Cozy seating choices

When picking seating for your nook, think about comfort above all. An armchair, recliner, or plush bean bag can be excellent options. The key is to choose something that allows you to sit comfortably for extended periods. Cushions and throw blankets are perfect for adding layers of coziness, making your seating even more inviting. Look for fabrics that are soft and welcoming to the touch, as they add both comfort and a touch of luxury. Mixing textures—like a knit throw with a velvet cushion—can give your space a rich, layered feel. You might also consider a footstool or ottoman for added relaxation.

Lighting and atmosphere

Lighting is key in setting the right tone for your reading nook. Opt for soft, diffused lighting to create a warm and inviting space. Floor lamps with adjustable heads or table lamps with fabric shades can provide gentle illumination for a cozy environment. String lights draped around your nook can add a whimsical touch, offering functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Ensure your lighting is sufficient for evening reading or on cloudy days to avoid eye strain. A lamp with a dimmer switch can be handy, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your needs. Incorporating candles can introduce a soothing ambiance, and you might choose scented options like lavender or vanilla to enhance relaxation.

Consider using essential oil diffusers as well; they can add an invigorating aroma to your space, making it even more inviting. Aromas such as eucalyptus or chamomile can be incredibly calming, helping you to focus on your book. Additionally, the gentle flicker of candlelight can create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a good read.

Finally, ensure your light sources are positioned to minimize glare on your book’s pages. This will provide a comfortable reading experience free from unnecessary eye strain, allowing you to get lost in your favorite stories.

Decorative elements

Add carefully chosen decorative pieces to infuse your reading nook with your unique style. Start with a small table to hold your essentials, like a cup of tea, snacks, or a beautiful candle. Adding a plant or a vase of fresh flowers can breathe life into your space, making it feel more inviting and serene. Personalize the area with artwork, framed photos, or keepsakes that inspire and reflect your tastes.

Incorporate soft furnishings like best-selling farmhouse quilts, cushions, and throws to add comfort and visual appeal. Pick items that complement the color scheme and textures already in your nook. Consider hanging some fairy lights or a small piece of art on the wall behind your chair for an added touch of charm.

A stylish bookshelf or a few floating shelves can serve dual purposes of function and decoration, allowing you to display your favorite books and decorative items simultaneously. Items like bookends, decorative trays, and unique knick-knacks can further enhance the visual appeal of your space.

Keep clutter to a minimum. A tidy, well-organized nook is more relaxing and visually pleasing. Use storage baskets or decorative boxes to stow away any extras. By thoughtfully selecting each decorative element, you create a nook that is comfortable and a true reflection of your personal style.

Arranging your book collection

Placing your books in a visually appealing way can enhance the charm of your nook. You might organize them by genre, perhaps keeping your collection of romance books in one area and your best-selling thrillers in another. Another options is to arrange books by color to create a striking visual display. Mixing different genres and book types will ensure a varied selection, ready for whatever mood strikes.

A stylish bookshelf or a few floating shelves can serve dual purposes of function and decoration, allowing you to display your favorite books and decorative items simultaneously. Items like bookends, decorative trays, and unique knick-knacks can further enhance the visual appeal of your space.

Consider rotating your collection seasonally or thematically to keep your reading nook fresh and exciting. For example, in the fall, you might feature mystery novels and cozy reads, while in the summer, you could showcase lighter fare and travel books. This keeps your space dynamic and continually inviting.

Keep clutter to a minimum. A tidy, well-organized nook is more relaxing and visually pleasing. Stow away any extras in storage baskets or decorative boxes, ensuring your space remains both functional and beautiful.

Whether curling up with a clean mystery book or exploring the pages of best-selling romance, your reading nook becomes a special place to unwind and enjoy reading.

The post How to Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Tips for Book Lovers appeared first on GirlSpring.

Wreath

1. Draw a dark green circle. Make it thick, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
2. Draw lighter green pine needles pointing in 1 direction around the circle
3. Add lighter and darker pine needles for a fuller wreath.
4. Color in accessories like pinecones, berries, and a ribbon
5. Shade the accessories with lighter and darker hues. Add a festive message on the ribbon or around the wreath.

Now, I just realized that my tutorial looks like the Olympic Rings. Wreaths are popular and versatile decorations year round, so you can use this technique to make cards for many different occasions.

Snowman

1. Draw 2 or 3 big, white-ish circles. The color doesn’t have to be perfectly white, it can be grey, bluish, or pinkish. The circle on top is smaller. It can sit on a mound of snow.
2. Shade the circles. Where is the light coming from? In general, the bottom of the circles is darker than the top. Use different shades of the same hue and a gentle circular motion to shade.
3. Color in the snowman’s features and outfit. Think beyond the traditional snowman and go all out with the fashion! Mine is going skiing.
4. Shade and add texture to the snowman’s outfit. Short strokes achieve a nice, knitted effect. Blurring in strokes works for fur.

Christmas Tree

1. Draw a dark green triangle for the base of the tree.
2. Draw pine branches in layers. Use a lighter green and decrease the thickness and you go up.
3. Shade where the layer gets overlapped and highlight where the layer sticks out.
4. Color in ornaments and tree decorations. Shade the ornaments with different textures. Use small dots for a sparkles and shades of the same hue for a shiny, metallic finish.

Winter Landscape

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can tackle a winter landscape. You can start out very simple with the sky and snow and work your way up to the mountain-scape or the ski resort of your dreams.

James Julier (James Julier Art Tutorials on YouTube) helped me get into landscape drawing and his tutorials are very thorough. I was able to independently draw landscapes after watching a few of his videos.

I hope you liked these holiday card ideas. Happy drawing!

The post Holiday Card Ideas that are Easy and Fun appeared first on GirlSpring.

Baking Ideas to Fall For

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything: Let’s start with the undeniable star of the season: pumpkin! Pumpkin spice is a beloved flavor that dominates everything from lattes to desserts. You can’t go wrong with classic pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin spice muffins. So, why not get adventurous and try pumpkin spice donuts or pumpkin cheesecake? The options are endless, and the warm, aromatic spices will fill your kitchen with autumnal bliss.
2. Apple Delights: Secondly, Autumn wouldn’t be complete without apples, and they make for amazing baked treats. Try making a classic apple pie or something a little different like apple crisp or apple cider donuts. If you’re feeling ambitious, take on the challenge of creating a stunning apple roses tart. The sweet and tangy flavor of apples perfectly complements the cool October air.
3. Spooky Cookies: Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with spooky cookies? Get creative with sugar cookies, cut them into Halloween-themed shapes, and decorate with vibrant royal icing. Ghosts, pumpkins, witches hats, and black cats are always popular choices. You can also make spider web designs using melted chocolate or black icing. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
4. Caramel Creations: Caramel is a quintessential autumn flavor. How about whipping up a batch of homemade caramel apples or caramel stuffed brownies? If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, you can make salted caramel chocolate chip cookies. The gooey, buttery goodness of caramel is an October must.
5. Cozy Breads: With cooler weather settling in, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Try making a rustic, no-knead Artisan Bread or a comforting Cinnamon Swirl Bread. For a savory twist, consider a Rosemary and Olive Focaccia. Serve these warm with a pat of butter or alongside a steaming bowl of soup.
6. Nutty Delights: Lastly, autumn nuts; like pecans,walnuts, and chestnuts, are in season during October, making them perfect for baking. Pecan pie is a classic choice, but you can also make a batch of walnut and date bars or chocolate pecan cookies. These treats are not only delicious but also packed with the rich, earthy flavors of fall.

Sweet and Spooky Delights

October baking is a delightful way to celebrate the changing seasons and the approaching holiday of Halloween. Therefore, whether you’re crafting charming pumpkin spice creations, embracing the warmth of caramel, or experimenting with spooky cookie designs, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let your creativity shine as you whip up these Fall baking ideas. Your taste buds will thank you and your home will be filled with the inviting scents of autumn. Happy baking!

Check out the link here from Girl Spring contributor Aarvi’s fall drinks to go with all these baked goodies!

The post Sweet and Spooky: Baking Ideas to Fall For appeared first on GirlSpring.

As someone who does not have the time, energy, or expertise to style my hair, this has been my holy grail. I purchased the Revlon Pro Collection Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer and have used it every day since. It gives the voluminous look of rollers while saving you the time and uncomfortable wear. I also like to use it when my hair is in need of a wash day, because it gives it some much needed volume!

Heatless Curl Set – 8/10

Another hair tool that saves time and energy, except this one also saves you the heat damage! Normal hot curling tools severely damage hair over time and are seriously inconvenient in the morning. Heatless curls, however, are efficient, can be slept in, and are thus easily accessible in satin.

I personally use the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set, which includes two satin scrunchies to hold my hair in place, although I do use a claw clip to hold the rod in place when I initially begin wrapping my hair. The process does initially take a while to master, but after a while becomes a great alternative!

Shaving Oil – 7.5/10

In a world where it feels like the most efficient shaving tools are made for men, a good women’s shaving product is worth talking about. After purchasing shaving oil for the first time, I can definitely say I do not see myself ever going back to any other method.

I spontaneously purchased the Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil while it was on sale; I avoid paying full price in case it was not effective, but now I have no problem continuing to purchase it, because this is definitely worth it! (Keep in mind that body hair is normal and removing it is completely optional, so do not feel pressured to do so!)

Owala Water Bottle – 10/10

Even though it’s simple, this water bottle has possibly been one of my favorite purchases of all time. Featuring a lid that allows you to either drink out of a straw or turn it up to drink it, and a design that fits into a cup holder, it ensures that you enjoy the most convenient and efficient water drinking experience.

The double lock allows you not to worry about it spilling, plus, it doubles as a handle which makes it easy to carry around no matter what else you have in your hands. 

P.S. the variety of color combinations and only add to the fun!

Click here to find more beauty products you can find for cheap!

The post The Internet Made Me Buy It – Popular Products I Recommend 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.

Spring is finally here!! This means it’s the perfect time to share some joy and give out gifts to people you love! There are so many amazing cute gifts for spring this year, you may have trouble finding the perfect one. You need some tips on what gifts would be the best or the perfect-fit…well don’t worry! Here is short list of some of the perfect gifts for Spring 2024!

1. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

The weather in spring can change depending on the day, and you made need to carry a little chapstick around depending on the weather. The Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is perfect for this very reason! Not only is the packaging super cute and would make a great gift just for that, the results from the actually product are super good as well!! The perfect gift for the changing weather!

2. Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mist

Spring time is all about flowers and the fresh air, and who doesn’t love the smell of flowers during the spring time! Well if your looking for that perfect floral scent all day every day, pick up some Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mist! They have a variety of different scents to choose from, and not tend to be as floral as others, so its perfect if you prefer that. This would also make the perfect gift for any of your friends or mom!

3. Brandy Melville Tank Tops

The sun is always out in spring, but the air can be breezy at times too. What clothing would go perfect with this weather…A tank top!! When the weathers not too cold and not too hot, and sometimes you don’t wanna wear long sleeves. Well, tank tops can easily be layered with a jacket, anther short, anything really. It’s such a staple and very versatile that everyone should have one! Perfect top for the spring gift giving season!

4. Owala Water Bottle

During this season it’s important to always stay hydrated, and what better way to do so than with a super cute water bottle. The Owala brand comes with so many different versions of water bottle designs that no water bottle will be the same. The color selection for thus brand also has a very wide range, so you can customize and personalize your water bottle the way you want! You could buy this gift for just about anyone and they would love it!

5. Linen Pants

This may be a trend, it may not, but it sure is great for this spring season! The linen is able to keep you comfortable even with all the sun out. The material itself isn’t too thick, for anyone that likes that, and can be paired with a variety of clothing! These also work well as lounge pants, but are perfect for going out to eat or just for an easy every day look! Everyone needs a pair of these for Spring 2024!!

For more gift ideas, check out this article!

The post The Perfect Spring Gifts!! appeared first on GirlSpring.

Express Yourself Through Music:

• One of the most beautiful aspects of music is its ability to express emotions that words alone cannot capture. Whether you’re feeling joyful, sad, or somewhere in between, music can be a safe outlet for expressing your innermost thoughts and feelings. Take some time to explore different genres and artists until you find the songs that resonate with you on a personal level. Create playlists for different moods or occasions, and let the music be a reflection of who you are.

Find Your Rhythm:

• Beyond just listening, consider exploring the world of music through rhythm and movement. Dancing to your favorite songs can be an exhilarating way to release stress, boost your mood, and get your body moving. Don’t worry about being a perfect dancer – the most important thing is to let go and have fun. Whether you’re dancing alone in your room or joining a dance class with friends, let the music be your guide and embrace the freedom of movement.

Discover New Perspectives:

• Music has the power to transport us to different places and cultures, allowing us to explore perspectives and experiences beyond our own. Take the time to broaden your musical horizons by listening to music from different parts of the world. Whether it’s the vibrant rhythms of Latin America, the soulful melodies of Africa, or the intricate harmonies of classical music, each genre offers a unique glimpse into the diversity of human expression.

Create Your Own Soundtrack:

• Imagine your life as a movie – what songs would be on the soundtrack? Creating your own personal soundtrack can be a fun and creative way to document your experiences and memories. Keep a journal where you write down the songs that resonate with you at different moments in your life, whether it’s a song that makes you feel empowered, a song that reminds you of a special friendship, or a song that captures the essence of a memorable moment. Over time, your personal soundtrack will become a cherished keepsake filled with musical memories.

Use Music as Motivation:

• Whether you’re studying for exams, working out at the gym, or tackling a challenging project, music can be a powerful motivator to help you stay focused and energized. Create playlists filled with upbeat and motivational songs that inspire you to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. Let the music be the fuel that propels you toward your goals and reminds you of your own strength and resilience.

Connect with Others:

• Music has a unique ability to bring people together and foster connections across differences. Whether it’s bonding over shared musical tastes with friends, attending concerts and music festivals, or joining a choir or band, music can be a powerful catalyst for building relationships and creating lasting memories. Embrace the opportunity to connect with others through music, and you may be surprised at the meaningful connections you’ll make along the way.

Music is a universal language that has the power to uplift, inspire, and transform our lives in countless ways. As teen girls, we have the opportunity to harness the magic of music and let it guide us on our journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether we’re listening to our favorite songs, dancing to the rhythm of life, or creating our own musical masterpieces, let’s embrace the beauty of music and let it be a source of joy, inspiration, and empowerment in our lives.

For inspiration on music to bring into your life, check out this positive energy music playlist by Girl Spring Contributor, Eden!

The post Different Ways To Use Music In Your Life appeared first on GirlSpring.

Do your nails never turn out as nicely as they do in the salon? For many of us, painting our nails can seem like a task better left to professionals. But we get it—that’s expensive! What if we told you that you’re not destined for a future of less-than-gorgeous at-home manis? If you think you can’t paint your own nails, try these tips. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised!

Brace Your Elbow on a Table

First up, stability is key. You might not realize it, but a shaky hand is one of the main culprits behind those frustrating smudges and uneven layers. Simply brace your elbow on a table or any steady surface. This extra support minimizes shaking and gives you much more control over the brush, making precision easier, especially when you’re painting with your nondominant hand.

Don’t Skimp Even a Little on Nail Prep

Prepping your nails properly lays the groundwork for everything that follows. Begin by cleaning your nails thoroughly to remove any oils or residue. Next, buff your nails. Then, use a good quality base coat to protect your nails and make the polish stick better. Skipping these steps might save you a minute or two, but it will also make your manicure last way less time.

Try a Bunch of Different Polishes and Finishes

Chances are you haven’t given every nail polish on the shelf a try, and that might be the reason your manicures aren’t turning out. Not all polishes are created equal; some are more forgiving than others when it comes to application. Generally, quicker drying polishes are harder to work with for beginners, while gel polishes or those with a thicker consistency can be easier to control. The brand matters too, as some are known for higher-quality polishes than others. Exploring different finishes to find the right finish for you is also important to ensure the best top-coat protection.

Cleaning Up Is Part of the Process

Lastly, remember that cleaning up is part of the process. Even with the steadiest hand, mistakes happen, and polish can end up where it’s not supposed to. This happens to the pros, and it will happen to you. Just have nail polish remover and a small brush or Q-tip handy to clean up any errant strokes around your nails before they dry up. This step can make a world of difference in the overall look and longevity of your manicure.

Try these tips if you think you can’t paint your own nails—you’re probably more capable of fabulous manicures than you think!

For more beauty tips, check out Beauty Tips Every Girl Should Know Before Age 20!

The post Think You Can’t Paint Your Own Nails? Try These Tips appeared first on GirlSpring.

Here are some things you can do to find your unique style:

Look for Inspiration

Sometimes it can be tricky for knowing where to start. That’s where it is a good idea to look for some inspiration. This can be by looking at influencer’s outfits, pinterest, magazines, etc. There are endless places you can look to for inspiration.

And if you know you’ll want a more high-end style, maybe check what the newest celebrities are wearing. If you are going for more street wear, maybe check out some teenage or young adult influencers across social media. Having a bit of an idea of what you are looking for is going to help of knowing who to look at.

Gather the Basics

Starting out with basics will provide you a base for any outfit you would be wanting to create. You can get some really affordable basics at places like Target or Walmart. However, if you are hoping to invest into some longer lasting pieces, there are other options.

Some places could be Urban Outfitters, Aritzia, Brandy Melville, etc. But just getting some easy basics such as plain tank tops, a couple of jeans, maybe some zip up hoodies, will help you to layer for outfits.

Look at What you Already Have

Using pieces that are already in your closet will help you to save some money. Such as if you already have some basics or pieces you can use for laying with newer pieces. Or if you have accessories you can use to elevate your outfits like jewelry, bags, belts, hats.

Create Unique Pieces

If you just can’t find what you are looking for, maybe you can create it. You can make this as complex or simple as you’d like. Such as you could follow sewing patterns and create whole new items. Or you can just upcycle some other pieces by cropping them, adding patches, etc. Pinterest has great ideas of some cute things you can do to transform some dull and simple items.

Experiment with New Looks

Creating new outfits or combining different things together can make for some fun looks. For example, if you typically dress girly and wear dresses, maybe add a leather jacket on top and go from there. Another easy way to incorporate this idea is by using different makeup and hair looks.

You could try out colored eyeliner, eyeshadow, etc. And for hair you can use accessories such as claw clips, bows which are trending, or just do different styles. Don’t forget that a big part of fashion is having fun with it. You should leave the house liking your outfit and feeling comfortable in it always.

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Check out this article on some funky ways to spice up your fashion and make it your own!

For more mature fashion styles, click the link here!

The post How to Find your Style appeared first on GirlSpring.