, thus creating a calming diversion for people of all ages. They make great gifts for yourself or for other people, but can sometimes be expensive to purchase. Read on to learn more about how to make your own zen garden. The purpose Before making your garden, consider...

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia: A Review By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~ ) Eliza and Her Monsters came out on May 30th, 2017 and it has been getting quite a bit of hype around booktube. Booktube are videos posted on YouTube that focus on books such as book reviews and book recommendations. The novel has been floating around for a while as some people on booktube were able to get advanced copies of it. The premise of the novel sounded really interesting but I always hesitate to read a...

Peanut Butter and Newborns By Brittany (.Brittany.) History For many years, mothers have been wondering if it's safe for babies to eat peanut butter while breastfeeding or to be around peanut butter, as it was unknown whether or not the newborns may have an allergy to it. A lot of babies don't develop an allergy until they have tried the food, and most of the time it's when they're at an older age; but sometimes they do develop allergies when they are still young. In the United...

A Clayburn Series by Deborah Raney by Cassie (Cassado) The Clayburn Series by Deborah Raney consists of three books: Remember to Forget, Leaving November, and Yesterday's Embers. Each book focuses on a journey of a main character in Clayburn, a small town in Kansas. These books can stand alone or be read as a series. The topics of these books include abuse, alcoholism, and grieving. Religion is also a common theme in this series. I picked up Remember to Forget at a secondhand shop and I...