a documented teenage journey through gurlhood

World news, reviews, teen girl issues, playlists, writing, feminism, and more. A blog about teenage gurlhood. Come with us on a (sort of) magical adventure. Run by Ashley and Finley

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Evidently, we cannot manage to run this blog alone.

If you are interested in possibly becoming a writer and helping to keep this collaborative blog going then send a message, if there are enough people interested we may be able to look at starting up again. 

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PROCRASTINATION STATION (I like rhymes ok)

Ok I have to make this post super quick cos I have a Spanish GCSE to revise for! And I have no motivation! And that is my post. If you have motivation you are my IDOL I am the biggest procrastinator ever, I really wish I had the ability to GET SHIT DONE but I don't. Oh my, that cannot be the whole post. Urm. Well yeh I guess not procrastinating is the secret to success but I mean I don't have that 'key' (cheesy) because generally I live by the rule of 'don't do it if you don't want to'. That is why it pains me to write, re write, and memorize coursework in a foreign language.

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Traits I idolize

Generally, I don't really have one particular idol, and even in the people I idolize, there are things I wouldn't want to be. It's more traits in people that I idolize, that I aspire to. Here are some. 

Self forgiveness

This is so so important and I envy those who are able to do it. I certainly find it too difficult at times and I think it's really a wonderful thing when people can forgive themselves and rid themselves of self-hatred and guilt. 

The ability to inspire 

I sound pretty cheesy but I sometimes wish I could inspire people in some way because I think if someone can write a book or something that will make people see life differently that is a truly amazing gift to have.

Chilled out-ness

I get irritated much too easily sometimes, and I can go all crazy bitch up on your ass (in my head) and sometimes it would be good to be more tolerent.

Confidence

Confidence (not cockiness) is often what seems to make a person so nice to be around. I would like to do things without worrying that everyone is secretly laughing at me.

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LITERALLY somebody to idolize - Chris Trager

If you don't know who Chris Traeger is, he is a character from Parks and Rec, ie. LITERALLY the best sitcom ever. 

Chris is a positive person. Sometimes too positive, but that's what makes him fab! He is eternally optimistic, even though, in recent episodes he's been lonely so yeh, not some many ~happy vibes~ at the mo, but ho hum. 

Chris believe that he will live until 150. He eats super healthy, runs a lot, meditates and loves new experiences and cultures. HIS BODY IS A MICROCHIP. 

Apart from that time he was ill.

But Chris is really cool and I kind of admire his optimism, it's nice. Chris is often said to be the weakest character on Parks and Rec (Mark was worse) but I would miss him if he went. He has so much love for everyone and it's great. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9GVKxSiQVM

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Hello this is Finley I would just like to apologize for being so rubbish this week and missing my post days it has been a very busy/stressful week and so I can only to do better in the future and hopefully Ashley will have a post for you today!

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Idols?

I could say that I have idols. Hell, I made a whole post about my idols last week (hmm, that was a good one..). But I don't, not really. I have people I think are admirable, and good, sure. But I think it's going to far to say I idolize them. Because I don't know them, bar what they choose to put out into the public eye. Plus Billy Mitchell is a fictional character. I can't have a stranger as an idol! They could be a murderer! Have a dark secret! Be sexist, racist, homophobic! I mean, I'm sure they're not. But there's a possibility there.

So yeh, the whole idea of idolizing a celebrity is a bit.. weird to me I guess. It's better to idolize someone you know personally, that you aspire to be like. But you shouldn't ever really aspire to be like anyone, not much anyway. It's cheesy but true to say that being yourself should be enough.

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Unexpected admiration?

There is two women that are famous on youtube, who I admire and like quite a lot. I think most of my friends would laugh at me if I confessed to watching their video's, as they fall under the 'beauty vlogging' category. Yep, it's Elle and Blair Fowler. 

So, you may assume they're your average rich, unintelligent, vain girls, but I actually think they are pretty awesome. For example, they did a video together advertising a campaign against domestic abuse, a cause elle spent most of her college life contributing to and trying to help. She also posts a lot of books reviews which I think is really great as it encourages an audience who may have been taught to think 'reading is for nerds' and 'only appearance matters' to enjoy books. 

Also, there video's just have a certain friendly and feel good vibe. They make you want to be friends with them. They're the kind of people who you couldn't imagine being anything but sweet and bubbly, and for those reasons I admire them, even though I might be laughed at because they aren't the pankhursts. 

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I can't think of post ideas so HERE ARE SOME PICTURES not really of 'idols' cos I don't know maybe I'll talk about what I think of idols at a later point in the month but of people I admire!! Some of them are just people I like because you can't really 'admire' some of them J K Rowling 

  Jennifer Lawrence 

Paul Rudd (see I don't admire him just think he's COOL)

Amy Poehler 

Aubrey Plaza

Gandhi (had to do a proper one n Gandhi seems like he was nice!!)

Leonardo Dicaprio with fish!! Or anytime he seems good also a perf Gatsby

  Emma Watson

  Baz Luhrmann (looks like the sassy-est dude ever also Sunscreen is a tuneeee)

Ok that's it 

ACTUALLY NO I HAVE ONE MORE

Billy Mitchell (I was saddened by the news that he's been accused of killing Hevz poor Billy) 

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An Idol to 2 Billion - An Atheist's Top 5 Jesus Christ Moment (I was really stuck for post ideas)

We all know Jesus. We've heard his story many times. And because of Jesus, we got chocolate on Sunday. When it's Jesus' birthday - it's everyone's birthday! Even if you, like me, don't believe in him, you probably still do Christmas. So cheers Jesus! I don't believe in you, but I'll accept the gifts and great films and happy music and everything else that comes with Christmas. 

So yeh, Jesus was a great guy, mythical or not. Even though I don't think he existed I think he's a great character- so here, for yr reading pleasure, are my TOP 5 JESUS MOMENTS (why am I doing this).

5- The birth

On some day that nobody can seem to agree on, Jesus was born. In a manger. We all know the story. And he got some pretty sweet gifts too, gold, frankincense, and myrrh aren't cheap (probably), Jesus should be thankful to those kings (or shepards?). Even if they are a bit extravagant for a baby.

4- Lazurus (I think)

I don't really know much about this one, BASICALLY Jesus brought Lazurus back from the dead, which, let's be honest is fucking impressive. And I think it was by a river? Anyway, it made a fab Doctor Who episode!!

3- Feeding of the 5000 / Water n Wine

Jesus' most impressive feat in my opinion, were the refreshment based ones. Jesus had 5 loaves of bread, and 2 fish, and managed to feed 5000 people! How did he do it? It's a miracle (Jesus' specialist talent)! Also, Jesus liked his alcohol, so when presented with some water he was like 'Fuck this shit!!' n turned it into (red?) wine! (That may not actually be what happened).

2- Falling out with Judas

Judas n Jesus were like BFF's but Judas turned out to be a total traitor! I know!! What a bitch! He went a gave Jesus a kiss cos I mean there bromance could of been a little homosexual (Yes Jesus, I'm sure you were too busy being the messiah to settle down) but actually Judas was TOTALLY leading Jesus on!! The kiss was so he could tell some bad guys which one Jesus was! Bastard.

1- The Cross 

This is my number 1 Jesus moment- the crucifixion. By the time they were reading to nail Jesus into some wood, he didn't have much to live for anyway. Parents pissed off ages ago, best friend was a traitor, think he also fell out with someone called Peter. It was rough times. We all know Jesus came back from the dead (and promptly left again) but to be honest, if I was Jesus I would of stayed dead a bit longer, for the shock factor. Plus he didn't have anything to come back for, I mean he was eventually found by some random girl after being trapped behind a boulder or something!! Classic Jesus.

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There are so many books that feature brilliant, awesome, idol material heroines. Here are ten of the ones I particularly like/have learned something from/have read about recently. 

To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee - Scout Finch

Scout is a strong minded, mischievous tomboy who lives in a town crippled by prejudice but still managed to fight for what she believes is right and stand up for those she cares about. 

Divergent By Veronica Roth - Beatrice Prior

Beatrice Prior, the main character and narrator in Veronica Roth's debut novel, is an extremely courageous, selfless person. She makes a life changing choice and branches away from everything she's loved and known for the chance to feel like she's in the right place. Beatrice is truly quite brilliant.

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins - Katniss Everdeen

The character of Katniss is relatable, brave, kick-ass, gentle and extremely caring to some. Everything you could want from a heroine! I mean, she's the fave of a freaking rebellion that changes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. An she can survive with even pretty much every odd against her.

The Harry Potter Series By J.K Rowling

She proves that the whole 'anything girls can do boys can do better' is crap. She is awesome and smart and pretty much keep Harry and Ron alive with her kick-assness. It is also helped that she is played by an actress who pretty ,much sums up everything you'd want in a role model.

The Fault In Our Stars By John Green - Hazel Lancaster

She's dying every second she lives, has to wear oxygen tubes and take beaver cheek inducing medicine (which would probably put her self esteem at a low) and yet she still has the courage to fall in love, to live, to find the answers she's been looking for her whole life. Hazel is awesome in a more gentle way, but she made the novel truly incredible and tear inducing.

The Virgin Suicides By Jeffrey Eugenides - Lux Lisbon

So I don't mean you should idolize the fact that she committed suicide, or gave her body to numerous, meaningless partners because she was so empty, I actually think despite this Lux Lisbon  had an amazing strength that kept her feisty enigmaticness alive and gave her the courage to grab life by the neck when it was there. Not to mention her clothes are amazing. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre

I think this character is amazing in that she escapes her painful childhood, works to achieve intelligence and strives to be what she wishes. She also defies class in the face of love, something quite unheard of in her era.

The Cherub Series By Robert Muchamore - Kerry Chang

I love Kerry because she's a feminist. She doesn't let sexist jokes go unnoticed  and she decides what to do with her own body. Also she's a spy and all. 

The Help By Kathryn Stockett - Skeeter Phelan

Skeeter does everything that's brilliant - writes a book from the point of view of the black maids in the suffocatingly racist town of Jackson in the 1960's. She risks everything for it, and in the end gives the oppitunity and courage to some of the maids to stand up and be free. 

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Why it really sucks that teenage girls view Chris Brown as an idol

Because really, it's self explanatory. He did this to his then girlfriend, Rihanna, on February 8th, 2009. 

And if beating up somebody he's supposed to love and be devoted to isn't enough to put teen girls (and anyone else) off of him and his (shite) music - wait! There's more!

When appearing on 'Good Morning America' on March 22nd 2011, he became violent during a commercial break after the host asked him about the Rihanna situation, and his restraining order. He smashed a window in his dressing room, and posted (and quickly deleted) a tweet complaining that bringing up things from his past was  unfair. Yes, because punching somebody in the face but still being able to somehow retain public popularity and continue your career - how unfair!

And it doesn't end there! Earlier this year, Brown stole a female fan's phone and drove off with it, after she tried to take a quick picture of him. Before grabbing the phone and driving away, Chris exclaimed 'Bitch you ain't putting that on no website!'. Delightful!

But somehow, Brown's popularity has not wavered. Even after beating Rihanna's, probably a more loved (and certainly more talented) singer of today, face bloody, he is currently No. 1 in the UK's top 40 chart.

'Team Breezy', Chris' devoted fans, pretty much entirely made up of teenage girls, continue to support him, despite his blatant disregard for women. They don't think it matters, that he is so violent, especially towards the female sex. 'It's all in the past' they say! 'It doesn't matter!'. But, of course, it does matter. He's still on probation and has a fucking restraining order. But I don't blame 'Team Breezy' for thinking what he did doesn't matter. Because the media continue to accept him. I see praising articles weekly. Earlier this year, after a two year hiatus, Chris Brown returned triumphantly to the Grammy's. It was like everyone had forgot. Everyone has forgot. 'It doesn't matter'. 

But it does matter, hell, does it matter.

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Tammie Jade talks idols (Yep, it's time for your monthly dose of her)

Hai gurlz!' Tammie is here 2day to talk to u-alz about Idols! This is gna be totez emosh I'm telling uu. ANYWAY it is super important to have an idol so u can model urself on what they do!! Also you can decorate ur room with pics of their face n it will be totez sassy looking!!! My personal idol is mossst deffo Beyonce... she is suchhhhh a bbe OMG DOUBLE HKP ilysm B if ur reading this xoxoxoxoxoxxo BECAUSE she is so pretty (&) savvy (&) and INdePENdent woman!         As u know, normally I luv boiz an baggin and keepin ma boys but eva since ma break up with bradley the third I've been listening to Beyonce's tunez and they've made me get in touch with ma inner bootylicious gurl and NOW I KNOW that I TOTEZ run the world ehehe as if I dint know that already LOLz'' <3 BUt anyway B has given me the strength I need to get ova bradley the thirdd and i love her 4eva yea she writes the best lyrics eva like ' Some of them men think they freak this like we do, but no they don't, Make your cheques come at they neck, Disrespect us no they won't!' Cuz ohhhhh no they will not disrespect us I'm tammie jade bitches I aint changin for NO BOI ehehehe you ghetto chick tammie ehe :') ;);)  anyway love for beyonce you sshould love her too she be totez kickass love you lots gurliez toodles tammie'jade <3<£<£3

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April Playlist - Gurl Power!!

I am not musical at all (lowest level possible represent), but I like music a lot so I decided to do a playlist of my female empowerment 'idols' (theme linking aw yeh) for you. Horray!

Kate Nash - Mansion Song

Destiny's Child - Independent Women Part I

Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl

Le Tigre - My My Metrocard

Lily Allen - Fuck You

Beyonce - Countdown

Vivian Girls - The Other Girls

Bikni Kill - Demirep

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Rebel girl, Rebel girl, You are the queen of my world

One thing I think is pretty important, girl love. You may expect idols month to be about super extraordinary famous role-models, but I'm talking about something a bit closer to home. We should all be each others idols. I mean, girls are pretty awesome right? We know that, but we don't always get treated like the kick-ass, worthy people we are. And with so much bitching, backstabbing, and segregation between us, how can we expect to band together and defeat the demeaning labels, misogynistic attitudes and sexist idiots?        You may not think all girls are worthy of idolization, and your right, some aren't (I'm talking the murdering, pedophile kind). But on a daily basis, we aren't actually so different to the hollister wearing, foundation caked, JLS lover that we bitch about, and think we could never like, never have anything in common with. That girl probably goes through a lot of the same shit you do. The society manufactured insecurity that clings to her, the 'kitchen jokes are funny' dicks who undermine her worth, the slut shamers. Even if you can't idolize the girls you know, respect them. Because not enough people do.

Think with the attitude of Bikini Kill's Rebel Girl   ✿    

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Fictional Idol: Atticus Finch

I knew that I wanted to do a fictional idol for my post today, so while running through my favourite fictional characters, I found none of them were 'idol' material. Instead of being role models, Holden Caufield, Charlie from POBAW, Cameron Frye, Moss from The IT Crowd, and Oliver Tate are all pretty dysfunctional. 

But then I remembered 'Oh, isn't my favourite book all about fighting for equality and against injustice! That must have some idols in it!'. In a toss-up between him and his sassy n badass daughter, Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird came up on top.

Atticus Finch is brilliant. I mean, I am biased as I love To Kill a Mockingbird, but even if you don't, I find it quite hard to believe that anyone could dislike him. He's caring, he's tentative to his children, he stands up for what he KNOWS is right.

I presume he was born in around 1880, so he grew up thinking that black people were scum, just like everyone else did. But, unlike pretty much all the people in this book, he wasn't a racist. Yes, he had a black maid, but he treated her with respect. He took on Tom, potentially destroying his career. Because he knew he was innocent. Because it was the right thing. He grew up with all the racism, but managed to overcome it, and pass that onto his kids. He's not a black rights campaigner by any means, but he knows that they should be equal. He knows this, not thinks this. (But probably does think that too). 

I do genuinely think that To Kill a Mockingbird, when published in 1960, helped change racial attitudes significantly, and subsequently, changed the world. And that really, is all due to the character of Atticus Finch. Who knew a someone who doesn't even exist could be such a hero?

'If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.'

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Style Idol: Jenny, from An Education

   For me, Lone Scherfig's 'An Education' was a complete visual feast. From Jenny's preppy 60's school uniform, to those gorgeous Paris frocks,the whole thing made me want to be a teenage girl in the 60's. Even though we cannot all be as beautiful as Carey Mulligan, we can adopt her characters adorable style. Here are some idea's for looking like Jenny - a style icon. All the prints! 

 You'll notice that in the film, their is an abundance of 60's prints - particularly floral. Cute dresses and skirts with flowery prints are pretty easy to pick up in vintage shops, and they'll be genuinely from the 1960's, making the style look much more authentic. Wearing this type of dress on a summery day will easily give you Jenny's sophisticated Paris floral gorgeous thing. Use an old fashioned leather satchel as your school bag

  Jenny has one in the film, and they can be easily sourced on sites such as ebay. They are also very practical as well as nice looking. If you want to take the preppy school girl look further - then you could wear a scarf in your school colors, a pencil skirt with tights or knee socks and some sort of brogue or Mary Janes. Cream + Gold

I think these colours are quite adamant in Jenny's style, particularly as her relationship with David develops and she begins to dress in a more grown up manor.  Items like these can probably also be found in vintage shops, but I find that BIBA is a fantastic brand for this sort of style, if your willing to spend a little more on something you'll wear. Fine detail is really pretty in these colours too. 

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Return!

Ok so we didn't post in March which was bad but Finley made a post explaining it and now we are BACK for April. There is a posting schedule now cos we were never exactly organised and this is that schedule- Finley shall post on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's Ashley shall post on Tuesday's, Thursday's and Saturday's If for any reason either of us cannot post on our day we should try and write a post at an earlier date and set it to publish on the set day, or make a post at a later date. Woo!

The theme for this month is Idols. We will be posting about our idols (duh) and all round favourite people, and thinking about the concept of role models/idols. Also there will be yno like the normal - strong female idols, book review of books with role model characters etc. 

We hope you enjoy!