The Sorority Secrets

Happy National Sundae Day with Yonanas

2016-07-25T15:52:00.004-07:00

That moment when you realize it's National Sundae Day and you're on a diet! Well, not to fear! Yonanas is here to save our diet plan with it's amazing ice cream making product. You can make delicious, creamy, low-cost,‎ healthy frozen treats in minutes with the Yonanas!‎‎ When it comes to making a tasty ice cream treat that is healthy, substitute your base with frozen bananas. Here is a quick & easy ice cream sundae recipe courtesy of Yonanas (p.s. The Yonanas is on sale right now! Check it out here.):

1. Buy cheetah spotted bananas. Remove the peel and freeze for 24 hours.
2. Thaw the frozen bananas for 10 minutes prior to using Yonanas maker
3. Place a bowl at the open part of the Yonanas maker.
4. Turn on the Yonanas maker and insert the bananas into the chute. Push the fruit down using the plunger that comes with the Yonanas.

Walaah! You now have an "ice cream" base! Don't stop there! Add in organic chocolate syrup or even fresh raspberries or strawberries.

Enjoy!!

Belly Bloating Busters

2016-04-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

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Guest post: When we want to look our best for a special occasion we typically think, hair, make-up, a great outfit and some killer shoes. What we forget to add to the mix is being mindful of food intake. Eating the wrong foods before an event can sabotage your beauty plan. Certain foods can give your gut an instant bloat that looks and feels awful. Luckily there are belly bloating busters offered Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O.; Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine.

For a girl’s night out: Don’t be afraid to have a large meal beforehand. If you are planning for an active night, whether dancing, bowling or party hopping, you will need the fuel and protein is key.

Dr. Calapai has created the perfect meal for a pre girls night out:

- 1 grilled chicken breast (approx 4 oz)

- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice and lentils

- 1 cup steamed string beans

This combo will fill you up without weighing you down, and will give you the energy you need to dance the night away!

For a dinner- date: Don't "just have a salad." All the vegetables in the salad will actually cause your stomach to bloat more.

Dr. Calapai suggests ordering fish with one side of grilled vegetables. “Wild Salmon is jam-packed with heart healthy vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. If Salmon is not an option, mackerel, sea bass and lemon sole are all good options as well. As for the veggies, try to steer clear of cauliflower or broccoli which may cause bloating. Opt for grilled zucchini, asparagus, or carrots which will keep your tummy tamed!”

For a day at the beach: If you’re going to the beach you need a healthy, energizing meal to get you through the morning but you don’t want it to show in your stomach. You’re probably thinking that the easiest thing to eat before you head out is some Special K with skim milk. It’s low in calories after all, right? It doesn’t matter how low-cal it is, the dairy and multi-grains will expand in your intestines, causing your gut to stick out.

Instead of cereal, Dr. Calapai has a belly bloat busting recipe for oatmeal pancakes. Take 1/2 cup raw oats, 3 egg whites, 1/2 apple, and a dash of cinnamon and throw in a blender to create the pancake mix. This high fiber non-fat breakfast choice offers whole grain fiber plus additional fiber from the apple, and protein from the egg whites. It's a great filling way to start the day, and will not create any abdominal gas or bloating, so you can go bikini-bare with ease!

For an afternoon luncheon: Eating a well-balanced lunch is essential for boosting energy and productivity; giving you power over that mid-day slump and keeping your metabolism active. Oftentimes people want to skip lunch in hopes of losing weight and grab an energy drink to keep them going. This is so bad! The carbonation from an energy drink will make you more bloated then a light lunch. Dr. Calapai says, “For a mid-day luncheon, your best bet is a salad chock-full of fresh vegetables and greens, topped with a piece of grilled fish, low-fat tuna salad, or fresh turkey breast slices. Throw a few walnuts or almonds on top and dress with a low fat/low sugar dressing, to finish off your delicious salad creation!”

For traveling days: These days airports are getting bigger and so are the food courts. It’s tempting to give in to the convenience of fast travel food, but the combination of a high-sodium smorgasbord and air travel equals a very bloated body from head to toe. There are better options. Eat before you leave for the airport. Dr. Calapai suggests packing your carry-on with fruits, vegetables, and granola bars. These bloat busting options are usually available at airport kiosks. Also, avoid the beverage service on board. Stick to water, you will have a happier flight and feel revived upon arriving at your destination!

A Sorority Girl's Guide To Living a Disciplined Life

2016-04-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

We are all about constant self-development. Co Founder, Karen, had the amazing opportunity to attend a leadership conference lead by John C. Maxwell, the #1 Leadership Expert in the world. He has created over 100 books, selling 25 million copies worldwide. During his talk, he spoke about living intentionally. One of the biggest ways that we can all live intentionally is by having order and direction in our lives. The best way to achieve that is to have a disciplined life. Since that can often be hard to imagine, Karen has shared the way with which she is striving for discipline and it is through an hourly schedule. From the time she wakes up to the time she goes to sleep there is something intentional she is involved in. Use her layout and plug in your daily value-added activities. Simply copy and paste her schedule into the notes section of your phone or in a Word of Googledoc and input your day-to-day. Then, share it with a close family member or friend so they can hold you accountable.

Tips on things to fill your day with: reading an informative or inspirational book, exercising, building a website, learning a new craft, eating three meals and three snacks a day, praying, allocating a "social media time". Can you think of any more?

A Disciplined Life (example)

6:30AM - Eat
7:00AM - Leave for gym
7-7:35 - Workout
8AM - Shower/Get ready for the day
9AM - Eat breakfast
10AM - First appointment
11AM - Eat Snack/ listen to inspirational messages
12PM - Second appointment / Talk to God
1PM - Lunch
2PM - Last appointment
3PM - Snack
4PM - 7PM - Side projects and/or social media time
7PM - Dinner
7PM-9PM - Meetings if applicable/ prepare for next day
9PM - Wash face/ brush teeth
9:30PM - Read
10PM - Pray/Go to Sleep

What Is the Diva Cup?

2016-03-25T15:10:00.001-07:00

This may be TMI, but hey we are girls so it's a topic worth discussing. Have you ladies wondered about the Diva Cup? It's for that time of the month and we have been wrapping our heads on how it actually works. We have actually heard nothing but great things about it and have heard success stories from fellow sisters so we decided to do some research on it. Click the video above to learn more about the Diva Cup. Let us know what you think if you decide to try it. Leave your reviews in the comment's section below!

Wedges Every Girl Must Have This Summer!

2016-03-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

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Wedges are a absolute must-have in the warm seasons! You can wear them with everything and anything and you can either dress them up or down- honestly, however you want to! There are many different styles of wedges though, so unless you have a endless amount of coins in your piggy bank, it's probably best to invest in a couple different styles of wedges that you can wear with almost everything!

Here are our top 6 picks on must-have wedges of this 2016 season! When it comes to color, definitely go with either white, tan, or black- this allows you to match it with literally every color you can think of.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday! xo

The BEST, Cheapest Mascara

2016-03-22T09:58:00.001-07:00

We know we have gushed about mascaras before, but this new one shared by Kappa Alpha Theta alumnae and San Diego Weather Anchor & Reporter, Kristen Keogh, takes the cake...or rather, takes the MASCARA. A lot of awesome, eyelash lengthening mascaras cost a pretty penny, but thanks to Kristen, we have found an awesome mascara that offers coverage, length, and doesn't burnout your wallet. It's called Boots No 7 Maximum Volume Mascara.

Try it out and let us know what you think!

Things To Do To Celebrate Your Anniversary

2016-03-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

Love is always in the air and if you're like us, we really enjoy having some versatility in our relationships when it comes to celebrating anniversaries. Do something fun or out of the box as every milestone in a relationship deserves some attention, right? Below are some of our fave ideas.

Plan a trip out of the country. How fun would it be to make memories in a different country with your beau? Don't fall under the trap of "we can't afford it!" With businesses like Busabout, you can now travel in an affordable way.
Take a cooking class!
Go take a hike - literally! The Grand Canyon or places in Colorado and California are our fave spots to go on an adventurous escapade.
Consider glamping at Joshua Tree.
Take a cruise

Think there's more to add to the list? Leave your suggestions in the comment's section below!

Dating Apps - Dos & Donts

2016-03-15T10:50:00.001-07:00

We are big fans of dating apps as we have had so many friends find great success with them. We even wrote a post about our favorite dating apps (click here to read it!). On the flip side, dating apps can present some dangers so it's important to keep these three things in mind when meeting anyone you've met via these apps:

Save any texts/emails you've exchanged with the person you're meeting up with. In case anything should happen to you, the police and friends and family can trace you through the text messages.
Don't give out your personal info. We would even go so far as to say don't give out your Instagram or Twitter handle. It's important to keep that personal information under wraps until you really know the person on a deeper level after several dates. Build that trust first!
Meet in a public place. Meeting in a space that is private can pose a lot of risks so be safe and meet in a space where people can see you. This can diminish any funny business!

Just be aware of your surroundings and always consult a friend if ever you feel like removing yourself from an unsafe dating environment.

Have fun!

Beach Essentials for 2016

2016-03-14T09:05:00.002-07:00

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Some of you have already had your Spring Break but for those that haven't, here's a little beach essential list for 2016! We always go to the beach and forget one of these items, so we made it for you so you can pack up for the beach or pool and not forget a thing!

1. Sunblock - you can never forget this guy! Even though you want to get a tan, don't forget to put sunscreen at least on your face so you don't get wrinkles in the future. It's really important to take care of your skin, and sunscreen is your solution to that!

2. Sunglasses - so you don't blind yourself out in the sun, duh!

3. Tangle Teezer comb - for those that have fine hair, the chlorine or the sandy beach water can really get your hair up in a tangle! Can't forget your comb or brush. We really love the Tangle Teezer comb- try it out!

4. Beach Towel - so you can dry off, of course. There are so many cute beach towels out there so make sure you pick out a cute one for this beach/pool season!

5. Tanning Oil - Though you want to wear sunscreen as we stated above, you still want a little sun kissed glow! Use some tanning oil on your legs and body to get that perfect tan!

6. Portable Speaker - We LOVE music and it totally changes the vibe of the atmosphere, so you can't forget your portable speaker!

7. Swell Bottle - The S'well bottle is a great water bottle to have as it helps your liquids stay cool for a long, long time! They're also so cute and Instagrammable, which is a plus!

8. Book - Well you gotta have a book or magazine to read when you're out laying out. It really is the perfect time to catch up on some good reads!

9. Swimsuit - so you can go in the water, of course!

10. Tote - You need a cute tote to put all of your beach essentials in! There are so many right now, so be sure to snag a cute tote before they're all gone!

Hope everyone has a wonderful & safe Spring Break!

Our Favorite Photo Editing App

2016-03-11T09:02:00.001-08:00

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We all have our personal preferences when it comes to the way we edit our photos- especially for Instagram. It helps us make our photos looking 10x better as well as achieve the perfect look & feel! We've had our fair share with playing around with different photo editing apps and we've come to the conclusion that there are pros and cons to EVERY photo editing app!

Either they have amazing filters, but their adjustments tools aren't just up to par or the app's user experience is amazing and so easy to use, but the editing & adjustments tools aren't quite the best. Can't we just get an all around perfect photo editing app?! At the end of the day, these apps are all so different, because they are designed to create different aesthetics for different people with different styles.

We personally love VSCOcam! The user experience might not be quite the best, because the app is designed very minimally, but the filters (presets) are absolutely amazing and it just takes a little bit of work to create the style you want. There's a reason why a lot of BIG Instagrammers use VSCOcam as well as most professional photographers!

Give it a try for at least a week and tell us what you think!

10 Spring Break Safety Tips For Sorority Girls and Beyond

2016-03-10T10:06:00.001-08:00

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Wow, wasn't it just NYE?! Now, all of a sudden it's Spring Break! Well, one thing both NYE and Spring Break have in common is that it's a time to party. You've worked hard so it's definitely time for a vacation. However, it's important to stay safe during this mini break. Below are our Spring Break Safety Tips. Be sure to share these with your sisters/friends and practice them yourself.

If you're traveling, especially out of the country, identify a safe place to keep your id and/or passport. We recommend using the safe that is found in most hotels.
Even though you are ultimately responsible for yourself - keep a watchful eye on your friends. Don't let them stray with anyone you feel is suspicious.
In fact, keep a watchful eye on your drinks. Unfortunately, date rape drugs are real and can be slipped into your drink at any moment. If you place your drink down unattended, DO NOT drink from it again. Throw it away and buy a new drink - it's just not worth it.
ALWAYS have your phone on you. Keep it fully charged. If you're in a different country, consider getting a cheap loaner phone. Just have something on you so friends and family have a way of getting a hold of you.
If you are of age and plan on drinking, do not drink excessively. Be mindful of your body weight and how alcohol consumption can impact that. Don't mix your alcohols either.
Have a safety word between you and your friends. This is a code word that your friends can associate to you needing help. A fun word could be "Pineapples!" {haha}
Remember that No means "NO!" - don't ever feel obligated to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing.
Understand the laws in the state or country you're visiting and abide by them to the fullest.
Drink A LOT of water - stay hydrated at all times.
It's okay to have a relaxing day - you don't have to be the life of the party every day. Relax. After all, this is a BREAK for you!

Have fun!

Sisters Succeeding: Tecoya Gordon, Delta Sigma Theta

2016-03-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of International Women's Day, we thought what better day to continue our 'Sisters Succeeding" series than with Delta Sigma Theta, Tecoya Gordon.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Tecoya Gordon is a graduate of Howard University with a B.S. in Health Sciences.

Ms. Gordon reigned as Miss Black DC USA 2013, and has had the opportunity to work with several nonprofit organizations, school programs, and media events during her reign. In her professional career, she works as a Development Associate for Teach for America and was a Washington Redskins Cheerleader for four years. In her last year she acted as one of the team’s co-captains & was selected to represent the team as the 2013 Pro Bowl Representative in Hawaii. As a cheerleader she has been able to travel overseas to several countries including: Kuwait, Afghanistan, Djibouti and China and more.

She is also able to serve her community as an active member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC., and the creator of two black women empowerment instagram pages, Black Girls Reign and Black Girls Cheer.

Ms. Gordon currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and is working towards being an actress and model. In the future, Tecoya aspires to start her own organization, which will be centered around underprivileged youth interested in the performing arts. Ms. Gordon is certain through dedication, humility, and faith that all things are possible through Christ that strengthens her.

Her accolades are one to look up to as she has proven that you can strive for excellence in so many areas. Tecoya embodies what a well-rounded sorority woman looks like. Read more about her via our Q&A below!

1. What sorority were you a part of? Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC.

2. What was your experience like as Miss Black DC USA in 2013? It was truly an amazing and rewarding experience. I was able to do a lot of youth outreach, mentor young women, and public speaking events. It helped me create my own brand and voice in the DC area.

3. What are the ups and downs of competing in a pageant? When it comes to anything competitive, there are always ups and downs. Obviously, only one person can win, but getting to a National level can take time, money, and other levels of preparation. Once you are able to get past the humps, you are able to enjoy the greatness that comes with being in the pageant. You get to inspire young women, be an advocate for a cause you're passionate about, and join a sisterhood along the way.

4. What/who inspired you to start "Black Girls Reign"? After competing for Miss Black USA, I wrote down all of the things I wish I knew before competing and ways to get more women of color to enter pageantry. So I wanted to create a platform where black Queens could be highlighted and introduced to pageant systems and coaches that they may not have direct access to. At that time, Instagram seemed to have a large influence so I started a page. From there I held an event at Howard University to discuss pageantry, personal branding, and different pageant systems. I definitely plan to hold more programs like the first one on other HBCU campuses, as well participate in additional speaking engagements for our young women.

5. What's your favorite part of being a motivational speaker? My favorite part of being a speaker is being able to motivate and inspire. I grew up with self-esteem issues and experiences of bullying, so I like to speak to our youth about overcoming obstacles and encourage them to follow their dreams. I want each young person to have a better experience than I did.

6. Who's a blogger that inspires you? Charlene Walton, Textured Talk; She has done so much with her natural hair blog and truly inspires me with all of her work.

7. What was the most exciting part about being an NFL Cheerleader? The most exciting part about being a NFL cheerleader is being able to hit the field with 30+ amazing women in front of over 50,000 screaming fans. The rush that you get as a dancer on the field is unmatched. Some of us also get the opportunity of visiting our troops and performing overseas, which is beyond rewarding and a humbling experience.

8. Tell us your Secret Steal? Besides being on every retail stores email list (sad I know, lol), I love Amazon. That's where I order books, decor, appliances, etc. And if you go to Best Buy they will match their price to anything you see on Amazon. So make sure you price match!

9. What has sorority life taught you that you've applied in the real world? Sorority life taught me what it means to put in work and be a leader. My chapter put on about 90-100 programs a year and to do that proper planning and great execution were required. I still use a lot of our planning methods in my career and enforce a lot of the leadership skills I was taught as well.

10. If you can be on stage performing with anyone- who would it be? I would love to dance behind Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, or Missy Elliott. I love their shows, the choreo, and overall performance. Being able to dance with any of those women would be a dream come true.

Thank you, Tecoya!

Business Cards in College

2016-03-07T08:47:00.002-08:00

You're probably thinking- "why should I have a business card in college? I don't even have a business and I'm still a student!". Here's the thing, you never know when you're going to meet someone and in life, it's all about who you know. Someone you meet randomly can be the person who helps you land your dream job or even a future business partner after or during college- so you should always be prepared.

Business cards typically have the business name, your name, email, phone number, etc but in reality, you can have whatever information you want on your business card- the point is to get the information you want to exchange on your card! In college, if you don't have a business or anything, you can simply put your name, email, phone number, and even your social media handle! Another great thing about having a business card is that you look professional and creditable- it really impresses people when you have a business card in college. It shows us that you're serious and prepared!

You can easily create one online! We typically like to use Moo.com because it has great designs and they're pretty inexpensive and fast!

Take our word for it and get a step ahead among others!

A Sorority Girl's Concert Secret

2016-03-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

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Do you ever get really annoyed when you find out that one of your favorite artists was in town and you missed it?! This happens to us ALL THE TIME! But, we just got put onto an amazing app that can help you stay in the know of concerts in your area from your favorite artists. The app is called Bandsintown! It searches your music libraries and notifies you when your fave artists have shows nearby.

With the warm weather upon us, that means a lot of concerts are underway! Don't miss out!

Bleachorexia - The Warning Signs and Health Risks of Over-whitening Your Teeth

2016-03-01T10:34:00.001-08:00

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Teeth whitening is always in season and while we are definite advocates for keeping pearly whites, it's important to bleach your teeth right and not suffer from “bleachorexia”. We want you to know the warning signs and health risks associated with over-whitening your teeth as shared by our favorite expert, Dr. Timothy Chase, Cosmetic Dentist and Practicing Partner at SmilesNY.

Three signs of over whitening:
1. Sensitive teeth, especially too cold.
2. Inflamed or bleeding gums.
3. Teeth that look blue or see through along the edge.

Three health risks that arise from over whitening
1. Damage to the nerves of your teeth.
2. Thinning of your tooth enamel.
3. Burning of your gums.

Three ways to safely and effectively whiten
1. Have your teeth examined and cleaned prior to whitening- to make sure there are no cavities or gum issues. Clean teeth get a much better result!
2. Follow the directions on all teeth whitening products perfectly.
3. Find quality products by speaking to your dentist about your teeth whitening options.

Sorority Girl's Top 5 Favorite Mascara

2016-02-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

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We can't live without mascara and you probably can't either! Lashes just completely changes the entire look of your eyes and makeup- it's the perfect final touch to your makeup. People definitely have their preferences when it comes to mascara so we narrowed it down for you to the top 5 favorite mascaras!

Different brushes give you different looks, so it's important to try different ones out until you find your perfect match. Which one is your favorite mascara? Share your secret with us!

Zaful.com: A Sorority Girl's Outfits On a Budget

2016-02-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

When you find your favorite clothes from some of the trendiest emerging designers at a MAJOR discount, you don't withhold that sort of info! This secret website to find the most adorable and affordable outfits is called Zaful. From super cute swimsuits to dresses, you'll find pieces as little as $20. Place your orders in a timely fashion though as it does take some time to receive your items. It's worth the wait though! Sign up now and get your shop on!!

Swimsuits for Spring Break 2016!

2016-02-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

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Spring break is right around the corner and the only thing we're thinking about is... what the heck am I going to wear to the beach?! Every season, bikini trends change, so here are some different styles that you'll see often- plus our favorite swim wear that we've seen in stores so far!

The one piece has really made its come back this last year and it's sticking around for another year for sure. Another look that's staying is the classic halter top bikinis- you can never go wrong with them!

What are some of your favorite swimsuit brands that you have your eye on this year?!

10 Ways To Know You're Stressed

2016-02-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

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Dr. Hafeez whose expertise is in understanding neural pathways as they respond to anxiety, stress and trauma explains that how we think directly impacts how we age and how youthful we appear. The routine stressors in our lives really impact how fast or slow we age. When stressed, we see it in our skin tone, texture, elasticity, and over all glow.

“When someone is under stress they can appear up to 5 years older, 10 years if they don’t manage stress or make changes to their lives. Stressful relationships and careers age people. I have seen patients end relationships or get new jobs and look 10 years younger within days. People are spending money on creams, facials and cosmetic procedures but if the stress is still there it will still show in their face,” offers Dr. Hafeez.

Here are Ways Stress is Written All Over Your Face

1. You have dark circles. Stress results in blood flow to main organs plus capillaries under eyes are fragile and break under stress leaving your face looking sallow and tired. Dark circles seem more apparent.

2. Mini-Menopause

The jury is still out on exactly how or if this is possible, but it appears that the constant flow of cortisol that goes along with chronic stress causes a dip in estrogen, one that mimics, on a smaller scale, the dip that occurs during menopause. Less estrogen means less collagen and less moisture. So, while estrogen levels may not drop enough to shut down your period, stress may make them dip enough to make your skin look dull and dry.

3. You notice more wrinkles. Life’s stress due to divorce, death of loved one, job-loss, financial concerns; impacts our brain chemistry. When we feel sad or anxious, are crying or not sleeping well it’s common to see deeper lines around the middle of the eyes, forehead, under eye area and mouth.

4. You itch, flake and even have hives. Stress leads to inflammation which may lead to rashes, rosacea, eczema flare ups and changes in skin moisture.

5. People ask if you’re feeling okay. When the Starbucks barista or guy at the dry cleaners asks if you’re feeling okay, pay attention. These people may not know the details of your life but they know how you look because they see you quickly.

6. Under-Eye Bags: Tomorrow's to-do list can weigh on your mind, keeping you from getting enough beauty sleep. This can cause fluid to pool below your lower eyelid area, and what you end up with is a puffy mess in the a.m. Stomach sleepers, bad news: You can expect the puffiness of your under-eye bags to be even worse because of gravity.

7. Increased jaw size – Heavy jaw

Grinding teeth and clenching of the jaw are common symptoms of stress. Unfortunately, these habits can cause the jaw muscles to work overtime. This can result not only in damaged teeth, but also a heavier than usual jawline, as the muscles become larger with the grinding action.

8.Hair Loss

Stress can cause sudden hair loss by literally flipping the switch on the hair follicle’s growth stage from an active to a resting phase. Once the follicle enters this resting phase prematurely, it stays there for about three months, after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. When you experience an overall shedding of hair, you must cast back a few months to find the trigger. Rest assured that in most women, this hair will grow back.

9. Adult Acne

Acne isn’t just for hormonally crazed teenagers. Many adults can’t seem to outgrow it because of stress hormones. What makes it worse is that tense people often can’t leave pimples alone. Squeezing, poking and picking at them becomes an almost obsessive way to release tension, but it also makes breakouts worse, exacerbating the inflammatory response, and you’re left feeling a bit more stressed. So no picking

10. Hormonal Mood Swings

There is a lot of interaction between hormone physiology and mood that works both ways. Our mood can impact our physiology, and our physiology can influence the balance of our hormones. If stress can sit at the top of a cascade of events that lead to undesirable hormonal changes in the body (like those that trigger insomnia, insatiable hunger and weight gain, and collagen breakdown), then what we want to do is find ways to gain the upper hand on our stress level and ensure that we keep all those hormones in check.

According to Dr. Hafeez, “The good news is that we can get to the root cause of our stress and manage it. When you notice changes in your facial appearance take inventory of what is going on in your life and what may be stressing you out. Simple things like sitting quietly for 10 minutes focusing on breathing, writing in a journal, exercising or taking a walk outside, reading, baking, painting, listening to music and reaching for an activity that takes focus off the stress is helpful. If you find yourself reverting back to the stressful issue consider therapy. Clearly there is a connection between how we look and how we feel and think.”

FabFitFun: February Subscription Box Goodies

2016-02-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of FabFitFun? We have been loving their monthly subscription boxes filled with goodies for years now. How it works is every 3 months, as a FabFitFun VIP member, you can look forward to their new seasonal gift box filled with the new most fab items, hand-picked by the FabFitFun Team! You enjoy full-size, premium products delivered 4x per year. Each box is a $200 value, but you only pay $49.99 four times a year {that's $200 for $800 worth of product, ladies}! The shipping is free too!

This month we received our favorite subscription box to date filled with every day favorites from fashion, beauty, and health & fitness products.

Get your hands on these boxes by signing up today! Use code 'SORORITYSECRETS' at checkout to receive a special discount!

Show us the goodies in the box that you love by using the hashtag #TSSxFabFitFun

TSS Favorite Things: February

2016-02-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

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It's been a while since we have stumbled across some awesome home decor and recently we stumbled across a quote that we felt is so fitting for our powerful, strong sorority sisters. The quote is from Shakespeare and reads: "Though she be but little, she is fierce". Well, in true sorority girl fashion, we decided to go on a quest to find cute home and every day accessory pieces that show off such a strong quote. Shop our favorites above!

Airport Style According to Your Favorite Celebs!

2016-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

Spring Break is just around the corner! If we have learned anything from our favorite jet-setting celebs, it is that what you wear to the airport is just as important as what you pack. Here is a guide on how to look cool while traveling from our guest bloggers, Jennifer Saul and Stylist, Tannya Bernadette Wardrobe Styling.

The Outfit:

I am a huge fan of comfy pants, but the airplane is not the time to wear sweats or athletic wear. You never know who you will meet! Thankfully there are plenty of nicer joggers in stores right now that will give you the feel of a sweat pant but the look of something more finished.

Next, pick a cute graphic tee in a super soft fabric.

Finish it off with an open cardigan or jacket that will keep you warm if the plane gets cool, this way you can easily shed your layers during security and when you arrive to your final sunny destination.

The Accessories:

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNNIES! They are key. Especially if you are going on an early morning flight and are makeup free.

If you want to bring a hat, it is best to wear it instead of squish it in your luggage, huge no no.

Sneakers now come in a stylish yet convenient slip on style that can easily be removed for TSA checks. Don’t wear sandals, you’ll regret having to walk barefoot through security, YUCK! I am obsessed with gold sneakers right now.

Get the Look:

1. Cardigan with Fringe Trim, H&M, $34.99

2. Small-Brim Wool Fedora, Forever 21, $22.90

3. Yvette by Toms, Zappos.com or Bloomingdales, $139

4. Amiana Gold Sneakers, Zappos.com, $68

5. Woven Pants, H&M, $19.99

6. Embroidered Cotton T-shirt, Mango, $15.99

To get more style tips and information about TannyaBernadette Personal Shopping + Styling, please check us out at www.tannyab.com.

Desk Accessories We Love!

2016-02-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

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Looking for a workspace reup?! Whether for school or work, your desk should be a comfortable place to do your work from. It should be filled with the essentials while at the same time speaking to your aesthetic interests. One of the best ways we love to feel right at home is by adding a flower or plant to our desk. It makes the desk feel less stuffy and more open. Succulents are our favorite type of desk plant! Your desk should also have the most accessible tools to help with your every day tasks, therefore having a trendy notebook available is a must. Per usual, Kate Spade offers the cutest notebooks to allow you to take notes in style. Shop the rest of our favorites above!

Last Minute Valentine's Day Outfits

2016-02-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

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No, it is NOT too late to snatch up the perfect outfit for Valentine's Day...or Galentine's Day for our singles out there (we got you!). After all, Valentine's Day lands on a Sunday so you have the Saturday deliveries to look forward to. You just cannot go wrong using Rent the Runway. And you just can't go wrong with this red, dainty lace dress that retails for $445 but rents for $75!! In case you're not sure how Rent the Runway works, you simply choose a dress in two sizes, select the date with which you want to borrow the dress, they ship it, you wear it for an extended period of time, then you return it. So convenient! We also love looks from our favorite department stores like this hot number from Nordstrom by Adrianna Papell. Now, you don't have to wear a dress either! This sexy romper from Nordstrom is enough to make your significant other's head spin. We also picked some beautiful, neutral heels above that look good on any skin tone. Whatever you wear, make sure that YOU feel pretty!

Top 5 Best Places for an Ultimate Girl's Trip

2016-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

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Are you already in need of some girl time with your friends? Let's face it, wouldn't you love to spend every waking moment with your besties? What better way than to take a girl's trip?! Road trips are the best as you can bump your favorite playlists (check out all of ours by searching "playlist") and really bond with long talks. Flights to your favorite spots are fun too! But, best of all are the fun things you can get into in your favorite towns. Below are THE BEST cities for you and your girlfriends to take a nice little getaway. Take advantage of TripAdvisor when you're looking for fun things to do in the cities below. Have any cities to add to our list? Leave a comment below!

1. Palm Springs, California

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

3. Austin, Texas

4. Miami, Florida

5. Seattle, Washington