Lifestyle

Opposing Views: Have You Caught in The Blues?

Help! It seems like my best friend and I don’t see eye to eye about a lot of topics these days. I’ve known Jenny since middle school and I want to keep her in my life, but it’s been hard lately whenever we talk about what’s going on in the world. She tells me to not get the vaccine because “it will turn you into a zombie”. I thought that was strange because my family and I got vaccinated so we could stay healthy. We ended up getting in a huge fight at lunch when I told her I got my booster shot over the weekend with my dad and little brother. It was super awkward when I smiled at her after class; she looked right at me but kept walking. 

Pack It In

Out of the Woods bags are sustainable and earth-friendly 

Hug the planet! Today’s teens are very interested in sustainability and climate change; aware of their plastic usage, waste, and how to live a “greener” life. Out of the Woods bags are not only trendy and stylish, but they’re eco-friendly. 

Pets in a Pandemic

Pets in a Pandemic by Melissa Cronin

Twenty twenty (2020) was an emotional year for many. Those who had pets before COVID were already fortunate enough to turn towards their furry companions during moments of anxiety.

Power Panties: Ditch the Panties and Tampons

Having your period is a normal part of life and womanhood, no matter how annoying it may be. But worrying about leaky pads and tampons and messy menstrual cups shouldn't be a thought. So, to subside the fear of aunt flow making a guest appearance on your white jeans and running them, take comfort in knowing that period underwear—underwear worn during 'that time of the month'—is your saving grace. Cute and comfy, these panties replace the need to wear a tampon or pad, absorbing your flow (no matter how light or heavy it is) and leakage without mortifying mishaps. Whether you use them on their own or double down as an extra layer of protection, they wick away moisture that collects, so it doesn't sit up against your skin, making them a win-win. These are the cutest and most reliable ones in our underwear drawer.

By Elise Tabin 

Puerto Rico

This is the second piece of our fourpart series on American Latinos’ places of origin.

Put a (Pimple) Patch on It! Clear skin besties

What was life before pimple patches? Whether used at the first sign of a brewing zit or to deflate a stubborn, angry one in the middle of your forehead, pimple patches are a pop-free way to get the gunk out of a blemish so it quickly shrinks in size. The latest crop of hydrocolloid pimple patches are more advanced than the OG ones, feature anti-pimple ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, and are cute enough to sport during the day to class.

RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait

New Jersey teen Surayyyah “RayRay” Fofana discusses her autobiographical children’s book about diversity and self-love.

By Rachel Sokol

Real Life Helping Yourself

HowTherapy Can Improve and Even Save Lives 
 
By Valerie Mulder

Have you ever felt down? Worried? Hurt? Unmotivated? Of course you have — we all have, after all, it’s been quite a year, especially with social distancing.

But do you feel this way more often than you feel at ease or happy? If these feelings persist, you might be showing symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder. But, good new -- therapists are here to help you learn how to process your emotions, adjust your reactions, and build your own happiness even when times are tough. Let’s talk about talking about it.

Reality TV Romances: Deeper Than You Think

It was 8 pm on a Monday night. I completed all of my homework early so that I could watch the latest episode of The Bachelor. I was excited but my mother was confused: “Your obsession with the show is unhealthy. It’s all fake.”

By Sophie Bogen 

Rising pop singer-songwriter Maisy Kay has released a new single

Maisy Kay’s a talented artist originally from the English countryside. Since relocating to Los Angeles, she’s made a prominent impact on the music scene.

Known for her fusion of dance and pop music, she gained widespread recognition with her 2020 single "The Storm," which amassed over 20 million Spotify streams. Maisy Kay has also collaborated with music industry stars Timbaland, Tiësto, Rodney "Darkchild" Jenkins, and Lukas "LULOU" Loules.

Role Model

Safety Necklaces: Why You Need Them To Protect Yourself

You can never, ever be too careful, especially as a young woman. That’s why, when it comes to safety items to carry on your being, never leave your home with some type of safety whistle, loud noise charm, pepper spray, or the newest must-have: invisaWear.

By Sabrina P. Slavin

Self Tanner: Faux Glow

Summer may be gone, but that doesn’t mean your tan has to fade with it. There’s nothing quite like the healthy tans that summer brings. But just because the temperatures are dropping and you’ve traded your bikinis for cardigans and cargo pants isn’t a reason for pale, pasty skin. Instead, keep your glow going well into fall with these easy-to-use self-tanning staples.

By Elise Tabin

Showtime, Sydney

General Hospital actor, student, and professional dancer Sydney Mikayla shares her passion projects and how to multi-task.

By Rachel Sokol

Soda Wars

So many flavors - but which is the best? We did a taste test!

By Señor K

Lately, the competition for your soda buying dollars has pushed bottling companies to create lots of awesome new flavors of carbonated water. In the old days there were only two types of carbonated water: club soda and seltzer. Today, there are so many flavors of soda water that some have names that don’t even represent a fruit...like Dragon Whispers or Pixie Lights.

Some Volunteering Can Do You Good

When I picked up my 13-year-old son and his friend from school the day before Thanksgiving break, all they wanted to do was enjoy their holiday vacation. They moaned and groaned when I told them we’d be spending the afternoon volunteering. I ignored their sighs and took them to the community center where we were tasked with delivering Thanksgiving meals to local low-income seniors. 

The boys loaded up the car and typed the addresses into Google maps. (They said it was like a scavenger hunt to find the homes). They were surprised how happy the elderly folks were to see them and how appreciative they were of the meals. The boys had ear-to-ear smiles on their faces the whole afternoon. They’ve even asked me to sign them up to deliver turkeys this year.

State of the Union: How Did We Get Here?

Opinion: Social Action
State of the Union: How Did we get Here? By Marissa Mitchell

At the dawn of 2021, a new President and Vice President have been sworn into the United States White House. Typically, this would be a celebration of greater magnitude, but this time, half of the country felt less than celebratory. The last four years, our country has been dealing with polarizing differences, racial tensions, financial inequality, an emerging pandemic, and nationwide division. Following all of that, the American people were exasperated, and yet, we still were tasked with participating in a monumental election: one that would re-elect Donald Trump or elect Joe Biden. 

TAG Covers Keep Bags Clean and Gunk-Free

We all have a style of bag we prefer carrying—be it a cool trendy backpack, a crossbody bag with a big buckle, a purse with a sturdy handle, and so forth.

Teens In The Kitchen!

New Books for Chefs Just Like You! 

By Lana Engelhart 

The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs is an exciting new book brought to you by America’s Test Kitchen Kids (ATK). For the first time ever, ATK is bringing their skills, hands-on learning, and major kid-approved recipes to a kitchen near you. No matter if you want to make something easy breezy and fast, or a dish that is fancy and Instagram worthy, this cookbook has you covered--with easy-to-follow recipes and awesome photos to keep you on track and inspired. Maxwell Surprenant, 18, is one of the book’s featured young chefs.

The classic, niche game is making a comeback

If you’re looking for a fun activity to play with a partner, consider Table Tennis (also called Ping-Pong); which is a game room classic. In fact, ‘Table Tennis’ is an actual Olympic sport!