Lately, some teens have been showing some scary signs of internet and gaming addictions.
Even though lotsa peeps are constantly texting or checking Facebook, a recent article on Boston.com said being ultra plugged-in becomes a prob when girls start ditching real-life sitches for virtual connections.
But being online all day can cause other issues, too. Some kids see their grades plummet. Others may not be able to sleep or eat properly. If you’re worried you’re spending too much time on your laptop or Wii, talk to a trusted adult.
Think you just need a break? Go gadget-free for a few days. Spend time exercising, journaling, reconnecting with friends, decorating your room, picking up a new hobby or anything else you feel you’ve been missing with all that time in front of the screen.
How many hours do you spend on your comp each day? Can you spend a day without your cell or Facebook? Blog it out…
BY JIAE K. ON 11/16/2009 5:11:00 PM 37 COMMENTS
Ever wish you could work for Girls’ Life? Now ya can! The Healthy You Girls are on the lookout for a new blogger babe.
We’re searching for one talented writer to blog about her health and fitness adventures. The winner will get her name printed on the masthead of the mag as a "Contributing Writer," right there along with all our other staff members.
Plus, we’ll send you free gear and fun workout DVD's to test out!
Here's what ya do to apply:
Write an essay explaining why you should be the next blogger babe. The essay should be 300 words or less, and should include some of your healthy goals and fave workouts.
Email your essay to
g-life@girlslife.com by December 23rd to be considered. You must be
between the ages of 10-17 to enter.
BY JIAE K. ON 11/13/2009 6:28:00 PM 11 COMMENTS
GL chatted up Ellery Hollingsworth, an 18-year-old member of the U.S. Snowboarding team and all-around cool girl, a few weeks ago for a few tips on how Y-O-U can become a better snowboarder (or why you should start!).
Pile on the padding.
Her biggest piece of advice? Wear butt pads—seriously. “You’ll fall a lot, but it’s worth it if you stick with it,” she dished. Snow may look soft, but wiping out can be tough.
Practice makes perfect.
“It will get easier. Get back up and do it,” Ellery told us. She hit the slopes for the first time when she was only six, after her older bros convinced her mom to let her out there. But you don’t have to be a tiny tot to pick up the sport. Take a lesson when you get to the mountain to help learn the basics.
Don’t get intimidated by the competition.
Sure, snowboarding might be dominated by the guys, but that shouldn’t sideline any chicas out there who wanna ride. “Don’t let society or boys keep you from doing something,” Ellery says.
Cross-train to build strength.
Ellery uses a slide board to amp up her strength and balance, in addition to working out in a gym with a trainer. She runs 4-5 miles daily, and practices yoga. But you can have fun during the off-season, too. Ellery recently picked up skateboarding, surfing and distance swimming in the ocean.
Get training now—and get ready to ride with the best of ’em this winter (or at least carve it up down the bunny slopes).
By: Taeler Lottino
BY JIAE K. ON 11/10/2009 12:49:00 PM 16 COMMENTS
Can’t stop noshing those sweets? We’ve got four fab ways to empty your candy bowl, without eating it all.
From brightening someone’s day with some baked goods to gettin’ crafty with the candy, we’ve got cool ideas for all of those treats!
Donate everything!
There are so many places and people who have use for all that candy. So spread the sweetness. Nursing homes, the food bank, women’s shelters, and schools, would all love and appreciate your donation.
Check out
secondharvest.org for more info. Or send the candy to the troops in a care package (check out
opgratitude.com) for more info.
Bake it up…and give it away.
There are tons of uses for sweets in cooking. Try baking cookies or brownies with peanut butter cups or topping a batch of sugar cookies with M&M’s. Then, wrap them up in some cute packaging and give them to someone ya heart.
Get crafty.
There are tons of things you can make with your leftover candy. A Halloween wreath for next year is a great one to make with stale candy. Using wrappers to make necklaces are perfect for gifts. Or, save it to pop on a gingerbread house for the holidays.
Freeze it!
Can’t stand to part with your treats? Freeze them. Candy can be saved for up to a year if frozen. This is great if you need a couple pieces for a baking project or simply to satisfy those chocolate fixes we all need every once in a while.
By: Olivia Arrington
BY JIAE K. ON 11/6/2009 11:52:00 AM 32 COMMENTS