Periods are for cool people.

Some of the most awesome people in the world have/ had periods just like you girls.

Beyonce has a period.

Madame Curie had a period.

Mother Theresa had a period.

Audrey Hepburn had a period.

Eleanor Roosevelt had a period.

Amelia Earhart had a period. 

  

(You see where I am going with this…?)

 Periods are natural, half the world has them.

JK Rowling has a period

Emma Watson has a period

Kim Kardashian has a period

Marilyn Monroe had a period….

Teachers, doctors, ballerinas, they all get it!

Their not icky, or disgusting, or a curse. They’re completely normal!

Fast Glamor!

Since I consider myself the resident beauty guru... ;-)  here are some tricks to help you look fabulous in only FIVE quick steps. Perfect for a school morning to look healthy, fresh, and glowing without trying to hard.

1. First, focus on your SKIN: moisturize, apply face powder, concealer, and blush. You'll have that flawless look in no time.

2. Time for the EYES. Swipe some mascara on, line your eyes, and apply a shimmery eyeshadow if desired.

3. Don't forget to add lip gloss! While you're doing that, add a spritz of your favorite perfume so you smell as gorgeous as you look.

4. Smooth some de-frizzing product into your hair, then put it into a chic side braid, or another variation such as: a messy bun, two ponytails, a french braid, a really high ponytail or bun, or just throw in a headband. Even if you're having a bad hair day, no one will be able to tell since you have such a cute 'do.

5. Finally, brush your teeth so they shine, add your favorite pair of earrings that match your shoes (or something), and you're ready to head out the door!

instant GLAMOR!

love ya, dah-lings!!

Alli

Managing Your Time... With Everything Life Throws At You

Hey Girls! I know it's been waaaay too long since I've last posted, but it was mainly because I wasn't managing my time well! So here's to you, the girl who does EVERYTHING and is yet to stay organized!!

BUY A PLANNER
I swear this is the best thing for you. Yes, the calendar in your phone is great, but a daily or weekly planner is a must. You can write out assignments for any classes you may be taking, and be able to delegate enough time to make sure they get done and get done on time- without cramming that book report in at 11:00p.m. on a school night! Then, once you've got everything in for school write down any chores you might need to get done- like walk Fido or take the trash out on garbage night. Then lastly, make sure you leave yourself some free time to talk to friends or go to the movies on a Friday night :)

PRIORITIZE
Well, now that you've bought this (hopfully stylish) planner, you're probably wondering how you even use it! Thats where learning how to prioritize and put the must-do's before the want-to-do's. Here's  the system I like to use. 
A= Must-do, like a math assignment due the next day, it's urgent and must get done now or else there may be consequences (like a bad grade)!
B= Should-do, like work on the book report due Friday, it's something you should work on, but isn't due tomorrow but still needs to be done.
and lastly,
C= Want-to-do, like go to the movies with your boyfriend, read your favorite book, or watch your show on TV. It's something you'd like to do but you don't NEED to do (even if you really want to, you're A's and B's come first!).

By writing out your A's first and then B's and then C's you can get what must be done done and then work on your B's. This way if there's any time leftover, you can use it for your things ranked C. Though, always remember to designate time for sleep, meals, and some downtime for your brain so you don't get too stressed out!

HAVE A FILING SYSTEM
It may sound cheesy, but we all know technology is great in its own way, but pen and paper can't crash like a phone or computer. Though, with a filing system, you should definately keep it organized. An "in-box" is a great way of keeping everything together that needs to be filed, but what do you do when that "in-box" gets out of control? Well, you file it! Hanging files are a great way to keep instruction manuals, medical documents, bills, etc, all in one place and at your fingertips. However, priortitzing what gets filed is also a problem. Your light bill due Monday probably shouldn't get filed away but instead stay by your checkbook and stamps to get paid. The copy of the bill or recipts are a good idea to file until you are sure they are paid. Then, recycle and keep tidy the rest of youre important papers!

Alright girls, off for dinner! Hope this helps!
Amii

Products that actually work- all for $20 or less

Sometimes you just want a product that works, works fast, and isn't complicated. So, Ive compliled a great list of must-haves that really work:

For acne:
~ Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash- It clears up blemishes and isn't harsh on the skin, great for everyday use and for around $5

For hair:
~John Freida defrizzer creame- only about $5 and keeps those flyaways tamed
~ Bed Head-

For lips:
~Burts Bee's lip balm- pomegranate, mango, pineapple.... so many choices for around $4


Those are my quick tips for now! Hope you enjoyed!

xxx
Amii

What to Wear During your Period

Ok, so it's the week of your period, and you're trying to decide what to wear to school this morning. It can be hard to know if what you wear will be comfy, guard against leakage, and not give you a VPL (Visible Pad Line- ew!), so here are some suggestions of what to steer clear of and what works well during that time of the month.

 

UNDERWEAR

Unless you wear tampons, thongs are not a good option. Pads typically won't stick to a thong, and you will have leakage. When wearing a pad, boyshorts can also be difficult to wear, as many pads with wings don't fit as well into them. I recommend bikini underwear. You should also steer clear of your favorite cute panties, in case of accidents.  You can buy cheap underwear from places like Wal-Mart or Target, and keep those handy for that time of the month.

PANTS vs. SKIRTS/DRESSES

When you wear tighter fitting pants, you don't have to worry about pads shifting as much as when you have on a skirt. However, I've successfully worn both without much of a problem. It's really personal preference when it comes to skirts vs. pants. If you wear leggings, make sure whatever you have over them is long enough. Leggings are NOT pants, especially during your menstrual cycle, where the outline of a pad can be seen if you're wearing something too tight or clingy. Take a good look int he mirror before you go out in public, just to be on the safe side.

SHIRTS
Long shirts and tunics, for sure, are something I like to wear during my period. That way, in the unlikely case that I leak through my pants, I have a shirt that will cover my butt until I can change. Severe leaks like that aren't common, but having a long shirt definitely helps me feel less self conscious.

COLORS

You don't have to have to have to wear dark colored pants or skirts during your period, but it does help many girls to feel more confident! If you wear white or other light colors on the bottom, you might be worrying about leaks a lot more. I feel more secure when I wear dark or black jeans and skirts, so I recommend you try that out, especially on the heavier days of your cycle.

I hope these tips helped you out! What do you like to wear during your period? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Love,

Alli

How to Turn Down a Guy

Ok, you can tell he likes you. It doesn't matter if he looks at you a lot, says "hi" all the time, asked you out, etc. That's great if you totally like him back, but what if you don't? I have plenty of experience myself with this, so here are some suggestions for dealing with unwanted, unrequited crushes.

Ignoring him might not be the best option
Ignoring him won’t make his crush go away. If you’re not really friends and there’s no reason for you to talk to him, then you can be brief with him. Don’t return his stares with smiles and don’t start conversations with him. I have a girlfriend who's afraid to tell a guy how she feels because she's almost too nice- she doesn't want to hurt any feelings. Neither do you, but c'mon- you don't want to give him the wrong idea!!! Guys will get the impression that you like them if you talk to them all the time too.

If you are friends and he tells you how he feels, you two need to have a talk. If you still want to be friends with him, make sure to tell him that, too.

Put yourself in his shoes. If you liked him and he wasn’t interested in you in "that" way, you’d want him to tell you that instead of ignoring you or acting like a jerk.

Be honest

Coming right out and saying, "I like you as a friend" can prevent a lot of miscommunication and embarrassment. You might think it’s easier for him if you lie and say you have a boyfriend, say you're busy this weekend, or give some other excuse. But eventually, he will most likely find out and be even more hurt.

Don’t lead him on

Sure, you might be flattered that someone likes you, even if you don’t like him back, but don’t lead him on so that you feel better about yourself. This can only lead to bad feelings and is unfair to him. Please don't be tempted to use this guy.

What to do if his actions make you feel uncomfortable/he’s become obsessive

If you feel like he’s starting to stalk you—that is, following you around or calling you a lot when you’ve made it clear that you’re not interested—talk to your parents or another trusted adult about it. You shouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable or unsafe because of someone else’s feelings toward you. Don't feel guilty about doing this if it's for your protection.

Those are all my tips. Good luck, ladies! I hope the guy of your dreams falls in love with you too, not just all these guys you don't like so much. ;-)

If you have any questions or comments about this topic, you can leave a comment below (feel free to do so anonymously) or email us at GirlTalkTime@yahoo.com.

Love,

Alli

You're Not Alone

If you're one of those girls who doesn't like talking about your body, or you feel gross when you're having your period, or you feel like no one understands you and what you're going through... please remember:

You're not alone.

Puberty, menstruation, and the "joys" that go along with it are perfectly normal. They mean your body is healthy. Even if you aren't happy about it at the time, it is a good thing. Don't forget that every girl has gone through the same thing as you. Every woman you see is probably either menstruating, or will be in the next 2 weeks.  Supermodels get their periods, celebs get it, your teachers get it... all women go through this.

Roughly 334 million women all over the world are all menstruating at the same time you are.

I hope this helped.

Love always,
~Alli

Tampon Myths: DEBUNKED!

Maybe back in the olden days they believed these myths, but now we know that they are just that- MYTHS! Completely false! Here's the truth about tampons to help set your mind at ease and help you be informed. Feel free to share it with your friends to help them out, too!

Tampons protect for 8 hours. According to the outside of most tampon boxes and the leaflet inside, tampons protect for "up to" 8 hours. The actual protection will only last as long as the absorption material can collect blood. During heavy flow days, tampons may last only one or two hours. During light days, teens may find it difficult to remove and change tampons every 8 hours because flow is light and a dry tampon just doesn't want to come out as easily as a saturated tampon. 

You cannot sleep in tampons. This is a huge myth. Tampons are safe during sleeping and waking hours if used properly. Flow tends to be lighter at night, for some teens (including me!), so the tampon should last through 8 hours sleep, but what happens if the teen is sleeping longer than 8 hours? Wearing a feminine napkin to bed instead of a tampon is safer 100 percent of the time. Overnight pads absorb much more than panty liners and regular pads, so invest in a thick, absorption pad if you plan on sleeping longer than 8 hours. That way you won't have to worry about how long you sleep. You won't feel a pad when you're sleeping anyway, so why risk it?

The tampon string never pulls off. The withdrawal string breaking is an extremely rare occurrence, but it CAN happen...  If it does break, DON'T PANIC! It is usually a simple matter to reach the tampon with your fingers. Wash your hands and use the same position you used to comfortably insert the tampon to remove it. If this can’t be done, you should see your doctor the same day.

Virgins cannot wear tampons. Having sex has nothing to do with wearing tampons. Some mothers want to protect their daughters from anything related to insertion into the vagina, but this is an old wives' tale. Virgins can insert tampons into the vagina as can teens that have lost their virginity. The tampon may tear the hymen, but a torn hymen can also occur from sports, gymnastics, horseback riding and other activity.

Teens can only use "regular" tampons. Tampons are graded based on absorbance. Some girls start out with "teen" tampons and quickly progress to regular and then super on heavy days. Teens should choose tampons based on period flow. At the end of 8 hours, if the tampon string is just tinted with blood, the absorbance is just right. If the tampon does not last 8 hours, move up to a more absorbent size or change more often.

Tampons can get lost inside you if you push them in too far. No. The opening at the end of your vagina is only the size of a pencil point-much too small for a tampon to fit through. The tampon is held in place by the walls of your vagina until you pull on the string to remove it.

Tampons can fall out. When inserted properly, the muscles around the entrance to the vagina will hold the tampon in place so it cannot fall out. 

If you have any questions or comments about this topic, you can leave a comment below (feel free to do so anonymously) or email us at GirlTalkTime@yahoo.com.

Love,

Alli

Tbox review!

                We have a review of a really neat product we were sent for you girls today! Meet the Tbox.  What is it, exactly? Basically, the Tbox is a tampon holder. It can house up to 8 tampons. It has suction cups on it so it can easily attatch to the side of your toilet or in other smooth surfaces, so you're never caught off guard again!

REVIEW 

Amii: "The design is really cute and girly. The suction cups are also really great, but I think sticking it on the toilet is kind of weird for me. Handy, but weird. I stuck it on my bedroom mirror and it works great! I rate it a 6 on a scale of 1-10."

Alli: "I feel like this product would work well for so many girls. If you have your own bathroom or a guest bathroom, it's nice to keep a Tbox in there. Otherwise, this would be great for your locker or to just throw in your purse when you're on the go. I have a lot of brothers, so I personally wouldn't put this in one of the family bathrooms, but it's a good concept. These products are sturdy and well made. There are a few different patterns and colors to choose from, which are all really cute."

You can buy the Tbox at their website: http://tboxgirl.com/buyonline or from Amazon.com. You  can also check to see if your local Walgreens has them available.

 

Dauzat Designs Giveaway Winner

It's time to announce our blog giveaway winner! One lucky gal will receive a Maxi Pouch from the lovely Dauzat Designs! You can read our full review of these here, they are really handy to have at that time of the month!


The winner of our very first blog giveaway (chosen by random.org) is.... (drumroll please)

SARAH
Sarah says "This would definitely come in handy at work. As a writing tutor, sometimes our Writing Center is full of tutoring sessions, and when I have to go upstairs to use the bathroom, it's just a little TOO obvious when I take my whole purse with me. Haha. This would be discreet!"

Congratulations, Sarah! I hope you love your pouch! Dauzat Designs will be in touch soon.

Okay girls, even if you didn't win, I highly recommend that you check out the affordable tampon and pad pouches from Dauzat Designs. Amii and I both LOVE ours.

PERIOD PRODUCTS

If you’re like a lot of girls, when you first started your period, you used whatever your mom gave you. Chances are it was the same product she uses. Eventually, you started experimenting with other options to find what's comfortable for you. Let's face it, your body is different than your mom's and most likely so is your period. Maybe you're not happy with the pads or tampons you're using now, or you're wondering how to use the correct products. It can be hard to figure out which is right for you, since there are SO many different choices!

So let’s start with pads. They come in all shapes, sizes and absorbencies. I like ultra thins with wings during my first couple of days when my flow is normal to heavier. If you play sports or are active, wings are especially good to give you extra proctection.

Depending on what’s on the calendar (like swimming, soccer, or ballet), I’ll switch to regular tampons. If you've just started using tampons, it's best to use size "lite" with a plastic applicator. If you have a heavier flow, try "normal" or even "super." Just make sure you aren't using something too absorbant. Oh yeah, and I recommend tampons with plastic applicators, especially for noobs. ;)  They're much easier to use.

Pantiliners are a great idea to use a few days before you know you're going to get your period. That way you're covered in case you start earlier. I suggest using em at the very end of your period too, when minor spotting spells the end of Aunt Flo.

Oh, you might want to keep a package of overnight pads around too, if you bleed heavily at night since you won't be able to change for 8+ hours. Those are great to break out if you're invited to a sleepover and you're on your period.

You may have noticed I didn't mention anything about brand name. Always, Tampax, Kotex, Playtex, drugstore brands...it's up to you. A "regular" tampon is a tampon, right? You can choose if you prefer name brands or store brands. Don't be fooled by those cheesy commericals on TV- don't let the ads influence what brand you buy. The girl that's smiling so big and looks like a skinny supermodel on the Kotex commercial...she isn't really menstruating. If she was, she wouldn't be smiling so much.

So mom, thanks for sharing your stash with me. But I’m pretty sure I’ve got things covered from here.

Until next time,

Alli

Start out the school year right with these must-haves!

Every year we all wonder "what do I need for school this year??" Well, all you girls out there, these are my must-haves that every girl should need!

For your locker:
1. A sturdy locker shelf to raise up your books, making it easier to grab what you need in between classes without straining out your back from bending over. You can easily make or buy one at Staples, Wal*Mart, or Home Depot for $5 or less.

2. A small magnetic mirror so you can make sure your picture perfect for every class (or boy) that comes your way :)

3. An easy-to-grab pad or tampon holder you can grab when that joyous time of the month comes so you can be prepared in a pinch! We currently have a give-a-way from Dauzat Designs that has cute and practical pouches for all you girls in need and trust me, they are worth it :) and if you don't win our fabulous give-a-way (which you should totally enter *hint, hint*), you can visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/dauzatdesigns and pick one up for the upcoming school year!

For your classes:
1. A planner or agenda to write down each days homework assignments. It is definitely useful and helps you from forgetting when things are due!

2. A binder or folder to take everything home in in one place. It makes everything easier to carry and convenient as everything is in one place

And for you:
1. A backpack or cute tote to carry everything in. It also can keep your pads and tampons away from the eyes of everyone else and it will be better than carrying everything and risk dropping it!

2. A good fitting pair of dark washed jeans. It's a staple. All girls need a pair of jeans they feel good in. End of story.

3. Some bling. Some jewelry. Make yourself feel good. If you look good you feel good :)

And good luck to everyone this school year! Make it your best!

Lots of love,
Amii

My favorite website for girl info: BeingGirl

If we don't post frequently enough for you, or don't have the topics you want to see, I recommend the Being Girl website, http://www.beinggirl.com/ .
It's my favorite site for girl information- everything from tampons to relationships. There's a product selector so you can figure out which feminine products are best for you, get free samples, there's a beauty section, quizzes, and more! Everything girl related is on the site.

Just wanted to give you the recommendation. Hope it helps you girlies!!

Love,

Alli

THONGS: Pros and Cons

As you probably know by now, Amii and I loooove making lists of pros and cons- for everything! It makes it easier to figure out which decision is right for you. Today my list of Pros and Cons is about.. *gulp* THONGS.  If you're wondering whether they're for you, here are some things you might want to take into consideration.

PROS

-No "VPL"
-You only have a small wedgie instead of a big one, if you're wedgie-prone with other underwear!
-Some girls forget they're there.
-They're small and don't take up much space.
-Lots of girls like to feel like they're wearing "big girl panties"

CONS

-Some parents don't approve, so if you're young, you might have to check with your mom first.

-Some girls find thongs uncomfortable.

-Hygiene is more of a concern when you're wearing a thong. (Trying not to go into TMI, here!)

-It's harder to wear a thong when you're on your period.
- You need to make sure your pants aren't too low rise when you have thongs on. Otherwise you might have the infamous "whale tail" peeking out from over your jeans.

What are your thoughts? Do you love em or hate em?

If you have any questions or comments about this topic, you can leave a comment below (feel free to do so anonymously) or email us at GirlTalkTime@yahoo.com.

Love,

Alli

Five Great Money Saving Tips For The Savvy Fashionista In You

Especially in these tough economic times, girls still want to look good, even if splurging on a $200 bag is out of the question. So, what do you do to still get "the look" without burning a hole in your pocket? Well,  I have some tips and tricks for you!

1. If you see a product you like, find an off brand or store brand. With medication this is pretty easy, just find the same thing under a different name. Well, with Runway looks and top of the line clothing stores, its a little harder to do that. If you print out a photo of a look you like, say from a magazine or online source, take it with you to the store and recreate it for less. No, the shirt wont be Dolce and Gabanna BUT you still have a comparable look and for a much nicer price. :)

2. Don't forget to buy staples. Now, I'm not talking the metal things you put in a stapler to hold your papers together, but something like a nice pair of black slacks, a good pair of dark jeans, a white cami, a good fitting bra, etc. These pieces are the kind of things you want to work off of and can dress up or dress down. They are the foundation to a good wardrobe and easy to find, and if they don't fit perfectly, you can send them to a tailor or (if you're good with a sewing machine and have one) tailor them yourself. They will last for a long time and save you from wondering if you have something that matches every new top you buy. And for all you girls out there, I bet you've already got a lot of these items in your closet just waiting to be unleashed, and all you have to do is find a  few things to jazz them up. :)

3. Don't buy everything at once. By doing so you immediately burn a big hole in your pocket and, if your not having a good day, may blow this month's rent money before you know it. By shopping in small increments, you still will have a wardrobe that looks amazing without paying a fortune.

4. Hit the sale racks. Anytime something's on sale it doesn't necessarily mean its damaged or broken. Most stores just want it out so they can bring in a new line. By shopping on sale days, you not just save money but save having to work an extra few hours every week to pay off your spendings. Another way is to cut coupons. Yeah, Grandma Pearl and Grandpa Joe did that in the Depression, but you'd be surprised how much 50 cents here or there adds up. A great time to shop (if you don't mind crowds) is a few days after each holiday. Most things are half price or 75% off and are still perfectly good.

5. Save your change. At Wal*Mart or BJ's (I can't remember now) we found a jug that holds change but counts it as you put it in. Every time I come back from the store or have loose change we put it in the jug. In six months we have passed the $100 mark- all in change. With the jug, you can't take it out until you absolutely need it or have a plan for what you want to do with it. For us, its a great way to save up for that summer trip, without having to save out $5 every week, and still be able to have a great time. It also shows us how change does add up and is a great learning tool for younger siblings or younger children in general. It also makes it more fun to spend as you know you personally have saved it yourself.

Now, hopefully all you girls out there will become great at saving your money for everything else life throws at you and don't forget to enjoy these last few days of warmth before good Old Man Winter arrives!

Lots of love,
Amii

Pros and Cons of Pads!!

Hey girls, I know I just did a post about the Pro's and Con's of Tampons, BUT I almost forgot to do a post on the pro's and con's of pads so here goes:

Pro's of Pads:
1. They don't need to go inside your body
2. They are more comfortable to sleep in
3. They're easier to change so you can easily see when you need to change them
4. They're simple and easy to put on
5. They stick to your panties so they don't move around too much
6. You can be sure you have the right size and absorbancy before you leave the store based on your body
7. They may have wings (depending if you buy them with wings) so they protect your panties
8. You don't have to worry about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) as you would with a tampon
9. It doesn't matter if your cervix is tipped
10. They work with all body types :)

Con's of pads:
1. They sometimes smell a little funky, even if they are fragrance free
2. It's uncomfortable to run and exercise
3. You can feel like your bleeding and will worry if you are going to bleed out
4. Can't wear thongs if you're a thong kind of girl
5. They're bulky
6. You can't swim in them
7. They're a bear to dispose, and you can't flush them
8. You may get VPL
9. They take up a lot of space if you throw them in your bag
10. And they aren't that great for sports and may move and you could bleed out

And like I said before, e-mail us with your pro's and con's at girltalktime@yahoo.com and let us know what your pro's and con's are!

Love,
Amii

Pros and Cons of Tampons!!

Now, we all have the good days and the bad days during our period and sometimes its great to vent about the pros and cons of the kinds of products we use to control it... So, Alli and I have come together and made a pros and cons list just for you- all about tampons!

Tampon Pros:

1. You can swim with them :) (A definite plus!)

2. They are easier to store or throw in your bag

3. You don't get a visible pad or panty line (VPL)

4. You can't feel them if you put them in right

5. You can flush them away in the toilet, making disposal more discrete :)

6. They are smaller and don't take up as much room as a pad

7. You can (at times) forget you even have one in

8. They are more comfortable

9. No one else can hear the crinkle of the wrapper or the peeling sound like a pad, so a more discrete way of changing them if you're in public

10.They catch everything a pad would and its all kept inside until you change your tampon, so less mess than a pad

Tampon Cons:

1. They are harder to know when to change

2. They may cause you to bleed out and through your clothes if you can't go and change it soon enough

3. Sleeping in with a tampon in without having to get up is out of the question

4. Not very eco-friendly

5. They aren't natural for your body

6. They go inside you

7. If your cervix tips they become harder to insert properly

8. Tampons often make cramps worse.

9. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) can happen if they are left in too long

10. Some people find them uncomfortable to wear

And for all you girls out there reading this, e-mail us your pro's and con's lists at girltalktime@yahoo.com

and let us know what you think!

Pros and cons for pads coming soon!

Love, 

Amii

Pad & Tampon Pouch GIVEAWAY and review!

Recently, a company called Dauzat Designs sent us some personal pouches to review. They make pouches for pads or tampons, depending on which you like to use. You just put your feminine products inside, then slip the pouch in your purse, backpack, or anywhere else. It’s great for hiding them so no one else needs to know! Here are our individual thoughts on the items:

Amii’s thoughts: It’s awesome! The pattern’s ok but it’s really great for people on the go and fits perfectly in your purse or bag and just looks like a wallet or makeup pouch. I’d rank it as an 8 out of 10. The company was also very personable with a sweet handwritten letter which made it seem friendly, thus the higher score. I soooo think this company has it right in the bag! They're awesome and have a wonderful product. I might just go and order some more. :)

Alli’s thoughts:  This is a fabulous idea! It’s exactly what I need, and I think so many other girls would benefit from it to. No longer do I have to worry about other people seeing my girly products when I’m rifling through my purse. The cute little pouch conceals everything very discreetly. The fabric it’s made out of is great too- very easy to clean, and virtually silent- no noisy Velcro. These pouches are sturdy and very well made. I can comfortably fit 3-4 pads in there, so it’s perfect. You’ll never be caught off guard!

The pouches are easy to use. They open like sandwich bags. Simple and quick, you’ll always have your products with you when you need them! You can buy them from http://www.dauzatdesigns.etsy.com/. They’re very affordable and would also make a great gift for a niece, granddaughter, friend, etc.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky entrant will receive a Maxi Pouch from Dauzat Designs. It will definitely come in handy, especially as the school year is starting! Perfect for your purse, gym bag, backpack, locker, office, school, or anywhere else you need to be discreet.

To enter: (here's what you gotta do)

-Leave a comment (with your email address) telling us why this personal pouch would come in handy for you!

For additional entries: (please leave one comment per additional entry you do)

-“Like” Dauzat Designs on Facebook

-Follow our blog, http://www.girlietalktime.blogspot.com/

-Post a link to our giveaway on Facebook so your friends will be able to enter

-Post a link to this giveaway on Twitter

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES GREATLY INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING!
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Best foods to eat while on your period

Hey girlies,

Are you a sufferer of menstrual cramps or other PMS symptoms?  Many women are, so here are some foods that will help you out! These foods will help give you energy and help you feel less bloated. Eat these on and before your period to stay healthy and feel better. It's also important to have a healthy diet ALL month so your body will look and feel its best.

Foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus, oranges, grapefruit, as well as strawberries, raspberries, zucchini, asparagus, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, celery, broccoli and potatoes will definitely benefit you. They will also help you to have a stronger immune system.

Try: a delicious breakfast smoothie with some of the fruits rich in Vitamin C mentioned here.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in fatty fish (like tuna and salmon), flax seeds, flax seed oil, walnut, walnut oil and canola oil.  Eating this essential fat (which your body can't produce on its own) can prevent or reduce PMS cramps.
Try: Adding these things to your morning cereal, or to garnish a salad. Eat fish twice per week for optimum health results.

Peppermint is an easy way to incorporate something cramp-reducing into your diet. It is an excellent herbal remedy that can soothe belly aches and help your body feel great.
Try: a comforting, steaming cup of peppermint tea, or using peppermint extract as a flavoring in your food.

While we're on the topic of TEA, ginger tea can help relieve nausea and bloating, and chamomile tea can help you feel less anxious or irritable. I LOVE drinking tea, even when I don't have my period, and there are many benefits of it! Just make sure to AVOID caffinated tea (and other drinks with caffeine), as those can add to your discomfort.

It might sound like a no brainer, but water is really important! Make sure you're getting enough of it. It will keep your body from retaining water, which leads to bloating and cramps. Make sure you're drinking plenty of H2o each day.

AVOID:
Coffee, soda, caffeine, fried or processed foods, dairy products, sugar rushes.

I hope this helps! Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions.

Love,

Alli

Period Blues

Need a pick me up?  Here are some things that always work for me when I'm down.

Try a hot mug of herbal tea, some chocolate, or a good book.

Exercise can also make you feel better. Or, just take a nap with a hot water bottle.

I would also suggest giving a friend a call or getting together and doing something fun. Do your hair, put on your favorite dress, and go out to a movie. You'll have fun and feel gorgeous! If you'd rather, just stay in and watch a chick flick with some girlfriends and do your nails. It's good to feel pampered and take your mind off your blues.

If you're having a bad day, Amii and I are always here to talk to you, too! feel free to email us at girltalktime@yahoo.com if you need advice or just a friend to talk to. We'll get back to you ASAP. :)

Love,

Alli

My Favorite Pads & Tampons

Sorry for the lack of posts last week, girlies! Amii and I have been super busy this summer, but we will have some posts for you this week. <3 Don't forget to leave your requests below!

Today I just wanted to quickly share with you my top products for "that time of the month", mostly pads & tampons. This was requested from an anonymous reader of our blog. Amii will be doing the same things later on this week, so check out her recommendations too!

MY FAVORITE TAMPONS

I use the Tampax Pearl tampons with plastic applicator (plastic applicator are SO much easier than cardboard), unscented. You can get whatever size you need, but I prefer the multi-pack with lite and regular sizes.

PADS THAT DON'T MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE WEARING A DIAPER

I like the brand Always. I use the ulta thin ones with wings. You can get whatever size you need, I choose "slender". The Always Slender pads (look for the green and pink package) are great for teens or smaller-built women who find regular pads are just too big.  I've also used other Always pads, and I find they feel comfortable and give great protection.

PROTECTION FOR EVERY OTHER DAY

When I have a super-light period or just want to stay fresh all day, I like the U by Kotex Liners. They come in a little black box and are around a dollar. The colorful packaging is adorable and the liners are sooooo thin you'll barely feel them!

OTHER GIRLY PRODUCTS

Secret deoderant (the gel kind is the only one that doesn't leave white chalky stains on my clothes!)
Always on- the- go wipes (see my post all about that topic HERE)
Burt's Bees lip balm

I could go on and on..but I'll stop now. Hope this helped!!
If you have any questions or comments about this topic, you can leave a comment below (feel free to do so anonymously) or email us at GirlTalkTime@yahoo.com.

Love,

Alli

Girls-Only Yoga Book: my review!

Yoga to the Rescue: Remedies for Real Girls by Amy Luwis is a book I recently picked up at my local Barnes & Noble. I don't have much experience with yoga, but I've always been interested in it- not for the meditation aspect, but because I love the stretches and poses that are beneficial to your body. I've been looking for a good yoga book for awhile. I wanted something fun, easy, but also informative, and I have definitely found it in Amy Luwis' book! I wanted to share it with you so you can check it out for yourself.

The first thing I noticed about this book was how cute it was! It's bright pink, compact, and every page is filled with funny illustrations by Amy herself. This book might not seem serious, but you definitely get a lot out of it!

Another thing I like about this book is that each of the 48 poses is divided into a category- the categories are Sexy, Calm, Energy, Restore, Sanity, Cleanse, and Ragtime.  These categories will do multiple things for you- whether you want to tone a certain area, boost your confidence, get some sleep, stretch a particular area or organ, improve your posture, or relieve PMS symptoms- it's all in this book, and so much more!

Each page has a helpful (and super funny!) illustration of the pose, as well as an easy-to-understand instruction guide, helpful pointers, and a list of the physical and mental benefits the pose will provide. 

You  name what you want your pose to do for you, and there is something in this book that will aid in that area! It doesn't matter if you're 8 or 80, flexible or stiff, a yoga newbie like myself or a master of the thing, you're sure to love this book! It's great for any girl who's interested in learning more about yoga.

If you're tired of the super-serious yoga books featuring perfect women in perfect poses, Yoga to the Rescue swaps spirituality and skinny minnies for cartoon women with tummy rolls without sacrificing top-notch yoga instruction. I highly recommend this fresh approach to yoga. It's fun, beneficial, and affordable (check it out at your bookstore or Amazon.com)!

Have you ever tried yoga? What are your favorite resources to learn it? Let me know what you think about this post in the comments!

Love,

Alli

P.S. Don't forget to follow our blog so you can stay up to date on all the girly things we post about! We have some exciting giveaways coming up soon! :-)

School Picture Tips

HAIR

-Keep your hairstyle classic for school photos. Just try a simple blowdry with a slightly off center part. You'll regret anything complicated or super-trendy in a few years.

-I suggest leaving your hair down, or putting it half up/half down. Sometimes having your hair back in a tight bun or ponytail can make you look bald in photos!

-Wavy hair is actually a lot more photogenic on most people than stick straight hair, so keep that in mind when styling!

-Use a bit of cream or de-frizzer in your hair so it is smooth and healthy looking.


CLOTHES

-Wear a color that is flattering on you- or something that brings out your eyes and looks good with your skintone.

-Avoid loud colors and patterns.

-Make sure whatever you wear won't clash with the background of the photograph!


MAKEUP

-Do your makeup the way you usually do- your school photo is supposed to look like YOU!

-Apply a little extra bronzer- flash cameras can usually make you look washed out.

-Today isn't the day to skimp on concealer or foundation! Make sure your blemished and undereye circles and concealed so your skin looks as flawless as possible in the picture.

-Don't go overboard on eye makeup. This isn't the time for bright colors. Do a neutral eyeshadow (nothing dark, but a light shadow will make you look awake and is always flattering), some mascara, and maybe a bit of eyeliner to define your eyes. A little blush is nice too, to give you a healthy glow.

-Leave your lips natural with just a little balm or gloss. You'll regret doing a wild lip color.


SMILE

-Bring a travel toothbrush or some dental floss with you to school- you want to make sure you don't have anything in your teeth!

-Optional: Use teeth whitening strips or paste leading up to picture day. That way, you'll have an extra pearly grin!

-Rather than trying to look a certain way in your photos (serious, cool, smart, etc.), just muster a relaxed and genuine smile. Laugh slightly, or open your mouth a little bit so get a flattering smile.

-If you always blink in photos, ask the photographer to count to three before they take the picture. Then, you can blink on "two" and be wide eyed for the capture.


Most importantly, just BE YOURSELF. Pictures always turn out the best when you don't try to hard and just keep it natural.

xoxo
Love,

Alli

10 Beauty Tips for SCHOOL

That's right, girls, back to school time is upon us! (HALLOWEEN decorations are already in stores!!?? It's still summer!) Here are 10 fun, easy, back to school beauty tips to help keep you looking your best.

1. Carry face blotting papers with you to soak up oil without smudging your makeup.

2. Smell good all day by spraying perfume at the nape of your neck. The fine hairs there will absorb and hold fragrance longer than your skin does.

3. Use a shimmery gloss if you want your lips to seem fuller, and a matte lipstick to make them seem thinner.

4. If you don't have time to wash and style your hair every morning, shower before bed, then put your damp hair in a braid or bun. Your hair will have natural looking waves in the morning, and you'll be clean and ready to go!

5. Drink as much H2O as possible every day. Carry a water bottle around with you at school if you can! It has been said that staying hydrated can keep your complexion clear, and I've definitely noticed that myself.

6. Store a beauty touch-up kit in your locker. If you rushed to school, you can apply any steps you missed once you get there.

7. Massage your scalp for 3 minutes to increase blood flow- some say it will make your hair grow faster! You can also strengthen your hair by eating foods rich in sulfur, like milk, fish, and eggs.

8. Apply a bold, shiny lip color to draw attention to your face. You'll instantly appear confident.

9. Pair a chic headband with a messy bun for a casual, but cute daytime style. Or, if you don't have time to curl all of your hair, just curl the ends of a basic ponytail to make it more polished.

10. Microwave a small bowl of your body moisturizer for 20 seconds before you apply it- warm lotion is great for soothing tired muscles and dry feet. Or, if it's a really hot day, pop your lotion into the fridge for 10 minutes before applying it for a cooling effect.

I hope these helped you out! Comment below and let me know which idea was your favorite, or leave me your own beauty tips and tricks. Good luck!

Love,

Alli

Morning Fog: Ways to get over your morning drowsiness

Hey Girls!

In the mornings are you ever tired and groggy but don't want to hype yourself up with a cup of coffee? Well, if it's looks you're worrying about, a good under-eye eye roller like a Garnier Nutritionist Caffeine Eye Roll-On eye roller may help... It targets eye puffiness that makes you look tired on those early mornings.

Another morning trick is to avoid being stressed in the mornings. It makes you feel stressed and look it too. By setting an alarm a few minutes early and setting out your things the night before both saves you time and lets you have a few minutes to yourself to get collected before you leave, which, avoids forgetting things!

Now, we all know of people who don't eat breakfast or are the kind of people to just avoid the concept all together. Studies show that those that do eat a good breakfast in the mornings have better focus throughout the day, have a higher metabolism, and tend to be in a better mood. For those of us that don't have time in the mornings to make a five star breakfast, a granola bar like Quaker Oats Chewy Granola Bars are a good alternative. You can grab and go and they're pretty yummy too!

If you'd like something a little healthier, Special K has great breakfast bars and meal bars that are a fulfilling breakfast for all of you that are on the go.

Hopefully, these tips will help all you girls out there in your slew of mornings!

Lots of Love,

Amii