A Fashion Guide to Graduation
When it comes to graduation fashion, don’t let that boring cap and gown get you down! Whether you’re celebrating your own graduation or a friend or family member’s we’ve got some styling tips to help you choose the perfect outfit for the occasion!
Make Sure Your Outfit is Practical. If your heels are too high, they might sink in the grass while you’re walking up to receive your diploma. If your dress is too short or too low cut, you’ll easily wind up on everyone’s “fashion don’t” list. Also, keep in mind that you’ll be sitting most of the time during the ceremony, and possibly in direct sunlight, so comfort (and sunscreen) is always key!
Go Bold! Try color blocking. Choose an outfit made up of several bright blocks of colors juxtaposed against each other. Just remember to keep the cut classic and let the colors speak for themselves! http://www.togandporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/colorblocking.png
Maxi-mize the Moment! A fun maxi-dress, preferably with an outrageous print on it, is an easy-to-wear option.Just be sure the length isn’t too long – you don’t want to trip on your way to the stage! Pair the dress with simple jewelry and hair for the perfect ensemble! http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/04/daily-outfit-idea-how-to-wear-5.html
Pack a Citrusy Punch! Oranges and tangerines add the perfect pop of color, but we especially love when the hue is the main focus of any outfit. Try a wrap dress or comfy tunic in this bright color. http://thestylerundown.com/?p=3141
Make Your Makeup Memorable! Keep your makeup light if the ceremony is outdoors, or else you’ll end up sweating most of it off. And don’t forget to use waterproof mascara that will stay in place if you shed any tears! Check out our spring skincare for some additional beauty inspiration: http://mycleanscene.com/blog/2012/spring-skincare-trends/
Enjoy planning your outfit and have a wonderful graduation celebration!
Finals + Stress = AHHHHHHHHH
We know how stressful exams can be and all that worry can easily lead one stressed-out girl! Follow a few of these tips to keep you calm, collected, and on you’re A-Game during finals this year!
Start your day by feeding your brain! Try this yummy meal for breakfast: a handful of berries (vitamin C), six to eight ounces of low fat yogurt (calcium and magnesium) and a slice of whole grain toast with natural peanut butter.
Take a break! Brains get tired and need a distraction sometimes, even if it’s just watching a funny YouTube video. Indulging in a quick break will give your mind a second to relax.
Get Connected. Don’t avoid everyone and shut yourself in your room through exams. When managing your study schedule, allot some free time for a fro-yo trip with friends!
Put down your phone! Constant multitasking is sometimes necessary, but can also cause us to lose focus. Take a few minutes a day to unplug from the computer and phone for a healthy and very much needed mental break.
Eat “Brain Food.” The omega-3 fats in salmon (often called “brain food”) as well as other fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and olives help keep your mind sharp!
Activate those endorphins! Hop on that treadmill or go to that yoga, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Having a daily exercise ritual will help you sleep better at night and keep your brain sharp in the morning.
Get to bed! Your body and brain are affected by the quality and amount of sleep you get at night, which determines how well you can deal with stress. Turn off the TV one hour before heading to bed to help your body and mind relax and help prep your brain for sleep.
Go easy on yourself. Adding external pressure to the real pressure of exams is not going to help your cause, so do the best you can and acknowledge that giving it your all is exactly what you should be doing.
Best of luck on all your exams this year!
Have a couple stress-busting tips you’d like to share? Let us know what they are by commenting on this blog or posting your tips on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/mycleanscene
Lazy Summer Days? Not You, Overachiever!
Summer is coming, and that means relaxing in the sun, taking naps and catching up with your DVR. But we all know that after a week or two of that laziness, boredom sets in and we’re ready to start moving again. Make this summer your most productive (but still fun, of course!) yet. Here are some of the things we’re planning this summer. What’s on your agenda?
Getting our body back! Stress eating during finals totally cancelled out all those New Year’s resolutions. So we’re ready to go on a physically challenging program to get our body healthy for the coming school year. This year we’re thinking of incorporating rock climbing, hiking and a dance camp! The endorphins will keep us pumped long after August is over!
Planning our future! At any age, dreaming about what your future holds can be a fun pastime. Start making those dreams a reality by enrolling in a summer program that counts toward what you want to study in college. Our summer class? Creative writing and social media of course!
Getting some international exposure! Study abroad and stay with a host family for a truly immersive experience. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have that international summer romance to brag about when you return to school this fall. We’re thinking Italy, Greece or Turkey this year.
Making it rain! To get the green, you’ve got to put in the work. Send out feelers for a summer job to save up change for next school year’s wardrobe. Many of us make some extra pennies by babysitting. Find a family that’s looking for a summer nanny for a steady income stream.
Getting some real world experience! Choose an entry-level position or internship in a field that you are interested in to get a feel for what it’s really like to work in that industry! Want to intern with us at Clean Scene? Contact kcurtis@murad.com.
Relaxing! Make sure to carve out time in your busy summer schedule to veg out a little at home. You deserve to have some down time after using all your mental energy during the school year. Ahhh, we think it’s time for a nap in the sun. J
Happy Summer Everyone!
Let us know what’s on your summer agenda by commenting on this blog or posting it on our Facebook page.
Prepping for Your Dream Job!
What’s your dream job? An actor? A doctor? A journalist? No matter what career path you’re looking to head down, it’s never too early to hop on the road toward that goal. This summer make a plan to try out a couple of your dream career choices. Here are some suggestions to help you get experience in the career that you know you love!
For the Science Fanatic:
Summer Programs
Lab research assistant
Volunteer at a hospital (children’s hospitals are great!)
University summer programs for high school students
Honors summer programs
College Majors
Pre-Med
Biology/Chemistry
Psychology
Careers
Doctor
Professor
Researcher
For the Tech Wiz:
Summer Programs
University summer programs for high school students
Tutor children in computer science or math
Intern at a science museum
College Majors
Computer Science
Engineering
Applied Math
Careers
Engineer
Product Manager at a technology company
Web/Application Developer
For the History Buff:
Summer Programs
Intern at a museum
Volunteer at your local newspaper
Model U.N.
College Majors
History
Art History
Political Science
Careers
Professor
Museum Director
Journalist
For the English Enthusiast:
Summer Programs
Volunteer at literacy programs
Intern at a newspaper
Intern at a PR firm
College Majors
English
Communications
Public Relations
Careers
Copywriter
Professor
Public Relations Specialist
For the Inspired Artist:
Summer Programs
Internship at gallery
Volunteer at non-profit art foundation
Volunteer with an art therapy program
College Majors
Art Therapy
Visual Arts
Advertising
Careers
Art therapist
Graphic Designer
Art Director
For the Music Aficionado:
Summer Programs
Internship at a recording studio
Volunteer at a music therapy program
Tutor music students
College Majors
Music Production
Music Theory
Music Performance
Careers
Audio Engineer
Composer
Performer
We’d love to hear about your dream job and what steps you’re taking to get there! Let us know by commenting on this blog or posting it on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/mycleanscene
Tips for Picking Your Dream College
College application deadlines are quickly approaching! And whether you’re ahead of the game and waiting on acceptance letters, or hoping to scope out the campus before applying, there are several things to keep in mind during your campus visit. Don’t fret, we’ve jotted down a few to get you started.
1) Extracurriculars: School isn’t just about classes! Make sure your ideal school also has your ideal extracurricular activities. Are there kids hanging out on the quad playing Ultimate Frisbee? Is there a jazz ensemble that you can join? How great is the theater program? Whether you’re into sports, music or the arts, be sure that the school you’re looking at offers the programs that you love.
2) Distance from Home: Be realistic about how far away from home you want to be. Do you want to drive home every weekend to visit family and friends? Or would you be content to only visit for holidays and in between semesters. Don’t ignore your sense of adventure, but be realistic about your own needs and comfort zone.
3) Location: In addition to the distance from home, there are other important things to consider about location. What’s the weather like? Is it set in a big city or in a remote area? Again, it’s all about being adventurous, but also knowing where you’ll be most happy.
4) Food: Don’t underestimate the impact that the cafeteria will have on your life, health AND happiness. Make sure the cafeteria provides healthy food options to keep your brain working optimally. Also, take a look at the local surrounding restaurants. Sometimes you need some good options away from campus too!
5) Exercise: Many schools have gyms, offer fitness classes or have intermural sports teams. Ask about the campus fitness facilities and make sure your favorite activities are offered, as well as the opportunity to try a few new things. You don’t want to fall victim to the “Freshman 15!”.
6) Study Abroad Programs: Study abroad programs offer a great way to see the world while you learn! What options does the school offer? Where can you go? What majors have adjacent study abroad programs? Are there international summer programs? Take advantage of these special programs to get the most out of your college experience!
7) Career Services: Let’s face it. The reason we go to college is to get a good job after we graduate. So, the amount of career service support a college offers is key to success after you toss that cap and gown! How much help can the school offer in obtaining internships and jobs? Is credit offered for internships? What are their post-college job placement statistics? How do they prepare you for interviews? How do they prepare you practically for the work force?
Yes, choosing a college is a major decision in life, but a lot of the excitement is had in the decision process. Be sure to weigh your options carefully, but don’t forget to have fun!