All three girls have very different dreams, but each face obstacles in their journey to attaining them. And they never give up.

And that’s what Dream Mining is all about. It’s a place where young people can go to discover their dreams and passions and they’ll be encouraged to go after them. I think this is so important for young people: to feel as if there are no limits to what they can achieve. That any dream, whether it’s to become an Olympic athlete, a famous actress—or yes, even a cheerleader—isn’t out of reach.

Even though I’m an adult (or so they tell me) I have to admit, the site is really fun! It’s geared toward 8-12 year olds (however, I just spent over an hour on there myself, creating an avatar and playing dress up and makeovers; check out my avatar below! How cool is she?), and users can enjoy a ton of stuff while there. There are music videos, games, avatars that you can dress up and more!

Check out my avatar!

But one of the coolest things on the Dream Mining website are the original books based on Lilly, Ella and Sarah. Through the books, readers will get to know the girls and join them on their journey to attaining their dreams. And if you buy a book for $4.99, you win 500 dream dollars! Dream dollars that you can spend on avatar clothes and accessories!

So log on today, create an avatar and get in touch with your “kid” side. You never know…it could help you discover your dreams!

Brittany

So I get a kick out of the zebra sports bras and bows I see at cheer competitions, and I wanted to share the cute new striped stuff I’ve seen (and coveted) this season.

Why splurge for a professional manicure when you get these for less than five bucks at the drugstore? While they might not be approved for game day, I love these Pink by Kiss Pink Zebra Sticker Nails ($4.99, beautysupplyonline.com). There’s no glue needed, and they’re easy to remove with a good soak in warm water.

I’m in love with this Modella Classic Zebra Four Piece Train Set ($12.84, Walmart). I’m always on the road traveling from competition to competition, and these handy compartments help keep my beauty products organized (plus there’s no mess if anything spills!).

At $3 a pack, these BA Star Glitter Stickers ($1, bastar.com) are just too much fun. These would look so fierce on competition day, but they’d also make a black tank and jeans look even hotter on a Saturday night.

Remember the chair I said I covered in my college days? Well, this is the same idea but a hundred times more fabulous. This Dolce Lounge Chair ($159.99, Target) would look super cute in a brightly colored room (or a cheer gym lobby!).

Oh, Keds, how I love you. These Keds Champion Animal Print $40, Zappos) slip-ons are oh-so comfy, and they would look just right with a pair of jeans or even tights and a solid-color dress come fall.

I’d stash my driver’s license and a little cash in this Dooney and Burke Small Coin Case ($45, dooneyandbourke.com) then toss it in any handbag I own. Imagine pulling this little piece of fabulousness out of everything from a vintage tote to your cheer bag.

With just a touch of zebra trimming, this Chassé I Love Cheerleading Bag ($14.99, Chassé) is just too much fun. Who doesn’t love sequins, glitter and hearts? I dare you to wear this at your next competition—you’ll be stopped on the street by people asking where you got it.

What’s your fave zebra print item? Comment below and you could win a set of Pink by Kiss Zebra Sticker Nails.

Personally, I love PacSun, and their ability to capture the laid-back surfer lifestyle, while incorporating the latest fashion trends and reasonable prices. If you’ve ever been inside one of their stores, you’ll be familiar with a few brands that are staples of their style. Roxy, Quiksilver and Hurley clothes can always be spotted lining the walls of any PacSun, as well as countless other surf-inspired brands.

One of the lines for which they’re most famous for selling, Hurley, has recently teamed up with the store and the popular band, Weezer, to bring fans closer to the music.

Just in time for back-to-school, Weezer has designed men and women’s clothing, available exclusively in select PacSun stores nationwide. They’ve designed clothes to capture the casual and comfortable style of indie-rock, which makes a perfect addition to Hurley’s beloved collection of youth apparel. The collection reflects a simple color pallet based on an unusual, yet classic green tone. The line will be available on September 10, 2010.

To honor the collaboration, Weezer’s new album entitled “Hurley,” with their new label Epitaph Records, will be released on September 10^th, at all PacSun locations before it’s available anywhere else. In addition, every PacSun will be holding in-store listening parties throughout the day. If you want to hear it first, Pac Sun is the only place to get it!

Another cool benefit from this awesome collaboration: Between September 10^th and October 15^th, kids who purchase any Hurley/Weezer product at PacSun will receive a free download card with bonus content. Each card is a winner, and one lucky fan will receive a concert with Weezer at their high school or college. Additional prizes include Hurley merchandise, Weezer albums, signed posters, guitars and much more.

Weezer’s fashion sense is cool and their music’s even cooler, plus you can win some free stuff. So head into your nearest PacSun and celebrate this awesome mix of clothes and music.

What’s your favorite band? Do you envy their style? Let us know in the comment box below!

*Photos courtesy of Hurley.com

Here’s an exclusive peek at the October 2010 American Cheerleader cover! The lovely and talented Ashley Tisdale was awesome enough to take some time off from filming to chat with us about her cheer days and what we can expect from her new show, “Hellcats!”

So, what do you think of the cover? Leave your comments below, and then race to the newsstands to pick up your own copy on August 31st! Be sure to also check back into americancheerleader.com for Ashley extra’s including a few of her cheer pics!

Cheers!

Brittany

Though the film plays into a lot of the cheerleader stereotypes—that we’re popular, self-absorbed, materialistic, snobby and mean—there’s a pretty good message underneath the layers of old-school cheer moves. It’s all about not being afraid to be who you are, and that there’s not just one type of cheerleader out there. Or at least there shouldn’t be.

Here’s the plot:

Awkward band geek Bethany (nickname: Tuba) has always wanted to be a cheerleader. Unfortunately, her body never quite cooperated with her dreams and she became more of a nerd than a leader. When she decides to try out for the squad anyway, her basketball star brother’s girlfriend (and cheer captain) Andi tries to convince her she’s not cheer material. But after putting Bethany through several weeks of spirit bootcamp, Andi starts to realize there’s more to being a cheerleader than looking the part. It’s about passion and having fun.

If you take the flick as it is—a fun, goofy movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously—it’s an entertaining way to spend a Tuesday night. Tune in tonight and then let us know what you think!

Cheers,

Brittany

*Photos by MTV/Ben Mark Hotzberg