Category Archives: Info & Updates

What to Visit in New York City!

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I am lucky to have been to a few different cities in my life so far, but New York City is one of my favorites by far. The busy atmosphere, beautiful art, and crazy buildings are just a few aspects that I love. In this article, I will list a few of my personal favorite locations and things I did when I went. Keep reading if you want to learn more!

The very first place that comes to mind is Central Park. This beautiful urban park about 840 acres and is 2,5 miles long. There is plenty of space to explore. While it is nearly impossible to see the entire park in one day, I would recommend going at least a couple times throughout your stay. Of course, some notable areas inside of Central Park include the Bethesda Fountain, Alice in Wonderland statue, and the Strawberry Gardens. These are truly sights to see and are unique to the city.

Another place I would recommend visiting is the Chelsea Market. The neighborhood of Chelsea itself stands out with its high rise buildings, modern architecture, and artsy feel. The Chelsea Market is a wonderful area with various different restaurants and to-go food. It is always super busy, and the food is delicious! I had some great tacos when I went.

Lastly, I would 100% recommend watching a Broadway play or musical in New York. There are many different theatres located around the city, so pick one and watch a play or musical you are interested in! The actors are truly so talented and make the experience unforgettable. I went to go see Wicked and I still cannot get it off my mind.

I hope that these locations and experiences persuade you into visiting New York City! It is very different from Southern California, but it is nice to switch it up every once in a while. Also, it is very important to buy tickets and tours early. New York City is always booked and busy, so it is key to plan ahead. Safe traveling and hope you enjoyed!

10 Tips and Suggestions for visiting Disneyland in 2024

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Disneyland is a very nice place to go throughout the year, with plenty of enjoyable rides and attractions. However, it can sometimes be difficult to visit everything as it can be very crowded. Here are 10 helpful tips that I have found that will help you make the most out of your day there.

1. Get there early.

Disneyland can be very busy at times, especially on the weekend. The lines for admission can get very long, especially later in the day. I found that getting to the front early slightly before the park opens can help you beat the crowds and get into the park earlier.

2. Pack a meal.

Another thing that I found helpful was packing and bringing a simple meal to eat there. The lines for the rides can get very long, but eating lunch while waiting in line will allow you to ride more rides and get the most out of your day.

3. Plan out the day beforehand.

Planning your day beforehand can also be very helpful. Plan to go on the rides that have longer wait times first as times often get long quickly. Then, try to do the rides with shorter waits later in the day when other wait times become very long.

4. Use the Genie+ Service.

I also found the Genie+ service very helpful the last time I went to Disneyland. It allows you to schedule the day and skip the long wait times for the rides. Try to schedule the rides that normally have a long line first. However, you only get to use it once per ride, so try to only use it if times are long.

5. Use mobile ordering for food.

When you do order food at Disneyland, try to use the online mobile ordering service. Many of the lines and wait times for food vendors are very long, but mobile ordering allows you to skip the line and get your food faster.

6. Pack a portable phone charger.

You will need your phone for a lot of things at Disneyland, as many services require you to use your phone including Genie+. I found packing a portable phone charger helpful to bring in case your phone runs low on battery, which will be useful especially if you spend a long time there.

7. Find a good place to sit down and eat lunch.

At Disneyland, there are many good places to sit down and eat lunch. A good spot if you are looking for a peaceful place to eat is Tom Sawyer’s island in the lake in the middle of the park. There are also benches around the lake that you can sit at, and it is much less busy than the less of the park.

8. Go on the indoor rides when it gets too hot.

It can get hot at Disneyland, especially in the summertime. and it can be better to go on the indoor rides during the hottest parts of the day. Some great indoor rides include Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the new Star Wars ride Rise of the Resistance.

9. Buy tickets on weekdays if possible.

Another helpful tip is to try to book tickets on weekdays if possible. The park is usually much less crowded on weekdays, and this makes it easier to get the most out of your day and avoid waiting in long lines.

10. Get your pictures taken early.

You can get your photo taken professionally in many places throughout Disneyland, and the Genie+ service comes with unlimited photos, and you can also have pictures taken in front of rides. However, there are lines to get photos taken and these become very long later in the day, so try to get pictures taken earlier in the day.

These are some tips that you can use at Disneyland in order to get the best experience and so you can have the most fun. So don’t forget to try these helpful tips and tricks the next time you visit!

Small Businesses to Support

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During Christmas, you may flock to common stores such as Target and Nordstrom. However, as you take the time to shop for family and friends, consider some of these small businesses to shop from during the Holidays.

Clothes:

Olive Lynn

This popular boutique sells a variety of clothes and accessories. Their most popular items are hoodies, sweaters, and tank tops. If you like colorful clothing, consider shopping at Olive Lynn.

Grey Bandit

Grey Bandit is another online clothing shop that sells trendy clothes with excellent quality. This store is known for its aesthetic designs + quality.

Jubilee Apparel

If you are looking for loungewear or streetwear, Jubilee is the place to go. Founded by influencer Katherine Beard, Jubilee Apparel’s main goal is to ethically make sustainable clothes with high quality. 

Food:

Lydgate Farms

This small business sells delicious chocolate with cacao beans grown in Kauai, Hawaii. I visited this chocolate factory during the summer, and I can confirm that this company sells some of the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches, which are carefully crafted to reach their full potential. This chocolate is rich in flavor and an excellent Christmas gift for loved ones. (P.S. The Dark Chocolate Hawaiin Rum is my favorite!!)

Pachamama Coffee

Pachamama Coffee has been around since 2006 and gained a strong reputation in the coffee world. This coffee shop has been featured in the New York Times, Wine Spectator, and The Fortune. Pachamama sells coffee sourced from different parts of the world–from Peru to Nicaragua.  If you are looking for a gift for a college student or family, shop at Pachamama Coffee.

Jewelry:

Coastline Color

Based in Florida, Coastline Color sells jewelry made with shells harvested from the Florida Coast. The owner offers customizable bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Shop at this boutique for unique jewelry!

SMART Goals!

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The first month of the new year, 2024, comes to an end but it is still not too late to make 2024 resolutions! Goals are hard to set and achieve especially if it’s hard for you to commit to long-term stuff, but using SMART can help you achieve the goals for 2024 whether it be to lose weight, get better grades, or even start meditating. So what does SMART stand for?

S – Specific

The S in SMART means “specific.” This means that your goal has to be specific and it can not be broad. You can be more specific with your goal by using the 5 W’s: who, where, what, and why. You can also use how in this when making your goal. An example of being specific is instead of saying,“My goal is to get better grades,” you can say “My goal is to turn my grades from C’s to A’s for the second semester of high school.”

M – Measurable

The M in SMART means “measurable.” This means that your goal has to be measurable. By being measurable, it means that you can track your progress. If your goal was to lose weight, you could track your weight on a scale at the end of each week. 

A –  Attainable

The A in SMART means “attainable.” This means that your goal should be attainable and not impossible. You can state how this goal is attainable. For example, if your goal is to start getting a better sleeping schedule, you can eliminate some distractions, such as going on your device before you sleep, so the goal is attainable. 

R – Realistic

The R in SMART means “realistic.”This means that you should be realistic in making your goal and that it can be achieved within the amount of time. Ask yourself questions such as “How will I complete this goal by the end of the year?” so that you can be realistic with making your goals. 

T – Timely

The T in SMART means “timely.” This means how you will time your progress. You can time your progress in various ways such as writing down in your planner every week or daily to achieve your goal. For timely, you have to write down how you’re going to time your progress. An example of this could be that you will read 2 books to 5 more books than last year by December 31st, 2024. 

This is really helpful and I apologize if my explanation was not clear enough but this has helped me a lot. I had to make a goal for my English class and although I was obligated to do the assignment, it actually is really helpful for I have stayed consistent with my goals for the new year. So if you really want to be productive and achieve goals for 2024, I recommend using the SMART method.

Fun Places to Visit in Washington D.C.

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Last year, I was finally able to visit Washington D.C. with my family. My 8th grade trip was shut down by COVID, so I finally got to take the long-awaited trip that my parents promised me. There are so many things to do in D.C. that you could literally visit for weeks on end and not get bored, so it’s very important to plan your time wisely and know how to get tickets ahead of time if you need to.

Of course, you want to try to do a tour of the White House if you can. You’ll need to email your representative or house member 90 days in advance of your anticipated arrival date. It’s a lottery system, so I’d recommend sending out an email ahead of time to all of them to see who responds and follow their directions closely, which requires submission of passport or other citizenship documents. I was lucky to get a spot and it was a great tour. I even got to see the president’s dog the day I was there.  You’ll also want to visit the nearby White House Visitor Center that has a museum and lots of information about the history of the White House as well as White House Gifts which is very touristy, but a fun place to shop, nonetheless.

A trip to Washington D.C. wouldn’t be complete without visiting the National Monuments. There are a lot of them to see including the ones we all know about like the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, but there are also a lot of other ones like the George Mason Memorial, Signer’s Memorial, D.C. Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, MLK Memorial, and US Marine Corps War Memorial and more I probably missed. Be prepared to walk for a long, long time if you want to see most of them. Maybe do what we did and stop at Tidal Basin to rent a paddle boat and paddle around to see the Thomas Jefferson and FDR Memorials from the water. That was a great experience! 

Make sure to leave a few days to see some of the exhibits in the Smithsonians as there is so much to see. I especially liked the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum.

You’ll also want to visit the current government buildings like the U.S. Capitol (stop by the Capitol Café and grab a white chocolate mold that looks like the Capitol building and is filled with whipped cream and berries – one of the most fun snacks I had the entire trip), the National Archives Research Center, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.  Just a little hint on the Library of Congress. If you are at least 16 years old, you can obtain your own library card and go into the actual library and look around at all of the books. It was a great experience and much more personal experience than being stuck walking through the regular pathways with everyone else. You have to plan ahead and make sure to show up the hours that are stated on their website and have the appropriate documentation, but it is well worth the extra effort. Also, if you stop by your representative’s office ahead of time, be sure to ask for galley passes which are free and allow you to sit high up above the floor and watch our government in action. I was lucky to catch a briefing on some of the upcoming votes while I was there.

After all of this touring, you’ll be really hungry, so you might also want to try out some cool restaurants like Busboys and Poets, Elephant & Castle, Shake Shack, Old Ebbitt Grill, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips or the original Ben’s Chili Bowl. I didn’t make it to all of these, but Ben’s Chili Bowl was especially good. It was a bit of a long Metro ride there, but was very old and had an original vibe to it. There were lots of famous people’s pictures on the walls and a video loop going showing everyone from famous actors and actresses to singers and musicians, both from a long time ago and more current times enjoying their meal there.

I hope you will find some of these spots to see in Washington D.C. as interesting as I did and that you enjoy your trip. Make sure to check the websites for every place that’s a must do on your list at least a few months before leaving, because you’ll need to make reservations and/or purchase tickets for many of the places listed above well ahead of time. It seems that the guidelines for reservations are always changing since COVID, so I’d recommend checking online for the most up-to-date information.

Happy Travels!

Most Popular Social Medias of 2023

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2023, the year of technology. Where daily activities such as shopping, chatting, and reading went online and social media gained users by the masses. According to “Smart Insights,” about 61.4% of the world’s population used social media last year. So with the start of a new year and the end of a great one, it’s time to look back on some of the biggest social platforms used in 2023.

In sixth place, we have TikTok with an average of 1.1 billion monthly users. This addictive app hit 1 million users within a matter of just 200 days. The majority of its audience is 18-20 years old, but older age groups can also find entertainment in it.

At fifth we have WeChat, which is widely known in China as an “app for everything.” It has 1.33 billion monthly users. With its messaging function, video chats, games, mobile payment, location sharing and more, there’s no wonder it’s so popular!

In fourth, Instagram is a steady contestant with 2.4 billion monthly users. Most people have it as a secondary platform, though. Only 0.1% of people have Instagram as their only social media. But despite that, it’s still a great place to stay in touch with your friends!

WhatsApp is third! Because of its widespread use over 180 countries, it has about 2.78 billion monthly users. It is ranked number one as the most used messaging app in the world!

Second place is YouTube, a beloved platform for people all around the world. Users can make jobs from being content creators on YouTube. Not to mention it’s function of YouTube Shorts, which has bite-sized videos to enjoy whenever you’d like.

Finally, in first place we have Facebook. Although it has an older audience, people of all ages can enjoy it. Whether it’s seeing pictures of your grandma’s dog or your best friend’s birthday, Facebook is the go-to place for updates on people’s lives.

2024 is a new year full of new surprises. My predictions for social media will be that TikTok gains more viewers and makes it into the top 5, or maybe even top 3. Social media has come a long way, and I await its further development in the new year.

Best Hikes and Camping for the New Year

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The new year has come around, and it’s a great time to get some exercise and go outdoors. A great way that I enjoy getting outdoors and getting some exercise is by going on hikes as well as going camping. There are many great spots to camp and hike in Orange County, so here are a few ones that I would recommend to start out your new year on a positive note.

  1. O’Neill Park

One of the best places in Orange County for outdoor activities is O’Neill Park. It is located in Trabuco Canyon near the foothills of the Saddleback Mountains and it has great nature and scenery. It is very easy to access and it has many great spots for camping, as well as a large variety of trails and hikes for all skill levels and ages. I personally would recommend bringing water and a snack for the longer hikes, and to try the flat trails first if you are a beginner.

2. Carbon Canyon

Another great spot for hiking and camping is in Carbon Canyon in northeastern Orange County, about 40 minutes from Mission Viejo. It is very beautiful and has a large grove of redwood trees, the only redwood trees in Southern California. It also has several good lakes for fishing, as well as great views. I would recommend the scenic nature trails in the park which are great for beginners. The park has guided hikes and many other events as well.

3. Aliso Wood Canyon Park

Aliso Wood Canyon Park is also a great place to visit. It is near Laguna Beach and it has many miles of well-maintained trails that are great even for beginners. It also has great views of the ocean and has a variety of plants and wildlife. A hike that I would suggest is to Dripping Cave, a large natural cave in the area. The hike is very flat and largely paved, and is great for everyone. Another great hike is the Top of the World hike, which is also fairly easy and has great views and scenery, however, it often gets hot especially in the summertime, so I would recommend bringing a water bottle.

4. Niguel Botanical Preserve

The Niguel Botanical Preserve, an 18-acre botanical garden in Laguna Niguel, is also a great spot for your outdoor adventures. It has an enormous variety of beautiful, well-kept plants, and it is a good place for taking a walk. It is a very short and easy walk and is very accessible and not very remote. I also saw a variety of wildlife and the preserve overall is a great spot for nature. The preserve is located on a small hill, and I would recommend hiking to the top as it has a great view. It also has many other features, such as a butterfly and rose garden and a vista overlooking the preserve. It also has a variety of rare and interesting plants and is a great activity for everyone.

These are a few of the best options for outdoor activities in Orange County for anyone who is interested in hiking or camping to start the new year. So be sure to try these fun hikes, campgrounds, and outdoor activities for yourself to kick off your new year!

Study Tips for High Schoolers

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Finals season is almost here, and tests can be a lot to study for. However, with the right tools, you can make studying and taking tests a breeze. Here are a few helpful study tips and tricks that I learned.

The Pomodoro technique is a great tool to use when studying, and it’s a good way to get more done. First, you pick one task to complete. You next find a timer and set it for 25 minutes and work on the specific task until the timer rings. Next, take a short 5 minute break, and then repeat the process four times. After you have done this, you then take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This process greatly helped me with my studying and with my homework and made my schoolwork much easier in general, so be sure to try this the next time you study.

Another studying strategy that I found helpful was to make study guides. I write down the important ideas from a lesson or unit as well as terms and definitions, and then review it before a test so you are familiar with all of the important ideas. If you are given a synopsis for a unit, it will usually give many of the important ideas, so try to write these down on the study guide. Making these study guides made taking tests much easier, and they also make studying for finals easier, as they contain all the important information.

I also found it useful to spread out studying for the period of time before a test. Try to study every day or couple days. I also found it helpful to not cram the night before a test, as it is harder to learn the material and is not very helpful. Also, if you have vocabulary to learn, I would recommend reviewing it by making flash cards by hand or online on sites such as Quizlet.

Finally, I found using a planner or calendar extremely helpful. You can plan assignments and projects and break down your work and studying into manageable blocks, and I found this valuable, especially when working on large projects or assignments. Using a planner or calendar is also helpful for meeting deadlines with assignments, as well as keeping you organized. Overall, all of these study tips were very helpful for me and they’re sure to be useful for you as well, so be sure to use these the next time you’re studying for a test or project!

A Teen’s Guide to Travel Light

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As the excitement of my upcoming three-week trip to the East Coast grows, I am eager to explore its beautiful landscapes and immerse myself in American history. To make the most of my journey, I’ve decided to travel light with just a carry-on bag, inspired by the idea of traveling light and free. Packing efficiently is challenging as I only like to live with many things I’m accustomed to. Determined to conquer this problem, I’ve developed some savvy packing tips for teens like myself to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

The first thing on traveling light without less is choosing the perfect bag to accompany me on this adventure. After careful consideration, I settle on a compact yet durable carry-on bag that’s roomy enough for at least four outfits and two pajamas, with room for undergarments and a compartment for extra shoes. It must also comply with airline size restrictions and comfortably carry my belongings throughout the trip. Its various compartments and pockets promise to keep me organized, which is essential for someone like me who can be a bit messy. 

As I sit down to create my packing list, I realize that being organized is half the battle won. Pen in hand, I carefully jot down all the essentials I’ll need during my three-week stay. From comfortable clothes to versatile accessories and travel-friendly toiletries, my list serves as a roadmap for my packing adventure, ensuring I will notice all crucial items.

Choosing the right clothes is the most critical part of my packing journey. I opt for neutral-colored pieces that I can easily mix and match, allowing me to create various stylish outfits without lugging around an overloaded bag. Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics promise comfort and ease throughout my trip, regardless of the East Coast weather throws my way.

As a technology-loving teenager, I can’t leave home without my gadgets. But carrying multiple devices can add unnecessary weight. Inspired by the idea of traveling smart, I decided to rely on my trusty smartphone, a multi-purpose marvel that serves as my camera, music player, and communication hub all in one, making my bag significantly lighter.

Rolling my clothes instead of folding them becomes a packing revelation for me. It saves space and keeps my clothes wrinkle-free, so I can leave the plane looking fresh and ready for the adventures ahead. The simplicity of this packing technique makes me wonder why I hadn’t adopted it sooner.

Organizing my travel documents has become a top priority. My passport, ID, boarding passes, and reservation confirmations find a secure home in a travel organizer, ensuring they are easily accessible whenever needed. This sense of preparedness brings a comforting peace of mind on my journey.

I remind myself to keep my makeup and accessories minimal and versatile. Travel-sized makeup items fit perfectly into my carry-on. I select a few essential accessories that can enhance any outfit I wear, reducing the clutter in my bag to allow me easy travel.

With my carry-on bag carefully packed, I realize ample room for souvenirs and mementos from my adventures to the East Coast. Knowing I won’t have to worry about exceeding weight limits on my way home brings a sense of relief, allowing me to focus on embracing the experiences that await me.

As I eagerly anticipate my carry-on adventure, I feel empowered knowing that I am traveling light and free. With my well-organized backpack and savvy packing choices, I am ready to explore the beauty of the East Coast, create lasting memories, and embrace the joys of travel without the burden of heavy luggage. 

Traveling with a carry-on can be liberating, allowing you to embrace a lighter and more carefree journey. I hope you are inspired to pack light on your next travel. With these packing tips, you can embark on your adventures with ease, organization, and a sense of preparedness, making your trips more enjoyable and enriching. So, pack light, travel smart, and embrace the freedom of carry-on adventures. Here’s to an incredible journey filled with wonder, growth, and traveling light!

Happy travels!

Bella H