How would you like to receive a phone call from someone you thought was your friend saying that you weren’t cool enough to be friends with her anymore? I bet you wouldn’t like it at all. And neither would I. It would make me feel horrible about myself! Unfortunately though, one day in sixth grade, I was the “friend” making the phone call. This is a memory that haunts me to this day, 10 years later!! But I must finally confess this horrible act in hopes that I can stop this phone call from ever being made again.

I know that I am a good person, but in this situation I let peer pressure get the best of me. My ring-leader friend, Amanda, pressured me to get rid of our other friend, Katie. Today, I realize that Amanda didn’t want to be friends with Katie only because she was jealous of her. I also realize that I wasn’t strong enough to stand up to Amanda and protect Katie. About 5 years later, Katie and I became friends again. During our lost time, Katie had found her own hobbies and friends. She had grown a lot from the hard situation. In contrast, I did not grow up as much because I was still listening to all the other Amandas out there! It ended up hurting me just as much as it hurt Katie.

So, please, think before you make this phone call: Why are you doing it? Who is pressuring you? Even if it’s not this exact call, there are other acts, decisions, facebook posts, and rumors that get this same, nasty message across. Be conscious of what you are saying. No matter which way it is “said,” your words and actions affect others.

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Have a fun spa day with your best buds, sis or mom by whipping up these au natural treats for your face. You won't believe how easy and fun it is to make your own beauty goodies that are good for you too!

What you'll need:
A wash cloth, clean dry towel, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, whisk, and the fresh, tasty ingredients for whichever mask you choose (if you have a bud over, double the ingredients, and increase quantities per person at your spa party).

Egg-cellent Mask for Oily Skin

Ingredients:
1 egg white
1 tsb witch hazel
1 tsp lemon juice

What tools should I have handy?
A blender
A big old glass

Whisk egg whites until stiff. Add in other ingredients and spread mixture onto face. Let dry for 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.

Banana Yogurt Mask for Dry Skin

Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 ripe banana
1 tbs honey

Mash banana with a fork. Mix with yogurt and honey. Massage mixture onto face and leave on for 10-15 minutes (lick leftovers!) and rinse with a warm, wet washcloth, and splash with warm water.

Strawberry Soothie for all skin types

Ingredients:
2 large strawberries
1 tbs honey

Cut strawberries in half and mash up with a fork, drizzle in honey and blend together. Smooth onto face and leave on for 10 minutes. Gently rub into face to exfoliate with strawberry seeds. Rinse with a warm, wet washcloth then splash with cool water.