“My favorite dream that I have ever had was that I helped write the Declaration of Independence, and Ben Franklin gave me the thumbs up,” history teacher Jonathan York said. “It wasn’t accurate, though, because George Washington was there, and he wasn’t there at the real signing of the Declaration.”

Most dreams reveal small issues or insecurities in life, such as how a dream about being chased shows someone is running from their problems. While these problems can range from small to significant, psychologists who interpret dreams believe they are good indicators of the problems.

“I think dreams are the key to your subconscious,” York said. “It’s things that you are thinking about and dwelling on.”

Not all dreams are negative, though, such as dreams about flying, which convey the message that a person is in control of their life and actions.

“I don’t think dreams will solve your problems, but I do think it’s a good way to see what’s going on in your life,” junior Brooke Terry said.

Dreams can also have themes, such as food, animals, weather and love. These are larger categories with many variations, but tend to send the same message when interpreted. For example, dreams with an animal theme suggest physical problems or feelings in life, but depending on the animals seen, the problem can be more or less severe. This way, more specific dreams that do not fit under categories such as “falling” or “school” can still be evaluated. Some dreams are extremely unique and specific, and may not be as revealing as they are merely amusing.

A good thing about dream interpretation is that it is not difficult for a student to do. Although the information is originally obtained and processed by someone who has studied psychology and human nature, dreams become easier to understand once the basics are understood,.

“Sometimes things happen in your life that you don’t even notice consciously,” freshman Sarah de Mello said. “In your dreams, you subconsciously realize what the importance of the event was.”

This is a beneficial way for students to be able to better understand themselves and also their lives. It can be a god way to reduce stress and solve problems.

Dream interpretation began in ancient Egypt and ancient Greece, when it was mainly related to contact with the supernatural or with the gods. In recent times, Ann Faraday began publishing books in the 1970s about dream interpretation that helped bring it into more relateable modern terms.

Regardless of whether or not students believe that dream interpretation will help them with their daily lives, the practice of it can be as entertaining as it is informative.

I recently decided to join a club because I thought it would be fun and look good on my college application. The problem is that I’m not enjoying it at all and want to quit, but don’t know how to tell the sponsor that it’s not for me. What should I do?

-Quitting Quandaries

Dear Quitting Quandaries,

Honesty is the best policy. However, telling the absolute truth isn’t always the most effective way to go; everybody knows how hurtful it can be. Therefore, you should cushion the blow by telling your sponsor how important the club is to the school and thank them for all the hard work they have been doing for the organization.

After easing the tension, simply explain how the club doesn’t fit in your schedule and how you have to focus on your priorities before you are able to tack on any more extracurriculars. This way, the sponsor will understand that you can no longer be a member of their club, without being given the impression that the club isn’t good enough for students to want to participate in.

-Carli

Have a problem? E-mail Carli Loeb at: carli.loeb@gmail.com.

There are online websites that track the upcoming trends, and from what I have seen, the main styles for the upcoming year are not that different than those found in the past year.

These websites are for runway trends, giving you insight into some higher fashion. They do not deal with trends that are worn by most of the high school population.

Retro styles will be making a comeback, specifically those fashions from the eras of the 1920s and the 1970s. It seems a bit contradictory to me that both styles will be featured because fashion in the ’20s was all about minimalism and bland colors, whereas fashion in the ’70s was full of bright colors and daring patterns. The ’20s promoted the idea of boyish chic for girls and the minimalist side of flapper dresses, short haircuts and feathered headbands.

The ’70s introduced disco and a new era of color. It was the decade of hot pants, bell-bottoms, bright floral, bird prints, platform shoes and kitten heels. Some of those features will be seen in fashion this year.

The new colors that are going to be seen the most are tangerine red, oranges, yellows and tequila lime, but designers are also making counterpart designs that feature bleaker colors for those who are not daring enough to wear such bold colors. I suggest choosing a little bit from both trends. For example, pair a bright jacket with an otherwise neutral outfit.

Not only will this highlight the jacket or piece that you choose, but you can also play up one of your best features. Think wisely in the next year about what styles you choose, as certain trends should stay in their own era. For example, big hair needs to stay in the ’70s.

Cheating in relationships: suggests that you are finding signs to lose trust in your significant other.

Snake: represents enemies and the things you fear in real life; be more cautious in the waking hours.

Marriage: this could mean that it’s time for you to take the next step with your significant other, whatever that might be.

Babies and birth: indicates a need for nurturing and caring. Depending on the age of the person dreaming of a baby, the interpretations will take on different meanings.

Death: actualization of past acquaintances and that you have moved on with your life in terms of maturity and growth. There should be no fear in them holding you back.

Former lover: There may be some unresolved issues pertaining to your past relationship that you wish to find the answers to. This may indicate that you are currently in a situation or relationship just like the past or may also represent you missing certain aspects of that person or the relationship with them as a whole.

Being underwater: suggests the obstacles and difficulties of your life are way over your head. You are no longer in control of the situations that arise daily.

Alexandra’s style can be described as occasionally bohemian, floral, colorful and easy-going. She also frequently posts outfits that are good options for dressier events or parties. The other positive aspect of the blog is that she uses and models clothing from affordable stores such as Zara and H&M. This way, it is easier to readers to emulate her style without having to worry about downgrading to a more affordable option.

For students interested in fashion who are looking for an interesting, fun and colorful blog to get inspiration from, Lovely Pepa is a must-see.

For mothers, sisters, friends: Try a manicure or pedicure gift certificate. Go to your nearest nail or hair salon and ask if they offer gift cards in the form of a certificate for a manicure or pedicure. If the person you are buying a gift for prefers other salon or spa treatments, a certificate for a facial or massage is an easy substitute.

For fathers, brothers, friends: You can never go wrong with clothing. Boxers, scarves, gloves and simple shirts are easy standbys that are impossible to have too many of. These items are affordable because they are sold at stores such as Target and Old Navy.

For anyone: Baked goods are a personal and thoughtful gift that everyone enjoys. There are also countless recipe options, so you can bake anything based on your level of experience or effort you would like to put in.

The other day I was watching my favorite vlogger on YouTube Juicy Star 07 (who I mentioned in the last article), and she was highlighting M.Powerment by mark.

I was really interested so I went on www.meetmark.com and fell in love with this great organization. Mark cosmetics has been around forever and has been getting women to sell their products to friends and neighbors. In 2008 they started M. Powerment in order to spread the word about the huge percent of dating abuse happening to young women each year from ages 16-24, the statistic I learned is 25 percent (A huge one fourth of the entire female population) has been abused in their lifetime.

To support the organization they raise money for companies to support these women going through these bad times and they have a lot of really cute gifts. First is their “Have a Heart” necklace for $22. It is very nice for anyone as a gift and features the symbol of the campaign, a heart. They also have the Mark power of Change necklace ($28), Mark linked to my Heart Bracelet ($30), and mark Have a Heart Bracelet ($12). All are very nice pieces of jewelry and there are many other jewelry items, bags, and accessories, (as well as makeup) you can buy on the website as well… although I don’t think their proceeds go to the cause.
M. Powerment has risen over $725,000 so far and in collaboration with my marketing class I will also be starting my own PR Campaign to raise money for this cause starting in January 2012. If you want to learn more just see me and let me know how you want to help! Have a happy holiday everyone!

I am having a problem with one of my teachers. I feel like they are continually singling me out in class and criticizing my work harder than they do to other students. It is not my best class, but I am not a troublemaker and I don’t slack. I want to have a better relationship with my teacher so that I can have a better time in class, but I don’t want to offend them if I ask about it. What should I do?

Singled out

Dear Singled out,

In order to solve your problems with your teacher, you need to think about how your actions in class may be perceived, regardless of if you think you are not being a troublemaker. It is possible that you do not participate as much as the teacher expects you to, or that they expect more of you because they know you are a hard worker. Instead of dwelling on how your teacher may be not treating you fairly, see it as a challenge to make yourself be an even better student. However, if they continue to act this way or if it begins to feel harmful, consider speaking to them after class or speaking to your counselor about it.

Carli

SeaofShoes.com is Jane Aldridge's popular fashion blog.

Of all the notable fashion blogs in the world today, there are some that stand above the rest. Sea of Shoes, a blog run by teenager Jane Aldridge. She began blogging in 2007 from her home in Texas, documenting her daily outfits with a central focus on her large collection of (mostly designer) shoes. Her style is somewhat avant-garde, with darker ensembles and rich colors. Her shoes are from top labels such as Miu Miu, Givenchy and Lanvin, which are all major designers with shoes coveted by many people in the fashion industry. Her interest in style was born from her mother, prominent blogger Judy Aldridge, who has since appeared in the fashion world frequently, notably in Vogue magazine.

Jane’s fame has allowed her to travel to Paris for fashion weeks, photo shoots and campaigns. She has also had the opportunity to collaborate with Urban Outfitters to design her own apparel and footwear. Her blog features a “shop” link to Atlantis Dry Goods, an online store that her mother co-owns with her. It sells some of their own vintage clothing items, such as Armani jackets, as well as housewares and jewelry.

As an example of Jane’s personal style and blog posts, some of the posts on her homepage include her in a leopard print dress with turquoise accessories, as well as another with a plaid tweed jacket and burnt orange pants. Both are paired with high end heels that lace up. She occasionally posts about runway style as opposed to her own, such as a review on the elaborate braids on models at a recent Valentino fashion show.

If you are interested in high fashion, interesting shoes from designers, and creative styles, then SeaofShoes.com is a blog to check out.

I’m disappointed with my grades this quarter. I studied, but I still managed to get poor grades on my tests. I am taking 2 IB classes, which is manageable, but I think that I have a problem with effort and motivation. Do you have any tips for me about how I can be more motivated to do all of my work aside from tests?

Struggling

Dear struggling,

I think that you should work on setting goals for yourself. It is not too difficult to study for tests the night before you are going to take them, but the other part of getting better grades is chipping away at homework assignments and studying during the weeks before them. When you get homework assignments, think of them as a way to improve your grades and prepare for the tests at the same time. This way, you will be more prepared, and therefore more motivated, to take the test.