Arrange so that the larger flowers are in the center and the smaller ones are on the outside. Wrap at the mid-point, to leave the ends unwrapped to allow for attaching to the gift wrapping.

Summary: Hold all of the newspaper flowers together at the stems. Wrap the stems together with tape. Fluff out gently to look like a large, well looped bow.

Be respectful and courteous when you bring it up again. "Have you had any time to think about my Instagram account?" is a great way to broach the subject without coming outright and asking. Allow this to be a conversation, not an argument, but still come ready to explain the site and the measures you'll take to stay safe. Some parents have viable concerns about Instagram, but you can never convince them to let you on if you don't know what is holding them back. Avoid getting angry or picking a fight with them. Listen to their concerns with an open mind -- starting an argument now will only make them less likely to let you online the next time you ask. Common issues with Instagram include: You aren't mature enough yet. There are bad people on the internet. Public photos will follow you for the rest of your life. This can be one of the most persuasive arguments you have because it shows you know how to be responsible online. It also addresses their concerns before they have a chance to talk about them. Tell them that you are aware of cyberbullying and internet scamming and assure them that you know that photos can last online for a long time. However, you should focus on what you are doing to prevent problems: Private accounts allow you to manually choose who you let follow you. Anyone can anonymously flag rude, offensive, or explicit content for removal. You do not need to give your real name or contact information on Instagram. Geotagging, which attaches your location to your photos, can be turned off in "Settings." Let your parents see that you are mature enough to handle the responsibility of an Instagram account. This includes doing your chores and homework on time, listening to their requests, treating your siblings with respect every day. Remember, however, that if you are only doing this to "trick" them into letting you on Instagram you'll likely lose your account the minute you stop being responsible. To get their blessing you need to be respectful every day Private accounts have a lot of benefits that keep you off of search engines and let you control who sees your photos. This is often enough to convince your parents that Instagram is a safe place for you online. As opposed to public accounts, private accounts: Allow you to accept or deny any new followers. Removes you from search engine results. Hides your information and photos from anyone you have not cleared already. This assures your parents that there is nothing lewd or explicit going on behind their backs. While it may feel weird to "share" your account with your parents, this is a great way to compromise if they still won't let you on. Set up your account together, which lets them see the app first-hand.

Summary: Ask your parents again 1-2 weeks after the first no. Ask your parents why they are concerned about Instagram. Let them know that you understand internet dangers and how to avoid them. Show your responsibility around the house. Promise that you'll keep your account private. Offer to share your password with your parents, as long as they agree not to post anything.

You may still feel helpless and overwhelmed, but take a minute to feel pride that you are doing something about improving your life. The biggest step is over, and you freed yourself from the grips of an abusive relationship. You will be busy trying to figure out how to start your life on a different path and begin the process of emotional healing, but it's important to take a moment to appreciate your own strength. You did it. You're free. Do some things that you enjoy, both little and big, to get the healing process started. Give yourself a break. Whether it's a hot bath, a TV binge, or a long vacation, it's important to allow yourself little extras and big rewards during this healing process. Especially indulge everything your abuser forbade for no good reason. You really can put your favorite music on and dance to it while you clean up, laugh at your favorite comedian, and enjoy eating the foods your abuser hated. Reclaim those small joys in life, one by one, for yourself. Gaining emotional strength may be a long road, and your abuser will likely try to win you back. It's important to eliminate contact with this individual regardless of how charming or apologetic the actions and words seem to be. Allow yourself the opportunity to heal and pull yourself away from your abuser's manipulative spell completely. Well-meaning friends and family, possibly unaware of how bad your situation was, may try to convince you that you should stay with the abuser. Ignore this advice. You don't need to return to a physically or emotionally abusive relationship "for the kids" or because your partner "is going through something." Whatever you do to help the healing process move along, don't go back. It only gets worse. You only get one life, do not chance losing it because you think that person will change. The early signs of serious anxiety and stress-related depression are all made worse with poor diet, lack of exercise, and sleeplessness. These factors can start to cycle and spiral downward, making it very hard to start the healing process. You're likely exhausted and you need to get plenty of rest. Sleep as late as it seems like you need to. Try to move your work schedule around some, if you can, to make sure you're getting enough sleep. See if anyone could switch shifts with you to go on to a later shift, so you don't need to get up. Better yet, consider taking some time off work and resting up, healing your body and your mind. Talking to and learning from other abuse sufferers can be an important step in your recovery. It's recommended that all survivors or domestic violence reach out and talk in a safe and accepting environment to help learn the skills to cope and to move on. To find a support group in your area, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. It is natural for us to want companionship and love, especially during times of transition. Surround yourself with friends, animals, or new experiences, as opposed to responding to any offers that may be made by the abuser. Don't go back when you want companionship, find it elsewhere.
Summary: Congratulate yourself. Treat yourself. Avoid all contact with your abuser. Get plenty of sleep. Find a support group.