Gurl.com » Being Yourself http://www.gurl.com A teen site and community for teenage girls Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:26:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 New Year, New You! A Complete Guide To Your Best 2013http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/30/new-year-new-you-2013/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-year-new-you-2013 http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/30/new-year-new-you-2013/#comments Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:58 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=91584 Read More]]>
new year new you

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!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/30/new-year-new-you-2013/feed/ 0 Opening Christmas Presents: How To Do It Without Being A Jerk!http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/23/opening-christmas-presents-holiday-etiquette/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=opening-christmas-presents-holiday-etiquette http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/23/opening-christmas-presents-holiday-etiquette/#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:19 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=90979 Read More]]>
opening christmas presents

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!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/23/opening-christmas-presents-holiday-etiquette/feed/ 3 Comments Of The Week: Exclamation Point Edition!!!http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/21/exclamation-point-comments/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exclamation-point-comments http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/21/exclamation-point-comments/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 21:00:14 +0000 Meg Malone http://www.gurl.com/?p=91804 Read More]]> Back when I was writing essays in school, I would write my straightforward statements with the periods and my questions with the appropriate question marks, but it rarely seemed like there was good time for me to use exclamation points in my papers. Sadness.

The thing is though, I LOVE using exclamation points! See that there? I just couldn’t help myself! Exclamation points are awesome because they show that you’re passionate about something – whether you’re really excited, angry, exasperated, appreciative or some other intense emotion bubbling up in you just needing to be expressed.

We love getting to hear your reactions in the comments, and seeing your use of exclamation points reminds me how invested you readers are in what you find here at Gurl. We really appreciate it! As always, thanks for contributing to our comments, and here are a few of your comments from this week that include my beloved exclamation point.

From “Dress Like 10 Of Your Favorite Christmas Things”

From “How Do I Tell My Family That I’m Bisexual?”

From “10 Things From “Love Actually” That I Would Love To See Actually Happen”

From “It’s Okay To Wait For The Right Guy—Kelly Clarkson Is Proof!”

From “I Lost My Best Friend… Because She Was Jealous Of My Boyfriend”

From “5 Funny Girls Who Should Replace Jay Leno”

From “From The Message Boards: My Crush Has A Girlfriend But Still Flirts With Me – What Do I Do?”

From “15 Old Christmas Movies To Get You Feeling Festive”

From “Survey: What Gifts Do You Want This Holiday Season?”

Do you love using exclamation points? What emotions do you most often express with your use of exclamation points? What was the last thing you wrote that you felt was worthy of an exclamation point? Tell us in the comments!

Is This App The Next Instagram?

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/21/exclamation-point-comments/feed/ 1 The Saga Of The Perfect Brahttp://www.gurl.com/2012/12/20/perfect-bra/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=perfect-bra http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/20/perfect-bra/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:33:05 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=91713 Read More]]>
perfect bra

You don’t KNOW how good this bra was. | Source: Shutterstock

You know how great it is to find a bra that just fits you so super well? A really perfect bra? One that’s comfortable and that makes your jubblies look like a million bucks? Right. I had one of those. It was a black Calvin Klein front-hook underwire that one of the women in the lingerie department at Macy’s had recommended for me. Before I’d tried it on, I was skeptical. “Why do I need such a fancy bra?!,” I thought, but then when I tried it on, I realized that bra had been made just for me. The perfect bra existed, afterall!

I wore that bra all the time, until about a year ago when I lost it. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out where it had gone, but eventually I forgot about it, found other good (but not quite as good) bras and got on with my life.

Then, last weekend, when I was sorting through an old overnight bag, I found it! My perfect bra and I had been reunited! I washed it by hand, hung it up to dry, and waited for it to be ready to wear. I was psyched.

The next day, I was running late in the morning, but popped that bra on under a sweater and headed out the door. Except, while I was on the subway, I noticed something funny. My bra was moving around! On my breasts! Every time I moved, it moved differently. I’d bend forward, the cups would ride up. I’d lean back and they’d slide down. Sometimes my torso was pointed to the left, but the cups of my bra were pointed to the right! What on earth was happening?! I looked like I had extra jubblies growing out of me and felt uncomfortable all day.

Finally, when I got home, I took off that bra and tried to fix it. Surely the straps were too long. If I shortened them, it would fix everything! No luck. What had really happened was that the band that went around my chest had stretched out and lost all elasticity. I had found my favorite bra, but it turned out that it really was lost forever.

I mourned that bra just a little as I flung it into the garbage bin in my room, but really, it was time. Here’s hoping there’s another perfect bra in my future. Maybe I should ask my fairy godmothers at Macy’s to help me out again.

Do you have a perfect bra? What would you do if it didn’t fit you anymore? Tell us in the comments!

Let’s Talk About Bras Some More!

Follow Us On Twitter!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/20/perfect-bra/feed/ 5 5 Super Nice Things To Do For Your Mom (They Can Count As Holiday Gifts!)http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/12/holiday-gifts-for-mom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=holiday-gifts-for-mom http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/12/holiday-gifts-for-mom/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:05:52 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=90180 Read More]]>
Emma Stone doesn't know your mom but she probs gives her mom great holiday gifts

How adorable are Emma Stone and her mom? SO ADORABLE! | Source: Ian Wilson/WENN.com

I don’t always get along with my mom, and I don’t always agree with her, but even when she says something that makes me mad or gets weird about whether or not I’m sick (she’s always sure I am), I always love her. If you can understand where I’m coming from when it comes to your mom, then think about giving your mom a little extra love this holiday season. Chances are, she’s feeling super stressed about getting everyone the perfect presents, wrapping everything, hiding everything, cooking up delicious cookies and sweets–all while you know, doing her normal job and trying to keep up with her friends and her life. PHEW.

Yeah, so your mom probably deserves a little extra something right about now. Here are 5 super nice things you can do for her that could even count as holiday gifts–heck, make a coupon book with all of ‘em in it, and she’ll be psyched!

1. Make Dinner
I’m not talking put-the-Lean-Cuisine-in-the-microwave, either, girl! Get a simple recipe online or from one of your mom’s cookbooks, hit the market to get all the ingredients, and do it! She’ll be super psyched that you’re taking the initiative and thankful to have a night off as house chef! Just, um, don’t set anything on fire if you’re working with the oven!

2. Give Her A Back Rub
You know why your mom’s back is probably hurting right now? Because she’s been lugging home tons of awesome presents for YOU from the mall! To show her how much you appreciate her amazing generosity (and face it, it is amazing), start kneading out some of the major knots in her back. She’ll love you forever.

3. Offer To Take Down The Christmas Tree
Putting up the Christmas tree is so much fun, but taking it down? Well, not so much. If that’s usually your mom’s job, tell her you want to help, or maybe even do the whole thing! She’ll be surprised and excited not to get covered in tree sap and dry pine needles again this year.

4. Help Your Kid Sister With Her Homework
Of course your mom could help, too, and she probably usually does, but seeing you take on such a leadership role will make your mom incredibly happy–and it’ll take one more thing off her to-do list so that she can actually relax for a little bit. Seriously? When was the last time you saw your mom just . . . resting?

5. Do The Dishes (All Week)
Sure, everyone pitches in to do the dishes once in a while, but if you give her a full week without a single plate to rinse, she’ll love it! It’ll take about 15 minutes out of your evening, but will add a whole lot of joy to hers. Worth every second, if you ask me.

What are some nice things you think your mom would like? What holiday gifts are you giving her this year? Have you ever thought about giving a “coupon” book? Tell us in the comments!

Never EVER Say These Things To Mom!

Follow Us On Twitter!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/12/holiday-gifts-for-mom/feed/ 0 How To Study For Finals (The Right Way!): Your Complete Guidehttp://www.gurl.com/2012/12/09/study-for-finals-studying-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=study-for-finals-studying-tips http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/09/study-for-finals-studying-tips/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:38 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=89564 Read More]]>
how to study for finals studying tips

You’ve got your work cut out for you, girl! | Source: Shutterstock

I know you’re so freaking psyched about winter break, but sadly, there’s nothing we can do about those pesky finals that are looming up ahead, getting in the way of chocolate Santas and snowy sled rides. Since you have to take them no matter what (and since grades are kind of important!) you may as well kick ass on them.

I know studying for finals can be super hard, but read these tips to find out how to study for finals the right way. You (and likely your parents!) can thank me later.

Read on for the best finals studying tips around!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/09/study-for-finals-studying-tips/feed/ 0 6 Ways To Ace A Presentation (Even When You’re Shy)http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/04/presentation-public-speaking-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=presentation-public-speaking-tips http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/04/presentation-public-speaking-tips/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:23:17 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=88788 Read More]]>
public speaking in a presentation can make you nervous

You’re going to be GREAT, girl! | Source: Shutterstock

You guys? I’m really nervous. I’m giving a big presentation tonight to a bunch of people I don’t know . . . and not only am I supposed to teach them something new, I’m also supposed to make sure they don’t fall asleep in the middle of my talk. Last night, wide awake at 3 am, I decided to look up some tips on doing public speaking when you’re kind of shy. I know a lot of you are about to be giving a presentation soon, either in class (that end-of-semester group project isn’t going to present itself!) or at a holiday program, so I thought I’d share what I found.
 
 
 
If you’re just as terrified by public speaking as I am, check these five tips for kicking any presentation’s butt:

1. Have a Plan
You might think you’ll be most comfortable if you just wing it, but believe me, when you’re up in front of everyone you know (or don’t know) and their parents, it’s a lot harder to be your most charming, creative self. Write out an outline of what you want to talk about and keep it with you either on note cards or just on a sheet of paper. If you get distracted midway through your presentation, it’ll help you get back on track right away.

2. Start With A Bang
Maybe your presentation is on something that would normally send half your class to dreamland, but that doesn’t matter, because it’s your job to make this interesting. One of the biggest secrets to public speaking is to make your audience feel like they’re being let in on a secret–either a little known and surprising fact that relates the subject back to your audience, or a funny joke that relates to your topic will do the trick.

3. Make It Interactive
Sure, you’re the one in the spotlight, but why should you do all the work? Ask your audience questions about why they think a certain thing would have happened, or why certain facts are true before revealing the real answers. It’ll get people thinking and keep them more interested in your presentation.

4. Talk Slowly
I am so guilty of rushing through presentations, especially when I’m nervous, but it’s really the biggest sin in public speaking. Here’s why: The people who are sitting there, watching you give the talk are hoping to get something out of it. You have information that they don’t, and it’s up to you to get it to them in the most interesting way possible. No matter how brilliant your presentation is, though, nobody will be able to hear it at all if you’re talking 10,000 words a minute. Slow down, take a breath, and realize it’s not a race!

5. Give Handouts
Ever been watching someone’s presentation and wondered, “Dear God, when is this thing going to end?” Right. We all have. And even if you’re killing it, someone will be thinking that about you . . . unless you hand out an overview of your presentation before you even start talking. You can either use the same version you’re keeping for yourself as a guide, or a more simplified version. It’ll keep them on track and interested in the flow of your talk.

6. Wear Something Cute And Comfortable
There is one part of public speaking that isn’t about speaking at all–and that’s how you look. If you wear something uncomfortable, you’re way more likely to fidget with your outfit–which will make you look less prepared and confident in your presentation! Wear something appropriate that you feel good in, but that won’t be riding up or slipping down as you walk around the room giving your talk. You want to look like you own the room, not like you need to run to the bathroom!

How do you deal with public speaking? What’s the last presentation you gave? How did it go? Tell me about it in the comments!

How To Get Good Grades (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Follow Us On Twitter!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/04/presentation-public-speaking-tips/feed/ 4 All The Winter Beauty Tips You Need: A Complete Guidehttp://www.gurl.com/2012/12/02/best-winter-beauty-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-winter-beauty-tips http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/02/best-winter-beauty-tips/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:44 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=88294 Read More]]>
winter beauty tips

Looking good, girl! | Source: Shutterstock


Cold weather and cranked up heaters can do a number to your skin, hair, nails, and well–the rest of you! If you’d rather not look like a piece of your Great Aunt Myrtle’s fruit cake this season, you’ve got to do a few things to take care of yourself.

Good thing? We’ve got some majorly simple winter beauty tips that’ll make looking hot when it’s cold outside a snap.

Read on for the best beauty tips around!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/12/02/best-winter-beauty-tips/feed/ 1 10 Reasons To Still Sleep With Your Teddy Bearhttp://www.gurl.com/2012/11/28/teddy-bear-snuggle-sleep-with-teddy-bears/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teddy-bear-snuggle-sleep-with-teddy-bears http://www.gurl.com/2012/11/28/teddy-bear-snuggle-sleep-with-teddy-bears/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:33:19 +0000 Melanie Abrahams http://www.gurl.com/?p=87982 Read More]]> Straight up confession? I’ve had my teddy bear since I was three (my sister swears I stole him from her, but, really, I was rescuing him!) and he’s still in my bed every night when I climb in. If you still sleep with your teddy bear (or bunny or duckie or hippo–no animal judging here!) and feel like maybe you’re getting too old to hug a stuffed animal at night, I’ve got 10 reasons why it’s totally okay to still sleep with your teddy bear right here.

Read it through with your fluffy friend, discuss among yourselves, then get back to me with your game plan. I have a feeling that teddy bear of yours will stay by your side. But you know, that’s all up to the two of you.


Knows All Your Secrets

That little guy really does know everything there is to know about you (and always has). You can trust him with anything and he'll never, ever judge.

Source: Shutterstock

Because Everybody Does It

A recent study said that 35 percent of adults admitted to sleeping with teddy bears. That's over one in three--and that's only the people who'd fess up!

Source: Shutterstock

Who Else Is Going To Protect You

Yes, there are monsters under your bed and goblins in the closet. How have you stayed safe all these years? Look no further than your trusty--and very brave--bear!

Source: Shutterstock

Hugs (On Your Terms) Are Awesome

I know some people who don't like to hug other people, but even they like to hug teddy bears! It's like, your custom, perfect hug every single time.

Source: Shutterstock

He Never Snores

Unlike some people you know (who shall remain unnamed!), this little guy never keeps you up at night with weird noises, and won't yell at you if you make any of your own!

Source: Shutterstock

Pack & Go Travel Buddies Are The Best

Heading out of town to a new place? You can at least have someone familiar in bed with you--without buying an extra airplane ticket. Score!

Source: Shutterstock

Your Morning Breath Doesn't Faze Him

Oh good morning, dragon breath! Guess who loves you anyway? Your bear. Snuggle, snuggle!

Source: Shutterstock

He'll Never Hog The Bed

Ever shared a bed with someone who'd splay their arms and legs out so much that you only had a corner of the bed to yourself? Well, it wasn't your bear! He loves giving you all the space you need.

Source: Shutterstock

If You Stop, He'll Be Sad

Don't you know what happens to our stuffed animals when we neglect them? Didn't you see Toy Story 3? DO YOU HAVE NO HEART?!

Source: Shutterstock

Who Wouldn't Want To Wake Up To This Face

Who needs reasons with a face like that? Just look at him! He loves you! Go snuggle him now!

Source: Shutterstock

Do you still sleep with a teddy bear? Tell me about it (what’s his name?!) in the comments!

20 Cute (And Sort of Geeky) Winter Accessories To Keep You Warm

Follow us on Twitter!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/11/28/teddy-bear-snuggle-sleep-with-teddy-bears/feed/ 9 Your Complete Guide To Making Life Less Boringhttp://www.gurl.com/2012/11/25/boredom-life-less-boring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boredom-life-less-boring http://www.gurl.com/2012/11/25/boredom-life-less-boring/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:13 +0000 Gurl http://www.gurl.com/?p=87260 Read More]]> how to deal with boredom when you're bored

Ever felt like this, girl? | Source: Shutterstock

Boredom is the absolute worst, and we’ve all been through it. You feel trapped in an unending loop of the same old boring crap with absolutely nothing to stimulate your brilliant mind or inspire you to achieve your full (obviously mind blowing) potential.

Surprisingly, weekends and holidays–two things we totally look forward to!–tend to be the most popular times for boredom to rear his ugly head. Luckily, we’ve got some super easy tricks to help you beat the boredom beast into submission. Dude will be SO sorry he came knocking at your door!

Read on for boredom busters!

]]> http://www.gurl.com/2012/11/25/boredom-life-less-boring/feed/ 0