8 Things Teen Girls Need to Know Before Heading Off to College

What every teen girl should know before heading off to collegeFor many high school seniors, the countdown has begun. It’s only a matter of months now until girls and boys head off for college to learn all there is to know about anatomy, philosophy, and throwing up in the back of a cab at 2 a.m. It’s a special time. But, as fun and awesome as it is, there’s still some preparation that needs to be done … preparation that goes beyond the purchase of extra-long twin sheets.

Since I a) was once a teenager, b) went to college, and c) am a lady person, here are 8 things teen girls need to know how to do before leaving home and entering the dorm.

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Bringing Down the Open House: Tips for a Successful Graduation Party

One of the most exciting experiences for high school graduates is hosting a graduation party or open house to celebrate their success and forward journey into adulthood. While these festive bashes are tons of fun, few understand how much hard work must go into proper planning to insure an enjoyable and stress-free experience for guests and graduates alike. But do not fear: the Southfield Jay is here to break down the graduation party planning process and insure that your graduation gathering, whether big or small, will go down in history as one of the greatest! Bringing Down the Open House: Tips for a Successful Graduation Party

Before you begin planning your party, remember: plan a budget. Costs will quickly get out of hand if you don’t plan in advance and are unsure of how many guests to expect. When you write a guest list in the very beginning you will not only have an idea of how much food and space you will need but you’ll also be that much closer to having all your invitations done!

Where?
One of the first things to consider is what type of gathering you want to have. If you’re expecting no more than 10 people, you may want to consider a dinner at a nearby restaurant such as the upscale steakhouse Texas de Brazil or the Italian restaurant Andiamos Detroit Riverfront, both found in Downtown Detroit. If you expect more guests, be prepared to host the event somewhere that provides ample space for all of them. Inside your home is preferred, because you won’t have to worry about the bipolar Michigan weather or being rained out. If you don’t want to have it in your home, consider renting a hall or even better, a VFW or church meeting space, which tend to be available for lower prices. You can even add a barbecue pit to the mix and host your event outside in your backyard or at a local park!

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Money-Saving Tips For College-Bound Teens

Money-Saving Tips For College-Bound TeensThis article was written by teen reporters from The Mash, a weekly publication distributed to Chicagoland high schools.

By Gabrielle Angelica Abesamis, Niles West

“It’s not about the money, money, money. We don’t need your money, money, money. We just wanna make the world dance. Forget about the price tag.”

If only Jessie J’s lyrics were true more often.

As high school students, most of us haven’t started thinking about retirement plans or future investments. But there are a few simple things any teen can do to set themselves up for a successful and profitable future.

The Mash talked with Econ Illinois President Lori Berkes-Nelson and Chicago-area teens about what you can do today to save for the future.

START A BANK ACCOUNT

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Tone your tummy in 5 easy steps and pump up your inner strength

Yes, it may be only February and swimsuit season is still months away, but ladies, it’s not just about flat abs, it’s about your overall health.  We all know that your core is the core of your body’s strength so it is an area not to be ignored!  Ok, and come on, we at modOration know that Spring Break is actually only about a month away.  Check out these simple moves that will flatten your tummy, but will also give you inner strength!

Get a tight tummy

Move 1: Mountain Climbers

First, put your hands on a medicine ball and get into a push-up position.

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And the Moral of the Story is….5 Life Lessons From the Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is considered to be one of the most beloved stories of all time. For the non-Potterheads, Harry Potter is the story of the boy wizard who does the impossible. As a baby, he escapes unharmed from the dark lord Voldemort. With his parents dead, he lives with his non-magical aunt and uncle until age 11. On his eleventh birthday he receives his invitation to attend Hogwarts. Upon realizing he is a wizard, he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he meets his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, and his mentor, Professor Dumbledore. He finally realizes the significance of defeating Voldemort and spends the next six years in a battle to the death, which proves to be much more complicated than anticipated. To get the full story and the greatness that is Harry Potter, I strongly recommend reading the books.

Moral Lessons in Harry PotterThe books were made into movies, all of which were extremely popular, especially the most recent and final installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which is one of the highest grossing movie franchises of all time.

Besides the fact that these books and movies are incredibly entertaining and well-written, there are plenty of life lessons that can be learned from the series. Here are five of my favorites:

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