PLS Blog

Going crazy for Silly Bandz?

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:37:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you have a car around your wrist, or a heart, or a dog or, say, the state of Texas? Then your probably are wearing Silly Bandz. I just found out about these crazy bracelets but EVERYONE is suddenly wearing them. And I mean everyone - even boys.

If you don't know what Silly Bandz are, they are colorful rubber bracelets that are in interesting shapes. So instead of the typical circle-shape, these bracelets are in all sorts of shapes - from stars to cars to alphabet letters.

Want to see what I mean? Click the "Photos" link below.

Please note that if you click this link, you'll leave the Pink Locker Society site and going to a site that sells stuff.

Photos

I'm sooooooo very curious about this trend that I'm running an online survey.

Take the Silly Bandz Survey

I'm very interested to see what you guys say!

Think pink!

Jemma

For Alice in France!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Oooh-la-la - I love France! Our friend Alice is lucky enough to live there. One problem though, she's got "the new school blues."

Dear PLS,
help i got the new school blues. even though I've been there a while there are still some things i miss so much and since i moved to france (though it is an international and the teachers speak english) it has an even more impact and now I'am back at the bottom of the popularity chain. I'am rock bottom on the popularity chain the freak its not my fault I'm different now a days all i do is cry please help T_T
Alice, 11

Moving is hard, no doubt about it. I get what Alice is saying about starting all over, friendwise. It can be fun to start fresh, but it's also nice when people know who you are and your friends are already set.

I say Alice should read the article below about moving and also ask for help from teachers or other grownups. Ask a school counselor: Who's the nicest, friendliest student you know? Then ask if the counselor will introduce you. Also think about joining a sport or club. What are you good at? Also keep in touch with friends back home, when you can. I bet - like me - they would love to hear more about what it's like to live in France.

What do you say mes amis? (That's French for "my friends.) Do you have advice about moving and fitting in for Alice?

What Kids Who Are Moving Should Do

Think pink!
Jemma

Haley's gone veggie (take 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:34:00 +0000

We had some "technical issues" with this post, but it's back!

I know it's a little unexpected but I love vegetables. (Those are artichokes in the photo there. Yum!)

I've even thought I could be a vegetarian - someone who doesn't eat meat at all. I hear it's a little tricky to do that and still get all the vitamins etc. that you need. But Haley's gone and done it. See her question below. Any other veggie girls out there?

Hi,
I just went vegetarian today. I noticed I couldn't find any stuff about vegetarians on your site. I need more info!!! Can you PLEASE HELP?!
Haley, 9

For more info on vegetarian eating, try this article.

What's a Vegetarian?

Also, I thought I'd include a link to a delicious veggie recipe. Yes, vegetarians eat peanut butter - a great source of protein!

Peanut butter and banana sandwich

Think pink!
Jemma

Losing sleep over a sleepover

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:21:00 +0000

Did you ever say something that you wish you could take back? Lilly is in that situation. She blurted out YES! when her BFFs asked if she could go to a sleepover, but her parents said no. What to do?

Dear PLS,
i told my best frnds that i would come over to their sleepover but when
i asked my parents if i could go they told me i couldnt!!! ITS SO
UNFAIR!!! and everyday my best frnds call me to ask me if im going i
keep on saying yes everytime. wht am i gonna do now??? i cant tell them
tht i cant go!!
Lilly, 13

I say Lilly needs to come clean and tell her friends the truth. And the sooner the better. As for parents - they can be frustrating. But find out why you can't go. Is it because you have something else to do? Is it because they don't know your friends' parents well enough? Try to solve the problem and set up another sleepover date. Maybe your mom and dad would be OK with your friends coming to your house for a sleepover sometime soon.

Any other advice for Lilly out there?

Think pink!
Jemma

She's in the middle of a big BFF fight

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:02:00 +0000

Those of us who are blessed to have more than one BFF will understand this problem. Jade says her two BFFs are fighting and she's caught in the middle.

Dear PLS,
My two best friends are fighting!!! I try to talk them into forgiving each other and none of them would and it's driving me crazy cause both of them wants to hang out with me and if I hang out with one of them the other one gets mad. WHAT AM I GONNA DO?
Jade, 13

Have you ever been stuck in the middle of a fight between your BFFs? Oh my, I guess I'd just do everything possible to get them together to work it out. My advice to Jade is to put her foot down and say: I will hang out with both of you, not just one of you.

What do you think? Let's give Jade some advice to hopefully solve this messy BFF situation!

Think pink!
Jemma

Her BFF has an attitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:19:00 +0000

Hi all,
Being confident is a strange thing. People say you should like yourself and be proud of yourself. But what if someone acts SUPERIOR to everyone else? Is that confidence gone too far? That's what our friend below is asking today.

Dear PLS,
What do you do if your bff is acting like she is way better than you??
=), 14

What do you think about this one? What kind of advice can we give =)? Seems to me you shouldn't be sooooo confident in yourself that you make other people feel bad. This article on self-esteem - how a person feels about herself - could be helpful.

What other advice do you guys have?

Think pink!
Jemma

Friends no more?

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Boyfriend break-ups are one thing, but what about when your BFF breaks up with you? Really upsetting. Let's try to help out Olivia.

Dear PLS,
What to do when your bff acts like you're not friends anymore and gives back your friendship bracelet?
Olivia, 10

I think the solution is to talk to that friend and find out what's going on. Did you have an argument over something? Maybe she's upset about something but hasn't told you? So give it your best shot at trying to work things out. But if she won't talk or is just being mean, accept that this friendship isn't going to snap right back into place. Maybe reach out to other friends so you don't feel alone, Olivia?

What else, pink locker girls? How should Olivia deal with this tough situation?
Think pink!
Jemma

The race to be popular

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Hello! Today's question has to do with something we've all thought about - being popular. In my experience, most people don't think they're popular enough. Here's Lola's question:

Dear PLS,
I'm not exactly the most popular girl in the class, because almost everyone in my class has a boyfriend!
How can I be more popular?
Lola

Lola, I think the answer to this question depends on what your definition of popular is. Is it having a boyfriend? Is it having a lot of BFFs? Is it making certain sports teams or being a leader in other groups, such as student council? I think it would be great if being popular meant that a lot of people liked you because you were someone that was fun, friendly, and easy to hang out with. (But I know that's not always how it works out.)

What do you guys think? Can you do something to make yourself more popular? Should you?

Think pink!
Jemma

Cheer up ideas for Emily's mum/mom?

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:52:00 +0000

I love this question from Emily. It's so sweet and thoughtful! Here's what she had to say:

Dear PLS,
My Mum is divorced and she works really hard and I wanna do something for her that will really cheer her up. I make her cards and pictures and buy her the occasional chocolates or gifts. I wanted to do something really different that she would love, any ideas? (I'm not very good at cooking though)
Thanks,
Emily

We all love M-O-M, but it's especially cool that Emily wants to do more than the usual stuff. I think it's great that she already gives her cards and treats. One thing I know my mom likes is when she gets a break from her normal chores. So what if you offer to clean up the dishes or fold the laundry and let her do something else - like have a nice cup of coffee and read a book? It's free and I bet she'd like it!

Now, who out there has other cheer-up ideas? What would your own mom like? If you come up with a good idea for Emily, might as well do it for your mom, too! (Oh dear, does that mean I have to do the dishes tonight?)

Think pink!
Jemma

Snow Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:27:00 +0000

Is it snowing where you are? I am positively snowbound - and getting just a wee bit tired of being stuck in the house. What are your best ideas for keeping busy when the weather outside is frightful?

I like to...

read
do a cooking project
make collages from old magazines
play board games and card games
watch movies
organize my closet - farewell to stuff that's old or doesn't fit!
talk/text friends

Once the storm is over, I'll go outside. If you're going sledding or doing winter sports, check out this article: Winter Sports

You also can be uber-helpful and shovel outside for your family or for neighbors, especially older ones. Any other snowy ideas. Please share!

Think pink! (and stay warm)

Jemma

Don't believe everything you see...

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:53:00 +0000

You all have got to run through this slide show from Newsweek magazine. They show you oodles of examples of how magazine photos are changed to make women look thinner and more perfect.

I love a pretty magazine cover as much as the next girl, but in these cases they would have had perfectly lovely photos even without the trickery! And hello, we girls don't need to compare ourselves to women who are impossibly perfect.

Check it out!
Unattainable Beauty Slide Show

Think pink!
Jemma

iPad (tee-hee)

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:45:00 +0000

OK, at first I thought it was just me. When Apple announced the new iPad, all I could think of was that OTHER kind of pad. But maybe, I thought, it's because I think about puberty entirely too much.

But no, turns out lots of people, especially girls, had the same reaction. One reporter said, "You can bet there wasn't a woman in the room when they came up with that name." Another joked: It's really cool, but can you swim with it?

See a news report HERE.

Funny, funny, but yes I'd still love to own one - looks like a giant iPhone! What about you girls - did the name give you a giggle?

Think pink!

Jemma

Bothersome boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:33:00 +0000

Grrrrr...there always seems to be a certain someone who knows how to irritate you. Emily wrote in with this sort of problem, so let's hear what she has to say and try to help!

Dear PLS,
How do I get a boy in my class to stop making fun of me. I am not going to tell anyone because I don't want to be a tattle tale! None of my friends will stand up for me!!
Emily, 13

No. 1, Emily, don't worry about being a tattle tale. If someone is really bothering you and nothing else will work, please do tell someone. Is this guy annoying, a bully, or both? If you're dealing with a bully, you try the link below for more advice.

Dealing with Bullies

What else, Pink Locker girls? How do you deal with annoying little people who are rude?

Think pink!
Jemma

Valentine's Day - It's coming super fast!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:28:00 +0000

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Are you sending Valentine cards or do you think that's baby-ish.? I don't! And, most importantly, is there a certain someone you would like to be your Valentine?

I like to daydream about Valentine's Day, but the truth is, nothing romantic has ever really happened to me on that day. And the only person I know for 100% sure will get me a card and a gift is MY MOM. Of course, I always think of sending Forrest a card, but I never do. Too chicken!

So if you have ideas on making Valentine's Day more successful, it's time to share. For my part, I have one, good idea - cookies. Try these cookies - my grandma's recipe. They are delish. And, of course, you'll want to make them in heart shapes and decorate them with pink icing.

Think pink!

Jemma

Pink Book Club

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:36:00 +0000

Hi. I just noticed this comment on another post and thought we should discuss.

I just finished the book.....it was great! I read it all online.....sorry that im a little off topic here....but i want to know what other girls' opinions are....leave another comment please!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the compliment. We're glad you liked the book! If you haven't read it, check it out by clicking the "Read the Book" link on the left.

Any other book reviewers out there? Please share your thoughts!

Think pink!
Jemma

Here's to a PINK 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:13:00 +0000

It's New Year's Eve and of course that makes me think about the year behind us. Last year stands out because it's the year that The Pink Locker Society was born with a book and a website. The response has been wonderful - so many great girls looking for answers together.

Since April 28, we have received 17,633 questions from girls. WOW! So if you have been waiting for an answer, you can understand why. Very quickly, we realized that we couldn't do it alone. That's why we started asking for your help and posting some questions on the blog. Please keep helping us. Your advice is great and we really appreciate it!

So often the questions are about crushes and boys. That's no big surprise. More than 13,000 girls answered our poll question: What should you do about a secret crush? "Shhhh! Don't tell him!" won with 8,800 girls choosing that option.

But here's something that we don't want to keep secret: 2010 is going to be an even bigger, better year! The Pink Locker Society will have some big news about a SEQUEL, so stay tuned for Book 2. For now, we're wishing you whatever kind of New Year's Eve makes you happy - a loud party with noisemakers and lots of guests or a quiet little celebration with some special people.

Happy New Year everyone!

Think Pink!

Jemma

Tummy Trouble

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Today's question is a good reminder that we all can become a little body obsessed. Do you ever look at your body, compare it to other girls or even to women in magazines and on TV? "Not Feeling Sexy" said she's worried that her tummy is not flat.

Dear PLS,
I really really REALLY need your help. Wherever i look all these girls have these sexy flat tummys and figures but i look like Ive eaten a ball.It makes me really embarrassed and Ive tried to lose my BIG tummy but it doesn't seem to work.I really need help and ive asked the PLS before but i dont know where to go for my answer.
PLEASE HELP
from not feeling sexy, 13

First, I'd say there's no requirement that you feel sexy. What does feeling sexy mean, anyway? And I'd admit that there are times when I see myself in a photo or in the mirror and I don't like everything I see. It's hard not to compare yourself to others. Have you seen my friend, Piper?!

But here's what I'm working on - a good resolution for all of us in 2010. I'm going to try not to say negative things about myself, even in my own head. So when I'm tempted to think that I'm too short or my boobs are too small, I'll find something better to focus on. For instance, "I look great in my new green sweater" or "I ran a mile today without stopping."

Also remember that it's OK to be a REAL GIRL who looks normal and not like an airbrushed magazine cover. The truth is that people in magazines are often very beautiful but sometimes get extra help from technology. With computer software, they can erase a pimple or make someone's hips look smaller. So even already attractive people end up looking unbelievably perfect in photos. I like this YouTube video because it shows how lots of girls think about this stuff and what REAL BEAUTY is.

Now it's time to hear from you! What do you say Pink Locker Girls? What advice do you have for someone who doesn't like a part of her body.

Think pink!
Jemma

Help for Carolina (who can't see the book)

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Today I received a note from Carolina, 12, who was having trouble seeing the book online. Carolina, my best guess is that your computer is blocking pop-ups. That's when a whole new window "pops up" - in addition to the window you're already seeing.

To solve this, I'd ask a parent if they can disable that while you're on http://www.pinklockersociety.org/. Happy reading!

Think pink!
Jemma

Vote Selena for Class Vice President!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:08:00 +0000

Hey there,
Have you ever run for a leadership job, like captain of a sports team or president of your class at school? Selena is doing just that and needs our advice.

DEAR PLS,
JEMMA THIS A SUPER EMERGENCY!!!!
I AM CAMPAIGNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT AT MY SCHOOL!!! I NEED ADVICE! PLEEEZ RESPOND AND POST THIS!!!!!I HAVE NEVER CAMPAIGNED BE4!
THANKS!!!!!!
SELENA, 12

When someone writes in all capital letters, you know they are serious. I think it's awesome that Selena's running for vice president. Women make excellent leaders, if you ask me. My advice for Selena would be to decide why she wants to run and then tell her classmates. Otherwise, they might just think she's in it for popularity or something like that. Selena, tell them why you would serve your class well!

Hey, this is reminding me of that movie Napoleon Dynamite! Remember when Pedro was running for student council president?

OK, Pink Locker leaders: Who out there has run for something? Any campaign advice for Selena?

Think pink (and vote for Selena)!
Jemma

When your crush sends mixed signals...

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Hello,
One minute it seems like a boy likes you. He winks at you or teases you in that "just kidding" kind of way. He asks if you are going the the hayride. Hmmmmmm...you think - what does it mean? Then the next minute, you hear he likes someone else and he's cozying up to her during the very same hayride he asked if you were attending! What gives?

But before we blame it all on boys and their impossible-to-understand ways, girls are guilty, too. I know I have felt one way about a guy one minute and the next minute I'm not so sure. (Not about Forrest, of course.) Even more often, I wonder if I'm giving mixed signals to guys who might like me, but I don't even realize it. Is it a mixed signal to say hi to someone or say, "I like your shirt?"

So for all those reasons, today I'm featuring questions from girls who are asking about mixed signals.

Dear PLS,
I have a major crush on this boy.
There is only one thing: We are sworn enemies.
My friends think that he has a crush on me because he'll talk to them but won't when I'm around.
Please help me!
I've got it bad!
Thanks,
Regina, aka Green Girl
P.S. this is my fourth time writing. :)

Dear PLS,
What happens when you break up with someone but you still like them?
Caitlin, 11

heeey,
im totally in lovee with this onee guy but his mood swings are kinda givin me whiplash one minute hes totally nice but the next he's really moody, is this normal or should i give up this is the third time ive asked this plz answer xxxxx
LoveeStuck, 13

Green Girl (Regina), Caitlin, and LoveeStuck all need our help. What do you say? I say try not to over-analyze every little moment. That's easier to say than to do, though. If Forrest, my crush extraordinaire, says "Hey," I put it under the microscope. Other ideas on dealing with mixed signals?

Think pink!
Jemma

Thanks for...YOU!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Hello Pink Locker girls!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it seems only right to say what I'm thankful for. Of course, I'm thankful for my family and my friends and the fact that I have enough food to eat and a snug little house to live in. Heck, I'm even thankful for the huge crush I have on Forrest. (It certainly is teaching me how big my heart is.)

But there's one other MAJOR thing I'm thankful for. It's you guys. I never expected so many girls to read The Pink Locker Society book, send in questions, and post comments to this blog. Believe it or not, I have received more than 15,000 questions from girls since May. I wish I could answer them all! I know lots of you are waiting for an answer. Look for more questions to be answered in the coming weeks and into 2010.

All those very sincere questions and supportive blog comments make me proud to be a girl. So many of us are just trying to figure stuff out. We are not all mean girls. Before I started the Pink Blog, people told me, "Girls are going to say lots of rude stuff on the blog, so be careful!" But guess what? 99.9% of the comments have been positive, supportive, funny, and sweet. I especially love it when girls help other girls and really try to understand what that person is going through.

We truly are all in the same boat. Lucky for us, it's a pink one.

Think Pink and Happy Thanksgiving!
Jemma

P.S. Tell me what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Pimple advice for Savannah?

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:51:00 +0000

Ugh. I know how Savannah feels. Pimples have a way of showing up exactly when you do not want them. Here's her question.

Dear PLS,
I have a huge pimple that sits right under my eyelid and tomorrow I have a school dance. My sis says it's noticeable but I don't know how to get rid of it using no lotions. Any help?
Savannah, 11

In my opinion, you have to just accept that you have a pimple and do what you can. Don't try to pop it because that can make it more noticeable. A little flesh-colored makeup called concealer can help it blend in with your skin. Maybe your mom can help with that? Try not to worry too much. If the dance is like dances at my school, the lighting is kinda dark so no one may ever know but you! For more info about how to handle pimples, CLICK HERE.

OK Pink Locker girls, anyone else want to give some advice? Or maybe you've been in exactly the same situation?

Think pink!

Jemma

Another Delaware date!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:25:00 +0000

1. Do you live in Delaware?

2. Do you want to know more about growing up?

3. Would you like to make a beaded bookmark and eat snacks?

I hope lots of you can say yes to all three questions. Debra Moffitt, author of The Pink Locker Society, will be hosting a mom-and-daughter event this Friday (10/23) at the Brandywine Library in Wilmington, Delaware. It starts at 6:30 p.m.

Directions to the library HERE.

She'll be reading a few chapters from the book, taking questions from girls and moms, and sharing a fun craft. If you're a reader, you should have a beautiful bookmark!

Many thanks to The Friends of the Brandywine Library, the wonderful group that's sponsoring this event.

Think pink!
Jemma

Let's hear it for our 10,000th customer!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:02:00 +0000

OK, so by now it's clear that we are just blown away by all the questions and comments we're getting. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And my apologies if you have written in and not received an answer. You are not alone! We have received more than 12,000 questions from girls since late April, when we launched this website.

So the best we can do is answer as many as we can. We also hope the questions we pick are dilemmas lots of girls can relate to. But we picked today's question in a random way. We scrolled back through all our email and picked out the 10,000th question. Here she is!

Dear PLS,
i'm in fifth grade but my crush is in eighth grade. i think if i tell him i like him he will make fun of me what should i do?
Chasity, 10

I love this question. Who hasn't had their eye on a dreamy, but significantly older, boy? I personally think three years age difference is too much if you're thinking of him like a boyfriend. But that doesn't stop you from liking the guy. Why not be friends with him? Since he's older, he probably knows his way around the school. Ask him who his favorite teacher was in 5th grade or ask his opinion about the cafeteria. It's a long way off, but someday you'll be 21 and he'll be 24. Then three years won't be such a big deal.

Agree or disagree? Who wants to help the writer of our 10,000th question?

Hey Delaware Girls: You're Invited!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemma) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:23:00 +0000

If you live in the Wilmington, Delaware area, you're invited to a special evening at a wonderful library! Debra Moffitt, author of The Pink Locker Society, will be hosting a mom and daughter event this Friday (9/25) at the Brandywine Library at 6:30 p.m.

Directions to the library HERE.

She'll be reading a few chapters from the book, taking questions from girls and moms, and signing copies of the book. You can bet Debra will be talking about the PBBs (periods, bras, and boys). So grab your mom and head on over this Friday. It's going to be fun and there will be snacks!

Everyone is invited to the Brandywine Library again on Friday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m., when Debra will be hosting a book discussion for moms and daughters. That night, they'll be making beaded bookmarks, too.

Many thanks to The Friends of the Brandywine Library, the wonderful group that is sponsoring the two-part event.

Think pink!

Jemma