You may or may not have heard of the Chicken Soup books. I’ve just learned of them recently myself. If you’ve read any of these books, this one is no different in that it follows the typical "Chicken Soup" format. Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul contains various emotional stories by different authors split into categories such as "Facing Challenges" and "Love Stories." All the stories are written by teenagers.

Some of the stories are inspiring, such as "Spilled Coffee," about a girl dealing with clinical depression, and "Empty," about a struggle with an eating disorder. Even the lighter topics are heartwarming, such as, "Stop! LEGO Thief!" about an old friendship.

Win It! One lucky reader will win Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul!

How to Win:

1. Leave a comment here and be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile.
Blogger Newbies: To leave a comment click on the word "comments" in caps below. There is a "comment" section after every blog post. Comment under the post(s) you are interested in.

2. For an EXTRA entry, email 3 people about this contest and cc me on it. Then, come back here and leave an additional comment letting me know you did so.

Contest ends Thursday 4/18/09 @ midnight & is open to US residents only.

Teen Creed

I love this. I found this years ago when my kids were small and filed it away. It now hangs on my refrigerator, so that they can read it everytime they open that door...which is alot.

Teen Creed

Don't let your parents down ~
They brought you up.

Be humble enough to obey ~
You may give orders someday.

Choose your companions with care ~
You become what they are.

Guard your thoughts ~
What you think, you are.

Choose only a date ~
Who would make a good mate.

Be master of your habits ~
Or they will master you.

Don't be a showoff when you drive ~
Drive with safety and arrive.

Don't let the crowd pressure you
Stand for something or you'll ~
fall for anything.

Author Unknown

Teens: What's hot ~ What's not?

Gone with the winter doldrums are those boring blues, browns and grey colors. The arrival of spring and summer has brought colors that are attractive and really hot, or do I mean cool? Shades this year are much softer and have hip young ladies everywhere turning casual chic into awesome and stylish.

Novelty t-shirts have always been and will always be a fashion favorite, but prepare to see more baby doll tops this year. Spaghetti straps, one shoulder designs and off the shoulder ruffles, ruffles and sheer fabrics will all be a fav this summer. Teens are lovin’ the designers more feminine and delicate look and our fashion conscious girls will be sporting tunic style tops and loose fitting tops with their skirts and jeans.

Soft colors are in. Neon is out! Teen divas who want to make a statement, will be wearing softer greens, raspberries, periwinkles and oranges.

Accessories are always the way to complete the style pulling the entire look together and this year Bow belts are sizzling hot. Chain and glittery metallic belts are out! Frugal Note: Use a scarf as a belt and finish it off with a hair tied bow.

Fashion and style are not just for the young chicks! Moms can also wear the new and trendy items that are making waves for the young girls this fashion season. After all, style comes in all shapes and sizes.

LuLus.com is offering my readers a 15% discount to all their fashionably hip styles. Since its' inception in 1996, LuLu*s has grown from a mother-daughter dream to one of the web's most outstanding shopping experiences.

To receive the 15% coupon code:

1. Leave a comment here (make sure your email is there) and I will send it to you.

Blogger Newbies: To leave a comment click on the word "comments" that follows the time the blog was posted below.

Happy Shopping!

New Giveaway: Lunch Bag or Goodie Bag - You Decide

Surprise your kids with these unique and fun brown paper lunch bags. Kids everywhere are using these really cool bags for school lunches and snacks. Originally designed just for lunches and snacks, these brown bags are now taking on a life of their own as, you guessed it -- Goodie bags! Used as goodie bags, these Brownbag'em bags provide parents and kids with a fun twist to the everyday plastic goodie bag. These recyclable bags are only $4.99 for 20, which makes them not only adorable, but a steal.

How to Win:

1. Check out the post below, select your favorite 3 sets, come back here and leave a comment telling me which 3 sets you'd like and what you think of the bags. Be sure you include your email address if it's not on your profile. Blogger Newbies: To leave a comment click on the word "comments" that follows the time the blog was posted.

2. Mention this contest in a post on your blog with a direct link to http://www.spoutinitout.blogspot.com/.

3. For an EXTRA entry, email 3 people about this contest and cc me on it. Then, come back here and leave an additional comment letting me know you did so.

Contest ends Saturday, April 11, 2009 at midnight & is open to US residents only.

BrownBagem'

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