Check out more delicious and healthy recipes these recipe sites: Ambitious Kitchen & Allrecipes

And don’t forget to see our Girl Spring comfort food recipes!

The post 5 Things to Bake for When You’re Bored appeared first on GirlSpring.

1.  Hocus Pocus 1993:On (Disney plus) Rated (PG)
2.  Knives Out 2019: On (Amazon prime) Rated (PG-13)
3.  To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before 2018: On (Netflix) Rated (PG-13)
4.  Little Women 2019: On (Hulu) Rated (PG)
5.  Halloween 1978: On (Amazon prime) Rated (R)
6.  Halloween Town 1998: On (Disney plus) Rated (PG)
7.  Coraline 2009: On (Youtube) Rated (PG)
8.  Legally Blonde 2001: On (Netflix) Rated (PG-13)
9.  It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown 1966: On ( Apple Tv) Rated (G)

What are some of your favorite movies? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Summer is out and Fall is in! Here are 10 movies that Scream Fall! appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Go for a walk

Whether it is around your neighborhood or on a designated trail, walks are an excellent way to pass the time! It has the benefit of exercising and being outside, while also being relatively easy and fun. In my opinion, the best walking times are in the early morning and mid-afternoon, when it’s not the hottest part of the day. In addition, I prefer to take walks with my friends and family because having somebody to talk to makes the experience all the more enjoyable! Listening to music is another way to make walking more fun! Next time you’re bored, go outside and take a nice walk. It’s a great mood booster! 

2. Take a visit to your local library

While I recognize that not everyone enjoys reading, libraries often have other community events available for kids and teens. I highly encourage you to see what your library has to offer! Besides, if you have nothing else to do, why not start on your summer reading? Or, if you are a reader, browse the library’s collection and find an interesting book to read. Enjoy yourself!

3. Have a picnic with friends

Have each of your friends pack their favorite foods and meet in a grassy area to share your treats! A picnic allows a plan to hang out with friends and provides an activity different from your usual hangouts.

4. Watch the sunset

If there are any lookout spots near you, watching the sunset with your friends or family is a fun and free way to get out of the house! It can be very picturesque and provide you with a stunning view. If you are not in a place to see the sunset, try watching the sunrise! It will be just as spectacular. You could even bring a picnic and enjoy food while watching the sun set.

5. Visit a farmer’s market

If you can find a farmer’s market near you, these are great places to walk around. You can browse, sample, and maybe even purchase freshly grown foods from local vendors; I happen to find these very enjoyable. They usually have a very calming atmosphere and may even inspire creativity!

6.Watch a movie

Whether it’s going to a movie theatre or watching from home, movies are arguably the easiest way to cure boredom. You can even make an event out of it and invite your friends to a movie night! If you’re at home, maybe serve microwave popcorn to each guest. If you need suggestions for movies, I watched all of the Marvel movies in chronological order. It gave me something to look forward to and was a simple way to occupy my time in the summer.

Remember to try these activities out next time you are bored, and have a great summer!

Click here to see more activities you can do with friends, family, or even just for yourself!

The post Activities to Cure Summer Boredom appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. ACT / SAT

Getting your desired score on either of these tests is one of the best places to start. If you are unsure what score you need, I recommend looking up colleges that you think you might like to attend. Also, don’t be afraid to take both of these tests. They are both different, and some people find different ones to be best for themselves. Along with this, find a book that has practice tests, so that you can go into the tests with some background knowledge of what it will be like.

2. College Majors

Deciding on a major can be a difficult task. Right now you do not have to know exactly what you want to be, but having some idea of what you like and do not like can be very helpful in choosing colleges to look into.

3. List of Colleges

Once you have some sort of idea of what you are interested in, whether that be related to location or affordability, start looking at colleges you want to apply to starting in the fall. I recommend narrowing it down to five colleges you want to focus on, and go from there.

4. Scholarships

College can be very expensive, but taking advantage of scholarships can lower the price. Look up ‘scholarships for upcoming high school seniors’ to get started. Many colleges offer scholarships for higher ACT and SAT scores, so it is important to do the best you can on those tests. Also, look for scholarships being offered in your local community.

5. College Applications

Although most college applications do not open until the fall, it is important to look at the requirements for the colleges you are interested in attending.

These can all be fairly daunting tasks, but if you work on them throughout the summer you can reduce the amount of stress they may cause when you begin your senior year. Most importantly, remember to balance these things with rest so that your education, mental, and physical health are both wonderful going into your final year of high school!

Click here to see what you can do this summer, especially if you’re going away to college!

The post The Beginning of the End: 5 Things to do the Summer Before Senior Year appeared first on GirlSpring.

The week before spring break, I was the epitome of unproductivity. I spent around 3 hours a day grinding video games. I also needed an idea for to raise money for RISE, the spring charity. Bored and lethargic, I glazed over the prolific doodles in my APUSH notebook- and had a stroke of inspiration. Instead of wasting time on video games, I should start drawing and selling my art online for chairity!

The next day, I snuck the family iPad to school to work on my designs. I also wanted to convert my art into stickers, so I found Redbubble, a website that handled all the printing and shipping. I only earned a small portion of my sales, but at least I didn’t have to pay anything to start. Finally, I started posting on instagram to publicize my sales. I was ready, right?

At first, my parents weren’t too happy about my plans. They thought I would be too distracted from my studies, but I convinced them that my entrepreneurial skills would come in handy. My dad relented and let me use his Paypal to set up my shop.

It actually took 5 days for Redbubble to process and approve my shop. I was so excited to actually start selling! My friends were interested in my stickers, but no one bought anything at first because they didn’t have money. I mass messaged all of my friends and marked down the prices to 3% in hopes of attracting customers. Many friends asked for commissions and I needed ideas, so I drew portraits of my friends at their request. Finally, one of my friends and someone from New York bought my stickers. I only made $2, but I was so excited.

I sold more stickers, but I became more interested in my Instagram metrics than the actual sales. I had a creator account, so I could track my reach and insights on every post I made. My follower growth was slow but steady. In addition to advertising my art, I also promoted school events and memes to spice up my profile and expand my reach. On the days that college decisions were released, I went outside and filmed reels to comfort the anxious seniors. The reels sort of blew up and had hundreds of views. My friends shared the reel to their friends and told me about how touching it was. It was very exciting to see the impact of my creations!

After spring break, I felt a lot more productive and renewed my sense of purpose. I’m glad that I found a method to inspire myself and others, and even make some money in the process!

If you’re curious:

Instagram: Tina Gao (@topgao720) • Instagram photos and videos
Redbubble: TopGao720.redbubble.com

The post April Showers Bring Cash and Insta Followers appeared first on GirlSpring.

Right now, my very impersonal high school resume includes a jumble of meticulously chosen words from Thesaurus.com. Listed in the surely overlooked “skills” section of this one-page brag sheet are “interpersonal communication”,  “leadership”, and “creativity”, meaningless expressions that don’t really say anything about me. While my most cherished skill would seldom come into practice at college or Homewood Parks and Rec, I find it to have a greater capacity for impact and sincerity than my “attention to detail” would. 

I am skilled in the bending of a young girl’s greatest treasure: her hair.

Most importantly, I can braid my 9-year-old sister’s hair, who cannot go a day without her signature braided ponytail. 

Every Hispanic kid is familiar with the braiding rite of passage. The muted moments in the morning as your Mami calls you over to do your trenzas. You sit still and quietly. You brace for the slight sting of the tightly grasped fistfuls of our thick dark hair, and the even tighter bonding of three strands into one. You thank Mami, head off to school, and play hard without the worry that your fastened waves will come loose on the playground. You sit the next morning, and do it all again, because this is how your mom loves, cares, and protects you. Soon you’ll learn how to do it too.

I remember proudly showing off to my mom how I had picked up on her skill; I used my dolls as subjects. Knots, fragments where I struggled to keep two ripples from involuntarily mingling, humbled my practice. When my little sister had grown hair long enough to graze her shoulder blades, I could finally practice on the tender head of a girl who needed it – needed me.

The search for purpose has come to mean “beyond-the-self” grandiose actions, everywhere, all the time. Philanthropic individuals and companies continue to impact paths never to have crossed their own, proving that one can trigger ripples of change in the world simply by caring for others–communities far removed from our own.

We must see the bigger picture.

But seeing the world beyond ourselves can be beautiful and human in our personal lives, too.

Taking five minutes of my morning to brush my sister’s hip-length hair and bind it with her favorite hair tie provokes an unexpected joy in me; her excitement is infectious and her need one that I am happy to fulfill. 

Braiding her hair every day gives me a purpose beyond myself but so intricately entwined with who and what makes me me.

I used to feel more and more frustrated every year I got older: sometimes incapable of carrying out my passions to the best of my ability, not wise enough to know exactly what I want, and defenseless against comparison. I mean, who can be great living at the same time as Stevie Wonder, the first sixth-grader to have a No.1 single? The “greats” made it difficult to see the great that I had already achieved in my lifetime.

A simple act of service, whether it be braiding a friend’s, a teammate’s, or a little sister’s hair, hushes this outside noise. We feel gratitude: for the gratifying nature of the mundane, for the security of love from those who know you the most. 

Braids are the prettiest microcosms: waves woven into one body, a union; a mesmerizing capture of culture, both of femininity and homeland; expressive beauty harnessed into a neat figure – kempt enough for others; flowing waters that still the uncontrollable and fulfill the most basic of needs. My braiding expertise has assured me that if and when I pursue greatness, I will have the purest of intentions. After all, what is better than a kid knowing they can count on you?

The post an intertwined confession: my love for braiding appeared first on GirlSpring.

We have all had that day when we have absolutely nothing to do. We all just sit around and mindlessly watch TV or just stare at the wall (Am I the only one that does that?). Because of this, I have decided to help you find ways to entertain yourselves when you have nothing to do.

1. Read a Book

I know every single English teacher on the face of the planet has said this, but reading is a great way to spend time. Even if it is just a comic book, or a short chapter book, reading a book can engage your brain and entertain you more than just watching a movie could. An even better thing to do is to find a nice spot outside to read. Not only is it aesthetic, but it also gets you outside in the sun. 

2. Go for a Walk 

On the subject of outside, going for a walk is a great way to spend time. It can give you a workout, and it lets you see the beauty of nature. Another great thing about walking is that it allows you to have time to think about things that are bothering you. Another way to make walking fun is to make it a habit and do it with your friends or family. That way you can all exercise and have fun together. 

3. Color a Picture (to the best of your ability)

Look. I am a far cry away from an artist but drawing can still be fun. Even if it is doing a coloring page, tracing a picture, or actually drawing something of your own, creating something is engaging. Also, drawing can be very calming if you just focus on the task in front of you. To make drawing more enjoyable, close your eyes and scribble on a paper. Then, when you open your eyes try to make a picture out of your scribbles. 

4. Try to Write Something

Writing can almost always be an easy way to pass the time. It engages your brain and makes you think about different scenarios. Even if you don’t write the next great literary achievement, you still make a story that no one else could have done. Or if you don’t want to write a story, you could write a poem, or even just a couple of jokes. Writing can free your mind to go places you never thought of before. Also, it can definitely cure boredom. 

5. Go to the Park and Swing

I will never care if people say playground swings are for kids – I will always deny it. Swings are one of the best inventions created by man. The fact that it is just a simple design but it can cause unimaginable joy still astounds me to this day. Even if you only swing for a couple minutes, just put some earbuds in and play some of your favorite songs, and let go of all your problems. One of the best feelings in the world is the weightless feeling of swinging.

I hope these five things have been helpful. The next time you feel bored just remember there is always something to do!

The post Five Simple Things to Do When You are Bored By: Corra Maddox appeared first on GirlSpring.

Fun Ideas for a Spring Break Spent at Home

It seems like everyone has plans for an amazing Spring Break vacation. You can also have amazing Spring Break plans – regardless if you go anywhere!

If you are at home for Spring Break, this list is for you!

Read

All those books on your reading list that are sitting on your shelf collecting dusty are ready to be picked up. Grab the one you’ve been eyeing and go outside and read while soaking up some sun in the backyard. Or go to a local coffee shop, get your favorite pastry, and read.

Binge Netflix

There are so many shows on Netflix that have many seasons to keep you busy all week. My favorite shows to binge are Grey’s Anatomy, Law and Order, Friends, That 70’s show, You, Gossip Girl and The Office. All of these shows are extremely addicting. Trust me, you will not get bored.

Bake

Bake cookies or a cake. If you don’t usually bake, learn! Baking is so much fun and you get to eat whatever you bake. Get creative and just experiment. Learn baking courses in a new way, like making vegan or healthy chocolate chip cookies. There are so many recipes and fun ideas on Pinterest, so have fun looking them up and start baking!

Redecorate/Organize

I am sure your room could use a new look, I know mine could. Change up the way your bed is positioned in your room, or move your dresser next to the window. Change things up a bit. Or organize your drawers. I know it is easy for clothes to get jumbled up and it becomes frustrating trying to close drawers. So, dedicate a day to organizing, refolding your clothes or redo your closet.

Exercise

Go on a morning run or start a new exercise routine. Exercising can only improve your health, so try it out! Or maybe go on Youtube and learn how to do yoga or pilates. There are so many different workouts out there and Youtube is full of free ones.

Treat Yourself

Give yourself a spa day. Put on a face mask, prop up your feet and watch your favorite romance movie. Finally, paint your fingernails and toenails. It’s about time – since you have been slowly watching the polish chip the past few months.

Start A Blog

Finally, write that first blog post you have been putting off for months. You know have a whole week to design a blog and express yourself through writing. Be bold and make it your own!

There are an endless amount of ideas to keep you occupied all spring break.

If you find yourself bored, think of all the things you’d like to do during the school year that you never have time for and do them!

Make the most of your week and relax. You deserve it!

The post Fun Ideas for a Spring Break Spent at Home appeared first on GirlSpring.

Korean dramas have recently become popular internationally, generally consisting of a variety of genres including romance, drama, action, mystery, etc. These dramas are known for their unpredictable endings, talented actors, high quality production values, and unique storylines. As an avid fan of kdramas, I wanted to introduce a few popular and personal favorite series to watch.

         1. Parasite

An award winning cinematic masterpiece directed by Bong Joon Ho, this movie provides an intense narrative on the themes of class struggle and social inequality. The plot centers around the Kim family who live in a basement of a poor neighborhood making money through part time jobs as they begin to exploit and leech off the wealthy Park family with deceitful means. With the plot twists and thought provoking ideas of societal corruption, this film is a must watch and will certainly keep you entertained.

          2. The Glory

This series centers around a woman named Moon Dong Eun, who has centered her life around taking revenge on her high school bullies. It depicts themes of social issues and human psychology throughout the 16 episodes. The Glory stands out from typical kdramas for its captivating portrayal of revenge, bullying, as well as corruption within society. It was also revealed that this movie is based on a true story, which is very gruesome to process since finishing the series, but it is overall a very thrilling and fascinating movie to watch.

          3. Train to Busan

This film was released in 2016 and gained widespread popularity for the intense action and well developed storyline. Train to Busan is a zombie apocalypse thriller movie that follows a group of passengers on a train who must fight for their lives as a zombie outbreak threatens their lives. Its emotional depth and exciting plot, it has become a fan favorite within the array of horror movies. I highly recommend watching this movie as it is one of my top favorites.

          4. True Beauty

This captivating and lighthearted Korean drama offers a combination of comedy, coming of age, and romantic themes. This series follows the life of a high school girl who journeys through finding inner beauty and security, while being stuck between two love interests both pursuing her. Filled with heartfelt moments, and an engaging storyline, I found it very easy to follow and understand. Many other fans of Korean dramas have enjoyed this series as it is uniquely charming and very interesting overall. 

          5. 20th Century Girl

Last, but definitely not least, this Korean drama series takes viewers on a nostalgic journey of a young high school student as they navigate friendships, personal growth, and love. Although I found this series very warmhearted and cute, there is a plot twist along with a shocking and sad ending. If you are not looking for a korean drama to watch that will completely shatter your heart, I recommend watching another series because I was left in tears and heartbreak. Regardless of the sad ending, I really loved and enjoyed 20th Century Girl and it is a very well crafted story that will definitely be a fun and entertaining watch. 

For more great show and movie recommendations, check out Girl Spring contributor, Trina Hannah’s Movie Recommendations!

And click the links below to watch these exciting k-dramas!

Parasite

The Glory

Train to Busan

True Beauty

20th Century Girl

The post 5 Korean Dramas to Watch appeared first on GirlSpring.

Hi, my name is Trina & I am a manager for my school’s Esports team! Which is overall such a fun and unique experience to have, and to be included onto my resume. So, if you don’t know what an Esports team is, it is essentially a team of gamers. My school has games such as Rocket League, Smash Bros, etc., and my role as a manager is more on the marketing side. So anything marketing related you can think of, I do it. Here is some behind-the-scenes of what it is like to be an Esports manager.

 Constantly posting

My main role as a manager is to help run the social media and create content for them. This can be things like helping to come up with TikTok ideas, creating graphics of the upcoming schedule, etc.. The main social media platform that I run is Twitter. However, prior to doing that I had never used Twitter. So, as you can imagine that was a learning curve. And with the games being at various times throughout the day and the week, it requires posting at random times. Sometimes that can mean 9am or it can be 10pm, you never really know.

Being a part of the team

This is one of my favorite parts by far. There is truly no better feeling than getting to be apart of something bigger than just you. And that is exactly what it is like to be on the team. Even though I am not a player, they all welcomed me like I was one. And I got most of my friend group from joining the team also. They have even taught me how to play some of the games which are very entertaining (I am not very good).

Being outnumbered

Esports is not a very big female “sport”. In fact, our team only has two female players. Then me and my best friend are the two female managers. So that puts 4 girls on a team of 50+ players and staff. Sometimes that can be quite the experience. Such as having to adjust to getting teased by all the guys, sometimes showing you can do something even though you are a girl, etc.. But at the end of the day, they all really do care about us and want what’s best for us.

Balancing school and duties

While being a manager I am still a full-time college student, work multiple jobs, and am a content creator. This means that having good time management is an absolute must and also making sure to stay on top of my work. And that can require some sacrifices such as not hanging out with friends on a weekend so I can get all my homework done and go support my team the next morning. Usually keeping the balance is pretty easy, unless its a heavy homework week or my team is going to travel.

Being a manager for any sports team in college is such a rewarding experience that will be great to add to your resume also. So if there is any sport that you enjoy but don’t want to actually play the sport, then maybe being a manager for the team could be a good fit for you.

Want to read more about games? Check out the Girl Spring article, Where in the World are the Female Protagonists in Video Games?

The post What it’s like to be a College Esports Manager: appeared first on GirlSpring.