With over 5,000 sticker designs, Big Moods has something for everyone! We have meme stickers, animal stickers, positivity stickers, faith stickers, nature stickers, funny stickers, and everything in between.
Our typical sticker is about 3x3", but sizes vary a bit from design to design.
The majority of Big Moods stickers are printed and laminated on white vinyl, but we also have holographic stickers and clear stickers available as well.
The lifespan of a sticker depends on the type of sticker, the surface it is applied to, and the environment it is exposed to. Generally, most stickers will last for several years if applied correctly and protected from the elements.
It’s important to e the surface is clean and dry before applying the sticker. When applying stickers, it’s important to ensure that the surface is clean and dry and then use a squeegee to press the decal against the surface and flatten out any air bubbles.
To apply stickers without bubbles, it’s important to make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying the sticker. Additionally, you can use a credit card or a flat object to press the sticker down and ensure it is securely applied and that there are no air bubbles.
The easiest way to ensure you are placing a sticker on straight, is to use a ruler. Use the ruler to mark where you want the sticker to go and use the straight line of rule to guide your sticker into place. Lastly, use a credit card or a flat object to press the sticker down and ensure it is securely applied.
Did you know that different types of stickers are made with different materials? Stickers are typically made from a flexible and adhesive material paper or vinyl. The specific type of material used can vary depending on the intended use of the sticker and the desired properties it should have.
Paper stickers are a common and inexpensive option for stickers. They are often made from a thin layer of coated paper that has been printed with an image or text and coated with a layer of adhesive. Paper stickers are easy to produce and can be used for a variety of purposes, including labeling, decorating, and promotional materials. However, they are not as durable as other types of stickers and may not hold up well in damp or wet conditions.
Big Moods makes vinyl stickers, which are another common type of sticker. They are made from a thin layer of vinyl plastic that has been printed with an image or text and coated with a layer of adhesive. Vinyl stickers are more durable and water-resistant than paper stickers, making them a good choice for outdoor use or in damp environments. They can also be made to withstand extreme temperatures, making them a good choice for use on vehicles or in other industrial settings.
It depends on the type of sticker and the conditions it is exposed to. Some stickers, like the ones offered at Big Moods, are more resistant to water than others, and some may be able to withstand being submerged in water for an extended period of time without becoming damaged.
Paper stickers are generally not very resistant to water and can become damaged or start to peel off if they get wet. They may also become discolored or lose their adhesive properties if e for an extended period.
Vinyl stickers are generally more resistant to water than paper stickers. High-quality vinyl stickers ms or laminate finish are particularly resistant to water and can withstand some rain or damp conditions.
You can see our full guide to “Are stickers waterproof?” here
The best way to store stickers will depend on the type of stickers you have and the conditions they will be stored in. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind when storing stickers:
Choose a high-quality vinyl sticker: To ensure that your sticker stays in good condition for as long as possible, it is important to choose a high-quality sticker made from durable vinyl material. Look for stickers that have a gloss or laminate finish, as these are generally more resistant to water and wear and tear.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your vinyl stickers stay in good condition and remain looking their best for as long as possible.
Holographic stickers are stickers that have a holographic or iridescent effect on their surface. They are made by printing an image or text onto a special holographic film material that reflects light in a unique way, creating a multi-colored, shimmering effect. Holographic stickers are often used for decorative purposes, and can be found on a variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and promotional materials.
Big Moods has several types of holographic stickers available, ranging from simple rainbow-colored holograms to more complex designs that use multiple colors and patterns. Some holographic stickers are made with a metallic finish that gives them a metallic appearance, while others are made with a matte finish that has a more subtle holographic effect.
Holographic stickers are made from a durable, waterproof material, making them suitable for use in a variety of different settings. They are often used to add a unique and eye-catching element to your favorite products and can be found in a wide range of colors and designs.
Tie-dye stickers are stickers that have a tie-dye pattern on their surface. Tie-dye is a method of coloring fabric in which sections of the material are tied or folded in a specific way and then soaked in dye. When the fabric is untied or unfolded, the resulting pattern is a unique and colorful design.
Tie-dye stickers are made by printing an image or text onto a special film material with a tie-dye pattern on its surface.
Like other types of stickers, tie-dye stickers can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and polypropylene. They can be found in a wide range of colors and designs and are often used to add a fun and vibrant element to products and packaging. Our Tie-dye stickers are durable and w, making them suitable for use in a variety of different settings.
Right now, more than ever, it’s so important to support the mental wellbeing of students, especially during this time of disruptive learning. Students are dealing with all types of situations: virtual classes, a hybrid experience on and off campus, and even so many that had to interrupt or delay their educational plans. In fact, an Active Minds’ survey showed that 20% of college students say their mental health has significantly worsened due to COVID-19. Supporting mental health awareness and education is more important than ever.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with Active Minds as the nation’s leading nonprofit promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults, to help reach young people with hopeful messages.
This month, in honor of World Mental Health Day, Big Moods is excited to launch a new mental health sticker pack created in collaboration with Active Minds.
Through the powerful messages we’ve crafted into this pack, we hope young adults everywhere will use these stickers as a reminder of hope and support for their mental health in a tough era. As the year continues to unfold, each one of us can continue taking care of ourselves, checking in with loved ones, and never forgetting to show up for one another. We’re here for you, and so is Active Minds.
Need a little more help with your mental health plan for this year? Check out these Active Minds links for self-care resources, a help-a-friend conversation tool, and resources for finding help.
]]>From Hydro Flasks and laptops to lampposts and helmets, there are endless places you can put your vinyl stickers. But what happens when your Hydro Flask goes through the dishwasher or a big storm wreaks havoc on your bike helmet or bumper?
As a sticker collector, it’s important that you know where your stickers are coming from and whether they are durable enough to withstand the elements of nature. Curious about vinyl stickers and how they compare to Big Moods vinyl stickers? Keep reading to get answers about this sticky situation.
While vinyl stickers are made to be stronger than the ordinary paper sticker, it doesn’t mean that they’re supposed to get wet. Vinyl stickers on their own are not waterproof; it’s what the printing manufacturers put on them that makes them waterproof.
However, not all vinyl stickers are made to get wet. Let’s talk more about what it means for a vinyl sticker to be waterproof.
Typically, there are different levels of water resistance when it comes to vinyl stickers because there are different levels of quality between stickers and manufacturers.
Some vinyl stickers can get wet, some are water resistant, some are waterproof and some are even dishwasher safe. Overall, it depends on what each sticker is made and coated with.
While it is most common for vinyl stickers to be water resistant, waterproof stickers are not scarce; you just have to know what to look for.
When looking for a waterproof vinyl sticker, it’s most important to pay attention to what a sticker is coated with. Lamination is one of the most popular waterproof coatings used when manufacturing vinyl stickers because it helps protect the sticker from sun and water. Another benefit to lamination is that it can also increase a vinyl sticker’s lifespan by 3 to 5 years!
Many companies claim to have dishwasher safe vinyl stickers, but just to be safe, I would stick with hand washing your Hydro Flasks unless you know they’re for sure dishwasher safe.
With that being said, however, there are some companies like Big Moods that do manufacture vinyl stickers to withstand the most aggressive dishwashers.
Being printed on high-quality vinyl and coated with a protective laminate and waterproof adhesive, Big Moods stickers are made to withstand any element thrown at them.
The stickers are fade resistant for three to five years which protects them against sunlight, and the thick, durable vinyl protects from scratching, tearing and rain.
The front adhesive stickers are 12 mils (304 microns) thick total and the peeled sticker is 4.5 mils (114 microns) thick.
Their versatility and strength make them perfect for any surface, including cars, water bottles, lampposts, signs and helmets.
Big Moods stickers are water resistant,so they can survive in high-moisture environments and outlast harsh weather!
That means you can take your stickers with you on adventures around the world, from the beach to the rainforest to the mountains, without having to worry about the color fading or the surface scratching.
Big Moods stickers are known for being dishwasher safe, which will speed up your drinkware cleaning process in the kitchen. In fact, Big Moods stickers can be washed repeatedly in the dishwasher without fading. Of course they can be hand washed too!
It is debatable whether Redbubble stickers are waterproof or not, but they are certainly water resistant! That means Redbubble stickers can get wet, but they might not all be waterproof or dishwasher safe. Make sure to take necessary precautions if you have Redbubble stickers by not getting them wet for long periods of time, and hand washing them instead of running them through the dishwasher.
If you want a vinyl sticker that is durable, look at what Big Moods has to offer!
There’s a reason why 91% of Big Moods sticker reviews are 5 stars; they simply have the best quality vinyl stickers!
If you’re looking to add some personalization to your Hydro Flask or car, check out the waterproof and dishwasher safe stickers that are trending on Big Moods! They offer a variety of collections, from Stranger Things to Vines to mental health awareness stickers.
If you have any questions about Big Moods stickers, click here!
]]>Vine: Country Boy I Love You
When: 2013
Where: Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Video Description: None (there was nothing under the vine)
Country Boy I Love You: The History
Like so many country songs before this absolute anthem, Jada Reilee sings of her love to a country boy. Jada doesn’t specify who the country boy is, where he’s from, or what he’s done to capture his heart, but it doesn’t matter. Along with the iconic “Country Boy I love you” is her closing tongue wag and eyebrow raise which seals her infatuation with the nameless country boy. Jada is like every young girl with a middle school crush, she just can’t contain her feelings and took to Vine to express them.
Here’s the original Vine from 2013: https://vine.co/v/hhA1p6T6LTl
Over the years, people often reference Country Boy I Love You when talking about actual country boys or, more specifically, country singers. And of course there's this gem from Tumblr:
The Perfect Reference:
If you haven’t heard this reference yet in your casual conversation, here’s how to use “Country Boy I Love You.” When you are with your boy, whether or not he IS a Country Boy, try using the line, making sure that you also use the flirty tongue wag and eyebrow raise. You can also use this line to express to your friends that this “Country Boy” you see is WORTH giving your love to.
Country Boy Merch:
And when you’re ready to exclaim your love for your own Country Boy, raise your eyebrows to Big Mood’s for their Country Boy I Love You Sticker.
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Meme: That’s the Tea, Sis
When: That’s a tricky one. First mentioned in a 1990s interview, this meme has gone through many wild changes in the last 20+ years.
Where: Savannah, Georgia
Meme Meaning/What Does Tea Mean In Texting: That’s the hot gossip (news, the deal) that’s going around. Tea is slang for gossip.
Memes tend to change and develop through the years. They often start by taking something nostalgic and make it relevant to today’s audience. “That’s the Tea” is a prime example of this.
According to Webster, That’s the Tea started - like a lot of slang - in black drag culture during the 90s. It was referenced in a nonfiction book titled Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, in which drag performer The Lady Chablis is interviewed about her life. She mentions that she avoids certain kinds of men who could become violent when they “find out her T.”
Here’s a section of the interview:
"Your T?"
"Yeah, my T. My thing, my business, what's goin' on in my life."
— Lady Chablis from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt, 1994
It’s thought that, in this case, “T” represents truth, specifically Lady Chablis’ truth of being transgender.
From there, it developed into a term to represent gossip. The “T” being the “truth” you’d tell someone when something particularly juicy had happened.
And from this, spill the T (or spill the tea) was formed, using the double entendre to show that gossip, like tea, is something juicy can be spilled or shared.
Finally, “That’s the tea” or “That’s the tea, sis” started being said, which was another way of saying that it’s the gossip that’s being circulated. These phrases have spread like wildfire on twitter, which went o/n to create some more phrases, like “Give me the tea!” (Give me the latest gossip) and “Where’s the tea?” (Where can I get the latest gossip).
There have been several uses of tea and that’s the tea in meme culture, but Kermit the frog sipping tea is - by far - the most popular. While there’s not a direct link between the two, the “But that’s none of my business” Lipton tea meme, the popular Kermit meme has some striking similarities to the “that’s the tea, sis” meme. The Kermit meme typically includes gossip or some juicy truth - all while the famous frog is sipping tea.
In February 2019, there was a new addition to the tea memes. Eighteen year old Sammie Lewis posted a video of herself on TikTok, in which she takes a slurp of her drink, gulps it and goes “aaahhh,” and then starts tapping on the camera with fake nails while saying “Here’s (tap tap) the motherfucking (tap tap) tea.”
This part of the video went viral, and there have been a wide range of copycats. Lewis has also turned it into her catchphrase, and she regularly taps on her screen and says the words before dishing out some gossip.
Using “That’s the tea, sis” is super easy. It can inserted after you’ve shared some gossip with a friend. A few tips, though. Before throwing down this meme, make sure it’s something outlandish or hard to believe. Then, when you drop in “That’s the tea, sis” you’re doubling down and saying, seriously, this gossip is certified fresh. It will give credit to the gossip you’ve just shared.
And if you’re trying to get the latest gossip from someone, ask them to “spill the tea.”
Can’t get enough of the tea? Neither can we. Big Moods has some of the best That’s the tea, sis stickers, whether that's hydro flask stickers, skateboard stickers, or laptop stickers. And that’s the tea, sis!
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Vine: It’s an Avocado…Thanks
When: August 7, 2015
Where: New England
Vine Description:
When you are really good at pretending to like your birthday gifts.. #funny #toddler #cutebaby #baby #comedy #cute
Most kids aren’t exactly the best at hiding their true feelings. If they like something, they tell you. And if they don’t…well, they’re pretty vocal about that too. It’s not until we get a little older that we start to develop a filter.
In 2015, Father Jeff Walters deliberately gave his son Henry an avocado for a birthday gift to test his manners. Walters had been teaching his son about good manners, explaining that, even if you don’t necessarily like a gift, you have to pretend to enjoy it and show appreciation to the person who gave it to you. The avocado was one test of many, as a couple days before his birthday, Henry’s mom, dad and uncle started wrapping up random gifts around the house – such as a coffee K-cup and an oven mitt.
As you may have seen from Jimmy Kimmel videos (some of which have been inspired by Henry), most kids aren’t great at showing appreciation for this kind of gift. When they get an unexpected or just unwanted gift, they’ll typically express their confusion, concern or (in a surprising amount of cases) full-on rage.
But Henry, who was only three years old at the time, passed his avocado test with flying colors. He genuinely seemed to like his gift, and his adorable “it’s an avocado thanks” response was absolutely precious. It also helps to know that, in addition to his coffee, oven mitt and avocado, he also received a much deserved monster truck. It was probably great for towing around his avocado.
Henry’s uncle, viner Jeffery Walters, filmed and uploaded the famous vine. The It’s an avocado vine has taken the world by storm, with the original vine getting 123.4 million loops, 655k likes and 321k revines – not mention all the re-uploads and compilations on YouTube.
Because of the renown that this vine received, a lot of people gave their loved ones - you guessed it - avocados for Christmas in 2015.
In a later post, Jeffery Walters mentioned that Demi Lovato loved the vine so much that she Face Timed little Henry. There you have it. All you need to meet Demi Locato is some good manners and an avocado. Make a note of that.
Here’s the it's an avocado thanks vine from 2015:
If you haven’t heard this reference in the wild, here’s how “It’s an avocado thanks” works best: Whenever talking about a gift you receive that isn’t that great, try using this phrase. It’s a classic reference, and most vine-savvy people will catch on. The best thing about vines is that they’re almost like a secret code. And if you get it, you really get it. If they don’t get it, take a few moments to show them the it’s an avocado thanks vine.
Another opportunity to reference this vine is when talking about good manners. Be like the young gentleman Henry. That kid's got class.
Looking for a gift that’s equally as awesome as an avocado? head over to Big Moods to get an it’s an avocado thanks sticker! Big Moods is a sticker company that designs and makes high quality vinyl stickers. And a portion of all sales goes to support the mental health awareness charity Active Minds.
]]>As a student at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, fashion designer Lilah James used her personal experience with and journey through complex PTSD to inspire her designs, and creative a visual narrative through textiles and fabric construction. One notable example is the Shame and Guilt collection she created while still a student, which was captured in a documentary by director Glenn Holsten. Through her design work, Lilah explored themes of anxiety, coping and recovery through the lens of creativity, specifically fashion.
But when Lilah left college, she felt isolated, confused, alone.
Like so many graduates, she no longer had any structure in her life. There were no more deadlines. No more assignments. She didn't have to be in class at a certain time.
She says she didn't know what to do with herself.
"After you leave college, no one talks to you about this, but it’s sort of isolating," says Lilah. "You have to bring up the inspiration to motivate yourself on your own."
She isn't the only one to experience these feelings. Lack of motivation, lack of structure, the responsibilities of the real world — all of these can take their toll.
But Lilah was determined to find balance again.
In the grand scheme of things, life after college wasn't that big of a deal. Lilah had been through worse — much worse. She has wrestled with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental condition triggered after a traumatic event. (PTSD inspired one of her fashion collections in college.)
But, for her, life after college was still a struggle. She refers to this period as "creation burnout."
Unlike many graduates, Lilah had landed a job in the fashion industry. But something didn't feel right. She questioned her motives. She reassessed her future. Was she really on the right path?
"I had to listen to my gut. I know that I needed to take a break from creating," she says. "Before, everything was just creating and viewing art. And all of sudden, it wasn’t doing that for me anymore. It was doing the opposite. Which was terrifying."
This crisis of confidence consumed her. She was fed up. She was exhausted. So she took that break from creating. It was one of the best things she ever did. It redefined her entire outlook on life.
She listened to music. She read. She wrote.
She still struggled, but things were getting better.
"I would tell myself to hang in there. But it’s like, I already knew that. I knew that it was going to eventually get better. I had to keep applying it."
Lilah turned down that fashion job and worked in a museum instead. She's still there now, and she loves it. The job lets her view the work of others.
She feels inspired again.
Lilah still creates in her spare time, but only when she feels inspired. Why create just for the sake of it? She says there's more to life than just producing and creating.
What can Lilah share with others about her experience?
"Honestly, take a break after college. You don’t have to jump," she says. "Even though I had a job in my field, I hated it because in college you’re living and breathing this field that you’re going into. And when you get out of college, you’re exhausted.
"So if you the opportunity to take a break, take it. And if you don’t get a job right away in your field, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure."
Graduates don't have to work in a museum to feel fulfilled. Or turn down a job offer. But they should feel inspired, says Lilah.
"Keep hanging in there. Look for anything that gives you a reason to keep going."
Read more about Lilah James, her design work and the stories of others from Recovery Diaries.
]]>When it comes to displaying your stickers, one of the most best places is your car (or scooter or moped or any other transportation). You have a number of options to consider here, and you should think about whether it’s better to go for internal or external placements on your vehicle. Some people might think about the side window, while others may prefer to stick on the outside of the vehicle. It depends on the sort of sticker you want to have, and what size it is.
One of the options that has been increasingly popular in recent years is putting stickers on a MacBook or laptop. We get it. Your laptop is like a second skin. It’s an extension of your being that goes everywhere with you. Whether you’re putting laptop stickers on a Macbook or a PC, these vinyl stickers are sure really add some wow factor. Take a look at some of the best sticker-covered laptop options out there, and you can really see the appeal. We have plenty of cool laptop stickers to choose from; it’s really just a question of size and taste.
Music plays such a big role in our lives, and what dorm room is complete without a guitar or ukelele in the corner. Spruce up your guitar with colorful stickers! Whenever you pick up your intstrument, you’re looking for inspiration and this why it is great to decorate it with Big Mood stickers. These can help inspire you or channel the way you are feeling about things. You might find them a key source of inspiration the next time you pick up your guitar to play a song.
Hydro flasks are great for staying hydrated on the go, and they’re also the perfect real estate for vinyl stickers. Whether you want to support mental health or show off your favorite vine, water bottle stickers are great for highlighting your mood or your interests. And the great thing about vinyl stickers is that you can mix and match them regularly. They can be as customizable as you!
Another place you might like to consider displaying your mood stickers is your window at home. That way you will be able to see these stickers every day, and they add a new dimension to the room. Drawing the eye and acting as a decorative addition, they can actually really bolster the way your windows look. Your window is an important part of the home, and you need to think about the best stickers that would look right on your window pane. Make sure you use the inside of the window because, although these stickers are usually weatherproof, the outside of the windows will need to be cleaned eventually.
It is also important to think about how you can improve your outside space. There are a lot of things you can do that are going to help you with this, and it is essential to look at how you can bring some color and vibrancy to the outdoors. Vinyl decals can really enhance any outdoor area, and most of them are weatherproof too, so you don’t need to worry about exposing them to the elements in the future. This is an excellent way of boosting creativity and giving that extra bit of attention to your outdoor area.
The fridge is the centerpiece to the kitchen, and one of the areas you will always be drawn to. This is why you need to make sure you think about the different vinyl stickers you could put on your fridge. Some people like to use fridge magnets, while others might have a notepad attached. Vinyl mood stickers are one of the best ways of making your fridge look better and giving it a bit of style and flair. This is so important when it comes to improving the home and taking things to the next level. If you have a large fridge, you might have two different compartments you could consider decorating. Make sure you consider the different stickers that may help with this. Your fridge can seem a little bare without decoration, and this is why it is so important to use stickers to help you with this right now.
Another mode of transportation that’s perfect for vinyl stickers are skateboards. Skateboard stickers are just as mobile as you are. Place your favorites on either the to or bottom of the deck. Many skaters like to cover the whole board with stickers, which creates a pretty amazing collage of your interests. And if you’re running out of space to put stickers on a skateboard, you can always add them to your helmet!
Whether your whiteboard is at home, at work, or in the classroom, you can carry out little touch-ups to make it look great. Of course, you don’t want to waste space on the board that can be written on, but it is important to make sure you do as much as possible to improve your whiteboard, and vinyl stickers can play a big role in this. Work can become dull and tedious, and having a whiteboard that stands out and is visually interesting can better stimulate you to be more productive. This is why it is essential that you look at getting the right size, shape, and design of stickers for your whiteboard.
The bathroom is one of the most overlooked and underappreciated rooms in your home, and it is time to make the most of it. There are a lot of elements to keep in mind here, and it is important that you look at how you can enhance the visual aesthetic of the bathroom without having to do too much. Decorating a small bathroom effectively can prove very challenging, and this is why you need to make sure you choose the right stickers to use for decorative purposes. These are a great choice for being able to make the bathroom look as amazing as possible.
These are ten excellent places to you can display your Big Mood Stickers, and there are a lot of factors you need to think about when it comes to this. You have so many more options as well, and these are just a handful to keep in mind; you might want to come up with your own as well. Make sure you do as much as possible to make the most of your stickers and improve y5our life as a result. You can add some flair and personality to your home, car, or office with our unique, trendy, and top quality sticker right now.
]]>With the goal of raising public awareness of mental health, Big Moods is annually offering a $500 scholarship presented to college students who have experienced mental illness, whether personally or indirectly. To apply, you must write a blog post on either the benefits of mental health awareness, coping tips, or ways to maintain mental health while in college.
Please remember that this is a blog post and not a journal entry. You may lean on personal experiences, but this should also be a well-researched post that cites its sources. First and foremost, you should lean on the opinions, suggestions, and facts of experts.
Write an 800- to 1,500-word, double-spaced article on one of the topics above and submit your mental health entries to Support@bigmoods.com. Please include the following:
Any student currently enrolled in an accredited college is eligible to enter.
This is an annual scholarship. The deadline to enter is April 10, 2021.
We will not send you a notification confirming receipt of mental health scholarship submission. We will review all applicants after the deadline and will notify the winner on or around April 30, 2021. We will send a notification to the winner of each year’s scholarship via email.
Participation in our annual scholarship program constitutes your consent to use your personal information for the purposes of offering the scholarship and reporting to the appropriate tax authorities only.
Limit: One (1) entry per person/email address/or telephone number during the Contest Entry Period.
Automated entries are prohibited, and any use of automated devices will cause disqualification. Entrants must have a valid email address. Applicants may not enter with multiple email addresses nor may applicants use any other device to enter multiple times or as multiple entrants. Any applicant who attempts to enter with multiple email addresses, under multiple identities, or uses any device or artifice to register multiple times will be disqualified and forfeits any and all prizes won, in Big Moods sole discretion. Multiple entrants are not permitted to share the same email address. Should multiple users of the same email account enter the scholarship contest and a dispute thereafter arise regarding the identity of the entrant, the authorized account holder of said email account at the time of entry will be considered the entrant. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, and on-line service provider or other organization that is responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. Potential winner may be required to show proof of being the Authorized Account Holder.
Entrants represent and warrant that their Content is the original work of such entrant, it has not been copied from others, it has not previously won awards, it does not violate the rights of any other person or entity, and publication of the Content via various media including Web posting will not infringe on the rights of any third party.
Contest Prize Winner Selection: There will be two (2) rounds of judging for the scholarship (finalist/first-round judging and grand prize/second-round judging) as follows.
Finalist Selection: At the conclusion of the Contest Entry Period, the Judges will review all eligible entries based on the following judging criteria (collectively, “Judging Criteria”):
The five (5) entrant’s whose blog post receives the highest score will be finalists, subject to verification (“Finalist(s)”). FINALISTS WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY PRIZE FOR BEING SELECTED AS A FINALIST. In the event of a tie between two or more blog posts, the Winner will be determined by the highest average score in the first Judging Criteria (originality) and continuing thereafter to break the tie.
Prize: The winner will receive five hundred dollars ($500.00) scholarship (the “Prize”) towards any tuition expenses at their currently enrolled post-secondary educational program or institution (including universities, community colleges, or vocational schools) that is intended to grant a degree or diploma. THE SCHOLARSHIP SHALL BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE INSTITUTION IN ORDER TO COVER COSTS FOR THE WINNER’S TUITION EXPENSES. IN THE EVENT THE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OR INSTITUTE DOES NOT ACCEPT THE SCHOLARSHIP, THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE WINNING ELIGIBLE ENTRANT.
The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the Prize is $500.
No cash alternative or prize substitutions for any prize will be allowed, except in Big Moods’ sole discretion. Limit: one (1) prize per person/household. If a prize cannot be awarded for any reason, Big Moods reserves the right to substitute prize with another prize of equal or greater value.
Winner’s List: For a list of the winner, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to 2675 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, MI 48072, United States. Request must be received within 30 days of the end of the Contest Entry Period.
]]>Many college students are moving away from home and adjusting to new routines & responsibilities. With newfound freedom and added stress, it’s no surprise that many students start to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, this anxiety comes with a cost. A 2011 report released by the American College Health Association cited depression and anxiety as among the top impediments to academic performance.
Fortunately what we eat has a big impact on how we feel. This means that making simple changes to one’s diet and lifestyle can help boost mood, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety. Furthermore, many of the most nutritious “brain foods” can be inside the average school cafeteria.
Bananas contain the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine. Your body uses these to create the mood-regulating neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, bananas provide fructose and fiber. Together these create a long-lasting source of brain fuel.
Slice a banana into your morning oatmeal or eat one as a snack between class. A banana a day will help you remain positive no matter how stressful finals get.
Broccoli contains Vitamin K and the essential nutrient choline. Studies show that increased blood levels of Vitamin K help to improve episodic memory. Meanwhile a deficiency in choline can lead to poor memory and concentration.
Broccoli can likely be found in the salad bar section bar section of your cafeteria. Eat broccoli several times a week to ensure you’ll remember what you learned in yesterday’s lecture.
Green Tea contains catechin compounds which provide protective effects on the brain. Studies show that catechin compounds help prevent diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Green Tea also provides a low dose of caffeine and the amino acid L-Theanine. These have a synergistic effect which improve brain function.
Green Tea Packets are typically near the coffee bar station in most dining halls. Drink a cup a day to help improve your GPA.
Similar to bananas, egg yolks contain the amino acid tryptophan which helps boost serotonin. In addition, egg yolks provide a food source of Vitamin D which helps prevent cognitive decline.
Scrambled eggs are a staple on most cafeteria breakfast menus. Hard-boiled eggs are also found in most salads bars. Eat an egg, with the yolk, several times a week to help manage stress and anxiety.
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, which helps protect the brain from inflammation. Cherry tomatoes in particular, contain the highest amount of nutrients for their size.
Like broccoli and hard-boiled eggs, cherry Tomatoes can be found in the salad bar. Add a handful to salads or eat them alone as a snack to help manage your mood.
If you have trouble implementing healthy diet & lifestyle changes, consider working with a Naturopath. A Naturopath can help determine what foods, herbs, and supplements will be most beneficial for you as a unique individual. This saves you time and money in the long-run, while increasing the speed of your results.
Food is fuel and we are what we eat! Improve your mental health naturally by incorporating foods that support a healthy brain into your diet today.
Rebecca Hale, Naturopath
Rebecca used to rely on daily medication to treat her chronic IBS, sinus infections, allergies, acne, and more. Using diet & lifestyle changes she’s been able to overcome her health problems naturally. It has now been over 5 years since she has taken any prescription or OTC medication. She currently owns & operates Natural Health Strategies where she works as the lead Naturopath.
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Sometimes, life can be wonderful, and it feels like everything’s going our way. But other times we’re left feeling hopeless, depressed and negative. While it’s perfectly natural to feel sad at times, we don’t want to get in a habit of fueling this negativity.
And this is easier said than done! It’s crazy how easy it is to become pessimistic. Have you ever noticed that you can be having a good day, and suddenly - like someone flipped a switch - absolutely everything seems terrible? It can be triggered by almost anything, whether that’s an event, an unexpected failure, our own overthinking, or perhaps just the wrong word from somebody at class or work. It’s so easy to be negative.
So today, let’s talk about building our positivity muscles. That’s right, positivity can be trained and developed, so that we can battle against those feelings of negativity creeping in our heads. It’s not a quick fix, so you may not finish this post and immediately break out in song and dance. But these tips, if practiced, have been scientifically proven to make you a more positive person.
Nah. We’ve seen Inside Out. Sadness is a beautiful emotion that’s just as valid as happiness. We’re not shooting for that creepy Stepford Wives kind of happy (2004 movie reference! Look it up!). This is not about projecting perfection. We’re pursuing authentic positivity that helps us appreciate and enjoy the life we’ve been given. Big difference.
When you’re developing your positivity muscles, a great first exercise is active gratitude. When we say active gratitude, we’re talking about pursuing the opportunity to be grateful. Don’t just let it happen to you. If you’re new to this, start with a gratitude journal. At the beginning of each day, simply write down the things you’re thankful for. This can be the big things, like your significant other, your job, your grades, etc., but it can also be things you may take for granted: legs that can walk, a roof over your head, knowing where your next meal’s coming from, and so on. Simply focusing on these good things in your life adds up in a big way.
Don’t believe us? Then have a taste of PEER-REVIEWED SCIENCE! In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers investigated how people responded to gratitude journaling. In a test group, the subjects were asked to journal what they were grateful for, while in the other group the test subjects were asked to write about their hassles and irritations. After 10 weeks of this, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better overall about their lives. The even exercised more! The results of the gratitude group suggested that consciously focusing on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.
So grab a pen and a journal. Radiate positivity by first focusing on the ways you’ve been blessed.
Setting goals does a wide variety of good things for our brains, including better focus, productivity and self-esteem. And these side effects will naturally make it easier to be a more positive person.
That said, if you’re starting from a place of negativity (and it’s okay if you are - this is a safe place!), the idea of setting goals may make you feel overwhelmed and discouraged. So don’t be afraid to start small. If you’re looking for some inspiration, have your goal be to write in a gratitude journal every day. That’s easy to achieve and already has benefits of its own!
Aspiring to do something is great. Actually taking steps toward those aspirations is even better. When you achieve your goals, your brain produces a pleasure neurotransmitter known as dopamine (nice), and you’re training your brain to fend off hopelessness. After all, if you can achieve this one thing, what’s to stop you from achieving the thing and the next thing! It builds and grows as you do.
Your brain is a real sucker for a smile. Even if you’re not actually feeling cheery, turning on a grin can actually make you feel more positive and happier. According to Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist in Los Angeles, “When you smile, the brain sees the muscle (activity) and assumes that humor is happening.” And suddenly your brain begins to release dopamine and serotonin, which basically ups your happy vibes and mellows out your stress vibes. And if the goal is to be a more positive person, that’s so much easier to achieve when you’re feeling happier and stress free.
But don’t forget - we said no Stepford Wives happy. So we’re not suggesting a happy mask that you where for the benefit of others. Instead, think of this as a tool to get your mind and heart in the right spot for the day. Maybe before writing in your gratitude journal each morning, you could try smiling for 60 seconds. Even something as simple as this can put you on the path to a good day.
As a wise story goes,if you drop a crab in a bucket, it’s usually able to climb out on its own. But if you stick another crab in the same bucket, neither of the crabs will get out. One will try to escape, but the other will pull it back down.
In the same way, if you surround yourself with negative people, it will be difficult for you to escape your own negativity.
Being around negative people can make it tough for you to truly radiate positivity. This can come from your family, peers, friends, people at work - anyone you spend time with, really. Sometimes, it’s better to separate yourself from those who are keeping you in the bucket of negativity.
Real and consistent friendship makes you feel like a more positive person, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your overall mental health. But if the people you call friends are in a constant negative state, they may be dragging you down with them.
Congrats on starting your journey to positivity! Following any of these exercises will get you ready to take on the bad vibes that come your way. Again, it may not be an instant transformation, but when you start working at your positivity like a muscle, it will grow, and you’ll be able to find a positive outlook on the situation.
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Great question. Big Moods by @Collegestudent creates relatable stickers (check out our vine stickers here) while also supporting an important cause. A portion of every sale from Big Moods goes to promote Active Minds, which is a charity that supports mental health education, research, and advocacy.
We like the idea of pairing a cool product with an organization that’s doing something good in the world, especially in colleges. Check out the full scoop on our partnership if you want all the details!
Yep! To help stickers resonate with our customers (you), we keep up to date on trends and the overall pulse of our culture. We do that anyway, after all we’re founded by @CollegeStudent (view and be amazed!). This blogs' goal is to provide more relevant posts and stories to keep you interested and in the loop.
Totally. If you’re interested in writing a post for the Moods Blog, email us at support@bigmoods.com. Let us know what topic you want to write about or story you want to share. This should be a collaborative place, so send us your thoughts!
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