DECEMBER 2012seasonal spotlight16tis’ the season:reasons to love

winter

Compiled by Jackie Lawson

Though holiday crafts may seem to be reserved for youth, it’s never to late to bring out your inner child with these fun activi-ties. They are inexpensive and quite easy to make. Decorate them as presents for friends or perhaps even just to decorate the house to bring in festive cheer.

How To: Holiday Craft, RecipeReindeer Paper Bags

There are plenty of activities that teens can look for-ward to during the winter time. With the dropping temperatures and holiday season rapidly approach-ing, opportunities arise around the area that only come once a year.

** Layering Up – While there most likely won’t be snow, temperatures will drop dramatically this sea-son, which will make piling on layers necessary.

** Seasonal Sales – After Christmas and New Years’, sales are momentous for every experienced shopper around. Saving huge on big-ticket items is a great way to unwind and catch the infectuous holiday cheer.

** Winter Break – Two weeks of leave from school is more than enough to recharge and refresh from the hectic first semester schedule. Students look forward to winter break as time to celebrate the holi-days with family and friends alike.

** New Years’ Resolutions – Each New Years is cel-ebrated by making a wish or promise to change for the better. Sticking to goals and hoping for the best in the New Year is always a positive way to start the year.

** Ice skating – Head over with some friends to one of the many skating rinks around the area that open up this time of year. While uncoordination may be a concern, ice skating will surely be a good time. A good rink in the area is located in Curtis-Hixon park.

** Volunteer Opportunties – Give back to the com-munity in the spirit of the season. Donate food, cloth-ing, or time to the less fortunate. And soak in the good karma.

Model #1Minh Nguyen, junior

“I like to look nice, but feel comfortable. I would describe my style as modern and laid back.”

“I like to wear lots of layers, some patterns and generally more muted col-ors. My style is radical and fabulous.”

Kevin Sardja/Pony Express

Winter Fashion overvieWAs the weather gets colder, fashion trends evolve to combat chilling temperatures. Stylish teens adapt similar habits so that they look good while keeping warm. Brands that are popular this season are Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, H&M, J. Crew, and Banana Republic. It’s important to follow the layering trends and accessorize. Sweaters, cardigans, long-sleeve shirts, jackets, and vests are all definitely in style for both genders to survive the freezing weather.

Story by Kevin Sardja

Story by Amber Razzano

Directions:

1. To make the reindeer’s antlers, trace hands on red construction paper, then cut around the tracing2. To form the reindeer’s head, fold the corners of the paper bag down in triangles3. Glue the hand cut outs on the back of the paper bag for the antlers 4. Glue the googley eyes onto the “head”5. Make a red dot as the nose, using glitter as optional 6. Draw a mouth and decorate the bag, if desired

Model #2Riley Walman, senior

Steps

1. Add all dry ingredients2. Add oil and water3, Mix thoroughly.3. Cook in the microwave for 1 minute 40 sec. 4. Add ice cream and enjoy.

Materials: – brown paper bags– red construction paper– white glue– scissors – colored pencils– googley eyes– glitter

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup sugar– 1/4 cup flour– 2 tbsp cocoa – pinch of salt– 2 tbsp olive oil– 3 tbsp water– Ice cream (optional)

Rachelle Mourra/Pony Express

Instant Brownies in a MugNothing’s better than an instant chocolate treat to quell the occasional wintertime blues. These brownies are a great, quick-fix for those amateur bak-ers with less-advanced skills in the kitchen. The ingredients are easy to find in a typical kitchen, and the brownies can be cre-ated in under five minutes.

Story by Rachelle Mourra

Amber Razzano/Pony Express