Quick Tip: Visiting Cheerleader Gifts



Most squads during half time give a little gift or treat the opposing side's cheerleaders here's a quick tip on your treat giving!

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Cookies!

Cookies are the answer to everything, they're easy to make and less messy to eat. You should start by getting a good sugar cookie either store bought or even better homemade. Then get white icing and use cake gel to write on a megaphone with your school's letters inside! It's super easy and extremely cute. You can then invest in a small container to put each cookie inside!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader 

Asking Your Questions: Part 2

So I just got home from my first football game of the season and it was super fun, now I'm ready to answer your guy's questions! (I copied and pasted the questions from the comments in earlier posts)


when are the best times to wear my letterman because I always feel like a show off when I do :(

Don't feel like you're showing off. You earned it! You can wear your lettermen pretty much whenever you please, you don't need someone to tell you when! I suggest wearing it when it's colder so you don't take it off and lose it.

I lost my sparkly silver bloomers for under my uniform and im too scared to ask my coach to buy me knew ones from varsity clothing, -__-

This is an easy fix, you should just talk to your coach and let her know, but if that doesn't seem like an option for you here's a place that sells them for a decent price and has good shipping! (Click here)


I have been waiting for you to do another answering of questions! I sent this before but I never got an answer. how do you balance two difent sports

It's really about time-management. You have to have to good communication skills between coaches and make sure they can talk and be on the same page. Always make sure you have  a set calendar and that important events don't clash!

how do I learn howto not be scared when I fly. I want to be a flyer but im afraid my stunt group is going to drop me

It may sound stupid but the real answer is just simply "trust." You need to learn trust your stunt group and know that if you fall they will catch you. There's no way you can progress and move on to new stunts when you're afraid of your own stunt group. Have a stunt group bonding and get to know each other to make sure you're all on the same page.

is it true that you have to pay an arm and a leg to do cheer?

This is a complex question because yes it is pretty expensive but it all depends on what type, your coach, the season, etc. etc. Basically, cheer will not be cheap but if you play your cards right and save up with your parents it should work out.

I have to pick between cheer captain on jv and being on varsity which should I do! help!

This is a hard decision for you and I get it. But you should pick whatever seems to be a challenge for you and pushes you to do your best. On Varsity you will be the highest level and probably participate a lot more, but as JV captain you have a bigger job and you can have a chance to led your squad. Do what you believe will make your year super fun!

Hope all of these answers helped. I'll let y'all know when I do a "part 3!!!!!!"

Love,

A Cheerleader

Diary Of A Cheerleader: First of Many

Dear Diary,

The first football game is coming up fast and I can't help but feel a bit nervous. We've been preparing for what seems like years but is really just the summer which consisted of 2 1/2 months. I'm nervous but it's really in an excited way and I absolutely cannot wait for tomorrow when I get to be under those football lights (not at home feel though *sigh*)!!!! Well this has been a pretty short diary entry but I have tons of homework to do since the game tomorrow is on a Thursday! XOXO

-A Cheerleader

P.S: Make sure to leave some questions in the comments below for tomorrow's "Answering Your Questions."

Quick Tip: How to Carry Your Cheer Box

Now that school is in session my life is getting pretty busy and I don't have as much to brain storm awesome posts for you guys as usually, so when I have the time I'll do some quick tips to keep up the daily blog without having to take too much time away from my cheerleading! :) XOXO

Picture from Google Image Search

Ready for this quick tip? Carrying those cheer boxes to and fro gets so tiring especially when it's full of all of your stuff! (click here for What to Put in Your Cheer Box). I highly suggest purchasing a Megana Cart from any Home Depot or hardware store. They're super easy to open and close and do a great job carrying your box around. Here's a few places you can't get your own cart!

• Amazon
• Lowes
• Sam's Club
• Wal-Mart
• Sears

Hope this quick tip helped you this football season!
Love,
A Cheerleader

 

5 Easy Meals for Team Dinners

On Thursday I will be doing another "Answering Your Questions" post. (This is not a regular Thursday thing, it's just been a while) So be sure to leave all of your questions in the comments below or you can use the contact box on the right of the screen!
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When football season rolls around that also means the team dinners do. You'll probably have 12-25 girls in your home for a squad team dinner and it might seem impossible to feed everyone and keep them all happy. Here's 5 super easy meals for team dinners!

 

#1 Lasagna

Picture from Google Image Search

Everyone loves pasta and instead of boiling hundreds of angel hair noodles for spaghetti you can just serve up a pan or two of lasagna. It can be paired with other appetizers like garlic bread and salad. Sometimes you can even get away with buying a frozen lasagna instead of the traditional one from scratch. It saves money and probably a lot of your time.

#2 Subway Sandwich Platter
 







Picture from Google Image Search

Sandwiches are so fresh and refreshing. With subway you can make your own sandwich platter for a reasonable price (from experience). It's really easy and saves time to have to prepare a big meal. You can even buy some cookies to go with it for desert!

#3 Pizza

 







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We're kicking it old school with a traditional slice of pizza. It's so simple that people over look it. There's really absolutely nothing wrong with serving pizza at a time dinner. You don't need a giant fancy meal to satisfy everyone. You can either go to a nearby pizza shop or make it yourself so you can pat yourself on the back.

#4 Thanksgiving Comes Early
 







Picture from Google Image Search

If you're looking forward to hosting a team dinner to show off your mad cooking skills you can't go wrong with a little ham, potatoes, corn, and carrots. It may take a bit longer to prepare but the outcome will be worth it. You can even pair the meal with some French bread, and salad!

#5 BBQ Style
 



Google Image Search

If the weather is warm and those gloomy Friday Night Lights don't kick in too fast, there's never a wrong time to have  BBQ when the sun is out. You can serve up some hot dogs and hamburgers with your team's favorite chips. It's a no brainer and will make everyone happy.


Hope all of the meal options helped you make up your mind about what dish you'll be serving at your next team dinner.

Love,
A Cheerleader

How to Wash Your Cheer Uniform

Your uniform is what you wear to assemblies, performances, games, etc. etc. Let's be honest and admit that no matter what precautions you take it will get dirty some way or another whether it's eating and dropping food on it or simply walking by an old and tattered school desk with led on the side. Here's how to wash your uniform when things like this do happen!

Picture from Google Image Search

Step #1: Beforehand buy a good detergent. (Tide is highly recommended.)
Step #2: Bring your uniform to your washing machine and decide which garment will be washed first. All four (shell, skirt, liner, and bloomers) must be washed separated, and since they take about an hour to wash separated (so 3-4 hours all together) you should decide which needs to be the most dry. In fact sometimes uniforms take a little more then overnight to dry so you should try to wash it early in the day.
Step #3: Put garment into washing machine and set others aside in a clean space. Add Tide detergent, and set on "cold water," and on "delicate" or "hand wash, " pending on which your washing machine has listed it under.
Step #4: Once garment is done take out of the wash and hang dry it. You can do it the old fashion way and put it on a clothing line or if you're like me you'll just set it on your dinner table to dry. (if putting it on a table make sure the table doesn't have an spills or crumbs)
Step #5: Repeat for each garment.

Washing Late @ Night

• If life happens and you weren't able to clean your uniform the night before you need it you should make the decision on whether or not to clean it, because it may not be dry in the morning. Sometimes when this happens to be I hang the four garments up in front of a fan on high and hope for the best. They're usually a little damp in the morning but once I wear it and walk around in it, it's dry.

Lettermen Jacket & Boxes

• Cheerleaders carry their boxes to and fro at every game, and the Varsity girls are usually dressed in their lettermen jackets to fight the cold. The boxes and the jackets sometimes don't mix and as the season goes on the box wear out and start leaving paint on jacket sleeves. This is an easy fix with a wash cloth and a bit of aloe vera. The aloe vera not only takes off the paint but it also "massages" the leather.

Gum

• It's high school and dealing with gum will happen daily, whether it's on the floors or the blenchers. Sitting on gum sucks (I know from experience) and it's even worse when it's when you're wearing your uniform skirt when doing it (also from experience). What I used from fighting the gum off my uniform is hot water and a lot of scrubbing, then when that didn't quite cut it I used delicate carpet cleaner and it worked like a gem.

 

A lot can happen in the course of a game or a pep rally, just make sure that your uniform doesn't pay the consequences. Keep it clean and take care of it.

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

 

How to Keep A Clean Rep. As A Cheerleader

Everyone knows who you are. A Cheerleader. It doesn't matter if you're in your uniform, at school wearing your own clothes, or on the streets with your friends. It doesn't matter because no matter where you go you're still a cheerleader! Here's a few things to always remember no matter where you are or who you're with.

Picture from Google Image Search

Social Media

Everyone has either a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Myspace, Ask.fm, etc. Social Media is fun but it can also be a dangerous thing and because of that you really have to watch what you put online. You never know who will see it especially if it's your coach! You really shouldn't post any bad pictures, or mean comments especially if they're targeted at someone or worse a teammate. Ask.fm is another bad site cause trouble in. Although the questions are anon. it's pretty easy to tell sometimes who's asking the questions. You should never bully a teammate or anyone for that matter!

 

Drinking/Drugs

Every student wants to experiment and have a good time but that doesn't mean you have to do the wrong things to have fun. I'll even admit that not everyone can stay away from drugs and drinking but it's really not a good idea not to mention it's against the law! You don't want to get catch doing any of these because it'll look really bad on yourself and your squad.

 

Bullying

Bullying doesn't just happen on social media although it has been happening a lot more lately. It happens at school, in the halls, at lunch, at the mall, etc. etc. etc. Anywhere. Everywhere. You do NOT want to ever be the bully not just because you're a cheerleader but because you have a heart and not even the rudest person in the world deserves to be bullied and picked on. If there were no meanness there would be no bullies, so show some kindness to everyone around you.

 

P.D.A

Tons of girls have boyfriends and it's easy to just want to kiss and hug them 24/7 but remember that you're a role model and need to be appropriate. It's fine, honestly outside of school but while in the halls or class your lips should be sealed. XOXO

 

Rumors

Not only should you not go around spreading or making up rumors you should try to stay out of being the subject of the rumors. Kids can be mean and no matter what rumors will be started. Just make sure the bad ones aren't true.

 

This is all basically common sense and I get that people make a few mistakes here and there but be sure to keep a positive attitude and stay the role model that you were meant to be because you don't just represent yourself or your squad. You represent the whole school. Above all it's high school though and be sure to enjoy it while you can and have fun just make the right choices along the way!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

 

 



Diary of A Cheerleader: The Start of A New Year

So yesterday was suppose to be another Diary of a Cheerleader and again I forgot so I'm officially moving the series to Wednesdays since it's the middle of the week and gives me time to remember! Also since I have officially started school please forgive me in advance for missing a few days and not posting! I'll try to post on as many days as I can!
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Dear Diary,

It's weird starting something new when it feels like you're just picking up where you left off. You have the same school, same friends, and same vibe. Then again you have new classes, new teachers and a new grade. My first day of school went smoothly and I can happily say that my stunt group hit all of our stunts! I now realize that my fears of who I would sit with at lunch, and if my friends would change were for nothing and are the least of my worries right now. So now I go to bed earlier again because I have school tomorrow and the next day and the weekend and then it's a real full week. School has officially started and now it's time to adjust.

-A Cheerleader

Built to Base

You don't need to be the incredible hulk to be an amazing base. You don't need bulging muscles or ripped legs. To be a base you need to have strength in not only your body but also your mind. It also helps to have good technique to avoid getting injured or having the stunt fall. A few tips on good technique for basing is just below!

Picture from Google Image Search



#1 Height

It's really important to be paired up with another base who is similar height as you. If you're two inches taller or less then it's fine. You definitely don't want to a base that 5'3'' when you're 5'7'' because it would just never work. To avoid height issues with your paired base even when it's only a few inches off spread your legs apart if you're taller or have her do it if she is. You want to have equal height because it needs to be even level and stable for your flyer.

 

#2 Wrist Together

When basing a lot of people get sloppy during a long and hard stunt sequence and they start to let they wrist come apart so that they're only holding the flyer's toe and heel. Think about it this way when you're holding her like that the middle of her foot is dropping down and adding more pressure and weight on you. If you just get your wrist together or even an inch or two apart if the flyer has bigger feet then you should be able to help her keep stable.

 

#3 Comfort Zone

During a long stunt sequence you could lose a lot of your energy and when it comes time to stunt you might be out of breath and have no strength. Make sure that if you know you can't hit that extension to tell your back spot right before you push up. Just say "half" and she'll understand because if you're not comfortable enough to do it, it'll be better then dropping the stunt. Always keep to your comfort zone and don't let anyone in your stunt group, or even your coach push you too hard because that's when injuries happen.

 

#4 Good Posture

When performing a stunt is very important to have good posture and keep your back straight because you don't want to lift with your back instead of your legs. Lifting with your back could cause injuries or back problems later on. Instead of leaning over for a stunt, keep your back straight and bend your knees to get lower and closer to the other base or the flyer's foot.

 

#5 Timing

In stunting having counts for each skill is important but it's even more important be hit those counts with your other base. Timing is the key to every stunt hitting or missing. You could have the best stunt group in the world but if they never know how to time their stunts right they'll drop every stunt.

 

#6 Be Alert

Literally anything can happen when your flyer is in the air, and it's your job to be alert and maybe sure when she falls she doesn't hit the group. When stunting be sure to keep your eyes on her the whole time, and make sure not to be talking. When stunt groups aren't paying attention is when accidents happen.

 

 

I hope all of these basing techniques are useful to you or your stunt group!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

 

Deciding Whether or Not to Quit Cheer

This is a article that I didn't think I would have to write but it turns out there's a lot of girls who are either unhappy with their squad or the sport itself. Once you get into cheer there's a lot you have to put into it. You will be mad about wasting time while your parents are made about wasting money. Here's a few things to consider before you walk off the matt for good.

Picture from Google Image Search

#1 Think of Your Pros & Cons
You should always look at the big picture. Make a list of all the reasons why you like or joined cheerleading, then on another paper write down all of the cons. Be honest with yourself when doing this. Whatever has more on the list is probably the deciding answer.

#2 Talk to Your Parents
It might seem like just your problem when it's time to think about quitting but it's really not. Your parents will want to know why and if there's a solid conflict going on between girls or the coach itself they can most likely help. Never be afraid to talk to your parents about this especially if it's something that can happen to another squad member. Parents have a magical way of making problems go away when it comes to sports.

#3 Try to Fix the Problem
To you this probably seems super hard because there's an issue so big you're willing to quit the team, but leaving without solving the problem can come back to bite you. Talk to your coach, parents, teammates, or whoever or whatever the source of the problem is and maybe together you can work it out.

Here's a few scenerios and how to help fix them:

• The squad is getting cliquey: In order to deal with this it's best to talk to your coach. She knows that a team is a team and in order to get things done you need to be friendly and stick together.
• The program is going downhill: This is a job for the parents, because most programs have booster boards. Try bringing up important topics to the leaders and find some simple solutions
• A girl is bullying you: You can talk to your coach about this but you can also talk to the girl herself. Find the source of the issue and ask to work it out. If that doesn't work you can let your coach know and she'll probably handle it from there.
• Your coach is rude and basis: If there's ever a problem with your coach you don't have to hide it in fear of your team hating you. No squad should have to deal with a bad coach. Let someone know even if it's just your parents or someone from the school's office.
• Money is tight: Money is always going to be an issue for cheerleaders because of it's high cost and fees, but by using personal sponsorships and small fundraisers you can help keep the cost down even by a bit. You can almost always work something out with your booster board in order to help.

Hopefully you don't want to quit cheer because of any of these reasons because it's really fun and a great experience.

Love,
A Cheerleader

Transforming Into A Cheerleader

A lot of girls start the sport of cheerleading really young. They're on their Tiny Mite squad with six other toddlers and they tumble around doing their little summer salts only to become a Worlds of Cheerleading Athlete at 14 or 15. For those girls it's intense and it's what they're born into.

For other girls it's a sport in which they look forward to when they get to high school. As an 8th grader you tryout for the freshman squad and are exposed to your own world of cheerleading. But these cheerleaders were most likely never just girls awaiting to be cheerleaders in high school. These girls were ballet dancers, soccer players, basketball players, softball players, hip hop dancers, etc. etc. They were exposed to other things before their years as a cheerleader.

Transforming into a cheerleader isn't easy...but then again it's not rocket science. You don't have to be a certain height, weight, color, religion, you just have to be able to want to work hard and have a special drive to get things done and do it "full out."

From the time she was seven or eight, my younger sister-hmmmm let's call her "Jane"-so Jane was a softball player. She lived, and breathed the game. Now at the age of twelve she was on her way to a full athletic scholarship for softball. Our dad was so proud. She was amazing and a great ball player, she was on the best team in (blank). Then one day she decided she didn't like softball any more. She decided that it wasn't fun and the pressure our family was putting on her was too much. So she quit. Our dad was devastated and didn't even want to speak to her. He put all of his energy into her softball and then one day he realized that it wasn't for the right reasons.

Jane decided she wanted to be a cheerleader like me! This didn't go over well with my dad and she's still trying to make "the transformation." It just goes to show that it's not the easiest thing to transform into a cheerleader. You have to work and sort of erase everything you already know.

Well that was just a short story. Hope you enjoyed this post!

Love,

A Cheerleader

7 Things to Always Keep in Your Cheer Bag

Just like any other squad, this summer you were probably practicing non-stop every weekday in order to learn all of the cheers, sideline dances, and probably a first day of school performance. Showing up to practice every day is draining and frustrating but keeping a few simple things in your cheer bag can help you lighten up a bit.

Picture from Google Image Search

 

 

#1 A Cold Drink

This one is pretty much a no brainer! You should always have something to hydrate yourself during practice so that you can keep up your energy and stay cool on these hot summer days. Water isn't just the only thing to bring, you can always try an energy drink like Gatorade, Vitamin Water, etc. Anything that will quench your thirst is the way to go.

 

 

#2 Healthy Snack

This one is also a no brainer. How do you expect to do anything on any empty stomach. Try packing a granola bar, special K, fruit snacks, etc. Skip out on the bag of potato chips and get a healthier choice for practice.

 

#3 Deodorant

Sure you apply before you leave to practice but what about during? You don't want a funky smell coming from you. Plus, it's always a good idea to keep it handy in case you forget to apply before you left. Before, During, and After a draining and hard practice you should stay fresh.

 

#4 Hand Sanitizer

If you're a base this is a big one to have. Think about it this way whatever your flyer scrapped up on the bottom of her shoes are now on your hands. If you're a back spot, front spot or flyer it's also good to keep it clean especially during stunting where there's a lot of contact.

 

#5 Extra Feminine Products

I think we all know why....

 

#6 Cell Phone

It's always good to have it even if your coach doesn't let you take it out of your bag. You never know when you might need to text a friend or call your parents. Having your cell phone around is just a good idea.

 

#7 Hair Ties

At least at my cheer practice girls are always asking each other for hair ties when it's time to stunt. If you're like me then you show up with your hair already up and a few hair ties on your wrist to lend out. It's a good idea to keep some in your bag in case you don't have one or another teammate.

 

 

These are just a few things to keep in your bag. Hopefully when you time comes that you need something on here you already have it in your cheer bag!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader



How to Love Your Stunting Position

Many cheerleaders make it seem as if a flyer is the stunt group. This is completely untrue. Every position in a stunt group is important, a stunt wouldn't go up without every single person's involvement. Here's a few tips on how to love your position even if you're not a flyer.

Pictures From Google Image Search

Don't get me wrong a flyer is a very important job. You're basically the reason there is a stunt but there can't be a stunt unless there are two bases, a back spot, and sometimes a front spot.

 

 

#1 Except Your Position

 

You've been assigned your stunting position and you know it's not the one you wanted. Just remember that your coach gave you this job for a reason. She knows you'll be good at it. A teacher doesn't give students homework because she knows they're bad at it she gives it because she knows they can be good at it eventually and learn from it.

 

 

#2 Get Comfortable

 

You're brand new at your position and you're learning new skills. Make sure you don't get ahead of yourself and do things that you're not comfortable with. If your stunt group is pushing for their lib but you're not comfortable with it going up let someone know. If you don't have confidence when the stunt is loading it won't go up and can lead to injury.

 

 

#3 Work Hard

 

In order to love your stunting position you should try to be good at it. Work hard in every stunt that you do and really fight for it. If a stunt is about to fall fight to keep it up and if it does fall never let your flyer hit the ground. Practice makes perfect, so work hard and try to click with your stunt group in order to have good stunts.

 

 

 

Hope all of these tips helped. Remember that every person in a stunt group is responsible for it going up. Every stunt position matters!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader



 

Diary of A Cheerleader: Full Circle

Diary of A Cheerleader is usually posted on a Tuesday but due to myself being busy here it is on a Wednesday. The series will continue on it's normal schedule next Tuesday!

Dear Diary,

Our first day of school is coming up fast and it makes me feel as if I did nothing but rehearse the same dance the whole summer...oh wait I kind of did. You know the feeling that happens when your coach wants you to keep practicing and practicing because she thinks it'll help the performance, well it gets to a point where doing the same thing over and over again is only going to hurt it considering by now everyone is just doing it half-ass because we're so sick of it. Don't get me wrong the first performance is going to be awesome because we've worked so hard, but over practicing is just wearing us out.

It also doesn't help that girls like to just not show up to practice "just because." We're a team and if one person is gone it's as if the whole team is gone because a lot of things can't happen without that one person. Formations can't be made. Stunts can't go up. Etc. Etc. Etc. It's super annoying when you want to do something full out and you realize your flyer isn't even at practice. I just think we should sit down and have a little chat or even better just get together and have a team bonding because that's what we really need to do. Bond. Not practice. Bond. We need to trust each other and get to know each other on another level. We need to become a family. We need to be a team.

-A Cheerleader

Cheerleading Frienemies

Whether it's personal issues outside of cheer or your competitive nature kicking in, at some point in our cheer life we will have frienemies. You know those girls who you're friendly to but not friends with. It's the same thing as the girls you don't like that you pass in the hallways only in this case it's the girls you're stuck with every day for a whole season and most likely years of cheer. Here's all to hash out some of your frienemies without having to do anything but confront yourself!

Picture from Google Image Search

 

Jealousy

As much as you don't want to admit it this is probably the number one reason girls hate on each other and is probably the reason why you don't like your frienemies. They have something you don't which may be popularity, they might be pretty, have a wide dance background, be a great flyer, whatever the case is it's probably something that makes you a bit insecure about yourself. What you need to do is just honestly except that fact that everyone has their flaws and no one can be perfect, instead of being jealous of the things you can't have (like physical appearance) try focusing on what you can do. This is advice to be jealous of something because they're nice it's just advice have a nicer outlook towards yourself and people.

 

They're Just Plain Annoying

This is something a lot of girls say when they really don't have a good reason to not like a girl on their squad. But the annoyance that you see in them is probably something much bigger. Have you ever stopped to think that them not being able to catch on to a dance isn't annoying, it's just a chance for you to help them out and get to know them, or that them trying to crack a unfunny joke is just their way of wanting to fit in but they might be too shy to ask to hang out. There's a lot more under the surface and if you think something is just "plain annoying" you should not judge a book by it's cover and find the deeper meaning.

 

Personal Issues

Girls will be girls and that happens even before cheer season. Whether it's beef from middle school or you're seniors and have just never gotten along your personal issues cannot get in the way of being a team. The two of you need to talk it out and honestly just get over it because that stupid little thing that you're fighting over could make or break your team's bond. When two girls don't like each other sides form, and people choose sides, this is when things get ugly and you don't want this to happen so soon in a cheer season! Keep your personal issues personal and fix them with whoever.

 

I hope this helped you out. Remember that just because you have frienemies doesn't mean it's a good idea to have them. Be civil and try to work it out because there's no "I" in team. It takes every person to get a long and work together to make a successful cheer squad and it takes one person to bring it down. Just a few words of wisdom!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

How to Keep Your Pom Poms Fluffy

Here's a trick on how to keep your pom-poms fluffy for football season! After time the strands of the pom poms get wrinkled and bent so use this easy trick to help keep them looking fresh out of the box!

Picture from Google Image Search

 

First of all you want to make sure this trick can be done on your pom poms depending on the poms material. This trick works on plastic poms (and can be done on metallic plastic but beware color may fade a tiny bit).

 

You want to start by pulling all of the strands apart and making sure none of them are twisted together. Then take your flat iron and put it on the lowest heat setting. From here all you have to do is just slide the iron down each bent strand. Continue doing this through the pom poms until its the way you want. I usually do this about once every two weeks or so when its just because but during football season I usually do it after every football game.

 

Warnings:

-beware of metallic fading

-don't overheat iron

-don't over do each strand

-make sure strands don't melt

 

Caution:

If smoking occurs from strands or poms stop what you're doing and place poms outside of your home to cool

 

Hope this trick helps. Remember to always be safe and smart. Have an awesome football season!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

 



School Shopping for A Cheerleader

Oh my gosh! So sorry for being so M.I.A for 5 days!!!!! You know being a cheerleader can be pretty time consuming like I said in my other entries. I'll be sure to be keeping up this week and posting a new "Diary of A Cheerleader" on Tuesday!
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Going back to school is coming up fast and that means you've probably seen tons of back to school sales going on at any store like Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Target, etc. Of course you're a student athlete which means you need all of the basics supplies for school but what does a cheerleader buy clothing wise when it comes to having dress out clothes already set up for you the majority of the school days!

Picture from Google Image Search

Just because you're on cheer doesn't mean you'll never see your regular clothes again! Go ahead and buy your cute tops, shorts, dresses, skirts, shoes, etc. because you'll always have those days when there's no events and you have a day to dress freely! You also have weekends to hang out with friends and I'm sure you don't want to wear your cheer clothes to lunch or a movie. Here's a few smart shopper tips:

 

Don't Over Shop

It's fine to get a bunch of cute clothes to wear whenever you can dress out freely but don't over buy to the point where the amount you spent isn't worth it. You will have free days but you don't want your parents to pay a ton for those few days.

 

 

Just Because

Don't go out and buy a bunch of clothes that you know you'll never wear. If you're not convinced then don't buy it just because you think you'll like it later, or just because the person you're shopping with likes it.

 

Don't Bundle Buy

People usually go school shopping with their parents one certain day but you don't always have to buy a bunch that day you can always come back whenever, so don't buy clothes that you know you won't like later and don't go to stores that you're not interested in their clothes. Wal-Mart may have awesome supplies but their fashion section isn't the brightest.

 

Practice Clothes

Yoga pants, soffee shorts, and other sporting clothes are a good idea to get. You have to think seasonal when it's fall and spring it's good to have shorts and autumn and winter are good to have yoga pants!

 

Hope all of these tips helped while you shop!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

 







 



 





What to Put in Your Cheer Box

Cheer boxes are used to stand on during football games, no brainer right? But to be honest your cheer box is like more of a purse when it comes to carrying everything. Here's a list of what should be in your cheer box!

Picture from Google Image Search

 

 

When getting ready to go to your team dinner you should really make sure you have the basics which is your uniform if you don't plan on arriving in it. Make sure to put your poms, bow, shell, skirt, liner, bloomers, and cheer shoes in the box first!

 

Now you can add your makeup. Most cheerleaders carry a makeup bag but since your box will most likely be searched once you enter the field you want to make sure nothing will go spilling out. So just go basic, get a small bag and add your eye makeup, lip gloss, face makeup, etc.

 

For drinks and snacks you want to just bring water, it's probably your first football game and you don't know what the rules are most football fields don't allow anything but water so just bring two bottles and some cash in your box to go to the snack bar at half time.

 

Your cheer box can hold tons of stuff but you never want to over stuff it because remember you're the one carrying it or wheeling it around on a lift. Hope this helped my fellow cheerleaders!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

The Hidden Expenses in High School Cheerleading

When signing up for your cheer program they usually give you a packet with tryout requirements, a basic calendar of the year's events and football games, and of course the prices. They may give you an estimate or a solid number but regardless of what was printed, there's always a few hidden costs that cheerleading brings in. Here's a few that may show up over the course of your season!

Picture from Google Image Search

#1 Cheer Bows

 

These cute accessories don't always come cheap. In fact there's bows that go from $4-$25! Each bow for each girl can't always be covered by the boosters so it is left to the parents to chip in and get their daughter whatever bow is required. Bow buying usually is brought up around competition season or holidays such as Christmas, or Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

#2 Personalized Keep Sakes

 

These are what the girls look forward to. They want to have these after graduation and be able to look back. These keep sakes are usually: cheer boxes, letterman jackets, etc. Cheer boxes are what the girls need to stand on in order to see the game, and when you make Varsity you get to purchase a varsity letterman jacket! But how much do these things usually cost? Well a cheer box you have to pay for the wood, paint, primer, handles, and brushes. Each box usually rounds out to $35. A letterman can be anywhere from $250-$400! WOW! Didn't see that coming?

 

#3 Costumes

 

Some squads like to get creative and stray away from the usual uniform especially around holiday and spring assemblies. This means parents have to purchase whatever costumes the team decides on whether it's a shirt with colorful socks, or a full blown costume all the way down to the fake eyelashes!

 

#4 Team Bonding

 

Getting together doesn't always come cheap especially if you're holding a team dinner. Prepare yourself to buy all of the girls a decent meal and expect seconds! When it comes to bonding on weekends it may result in a trip to the movies, an amusement park, mini golf, etc. That means you'll be pumping out enough for the ticket and a quick snack.

 

 

Cheerleading may seem like too much money then it's worth but trust me when I say it really is all worth it. High school is short and on cheer you make friendships that will last a lifetime! These hidden expenses can be easily taken care of by asking the boosters or coaches questions before tryouts or after you make the team. Get all of the info so it's easy for you and your family to budget in order to make your cheerleader's season the best it can be!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

That One Girl

We always have those one girls on our squad that seem to think they're better, or can easily be taken advantage of. Here's a list of "those one girls" so you can see if you have one on your squad and how to deal with them.

Hope this helped your squad. Remember that all squads have that one girl who can really push your buttons and with the help of a captain or coach the problem can be solved!

Love,
A Cheerleader

50th Entry!: How to Make A Cheer Bow

I just wanted to thank you all so much for taking a glimpse at my blog. This is really just a pass time I do in hopes of helping even just one person. Cheerleading is my passion and if I can even just touch one person so be it. I don't do this to get hundreds of views a day or to act like I'm the best I honestly do it just to give the smallest piece of advice to a cheerleader. Doing this blog is so much fun and there's a lot more to come. So if you ever have a question or have a idea for an entry be sure to contact me through the contact a cheerleader box on the right of the page! Thank you all so much!

Now for a special 50th entry video, Our Blood Sweat and Cheers blog decided to create a youtube account! You can check us out on our Youtube Channel by clicking here!

For the first video we decided to do a tutorial on how to make a cheer bow! This was very requested! We are so excited to share with you the video so here we go! Happy 50th entry! Thank you all so much! Hope you enjoy!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

What to Wear?: Bow Edition




Pictures From Google Image Search

Hope you can experiment and have fun with all of these hair styles during your football season!

Love,
A Cheerleader