25 Things Women Should Know How To Do

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:20:41 -0500

I normally don't read mass emails but a good friend of mine sent this to me this morning and I couldn't resist reading the 25 Life Saving Tips Every Woman Should Know. I probably have mastered about 3 of these but now I have a good starting point of what I should learn. I'm not sure that you all will agree with these but I felt that as a member of Girls Guide To I should share this list with you.

1. Applying blush
The right way of applying blush is an important lesson to know. You start by finding the right color for you. You can do this by lightly hitting or "spanking" your cheeks, which will show you the same color you’d be if you were flushed from exercise. This is the color that you want. Now to apply it, use a brush that you don’t use for anything else, look in the mirror and smile to see where the apples of your cheeks are, and start brushing in a stroke form on the apples of your cheeks. Yes! You’re looking fabulous already.

2. Self defense moves
The knowledge of self-defense could mean the difference between life and death. Every woman should know how to protect herself effectively against attackers, rapists, or anyone else trying to do you harm. All you have to do is S.I.N.G. If you’ve ever seen the film Miss Congeniality, you may know what I’m talking about. S.I.N.G. stands for Solar Plexus, Instep, Nose, and Groin. Targeting any of these sensitive spots on the body will help hurt and eventually distract your attacker, giving you time to run away. Another helpful move is gouging of the eyes. Also, a hard punch, or elbow to the throat or side of the neck will cause the criminal to faint or lose consciousness for at least a moment. Just remember your goal is to get away safely, do it any way possible.

3. Letting him down easy
We’ve all heard the line "it’s not you, it’s me," before. I have some better tips on how to call off your relationship. First of all you need to get your point across clearly. Don’t beat around the bush, be honest (but nice) and say that it just isn’t working out for you. Do not lie or make up some crazy story, again, honesty is key. Always, always, always break up with your boyfriend in person. How would you feel after being dumped on the phone, or even worse through a text message? Above all, remember to be polite but precise about your feelings.

4. Dealing with cramps
It’s that time of the month again and what presents do we get besides bloating and crankiness? Woman’s worst enemy: cramps. Luckily, there’s a few ways that us girls can cope with this pain, besides taking Midol, that is. Some things to try are a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach to help relax the muscles, mild exercise; such as walking or riding a bike, avoiding caffeine and alcohol; which just aggravates symptoms, and drinking a great amount of water.

5. Accessories
The number one rule for accessories that every woman should know is that less is more. You can wear statement earrings or a statement necklace, but not both. Your accessories should compliment the outfit and the color scheme of the outfit. To add a pop of color to a neutral outfit, try a colorful bag, pair of shoes, or scarf. Just remember not to go overboard on accessories.

6. Changing your own tire
Okay ladies, we can do this! It’s actually a very simple process. First of all and probably most obvious; make sure that your parking break is on and that the car will not roll. After you’ve completed that, get out your jack and find out where to place it. To find out this information you can look in your owner’s manual or on some cars there’s a mark behind the front wheel wells or in front of the rear wheel wells as to where to put it. Now, raise the jack so it is supporting the car. Remove the hubcap and unscrew and remove the lug nuts doing one then the one opposite of it until all are removed. Now you can remove the flat tire. Put the new tire onto the wheel studs with the air valve facing out. After that you can replace the lug nuts in the same pattern that you took them off (make sure they’re tight!). Put the hubcap back on and lower the jack. You’re finished! See, wasn’t that easy?

7. Finding the right bra size
Did you know that most women wear the wrong bra size? It’s very easy to find your right size. To start, wear a comfortable bra without padding. Take the measuring tape and measure around your chest right underneath your breasts. This measurement is your band size (if it’s an odd number then add 1"). Next, measure around your breasts at the fullest part. Take that number and subtract it from your band size. Every inch is a cup. For example, if the difference is 1" then you are an A cup, 2" is a B cup, 3" is a C cup, and 4" would be a D cup.

8. Bouncing back from a bad breakup
Getting dumped is never a good feeling. To get over him you need to start by not thinking about him. Don’t talk to him for now. Even if you would really like to, just don’t do it. Take anything that reminds you of him and put it away in a box in the closet. Out of sight, out of mind, they say. Now, you need to distract yourself. Go out and have fun. Do things that you’ve always wanted to try. Mix and mingle. Who knows, you might even meet a new guy. If after all this you’re still very upset about the break-up, then talk to a close friend and get everything off your chest, letting it out feels good and works wonders on emotions. Last, but not least, move on. Realize that if he doesn’t want to be with you the two of you may be not meant for each other. There’s plenty of fish in this sea we call the world. Get out there and find a guy who will treat you right!

9. Telling if he’s boyfriend material
Some women have a hard time spotting a loser. He may seem like a 10 at first, but then he slowly let’s the low-life creep out of him. First of all, is he gentlemanly? Being gentlemanly would include being polite to you, of course, and everyone else. If he’s nice to you but extremely rude to a waiter or server at a restaurant he may just be a mean guy and will show you that side of him eventually. What do you two chat about? A real gentleman is interested in you and your interests, not talking about himself the whole time. How about the check, does he expect you to pay? A courteous man would offer to pay, unless you already agreed to split the bill, making you pay is a definite sign of a loser. You can tell right off the bat if he’s a loser by the way he treats his mother or sister. Bad-mouthing them or being a jerk to them on the phone is probably your cue to leave. Dump that zero and find a hero.

10. Sunscreen is your best friend
Ah, the magical powers of sunscreen. Not only does it protect against skin cancer, but it also helps anti-aging. Applying sunscreen every single day is what will help you have the beautiful young skin you want, forever. Doctors recommend wearing sunscreen every single day, even if it’s not so sunny out. Those nasty UV rays still get through, rain or shine.

11. Staying safe online
Today, in the age of Facebook and Twitter, it’s very easy to slip up and give away some precious information. Posting information, such as your address, where you are, or when you aren’t going to be home, can be remarkably dangerous. Posting your status on Myspace as "In Hawaii until Thursday!" is actually saying, "Come rob my house! I’m not home!" Be smart about what you say and what details you give on the web. Make your web page private and so only people you know can see what you post. If it’s not private always ask yourself, would I tell this to a complete stranger?

12. Staying happy at your job
If you’re at a job that used to seem great, but has long since lost it’s appeal and there’s no other job opportunities out there, then make the best of it. Try being more social. Forming relationships at work will make you look forward to seeing your co-workers and give you a better working environment. Speaking of environment, what’s your work space like? Make it cozier by adding a few of your own touches, like a photograph or a plant. Maybe the problem at your job is that you’re not being challenged enough. Ask your boss for more or different work to do, this may help stimulate your brain causing you to be more entertained. Also, allow yourself a little bit of free time. Check your email or IM a friend for 15 minutes a day in between working.

13. Fighting that hangover
So your drinking got a little out of hand last night. You don’t know much except you luckily ended up in your own bed. What you do know is now you have a pounding headache and feel extremely queasy. What do you do now? Start by calling in sick, nobody will question you if you say that you have the flu. Now, drink up. Alcohol makes you dehydrated so avoid caffeine, which will add to the dehydration, stick to large amounts of water and juice. Eat light foods (if you can eat at all), such as crackers. Go back to sleep then repeat.

14. Acing the interview for your dream job
It’s the job of your dreams and you’re nervous about the interview. Well, don’t worry, I have your back. Make sure you start your day off well; get a good nights sleep, eat a healthy, but filling, breakfast, and get up on time. Research about the company or business that you are trying to work for, the interviewer will be impressed that you did your homework. Stay confident. Confidence can make a huge difference; your future boss will be able to tell that you are confident in yourself and your abilities. Be professional, dress the part and always be polite. Most of all, be yourself.

15. Planing the perfect party
Throwing the perfect bash is hard work, but very worth it in the end. Plan early so you will be sure that you have enough time for all the preparations. Some things to think about include; what kind of party, the invitations, who to invite, where it will take place, where your guests will park, the hors d'oeuvres, the beverages, the seating, the atmosphere and lighting of the venue, coffee for later, and of course all of the little details. If all of this is overwhelming try having a friend help you out.

16. Falling asleep without counting sheep
There are those nights when you just cannot fall asleep. Well I’ll tell you what you can do to help with this problem, sheep free. Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps you to fall asleep right on time every night. Not eating or exercising can be beneficial also; both of which keep you awake longer. Some people say reading a book helps them doze off. If you have a lot on your mind and can’t seem to sleep, try writing down your thoughts. Knowing that you won’t forget in the morning can put you at ease and let you catch some Z’s.

17. Flirting
Some women just don’t have "game" when it comes to flirting with men. You have to let a guy know that you’re into him if you ever want him to make a move. To do this, be calm and laid back, nobody likes someone who tries too hard. Break the touch barrier by lightly touching his arm when you laugh at his joke or picking some lint off of his shirt. Compliments really work wonderfully. Make sure they are sincere ones, though. Make eye contact and hold it for longer than you normally would, he’ll know something’s up.
Talk about his interests, try to get to know him, he’ll know that you are interested.

18. Managing time
Time management is definitely a life-saving skill to know. Planning ahead is the most important thing that you could do. Second most important, would have to be prioritizing. Decide what you need to do in which order, what has to be done by when and what can you hold off on? Set goals for yourself, this will help you stay on task because you’ll want to accomplish them. Organizing your environment and keeping a planner will also help you manage your time.

19. CPR
Be a hero, know your CPR. To start, check the person for breathing, by tilting their head back. If there is no breathing then you start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Plug their nose and cover their mouth with yours and breath 2 breaths into them, each breath being about 1 second long. Now look for responsiveness; breathing, coughing, or moving should occur, if not, start chest compressions. Place your hands in the middle of the person’s nipples and pump your hands up and down 1 ½ inches to 2 inches with each pump being less than 1 second. Do this 30 times. Repeat both steps until help arrives.

20. Putting on a condom on your partner
A very important lesson: putting on a condom. It can save you from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. First of all obtain a condom; from the store, a doctor’s office, or a clinic, like Planned Parenthood (they’ll give you a ton for free!). Now to put it on your partner, just place the condom on the head of the penis, holding the tip of the condom with your fingers, and roll it up all the way. Voila! You’re on your way to safe sex.

21. Complimenting someone
Not only do compliments make the person you’re giving them to happy, but they make you happy too. Compliments are like giving a gift for no reason, which always a great experience. To compliment someone be sure to stay sincere. Be specific with your compliment, a certain piece of jewelry that you like is better than an all over compliment, it will show that you actually noticed them. To make a compliment really strong add why you like it, for example, I like that shirt, the color really brings out your eyes.

22. Preventing heart disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of woman in the United States. Luckily there are many ways to prevent it. Tobacco and stress contribute massively to heart disease so try your best to stay smoke-free and de-stressed. Having a good diet will help too, you are more likely to have heart disease if you have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or are obese. And, of course being active is a great help to prevent many diseases including heart disease.

23. Detecting if someone is lying
Knowing when someone is lying is extremely helpful. Look at their body language, it can tell you a lot. Are they making eye contact? If not, that’s a bad sign. Are their hands touching their face, throat, or mouth? Do their actions and gestures match their emotions and expressions (such as frowning when saying something happy, or saying that they love a gift but smiling after saying it, like it was planned)? If no to those two questions, then you’ve got a liar on your hands.

24. Washing your face every night before going to sleep
The best advice my mom ever gave me was wash your face every single night before going to sleep. Leaving the days makeup and oil on your face will clog pores causing breakouts and nobody wants that. Always remember to wash up!

25. Self breast exam
Spotting breast cancer early on can save your life. You always do a self-breast exam lying down. When checking your right breast, place your right palm under your head and use the left hand to check. Use the pads of your three middle fingers and go in a circle motion overlapping to check for bumps. You’ll need to use different types of pressure; light for the tissue closest to the skin, a mild pressure for deeper, and firm pressure to feel the tissue closet to the chest and ribs. To make sure you check the whole breast, go in a line down the breast then a line right next to that line and so on. Repeat on right side. Call your doctor immediately if you find anything.

Written by: Alyssa Christensen
Original Source: http://smaknews.com/Need-to-Know/25-life-saving-tips-every-woman-should-...

Your question

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:39:05 -0500

I am soon leaving for a year abroad as part of my college education. An older (by about one generation) friend and classmate, whom I have known for less than a year (We've had two classes together and this term sit by each other, work on class assignments together, etc.). Today she gave me a very lavish gift (in my starving college student opinion) from a high-priced boutique. My question is, how do I reciprocate? I am unsure about the etiquette for the receiver of a parting gift. I intend to send her post cards from major parts of my trip, but should I bring her back an expensive souvenir as well? Help, Please.

24 Best Words of Wisdom for Life

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:59:21 -0500

These are some seriously amazing words to live by that I came across. I've already shared this with all of my girlfriends and they absolutely loved it. Even though I don't know any of you, GirlsGuideTo and the ladies on here have become a source of strength and inspiration for me so I wanted to share it with you too. (And, some of these have been GirlsGuideTo's QotD!!!) Anyway, I hope you enjoy this as much as I have and please pass this on to the women who mean the most to you. It's dedicated to us! :)

1. Don't go for looks, they can deceive. Don't go for wealth even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile.
2. There are moments in life when you really miss someone that you want to pick them up from your dreams and hug them. Hope you dream of that someone.
3. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want in life.
4. May you have...Enough happiness to make you sweet Enough trials to make you strong Enough sorrow to keep you human Enough hope to make you happy And enough money to keep you comfortable.
5. When one door of happiness closes, another opens. But we often took so long at the closed door, that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.
6. The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch, swing with, never saying a word and then walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had.
7. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.
8. Always put yourself in other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably does hurt the person too.
9. A careless word may kindle a strife; A cruel word may wreck a life A timely word may level stress A lovely word may heal and bless.
10. The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them with our own image, otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.
11. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along the way.
12. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we should know how to be grateful for that gift.
13. It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
14. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.
15. Love is when you take away the feeling, the passion, the romance and find out you still care for that person.
16. A sad thing about life is that when you meet someone who means a lot to you only to find out in the end that it was never bound to be and you just have to let go.
17. Love starts with a smile, develops with a kiss and ends with a tear.
18. Love comes to those who still hope even though they've been disappointed, to those who still believe even though they've been betrayed, need to love those who still love, even though they've been hurt before.
19. It hurts to love someone, and not to be loved in return but what is most painful is to love someone and never finds the courage to let the person know how you feel.
20. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past. You can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
21. Never say goodbye when you still want to try; Never give up when you still feel you can take it; Never say you don't love that person anymore when you can't let go.
22. Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back. Don't expect love in return, just wait for it to grow in their hearts but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.
23. There are things you love to hear but you would never hear it from the person whom you would like to hear it from, but don't be deaf to hear it from the person who says it with his heart.
24. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life to the fullest so that when you die, you're smiling and everyone  around you is crying.
Author Unknown

Your question

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:24:48 -0400

I'm 19 and I've been arguing with my mother for a very long time. I've been trying to find apartments to move into with no luck- everything is way too expensive at about $600-$700 a month. I have a part time job that gives me about $90 on the weeks with the least amount of hours, but I usually get about $120 a week.
Just yesterday, I found out that my friend's mother is renting a room in the finished basement of her house. There's a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and all utilities are included for $80 a week/$320 a month.
I'm wondering if I would be rushing into things by renting the room. What do you ladies think?

Your question

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:50:16 -0400

I was recently asked to be in the wedding party of a decent friend. (We're not too close, but we're friends) Another girl wouldn't be in town for the day of the wedding so she asked another girl. I hate this girl. She made up stories about me to everyone I knew that she knew, she tried to break my boyfriend and I up, she was generally crappy to me and still refuses to admit she did anything wrong. If I stay in the wedding party I would have to interact with her A LOT as the bride wants us all to be in contact so we can plan the bachelorette party, the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, what we wear in the wedding etc. I don't think I can be around her. I know I sound immature and petty, but what do I do knowing that we can't be around each other and this girl will not behave herself (she's a pretty big drinker and gets out of control). What do I do?

45 Rules for Life

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:56:23 -0400

There are some really good instructions, rules, and/or words of wisdom in this list. You may not agree with all of these but it's worth reading.

1 – Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2 – Memorize your favorite poem.
3 – Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4 – When you say, “I love you,” mean it.
5 – When you say, “I’m sorry,” look the person in the eye.
6 – Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7 – Believe in love at first sight.
8 – Never laugh at anyone’s dreams.
9 – Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely.
10 – In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11 – Don’t judge people by their relatives.
12 – Talk slow but think quick.
13 – When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile, and ask, “Why do you want to know?”
14 – Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15 – Call your mom.
16 – Say “bless you” when you hear someone sneeze.
17 – When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
18 – Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19 – Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20 – When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
21 – Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22 – Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23 – Spend some time alone.
24 – Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
25 – Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26 – Read more books and watch less TV.
27 – Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll get to enjoy it a second time.
28 – Trust in God but lock your car.
29 – A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30 – In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
31 – Read between the lines.
32 – Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
33 – Be gentle with the earth.
34 – Pray. There’s immeasurable power in it.
35 – Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36 – Mind your own business.
37 – Don’t trust a person who doesn’t close his/her eyes when you kiss him/her.
38 – Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
39 – If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth’s greatest satisfaction.
40 – Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
41 – Learn the rules then break some.
42 – Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
43 – Judge your success by what you had to give in order to get it.
44 – Remember that your character is your destiny.
45 – Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

I got these in an email from my aunt so I'm not sure of the source. If anyone knows, please share!

Your question

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:19:31 -0500

In my apartment complex we have a pool, and every Spring ducks come and lay their eggs and have babies. They never bother anyone, but the other tenants hate having them around. Last year, after the ducks had babies the children of the complex turned the jets on the baby ducks in the hot tub and the poor things drowned. The mother duck was heart broken.

This year they're back and sweet as ever. But the grounds keeper, on site manager, and now the tenants have all taken to HITTING the ducks with the pool net rod, and other pool cleaning utensils in order to make the ducks leave. They do this every day, sometimes several times a day and they've been doing it for months with no productivity whatsoever; the ducks still keep coming back.

I understand the reasoning behind not wanting the ducks in the pool. Tenants swim in the pools that the ducks have been swimming in all day; which can cause diseases. Its just as unsafe and unsanitary for the ducks to be breeding in our pool area as it is for humans to have to be around it. But hitting them is wrong, and clearly not working; and I'm afraid it will make them aggressive towards humans. Especially once they have their ducklings.

I tried talking to the property manager about the situation and she was unmoved by what I was saying and didn't seem to care about the ducks safety or the safety of the tenants. I'm at a loss of what to do, or who to call regarding the safety of the ducks. They're adorable to have around, but one day they'll get hit too hard and get hurt; or they'll attack the person hitting them.

Lessons Learned in Life

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:07:14 -0500

My mom sent this to me last night because I had been complaining on the phone about my life. She told me that a few years from now I won't even remember these insignificant details and then sent this to me. She's right and this poem really points out some great lessons about life. Hope you like it.

I’ve Learned by Omer B. Washington
I’ve learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.
I’ve learned that no matter how much I care,
some people just don’t care back.
I’ve learned that it takes years to build up trust
and only seconds to destroy it.
I’ve learned that it’s not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.
I’ve learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself
to the best others can do,
but to the best you can do.
I’ve learned that it’s not what happens to people,
It’s what they do about it.
I’ve learned that no matter how thin you slide it,
there are always two sides.
I’ve learned that you should always have loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you’ll see them.
I’ve learned that you can keep going
long after you think you can’t.

I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done
When it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don’t know how to show it.
I’ve learned that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to
doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned that no matter how good a friend is,
they’re going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I’ve learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken,
the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I’ve learned that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put the individual
ahead of their actions.
I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.
I’ve learned that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves go farther in life.
I’ve learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours
by people who don’t even know you.
I’ve learned that even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned that writing,
as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.
I’ve learned that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.
I’ve learned that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice
and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I’ve learned to love
and be loved.
I’ve learned…

Your question

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:11:19 -0500

I just signed the lease on my very own first apartment. I'm beyond excited but now that it's official I'm getting nervous because I've never lived on my own. I don't even know where to start and my parents aren't very helpful. I need advice for everything from setting up bills to decorating, PLEASE!!!!?

Your question

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:34:36 -0500

Happy almost New Year's, ladies!! What are your new year's resolutions?