It's that time of the year again! I feel as if the summer season officially starts on the Fourth of July. This is possibly one of my favorite holidays. With warm weather, great barbecue and stellar fireworks how can you go wrong? This year the celebration will be on a Saturday (woo hoo!) which is perfect because it makes the weekend much more special. In a way, it's like Christmas in July...without all the elves. The most exciting thing here in NYC is that the Statue of Liberty will be re-opened to the public! Visitors will be able to climb to the top and look out onto the picturesque crown like the good 'ol days. This definitely marks an era of change since the shocking period of 9/11. Hopefully everyone will be inspired this year to have a lot more patriotism and really celebrate this weekend!
What are you doing this July 4th? Do you feel even patriotic this year?
xoxo,
Arielle
Are you traveling abroad this summer or taking a job away from home that will cut you off from your usual 24/7 cell and Internet access? Whether you're excited or daunted by the digital detox, don't sign off without reading these tips!
Author Julie Kraut knows the drill, because she just wrote an awesome beach read called Slept Away, about a girl, Laney Parker, who leaves her city life for a remote campground. She gave us five reminders:
First: Set an automatic response message for e-mails
If you're not checking your e-mail for a while, put up a vacation responder. This way, people won't think you're ignoring them when you don't write back right away. Go to your e-mail account settings and look for the automated reply option. Write a short message that explains you're unable to check e-mail and mentions when you'll return.
Second: Update your status
Friends might Facebook or MySpace you to make plans, so also update your status to remind them that you're away and when you'll return.
Third: Change your Facebook approval preferences
What happens if Aunt Sue discovers how to use Facebook while you're gone and decides to post and tag your embarrassing childhood photos? You can adjust your Facebook privacy settings so that no one can tag you in photos or post to your wall without your approval. This way, if it's something that would make you cringe, you don't have to worry about not being able to delete it fast enough.
Fourth: Change your voice mail message
If someone tries to call your cell and can't reach you, change the voice mail prompt and remind them that you have limited access to good reception. Thank them for their message and say you'll respond as soon as possible — but it might take longer than usual.
Fifth: Take time to smell the roses!
Don't flip out wondering how many text messages you've missed, whether your crush left you a cute Wall post, or how many Twitter followers you're up to. The digital world will keep all your messages safe until you return! Focus instead on enjoying the unplugged life and take as many pictures as you can — they'll make a killer Facebook album to post when you're back online.
Think you could handle a digital detox? At CosmoGirl.com, we're not so sure we could...but we'll at least take a weekend getaway to read Slept Away! :-)
Bon voyage,
Tammy
I love decorating my walls, whether it's those of my bedroom or cubicle at work, with photos, quotes, and words that inspire me. So when I went shopping yesterday and spotted this wall art, pictured left, from Pier 1, I knew I had to have it!
These individual wall hangings are made from wood and hand painted in an antiqued style that reminds me of the collages I used to make by cutting out letters from magazines, or of the colorful blocked lettering used on the iconic posters for the musical Rent. I also love how affordable they are, with price tags between $19.95 and $29.95 at Pier 1. These three words inspire me the most, but Pier 1 makes some others. I could redecorate my entire room around their gritty-glam style.
Have you thought about redecorating your room? What ideas do you have for expressing yourself and your personality on your walls?
Fashionably yours,
Tammy
CosmoGirl wants your opinion! We want to know your opinion about bedding and decorating your room. You’re the experts, of course. Just click the link and tell us what you think!
When you meet someone cool at a party who you want to stay in touch with, you probably say "Facebook me," right? Since Facebook allows us to personalize the URLs of our Facebook profiles (they started on June 13, 2009), it's easier than ever to direct people to your page. (Did you beat out your Facebook name twins for the URL you wanted? I got mine, facebook.com/tammytibbetts!)
Here's a new idea: If you want to make a strong impact when you meet someone, get mini, personalized cards printed up on moo.com with your name, new Facebook URL, and a design or photo of your choice. This is especially perfect if you're starting college in the fall and meeting tons of new people. 100 mini cards only cost 20 bucks!
These Cards aren't just for the employed. They're also a retro way of socializing — back in Europe in the 1800s, young, well-to-do Victorian ladies would hand out little cards like these to let a visitor know she had stopped by...or to drop a hint to the cute suitor she was crushing on (hint, hint).
Even though I have business cards for work, which honestly are boring, I'm making fun moo.com ones with photos and my personal contact information, to keep in my wallet in case I meet anyone awesome who I want to keep in touch with.
Important: Don't put your mailing address on the card — only give that to people you really trust. But you can put your new Facebook URL on there, a blog address, a Twitter username, or an email address. Also, don't use your fabulous, funky cards for business. If you're on a serious job interview an employer would want to receive something more formal. But these playful cards are perfect for promoting a creative hobby, staying in touch with friends, or giving a hint to a cute guy to look you up!
How would you design your cards?
Fashionably yours,
Tammy
These days I feel like I text much more than I actually pick up the phone. Why is that? Well, texting is just so much more convenient. Instead of calling a friend to say I'll be late for dinner, I just send a text saying “B there in 2 secs!”
Although I text my friends almost every day and feel like a "texting pro," there are still some problems with texting. Like a simple text can be interpreted so many different ways! A small punctuation can make a huge difference, for better or for worse. Another problem is the response time. Sometimes if I text a friend (or a crush) just waiting for a response can drive me mad!
I'll admit that the more I tend to text, the more I think of it's like actually having a conversation. But in reality it's not like having a normal face to face talk. Texts are just computer responses with no feelings, emotions or facial expressions. The more advanced the technology we create, the more we distance ourselves from real communication. So it's got me thinking that maybe it’s good to have an old fashioned telephone call once in awhile.
Would you rather receive a text message or a phone call from a crush? Do you ever get frustrated when you text?
xoxo,
Arielle
You could win $1,000 toward your dream Quinceañera just by telling us what makes you feel beautiful! It’s called the Soy Bella contest and all you have to do is go to Seventeen.com and upload your favorite inspirational photo. Then, tell us why it gives you strength and inspiration. The photo can be of anything – friends, mentors, family members, nature. Whatever makes you feel strong and beautiful!
Five finalists will be chosen to appear in the September issue of Seventeen! After you enter, you can go back to the website on July 9th to vote for the best entry. The final winner will receive $1,000 to use on her dream Quinceañera or other special activity with friends!
What would you do if you won?
xoxo,
Kristen
Last night at the world-famous Apollo Theater in New York City, I got to attend the Do Something Awards, a super amazing award ceremony for people under 25 who are ambassadors of social change. Five remarkable young people were honored and four of them got $10,000 donated toward their cause and one, Maggie Doyne, won $100,000!!
After high school, Maggie decided to take a year off before college and took off backpacking through the Himalayas. When she ended up in Nepal, she couldn’t believe the incredible number of orphans living in the streets. Maggie knew she had to do something. So she called her parents and asked them to wire her life savings, bought a piece of land and built Kopila Valley Children’s Home where she now takes care of 24 orphans. She has sent 60 other children to school and helped give over 700 orphans new homes. With this incredible award, Maggie plans to build a school for the children in her village.
Hearing about Maggie and the four other amazing Do Something Award winners, I felt so inspired to do something with my life. While not everyone will move to Nepal and build an orphanage, we can all do our part to help out in our communities. The coolest thing about the Do Something Website is that you can sign up for text updates each month of volunteer opportunities in your community!
How is volunteering important to you? Tell me your volunteering stories!
xoxo,
Kristen
I recently read an article on the Huffington Post Web site about the idea of lowering the legal voting age from 18 to 17. The article said that 17-year-olds can already work (a.k.a. pay taxes), they can be tried in court as adults in 36 states, and they can drive cars and even enlist in the military. And in many countries around the world, 17-year-olds are allowed to vote, so many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, are considering lowering their legal voting age to 17.
The stereotype of most teenagers is that they are apathetic and full of themselves, but "young voter" movements are going on all over the country, proving that not all teens are indifferent. Some cities across the U.S. are even thinking about lowering their legal voting age for local elections. The voting age hasn’t been lowered since 1972 during the Vietnam War. Maybe it’s time to do it again.
Do you think the voting age should be lowered? Would you show up to vote if you could at 17?
xoxo,
Kristen
I recently signed up for Hot Yoga (also known as Bikram Yoga) because my mom suggested it and I wanted some form of exercise this summer. It’s yoga in a heated room of about 110-115 degrees. I knew it would be a challenge, but it was even more than that. I came home drenched in sweat and very sore. I had to down almost two bottles of water after the first class I was so thirsty!
It wasn't just the heat that made it hard, oh wow, ...the poses were not easy! Not only did I stretch every possible part of my body, but I had to do it without letting my hands slip! I don’t know if I am doing them 100% right, but I have noticed that my focus is steady and I’m hoping I’ll become more flexible.
Since I’ve signed up I’m obligated to go for at least 10 days. I’m so sore from yesterday and the idea of having to come home drenched in sweat again isn’t exactly appealing (not to mention that they recommend not eating two hours before the class to avoid feeling light headed). But if yoga is all that it’s hyped up to be and really does reduce stress and anxiety, and increase focus, I do believe it’s worth it. Plus it makes me drink more water and flush out all the toxins in my body. And after only two classes, I’m beginning to feel more relaxed and healthier — inside and out! So now I'm off to another sweaty 90 minutes of hot yoga...
Have you ever done yoga? What about Bikram? What did you think?
xoxo,
Divya Bahl
Memorial Day weekend provided me with tons of sun and tons of sunbathing and people-watching opportunities. With my little beach towel dragging behind me and my iPod blaring, I found a nice patch of grass (yup grass!) in Central Park and settled in for some prime time rays. Unfortunately, there isn't much beach here in New York City, unless you're lucky enough to go to the Hamptons for the weekend. So grass was the next best thing...
The only bad part is there's no water to cool off in. But there is plenty of space and lots of people to see — like the four little boys zooming around on dirt bikes through all of the people or the girl sitting on a bench under an umbrella while her boyfriend did push-ups on the sidewalk in front of her. Usually I get bored while sunbathing, but not this time. Maybe the park is better than the beach after all!
Do you love sunbathing or do you find it too boring? What is your favorite summertime activity?
xoxo,
Kristen
Summer, one of the most thrilling seasons of the year, is finally here! Well, maybe officially in a couple of short weeks (June 21st), but I am super excited. During this time of the year, the warm weather, adorable outfits & smiling faces are some of the little things that I always look forward to. It is so incredible to simply walk out my door without having to worry about bringing a heavy jacket!
I've lived in the Northeast for most of my life, so I have experienced the occasional (and favorable) "snow day," but it's still hard for me to adjust to the cold, unbearably long winter. Okay, maybe I’m biased because of my summer birthday...So after I enjoy these next couple months of bliss, I will try to appreciate the beauty of other seasons as well!
What thrills you the most about the summer? What Are your plans? Tell me!
xoxo,
Arielle
I have been a New York City resident for exactly three days now and so far, I must say, I love it! I grew up in a tiny town in Missouri of 3,000 people, went to high school in a town of 150,000 in Iowa and now I am spending the summer in the Big Apple. I have two roommates who rarely speak, a big change for me since I’m used to living with 65 girls in my sorority – no silence there! Maybe I'll try to get the roomies to talk tonight... So far I haven’t seen much besides my apartment and where I work, but I plan to spend every spare minute exploring the city!
xoxo,
Kristen
So I just got back from a vacation in San Francisco (that's my excuse for the lack of blog posts last week, sorry) and I can’t even begin to tell you how much fun I had. But there was one day in particular that will go down in history as one of my favorite days ever, yup, ever. My brother and two of my friends decided to splurge and rent a MINI-Cooper convertible and drive out to the beach via a huge mountain and one of the windiest roads ever.
Having grown up right outside of the city, I have done this drive so many times, and its beauty never fails to amaze me. But this was my first time in a convertible and it was pretty much the most awesome thing. It almost felt like we were on a roller-coaster — see how much fun we are having! I got to gaze up into the trees and out to the clear ocean. It was such a freeing feeling, like all the stress life has to offer just got blown away with the wind through my hair. I will truly remember this day forever.
So now that I have told you about my BDE, I want to hear about yours. Tell me about a day you will never forget.
Xoxo,
Megan
Although President Obama's higher education plans have taken a back seat to issues like home mortgages and the health-care system in the media, he has not made them a second-class issue in his administration. He has recently proposed some serious changes to the college education loan system, which in turn, could mean some serious changes for girls with college ambitions.
If passed his new bill would expand the Federal Pell Grant program, which provides government loans to students struggling to pay for college. The expansion of the Pell Grant program would be so large that it would give the U.S. Department of Education almost full control over the private loan industry.
The bill would also raise the maximum Pell Grant Award to $4,050 to $4,731, and would lessen the amount of federally subsidized private loans (or loans given to students by private companies that the government agrees to pay the interest on while the student is still in school) given out.
According to Shailagh Murray of the Washington Post, the Congressional Budget Office said that by giving almost all lending authority to the government through its Direct Loan program, the country would save $94 billion over 10 years. Those savings would then be used to expand the Pell Grant program even further, helping more students get more money.
Supporters say that this expansion will encourage colleges to cut costs, raise graduation rates, and help out smaller schools.
Critics, like Kevin Bruns, executive director of the trade group America's Student Loan Providers, believe that the government is only doing this to make money and that, in this economy, private lending is an unstable source of aid.
Do you think that making another mandatory spending program during this recession is a good idea? Do you care what programs are made as long as there is more college money available? Would you be more likely to attend college if you could get easier access to higher loans? Let us know!
XOXO,
Molly
A blog about beauty, fashion, life, guys, and celeb news and gossip. read more 
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Queen of CosmoGirl.com
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I count freelance writer, nanny, English tutor, best friend, older sister, professional cafe loiterer and CosmoGirl travel blogger among my many professions.
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I'm a web editor and I spend my days writing stories and quizzes, interviewing cool bands, picking out pics of celebs in weird outfits, making sure the site stays new and cool and so much more. I'm one busy girl!
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A lover of media and film, with a soft spot for shoes. Essentially, an intern without thorns.
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Tammy is editor of CosmoGirl's sister web sites, MyPromStyle.com and MisQuinceMag.com, so she gets to play around with pretty dresses and tiaras. Leave her blog comments and she will love you almost as much as her favorite things: Spain, hummus, pink, magazines, The New York Times, and spontaneity.
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