Girls and Shopping

Now that school has started back, a lot of girls will be constantly checking out the new looks and styles that the "cool" girls are wearing. The thing about that is, you are the cool girl. It doesn't matter whether a bunch of other kids think you're cool or not, as long as you love who you are, and recognize the love of the important people in your life, you are among the coolest of them all.



Even with that being said, I know girls like to have new things. Some things because you really need them, and some because they are just so cool, cute, hot, trendy, fashionable, and that cute boy over there said that he thought that celeb looked really good in whatever it was. No matter what it is that you're shopping for, you need to know that people will try to sell you a product not because it really makes you look cool, but because it really makes them money when you buy it.



When a company advertises a product, they pick who they want to sell that product to. That group of people is called their target audience, or target market, or just target. When they advertise those cute shoes that they claim are what all the cool kids are wearing, you are the target. You can either think wisely about how you feel about the message they are sending, or you can fall for everything they tell you.

Girls are the ones who shop more on impulse, and are more likely to "clone" shop. Clone shoppers are people, especially girls, who buy a product because it's what everybody else is buying or wearing. It's hard when you feel like you don't fit in, so some people will only buy what they see other kids wearing. Advertisers know this, which is why they try to convince you that "all of the cool kids" are wearing their product.

Maintaining your individuality is one of the hardest and coolest things you can do. There is nothing wrong with wearing something that you like, and that all of your BFFs are wearing too. Sometimes, it's fun to go shopping and all pick out the same outfit to wear on a certain day together. Just make sure that when you shop, you are targeting a product you really like and want, and not buying it because you have fallen for being an advertiser's target.

Naturally Beautiful--Tips and Fun Facts

Everyone is born with natural beauty. We aren't always attracted to everybody we see, but often, when we take the time to get to know people better, we realize what a good friend we may have missed out on if we only liked people based on what they look like. Unfortunately, we have to accept the fact that there will be times when we are going to meet people who don't find us attractive as well.

It's okay. Beauty means different things to different people, and the most important thing is to find the beauty inside you, and learn to love yourself no matter what other people think or say. Sometimes, it is fun to find a new look, or to try different styles. The key to happiness is to just be who you are, and to have fun being you. Here are some natural beauty treatments you can try with a parent's permission.

Facials:

Cut an avocado in half, and remove the pit and the peel. Mash up the avocado, and then smear it on your face. Leave it on for about 5 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. The natural oils will soften and moisturize your face.

The egg white facial is another natural beautifier. Crack one egg, remove the yolk, and whip up the whites in a small bowl. Spread it on your face and lie down for a while to let it dry. Then wash and wipe your face.


Fun Fact: Wrinkly Skin in the Bathtub

Why do our fingers shrivel up in the tub? They don't actually shrivel up. The skin gets bigger. The longer you stay in the water, the more the water molecules soak into your skin tissue, which stretches the skin out. The younger you are, the further your skin stretches in the tub.

Fun Holidays To Celebrate

January

1-18 Pooh Day

1-20 International Women's Day

1-23 National Compliment Day

March

3-15 Act Happy Day

3-18 Forgive Mom and Dad Day

3-21 Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

April

4-2 International Children's Book Day

4-10 National Siblings' Day

4-22 Earth Day

May

5-1 Mother Goose Day and Save the Rhino Day

5-10 Trust Your Intuition Day

June

6-11 National Hug Day

6-19 Join Hands Day

6-22 Mirth Day

6-23 Let It Go Day

July

7-3 Compliment Your Mirror Day

7-20 World Jump Day

7-21 National Ice Cream Day

Cliques

Social groups, or "cliques," are never more important to a girl's world than during 5th through 8th grades. Cliques do exist in high school, college, and even the adult world, but it's in middle school that girls start to get used to the idea of being in a social group.

You may think that you're not in a clique. And maybe you're right! But if you've had the same group of friends for a long time, that's pretty much what a clique is.

A clique can be a blessing because growing up is tough to do, and it's nice to have the support of good friends who are going through the same things you are. Some cliques seem to exist only to tell the secrets of other people.

Are you in a clique?

1. Watch how people come into your group. Is it easy for a person to join your group at lunch without it being a big deal? Is it possible for a person to leave your group without there being drama?

2. Look at the people in your group of friends. Is it possible that any of the girls like the other members of the group just because of their clothes, looks, or popularity?

3.Listen to the conversations that the people around you have. Is most of the talk about appearances? (How to look good, who looks good, who doesn't look good, hey I look good, etc.)

The above information was taken from the book, "The Big Book of Girl Stuff" by Bart King and His Five Sisters

Any group that insists that you act, speak, or think a certain way, is probably not a good choice. True friends are people who accept you for the wonderful person you are--just as God made you. Even if you don't dress the same way, or live in the same neighborhood, true friends see how amazing you are, and enjoy being around you.

Even though it sometimes seems cool to hang around with the more popular kids, it's not worth it if it means you have to do bad things, or treat people in a way you wouldn't want to be treated. Stay true to yourself. Don't let anyone convince you that the only way to be cool is to be like them. Love who you are, and know that you are cool even if noone else sees it but you.

The Meaning of Rose Colors

The following information was found online. The website lists these meanings for the different color roses:

Red: love, beauty, courage, respect, romantic love, congratulations, "I love you", "Job well done", sincere love, and passion

Dark Red: unconscious beauty

Red (single): "I love you"

Deep Burgundy: unconscious beauty

White: purity, innocence, silence, secrecy, reverence, humility, youthfulness, "I am worthy of you", heavenly

White (bridal): happy love

Pink: appreciation, "Thank you", grace, perfect happiness, admiration, gentleness, "Please believe me"

Dark Pink: appreciation, gratitude, "Thank you"

Light Pink: admiration, sympathy, gentleness, grace, gladness, joy sweetness

Yellow: joy, gladness, friendship, delight, promise of a new beginning, welcome back, remember me, jealousy, "I care"

Yellow with red tip: friendship, falling in love

Orange: desire, enthusiasm, fascination

Red and White: given together, these signify unity

Red and Yellow: jovial and happy feelings

Peach: appreciation, closing the deal, "Let's get together", sincerity, gratitude

Pale Peach: modesty

Coral: desire

Lavender: love at first sight, enchantment

Black (does not appear in nature): death, farewell

Blue (does not appear in nature): the unattainable, the impossible

Single rose in any color: simplicity, gratitude

Red Rosebud: symbolic of purity and loveliness

White Rosebud: symbolic of girlhood

Thornless Rose: love at first sight

Friendship

Friendship is a very important part of our lives. Everyone needs someone that they can feel safe turning to and confiding in. Just like with everything else in our lives, we have to be careful about the people we choose as friends. There are people who love you, and would never cause you pain or harm, and there are fake friends, who love what being around you can do for them.

In a book called, The Big Book of Girl Stuff, by author Bart King and His Five Sisters, there is a section called, Girl Types. The book lists several personality types girls might meet while trying to make friends. The two I find the most important to know about are The Nurturing Friend, and The Frienemy.

The Nurturing Friend

The Nurturing Friend has a terrific attitude. She's there to help, and she makes the world a better place. If you need someone to walk with you to the bathroom because you're crying, she's there. Need some advice? Candy? Clothes? Help with homework? She's got you covered.

Accessories: The Nurturing friend has a heart of gold, a big purse or backpack that contains snacks, gum, makeup, pens with cool colors, safety pins, change...whatever you need to borrow.

Nicknames: Old Faithful, Best Pal, The Helper

Trademark Lines: "Call anytime!" "It'll be okay!" "Can I do anything to help?"

Interesting Fact: Because she is always taking care of others, the Nurturing Friend may ignore her own needs. Don't take advantage of her good nature, and help her out when you can.

The Frienemy

The Frienemy is not there for you, but she is there to take advantage of you! She might pretend to like you as long as other people in your group like you.

Nickname: The Double Agent, The User, Me-Me.

Warning: The Frienemy is probably friends with one of your real friends, so you just have to tolerate her. She will know some of your secrets, which makes her a possible "mean note writer."

Clothing: Whatever you have in your closet seems to look good on her. She loves to borrow stuff and hates to return it!

Trademark Line: "If my mom calls for me at your house, tell her I'm there and that I'll call her right back. Then call me on my cell and let me know."---The Big Book of Girl Stuff by Bart King and His Five Sisters

It is important to learn the difference between true friends, like the Nurturing Friend, and people who are only around because they want something from you, like The Frienemy.