Snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler breaks into the fashion world
Posted by: grltlk on: April 17, 2009
Who says you can’t be fashionable and a sporty chick all in one! You can compete for the gold with the best of them and do it all in style. Snowboarding X Games champ and Olympic gold medalist Gretchen Bleiler is changing fashion for female snowboarders and athletes. She is said to be the single most accomplished female snowboarder in the world. She found her passion for snowboarding at age 11, and has been collecting awards ever since.
She accomplished it all while hitting the slopes wearing men’s XS snowboarding gear. Tired of the limited variety, she decided to revamp the women’s snowboarding wardrobe. She teamed up with sporting gear company Oakley to create her ideal snowboarding and outerwear collection. It is currently in stores and the next collection is slated to hit stores in the fall. Her goal was to make fashionable, edgy clothing for females. She spent countless hours constructing the perfect blend of edgy graphics and details in bold and bright colors. The clothing is sporty, yet still feminine. Now you can look sporty and chic while winning a medal or competing.
Check out Gretchen’s interview with Nick Magazine and Ask, Listen, Learn. When she’s not out on the icy mountains, she enjoys surfing, mountain biking, interior design and fashion. She’s active in a number of environmental organizations and helped to create Snow Angels Invitational, a new all-female invitational superpipe competition at Snowmass. You can accomplish anything with a dream and the desire to obtain it!
Go for the gold, ladies!
Girl Talk Event Video
Posted by: grltlk on: April 15, 2009
Check out a cool video of our Girl Talk event in Georgia with Attorney General Baker!
” April is Alcohol Awareness Month”
Posted by: grltlk on: March 25, 2009
April is right around the corner and along with spring beginning, flowers and trees blooming, and April Fool’s pranks, April is designated Alcohol Awareness Month. As youth, you can get involved and create your own ideas to reinforce prevention education in your schools as well as your community. Visit Girl Talk’s Alcohol Awareness cause on Facebook and become a member! To learn more, visit The Century Council’s website and educate yourself about the dangers of underage drinking. Recruit your friends and tell them about the Facebook cause as well. Familiarize yourself with the positions of the cause. Remember to spread the word and join the cause!
2009 Spring Fashion….Bold colors, prints and more!
Posted by: grltlk on: February 25, 2009
When you think of spring you think of bright colors, flowers blooming, and bees buzzing. When you think of spring fashion bright colorful clothes come to mind. Spring fashion is all about prints and bright colors to enhance your silhouette! Tighter budgets this season may keep you from shopping as freely as you please and experimenting with every new style, however there are plenty of new styles to pick and choose from. Spring time evokes a feeling of fresh new beginnings. Bright vibrant colors appear and designers include each of them in their new selections. This season introduces a mixture of bright new colors. Put your navy away for fall, Pantone’s spring 2009 color report names Palace Blue the new “it” blue hue for spring 2009.
You can expect to see an array of prints this spring season, such as large fun polka dots or tropical and floral unique prints. Geometric lines will surface as well. As far as colors, black is out this season so make way for bright colors. Metallic, silver, and gold will still be prevalent during this upcoming season. Jump suits are one of the hottest items this season. You can wear them baggy or fitted. Cropped trousers in solids or an assortment of prints are in this season. They can be cute for day and night wear. Textured leggings are also carrying over into spring so feel free to try new colors and patterns! New items to appear will be hooded medieval dresses and hooded outfits so look out for them. If you have been waiting to break out your white, the time is almost here. You can substitute your little black dress with a white goddess-like dress for spring. Asymmetrical dresses, blouses, and shirts are a nice look as well.
Open your mind up to new styles this season. Go for the bohemian style or the Cleopatra look with a jeweled neckline. Big bold costume jewelry is a must-have for this season. Huge chains, large textured rings, thick cuffs and stacked bangles will add as a nice accessory to your spring look. Don’t be afraid to add accessories to your outfit – maybe a nice broche, pin, or a feathered headband in your hair.
You can save money by altering clothing you already own such as jean jackets or blazers. A simple push or roll of the sleeve will keep you trendy this spring season! You can also jazz up your outfits with accessories. Big flowers are in! You can head to your nearest arts and crafts store and make unique accessories to make your outfit just that more noticeable. The destroyed denim look will be in so you can easily cut up a pair of old jeans and create a look that best suits you.
Happy fashionable spring!
Your Opinions and Perspectives are wanted for a PSA Contest!!!!
Posted by: grltlk on: February 11, 2009
Would you like to use your imagination and originality to make a difference by communicating with your peers through a Public Service Announcement? You can relate to your peers better than anyone else, so why not do it in a positive way and make a difference! Teens are faced with a number of difficult choices each day. Peer pressure is one of them. There is a constant battle to “try and fit in.” We’ve all been there and we know it’s hard. So why not put these dilemmas on tape?
McDivitt Law Firm and other organizations are sponsoring a PSA contest, inviting high school student’s grades 9-12 to create compelling and creative PSA’s about the dangers of drinking and driving and to encourage them to refrain from underage drinking. This is your chance to express yourself while conveying a positive message to other teens. Your honest ideas, opinions, perspectives, thoughts, and concerns are wanted about this important social issue which greatly affects you and your peers.
Check out the contest website for facts about the contest, rules and regulations, and resources. Also check out the McDivitt Law Firm sponsor page for a few ideas and suggestions on PSA’s. Entries are due by April 3, 2009. If you have any questions feel free to email or check out their blog.
Grab your camcorder, rally up a film crew, and recruit actors.
Happy filming,
Fight against underage drinking!
Posted by: grltlk on: February 11, 2009
Teens all over are lending a helping hand to their communities. Teens are collectively fighting against underage drinking and getting the message around amongst their peers that, “You don’t have to drink to be cool”.
Students of Neenah High School of Wisconsin created a movie depicting the dangers of drunken driving. The video focuses on the consequences of underage drinking. An area judge recently decided to start using the movie to show first time offenders, in hopes that they will learn a valuable lesson. Teen organizations in Vermont teamed up to participate in a sticker shock campaign. The area’s local organizations, Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter (SADD), and The Collaborative and Our Voices Exposed all participated in the campaign. They decided on a prevention message and a design and printed 2,000 stickers. They put the stickers on every alcohol container they saw. The teens enjoyed getting the message around about the dangers of underage drinking.
There are an infinite number of ways to have fun that don’t involve drinking! Try some alternative activities:
1. Get involved in sports. Try out for the school team or just do it for fun
2. Make up games to play amongst your friends in groups
3. Play board games, monopoly will always be a classic
4. Get together and rent movies or go out to the movies
5. Get involved in your community and volunteer for a cause that interests you
6. Pick up a hobby, such as learning to play an instrument
7. Learn a new craft like knitting or crocheting
8. Visit museums or go to local plays in your area
9. Read a good book
The goal is to have safe fun! Get your friends together and throw theme parties that don’t include alcohol. Ask yourself what you can do to help the fight against underage drinking. The consequences are dangerous so let’s help to prevent any negative consequences.
Keep being positive role models!
February 14th
Posted by: grltlk on: February 2, 2009
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, are you left wondering what you’re going to do to celebrate? Here are some creative ways to enjoy that day with your friends, a boyfriend, or your family. It can be a fun day to share with those you care about.
1. Try planning a Valentine’s Day party or sleepover, invite your closest friends and ask them to wear reds or pinks for the occasion.
2. Play a game with your family such as Valentine Bingo!
3. Create homemade Valentines for your sweetheart, crush, friends, or family.
4. Make treats, like candy hearts, to share at school.
If those ideas don’t do it for you, check out this site for more great ways to spend your Valentine’s Day! Even if you don’t have a particular Valentine in mind just remember to have fun!
Let’s Aim to Stay Healthy This Winter!!!!
Posted by: grltlk on: January 28, 2009
No matter how many times you try to quickly avoid people sneezing or coughing, you always seem to catch at least one cold during the winter season. Whether you are home with your family, at school, or out and about, germs are everywhere. But avoiding germs is not the only way to prevent the common cold. First and foremost, you have to take good care of your body. Start your day off with a well-balanced breakfast. Wash it down with a glass of orange juice to ensure that you are getting a decent amount of vitamin C. It is important that your body has the necessary amount of energy and nutrients that it needs to fight off germs and viruses.
Here are some tips and suggestions to keep you as healthy as possible during the rest of the winter season:
1. Exercising is important. Try a moderate exercise routine at least 3 to 4 hours a week. This helps to generate endorphins, which strengthen your immune system. Aim towards breaking a sweat without pushing yourself too hard.
2. Try to at least get 8 hours of sleep. A good night’s sleep is extremely important in keeping your body and mind in tip-top condition.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly. Wet your hands with warm water and lather soap for 20 seconds before rinsing them.
1. Make healthy eating choices. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet so that you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need each day.
2. Enjoy spending time with your friends and family. Spending time with the people you care about will lift your spirits and help to avoid stress.
3. Make sure you are getting plenty of sunlight.
4. Keep your head, neck, and feet covered to stay warm.
5. Keep hydrated! Drink plenty of water. A nice hot alternative is warm water with lemons or tea..
6. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. Keep those germs out
It’s not fun staying home from school with a runny nose, sore throat, or fever. Avoid those miserable colds. And in the event that you do get sick, make sure you have lots of tissues, soup, hot teas, and warm pajamas!
Happy healthy winter season everyone!
Barack Obama makes history and inspires many….
Posted by: grltlk on: January 21, 2009
Dreams turn into reality when you work hard to obtain them. When you speak your dreams and ambitions into existence they will come true. Whether you choose to be a doctor, athlete, psychiatrist, entrepreneur, humanitarian or the president of the United States, you can do it! Barack Obama has inspired youth like no other president or role model. He gives a sense of hope with his popular campaign slogan, “Yes We Can”! And yes, Barack Obama did.
Yesterday Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Millions congregated from all over the world to witness the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States. As Obama moved forward and placed his hand on the bible, it was apparent that his dreams became a reality. He broke barriers and overcame struggles to achieve a status of greatness that has millions believing that now is the time to begin a change for the better. President Obama gave a rousing speech offering hope to the American people, letting them know that the road may not be easy but change will come.
Throughout his campaign he influenced many but none like the youth! The youth turned out in record numbers at the polls to vote for Barack Obama. Even those whose age prevented them from voting found ways to lend a voice or a helping hand to the campaign. No matter your age, creed, or color, remember you can make a difference and you can achieve your goals through hard work, dedication, and determination. Go after your dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
Yes You Can!
Best Wishes,
Congratulations, Joy Fawcett!
Posted by: grltlk on: January 16, 2009
Since 2007, The Century Council and the National Soccer Hall of Fame have been partners working to motivate young people to lead healthy and active lives. The Girl Talk program partnered with the National Soccer Hall of Fame for their 2007 induction ceremonies which included the induction of female players Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy. This was a historic event as it was the Soccer Hall of Fame’s first time inducting an all female class and we were thrilled to be a part of it!
Last night yet another woman was inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame – two-time World Champion Joy Fawcett. The Century Council congratulates Joy on her accomplishment!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: grltlk on: January 2, 2009
Hey girls!
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and a very happy and safe new year!
The new year is a great time to think about how we can better ourselves as individuals and help the world around us. It is a new start! Plus, making New Year’s resolutions can be fun! Have you made your resolutions yet? If so, I’d love to hear about them – leave a comment and let me know what you’re planning to do this year! If you haven’t thought about them, why not throw some ideas around now?
Many people have resolutions to be healthier and more active. The great thing about exercise is that it is free! Why not vow to take a walk each day (when the weather is nice of course!)? Walk your dog or a neighbor’s dog or have a friend join you. If the weather is crumby, find some exercise videos on YouTube and get active right in your home! Or better yet, throw in your favorite CD and make up some dance moves!
Another great resolution is to vow to donate your time to those in need. Volunteering can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. There are many non-profit organizations that can always use a little extra help. Look through your phone book or search online for local charities, shelters (homeless or animal shelters always need help), or non-profit organizations. Find one that interests you and make an appointment to learn more about the place and the opportunities available to help!
Remember, every little bit counts. If you’re trying to be healthier, just a few push-ups a day will make a difference over time. If you plan to donate your time, even one hour a week is helpful to those in need! Whatever you decide to do I know you will all do a stellar job of it!
Be sure to leave comments for me letting me know what you plan to do – I’d love to hear some of your ideas!
Holiday Gift Ideas!
Posted by: grltlk on: December 4, 2008
It’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving has come and gone and if you’re like me, turkey has been part of every meal for a week. If you were lucky enough to get up early and catch the sales on black Friday then you’ve probably taken care of all your holiday shopping. But what if you couldn’t make it out to the mall and you need a more affordable way to find gifts? Why not make your own? My favorite thing to do is make personalized cards and gifts to give to my closest friends.
Holiday cards are great, inexpensive personalized gifts. Scrapbooks or homemade jewelry are fun ways to get artistic and share memories with your loved ones. Take advantage of your talents and interests and use them to your advantage when creating these gifts. Write your mother a poem, bake your father a cake or another goodie, or even decorate a picture frame of you and your best friend together. Sometimes just making someone a mix CD of their favorite songs is the best gift you can give them. However you decide to exchange gifts, make them personal and get creative!
Don’t Be Afraid to Say What You Think
Posted by: grltlk on: October 16, 2008
Hey girls!
Dr. Wolf, who has helped me to answer some of your toughest questions in the “Ask Katie” posts, has offered help out even further! He thought it would be helpful if he had a chance to write directly to you. Dr. Wolf gives excellent advice and I know that you will all love reading what he has to say to you! This article is about being yourself – and not being afraid of being different.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say What You Think
It really is better to say what you think than what you think they want you to say. The big problem is that you don’t know in advance what they are going to think about what you say. You worry that if you say the wrong thing, they might pull away from you; they may not want to be your friend.
Carly at lunch asks her friend Ruthie,
“Do you like pickles?”
“Yeah.”
“You do?”
And Carly who had been leaning across the lunch table towards Ruthie pulls back, sits up straight and starts looking around the cafeteria.
Quickly Ruthie retreats.
“No, what am I saying? Pickles are gross, yucch!”
Ruthie worries that Carly will think: “Ruthie likes pickles? What kind of weirdo likes pickles? Maybe she’s going to stop shaving her legs. Does Ruthie think it’s cute that she says she likes pickles? Well, it’s not.”
Maybe Ruthie, not knowing if it’s okay to say that she likes pickles, not wanting to take any chances, decides to play it safe.
“I don’t know. Carly, do you like pickles?”
But it could backfire.
“Ruthie, what is your problem? You’re afraid to tell me if you like pickles or not?”
It’s true that saying what you think risks turning people off. But there is a bigger risk with always playing it safe – always saying what you think they want you to say instead of what you think. You can lose confidence in yourself. You pay so much attention to what you think they want you to say, that you stop paying attention to what you think. What you think doesn’t count anymore. So you ignore it. You become a shell person. And when you’re on your own and have to make the big decisions in your life, you look inside yourself for guidance, and there’s nothing there.
“I think I really like Bobby, but he also puts me down a lot. Should I still see him? How do I really feel about him. What do I really want to do for me? I don’t know what I think. I don’t know what to do.”
At first it’s not easy. But try it. Try saying what you think and not worrying so much about what they’ll think. Take a chance. You’ll be surprised by how nothing bad seems to happen. And when you get good at it, it’s amazing how talking with friends – and anybody else – is so much easier and definitely makes you feel better about you. Stronger.
_________________________________
Dr. Anthony Wolf is a practicing child psychologist and the author of numerous books including the bestselling and widely acclaimed, Get out of my life but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the Mall, A Parents’ Guide to the New Teenager. He is often quoted in the national media, has had a regular column in CHILD Magazine, and currently writes a bi-weekly column on parenting teenagers for the Toronto Globe and Mail. He has appeared on many TV shows including The View, The Today Show and CBS This Morning, and is being featured in a PBS television special on tweens. He is a frequent and widely sought after lecturer for both parents and professional audiences, known for his humor and very practical advice.
New Ask Katie Questions Posted!
Posted by: grltlk on: September 17, 2008
Greetings All,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful, safe, and exciting school year. You all have been patiently waiting and the time has arrived! The new Ask Katie questions have been posted! Click here to read each question along with my responses!
With school back in session and friends and extracurricular activities on your mind you may need a little advice, so continue to send your questions and concerns. Feel free to share your thoughts about whatever is on your mind, whether it be boy problems, issues with your parents or friends, or anything in between!
Best wishes,
Visit Our Blog!
Posted by: grltlk on: August 27, 2008
Greetings All,
School is starting and I hope everyone is looking forward to an exciting school year! I would like to welcome you to the Girl Talk Blog. Some of you may have been re-directed here from the Girl Talk website – check it out while we make some changes there. We appreciate your patience. Feel free to visit our blog often to post any comments, questions, or concerns. If you are in need of any facts or important information from the Girl Talk website, post your thoughts and questions so that we can answer them. Feel free to catch up on your blog entries and comment on those as well. Your feedback is important! Also stay tuned for our new section, “advice articles” in upcoming post. The articles will cover many of the issues that you submit in hopes of helping many different situations.
We look forward to your comments and questions,
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