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How To Decide Basically Anything

Melanie Abrahams — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:45 +0000

Stop biting those nails, girl! | Source: Shutterstock

Decisions, decisions. Most people think of decisions as super hard without recognizing that each decision is kind of an awesome chance to try something new or to start a new adventure. Knowing how to decide between great options (or even some sucky ones) can be really stressful, but it shouldn’t really be that bad.

Here’s how to decide basically anything, with little to no pain involved. Promise!

Close your eyes, make a wish, and get ready to make your best decisions ever!

Don’t Let Your Ex Stand In Your Way

Melanie Abrahams — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:00:21 +0000

Oh honey. He’s not worth it! | Source: Shutterstock

Okay, so I have this friend who is being really stupid–she’s letting her ex stand in her way of having all kinds of fun. Actually, no. She’s standing in her own way of having all kinds of fun and blaming her ex!

Here’s the deal: She and her ex have been broken up for a long time (like, over a year) and even though they’ve both dated other people since then–she refuses to go to any event or party where he might show up. And it’s not like they hate each other or he was a jerk or something. And since they have a ton of friends in common, that means that she’s missed out on a whole lot of major parties, picnics, trips to Six Flags, and well–all kinds of other awesome stuff. How lame is that? Super lame! Seriously, no dude (especially one you’re not even dating anymore!) is worth giving up all those super fun times.

I get it that after a breakup, it’s good to give yourself some space from your ex. You don’t want to rip open that wound over and over by hanging out with him, seeing him having fun without you, maybe even flirting with someone else. But if you’ve moved on and he’s moved on, then it’s time to put on your big girl pants and go on with your life!

Do you ever let your ex stand in your way of having fun? Do you know anyone who does? Tell us in the comments!

How To Make Seeing Your Ex Less Awkward

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What Is Estrogen?

Melanie Abrahams — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:00:45 +0000

You would so not ace this on Jeopardy! | Source: Shutterstock

Ah, hormones. They course through your body, they make your boobs grow a bunch (or not so much), and they can make you generally crazy. But what is estrogen, and what role does it play in all of this? Well, it turns out, a whole lot. Here’s everything you need to know about estrogen, but were maybe afraid to ask your mom.

* Estrogen is a group of hormones produced by ovaries, adrenal glands, and male testes (yes, dudes have estrogen, too!)

* Girls and women have a far greater amount of estrogen than men do, as estrogen helps the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system, and helps regulate your period.

* Estrogen is also pretty important for bone health, which is why guys have it, too.

* Low estrogen levels can make you more prone to anxiety or mood disorders–high levels can help you deal better in stressful situations.

* Birth control pills contain estrogen, mimicking the increased amount of estrogen the female body produces during pregnancy.

Are you on birth control to regulate your hormones? Did you know that guys have estrogen, too? Tell us in the comments!

More On Hormones Right Here!

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It’s A Beauty Emergency! How To Avoid Looking Like A Zombie On New Year’s Eve

Melanie Abrahams — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:00:34 +0000

Girlfriend could use some color, stat! | Source: Shutterstock

Let’s face it, the holidays have been flat-out exhausting–right? All those Christmas cookies and chocolates keep you awake at night (even when you don’t have a super fun party to go to), plus, when you don’t have school the next day, why not stay up until 3 am watching Fashion Police?!

The downside to all of this fun is that a lot of us kind of look like zombies come New Year’s Eve–which is a night that we’re all supposed to shine and look super gorgeous! So, how to revive your sad, zombie face super fast before that New Year’s Eve party? It’s so easy, and you already have the perfect beauty solution in your handbag.

Take a pink, peach, or ruby colored lipstick, and lightly dab it on the apples of your cheeks once or twice. Rub it in with your fingers, pushing it up toward your ears at a bit of a diagonal. Blend any weird edges so the color looks more natural and . . . voila! You’ve got color in your cheeks (goodbye zombie pallor!) and are ready to party like it’s 2013! Of course regular blush works, too, but I love multitasking beauty products, don’t you?

Have you ever used lipstick as blush? Tell us your favorite beauty tips in the comments!

All The Winter Beauty Tips You Need!

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New Year, New You! A Complete Guide To Your Best 2013

Melanie Abrahams — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:58 +0000

You can have your best year ever, girl! | Source: Shutterstock

So, the truth is that just because it’s a new year doesn’t really mean you need to be a whole new you. The you that you are is just fine! But if you want to be a more amped up, awesome version of you in the new year, it’s really not that hard to do. (Oh, and it’s fun!). So with these little tips, we wish you a very happy new year, and wish you an epic and awesome 2013!

Read on for tips on having your best year ever!

Nobody To Kiss On New Year’s Eve? No Problem!

Melanie Abrahams — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:22 +0000

Going solo on New Year’s is so not a big deal! | Source: Shutterstock

There you are in the cutest dress you own, rockin a 2013 tiara and waiting for the big moment at the New Year’s Eve party–except, you’re the only one there with nobody to kiss at midnight.

I’ve so been there, girl, and the truth is, it’s not nearly as bad as you think. First of all, if you think everyone’s going to notice that you’re alone and think you’re a loser, they won’t. They’re too busy doing their own thing/wondering if they have bad breath/dreading kissing that weird guy they brought to the party. Trust me that there are people in worse situations than you at that party, no matter what! The only way people will think you’re a loser is if you complain and whine about not having a date to kiss. Resist the urge to hide in the bathroom or cry in public. That, my friend, is lame behavior, so just don’t do it.

So, what can you do to get through those awkward, smoocharific 30 seconds after the ball drops? Obviously, you can keep in mind that it really is only 30 seconds (or probably even less!)–it’s not like you’re left out of an hour and a half of activities, girl! Then, if you really think it’s going to be uncomfortable for you (or even painful, if you’ve had a recent breakup), find something else to be doing right at that moment. Volunteer to be the deejay or get a funny noiseblower to blow out at midnight. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that you think is fun and that you’ll love remembering when you look back on this night. New Year’s is about having fun and starting fresh. For single girls, that can be the most inspiring thing of all.

Do you think you’ll get a New Year’s Eve kiss this year? Do you think there’s too much pressure put on kissing someone at midnight? Tell us in the comments!

What’s The Most Fun Kind Of New Year’s Eve?!

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5 Winter Hats That Won’t Make You Look Stupid

Melanie Abrahams — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:00:57 +0000

When I first moved to New York (where it gets pretty cold in the winter!), I refused to wear a winter hat, because I was convinced that all winter hats made me look totally stupid. Finally, many years later, I’ve realized that there really are some cute winter hats out there–and that I’m a lot cuter when I’m not shivering my butt off!

If you need a cute new hat this winter, here are a few that we promise will look adorable, NOT awful!

A Little Sunshine From The Gap, $20

Who doesn’t need a little brightness on a cloudy day?! Source

Black And White From Macy’s, $19

Sophisticated, but totally not fussy. | Source

Rainbow Confetti From Modcloth, $19

Love the subtle color on this one! | Source

Pink Lady From Hollister, $25

This will make any boring black coat seem way more exciting! | Source

Grover Blue Slouch From Etsy, $25

This shape is great on everybody! | Source

Which is your favorite out of these winter hats? Tell us in the comments!

Have You Seen The Cat Hat?!

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Are You Ready To Rock 2013?

Melanie Abrahams — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:15 +0000

Are you getting ready the right way?! | Source: Shutterstock

Are you ready to rock 2013, or are you not quite in the right frame of mind yet? Find out what kind of new year’s this is going to be for you with this super fun and revealing quiz!

Get started right here!

What are you most looking forward to in 2013? Tell us in the comments!

Are You A Drama Queen? Find Out With This Quiz!

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How To Wear Red Lipstick (Without Looking Like A Clown)

Melanie Abrahams — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 22:00:39 +0000

It looks so simple, right?! | Source: Shutterstock

If you’ve ever tried to emulate Taylor Swift’s look (and failed miserably!) you probably already know how tricky it can be to wear red lipstick without looking like a crazy person. That stuff bleeds, it smudges, and it’s just so red that if you screw up, it’s beyond obvious.

So, how can you wear red lipstick and look hot instead of horrifying? It’s easier than you’d think! First, since you’re playing up your lips, keep your eye makeup simple–no bright or bold eye shadows! Then, use a nude-colored lip liner to keep your lipstick from bleeding outside the lines. Finally, take your time when you put it on. Do not attempt to put on red lipstick on the bus, on the way to school, or while you’re walking down the street. It will look like a hot mess!

Once your lipstick is on, blot it once with the back of your hand to keep it from smudging on other stuff. Voila! You’ve got perfect red lips!

Do you ever wear red lipstick? Do you think it’s a cute look or not? Tell us in the comments!

Could Your Makeup Make You Stupid?!

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Opening Christmas Presents: How To Do It Without Being A Jerk!

Melanie Abrahams — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:19 +0000

This could go VERY wrong | Source: Shutterstock

One of the most fun things about Christmas is giving presents and opening Christmas presents . . . but it can also be one of the trickiest things, too. What if you hate something that someone gave you–or, even worse, you’re not sure what something is in the first place?! It’s easy to really seem like an ungrateful jerk when you’re opening Christmas presents, but if you follow this guide, you’ll be safe again until next year (and hopefully you’ll unwrap something great, too!).

Get ready to write some thank you notes, girl–because there’s a whole lot of SOMETHING for you under that tree (we’re just not sure what it all is, yet!)

Read on for tips on how to open Christmas presents without being a jerk!