Shop Til You Drop!!

If you're like me you have a serious problem. You could be a victim of the same disease if...(a) When you need to return something you end up keeping it and buying a few more in different colors, (b) When you go to the store for your mom to buy some milk you end up with a People Magazine, some gum, new makeup, cheap jewelry, etc., or (c) While trying to do your homework you somehow end up shopping for clothes online. If you have done one of the three things listed above you could be in danger of losing all your money before college and end up as a starving student. Believe it or not this problem is becoming more and more common among teenage girls. Remember, you are NOT alone!!

Here are some ways that you can help yourself curb your desire to spend all your money (and everyone else's) as soon as you get it. First, get a checking or savings account. Put your money in it and only keep $5 in your wallet for emergencies. Any more than that and you'll be sure to find a way to spend it ;) Next, quit walking into stores just to "window shop" or browse." We all know this doesn't work. Only allow yourself into a store when you absolutely HAVE to buy something, and then only buy the thing you planned on buying. Also, think about what you buy before you buy it. Should you really buy that bright orange purse that you can really only wear with one shirt?? No. Waste of money. Finally, create a list. Write down all the things you want to buy, how much they are, and where you can get them. Then arrange them in order of what you want/need the most and which things can wait. Slowly work your way down the list but put a limit on how much you can spend each week or each month and don't exceed it.

Girls, we have a problem, but don't worry, there are ways to fix it. If we all help each other, together we can overcome this and control how much we spend!

**Check out the quotes and poll on the right. They're amazing this week! Also, please leave a comment below :)

Here Comes the Sun!!

It's always fun to watch fall leaves sprinkle your lawn, feel your hair being blown out of your eyes by a crisp October breeze, catch rain drops on your tongue, and make snow angels in the fresh winter snow flakes. But after the thrill and fun of all these seasons are over you are only left feeling cold, wet, and like your mascara is running. Then comes the sun! Summer means driving with the windows rolled down, running through the sand, tank tops and flip flops, tan lines and sun burns, parties, friends, water, and no worries. Are you ready for it? If not, it's time to prepare...

To start, change out your wardrobe. Put those long sleeve shirts and heavy coats in the back of your closet and bring out the tank tops and colorful tees. Also, dig out the shorts you haven't worn in months. You may realize you're slightly lacking in warm weather attire so it may be time for a shopping trip. Dresses and plaid shorts are especially popular at the moment. While out you may like to invest in a pair of large sunglasses; wearing them will make you feel like it's June! (For a cheap pair of shades check Forever21 or American Eagle) It's also time to start looking for your new swimsuit! (Target has a GREAT selection)

Next, change up your makeup. Go lighter on the eye liner and use brighter eye shadows and a light pink lip gloss. Bronzer will give your cheeks a sunkissed look. If it's time for a hair cut you may want to take off an inch or two to lighten up your locks and may want to add or touch up some highlights. Have you been tanning yet? Wearing your bathing suit for the first time isn't as fun when you realize how white you've gotten over the winter so it's good idea to start working on your base tan early. Whether you choose to hit the beds, use a fake tanning lotion (I recommend Jergen's), or layout in your bikini in your back yard, a little extra color will prepare you for beach season. Also, try a new lotion that smells like coconut or cucumber melon (Bath and Body Works). It'll remind you of the tropics!

Now that you look like California beach baby it's time to act like one. Plan some early beach trips with your friends and make a new cd of summer jams. (The list of songs on the right is a good start!) School's going to be out soon and now you'll be more ready and excited than ever!

Prom 2008 To Do List

Hey Girls!! Whether it's been years since your last highschool prom, or it'll be years until you get to go to prom, or you're like me and stressing out about your prom this year, I'm sure you can all relate to the list below and will find it, if nothing else, entertaining!

1. Find a date! Not just anyone though...he has to be cute, with a hot body, tall, a good dancer, oh and a nice personality would be good too. (Makes you wonder if he even exists huh?!) Those of you with boyfriends have got it made! Built-in prom date. For the rest of us, it's time to start looking for that perfect guy!
2. Find a dress. This can sometimes be even harder than finding the date. You've got to find the right color, style, and size all on a single dress. Plus, once you do find the perfect one, it'll probably be about $200 over your budget.
3. Exercise and Diet. Alright, now it's time to try to fit into that dress you bought. If you are planning on being in the best physical shape in time for prom, start exercising and eating a little healthier NOW. Fitness takes time and is no fun at all, but are we gonna do?
4. Find shoes. Prom shoes....not an easy task. They have to match the dress. Also, if you've got a short date and don't want to be towering over him, you've got to find short heels, which can be harder than it sounds.
5. Choose a Group. Can you say drama?? There is always trouble trying to decide who you are going to go with besides your date, although going with just him is always an option, and probably a lot less complicated. But if you do go with a group do you go with his friends or yours? Should you take a limo? Who will you invite to go with you?
6. Details. Some of you lucky girls will end up with boys who are really good at planning. The majority of us will end up with boys who would rather watch tv than even think about what to do before and after prom. So this will be up to you. Where should you have dinner? Do you want to take pictures beforehand? Should you go to a party afterward? Yep, all up to you.
7. Boutonniere. For those of you who are wondering what that big word is...it's the little flower you're going to pin to your date's suit before you leave for prom. He should get you a corsage (goes on your wrist). If he doesn't it can be a little awkward...also, it's always hard to make sure that the two of you get matching colors, ribbons, flowers, etc. Such a hassle, but what are you going to do? (And it'll be a disaster if you stab him while trying to pin it on so practice on a pillow or something before.)
8. Nail and Hair Appointments. Although fun, these both cost money. Nails are gorgeous but if you get your hair done don't go too crazy, you want your date to recognize you!!
9. Getting Ready! It's the big day and naturally it will take the whole day to get ready. You'll have to do your makeup, pick up your boutonniere, get into your dress and you may want to get ready with friends (although that can stress you out even more)
10. Awkward Pictures. There's no avoiding that awful moment right before you're about to leave when you're parents say, "Oh wait! Let's get pictures!" He puts his arm awkwardly around you and you both smile stiffly for the pictures. It sucks but there's really not any way to get around it.

Anyone else a little stressed?! And anyone else beginning to wonder if trying to find a date, a dress, dieting, exercising, and primping is all really worth just ONE night? Sure it'll be fun, but is it really worth all that trouble? I'm beginning to wonder...

Secrets Don't Make Friends...They Make Best Friends

It's happened to all of us, all the sudden you realize you just started your period and really need a tampon...dire emergency right?! So you lean over to your best friend and in a whisper, ask if she has one with her. Suddenly, some obnoxious girl from the back of the room calls out, "Secrets don't make friends!" I mean seriously, every time you whisper to someon does EVERYONE else need to know what you said? No, definately not. In fact, it's normally better if they don't know what you were whispering about.

From personal experience it seems pretty clear to me that about 90% of the time that someone decides to use that line, "secrets don't make friends," the secret wasn't about that person at all, but was simply something that wasn't meant to be shared with the whole room. Most likely you were whispering about something that you didn't want to tell everyone else simply because it was irrevelant to them. You wouldn't mind if they heard, but it would take a long time to explain the situation so they wouldn't understand anyway. Other times it's about you personally, something that is no else's business. If you wanted to tell them everything about yourself, you would be whispering to them.

On the very rare occasion that you were actually talking about something that needed to be kept secret from that other nosy person in the room, can you imagine if you actually told them what it was when they demanded to hear it?? Maybe you were saying you would NEVER wear that outfit, or that you had made out with that girl's ex last weekend. In these rare cases, secrets keep friends! If you spilled the secret to the nosy girl she would not be your friend, she would most likely hate you. By telling your secrets to the right people you create stronger relationships with people who you can trust and avoid ending relationships with those who could be hurt by your secret.

Obviously, it's best not to have secrets at all. Life without them would be easy, but the reality is that they are absolutely innevitable, and some things are simply not meant to be heard by all ears. Try to be upfront with people but if you need to keep something to yourself, don't go whispering about it to some people in front of others. And next time someone decides to say, "Secrets don't make friends," assure her that they make BEST FRIENDS!

Look Good = Feel Good

Beep beep beep. Alarm goes off and it's time to get ready. For most girls this means an elaborate routine of showering, shaving legs, trying on a few outfits before deciding what to wear, and spending time in front of the mirror to do hair and makeup while siblings are banging at the door telling her it's their turn in the bathroom. Although some would call this vanity, I argue that is is absolutely necessary to a person's happiness.

I've come to realize that my day goes better when I feel that I look good. When my hair's a mess or my makeup's undone I simply don't function as well as I normally do. Looking good puts me in a better mood, which is beneficial to myself and those around me, (no one wants to hang out with a grouch). The way I look even affects my personality by making me more outgoing. I'm less eager to talk to those around me when I feel like a scrub.

Sure, looks aren't everything, but if it makes you feel more confident in yourself then it's worth the extra few minutes in front of the mirror. People are just happier when they're comforatble with their appearance.