LIFE

Ahh, the weekend. Time to relax, reset...and, oh yeah, finish that science extra credit project/catch up with your besties over brunch/practice violin/clean your room/just about everything else on your to-do list.

But before you start stressing about a stacked sched, let us make your life a little easier: Inspired by our fave spring reads, we're mastering the art of the beautifully balanced weekend, bc no go-getter girl should have to choose between reconnecting with her buds, getting in touch with her creative side and soaking in some self-care. Here's how to pull it all off...

A fierce 'n' fun Friday night

Your Friday inspo: BFF Polaroids, rom-com rewatches, chic thrifted fits, charisma and confidence à la Nikki from Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure

It's simply a fact: The Friday dismissal bell at school Just. Hits. Different. Chuck your textbooks in your locker and blast your most triumphant tunes on the walk/ride/bus home (may we suggest this energy-boosting playlist), then text the group chat and see who is up for sushi at your fave spot.

Why? Unwinding with your gals gives you a dose of dopamine that ultimately makes you more motivated to get stuff done later on.

Just like Nikki (the outgoing and optimistic main character of Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure), stepping out of your comfort zone is key.

During her adventures abroad in Paris, Nikki faces all kinds of #awk encounters—but it never stops her from taking future risks that (almost!) always pay off. Taking a page from Nikki's book (literally) and being the girl who isn't afraid to put herself out there is the best way to kick off your confidence era.

A solo, soothing Saturday

Your Saturday inspo: Solo dates, floaty floral dresses, watercolor paints, artsy girl creativity (thanks to Heidi from Middle School and Other Disasters: Worst Broommate Ever!)

Today is for your crafty side: Pour your energy into an activity that *actually* fills your cup (aka makes you feel energized and empowered). Yep, it's time to finally try out that niche hobby from your Pinterest feed—whether it's perfecting your pinch pot pottery, getting into zen mode with a coloring book or listening to a vibe-y playlist while you braid friendship bracelets.

Spending solo time on new interests can help you gain perspective—something that Heidi, the heroine from Middle School and Other Disasters: Worst Broommate Ever!  knows a thing or two about.

When Heidi heads to a secret school for witches-in-training, she enters the topsy-turvy world of magic, mischief and mayhem (and wasn't middle school hard enough already!?). Her only hope for surviving roomie drama and becoming the best witch she can be? Staying open to new experiences, 24/7. 

OK, your Saturday might not include potion-brewing or flying broomsticks, but self-discovery can be its own kind of sorcery.

A self-care Sunday reset

Your Sunday inspo: Bullet journaling, cozy hoodies, motivational documentaries, learning to let loose like Maple from Maple's Theory of Fun

When the Sunday Scaries come creeping in, it's tempting to start sweating this week's swim meet or that pile of homework sitting on your desk. But consider this your sign to take a deep breath, pop on some jitter-busting jams (find the playlist here!) and recharge for the week to come. 

Your productive girl morning begins by breaking out your bullet journal and gel pens to jot down your top three goals for the week. Then, take an hour or two to tidy up (think: change your sheets, wash your water bottle and organize your vanity). By the time evening rolls around, you'll be able to kick back for family game night or a reading sesh. 

And, yes, being anxious about the week is oh-so-relatable—just take it from Maple in Maple's Theory of Fun, a science-minded middle schooler who’s determined to learn exactly how to let loose and have fun in order to win back her friendships. But if she can strike the perf balance between being prepared and self-care, we're pretty certain you can, too.

Rock your weekend and enter to win our fave girlpower reads here!

Need more inspo to live your storybook life? Look no further:
📚 Tell us about your school day and we'll match you with a spring mood board (+ a girlpower read!)
📚 Want to connect with fellow bookworms? Join our fab virtual book club now
📚 Here's how to romanticize reading again

by GL | 3/8/2024