tips for teens – Empowered Flower Girl

Nonprofits coast to coast are offering free dresses, accessories and in some cases hair and makeup services, to young ladies attending prom. With expenses (including promposals) ranging from $733 to nearly $1,500 – according to a recent survey from Visa – prom can be a huge expense, especially for lower-income families.

But many organizations and local businesses are helping families save money by collecting gently worn and even new dresses and accessories. No need to dip into college savings funds to look fab for prom.

Check out these groups offering free prom attire for girls (and even boys):

Paying for prom shouldn't involve dipping into college funds! — **Paying for prom shouldn’t involve dipping into college funds! Get a dress for FREE.**

Nationwide

New York

Detroit

Denver

San Diego

Need additional cost-cutting tips for prom? Check out the article, “8 Ways to Save Cash on a Prom Dress,” from Metro Parent magazine.

Rasheda Kamaria is a mentor turned social entrepreneur on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another. She is a communications professional and founder/chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. A survivor of bullying, Rasheda was featured in the May 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine in the article “Being Bullied Changed My Life.” Visit empoweredflowergirl.com.

By Rasheda Kamaria

Don't be these girls, grounded and miserable for the summer. — **Don’t be like these girls, grounded and miserable for the summer.**

School’s almost out for the summer and Empowered Flower Girl wants you to make the most of it. But countless media reports have shown that some of you will mess it up even before it begins. From posting inappropriate pics to starting drama online, there are some surefire ways to have an effed up summer break. Don’t be that kid.

5. Cyberstalk your ex. As tempting as it may be to check your ex’s Instagram daily for new likes and comments from admirers, you should probably focus on something else – like yourself. Spare yourself the heartache.

4.Get in a Twitter fight with a celebrity. We all love to voice our opinions about celebrities who do crazy things, have wardrobe malfunctions or make fashion missteps. But resist getting into a battle with a famous person – especially Beyonce. The Beehive stings.

3.Put your BFF on blast via Facebook. Sure, best friends can disappoint us or even do jerky things from time to time. But, there is a better way to bring this to their attention rather than posting a shady status update. Pick up the phone, send an email or IM him or her and ask for your old friend back!

2.Post incriminating pics on Instagram. This is one of the best ways to kiss your potential summer internship or college acceptance good-bye. Even if everyone else is doing it, DO NOT post pics of drug or alcohol use, private parts or illegal activity online.

1.Do something productive. I know. This doesn’t follow the format of the other tips because you actually SHOULD engage in productive activities. Volunteer for a worthy cause, get a summer job or learn a new skill. Keeping yourself occupied will keep you out of trouble and give you a confidence boost.

You’re welcome.