about

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love" - Albus Dumbledore

Hi, I'm Laura. I'm a senior in college & I'm slowly deciding what I want to do with my life. I love Harry Potter, coffee, writing, and sleeping (amongst other things). I'll never claim to know everything, but I'm confident in my ability to help people with their problems. Feel free to send me an inbox question; I'll get back to you!




A few thoughts I've gathered from my teenage years (and being on this site for most of them!):
1. If you Google song lyrics, the song will come up 99% of the time.
2. Dress to fit your body type, and buy the size that fits. If you're a size 6, squeezing into a 4 won't make you look skinnier. It makes you look fat when you aren't.
3. You will never regret waiting to lose your virginity.
4. There is such a thing as a stupid question, but we're all allowed to ask them.




BU 2014 :)


wicked awesome conversations

^my forum, liven it up a little?

advice

ok this past year has been very streesful for me and i just moved to missouri from new york in the middle of my freshamn year and every since the move i have felt soo stressed. latley i just feel soo fat and none of my old clothes fit right anymore and everywhere i go i just feel so huge. I dont know what to do im trying to lose weight i exercise all the time and it just seems like i keep getting heavier. am i supposed to be gaining weight cz with school and everything i want to look good when we go back...

Stress can easily change your eating habits.
Change in eating habits = change in your weight.
Plus, you're a growing teenager! You're SUPPOSED to be gaining weight and if you're a girl [I'm assuming you are] you'll be gaining weight especially in your hips, which is perfectly normal AND makes none of your old pants fit.


Your weight's probably fine. If you are in fact overweight,va doctor can help you out with making an eating.exercise plan.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

Okay, I thought it was just a phase she was going through, but my best friend copies everything I do and SENIORS IN HIGHSCHOOL! It's ridiculous. A little about both of us- My style is more along the lines of a mix of "boho" "indie" and "scene-ish" hers was along the lines of "nerdy" and "scene/kid-ish" up until sophmore year. I've always dressed like that and then when her and I started hanging out a lot more she began to dress like me and talk like me. At frist I thought it was just because we were hanging out too much, then she started getting creepy. She cut her hair like mine, dyed it the EXACT same way (blonde under my bangs and a stripe-yes I had my "scene hair" stage and thank God it's over). Then she started to buy the same exact clothes as me and called to make sure we were going to wear the same thing on the same day- to school. She has done too many things like that to list here.

We don't hang out as much as we used to, so the other day we were going shopping and I went to pick her up and to my surprise her hair was my color...again. I asked her about it and she said that since I had such pretty hair then she dyed it to match.

I looked at her myspace the other day and she had mine and my boyfriends song as hers! She knows it's our song, so I asked her about it and she said it's her's and her new boyfriends song. I think this has gone too far.


How do I handle this without hurting her feelings?

The song thing, you're overreating. You don't "own" that song, and lots of other couples probably have the same song. Buying the same clothes isn't uncommon, she likes the clothes YOU wear and wants the same style. Intentionall wearing the same outfit is a but much. When she calls, tell her to wear whatever she wants and that you don't want to look like clones. If she refuses to listen, tell her what you were "planning" on wearing but wear something different. Don't give her something hideous.. just different from you. Next time she's going to do her hair, offer to help her pick a color. It's unlikely that the colors look exactly the same on two different people, it's possible the color worked with both of you though. After she dyes hers, dye your something different. Make sure she realizes that she can mimic your style without being your clone. Help her find her own style- influenced by you. The bottom line is that she looks up to you and likes how you carry yourself. Help her out and you'll both be happy.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

how do i minimize pores naturally? (like with home remedies, and studd like that)

and also, what are some great products? (and product names)

thanks!

St. Ives Apricot Scrub [invigorating, no salicylic acid] works well. It removes all the stuff that clogs your pores and prevents blackheads [at least in my experience]. Plus, its main ingredients are natural and it's not harsh at all, unless you're allergic to walnut shells and apricots :D

Clay masks are great too. They remove excess oil, calm down your skin [redness] and tighten pores. Plus they're fun. St. Ives, Biore, and Mudd all make them. The last one, it's a great product but I can only find it at CVS stores.

For a more short-term solution, use moisturizer and a dab of concealer to "fill-in" pores. Make sure to wash it off, or the problem will get worse literally overnight.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

If so what was the trick and who was it played upon? Also where does most of the action take place?

Actually, that's one of Shakespeare's plays that I'm NOT familiar with.

But, I've always found SparkNotes to be incredibly helpful, especially if you can't comprehend the traditional way the play is written. "No-Fear Shakespeare" is useful.


[http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd/]


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

Ok well i'm going into a school that wears uniform and I HAVE to wear blakc shoes, which isn't a great thing since black is nt realyl my most liked colour.

Can anyone send me pictures of black shoes that won't look like a old lady shoe but really nice, stylish, for teenagers, would be appropreiate and comfortable, matches good with grey pants, jumper, skirt, and hopefully won't look weird with thick socks?

thank you so much!

A nice pair of flats, like these:
http://tinyurl.com/257xae.


Or, just look around! A Lot of shoes come in different colors. Go to a big store like DSW or Famous FootWear [or even Payless] and look around, keeping an open mind.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

how do i make my feet super soft?because they are starting to get dry spots on them?and my parents wont buy me a thing to make them soft

Make a scrub by mixing sugar with a little lemon juice. Use it in the shower or over the tub, it makes a mess. The sugar scrubs, and the lemon has enzymes that exfoliate. Take any moisturizer you have laying around [foot creams are inexpensive and actually DO work, they're thicker than most other lotions and are more intense] and make it a habit of moisturizing a couple times a day. Before bed, put a TON of lotion on your feet, then put cotton socks on. If you're like me and can't sleep with socks on, do this treatment, wait a little while, then take the socks off and go to bed. You'll still get the same effect. Oh, and invest in a pumice stone if you can. They're very inexpensive, a small one will set you back only a few dollars at CVS or Walmart, and they get rid of callouses quickly.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

15/f

So today my mom threw out all of my makeup and brushes (even the expensive stuff and the brand new stuff) because she says it could have mono germs on it from when I had mono last month (i know.. wtf?!).
It was about $90 worth of makeup that was mostly given to me as gifts. So now that I need a whole new makeup supply, I kind of need suggestions because I have never really gone shopping for makeup before. I would like a mid-range product, not quite MAC, but not the $4 foundations either...
I am fair, with dark brown almond shaped eyes and medium-a little dark brown hair.
I would like to get--
-Mascara (just to lengthen and curl)
-Eyeliner pencil
-Loose powder, or liquid foundation
-Eyeshadow
-Blush (powder)
-Concealer
and any other products you swear by.

If you have any suggestions of your favorite products, I would love you forever!

Thanks!

Mascara: I've always used Maybelline Great Lash. It's been voted Number 1 Mascara many times. It's about $4-6 at CVS, depending on sales & promotions.


Eyeliner: New York Color Waterproof [the $3.99 one, in black or any color you like] and Maybelline Lash Stylist [really precise, but not waterproof]


Foundation: I use whatever I can get my hands on. Maybelline & CoverGirl both make mousse foundation, and it covers really well. You might need moisturizer beforehand though, it gets cakey on dry skin. I also have Clinique liquid foundation, if you're going to spend that much on makeup, go to the counter and have them pick the best one for your skintype- they'll analyze your skin for free. Neutrogena liquid works well too. With foundation, stick with whatever brand matches your skin best.


Eyeshadow: I always get whatever's cheapest & the brand that has the colors I want. Almay lasts ALL day, and it never wears off for me. CoverGirl has nice trios, and they're inexpensive too. If you're willing to spend a little more, FLIRT! [from Kohl's] has really nice, shimmery colors.


Powder and concealer I use Covergirl- TruBlend and freshlook, whatever's cheaper the week I need it.


As for other products: Clean&Clear Oil-Free Oxygenating moisturizer, C&C oil absorbing sheets, and plain ol' chapstick- it matches everything and doesnt get icly-looking or taste like plastic. Target's "Studio Tools" brand has really nice, inexpensive makeup brushes. Sephora's are nice too, but a LOT more expensive. Travel sizes are cheaper and still get the job done [and are often easier to hold]


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

I got my new pair of Converse Chucks shoes yesterday, but on the box it says size 4 mens, and size 6 womens. But on the receipt it says MENS! Is this a good/bad thing for a *girl* to have MENS shoes? Are Converse Chucks men's and women's shoes kinda made/are the same way? I don't know if it's me, but they really DO look like men's shoes and it's kinda embarrassing if anyone knew! On the website converse.com, if you look at a shoe and roll over sizes in US womens then size 6, it would say "your converse size is 4" So I was wondering if I could still buy them online. (I don't think size 4 men's//6 women's and size 4 women's//6 women's are the same so I'm really worried I can't buy them online.)

They're the same shoes. If you go to a store like Journeys where they have exclusive pattners and stuff, a purple plaid might have just womens sizes. But the mens sizes don't make it a guy's shoe, girls can wear them too. They put both sizes on the styles that men AND women both wear [like black and white as opposed to the hot pink ones] A lot of work shoes are sizes like that, boots and such, not just Converse.

Don't worry about it, wear whatever shoes you want to! Any random person who grabs your foot and attempts to read your shoe size is weird anyways. Kick them away if they try to, hahaha. :)


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

I dun't know but when i woke up my right leg form the knee and lower hurt cuz of like muscle tension i think, like this feeling before you get one of those massive painful leg cramps.

it's been liek this for two days. i've been trying to stretch it out or somethign at that might but nothing better happened and i have to admit it isnt' pleasent wlaking aorudn liek that.

What can i do?

Give it a few days. You could have easily slept on it wrong, or pulled a muscle walking or spinning in a circle in a sandbox (not that I've ever done that or anything...)


If it keeps up after awhile, see a doctor to make sure it's nothing more serious. Could just be growing pains.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

I'm having trouble finding a shampoo/conditioner for color treated hair. I have these 5 brands down for thoughts pantene,fructis,sunsilk,herbal essences,dove. for color treated hair. If anyone has used those, please tell me your reviews on them or on any other color treated product you have used. please nothing expensive like salon things i just want store prices. thanks

I've used Herbal Essences and Pantene. I liked Pantene better because it made my hair softer. Also, leave the conditioner on for a long time. If you've used a dye color that's reddish, it's going to fade out no matter what you do. You can keep it as vibrant as possible by using a shampoo for red hair, like John Freida ( a bit more expensive) or Pantene Red Expressions or whatever it's called - a little cheaper than John Freida. Right now I'm using Suave for Kids, it doesn't seem to be fading the color out, since it's so gentle.


If you can get away with shampooing every other day (and just rinsing and conditioning the other day) that will help too.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

I'm starting to break out all on my face so I'm going to the dermatologist soon. For those who went there how fast did your skin clear up from the medicines or products they told you to use? And what do they do when you go?

My skin started to clear up really quicky. If you get Retin-A, your skin will seem to get WORSE for a first couple days or so, but then it really starts to work and clears up your skin nicely. When you go, they'll probably do a full skin examination if it's your first time going t a derm. It's not a big deal to them, its over in a couple minutes if that, and prevents potential problems such as a melanoma. Most of the visit consists of a lot of questions, like your daily skincare regimen, family history of acne/skin problems like excema, etc.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

i always here bout teens having sex and ect-but how do they get away w/ it when their under 16?

how do they do it w/out their parents finding out?

(i'm not planning on doing it- i'm waiting till marriage, i'm just curious)
thax

Depends on the kid. Some kids do everything behind their parents' backs and become excellent liars. Others have parents that don't care about what their kids are doing. A lot of parents, often those who mean well, leave their kids home alone- which, for a 14 or 15-year-old, is perfectly acceptable. Buuut, with this time alone, they can do whatever they please in their house with no spervision. Other parents have a very open relationship with their children, and know of their intentions with a significant other in advance (but I don't see that happening very often, especially with under-16s).


Also (and I'm only assuming here, but I've heard/seen it happen in movies, TV, etc) a girl's parents often are more worried about her being sexually active than a guy's parents would be. Why? Guys don't have to worry about getting pregnant. Therefore, a guy's parents may trust their son alone, and he could just have his girlfriend over when they leave. Any of these activities, though, could easily betray any trust your parents have in you. And that means more to me (and many other kids my age) than anything else could.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

Help! I'm going to high school next year and I don't know what to expect! What are classes and schedules like, and what should I bring on the first day?

Hey! First off, don't worry about it at all. Being nervous is normal, though.


Freshmen often have an orientation before school starts. Go if you can, you'll meet other people [especially helpful if you're going to a regional school and you'll be with different people]. Schools have different schedules, but you'll get used to yours quicky. Carry around a copy in the front of a binder or notebook for reference. No matter how big the school may seem, you'll get used to it sooner than you think. Teachers are very helpful and often stand in the hallways to direct lost students for the first couple of weeks. Don't be afraid to ask for help. This also applies to classes. You're on your own more than you ever were in middle school. If you don't pass something in, you'll get a zero. Teachers are willing to help if you ASK. Go for extra help if you need it, and DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Seriously, just get it done. Your grades will suffer significantly if you don't. Join clubs and sports, get involved, make friends. Be nice to your teachers, and they'll be nice to you.


On the first day, just bring a notebook, and something to write with. Unless you've been told exactly what to bring, your teachers will tell you what supplies you need for their classes, and you can write them down. Get the basics in advance, though. Everyone's gonna need notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, whiteout is helpful unless your school has banned it, highlighters are fun and help you study, and a good backpack that isn't too big that you won't mind carrying all your stuff in. Oh, and if your school doesn't supply you with an agenda/planner, get one on your own. It's really helpful to have all your assingments written down in one place.


Other things I found useful to have throughout the year were:
- icebreakers for after lunch. Gum was banned from all my classes, and mints dissolve, with no aftertaste!
- hand cream and chapstick, espeically in winter. If you're a guy, this might not matter as much to you, but I am a lot more comfortable having them with me 24/7.
- a water bottle if you're allowed
- change for the vending machine
- a one-subject notebook with a folder built-in, for the days I forgot, say, my math notebook and had to have something to take notes in. It also serves as a catch-all when the bell rings and you have 92836715 important papers to bring home.
- a cellphone. Keep it off during class. The battery will drain if you don't.


Good luck, and have fun next year! Highschool is a great experience, unless you make it miserable for yourself.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

is there a certain age you have to be to buy diet pills ?

I'm pretty sure you have to be 18. I strongly advise against using them without asking your doctor first, though. They can really screw up your metabolism, not to mention other possible side effects. You're probably young, since you're asking this question. Start eating a balanced diet & exercise, and don't just say you exercise daily because you walk across the street to a friends house. Actually develop a regimen, eat healthy, and STICK TO IT, and you'll see results, I promise. If you're still having problems, see a doctor; he can refer you to a nutritionist and test for possible health problems that are preventing you from losing weight.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

my hair is so dried out and gross how do i get it shinny and not dried out. like what products could i use?


Thanks

Trim your ends, first off. Nothing's gonna fix splits, but you can keep them from getting worse & prevent them in the future. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes because it'll make your hair softer and shinier & do more than detangle your hair. Minimize how much heat you put on your hair, and when you do use blowdryers and straighteners, use a hear protecting spray and/or cream. Hot oil treatments help too, just don't use them too often or your hair will become too oily and yucky.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

so how do you close the portal?

Duct tape and cookie dough ice cream. They can fix anything.

No... really. What portal? I'll edit this answer if you're more specific.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

i have a question about that myspace comment thing

what is the screen shot? i'm really confussed. help!:(

You press the Print Screen button. It may be abbreviated on your keyboard to something like "Prnt Scrn". It's above insert and delete. All it does is "copies" whatever's on the screen at the moment the key is pressed. Then when you open Paint and paste it in, you can treat it like any other image and select the areas you want [in your case, the comment you want in your about me]


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

Does anyone know how to copy a comment and put it on your 'about me'
if you understand what i mean.
how do you do tht?

View your comments, take a screenshot of the page [Print Screen button] then open paint and go to Edit-> Paste. From there, you can select the comment using the rectangular select tool. Copy that section, open a new Paint page, and paste again. Save that file, then upload to tinypic.com or something similar. Use the code and put it in your about me. If you're still confused, ask me to my inbox and I'll clarify.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

14/f

i lost alot of weight the healthy way. alot of people were concerned about me and i just was happy to loose so much. i dont skip meals, throw up, anything. I eat, sometimes not enough, real healthy. i exercise too. i pretty much just take good care of myself. i got blood tested, and went to the doctor. i am healthy completely.. my missed period is beacuse being active, my blood is normal, liver.. everything, i just lost alot of weight. i am 5'3 and weigh 102. my doctor told me to eat more, which i try. most of the time i just feel guilty of eating, but then i'll be like, "i should eat". mainly i just try to stay the weight i am now, but when i wake up and weight myself it shows i lost weight. i dont really want to loose weight. it's not easy to eat more though because i am mental sorta about it, scared to get fat. i might have a little eating disorder in my mind, but not in my body. like ive chewed and spit out food before, i obsess over calories, i work out obsessively. but not as bad anymore. i just get so pissed, when i buy clothes .. a month or not even later i cant wear them because they are too big. all my clothes don't even fit, and my jeans are down to about 3 pairs i like that fit. it sucks and i dont' want to be thinner, i just want to stay my weight. help!

You're worrying wayyy too much. Exercise like you have been, and eat three square meals a day. You'll stay the same weight. You weigh less in the morning because you haven't eaten anything or drank water, anything like that.


Sometimes you can shrink clothes by putting them in the dryer on high heat, and there's many a seamstress/loving relative who will take in the seams for you.


If you seem to obsess about calories to the point you're not eating, then you've got a problem and seek help from a doctor/family member/therapist. But worrying about getting fat again after losing weight IS normal. As long as you're exercising & not eating 9,000 calories a day, you won't gain the weight back. Like I said, stop worrying and you'll be just fine. :)


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

a friend of mine dated this guy for a little more then a week like 4 months ago. me and her had been friends for a year and a half maybe and we had both just met this guy not to long ago. i had no interest in dating him, i just enjoyed being around him though. my friend (girl) rushed into a relationship with him and ended up breaking up with him over a disagreement.
since they had broken up he never talks to me anymore and it would be to awkward for me too. is it alright that i still want to be friends with another friends ex? or should i just give up on being friends with him?

It's fine to be friends with him, it's if you two ever date that things get really awkward. If you both want to be friends, go for it. But don't risk losing a good friend over it, either.


-LM
[15/f]

[view]

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