Wicked Stepmother: Fact or Fairytale?

If you are a teen whose parents have separated or divorced, you might have experienced your parents dating other people. You may even have a stepdad or stepmother. And you may have been angry about it, which is common and natural. So, when a Stepmother-to-be asked if she could publish a letter to her soon-to-be stepdaughter, we thought it was a great idea. They are having a difficult time with their relationship and the Stepmother wanted to share her feelings with all teens... just in case her stepdaughter-to-be is reading this article, and also case someone else is going through a similar experience. This Stepmother wanted teens to know how a new Stepmother might be feeling. So, if? your Mom or Dad is in a relationship and? you have a similar situation, or even if yours is completely different, please leave us a comment below and let us know how it's going! And also let us know if there's any information that you would want to know from a Stepmother.

You’re thirteen and you hate that your parents divorced a few years ago, you hate that your Dad is “dating” (ewww, gross!), and since he’s dating ME…well…you might as well add me to the big bowl of things you hate.

Here’s a newsflash: I love you anyway.

You see, I love your father and, by extension, I love you. I’m probably going to marry him. ? And so, there are a few things I would really like for you to understand.

1. I know that I’m not your mother.? I have no intention of trying to “replace” your mother. NO ONE on this earth could replace my mother.? I get it. But, I could be a grown-up friend…it’s your call.

2. I didn’t break up your parents’ marriage. Divorce is hard. It's very hard for everyone. I understand? you’re angry that your parents split, so let’s talk about it. Or let’s find someone for you to talk to. Your parents chose that path, and neither you nor I are to blame.

3. We don’t have to like each other. ? But we do have to RESPECT each other.? Notice that I said WE? It’s a two-way street.? Disrespect only breeds contempt. ? Nobody “wins” when everyone is disrespectful. ? Besides, if we start respecting each other, we may actually get to know one another…and like what we find.

4. I’m going to screw up.? But, I’ll never stop trying to do the right thing where you’re concerned. I will say something stupid, do something un-cool, or just aggravate you by breathing.? But I will never stop TRYING to do the right thing. If you help me, I may even stop doing the silly things a lot faster.

5. I ? listen to you.? If you want to talk to me, I will stop what I’m doing and LISTEN.? Understand that listening is hard when you scream or shout at me, because there is anger behind your words. Even if what you have to say isn’t all that nice, if you come to me to talk, I will listen. So, when you are angry, try to calm down first and then talk so we can work through the issue without the anger. I promise I'll do the same.

Now, can we just go have a pizza, get our nails done, and catch a movie sometime without a ton of drama? It sure would be fun!

Sparklehearts Natural Bath Products

Are you like us? Is your shower FULL of different products because you are always hunting for something that keeps its promise? From ? " get silky soft skin" to "bouncy curls" to "frizz free" to "luscious locks" we ? constantly fall for all the pledges on the side of bottles. ? Finding the right shower products is hard work! So, when Sparklehearts offered to send us a package full of natural bath products, of course we decided to give it a try.

We have to admit if we saw Sparklehearts on the shelf we might overlook them, thinking they would be perfect for our younger selves, you know maybe our tween selves. The packaging is very cute and young...but we found out the products are perfect for our teen self! ? What's cool is that although the line is 99.6% natural and doesn't have toxins and chemicals in it... it doesn't have the typical "green" look: you know, dull wrapping, brown or green with an eco-friendly feel. Oh no, Sparklehearts is pink and cute and swirly. ? We love that natural bath products look girly, smell sweet, and that they don't have parabens, phthalates and sulfates. ? Believe us, these are not things that should be on our body or in our hair.

We tried a moisturizing body wash with almond protein and coconut to keep our skin soft, and we followed up afterwards with glisten-y lotion. ? It had a slight shimmer that was just enough to be slightly sparkly, but not enough to be need to "shake the glitter off." ? We also tried the pHresh deodorant, and were pleasantly surprised that although it doesn't have aluminum, it stopped us from sweating. ? But where Sparklehearts truly won our hearts was with it's Shine Shampoo and Soft Conditioner. Not only is it cute, but these natural bath products are powerful - they kept our frizz halo to a minimum. ? The detangler acted like another frizz-free barrier and kept our hair soft too. We workout and swim and sweat, so hair is an issue.. and with natural curls and humidity, frizz is the battle of the day around here. ? Sparklehearts didn't make any promises, but it could have. ? Because it truly delivered. And because of that, it's won top honors in our shower and Sparklehearts has won our heart!

Spring & Summer Shoes - Pointy Toe Pumps

Did you just hear the collective scream of pain from women across the country? It’s because the pointed toe stiletto has resurfaced as the on trend shoe silhouette for spring, and it's definitely in the mix for hot summer shoes too! (cover image via jakandjil)

Hello, it's Lisa from? In Dramatic Fashion,? PopCosmo’s Fashion Contributor with the latest style tips and trends from NYC.? Nothing elongates the leg and instantly tones your calves like a pointed pump. I blame the one and only Miss Carrie Bradshaw for my first meeting with this toe cruncher. For six seasons she pranced around on "Sex & the City" in New York City looking elegant, funky, and never scuffed a heel in sidewalk crack (this is near impossible!) Thankfully we came to our senses and turned to the platform in seasons past. While still staggeringly tall, the platform offers padded comfort, stability, and a realistic width across the foot bed. Some might even consider them practical.

Fast forward a few months to New York Fashion Week last February. Statement makers took to the sidewalks and stepped out of their town cars in traditional pointed pumps, including the single-handed trendsetter Jenna Lyons of J.Crew. However, if you’re not being rolled around town in your parents' black Escalade, or sitting behind a desk all day at school, I suggest toning this trend down a few notches. Your feet will thank you now, and you will fend off nightmares about acquiring bunions (yuck) in the future.?

This Nine West pump? or Boutique 9 pump? will give you a similar look to Sex and the City's Miss Bradshaw’s favorite Manolos’, but with enough money left for a snack.

The trend looks especially fresh when they appear to be thrown on absentmindedly at the last minute. Pair them in a funky color with cuffed, worn-in blue jeans and v-neck tee to channel Jenna Lyons’ ensemble (see the photo above). ? But if your toes are absolutely screaming and you’ve places to be in a hurry, slip on some pointed toe flats and walk tall.?

For more style tips, be sure to check out Lisa's fantastic blog, In Dramatic Fashion.? Happy spring and summer shoes shopping!