Taco Night! What is more fun than that? Have you ever met a boy that did not like tacos? Here is what you will buy - 1 lb ground beef (organic if possible), 1 package taco shells, 1 package taco seasoning, 2 tomatoes, 2 avocados, 1 onion, 3 limes, 1 bunch of Cilantro, shredded cheese, pre-washed romaine lettuce. The only thing that you will actually have to cook is the filling. YOU CAN DO THIS! Sprinkle some of the taco seasoning on the meat. Put a pan on the stove and 2tsp olive oil in the pan over a medium flame. When the oil starts to move carefully slide the beef into the pan to avoid the oil splattering. With a spatula stir the beef until if changes color from red to brown. When it is cooked all the way through transfer it from the pan to a bowl and cover with tin foil to keep warm. The rest is just cutting and mixing. Wash and chop the tomatoes, pit and chop the avocados, peel and chop the onion, chop the cilantro and mix it all together with the juice from the limes. Taste it and add salt. You can then chop the lettuce and put it and the cheese in bowls and make your own tacos. This will surely impress and charm any hungry boy that is worth your time.

You can also supplement your taco meal with chips and salsa or guacamole!

And that’s the key. “Pretty” is about standing out. It’s about having that special quality that no one else has. And because every girl is a One-and-Only, every girl really is pretty. Sure it sounds cheesy, but it’s still true.

So the question to ask is not “Am I pretty?” but “Why am I pretty?” What is it that makes you unique? Maybe it’s the almond-shaped eyes you got from your mom. Maybe it’s that cool looking scar from when you banged your head on the coffee table as a toddler. Maybe it’s the very thing you’ve been self-conscious about all this time.

Keep looking. Every time you look in the mirror, resist the urge to obsess over your lack of resemblance to Rachel McAdams, and instead choose to find another uniquely beautiful part of yourself.

More importantly, learn to find the unique prettiness in who you are. Know what sets you apart as a person. Is it your generosity with friends? Your dedication as a student? Your patience with siblings? Once you know why you should be proud to be who you are, you’ll learn how impossible it is to hide all that inner hotness. No matter how guys talk, it will always be your inner fox that steals hearts.

Oh, one last thing: You may hear guys at school talking about pretty girls like they all have one set standard. They don’t. Guys tend to talk about girls based on what they think their friends’ tastes are. When they’re older and more open about what they dig in the opposite sex, you’ll see some of your unique features are in higher demand than you thought.

You’re a dish, Girl! Don’t ever doubt it!

It can be kinda fun to have your thoughts stolen by a guy. And it’s healthy to indulge in a little daydreaming from time to time. But be very careful here, especially when we’re talking about a dude you never even see. You don’t want to know a guy better in your imagination than you do in real life. The real guy will never be able to measure up to the man in your dreams, and you’ll be in for some disappointment if this guy ever pops into your life again. Besides, if this guy is cool enough to be such a distraction to you, he deserves better than to be held up against an ideal he can never match.

So if this guy’s around and your only reason for not talking to him is good old fashioned shyness, why not take a deep breath and say hello to him one day? Better to fall for the real guy than the imaginary one.

If you’re not speaking to him because of distance or a bad history with him, then your best bet is to keep busy and find other things to fill your brain. Think about the people who are in your life right now. Spend time with friends and family. Use those daydreaming skills to think up ways to help friends who might need advice or encouragement. Take up a new hobby. Read a book. Watch a movie. Go for a hike. Just get your mind on something else. It’s less romantic, but it will be worth it when you discover that you’re finding joy in things that are right in front of you.

All in all, there’s no rule that says that the girl can’t make the first move. Just make sure you know the temperature of the water before you dive in.

Let’s consider scenario A: You know he likes you because of a rumor you heard or a vibe that you’re getting. In this case, patience is key. Imagine you’re luring a kitten down from a tree: no loud noises or sudden movements. Flirt a little and keep a close eye on his reaction. If he responds with a little flirting of his own, up the ante. If you’ve never seen him outside of school before, maybe suggest hanging out with some mutual friends. Take it slow and avoid proclamations of love, but don’t be afraid to hint that you like him. Guys are shier than we give them credit for, and he’ll probably appreciate a little sly encouragement.

Scenario B: He told you he likes you. Don’t be too shy to bring the subject up yourself. He’s already paved the way by admitting his own feelings. If nothing’s happened since, it may just be because he’s not sure where you stand. Don’t be afraid to tell him, or to ask him what’s going on. Just be sure to keep the conversation breezy; the less drama he senses, the more open he’ll be.

First, if you are not sure how a dramatically different color would look on your head, take a trip to a wig or costume store. Try on different colors to see which looks best with your skin and eye color. If you are a natural brunette with very pale skin, chances are platinum blonde is not your color. If possible, bring a friend with you to take pictures so you can refer back to them and think it over after you leave the store. Consult a professional if you can afford to do so. Show a stylist pictures of the color you want your hair to be, and let them get to work. This option is out of reach for most due to astronomical prices at salons.

If you have decided to take the plunge, and pull a Madonna style transformation, there are things you need to know before you take action:

• Do not choose a hair color because of the model on the box, do your homework and know that the color will work for you.
• Healthy hair is a must before you attempt to color it, try a hot oil or deep conditioning treatment.
• Be sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
• USE GLOVES!
• Test a small part of your hair first, try the hair closest to the back of your neck which is not seen when you wear your hair down.
• DO NOT use the hair color to die your eyebrows or pubic hair.

If your father cannot find work locally, and you have to move, be an optimist and find the positive aspects of moving. You will be able to meet new and interesting people, explore a new community, and have many new doors opened to you. Adjusting to a new school and making new friends may be difficult at first, although if you go into it with a positive attitude you will find happiness.

Putting up a fight while your father seeks new employment will make your entire family’s life more difficult than it already is. Do little things to show your parents that you are there for them. Make your father a card telling him he is loved and appreciated since his self-esteem may be low at this tough time. Wash his car, cook a meal, give the dog a bath, pull out weeds, clean the dirty dishes, and take out the garbage. Completing these simple chores will make life easier for your parents so they can focus on more crucial tasks, and you will also feel satisfaction from contributing and helping out.

Save your family money by bringing a lunch to school instead of buying it in the cafeteria. Buy used books instead of new, seek out scholarship and financial aid opportunities for college, and buy vintage clothes instead of new items at the mall. Staying active is also important, encourage your family to go on hikes, bike rides, and walks together…all of which are free! As long as you stay positive, flexible, and frugal, your family will survive this difficult time.

Things to consider before making plans are:

• Do you need to be prepping for the SATs, GRE, or LSATS?
• Are there family vacations or events you cannot miss?
• Do you need to be making an income over the summer?

School is your priority, if you have to fulfill requirements by attending summer school, register early. If you have exams looming, schedule study time and tutor sessions if necessary. The summer before your senior year is also the time to get your post graduation plans in order. Obtain applications from the schools you wish you attend, and visit schools that interest you.

Work options for the summer months:

• Camp counselor. Have fun and get paid to do it!
• Apply for jobs in fields that interest you. Look into internships as well.
• Many local governments have positions available specifically for students in the summer months.
• Retail and service jobs.

Volunteer this summer! Do something to help those less fortunate in your community by donating your time and energy. Homeless shelters, animal rescue agencies, and elderly care facilities are always in need of an extra helping hand.