about

My name is Laura and I'm 28 years old. I live in Illinois and work as a licensed veterinary technician. I am a runner, bookworm and obviously, an animal lover.


I've been on this site since '05. I take hiatuses, but I'm never gone for good. I enjoy giving advice and I've made such lovely friends on this site that I couldn't imagine giving it up!

chat it up yo.


ps. here's my bestestestest friend.
I love him. You will too :)

advice

I wear make-up sometimes and just a little, my mom will only allow that much and says that i shouldn't wear it while baby-sitting. I have lots of stuff in my closet that my mom says is "inappropriate" for baby-sitting too. What should i wear to be a good example? The parents probaly wouldn't want there kids to see there baby-sitter as an example if that is an example that has their naval showing and tons of make-up on.

I agree with your mother. Dress appropriately, otherwise you will make a bad impression.


How about jeans and a regular length t shirt? And keep the make up simple and natural looking.


-Laura (17-f)

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I want to be popular and hang out with the "cool" group. But I don't know how to start a conversation... it's not that im not friendly, I am! And I always talked to everyone but I want to change my look this year and I want to see how it felt to hang out with the popular people can you help?

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=548311


From there:


First of all, if you THINK you're going to be alone and have a pessimistic view on your potential for making friends, you will be alone.


That being said, making friends really isn't all that hard. Just talk to people! Here are a few ways you can start a conversation:

1. Compliment them.
- If they're wearing a nice pair of shoes, or some cute jeans, tell them. Let them know you like their shoes, and then ask where they got them. After that, ask if they're comfortable or something. Don't be annoying about it, but take interest in the person you're talking to, and hopefully, chances are they'll show interest back.


2. Find something you have in common.
- If they're wearing a band shirt, and it's a band you like, tell them! For example, say they are wearing a Rocket Summer shirt, say to them, "I see you have on a Rocket Summer shirt, do you like his music?" Then, after they answer, tell them your opinion on the band/artist.


3. Talk about your surroundings/where you are.
- Say it's after class and the person next to you is getting up to leave. Walk out next to him/her and comment on the class. Say something like, "That was kind of an interesting lesson." or "Was it just me, or was that lecture kind of boring?" or, if you're sitting outside on a bench, and somebody is sitting next to you, make a comment about the weather or where you are.


4. Make a joke!
- There's no better way to make friends with somebody than to make them smile/laugh. BUT don't make a joke about another person, it will make you look bad AND potentially hurt another person's feelings.


Also, the best way to impress somebody is to be yourself. I know that's it's so cliche, but it's honestly, the best tip I or anybody can give.

I mean, you don't want somebody to start liking you for the way you think THEY want you to act or talk or dress. Why would you want somebody to like you when you're not even being yourself?


Secondly, don't be shy! Just go up and talk to that boy/girl. Confidence is key. Strike up a conversation! Start it with something like, "I see you're wearing a Hit The Lights [or whatever band/sport's team, etc] shirt, are they your favorite?" Or, something like, "So I know we've never talked before, but you seem like a really cool person..."


So be yourself, and show that you're comfortable being just that. Be comfortable in your own skin, and chances are, you'll impress everybody.



-Laura (17-f)

[view]

*18 female

i really really want the iphone. but my dad wants me to get the samsung eternity. which phone is better?

One of my friends has an iPhone and he loves it. I've messed around with it before when we've hung out, and I think it's really cool.


I don't know anything about the eternity, though?

only search advicenators.com



-Laura (17-f)

[view]

Hey =].

I like to consider myself a religious person. But sometimes it's hard. My question is specifically what are some things I should be praying about? I mean, I don't like to pray about the same things over and over, though I do. Should I be praying for better questions on Advicenators? ;]

If you pray, what are things you find yourself praying about so that it's not always the same thing each time?

Pray that you'll "run into" some awesome girl named Laura at The Bean in Chicago some day.


;)


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

I already know this answer, yes. People change.

People change their emotions, overtime they become and act differently then they may have originaly.

Now the reason why I am asking this
Me and a friend have gotten into and argument over this.
She says there is scientific fact and proof people NO NOT change.
And it baffles me somebody actually believes this cause it is the stupidest thing I have every heard in my life.

Now. I gave my friend examples.
I told her me, her, and three other people we know have changed dramaticaly within the year.
As in, style, attitude, thoughts.

Yet she still insists people don't change?
I googled "Proof people don't change"
But I didn't get anything even remotly close to this subject.

I'm asking for you're opinions. Do people change? Why or why not?
Is there proof? If so, where?



And last but not least, do not comment on way or how we gotten into this argument. That is none of your business nor is it any of your concer.

Thanks.

I completely agree with you. Your friend is dumb. How can he/she think people don't change? Ask her how she acted in 3rd grade and compare it to how she acts now. People change.


Know how I know and why I so strongly agree with you? I've changed more this year than I have over the course of my entire life. I've learned so much about myself this year, especially this summer, and I learned that people DO change. Sure, there are some things about us that don't change, but for the most part, we do change.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

okay so all my friends are super skinny and all my guy friends tell me i am fat i don't eat anymore. what should i do? ( i only became anorexic because i like one of the guys that say i am fat)♥ thanks

Wow, seriously, find new guy friends. What a bunch of arrogant jerks. Don't listen to them, because I'm sure you're beautiful just the way you are.


Just because some of your friends are thinner than you doesn't make them ANY better than you. Eat what you want and forget about what those idiots tell you.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

well im very nervous for highschool.
im sure everyone is.
but i dont want to be all shy and nervous.
i want to be outgoing! and just have fun and not worry.
any ideas on how to gain up the courage?

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=544383


Don't be nervous; you'll be fine :)


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

What do you prefer:
homemade cinnamon scones, or homemade chocolate chip scones?

and does anybody have a good chocolate chip scone recipe?

thanks :-P

I agree with whoever said Raspberry! They're delicious.


I'm not a fan of cinnamon anything, but chocolate chip is alright.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

(sorry if this is gross :( )
i feel so stupid. i cannot for the life of me put a tampon in.
im 16 and ive had my period for three or four years and i keep trying but i cant get the applicator in more than halfway. i know HOW to put one in but it just wont go in! any advice on how to make this easier? thanks

Make sure you're using the smallest size tampon available. Don't start with bigger sizes, because it won't work.


Then, like Christina said, make sure you're relaxed. If you're tense, you won't be able to put it in.


only search advicenators.com



-Laura (17-f)

[view]

okay there's this guy I've been "good freinds" with for a while now and he keeps bugging me to have sex with him. I really do want to but he makes me nervous! It has always been easy for me to sleep with guys and feel good about myself but this guy intimidates me so much. we always get so close but I get nervous that my body isnt pretty enough for him and he wont like me anymore. I guess its cause all his ex girlfreinds that I've seen have been drop dead gorgeous and Im not quite there. What can I do to make my self feel more comfortable around him where I can have sex with him?

If you're not ready, don't force it. Give yourself time, and then maybe you'll be ready?


Like somebody said below, obviously he's attracted to you enough to be interested in having sex with you. Therefore, you shouldn't be insecure about it. And those "drop dead gorgeous girls"? They're EXs. Meaning he found their flaws, got rid of them, and moved on. Don't compare yourself to them, because obviously, they didn't last.


But if it really keeps bothering you, talk to him about it. See what he has to say, and let him know how you're feeling.


But like somebody else said below, if he's only into you for your body, he's shallow and not worth it.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

There is this guy that i dated for around a month (i know not very long) anyway on the last week of our relationship he would be going over to some other girls house more then he would be coming over to see me. When he broke up with me he said that his life was to screwed up to be in a relationship and that he still really liked me. Two days later a friend of mine saw him with the girl my ex had been seeing while dating me. So now im stuck hanging around with him cause hes my best friends friend, and i really want to confront him on the situation cause i still really like him. Should i let it be or should i tell him how i feel?

I think you should let it be for now. Just give him time and leave him alone for a while. Saying something to him might cause things to be really awkward, which would suck since you still have to be around him.


And if he was "seeing" another girl while dating you, he's an idiot when it comes to relationships and probably not worth your time anyways.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

Hey i'm 15 and all in love ^.^ and i'm a girl. So i like really was wondering if someone could help me out here on finding a song to dedicate to my boyfriend. I want something poppy and fun. something like 'it's so amazing being in love with you!!!' and preferably sang by a girl. More then one song would be helpful and nothing too mainstream if ya get what i mean. It would be really greatly appreciated thank you

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=545691


From there, I'd reccommend:
1,2,3,4: Plain White T's.
Closer to Love: Mat Kearney.
It Had to be You: Motion City Soundtrack
Stolen: Dashboard Confessional.
That's So You: The Rocket Summer.
Thunder: Boys Like Girls.
Up and Up: Relient k.
Walls: All Time Low.


But they're all great ;)


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

So me and my really close guy friend used to have a thing and he kinda told me he just wanted to be friends.
Now ,we are extremely close. we hangout everyday,we talk all the time and he kinda makes sexual gestures toward me,and talks about us hooking up...we haven't though since we stopped "talking".
But I still really like him,and we are like best friends but it feels like more to me.
what should i do?
I'm scared to talk to him about it because i don't want him to stop being my friend...
I was considering maybe actually taking his "hookup talk" more seriously and see how that goes.
help!

If he said he just wants to be friends, then he just wants to be friends. You can't change the way somebody feels.


I'd respect his decision. Don't push him or force him into anything, because all that will do is totally mess up your friendship =/


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

Many people have their own opinons on family romance and im curiouse what are your thoughts?

I think it's disgusting. I'm sorry if I sound rude or harsh, but it's one of the most sickening things on the planet to me.


I don't believe that we are meant to have romantic relationships with family members. It just isn't right.


I think your friend having a relationship with her father (perhaps her CLOSEST family member!) is horrible.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

17-f

i have been having problems for the past two weeks which have led me to believe this is all it can be.
But i cant take a test yet and want to know if theres a possibility it could be something else.
I had sex about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks ago and the problems happened about a week later and thats what makes me believe i cant be pregnant i don't know how early symptoms can start.

-Symptoms-

-i had my period the day after having the sex and normally it only lasts 3 days but this time it lasted 6-7 days.

-Cramping (feels like im on my period but im not bleeding) (started 1 week ago)

-feeling Nauseous all day and have stomach pains if im hungry and after I've eaten ((feel like throwing up)) started about a week after i had sex.

-Feel sick when i get around some foods like pizza lasagna and spaghetti. ((work with pizza and havent been able to stay at work without leaving sick yet.))

-Have breast pains ((but I've always had occasional breast pain so i don't know if this matters))

-Acid reflux flare-ups (have acid reflux but it hasn't seemed to go away for the past two weeks.)


If you could tell me if any of this is possible to happen or start happening within a week of pregnancy let me know!!!
&& if theres anything else it could be also clue me in on that thanks :)


::someone has told me its a UTI but it cant be i have only one of the symptoms which is nausea.

sorry its so long but i felt it was necessary to describe what and when things were happening.

Thanks in advance :)

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=538566


From there:


ANY time that you have sex [with or without a condom], you risk getting pregnant.


First off, have you had your period?

If you've had your period since the sexual encounter, it is highly likely that you are NOT pregnant.


Here are a few very helpful websites to help you determine if you are, in fact, pregnant.

Note: Your best bet is to see a doctor, so schedule an appointment if you have a number of the symptoms.


The Top 10 Earliest Signs Are:

1. Tender, swollen breasts.
2. Fatigue.
3. Implantation bleeding.
4. Nausea or vomiting.
5. Increased sensitivity to odors.
6. Abdominal bloating.
7. Frequent urination.
8. A missed period.
9. Your basal body temperature stays high.
10. A positive home pregnancy test.



-Laura (17-f)

[view]

Okay so I need some tips on losing weight. I'm not fat! But, I just want to lose weight cause everyone is thin around me. So, I work out everyday (for the past 9 months)..and I sometimes don't eat a lot. I know, it's unhealthy, but I'm never hungry =/. So my question is..how can I lose weight fasterr?

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=569112


:)


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

i want to lose like 20-30 pounds not slow but not too fast. dont say speacial K or jenny craig or a stupid diet. i am on results weight loss center but its kinda slow and im not a patient person. so if you have any ideas feel free to let me know!

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=569112


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

I need to lose weight and/or I want to get healthier. Can you help me out and give me some tips?

First off, weight loss takes patience. Second of all, it takes commitment. You can't eat healthy and work out one week, then binge on junk food and work out one day the next week.


That being said, before you start on your weight loss journey, set a goal. Decide how many pounds you want to lose or what you want to accomplish. It can be as simple as losing 5 pounds or just having more energy during the day. But it can also be a long-term goal, like losing 50 pounds and keeping it off. Just make sure that you keep it realistic and that you don't expect too much out of yourself. Set a realistic goal, and keep it in mind.


As far as how to obtain that goal goes, start with changing your diet. This is the biggest thing, and it will have the biggest effect on you. Make a meal plan if you have to, and STICK TO IT. Find alternatives to junk food. Here are some tips to help you get started:


1. Replace ice cream with sorbet.
2. Replace potato chips with baked chips.
3. Replace pop with fruit juice and/or water.
4. Eat fruits for snacks.
5. Replace white bread with wheat bread.
6. Pack your own lunch for school/work; don't buy.
7. Don't be afraid to try new foods. Try new, healthy recipes.
8. Control your portions. Make sure you're eating just enough to fill you up. Stop when you're full; don't stuff yourself.
9. Don't use diet pills. They don't work. They're a waste of money and time. The best way to lose weight and get healthy, is to do it NATURALLY. There is not miracle weight-loss pill.
10. Change up what you eat. Keep it healthy, but don't eat the same thing at every meal. You'll get bored, and you're more likely to stop eating well if you eat the same thing.


And most importantly: DON'T CRASH DIET. When you starve yourself, you screw up your metabolism. When you screw up your metabolism, it's harder to lose weight. Crash Diet = Worst possible "diet" EVER.


only search advicenators.com

only search advicenators.com




Now, on to every body's favorite: EXCERCISE! I know, you're probably groaning at the word and you're probably thinking "But I don't even like exercising! It SUCKS." And that's where my first tip (and all the others, eventually) comes in:


1. Keep a positive state of mind!
- If you tell yourself you can do it, you can. If you tell yourself you're going to do it, you will. Be positive! And know that in the end, it will all be worth it.


2. Find YOUR exercise.
- For me, it's running. I love to run and I do it whenever I have time. For some people, it's bike riding or swimming or Kick-Boxing. Find some sort of physical activity that you enjoy, and do it!


3. Just like with your diet, don't be afraid to try new things.
- I recently took up Yoga (something I never thought I'd like, because I have the coordination of a Slinky.) I actually really enjoy it. So, try something new. Take a Tae Bo class, go for a bike ride or even just keep it old school and try out some new equipment at the gym.


4. Also like with the healthy diet, make a plan.
- Pick which days every week that you will work out, and write it down. Mark it on your calendar: "work out day", then on the next day "rest day". Stick to your plan, and if you find yourself busy on the day you're supposed to work out, make sure to work out the next day.


5. Which brings me to my next point- don't over do it. Start out slow.
- Know your limits, and give yourself time off each week. Maybe start out with working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Then, gradually increase to 3 days a week for 35 minutes, then 4 days a week, etc. Push yourself, but know where enough is enough. Everybody has their limits, and nobody knows yours better than you.


6. Make a PUMP UP PLAYLIST!
- My running playlist, no joke, is what keeps me going. I made a big playlist of songs that pump me up and make me want to run harder, or run that extra mile. So, find songs that pump you and get you going, make a playlist, and listen to them every time you work out.


7. Find a work out buddy!
- I'm not going to lie- this is not my style at all, but it might be yours. Personally, I love running on the treadmill all by myself with nothing but a wall in front of me and Hollywood Undead blasting through my headphones. But if you don't like being alone when you work out, find a friend to go with you. Ask a friend to take a class with you, or go for a run with you. It's really rewarding to some people, and it might help you out more than you'd think.



Now that you have what you need to start eating healthy and to start a work out plan, I have a few tips other tips to keep you going over the course of your weight loss.:


1. Keep track of your progress.
- Write down how you feel after a work out. I have Post It notes on my mirror with words like "Energized" and "Confident", because that's how I feel after I work out. You can try this tip, too.


2. Don't obsess.
- Do NOT weigh yourself every day. Weigh yourself once a week TOPS. And if you don't see progress at first, don't freak out. You have to know that it's going to take time, and results aren't instant. Instead, think of what IS instant: do you have more energy? I bet you do! Are you feeling better about yourself? I bet you totally are!


3. Reward yourself.
- When you reach a milestone (like losing 10 pounds or something), celebrate! Buy yourself a new pair of jeans or do something that makes you happy to reward yourself.


4. Incorporate your healthy lifestyle into other areas of your life.
- Walk to work or school. Invite your friends over for a Yoga party, or a healthy dinner party!


Good luck, and if you ever need more help, send something to my inbox! :)


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

Me and this girl have been friends for quite awhile but now to the point where we're talking every single day and A LOT. I am totally falling for her and I want to ask her to be my girlfriend. How should I ask her? Please be specific, like how to start the conversation and stuff!!!

Like should I just straight up tell her?
Should I ask her if she likes me, and if she says yes then profess my feelings?

Please help! And PS, even if she doesn't like me back, I would like to still be friends with her, so is there a way to ensure that?

Here's a link that will help you:

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=568563


As far as what to do if she doesn't like you, just don't make things awkward; don't make a huge deal about it. Just tell her something like, "It's fine that you don't feel the same way, and I want to be friends. I don't want this to get in the way of the friendship we have, because I really value it."


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

I play volleyball in college and we have 2 practices a day & conditioning after the last practice. we have about an hour & a half in between practices...I'm wondering what is the best thing to do between the practices in order to have the most energy for the next practice.

Take a power nap. 20-30 minutes max, and it will give you a burst of energy for practice :)


Also, take a cold shower after practice to keep you awake.


Make sure you're eating healthy, too. If you eat a ton of junk food, you're not going to have a lot of energy.


-Laura (17-f)

[view]

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