Juliana Foster - The Girls Book: How To Be The Best At Everything

Beat the rest. Be the best.

Its always a good idea to have a few excuses up your sleeve should you ever be late for school (through no fault of your own, of course).

I came all the way to school before I realized I still had my pajamas on, and had to go home and change.

When I got here my teacher wasnt in the classroom, so I went out looking for her.

I was abducted by aliens for experimental purposes. I have been gone for 50 years, but fortunately in Earth time it was only an hour.

I invented a time machine that took me forward to my college graduation. I saw that I will graduate magna cum laude, so I think I can take things easy from now on.

I was helping Little Bo Peep find her sheep.

I squeezed the toothpaste too hard, and spent all morning getting it back in the tube.

My parents lost the keys to my cage.

Im afraid I cant tell you why Im late. The government has sworn me to secrecy.

Im not late everyone else is early.

Do you have photographs of yourself that youd rather die than let anyone else see? Follow the simple tips below to look fabulous in every picture.

Dont pose too much. The more natural you look, the better the photo.

Stand straight with your head held high. Turn your body slightly to the side by putting one leg in front of the other, as shown below. This allows you to show your face and body in a semi-profile, which is very flattering.

Smile nobody looks good when they are miserable. Youve probably been told to say cheese, but this can make a smile look more like a grimace. For a natural, gentle smile that is easy to maintain, push your tongue against the back of your top teeth.

Open your eyes wide (not too wide or youll look startled or slightly crazy). Dont stare directly at the camera, as this may result in your eyes looking red in the photograph.

Direct your gaze at a spot just slightly above the camera.

Relax as much as you can. Just before the photograph is taken, take a deep breath and then let it out.

Let future generations know all about you and the world you live in. Find a container that can be sealed to protect its contents. A plastic storage container is ideal. Write, Not to be opened until the year 2020, or whatever date you like, on the outside. Here are some things to put in the capsule:

A letter or a recording addressed to the person who finds your capsule. State todays date and tell them a bit about yourself and your life. You could describe what you imagine the future will be like.

Some photographs of your family and a chart showing your family tree (see pages 48 and 49).

This weeks issue of your favorite magazine.

A CD of your favorite songs.

A shiny new coin minted this year.

Dont include anything valuable or edible.

When the container is full, bury it or put it in your attic.

Follow these tips and youll soon be known for hosting the best sleepovers in town.

Invite a maximum of four guests, as you want to make sure you have time to give each of them your full attention. Send out handmade invitations well ahead of time so that you can be sure your friends will be free that night. Ask your guests to reply so you know how many are coming.

Its a good idea to choose a theme for your sleepover and ask each guest to bring one thing that will contribute to the fun. If youre planning a night of salon-style pampering, for example, they could bring nail polish
and makeup. Plan activities and decorate your room around the theme.

Think of some games you can play and gather everything you need to play them before your guests arrive. Get your friends to bring their favorite CDs, DVDs, or board games.

Be a good hostess check that everyone has everything they need and knows where the bathroom is. Make sure everyone has somewhere comfortable to sleep (you can ask your guests to bring sleeping bags if necessary).

Provide plenty of food for your pals, including treats for a midnight snack and breakfast.

Make sure everyone sticks to the sacred sleepover rule secrets told at the sleepover stay at the sleepover.

Anyone can teach their dog to sit or come to them, but shaking hands shows the world that you and your dog are pedigree pals.

You can start training your dog when he is about 12 weeks old. Always be consistent and patient when training. You should always be firm and authoritative, but never shout at or hit your dog.

1. Get your dog to sit down in front of you. Praise him when he obeys and offer him a tasty treat.

2. Gently pick up one of his front paws and hold it loosely in your hand, saying, Shake as you do so.

3. Reward your dog immediately with a treat and repeat this exercise several times.

4. Next put your hand out and give the command Shake. Give your dog the chance to put his paw on your open palm as you repeat the command. If he doesnt do it after a couple of seconds, pick up his paw while saying, Shake.

5. Keep at it he will figure it out eventually.

Stun your friends and family with these amazing hand shadows.

To achieve the maximum Wow! effect, perform your shadow-puppet show in a darkened room with a white or light-colored wall. Aim a powerful desk lamp at the wall and position your hands in front of it. You could even get a friend in on the act.

Here are some foolproof ways to avoid those embarrassing moments when you sit back, kick off your shoes, and your friends kick up a fuss. These techniques are guaranteed to ensure you have the sweetest-smelling sneakers around.

Stuff several unused tea bags into each shoe and leave them there for a couple of days.

Sprinkle the inside of each shoe with talcum powder.

Drip a couple of drops of essential oil on the inner soles. Try tea tree, rose, or peppermint oil.

Fill two clean socks with cat litter (ideally some that your cat hasnt already used), and leave them in your sneakers overnight.