Eight Things to Do with Friends

By: Kara S.

Have you ever been sitting around with a friend, unsure of what to do? Well, then this is the list for you! Here are eight of the most fun things to do with your besties:

  1) Pillow fights- This usually works well with three or more girls. Make sure to have your pillow fight this in a room where there is nothing breakable or valuable around. Each girl has a soft, fluffy pillow. For as long as you want, girls try to softly hit each other (but not at their heads) with only the pillow. The last girl standing with her pillow is the winner!

  2) Draw Off- Each girl needs at least one piece of paper, pencils, and something to use to color her picture. As a group, come up with a category. It can be anything at all, from animals to food. Then set a timer for however long you want to spend drawing. When the time is up, take turns presenting your pictures. Then, you can vote on which one is the best!

   3)Hangman- The easiest way to play Hangman is to have a sheet of paper and a pencil. Secretly, come up with a word and draw blanks at the bottom of the paper, one for each letter. Then, tell your friend the category (animal, places…). Your friends then take turns guessing a letter in the word.  If they do not guess correct letter, then you draw part of the post or man, one part at a time. If they do guess the correct letter, then you put that letter in a many blanks as it appears in the word. Have your friends keep guessing until either the word is complete or the man is completely drawn. Then, have another person come up with a  new word and keep going!

   4)    Water Balloon Fight- This is a game to play outside when it is warm. Fill lots of water balloons (You can find water balloons at most store that sell regular balloons) with water and put them in a container such as a bucket or cooler. Then take the container outside and have each girl take a few water balloons, but still leave some in the container. Then, have the girls get away from the bucket and hide, and when everyone is ready, start throwing the balloons at each other! If you run out of balloons, get a few more from the container. The game is over when there are no more balloons left and the winner is the girl who got the least wet! One note, make sure to pick up any small pieces of balloon when the game is over. A Girl Scout always leaves a place better than she found it.

   5)    Hide and Seek Tag- This is a classic game, and most people know how to play it, but if you don’t, here is a quick run-down. First, pick a “base”, which is where you try to run to. One girl is “It”, so she closes her eyes and counts the sixty. While she is counting, the other girls find a hiding spot and stay very quiet as “It” looks for them. At any time, the players can either find a new hiding spot, try to run to base, or just stay where they are. “It” tries to tag the other girls before they get to base. If you touch base, you are safe and “It” can’t tag you. The round is over when all the girls have either been tagged or have gotten to base. The first girl who was tagged becomes the new “It” and you play again!

   6)    Flashlight Tag- This is a game that is best played outside in a large space and at night. One girl who is “It” has a flashlight and closes her eyes to count to sixty. The other girls do not have flashlights and must go find a hiding spot. When “It” has finished counting, she has to go find the other girls who are hiding. If you are hiding, you may move at any time, but there is no base. “It” may only shine her flashlight somewhere if she thinks that is where someone is hiding. If no one is hiding there, then “It” must turn her flashlight off and try to find someone else. You are “tagged” when “It” shines her flashlight on you. The game ends when all of the girls have been “tagged”, and the first person caught is now “It”.

   7)    Infection- This game is best played in an area with lots of people. One person is considered the “bacteria”, and all of the “healthy” people hide as the bacteria counts to sixty. She is the “bacteria.” The “bacteria” then goes around and tries to tag anyone who is healthy, and her touch has “infected” them. Both girls are now “bacteria” and keep going around tagging people. The trick is to go up to your friends casually so they might think you're not infected yet. The game ends when there is one “healthy” girl left, and then the first person “infected” becomes the next “bacteria”.

   8)    Manhunt- This is one of my favorite games and is best played outside is a very large space with some obstacles. The group of girls divides into two teams. One team closes their eyes and counts while the other hides, either together or separately. When that team is done counting, they go and try to find and tag all of the members of the other team. When all of the teams have been tagged, the teams switch roles.

    So now you never have to be bored again while hanging out with your friends! There are so many choices of things to do; you may now have a hard time figuring out what to do. Always remember to play fair and have fun! :)

Movie Review: Peeples

By: Jordyn S.

Peeples is a hilarious comedy, directed by Tyler Perry, staring Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, and David Alan Grier.

Set in Sag Harbor, New York (The Hamptons), this story follows Wade (Craig Robinson) as he decides to disrupt his girlfriends (Kerry Washington) family reunion and propose to her.  Little does he know that while his core values include trust and truth, the Peeples

family is full of secrets.

With an inventive, yet predictable plot, this movie gives all the laughs required.  Anyone watching can easily find themselves relating to some of the situations Wade encounters being an outsider who wishes to become a part of a family lead by a very domineering patriarch (Grier).  When Wade’s brother arrives, to offer help, things take a downward spiral, which continues to add to the humor required to engage the audience.

In my opinion, this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy Tyler Perry movies.  I find that his movies are best when the character Madea is not there to distract the natural flow and intent of the film.  Rated PG-13, for language and adult situations,. I think this film is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  Just remember, as the movie reminds us, that everyone is not meant to be a Peeples.

Zodiac Horoscope

By: Nia H.

Note from GiGi: Always remember, horoscopes are only for fun. Enjoy!

March 21-April 19

Aries the Ram (Fire)

Hello Aries! Your zodiac defines you as adventurous and energetic, you go into the unknown head first without fear. You tend to be confident. You don’t let others bring you down on your quests during life. You keep a positive attitude, and an  enthusiastic outlook on your life as you conquer many challenges. You’re quick to act, and tend to take the leadership positions while in groups. As an Aries, you tend to never stop moving, or stop thinking. You are always rushing around to do something, committing yourself to projects and helping those around you.

April 20-May 20

Taurus the Bull (Earth)

Hello Taurus! You’re labeled as one of the most patient and most reliable zodiac signs. You are warmhearted, and are willing to help others as they go through their lives, making you a close friend. When it comes to challenges, you are persistent and determined, and no matter how long it takes, you will never quit or back down. You tend to love security, and making sure everything is safe, often double checking things twice. As a Taurus, you like to relax and give things time to heal. You commit yourself to small yet helpful tasks, like helping in a soup kitchen, or volunteering at an animal shelter.

May 21-June 20

Gemini the Twins (Air)

Hello Gemini! You’re one of the happiest zodiac signs around. You love to go out and make friends, and are able to adapt to most situations quickly. You know how to communicate well with others and often help people open up about their feelings, or give people advice. You are smart, and think about what others will say or do. As a Gemini, you probably like to play games, and are often the life of the party. This makes you easy to approach, and easy to befriend. You like to commit to tasks that involve younger children, or just about anything that can move as quickly and have as much fun as you do.

June 21- July 22

Cancer the Crab (Water)

Hello Cancer! You’re one of the more reserved zodiac signs. You’re cautious, and often check out the scene before acting. You love to imagine, and might spend your time daydreaming, or doodling about things that run through your head during the day. You hold a strong sense of sympathy, and like to help those in need, or help those who can’t fend for themselves in the growing world. You’re protective of your friends and will go to great lengths to keep them from harm. You also help them through their struggling times. You like to ask questions, and have the most information possible on a given subject. You don’t like to let things go, making you reliable to complete a given task.

July 23-August 22

Leo the Lion (Fire)

Hello Leo! You’re an extremely curious and creative zodiac sign. You don’t mind when people around you are moving fast, because you’ll pick up the pace as well. You love to use your mind to create things, and take up hobbies, such as drawing, building, writing, and maybe even music. You’re faithful, and won’t go back on your promises once you commit. You’re loving and enthusiastic and will strive to give your best to your friends and family. You don’t mind taking the leadership role, and like to jump into things to help.

August 23-September 22

Virgo the Maiden (Earth)

Hello Virgo! You’re a reserved sign. You’re shy. Interacting with new people is sometimes difficult for you, as you don’t know what to say to them. Once you’re friends with someone, you’re a friend for life. You’re modest, and don’t take full credit for the goods things that you do, often shrugging off compliments, but they do make you feel good. You’re intelligent, leaving you open for any tasks that involve analyzing. You’re diligent, and don’t like giving up when things get rough. You want everything to be just perfect, so you might take up jobs such as an editor, maybe even a food critic.

September 23-October 22

Libra the Scales (Air)

Hello Libra! You’re one of the more charming of the zodiac signs. You’re easygoing and love to socialize, and enjoy going to anywhere where people will be around. Being alone sometimes bothers you, but you cope well. You tend to be a little more romantic, and love to surprise those around you with your displays of affection. You’re peaceful, and don’t enjoy when others fight, and often try to help other settle their differences and come to a compromise. You have a strong sense of justice, and have many ideals about how things should and shouldn’t be. Sometimes, you can be a bit indecisive, but overall, you are a Libra on a mission, and you try not to let other things get in your way.

October 23-November 21

Scorpio The Scorpion (Water)

Hello Scorpio! You’re a driving force within the zodiac. You’re sometimes forceful, which can be good when it comes to discipline. You’re a powerful person, often moving those around you into doing something with your words and actions. You love excitement and thrills, which makes you an energetic person. You’re magnetic, attracting those around you into what your doing. You’re passionate about your hobbies, and don’t like when things get frustrating, but your determination causes you to keep pushing until you reach your goal. You’re easy to trust, because you can keep secrets.

November 22-December 21

Sagittarius the Archer (Fire)

Hello Sagittarius! You’re one of the more optimistic of the zodiac. Nothing can ruin your good mood once you get into one. You love humor, and tend to be happy wherever you go. The happiness you possess is infectious, and will get people around you in a good mood too! You don’t like to be caged-up, and sitting in one spot too long makes you itch to move around. You’re honest, and you can usually see through lies that people tell you. Sagittarius is also a more straightforward sign, and you won’t change the subject when given a difficult question. Your happiness makes you a wonderful friend when those around you need a good laugh. You might like to take up hobbies that involve group sessions where you can make as many people as possible happy at once.

December 22-January 19

Capricorn the Goat (Earth)

Hello Capricorn! You’re an ambitious zodiac signs. To you, saying the sky is the limit is a lie, when man has footprints on the moon. You place your goals high, and strive to meet expectations, and even exceed them. You’re disciplined, making you a trustworthy sign when someone is needed to help with a serious task. You’re patient with others, and will wait for them and help them along their life journey. You like a good laugh, and know when and how to crack a good joke amongst your friends. You tend to be more laid-back and reserved, but you know how to open up to friends with time and space.

January 20-February 18

Aquarius the Water Bearer (Air)

Hello Aquarius! You’re an independent sign that knows how to work. You’re original, and love making up new ideas, start new quests, and generally have a path laid out for the future. You’re friendly to anyone, making you easy to approach. Your words and actions make others around you think about themselves as you try to help everyone improve. You’re honest and loyal, making you a friend that’s easy to keep. You believe everyone is equally as important, and don’t like to have to pick and chose friends. In life, you don’t mind change, and will do your best to adapt to it.

February 19-March 20

Pisces the Fish (Water)

Hello Pisces! You’re a sensitive yet loving zodiac sign. You’re compassionate, and tend to hold onto relationships with people around you. You want everyone to be friends, and get along. You’re selfless, and put others needs before your own, and show a strong sense of friendship to anyone that crosses your path. You’re sympathetic, and won’t leave anyone struggling alone. You help pick them up, dust them off, and offer to hold their hand as they journey through life. You have strong ideals about the world, and wish for peace between everyone. You’re a wonderful friend to those around you, and everyone tends to wish you the best of will.

Nail Colors for All Seasons

By: Edie W.

When you think of the season, what colors come to mind? For most people, spring and winter bring to mind hues of blue and green, while summer and fall are characterized by warm oranges and reds. It’s easy to incorporate these colors into your outfit, but you can take it up another notch with the ultimate accessory – your manicure! Nail polish is long-lasting, looks great with everything, and it can be the key to your seasonal look.

Before you start planning your seasonal flair, it’s important to understand the basics. For most manicures, you will simply need to apply base coat, 2 layers of color, and a topcoat to clean, shaped nails. You’ll want to make sure each layer is dry before applying the next. If you’ve got the basic application mastered, you’re ready to let yourself be inspired by the seasons.


SUMMER

Summer brings all kinds of watery events. You might find yourself at pool parties, hanging out at the beach, or swimming at the lake. These are great times to show off the neon colors that are so popular right now, but you’ll want to take care to not ruin your manicure after one day in the sun.

All nail polish is basically waterproof, but the evaporation of the water off of your nails can make your polish chip. To decrease the number of hairline cracks in your topcoat, first get a good brand of nail polish, like Sephora or OPI, that won’t chip as easily as the polish you get in party goody bags. Next, do apply a base coat. It makes the polish stick to your nails more. Only apply one coat of color, because then it will be less likely to get uneven patches of polish. Apply a topcoat, and make sure the polish has had at least 24 hours to dry before going in the water.

FALL


Almost everyone loves the colors of fall, and finding fall oranges and reds in nail polish is easy. The only hard part is deciding what color you want to paint your nails!

Fortunately, there is a way to overcome any indecision. A hot trend right now is the ombre technique, which uses two to three different colors, and is very easy to do. Simply apply a base coat, and then two layers of the lightest color you have. Then, use a sponge to apply the next lightest color from the tip of the nail down, leaving some of the first layer uncovered. If you want a third color, apply it (also with a sponge) from the tip of the nail down, leaving a bit of a the first and second colors showing. This will give you a multi-color faded effect that fits right in with the changing colors of fall.

WINTER

When the weather outside gets frightful, at least we can cheer ourselves up with some nail-decorating fun! Why not brighten your spirits and your nails with pastel colors and tons of glitter to mimic the glistening snow?

Many nail polish brands carry nail glitter, and it’s easy to apply. First, choose your winter pastel. This is a great time of year to experiment with light blue, white, or silver. Next, apply your base coat and two coats of the color you selected. Finally, layer your color with the glitter of your choice. Classic silver glitter goes with every color – even silver!


SPRING

Spring is the perfect time to bring out the bright pinks and even greens that you kept hidden during winter. It’s also a great time to take advantage of patterns and great nail art. Why not add stripes or polka dots in contrasting colors, or add floral nail stickers to help your style “bloom?”

When it comes to completing your look, it’s hard to find a better accessory than a manicure that’s perfect for your

Calling All Warriors

By Elizabeth W.

2013 Lime Green Giraffe Webmaster

 

Obstacles. Ropes. Mud. Barbed Wire. Water. Fire. More mud.

These are the things that warriors must face and conquer in the exhilarating Warrior Dash, a 5k mud obstacle course race held annually in almost every state, as well as in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and several countries in Europe. Warrior Dash joins the likes of the Spartan Sprint, the Superhero Scramble, and Tough Mudder in the field of obstacle courses, which have grown significantly in popularity over the last four years. Each obstacle course event offers a large experience beyond the race itself. Free food, giveaways, t-shirts, and live bands attract thousands of visitors and racers alike.

The growing popularity of obstacle races—particularly those involving mud—is a testament to the adventurous spirit being rekindled in people of all ages, for while running the race, wading through water, dodging barbed wire, and leaping over fire, something vibrant and alive ignites inside the runner, a euphoria that will never be forgotten.

Lessons Learned from Movies

By: Pooja D.

2013 Lime Green Giraffe Copy Editor

1. From Harry Potter, people have learned to never give up and they have learned the importance of friendship.  This story is about a boy who thought he was ordinary, but then learns that he is actually a wizard.  He is a legend in his world, and everyone in the “wizarding” community is expecting him to defeat evil once and for all.  He is only a child throughout his whole journey, yet he never complains.  He has close friends and amazing mentors who guide him all the way to the end.  He doubts himself at times, but his friends are there to aid him when he needs them.  Harry taught us to keep on fighting because everyone has “something worth fighting for” (The Order of the Phoenix).

2.    The Harry Potter series has also taught people about fear. In The Chamber of Secrets

Hermione says, “Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself”.  This is an important lesson that everyone should remember.  In the series, the name “Voldemort” inspires fear in everyone and it is this fear that makes him seem villainous.  Harry is the only one in the series, besides Dumbledore, who is not afraid to say Voldemort.  They are also the only two people that frighten Voldemort.  Dumbledore and Harry always call Voldemort by his name. They do not make his name any more significant than anyone else’s name by calling him titles such as “The Dark Lord.”  Harry and Dumbledore, see Voldemort as simply another person, a very evil person and someone who can be destroyed.
 
3.    In the Lord of the Rings, people realize that “even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”  One does not have to be the tallest or the best at something to capture the world’s attention.  One just has to be determined to make a change and one must be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve that goal.  Throughout the Lord of the Rings, Frodo, who is only stands four-feet tall, does what everyone thought to be impossible and destroys the evil in the world.  It does not matter that he is not tall or knows how to use any weapons; he has a kind heart, a determined spirit, and a loyal friend that helps him on his quest.  Frodo does his part just like the other characters.  He takes a chance and he is successful; therefore what are we waiting for?
 
4.    From the Walt Disney movie Brave, people have learned the meaning of family.  Merida, the young princess, wishes to change her fate. She wishes for a mother who would let her do what she wants.  However, when a spell goes bad and her mother is changed into a bear, Merida realizes how much she loves and needs her mother.  Merida does everything she can in order to change her mother back into a human and we see her grow closer to her family in the process of trying reverse the spell.  She asks the watchers the question: “If you were given the chance to change your fate, would ya?”  I think the answer to the question is, do not blindly accept your fate but try to change it; but at the same time, do not get carried away and cause harm to others in the process of making your life better.
 
5.    In the Walt Disney movie, Tangled, people learn to follow their dreams.  Everyone has a dream, and people live their lives trying to accomplish them.  Dreams can be accomplished in a matter of months or in years.  However, people have to work to achieve their dreams.  One cannot just sit down and wait for their dream to magically happen; one must work for it.  This is just what Rapunzel does in the movie.  She sees an opportunity to achieve her dream to see the floating lanterns and takes it.  She learns more about herself on this journey than she has in the past 18 years of her life.  She also experiences so many different adventures, finds out who she is the princess, and finds true love.  If she had not taken the opportunity when it presented itself, she would still be locked in a tower.  The most important message in this movie though is near the end of the film.  Rapunzel was distressed moments before her dream come true.  She was worried about what to do after she saw her dream.  The response: “you get to find a new dream.”  As one dream ends, another one begins.  One can never run out of dreams, one just has to keep chasing them one after the other.

6.    Another inspiring movie in my opinion is The Dead Poets Society.  This movie teaches people about the difference between conformity and nonconformity.  Conformity is when one follows the rules and does not act against them.  Nonconformity is when one goes against the rules.  Throughout the movie, the teacher Mr. Keating teaches his students about nonconformity.  Most importantly though, he teaches his students to think for themselves and not to listen to or accept society’s opinions.  People must have their own individual thoughts and if people conform to society then nothing will ever get done.  Mr. Keating helps the students understand that there is more to life than rules and inspires them to follow their dreams.