Newsletter #86 - How to make corn nuts; spring cleaning; opening up to someone.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #86 - May 22nd 2017 - http://www.teenhelp.org

Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, new resources, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!

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TeenHelp News

TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.

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Latest articles (May 3rd 2017)

Our team of talented writers bring our users a constant stream of fresh articles to read each month. Articles are being published regularly, so be sure to check regularly to see what we're doing. Some of our latest additions include:

Aromatherapy animals
Aromatherapy animals are stuffed toys that are filled with beads or gel and emit a scent such as lavender or vanilla to serve the purpose of calming or grounding the person using them. This article explains how to use aromatherapy animals.

The Hate U Give: A review
The Hate U Give is a recently published book by Angie Thomas that was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. This book is about what a girl named Starr goes through after witnessing her best friend being killed by a police officer. Read the review of this book to see if you would be interested in picking it up yourself.

My Experience with Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes the endometrium, also known as the lining of the uterus, to grow outside of the uterus. This article explains the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, possible treatments, and the author's experience living with the disease.

Sexual assault forensic exam
After a sexual assault a person can have a sexual assault forensic exam, also known as a rape kit, performed. This exam is a way of collecting evidence of the assault. Read this article to learn more about what a sexual assault forensic exam is and how to decide whether or not to get the exam.

http://www.teenhelp.org/articles/

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Resources

TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below is a selection of some of them. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/

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Sparknotes

Supported by Barnes & Nobel, Sparknotes is a site that helps people in school and university with a range of topics. Their aim is to make complex material easier for you to understand. The website offers more than 500 study guides containing thorough summaries and critical analyses for English Literature; a No Fear Shakespeare section that provides a passage by passage translation of his plays into modern English; several guides for other subjects such as History, Science and Mathematics; and practise questions to help you prepare for tests.

http://www.sparknotes.com/

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Tips Of The Month

Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others.

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How to make corn nuts

Corn nuts are a snack that is fun to make and are delicious and healthy to eat. Read on to learn how to make corn nuts.

• Prepare giant white corn, also labeled as Maiz Mote Pelado. Soak the corn overnight for 12-14 hours, using 8 cups of water for 2 cups of giant white corn. Although the exact measurements of a cup differ between countries, just use whatever a cup is for you. This allows the corn to soften and enlarge. Once they have finished soaking, drain the water and dry the corn with a paper towel.
• Season the corn for baking. First set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 205 degrees Celsius. Put your softened white corn in a bag or a bowl and mix with oil and any seasoning of your choice (black pepper, salt, sugar, chilli powder) or any other flavour you would like your corn nuts to be.
• Put parchment or baking paper down on a non-stick baking sheet. This makes it easier to remove the corn nuts. In a single layer spread out your giant white corn on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until brown. Every 5-10 minutes move your corn around so it bakes evenly. Watch the corn nuts as they can burn easily. They are done once they have browned.
• You can eat them by themselves as a snack. Eating corn nuts is fun as you can add them into trail mix or eat them on their own with a drink of your choice.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-food-recipes/

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Tackling your spring cleaning

While spring is often looked at as a time for de-cluttering and sprucing, it can be difficult to find the motivation to get started or know where to begin. However, the feeling that comes after getting the job done is incredibly rewarding. Whether you're taking "spring cleaning" literally or are just trying to find the motivation to do some cleaning in general, read below for some ideas to get you started.

• Decide what areas are most important. One of the most daunting things about cleaning is looking at everything that needs to be done. Rather than trying to figure out how to do it all in one day, determine which areas need the most love. Whether that means getting some serious dusting done or rearranging your bedroom, having your priorities set will help you tackle that one area fully, rather than jumping from space to space trying to do it all.
• Create a game plan. Depending on the size of the task at hand, it can be difficult to know where to start. Once you've decided on the general area you're going to work on first, break it down further. Make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished in the space you're working with and then create a plan based on that. For example, you can choose to do tasks in order of easiest to most difficult (or the opposite order) or you can decide to knock out your least favourite parts of the chore first and then go from there.
• Find a way to make it fun. Adding something fun to even the most mundane tasks automatically makes it a little more enjoyable and a little easier to get through. Channel your inner Disney character and blast some music while you work. Get your family or roommates together and turn it into a group effort. The more enjoyable things you're able to add to your cleaning routine, the faster time will go and you'll be done before you know it!
• Reward yourself. If finding motivation to clean is something that you struggle with, remember to give yourself a reward for getting the job done. Treat yourself to your favourite ice cream shop, curl up on the couch and watch a favourite movie, or take yourself on a mini shopping spree to get something that you've really been wanting lately. After all, the completion of all difficult tasks deserves something positive when all is said and done.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f219-lifestyle/


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How to open up to someone

Opening up to someone can be a difficult process but receiving the support you deserve is often well worth it. Here are a few things to keep in mind when opening up to someone.

• Know what (if anything) you want from the person you're opening up to. When deciding to talk to someone, you may benefit from considering what you need or want. For instance, you may want someone to listen to you, keep you accountable for an addiction you're fighting, or be present with you. When you do talk to someone, you can tell them what you need so they know how to support you.
• Decide what you want to share. Sometimes it is hard to discuss things in the present moment and deciding what you'd like to talk about ahead of time can help. Consider writing a list containing an overview or specific points you need to address. You can even bring this list along with you when it is time to talk to someone.
• Try working your way up to different topics. When talking about something you're struggling with, it may be easier to start slow and then delve into deeper topics. For instance, you can first disclose that you feel depressed, and then reveal that you sometimes cope with your feelings in unhealthy ways. Doing this can make you feel more comfortable and it can help you gauge reactions of the person you're talking to.
• Know that timing isn't everything. Though you may benefit from waiting for a right time to confide in someone, sometimes it is hard to define a good moment and it may be more important to share your feelings than it is to find the right time to share them.
• One bad experience will not define your other ones. If opening up to someone does not go well, try not to let that keep you from opening up to other people in the future. Not everyone will have the same reactions and you may find comfort in opening up to someone else.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f18-friends-family/

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Interesting Things (on TeenHelp)

A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.

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Threads

Auto or manual?
Does your car have an automatic or a manual transmission? What type of car did you learn to drive on? Share your thoughts and interact with others here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f219-...3-auto-manual/

(Support Post) Don't give up!
Lapsing can be difficult and discouraging for many people. This post discusses how lapsing does not mean you're back to square one. Read this post if you find yourself needing some encouragement.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-s...-dont-give-up/

A random act of kindness
Something as simple as a kind gesture can mean a great deal to someone. Read about this user's random act of kindness and try to pay it forward in your own life.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...-act-kindness/

Cloth, cloth and more cloth
This user is looking for information on cloth diapers, especially from those who have experience with using them. Join the conversation on using cloth diapers and share your ideas and advice with one another.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f7-pr...th-more-cloth/

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Social groups

For those who needs friends or just someone to talk to.
TeenHelp is a great site for those who are looking for friends or even just someone to have a friendly chat with. However, sometimes it can feel scary or difficult to meet new people on the site. This social group is a good place to start looking for others who are also interested in meeting new people.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...meone++talk+./

Sexuality
The members of TeenHelp identify with a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities. This is a social group where those of any identity can come together, make friends, and share their stories with each other so nobody has to feel alone.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g500-sexuality/

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Picture Of The Month

Each month we feature a picture by one of our users. If you would like to see your picture here please contact us by replying to this Newsletter, emailing us at publications@teenhelp.org, or messaging our Newsletter Officer (Psychomachia.) on the website.


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Donate to TeenHelp

In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.

http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/

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Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter

Our social networking pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!

Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
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Tumblr: http://www.teenhelp.org/tumblr
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter

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Editorial team

Publications Team Leader/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Newsletter Officer: Chess (Psychomachia.)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (Cassado)
Newsletter Editor: Chantal (WretatsyRemedial)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (~*Just Keep Swimming*~)
Newsletter Editor: Jenna (~Abibliophobe~)
Newsletter Editor: Sammi (Metanoia.)

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