After the early releases of “Want to Want Me,” “Get Ugly” and “Broke,” I had extremely high hopes for Jason Derulo’s latest album “Everything is 4.” However, after listening to only a few songs, I realized I would be grossly disappointed.

It seems these three singles are the only worthwhile songs on the entire album. Even then, “Want to Want Me” is the only great song of them all. With Derulo’s previous albums, there have always been three or four songs that I have not been particularly fond of — and sadly this time around, it was the exact opposite.

Songs like “X2CU,” “Trade Hearts” and “Cheyenne” are mere copies and regurgitations of overdone pop/hip-hop songs that have been done by not only Derulo, but by many others in this genre as well.

Also, five out of the 11 songs on the album feature other stars. Personally, it is OK to occasionally spotlight others in songs, but when it is done throughout the majority of the album, it feels uninspired and as if they are overcompensating.

Derulo’s previous albums, particularly his third titled “Talk Dirty,” had a multitude of chart-topping songs. However, this time around, I have no idea what the next song is that will be released from the album because options are rather slim.

After listening to “Everything is 4,” I can definitely say I am not as big of a fan of Derulo anymore. It seems that he is giving into the peer pressure of mainstream music and conforming to what is expected of the pop/hip-hop genre to produce.

Whether you’re a seasoned freshman beginning your second semester, or a veteran upperclassman who can talk the talk, everyone can become overwhelmed once the spring semester begins.

Spring semester is a whole new ball game — different classes, teachers and stresses.

After the four-week winter break, the sudden bombardment of classes, jobs and parties can become a little overwhelming. It can be tempting to throw in the towel, watch Netflix and eat nothing but doughnuts for the rest of your days.

However, before you succumb to the darkness, consider these simple ways you can obtain a better outlook on life and become a little less anxious.

Patience and Positivity

Believe it or not, everything on this list stems from having a positive attitude. If you’re always a negative Nelly, you’re already setting yourself up for failure. You know how people always say that catchy but obnoxious phrase, “You can wake up every morning and decide to be happy.” Even though part of me wants to say, “You can’t tell me what to do,” I honestly believe that if you control your attitude, you can control how you let things affect you.

Remember in high school when the petty popular girl would bully you and your mom would say, “If you let them make you feel bad, you’re giving them the power they want; you’re letting them win.” As weird of an analogy as this is, it’s exactly the same when it comes to your attitude. If you let the annoyances of the day affect you and mess up your mood, you’re letting the negative attitude win. It can be very simple to not let things get you down so much; in other words, don’t sweat the small stuff.

If the barista at Starbucks spells your name wrong for the 203rd time, and the girl in-line behind you spills her mocha frappe on your new shoes, you will most likely want to lie down on the ground and cry (either that or hit something). But, if you decide since the barista is not a potential love interest, it doesn’t matter if he can spell your name and that Pinterest can show you an easy way to remove that stain, then you can instantly become less stressed. You’ve made the decision to not let it bother you, to be more patient and to not let the stress monster win. 

Let the day end

It’s important to leave the trials and tribulations with the day. This means when the day is done, let what happened that day go. Don’t bring the annoyances of one day into the next because that stuff is over and done with; it has no place in your mind anymore. This will help unclutter your mind and free you from potential anxiety.

The importance of separation

Something that is key in managing your stress levels is being able to separate your personal life from your academic and professional life.

If your significant other is stressing you out beyond belief, don’t let that affect what grade you get on your economics test. It becomes essential to not let the stress of the outside world influence your schooling. School is already stressful enough and your personal life is equally demanding, there’s no need to combine these two and turn them into one major stress ball.

Yes, this is easier said than done, but if you make a conscious effort to think this way, you have a better shot of being able to handle the pressure of being a college student.

Be kind to Father Time

We are all guilty of placing our focus on the time we don’t have instead of the time we do have. We think, “I only have two hours until this homework is due” instead of, “I have two hours to work on this; I can do this.”

When we have this mindset, we create unnecessary stress. Putting time limits on tasks and counting down the minutes until you must complete them only produces two things: a boatload of anxiety and a rushed, thrown together homework assignment/task.

If you can calmly tell yourself you have this much time to complete the task, set a timer on your phone and put the phone across the room where you can seldom check it, you are more likely to produce quality, stress-free work.

Plan for parties

When the phrase, “plan for parties” is used, it doesn’t necessarily mean to pencil time into your schedule to binge drink every weekend. It simply means to make time for you. Classes are hard and there is a lot of work to be done each week, but if you plan no time for relaxation, you may actually go crazy.

It’s vital to set aside a time — just for you or for friends — where you can relax, let loose and not focus on the burden that is your school load.

Breathe in, breathe out

BREATHE. This is something that, once the school year gets into full swing, we’re all guilty of forgetting to do.

Find something that relaxes you, whether it’s yoga, lifting weights or simply picking up a book and doing some light reading. Whatever your fancy, make an effort to find your form of meditation and work this into your schedule as well. A rested mind is a working mind.

We all let anxiety get the best of us sometimes, but if we can learn to make the conscious effort to not let it, we can win this daily battle with stress.

Caitlin Grove

Via alestlelive.com

In life, some people are only meant to be in the picture for a short period of time. As humans, we are constantly growing and changing — and there is nothing wrong with this; it’s simply the way things are meant to be. However, as sad as it may be, not everyone grows at the same pace we do. We can outgrow our closest friends within a matter of a year and have to take comfort in knowing that we as individuals are progressing at just the right speed.

There are also those people we surround ourselves with who are not the best for us. For whatever reasons, we have convinced ourselves that we need them in our lives — no matter how much damage they have caused.

With the new year upon us, it is important to take a closer look at whom we surround ourselves and ask one difficult question — who belongs and who doesn’t? Here are a few examples of toxic people that don’t need to be in your life this new year.

The “I need you” people

These people are very fun to deal with; they are only friends with you when they need something. Whether it’s a date for Friday night or the answers to tomorrow’s homework, you suddenly pop up in their mind when they are in need.

Sometimes this is flattering — maybe you’re the go-to friend for advice. However, as soon as this becomes a one-sided relationship, then it’s time to split. You find yourself in need of help, you ask this individual since you so generously helped them in the past — and they are nowhere to be found.

These people don’t deserve a place in your life. They simply drain your energy and make you more miserable than necessary.

The stressful ones

Stress in life can be good. Lots of people work well under stress — sometimes they thrive. However, when it comes to people, stress is in no way a positive thing.

If people cause you nothing but stress, then it’s time to split. Once you find yourself tiptoeing around this individual, you know it’s not a healthy relationship.

The disrespectful ones

In life, you go through many different experiences and relationships that shape you as a person. They show you who you are and specifically, what you deserve.

Dealing with people who have treated you badly lets you see that you deserve to be respected, especially if you give so much respect in return. If someone in your life isn’t respecting you the way you’d like, then it’s time to call it quits.

The hurtful ones

When people hurt us, it shows that we have somewhat of a strong bond with them. If their actions can deeply affect us, they must hold a great deal of importance to us. This is part of the reason we continue to keep these people in our lives.

But in this new year, if you find there are people in your lives who cause you more pain than not, it may be time to cut the cord. Know that just because you are close and have a strong bond with someone, it does not give them a reason to hurt you.

The backstabbers

 Everyone has had these friends; you think they are your best friend and then come to find out, they have been doing nothing but talking trash about you.

You don’t hang out with them enough, they don’t like the person you’re dating, they don’t like your outfit — whatever the immature reason, these people feel the need to tell everyone but you how they feel.

These are some of the most toxic people you deal with during your lifetime, and they deserve no place in your circle. Don’t make time for people who don’t respect you enough to tell you to your face how it is — or at least keep their unwanted opinions to themselves.

The party poopers

You have spent so much time working on yourself, bettering yourself and you are very proud of how far you’ve come. However, there are always those in our lives, who for some reason, don’t want to see you improve. These people try to drag you back into your old lifestyle.

These people are not for you. Don’t put up with people who try to make you a bad person and don’t wish to see you succeed.

The stagnant ones

These are similar to the party poopers — they don’t know how to progress in life and want to take you down with them. You should be constantly changing, learning about yourself and growing. Like previously stated, this is a good thing; change and growing are good and help you truly become the person you are meant to me.

However, there are many people who don’t want to grow and don’t want to see others do that as well. When you are growing, they see it as you betraying them and changing.

Yes, it is very important to think about others, but if you are bettering yourself and your friends can’t support that, then they aren’t people you want in your life.

The space fillers

It is a very difficult realization that a high percentage of the people you surround yourselves with don’t belong in your life. If you haven’t learned already, you soon will learn that you have no obligation to stay friends with people. It is your life and you are allowed to have as many or as few friends as you see fit.

However, it becomes difficult to properly maintain a large amount of friendships. This is when you have to identify who is a priority, and who is simply taking up undeserved space and energy.

Ending friendships is a very difficult thing to do. You can feel like you are giving up and you are the source of the problem. However, it’s important to step back and remind yourself of what you deserve. If, when looking at your relationships, you find they don’t live up to your standards, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and what you deserve.

Caitlin Grove

Via alestlelive.com

The holiday season is upon us and this can only mean one thing — parties, parties, parties. Unfortunately, they’re not the kinds of parties you have in mind. These could include family, work or even intimate gatherings with friends. Regardless of the type, each party has it’s own dress code and expectations that follow.

For those who love shopping, putting together an outfit is half the fun. But when it comes to holiday parties, it can be a hassle. You have to make sure you put together just the right combination of styles for that particular event.

In order to avoid being the worst-dressed at this year’s holiday shindig, here are some pointers to help get you through the night stylish and chic.

Tight is not always right

You know the style — the tight, usually strapless, dress that looks good on approximately 3 percent of females and only in darkly lit clubs.

A rule to remember when picking out a fancy dress: if it can pass as Spanx, it’s too tight. This will make a statement; however it won’t make the statement you’re hoping for. It will show people you got sidetracked on your way to the club and wound up at this party.

Instead, if you want to look presentable but still show off your curves, there are many styles you can go with. Peplums, clinched waistlines and belted styles paired with a sweater or blazer will show you mean business.

Watch that neckline

You are looking through your closet for something to wear to the upcoming party, when you come across your old homecoming/ party dress from high school. In other words, it’s way too tight to be worn in public — ever again.

Yes, you know if you look past the trashy tightness, you can convince yourself it looks great. But do yourself, and everyone else at that party, a favor and opt for a slightly higher neckline — and standards.

Instead, choose dresses or blouses with fun necklines, sweetheart or rounded ones as well. Choose outfits with features, such as beading or other elements that catch the eye. There are many other ways to wow party-goers.

All the colors of the rainbow…or not

When choosing a color scheme for your wardrobe, go dark. You don’t want to be the one who shows up at the wintertime party in white or a brighter color.

You don’t necessarily have to wear black; there are other colors that can work. Maroons, any shade of red, darker blues and greens can give your outfit a wintry, calm feel.

Many people think you need color in your outfit in order to make a statement, when this is simply not the case. Necklaces, cardigans and bedazzled items of clothing can provide the same dramatic effect in a more tasteful way.

Don’t be afraid of the theme

You get the invitation to a holiday party and you discover the theme is ugly sweaters. The only downside, however, is you hate themed parties — you think they are childish.

Not to be harsh, but this is a Scrooge mindset. Themed parties are fun; they get you in the spirit of the season.

One major faux pas at holiday parties is to not be too cool for the theme. Don’t think you can show up in whatever clothing you desire, under dress and look cool. Let me clue you in on something, you won’t look cool. You will wind up looking like the Grinch who can’t enjoy the holidays.

Each gathering you attend this season asks for a different look. This is what holiday parties are for — to make awkward conversation, see friends you haven’t seen for awhile and embody the holiday spirit with your stylish outfit.

Caitlin Grove

Via alestlelive.com

When we were younger, the holidays were an exciting time filled with presents, treats and magic. It was all about the anticipation and excitement of the season. Looking back, we didn’t have a care in the world; when it snowed, we didn’t think twice about having to shovel or drive in it, it was simply there for snow days and forts.

Now, as adults, the holiday season brings along a few different emotions. We dread snowstorms because while they may cancel school, we also have jobs to worry about. Scraping off windshields and worrying about black ice are now in our daily routine. We worry about how to afford gifts for everyone on our list because as college students, we can barely afford Ramen much less presents for others. The holidays also bring the uncomfortable amount of family time you will be forced to spend, where you get to answer the always fun questions about your love life, grades and the future. Not to mention the pressure of finals shoved in our faces while we should be feeling the holiday cheer.

Being an adult, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the pressures of the season. It’s important to look back at how this time of year used to make us feel. Use these eight ideas to help you embrace this season, rather than fall prey to the ways of the Grinch.

Stop and smell the holly

An easy way to get into the holiday spirit is to simply take a look around. Everywhere you can find themed wreaths, houses decorated with light displays and stores decked out to the nines.

While on your way to school, work or struggling to find the perfect gift at the store, it becomes easy to miss everything the holidays have to offer.

An easy way to get into the spirit is to appreciate the season. Take it all in; enjoy these decorations because a month from now they will be all gone.

Be a smart shopper

There is a multitude of discounts you can take advantage of during this season. From weekend doorbusters to special coupons, most stores will run some sort of deal on what you’re looking for.

Remember, your friends are in the same boat as you and your family also knows you are a student. There is no need to feel pressure to spend bunches of money on gifts.

Be creative — there are many sites you can check out that can show you what types of gifts you could make with your particular skill set.

Make a merry little wish list — for yourself

Just because the holidays are the season of giving doesn’t mean you should forget that you are on the nice list as well.

Make a list of a few special things you want. That one thing you had your eye on for months — write it down, drop hints. You deserve nice gifts just as much as the next person.

Take advantage of time off

So it’s the weekend and you have two dozen things to accomplish when suddenly, you notice a “Home Alone” marathon on TV.

During the holidays, there is no need to feel guilty setting some time aside to get into the spirit of the season. Binge watch your favorite holiday movies and specials and bake as many cookies and seasonal treats as your heart desires. Partaking in these activities will help you get in the mood for the holidays.

Embrace the awkward that is family

Yes, you just endured Thanksgiving and had to answer the many uncomfortable life questions your family threw at you and now you get to do it all over again.

However, if you change your mindset, it may make things better. You may only see these people once or twice a year, so it is a fun opportunity to catch up and reminisce about past family excursions. Also, if you think about it, this is a prime time to talk about yourself for as long as you’d like to people who would love nothing more than to listen.

Be cheesy

Once we leave for college, we tend to separate from many of our friends. This is the perfect opportunity to hang out with those whom you haven’t seen in awhile.

When better to take full advantage of ugly sweater parties, Christmas karaoke or holiday parades? Go ice skating, put up decorations, window shop or visit Santa. During this season, nothing is too cliché; you’ll never look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I hadn’t decorated that tree so nicely.’

Give back

Now that we are older, we now have the opportunity to partake in one special holiday tradition — giving back.

Yes, we are all poor college students. Contrary to popular belief, there are ways to give back that won’t break the bank.

Give a few dollars to the Salvation Army volunteers who are outside nearly every store ringing bells. Become involved in an angel tree, donate winter coats, serve at a soup line or volunteer at shelters. These, along with a multitude of other things, are simple ways to help the less fortunate.

BELIEVE

Of all the things to do to get you in the holiday spirit, believing in the magic is the most important. While Santa and his reindeer may be a distant memory, there are many other things to believe in. This season has a special feel to it: the air is lighter, the music is cheerier and there is a certain spirit behind everything.

Regardless of how stressful this time of year is or how old we have become, we are never too old to embrace the joy of the holiday season.

Caitlin Grove

Via alestlelive.com