Fall Season and October Trivia (Miscellaneous)

Test your random knowledge about Fall traditions, Fall related phenomenon, October's awareness and celebrations, and the most popular things in the Fall season! 

(image by Aaron Burden)

Start Quiz

Question

Your answer:

Correct answer:

Next

Please wait..

↺

You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}

SHARE YOUR RESULTS

ShareTweetPinEmail

Your Answers

Retake Quiz

The post Quiz: Fall Season and October Trivia appeared first on GirlSpring.

Single Person Costume Ideas

Wearing a solo costume is a great way to stand out and shine on Halloween. It also means you get the freedom to dress exactly as you choose. No need to compromise on coordinating costumes with others!

Cowgirl

Cleopatra

Witch

Strawberry Shortcake

Dorothy from Wizard of Oz

Two People 

Matching costumes with your bestie, significant other, or a family member can be a lot of fun! These five costume ideas are perfect for two.

Angel and Devil

Barbie and Raquel

Mario Brothers

Velma and Daphne from Scooby Doo

Buzz and Woody from Toy Story

Three People 

These iconic costumes are great for you and your two best friends.

Kiss, Marry, Kill

3 blind mice

Firefighter, Police Officer, and FBI agent

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Minions

Group Costume Ideas

These group costume ideas will make lasting memories for you and your friend group this year.

Disney Princesses

Mermaids

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Football Players

Wrestlers

Boxers

M and M’s

Aliens

These are some great and affordable costumes you can choose from. You have the option to go with a whole group or just by yourself, if you prefer. I hope that you were able to draw some inspiration from this list of ideas! Have a happy Halloween!!!

The post Costume Ideas You’ll Love 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.

Even if it does not seem like it now, all the work you are putting into all aspects of your life will benefit you at some point. All the studying you did for that one math exam, or the soccer camps you attend in hopes of being recruited by your dream school, the practice you put in to your trumpet solo for your school’s half-time performance, or the effort you make just to show kindness on a daily basis; All of this is done for a reason. Your hard work will pay off.

You will make it through. Think about the seniors above you, your older family members and friends, and the countless other people who made it through this year. So will you.

As a junior girl myself, here are a few mantras I’ve been repeating to myself recently:

Live life to the fullest

Studying, while important, should not consume you. You are allowed to take a break. A healthy life means balance between work, fun, and relaxation. If you want to go hang out with friends every once in a while, that is okay! Your time in high school is almost up, do not let it go to waste.

It’s okay not to be the best

Your SAT scores do not define you. Other people achieving goals that you haven’t does not define you. We all have somebody we strive to imitate, someone who, in your eyes, is the “best” at something. When I get to thinking about that girl, my idealized version of myself, I like to remember that there is probably another girl out there that thinks that way about me. In somebody else’s eyes, you are the “best”. You don’t need a trophy or a stellar grade on your English final to be the “best”, somebody else can see you as the “best” for your personality, your humor, your kindness, and other areas that you may not even think about.

It is also important to remember that being the “best” is subjective. Even the greatest athletes in the world have their pitfalls from time to time, just like how your classmate, who makes perfect grades, still stresses over her upcoming math test. So, when you are comparing your ACT scores, remember that your ability to do your personal best in school is different from the person next to you. Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses.

Everything will fall into place

College applications and decisions are barreling towards us like a freight train. Sometimes it feels like college mandates the course for the rest of your life, but that is not true. Throughout your life, you will have so many opportunities to achieve your goals. Even in college, you can change your major three or four times. Everybody’s personal and career goals will evolve as they grow, so having your life meticulously planned out is not a necessity. You will end up where you need to be. Attending an Ivy League does not change that.

Now onto winter break!

Sure, this break includes holiday parties and gift shopping, but it’s wise to remember that it is called a BREAK for a reason. Indulging in festivities can be fun, but I encourage all junior girls to take these couple weeks to relax. You’ve made it through the first half of the year, you deserve to take some time off! Relaxation means different things to everyone, so find how YOU prefer to relax and allow yourself some time in your busy schedule to do that. For me, I enjoy reading to decompress, but you may have a different preference than me!

Congratulations! You have made it this far. Keep going, stay strong, and remember that a healthy lifestyle means balance.

Sincerely,

Your fellow overworked junior girl

The post Dear Overworked Junior Girls… appeared first on GirlSpring.

Worse, if you’re like me and don’t celebrate any winter holidays, you might feel excluded from the festivities and extra bored. Here are some underrated, inclusive, activities to starve out the winter blues.

Appreciating the Trees

Trees have it rough during the winter. They lose their leaves, face the cold, and worst of all, get chopped down to be used as decorations! Instead of killing trees, go outside and admire them. The contrast of dark branches against a gray winter sky is elegant and satisfying. While the wind nips at your cheeks and cardinals sing, you will feel refreshed and energized after a walk in the woods.

Visiting Colleges

I know what you’re thinking, but don’t get stressed. We’re not visiting the college for educational purposes, but because colleges are basically parks with buildings. Especially if you haven’t been there before, the campus will be a refreshing change of scenery if you’ve exhausted all the local attractions. Run across the quad, take pictures of interesting buildings, and learn a bit about their history. Who knows? You might end up applying there!

Indoor Sports

While you’re at the college, consider visiting their gym. Most colleges have really nice sports facilities like indoor tracks or pools or even tennis courts! Pick up a new sport like squash or badminton so you can exercise when it’s too cold outside. You can get serious and hone your techniques over the break, or simply play with your friends for fun.

Watching Youtube

The crazy thing is, attention span rates have decreased so much that it’s sometimes hard to even finish a complete Youtube video! Instead of scrolling through Shorts, find something that interests you and watch it all the way through. Youtube can teach you how to deeply analyze your favorite movie, paint realistic pictures, or even make a website! You’ll feel proud after learning and doing what you’ve been putting off.

Studying

Yes, you read that right! While midterms may be over, finals and AP tests will be here before you know it. Review topics that have slipped from your brain or get a headstart on really tricky ones. Even if you’re not a junior or a senior, you might want to start thinking about standardized tests like the ACT and prepare for them when you have time. If you’re feeling distracted because your friends are partying, turn off that Instagram think about how smart you’ll seem when you get good grades!

Volunteering

Donate some of your time and effort to help others. Many charities and organizations host events in the winter. Find one you’re interested in and contact one of their members to let you in. You’ll befriend fellow volunteers and make change in the community.

Hopefully, you found something interesting on the list and feel ready to power through winter. Good luck on midterms and have a happy break!

And while you’re at it, check out Girl Spring contributor Anna’s article on how to fight procrastination during winter break!

The post More Serenity, Less Ennui appeared first on GirlSpring.

February 14th can be a stressful day for many people. Some experience breakups at the beginning of this month, and some don’t even celebrate. If you are celebrating this year without a significant other, it’s okay. Here’s why:

History of Valentine’s Day

The origins of this holiday are very mysterious; nobody really knows exactly how it became a holiday for romance and showering partners in affection. Some theorize that it became an honorary day for a martyr of the Catholic Church, St. Valentine. He apparently was jailed and fell in love with the jailer’s daughter where he created the first-ever “valentine,” or a love letter to this woman.

Now, if the day is dedicated to this saint, why has it become a day to share little pieces of candy with classmates and loved ones? Somewhere along the way, beginning in the 1700s, people began exchanging handmade valentines with one another. Obviously, throughout the years the holiday has become a trademark tradition for couples to celebrate. But you don’t have to spend it that way.

Being Single on February 14th

Each year, however, so many people around the world are left without a partner to celebrate with. It has become so customary that if you don’t have a significant other during the month of February, you can’t celebrate the same, but you can. I know I’ve spent many holidays without a boyfriend, and each year I still manage to turn it into a better situation for myself and my friends.

This year, celebrate self-love. Celebrate the love of your closest friends. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean specifically a partner. There are so many important people in everyone’s lives that deserve loving recognition. So, this Valentine’s put yourself first. If you find yourself without a significant other, celebrate with your girls or give your mother flowers.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

It’s Never the End of the World

I promise you will survive. Make this holiday a girls’ day, and give your best friends Valentine’s Day cards or candy. Show your family how much you love them; a holiday about love doesn’t mean you are forced to celebrate a significant other. I know personally, I’ve given my best friends little gifts on the 14th. Turn it into something fun, instead of dwelling on the fact that you are single.

Change the narrative to empower yourself and all the other single women on this holiday. You may find that having your best friends with you on the day can be even more fun. Everyone deserves to have a fun, love-filled holiday regardless of who you’re spending it with.

This year, don’t be afraid to try something new. Grab dinner with your mother, or make little treats for your friends. Love can be acknowledged in so many different ways; the opportunities are endless.

So, Happy Valentine’s Day

With all of this being said, keep these things in mind as we get closer to the 14th. I wish you all a great holiday if you choose to celebrate. Take care of yourself this coming Monday, and shower yourself in love this holiday season. Each and every one of the readers on this site deserve all the love in the world.

For more Valentine’s Day ideas, read our latest article “A New Take on Valentine’s Day” to enjoy the holiday even more!

The post Why it’s Okay Not to have a Date this Valentine’s Day appeared first on GirlSpring.

Tasks One through Four

1. 1. 1. • Go to your host home and make Christmas cards with encouraging messages. Save these for later! 
         • Go to a local Dollar Tree and buy five dollars worth of Christmas accessories, light necklaces, headbands, etc., and take a picture of you and your friends!
         • Find three community Christmas trees and take funny pictures in front of them. Make them as ridiculous as you can!
         • Find some artificial (or real) snowballs, go to the park, and have a snowball fight! 

Tasks Five Through Nine

• • • Go out and find a Santa, reindeer, gingerbread man, Christmas gnome, and a snowman (a real one or some decoration) and take a group picture.
    • After this, go and find some hot chocolate to drink. Take a picture of your group with whipped cream mustaches (because what is hot chocolate without whipped cream?). 
    • On your way to your next task sing along to some Christmas carols as loud as you can with the windows rolled down. (The more annoying the better!). 
    • Remember those Christmas cards you made? Yeah, you are going to take those to a hospital or a nursing home and give those to the patients. (Take a picture of you and your friends giving them out or in front of the building). (You might need to call ahead of time to get permission).
    • With the last of your money go to a store and buy some toys (take a picture of you and the toys). Then take these to your local fire department and donate them to Toys for Tots. 

And Finally…

• • • Return to your host house, grab some snacks, and watch a classic Christmas movie. ( I recommend Christmas in Connecticut, White Christmas, or It’s a Wonderful Life!) 

I hope this allows you to have fun with your friends and help spread some joy! If you would like, you can post your pictures in the comments of this article so others can see what you did! 

Merry Christmas!!

The post Holiday Scavenger Hunt appeared first on GirlSpring.

One of the oldest holidays I remember celebrating with my family is the festival of Diwali. While most might know that the holiday is translated as the “Festival of Lights,” not many are familiar with the lessons or history that come with it. Growing up, I was always very excited to celebrate this time of year as it symbolizes a new year in the Hindu calendar. Just like the New Year is a fresh start, to every person that celebrates Diwali, it resembles the start of something new. 

Diwali is considered one of the most auspicious events of the year, and due to the history behind it, the festival deserves all the joyous traditions that come with it. According to history (and what my parents have told me), Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.  To commemorate this holiday, each family celebrates in different ways. I know several people that will hang Christmas-type lights inside and outside their home. Some parents treat their family to new clothes to commemorate a new year. Others will deliver gifts to loved ones. Personally, my family never fails to make delicious new foods and sweets. No matter how someone celebrates, each person is celebrating Diwali in their own way! 

Growing up, I never had the chance to celebrate the Indian festivities with anyone besides my family. However, after coming to UAB and meeting so many peers that were raised just like I was with immigrant families, I found a community that was just as eager as me to partake in similar traditions. I even joined the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) at UAB to become more invested in my culture. Through gaining various leadership positions in ICA as well as holding events that others can attend to learn more about the culture, I have gained a completely different perspective on my heritage and try to get others as involved in it as possible.

The biggest event that ICA holds every fall semester is our annual Diwali Show. Held at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center every year, the Diwali Show showcases various community and student groups that come to perform. While a majority of the acts are dancing, each performance brings a different aspect of the Indian culture onto the stage and allows the audience a thrilling show to attend. This year, we held a sold-out show to almost 2,000 people in attendance with 17 different performances. At the end of the show, we provide all attendees an opportunity to taste some authentic Indian food by bringing in Taj India to sell prepackaged food boxes for just $5. 

This year we held the 21^stannual Diwali Show titled “An Enchanting Night in the Magic City.” Through thousands of dollars in sponsorships and endorsements, and the Birmingham community’s support, this was by the far the most successful show we have ever held. As one of the Co-Presidents for the organization, I was so proud of us. Never would I have imagined that I would the opportunity to lead and organize such a grand event, let alone have it be a huge success! Thankfully, the Birmingham community is very supportive and is always eager to support the event. 

This event is held every year in November, so if you are from the Birmingham-area, I highly encourage you to attend at least once in your lifetime. You get the chance to learn so much about the Indian culture, meet so many dedicated and enthusiastic faculty and students, and get a taste of authentic food to wrap up your night! 

I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate a wide variety of festivities. Sharing them with others gives me the chance to expand the influence and learn something new in return! Lastly, I always love an opportunity to dress up in some beautiful clothes! Please make sure to check out the pictures from the event! 

The post Diwali-The Festival of Lights appeared first on GirlSpring.

Netflix:

1. Explained!
   1. I recently got into this one, but it’s super interesting and a show you can jump into without needing to start from the beginning. Learn something new about whatever interests you in every episode! 
2. Glow Up
   1. This is a makeup competition show. Talented makeup artists go head to head to create artistic and intricate looks with prompts every week. This is super entertaining! 
3. Never Have I Ever
   1. I LOVE Mindy Kaling! So I knew I was probably going to enjoy this show about an Indian-American girl grieving the loss of her father whilst trying to navigate high school. This is not your average high school drama and is just as full of dramatic depth as it is real comedy. Definitely worth a watch!
4. The Baker and the Beauty
   1. My friends and I binge-watched this for HOURS. A crazy storyline based off of a popular Israeli drama, this centers around a humble baker who falls in love with an A-list actress. This show is just so much fun and will leave you wanting more. 
5. Boys Over Flowers
   1. This is a CLASSIC. It’s a Korean drama starring none other than my celebrity crush, Lee Min Ho, in the role that launched his career. A Cinderella story, the show centers around the daughter of a dry cleaner who gets accepted into an elite academy because she saves the life of a fellow student. From there, she meets the school’s most popular and rich group of guys, called the F4, and goes on an array of adventures when two members of the group take an interest in her. 
6. Memoirs of a Geisha
   1. This is a historical romance about a young girl’s journey to becoming a geisha. With World War II on the horizon, she not only faces her own personal changes as she comes of age and trains in the arts, but also changes that are taking place in the world as she knows it. This is an inspiring story and truly a fascinating look into pre-World War II Japan and Japanese traditions. 
7. Iliza Shlesinger: Freezing Hot
   1. I personally think every female should watch an Iliza Shlesinger comedy special at least once in her life, and I truly believe Freezing Hot encapsulates so much of the female experience… well.. The funny parts that we can laugh at ourselves about at least. 
8. Jane the Virgin
   1. Look, if you haven’t seen Jane the Virgin yet… it’s time. I know you might have preconceptions, but this show will make your heart skip a beat with its wild romances and then make you cry because of familiar acts of love and demonstrations of family that seem all too familiar. 
9. Love Actually
   1. This is a CLASSIC. Technically more of a Christmas movie, but I’m always up for Christmas in August! Genius-ly written and directed by Richard Curtis (who also made About Time, another favorite on Netflix I highly recommend) this movie follows multiple people’s love stories as Christmas approaches…. And ALL the characters are loosely connected to one another. Just a word of caution, this one is for more mature audiences, so viewer discretion is advised. 

Hulu:

1. Under the Tuscan Sun
   1. This is such a good movie for if you want something uplifting (and maybe a bit romantic too). This centers around Francis, who impulsively decides to move to Tuscany after her divorce. She experiences depression, change, and then the overall process of starting over and realizing that sometimes our dreams don’t come true exactly the way we think they will. 
2. This is Us
   1. Will you cry almost every episode? Yes. Probably. But that doesn’t mean this beautiful show about family isn’t worth a watch. Full of twists and turns, follow Kate, Randall, Kevin, Rebecca, and Jack and see how their choices impact generations to come. 
3. I Love Lucy
   1. If you’ve never seen this classic sitcom, do yourself a favor! You will probably laugh harder than you have in a while! You can watch the episodes in any order, but my favorite (and the one I have my friends start on) is “Lucy Does a TV Commercial.” If you’re into girl power, Lucille Ball is a shero to watch. She wrote, produced, and starred in her own show in a time period where that was basically unheard of, and she did a BRILLIANT job at it!
4. Dawson’s Creek
   1. Coming at you with another classic TV show! My mom showed me Dawson’s Creek in high school and I instantly became hooked watching Dawson, a want-to-be filmmaker, as he and his friends navigate high school in their hometown by the coast in Massachusetts. 
5. Bohemian Rhapsody
   1. If you love classic rock as much as I do, especially Queen, DEFINITELY watch this movie! Warning for mature content here, but Rami Malek does an awesome job playing Freddie Mercury and the music is AMAZING. This is such a fun movie to watch!
6. Little Fires Everywhere
   1. This suspenseful drama will leave you wanting to know more! I’ll admit, I’m still in the middle of this one, but so far it has so many twists and turns (and an all-star cast) I HAD to include it. If you like a good mystery, I 100% recommend this show!
7. Palm Springs
   1. Okay, I’m going to put another content warning so your parents don’t get mad at me. This one is for a mature audience, but if you’re in the clear to watch it, you will laugh so hard at this Groundhog Day-esque movie! It centers around the two protagonists being stuck in a time loop and, consequently, starting to fall for one another. One starts to want to get out of the time loop, and the other is just fine where he is.

Check out more TV show recommendation articles from GirlSpring contributors!

The post What to Binge on Netflix and Hulu Before School Starts Back appeared first on GirlSpring.

Who was Saint Patrick?

As you can probably guess, the holiday centers around a man named Saint Patrick. The holiday is always on March 17, which is the day of his death. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, which was previously a pagan country. Interestingly, he was not Irish! Born in British Rome, he was enslaved and brought to Ireland later in his life. In Ireland, Saint Patrick is respected as an important religious figure.

How is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated?

In Ireland, the holiday is celebrated by feasting and drinking. March 17 falls during the season of Lent, so many break their fast from meat in order to commemorate this special day in Irish history. However, you’d probably be surprised to hear that the U.S. has larger and grander St. Patrick’s Day celebrations than all other countries, including Ireland! In fact, the first parade for the holiday was held in the Spanish colony located in Florida in 1601. Today, cities throughout the U.S. celebrate with huge parades, the biggest of which being the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. One lesser-known celebratory tradition is the Chicago River being dyed green!

Why do we celebrate in the United States?

Throughout history, many Irish immigrants have settled in the United States. The largest period of Irish emigration occurred during the Great Potato Famine of 1845, with almost one million Irish settlers coming to the U.S. To commemorate their heritage and culture, they began celebrating this traditional holiday of their homeland. Eventually, other Americans adopted those celebrations as well. St. Patrick’s Day is also recognized in other countries where Irish people have emigrated over the years, such as Russia and South Korea.

Why do we associate shamrocks and leprechauns with the holiday?

Legend has it that when Saint Patrick was spreading Christianity throughout Ireland, he used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, to assist him in explaining the Holy Trinity. As for the leprechauns, they were fairy-like creatures often found in Celtic folktales. Before Saint Patrick converted the country to Christianity, many Irish believed in the pagan Celtic religion. The leprechaun and the legends associated with it led to the tradition of pinching people who aren’t dressed in green, as well as the popular image of a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The shamrock and the leprechaun have evolved over time to become symbols not just for St. Patrick’s Day, but for Ireland itself.

I hope you’ve learned a bit about St. Patrick’s Day, or at least enough to impress your friends! This year, the holiday falls on Wednesday, March 17. Don’t forget to wear green!

Sources:

https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zvpwvk7

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/celts#:~:text=It’s%20believed%20that%20the%20Celtic,culture%20are%20still%20prominent%20today.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Celtic_religion

http://www.collegiatetimes.com/lifestyles/why-we-get-pinched-on-st-patricks-day/article_ea6762c8-2960-11e8-af3c-db79c483d234.html#:~:text=Patrick’s%20Day%20to%20make%20themselves,be%20compared%20to%20the%20leprechauns.

Want to hear more cool history? Read about the history of Saint Valentine’s Day.

The post The History Behind St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on GirlSpring.