Tips for Being a Responsible Teenager/ Young Adult

What is this new found freedom? Yesterday, your mom was picking out your clothes and 

tucking you into bed. Today, she's dropping you and your friends off at the mall. It's too good

 to be true! This didn't magically happen, though. You worked for days, weeks, YEARS 

proving to your parents that you’re responsible.

Now that you’re a teenager, your parents aren't only giving you freedom; they're also giving 

you more responsibility. Use these tips to be safe and show you can be responsible — it’ll 

make your parents feel proud and you can earn even more independence.

Out and About

Whether you’re out at the mall with your friends or just out to get some frozen yogurt with the

 girls, remember these ideas for being safe without your parents by your side:

• NEVER talk to strangers, no matter how cute they look or nice they seem.
  
  
• Always have at least $10 in cash on you. This money is for those "just in case" instances. Don't be tempted to spend it on last minute purchases.
  
  
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and you have minutes left.
  
  
• Always set a clear time when your parents will pick you up and respect that time. When 
  your mom says 3 p.m., be ready either before or at 3 p.m. She doesn't mean 3:15 p.m. By 
  being punctual, she'll be more apt to let you go out with your friends more often.
  
  
  
  
  

Home Alone

So your parents are letting you stay home by yourself without the watchful eyes of a 

babysitter? Time to par-tay, right? Wrong! Save your parents the grief (and you the BIG 

trouble) and use this time doing things that are parent-approved.

• Before your parents go out, make sure you have a number where you can reach them and a time you can expect them home.
  
  
• If someone calls your house, NEVER say you are home alone. If the caller asks to speak to
   your mom, tell the person she's in the bathroom. If someone knocks on the door, don't 
  open the door (even if you know the person). Keep plenty of lights on and be aware of your 
  surroundings.
  
  
• Hearing strange noises outside? Don't go out there to investigate. Always stay in your house
   with the doors locked. If you start to get scared or freaked out, call your parents or 
  another responsible adult.
  
  
• Do not cook, light fireworks, burn candles or do anything else that may harm you or your home.
  
  
• Want someone there with you? With proper planning in advance, ask your parents if you can have a friend over. That way, you know you’re all clear. Pick out a movie to watch or 
  play a game — things you know your parents approve.
  
  
• Do not have a party. It could be fun for a few hours, but getting busted may mean 
  babysitters for life. You will lose the trust of your parents and probably lose some
   freedoms you’ve already earned.
  
  
• Clean up before they get home. If the house is in better shape when they arrive home than when they left, you get big bonus points — and more freedom next time!
  
  
  

Create a Skin Care Routine for Your Changing Skin

When it comes to puberty, your hormones are responsible for just about everything when it comes to your changing body. Your skin is no exception.

Continued maintenance and a daily skin care routine for your face can help you look and feel your best. Your skin can get more oily during puberty, so it’s best to give it the daily care it needs. Make it simple, easy and affordable so it can become a habit and help you get beautiful, healthy skin.

Determine Your Skin Type
Understanding whether your skin is dry, sensitive, oily or combination (spots of oily skin, spots of dry skin) can help maximize the effects of your products. Once you find out what kind of skin you have, look to use products that are made specifically for your type. They will help address your skin type’s needs.

Wash Daily
It’s important to remove dirt using a gentle cleanser every morning and every night. The gentle cleansers can clean while not drying out your face. Also, if you have oily skin make sure your cleanser cleans away oil instead of striping your face of all the moisture. Opt for gentler washes that can still unclog pores but won’t dry out your face.

Exfoliate Weekly
Exfoliating will help rid your skin of dead cells and help you feel clean and refreshed. Additionally, it’ll give your skin a soft and supple appearance. Although there are numerous products out there for exfoliating your skin, it’s important to remember that this is a process that could potentially irritate or even damage your skin. Take it easy on the scrubbing! Once or twice a week would do it.

Moisturize Daily
Adding moisture to your daily skin care routine will keep your face looking fresh and radiant throughout the day. While your skin may not feel like it’s dry, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need moisture. Be cautious, though, as not all beauty products are held to the same standard. A moisturizer shouldn’t feel heavy or be too oily.

Protect Daily
Keep one thing in mind as you get ready every morning to leave the house: The sun does more “natural” damage to your skin than almost anything else. Protecting your skin against ultraviolet rays is a good thing to do everyday, regardless of the season. Find a sunscreen, a foundation, BB cream or moisturizer that contains broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays to get the most out of your sun protection.

By using these simple steps and creating a daily skin care regimen, you’ll be able to maintain glowing, healthy skin all year long.

How To Apply False Eyelashes

When prom is approaching, it's time to pull out all the stops. Want dramatic, sexy lashes that go on for miles? The long, dense, fluttery lashes you've seen on the hottest celebs? Well, ask them and they'll tell you, for lashes that nearly reach your eyebrows, false eyelashes are in!

False eyelashes were the rage in the '60s, and they've recently made a comeback with a vengeance. Models and celebrities use them far more often than you think. If you yearn to look beyond glam—and you're up for the challenge—there's no bigger night than the prom to learn how to apply false eyelashes! To make your first experience easier, there are starter kits that include adhesive, a few styles of lashes and an eyelid wide-applicator that looks like an overgrown tweezer. The sales staff at department store cosmetic counters are also available to teach you how to apply false eyelashes.


We suggest you start practicing way before prom night, and opt for full strip lashes for your whole lash line because they are easier to apply. As impressive as they look when applied correctly, they can be one sad goopy mess if you're unsure of what you're doing.

The first step on how to apply false eyelashes is to measure the dry strip of lashes against your eyelid. If they are too long, trim them to the correct size by cutting them at the outer corner.


Apply glue in a very thin line at the base of the false eyelashes. Put the glue on the back of your hand or on a tissue and pick it up with the back end of a small makeup brush to avoid getting too much glue on the strip.


Use tweezers to pick up the lash strip and place it right above the base of your natural lashes, about one quarter of the way in from the inner corner. Push down all around with your finger, careful not to get glue on your fingertips. How to apply false eyelashes tip: No worries if you do—just rub your fingers together, and the glue will ball up and crumble off.


Wait for the glue to dry to apply the rest of your makeup. Then carefully apply your mascara to blend your true eyelashes with your new false ones.

Stay away from lash extensions, even if you have an expert put them on. Although they look great and last for weeks, they are expensive and the bonding agents they use are similar to super glue and are not yet regulated by the FDA.


Never fear if learning how to apply false eyelashes sounds like more than you can handle. There are dozens of mascaras out there guaranteed to thicken, lengthen, nourish, curl, volumize, and stretch. In fact, 176 new eyelash enhancement products, mostly mascara, were released last year, up from just 48 in 2002!


Another thing to remember when learning how to apply false eyelashes is to use a thin, short brush and twirl it slowly as you move from the roots to the tip. Hold the brush and your lashes together at the tips for a few seconds to "set" the mascara. Blink onto the brush to give the ends an extra coat. Use a tissue under your lower lashes and lightly hold the brush vertically. Apply a second coat before the first one is dry to avoid clumping. And, although you've seen it done a thousand times, never pump the brush into the tube. It only adds air to the mascara, drying it out.

If you want some professional help, on how to apply false eyelashes, visit www.covergirl.com. You'll find useful tips and the services of a beauty consultant via a live chat, waiting to help you!

Katy Perry - Wide Awake

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake

I'm wide awake
Yeah, I was in the dark
I was falling hard
With an open heart
I'm wide awake
How did I read the stars so wrong?
I'm wide awake
And now it's clear to me
That everything you see
Ain't always what it seems
I'm wide awake
Yeah, I was dreaming for so long

[Pre-Chorus]
I wish I knew then
What I know now
Wouldn't dive in
Wouldn't bow down
Gravity hurts
You made it so sweet
'Til I woke up on
On the concrete

[Chorus]
Falling from cloud nine
Crashing from the high
I'm letting go tonight
Yeah, I'm falling from cloud nine

I'm wide awake
Not losing any sleep
I picked up every piece
And landed on my feet
I'm wide awake
Need nothing to complete myself, no

I'm wide awake
Yeah, I am born again
Out of the lion's den
I don't have to pretend
And it's too late
The story's over now, the end

[Pre-Chorus]
I wish I knew then
What I know now
Wouldn't dive in
Wouldn't bow down
Gravity hurts
You made it so sweet
'Til I woke up on
On the concrete

[Chorus]
Falling from cloud nine (it was out of the blue)
I'm crashing from the high
I'm letting go tonight (yeah, I'm letting you go)
I'm falling from cloud nine

I'm wide awake
Thunder rumbling
Castles crumbling
I'm wide awake
I am trying to hold on
I'm wide awake
God knows that I tried
Seeing the bright side
I'm wide awake
I'm not blind anymore...

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake

[Chorus]
Yeah, I'm falling from cloud nine (it was out of the blue)
I'm crashing from the high
You know I'm letting go tonight (yeah, I'm letting you go)
I'm falling from cloud nine

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake

5 Reasons Your Body Needs Apple Cider Vinegar

Info from LaurenConrad.com

Today's post is all about why your body will love the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar:

Photo courtesy of Tone It Up

1. It keeps you slim. Studies show that apple cider vinegar helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. This is an essential component of getting lean and staying lean. If your blood sugar levels are spiking and plummeting (simple starches like white bread, and sugary snacks will cause this) your body will store fat and increase your risk for diabetes and heart disease.

2. It aids in weight loss. Not only is apple cider vinegar rich in important enzymes that help your body to detox, it can also keep you feeling full longer and control your appetite. This means no more crazy snack attacks!

3. It keeps your body balanced. It’s super important to get your body back to its healthy PH balance if you enjoy coffee and the occasional cocktail. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar balances your PH levels to help keep your body alkaline (which is a good thing!). Why is this awesome? A balanced, more alkaline body means better immune function and increased energy. Yes, vinegar is acidic, but don’t let that mislead you. The effect of that this vinegar has on your body is extremely alkalizing. The same is true for lemons and limes. So drink up your lemon water and apple cider vinegar, ladies.

4. It gives you sexy hair. Use apple cider vinegar once a week as a hair rinse right after shampooing for shiny, voluminous, flowing locks. Oh yes, it’s quite the miracle product.


5. It makes great salad dressings. Mix one part olive oil, two parts apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sea salt and your favorite salad should be good to go. Click here for a few great salad recipes.

Tip: Try to find organic and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to get the most of these awesome benefits!

Is He The One??

Finally — you met a guy you're pretty sure you'll remember for the rest of your life. No longer are you shy and self-conscious. You've gotten over the awkwardness of asking him questions about himself. You're both comfortable sharing your hopes, fears, and dreams and are reveling in the enjoyment of just feeling close. The two of you feel lucky to have found each other. You can't help wondering: is he the one?

 

What should you look for in a serious boyfriend? What differentiates him from the pack? Well, qualities like honesty, intelligence, compassion, and kindness are right up there. By all means, he should be a good listener and be willing to share his feelings. Yet apart from this list of essentials, what you look for in a serious boyfriend depends on your own unique personality and interests. It might be important that he share your love of movies...or dogs...or skiing. Or, if you are especially outgoing, is he the one who is quiet and reserved who wins your heart?

 

There are some situations however, which will reveal character traits that are crucial for your future happiness. These will be times when his true nature will show you what he's made of. Use these times to help you determine the answer for the question of "is he the one?" Be super aware the next time... 

 

You go to a restaurant. How does he treat the waitress, the cashier, and the parking attendant? Is he the one that is respectful or are they invisible to him? If he takes them for granted, that might be you in a few months.

You get into his car. Is he the one who walks to the passenger side and opens your door first...at least at the beginning? Then it's your turn to lean over and unlock his door.

The subject of an ex-girlfriend comes up. This might be coming attractions of how he will one day talk about you. If he tells you her most intimate secret, or you think he still has feelings for her—it's worth some serious consideration. Is he the one who refuses to discuss her? That may not be such a bad thing.

He mentions his mother. Enough said.
Is he the one who gets really angry? No matter what the reason, if he has an explosive temper, becomes physical, or talks to you in a degrading or abusive manner, reevaluate your commitment.
He wants to have sex and you're either not ready or not in the mood.

If you hear any of the following, consider yourself warned and reconsider your thoughts on "is he the one" questions.

-You would if you really loved me.
-I'm so turned on that it'll do me permanent damage if I don't come.
-If you don't do it, I know someone else who will.
-We're the only couple I know who haven't had sex.
-Having sex will strengthen our relationship.
-Let's just lie down together.

These golden oldies have been responsible for many a girl with good intentions finding herself feeling pressured into having sex.

Katy Perry - Roar (Official)

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Get ready 'cause I’ve had enough
I see it all, I see it now

[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar

Now I’m floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough
I see it all, I see it now

[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar...

Ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIDDY !!

Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969), also known by his stage names Puff Daddy, Diddy, and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Combs was born in Harlem and grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. He worked as a talent director at Uptown Records before founding Bad Boy Records in 1993.

My Period: What’s Normal, What’s Not

My Period Information

It’s that time of the month...or so you thought. So why am I not getting my period? Your friends brag about how their period arrives like clockwork, coming every four weeks. They don’t understand how it feels to not have a clue when your red letter day is due to arrive. If their cycle is what’s called regular or normal, what’s my period called? Not normal? Before you get concerned that something is amiss, keep in mind we don’t believe there's anything irregular about you at all. To better understand your period’s comings and goings, you just need some more information!


It can’t be news that you are different from every other girl in the world. Your periods and menstrual cycles will be different too. Some of your friends feel it coming for days before they get it. Others are hardly aware they have it. Some might bleed for two days one month, and a week the next. In reality, most women don’t get their periods in exactly the same number of days after the last one. For teens, especially, there is a much broader definition of normal. Just as the age you begin to menstruate varies, so does the length of each period. A cycle can be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days. At some point, as you grow, your light and unpredictable cycle will settle into a recognizable pattern.


My Period Facts

During the first year or two of having periods, "irregular" falls within the "normal" tent! 


Two out of three girls develop a regular pattern within two years after their period begins. So, within the first couple of years, it is not unusual to skip a period. Be aware that if you participate in sports that require long hours of practice, or are active in strenuous workouts like gymnastics or ballet, you may see less bleeding and/or shorter or less frequent periods. If you are dieting so strictly you’re not getting the calories you need, you’re denying your body the fat it needs to menstruate regularly. And if you’re really worried about an upcoming test...or distressed about a fight with a friend...or concerned about the health of a family member...your unique take on any of these stressors can affect the regularity of your period.


My Period: Things to Look Out For

See a doctor if you:

Are 16 and haven’t gotten your period yet.
Get periods that last longer than seven days for three cycles.
Experience a dramatic change from your typical periods.
Miss your period for six months straight.
Are passing large clots.
Are soaking through your pad or tampon hourly for two or more hours.
Are bleeding between menstrual periods.
Have pelvic pain for longer than a day that seems unrelated to your period.
Have severe pain while you’re menstruating unrelieved by OTC medication.
Are sexually active and missed a period.

Helpful Tips for Period Relief

You’ve got your period! And now you also have a lot of questions. Going through puberty and getting your period may bring a few surprises, but one thing is certain — you will start to get your period month to month, on a more regular basis. However, that also means you may be looking for some helpful tips for overcoming the symptoms that come with your monthly period. You may experience some discomfort, often called cramps. Don’t worry! Here are some useful suggestions on how to provide period relief so you can go about your busy schedule with minimum interruptions and be your best.

Know Your Menstrual Cycle

Knowledge is power. And knowing when to expect your period month to month will keep you prepared, confident and ready for anything! Although your period may be a little inconsistent your first year, you should start to see a trend forming each month. Check out our Period Predictor, enter in the dates of your last period and you will have a better idea of when to expect it next!

When you track your period, also record your symptoms of discomfort. Do you experience cramps before your period, the start of your period or throughout? Are they mild or painful, and do they change throughout your period? By tracking these symptoms, you may notice a pattern that will help you be prepared to relieve the discomfort.

Be Prepared

It’s always helpful to know what works for you and to have your relief available when you need it. Prepare by arming yourself with what works for you. If you find exercise helps with period relief, find an activity you can work into your schedule. If you find a heating pad soothes your pain, ask your parents if you can have your own so it’s available for use when you need it most.

Get Some Sleep

Be sure you’re getting enough sleep so your body can reenergize for everyday activities. It’s essential for your health and your performance at school or for activities. Plus, you’ll just feel better!

Here are a few more fun ideas to keep you feeling great when you have your period.

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Drink plenty of water.
Relax in a warm bubble bath. (Don't forget music and a good book or magazine!)
Meet a friend for a walk for some light exercise or do some yoga.
Apply a warm heating pad to soothe the area of discomfort.
Snuggle up to a "feel-good" movie.
Share some laughs with your family or friends!

Having your period is a normal part of growing up! With these tips you’ll be prepared to address the relief you need for your period so you can continue to be your best, no matter what time of the month it is!

Period Pain Remedy

Your period can be a pain—literally. In addition to the hassle of a monthly cycle, you may have to deal with a lot of other things that come with it: PMS, cramps, bloating, headaches, backaches, and tender breasts. There are many ways that you can lessen or get rid of these "extras" and come up with a period pain remedy.


Diet

What you eat around your period can have an impact on it. Fatty foods and refined sugar can contribute to PMS, especially if you're overweight. Caffeine can worsen the symptoms. Salt can affect water retention levels.


Eating a well-balanced diet is important, particularly during your period. For PMS and bloating cut back on refined sugar, salt, and caffeine. Eat more fruits, vegetables, cereals, and whole grains. Also, try to drink 6–8 glasses of water each day. In addition to making you feel better, eating well will also improve your overall health.


Vitamins and Minerals

Enhancing your diet with some additional nutrients can help during your period with your period pain remedy. Getting more calcium and zinc may help reduce cramps and PMS. Iron can reduce the chance of anemia (not enough iron in the blood). Vitamins C and E may help relieve breast swelling. B-complex vitamins may ease water retention and PMS.


If you decide to use vitamins to deal with period discomfort, talk to a doctor or nutritionist first. They can help you choose the right vitamin combination and dosage, and avoid side effects.


Exercise

You're in pain clutching a pillow to your stomach. The last thing in the world you want to do is move—but exercise will help as a period pain remedy. Exercise will increase blood and oxygen circulation, helping cramps. It will help reduce PMS and stress, easing headaches and backaches. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise when you sweat, will help you cut down on bloating. The added benefit is that your body will also look better if you exercise, especially if you do it all month.


Medication

Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can relieve headaches, backaches, and cramping. There are also other over-the-counter drugs that are specifically made for lessening a number of period problems. Don't take diuretics to relieve bloating. They can cause dehydration and strip your body of essential minerals making your symptoms worse.


Oral Contraceptives can improve periods by making them lighter and more regular. They can ease cramps and PMS, but they require a prescription. For extreme cases of PMS, consult with your health care professional.

Rihanna - Rehab ft. Justin Timberlake

Keri Hilson - Knock You Down ft. Kanye West, Ne-Yo

Keri Hilson - Lose Control ft. Nelly

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NELLY !

Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. (born November 2, 1974), better known by his stage name, Nelly, is an American hip hop recording artist, entrepreneur, investor and occasional actor from St. Louis, Missouri.

Sean Paul - "How Deep Is Your Love" Ft. Kelly Rowland

Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z - Upgrade U ft. Jay-Z

Justin Bieber - Right Here ft. Drake

R A N D O M !!!