Here we are again, at the beginning of another new year. It’s a time to look back on the previous year and remember all the fun we had, the music we listened to and the things we learned.

But it’s also a time to look forward. It’s exciting to think about what’s to come in 2009 – new trends, cool gadgets, upcoming movies and everything else in between. For me, it’s my family’s trip to Florida. I’ve got a countdown going right on my desktop.

What are you looking forward to this year? Getting your braces off? Going to your first dance? Starting a new hobby? Whatever it is, add a comment to tell us why 2009 is going to be a great year for you.

Until next time,
Miss Maxi
a Kotex Resource

Everyone wants something this holiday season. We head to the malls and online to find the perfect gifts for every person on our list, because we love to see the looks on our friends’ and family members’ faces when they open up something they really want. I’m no different – for me, a digital camera and a cute new winter coat would do the trick.

But there’s another kind of wish list each of us carries around. The one with the things we really want, the things money can’t buy. Things like health, peace and happiness all fall on this list.

So what’s on yours? Whether you wish it for yourself or another, add a comment to tell us all about the one thing you want this holiday season that can’t be bought.

See you in the New Year!
Miss Maxi

a Kotex Resource

Everyone’s family can be a nuisance at times. Maybe your brother listens in on your telephone calls, your dad wears those goofy pants and your mom insists on calling your friend’s parents to make sure they’ll be home during her party.

Yes, family can be quirky and a little embarrassing. But for the most part, your family is there for you. Just mention some guy picking on you at lunch, and your brother is all over it. Dad is always ready with a corny joke to cheer you up when you’re down. And you know you could go to Mom with any one of a thousand dilemmas (girl-related or otherwise) and she’d take time to sit down and help you through it.

With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time of year to realize just how great family is and how thankful we are to have them by our side. Add a comment to tell us about your family – who’s a part of it, what they do that really drives you nuts, and what they do that just makes you super-thankful they’re around.

Happy holidays! Until next time,
Miss Maxi
a Kotex Resource

Cliques can turn making new friends into some kind of audition. Instead of getting to know you, to see if you have similar interests, hobbies and sense of humor, you’ve got to have the right clothes, the right hair, know the right people and say the right things. The truth is, even though the girls inside most cliques seem cool and confident, they’re usually insecure, tend to follow the crowd, and don’t have many opinions of their own.

So what can you do to steer clear of cliques and form true friendships with people who like the real you?
• Know who you are and what you value. Ask yourself if you want to be friends with these girls because you have similar interests and ideals, or because you want to feel accepted.
• Get involved in activities that make you feel good about yourself. You’ll end up being surrounded with like-minded people who enjoy the same hobbies – a good combination for a great friendship.
• Have a mind of your own. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and voice it. Real friends will appreciate your courage and honesty.

Do you have a problem with cliques at your school? How do you and your friends deal with them? Or maybe you’re in a clique and need a little advice on getting out. Add a comment to let it all out.

Until next time,
Miss Maxi
a Kotex Resource

Hey, girls. Hope you’re all getting excited about heading back to school. You’ve got classes, teachers, friends, sports and everything else that goes along with a new year on your mind. The last thing you want to think about is your period. You want to focus on being you and living your life, while keeping that time of the month in the background as much as possible.

One way to keep your period from making headlines is to have the right protection on hand. Whether you wear pads or tampons keep a few in your backpack and locker. If you have a close friend who doesn’t mind, give her a back-up pad or tampon, just in case you run out. Then when it’s her time of the month, you can return the favor.

And remember, use a pad or tampon that’s absorbent enough for your flow, and change it every four to six hours to prevent embarrassing leaks.

Another way to keep your period to yourself is by using products you can easily conceal, and knowing how and where to hide them. Kotex® Ultra Compact Ultra-Thin Pads come neatly folded inside a tiny storage pouch you can stow it away in the palm of your hand. A tampon is easy to conceal, too – just tuck it up inside your sleeve, holding it against your wrist with your fingertips, and no one will ever know it’s there. In a pinch, you can hide your products in your cell phone case, your coin purse, or in between the pages of your textbook for a quick trip to the bathroom.

What do you do when it comes to keeping your period, pads and tampons to yourself? Add a comment to share your stealthy tricks.

Until next time,

Miss Maxi
a Kotex Resource

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Edited by MissMaxi at 09/04/2008 7:55 AM PDT

Hi, and welcome to the Girlspace® blog, a new feature of the redesigned teen community. From here on out, I’ll be blogging about topics that affect girls like you. Periods, body image, boys … you name it, literally. As a Girlspace® member, you can comment on my posts and even tell me what you want to hear about.

So let me hear it. What are you curious about? And what questions are you too embarrassed to ask anyone else? Come back soon for a new posting. Until then, check out the message boards and polls or you can start your very own blog.

Until next time,
MissMaxi