Last Minute Cute & Simple Easter Egg Decoration!

Holy moly! Easter is tomorrow!! 

For those that want to decorate Easter eggs, but don't want the plain ol' dyed egg- try this out!  Instead of dying an egg, why not paint them in your favorite pastel colors and add gold flakes to them?!  They're super easy, fast, and super cute!  Give it a try!

Things You’ll Need: Hard boiled eggs (keep the egg carton, too!), a paint brush, glossy Modge Podge, gold foil pieces (these can be found at most craft stores).

Step 1. Paint your eggs! Paint one half, and rest with the wet side up in the carton to dry. When that half is dry, paint the other half.

Step 2. Once all eggs are painted and fully dry, brush glossy Modge Podge on the bottom half of each egg.

Step 3. Dip your brush in the gold foil bits, and apply to the bottom of each egg. We placed more foil on the bottom and faded out toward the middle of the egg for a gradient effect.

Step 4. Apply another coat of Modge Podge all over the egg to smooth out the foil pieces and so that the egg has a glossy finish.

Happy Easter, everyone!
 

Katie Dean Jewelry {Giveaway}

 

               

On Sakura: Feather Ring | Grace Ring | One Love Rings On Karen: Arrow Ring | Say Your Prayers Hand Chain On Ali: Initial Necklace-Gold | Arrow Ring | Feather Ring

If you haven't seen or heard of Katie Dean Jewelry then you might want to jump on this train. We first found out about Katie Dean Jewelry through Lea Michele's Instagram. She was rocking the cutest piece of hand jewelry we had ever seen! We had to know just where she got it. Turns out, Lea Michele wasn't the only one who loved Katie Dean Jewelry. Several different stars like Kendall and Kylie Jenner and other famous celebs around LA had already caught on to the amazing jewelry that is Katie Dean Jewelry. So what makes her jewelry so unique? Everything. Think bohemian, earthy designs mixed with a feminine dainty twist. When you look at KDJ's pieces, you're looking at a piece of art. Each piece of jewelry has a one of kind flair to it. We have a thing for midi rings right now and KDJ offers the best midi ring designs like the Arrow Ring and the Feather Ring. Karen had been searching high and low for a hand chain and fell in love with the Say Your Prayers gold hand chain from KDJ--like Katie said, it's so amazing that you don't want to take it off. In fact, all of her jewelry you just don't want to take off.

Do you want to experience what all the hype is with KDJ's fab jewelry pieces? We have a special giveaway for you! The Sorority Secrets + Katie Dean Jewelry have teamed up to offer one winner their very own jewelry piece from the Katie Dean Jewelry collection. One winner will receive their choice of any piece of KDJ jewelry that is $50 or less. This is an Instagram giveaway and here are the official rules of entry:

1. You must be a US resident (this giveaway is not offered to those outside of the US).
2. You must read and agree to The Sorority Secrets' Contest/Giveaway Disclaimer.
3. Follow @katiedeanjewelry on Instagram
4. Comment on The Sorority Secrets' Katie Dean Jewelry Giveaway picture on Instagram telling us where you would wear her jewelry if you won. 

The contest ends on 3/28 at 11:59 PM PST and the winner will be notified via Instagram. Thanks and good luck!!

Spring Break Cleanse with Pressed Juicery! {Giveaway!}

There's nothing better than a juice cleanse before AND after Spring Break!  You want to feel great and cleansed before you slip into that bikini and a cleanse is definitely necessary after Spring Break with all that junk food- cause really, who eats healthy during Spring Break?

Back in November, we tried out our first Pressed Juicery cleanse (read here) and we loved it- but because we were juice cleanse newbies, we did the 1-day cleanse! This time we thought we would step up our game and try out the 3-day cleanse! 

 Check out what we all had to say about it below and don't forget to enter for a chance to win the giveaway! 

"I was really excited to try Pressed Juicery since the cleanse I did before (read here) went so well. The 1 Day Cleanse left me feeling refreshed and the 3 Day Cleanse was no different. I did Cleanse #2 and it had the best flavored juices. My favorite juice was Citrus 2 which combined apple, lemon, pineapple, and mint together. Their flavors are so yummy that it made the Cleanse #2 enjoyable. Tip: To get through a cleanse, go to sleep early! Sleeping earlier at night after taking your last bottle of juice keeps you from being tempted by food!"

"Cleansing for 3 days was a little scary at first, but I was up for the challenge!  Day 1 was the hardest day for me.  After getting over the first day, the last two days were much easier!  I got into the routine of juicing, and I didn't have to think about it as much.  I kept reminding myself to chug that water throughout the day as well!  I did get a little tired on Day 2 in the afternoon, but having my next juice helped to give me energy.  In the mornings when I woke up, I found that I felt especially great!  I felt light and well rested.

I feel lean and fresh for spring break!  Doing the Pressed 3-day cleanse is like a spring cleaning for your body.  Simply put, I feel refreshed.  I also feel very hydrated, and ready to take on the day!  Thank you Pressed Juicery!!"

"I've juiced quite a few times in the past so I thought I'd give Cleanse #3 a try!  I've only done a 2-day juice cleanse so I was excited to do a 3-day cleanse!  Cleanse #3 is more for "experienced cleansers," and contains only one almond milk and more green juices.  I was a bit nervous at first, but it ended up going really well!  I always had a big bottle of water next to me at all times to chug and I think the most important thing to do is to space out your juices throughout the day! I tend to get hungry and want to snack at night, so I made sure that I had plenty of juice to drink in the evening and went to bed early!

By the end of my cleanse, I felt great and energized!  From being so hydrated for 3 days, I felt really detoxed. By far my favorite cleanse I've done and saw the most results!"

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Step 1: Like The Sorority Secrets on Facebook (click here)

Step 2: Like Pressed Juicery on Facebook (click here)

Step 3: Email us at giveaway@thesororitysecrets.com by March 21, 2014 and tell us about a time you've done a juice cleanse before and your experience! If you haven't done a juice cleanse yet, say why you'd like to win this giveaway and try out a juice cleanse!  

A special thank you to Pressed Juicery for an amazing cleanse!  Make sure to visit their website at www.pressedjuicery.com for more information on their juice cleanses!

Live happy & healthy!

{Giveaway-Ended} $25 Target Gift Card + GE Reveal Light Bulbs

Earlier this month we shared with you our experience using the GE Reveal light bulb from Target. It was definitely a quick and easy way to makeover our homes for the New Year because switching our light bulbs to the GE reveal light bulb made for a clean beautiful light that made the colors of any room in our home pop. GE Reveal light bulbs provide amazing clean full spectrum light that filters out the dull yellows of standard incandescent light bulbs.

Watch this fun and stylish video featuring four hip tastemakers discussing the importance of good lighting and how quick and easy it is to do a reveal lighting makeover.

You can find a current discount on Cartwheel for 25% off reveal by searching for “GE reveal”.  Offer expires 2/28.  GE reveal light bulbs are now available at Target where all makeover needs can be purchased in one swoop and with great savings using Target's Cartwheel savings app. With the Cartwheel app, you can browse for savings ahead of shopping or while at Target, you can scan the barcode of any product to see if there is a Cartwheel saving.  Download the Target Cartwheel app on your IOS or Android.

Ok, GIVEAWAY TIME!

We have a great opportunity for you to win this makeover experience. You can enter to win a $25 Target giftcard + GE reveal® light bulbs + a free download of the Herbert Bail Orchestra EP (first track featured in GE Lighting video). See below for the giveaway details and be sure to read our contest/giveaway disclaimer before entering.

Share to Enter:

1. Must be U.S. resident
2. Share this blog post from our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thesororitysecrets) and comment below
1. Tell us which room you'd like to makeover
2. Hashtag #GEreveal + #Targetgiftcard

Example: If I win #GEreveal bulbs + #Target giftcard, I'll makeover my _____ with reveal’s beautiful clean light!

The giveaway ends on 2/28, 11:59 PST.

* GE and Target are only providing the product and not running the giveaway.

All Things Pink & Red!

[Beanie] [Sunglasses] [Clutch] [Heels] [Plate] [Book] [Cookie Jar] [Sweater] [Candles] [Necklace]

Love is in the air! Check out some of our favorite red & pink items that are currently trending right now! Some of them are even less than $10!   We're currently obsessing over the adorable chalkboard cookie jars that are from Target.  It's adorable, handy, and you can use it all year long.  Check them out!

Happy Shopping!

Best Customized Gift Ideas for Him.

[Bathrobe] [Yoga Mat] [Business Card Case] [Cuff Links] [Golf Link Toppers] [Casetagram] [Wallet Insert Card]

The day of love is right around the corner and sometimes buying gifts for the gentleman in your life can be a little difficult.  You can only buy their favorite cologne and neck tie a certain amount of times before it gets old so it's time to gift them something unique and personable! Whether the guy in your life is a golfer or a yogi, there's always a way you can get creative with customized gifts! Check out some of our favorite things to customize above. Have fun!

Back To School With Office Depot/See Jane Work: Karen's Office Picks!

Want this entire office look? Take this entire collection straight to your shopping cart here!

Back to school means back to getting organized for long nights of studying, interning, working, and everything that goes into being a full-time student. We are all too familiar with the fun that comes with getting reorganized for school. Recently, Victoria, ZTA and former It Girl Intern, took on a position to help more with The Sorority Secrets. With her being a student, we wanted to make our Seattle office accommodating for her so we chose office essentials fit for school. Let's take a tour of all the fun office items we chose via Office Depot's See Jane Work office line:

Organization, organization, ORGANIZATION. That was the theme for our office set-up so we naturally gravitated toward items that would keep us organized. Sometimes non-office related items can make their way into your space, so we loved these bins from See Jane Work--they're great for miscellaneous items that you just want out of the way.

Pictured: Black Dot Fabric Bin. Blue Medium Woven Bin

One of the best ways to keep a space organized is to have some sort of a filing system. See Jane Work office supplies are great for that, especially with their file holders and customizable labels. Victoria can separate school work and The Sorority Secrets' work easily with this easy way to file paperwork. We especially loved two things {well, actually three}: one, their black stripe letter tray and white document box because all the work that Victoria completes she can toss it in there and we just know to check there for completed work, and two, See Jane Work's cork board, wall filer, and dry erase board. If you combined all three together, it can be one point of reference for notes, files, and special reminders.

Pictured: 1. Dry Erase Magnetic Panel. 2. White Wall File. 3. Corkboard Panel.

Balancing school and work can be tough, that's why setting little reminders around the office is beyond helpful. Sticky notes and just little notes in general are all of our favorite ways to stay on track. That's why we were so excited when we stumbled across See Jane Work's writing pads, note cards, and magnets {so convenient for your dry erase board or even a cabinet/fridge}. The plain non-magnet note cards and Thank You cards that came with envelopes are awesome too and we used the cute magnet buttons to keep those sort of notes up. For school, nothing beats having the pad folio clipboard, presentation folder, and the faux leather portfolio that See Jane Work offers. We just had to snag these because they're useful for both school and work--very professional and stylish. There's nothing like keeping your papers together in a trendy way!

Pictured: Faux Leather Portfolio. Padfolio Clipboard. Black Dot Writing Pad. Black Dot Presentation Folders. See Jane Work Highlighters. Self Adhesive Labels. Black Stripe Pencil Cup. Black Stripe Letter Sorter. White Tape Dispenser. "To Buy" Pad. Black Note Cards. See Jane Work Magnets. Blue See Jane Work Journal. Bow Binder Clips. White Document Box.

Of course, an organized desk is a happy desk and makes for one happy student. The festive pencil cup, tape dispenser, highlighters, portfolios, and folders are all helpful tools for Victoria as she tries to stay organized with both school and work.

BONUS: Here is a link to get $10 off your next $50 purchase. Perfect, especially if you want to shop Karen's entire See Jane Work office look here!

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Office Depot, however, all views and opinions are solely that of The Sorority Secrets.

TSS Favorite Things {January}

[Sunglasses] [Headphones] [Desk Calendar] [Beanie] 

[Eyeliner] [Anchor Bracelet] [Perfume] [Ballet Flats] [Candle]

My oh my- Holiday seasons are finally over and it is officially 2014! We hope Santa was good to everyone this Christmas!  Like every month, TSS Founders share their current favorite items of the month and here's the items of January!  It's a new year so why not try a new fragrance or a cute new desk calendar from Rifle Paper Co to get organized this year!

We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years and here's to another wonderful year!

DIY Coffee Sleeves (…and They're Reversible!)

Photo  credit: Crafty Staci

Ok, so yesterday we stumbled across the cutest coffee sleeves made by Martta Howard, a Theta from Austin. So many of you wanted to know how to make these cute little coffee sleeves, so Martta was nice enough to share with us the site she used to make them. Below is a tutorial taken straight from Crafty Staci on how to make these convenient, custom coffee sleeves for your next cup of morning brew. For step-by-step pictures, be sure to check out the full post at Crafty Staci.

What you will need:

1. This coffee sleeve traceable pattern (click here) printed. *Note: Make sure it doesn't scale down to print.
2. Cotton batting
3. Iron board cover fabric
4. Cotton Fabric (your choice of a design)
5. Elastic hair band (1)
6. 5/8" buttons (2) *preferably with two holes
7. 3/4" buttons (2) *preferably with two holes
8. Needle
9. Pins (5-7)
10. Thread
11. Toothpick (1)

How To Make the Coffee Sleeve

1. Print the coffee cup sleeve pattern.  The pattern should measure 10 3/4″ straight across the top (corner to corner, not on the curve) and 9 1/8″ across the bottom (again, corner to corner).  It’s just barely under 3″ wide. Use “borderless printing” in your print options to make sure the pattern prints full size.

2. Using the coffee cup sleeve pattern cut out the following: 

• One coffee cup sleeve pattern from cotton batting
• Two coffee cup sleeve patterns from ironing board cover fabric 
• Two coffee cup sleeve patterns from cotton fabric. 

 Note: Make sure you flip the pattern piece over to cut the second pieces, so they’re opposite the first. 

3. Locate the elastic hair band and zigzag stitch through the center (about 3/8" long) then clip through the center (you will only need half of the elastic hair band).

4. Next, layer all the pieces of coffee sleeve fabric starting with the ironing board fabric (face down).

5. Next, layer the cotton fabric (face up).

6. Next, with that same cotton coffee sleeve fabric, place the elastic hair band in the middle of the straight end, with the ends even with the edge of the fabric.

7. Then, layer the other piece of cotton fabric (face down).

8. Then, layer the second piece of ironing board fabric (face up).

9. Last, layer the batting.

10. Pin all the layers into place.  Stitch around the edge with a 1/4” seam, leaving about 2” open on the bottom edge for turning.  Backstitch over the elastic when you reach that point.  Clip the curves and corners. 

11. Turn and press, turning in the opening.  Stitch all the way around, close to the edge.

12. Lay the now stitched fabric flat.  Fold both sides in so the edges meet.  Stick a pencil through the elastic and mark the farthest point it will reach without stretching.

13. Stitch a button on each side over the mark, sliding a toothpick under each button.

14. After stitching, remove the toothpicks.  Wrap the thread around under each button a few times before knotting the thread under one of the buttons.

COFFEE SLEEVE COMPLETE!!

Big Sis Tip:  Remember to ask for your drink without a cardboard sleeve and remember to remove your reversible coffee sleeve before you throw away your cup!

The Tillow: Beach Towel+Pillow

It is no surprise we have summer on our minds. We honestly cannot wait to lay on the beach, dig our toes into the sand, and soak up the beautiful sun. But, how many of you have ever been at the beach and piled up sand underneath your towel to create a headrest? Or bunched up clothing for the same purpose? How about, hide your valuables in clothes or a bag when you head to the water hoping no one will steal them or that sand won't get all over them? When you're laying on the beach do you find yourself constantly shifting to make yourself feel comfortable? Well, we think we just stumbled across a solution: The Tillow. If you're wondering what The Tillow is, we wondered ourselves until Katie Everds, one of the Founders of The Tillow (a beach towel plus a pillow), gave us a breakdown on this pretty awesome and convenient product.

Here is what you can expect to receive with The Tillow:

• Touchscreen sleeve, designed for all smartphones & media devices, so you can switch songs, compile playlists and send messages without risk of damage. 

• Camouflaged and headphone friendly. Camouflaged and water-resistant storage pocket that is safe from curious strangers!

• Contour foam pillow for maximum cranium comfort. Removable for laundering and sealed with water and mildew-resistant lining.

Ok, so here is the catch: The Tillow is not for sale yet. BUT, you can help bring this product to the market by backing the product here via Kickstarter. The Tillow has one more week to raise $30,000 to jumpstart their business. This project will only be funded if at least $30,000 is pledged by Tuesday, Jan 14, 12:48pm EST.  So far, they have achieved almost 50% of their goal and if you pledge as little as $1, you can bring this useful product into stores nationwide. The cool thing is, the more money you pledge, the more perks you get of the product if it comes to the market. Don't waste anytime and back this product along with us!

Why We Love Chemical Peels

Your face is one of the most important parts of your body so it's important to treat it right. Washing your face and exfoliating it with moisturizer is a great first step in preserving the youth in your face, but we recently learned of another way to keep your face looking fresh: chemical peels.

As sorority girls we are always being introduced to so many wonderful products that when Annie, a distributor of PCA Skin, was nice enough to give us a demo on how to do an at home chemical peel, we couldn't wait to share our results! But, before we share with you our experience, let's hear a little from the expert, Annie:

"To peel, or not to peel- is that your question? Chemical peels, like other skin treatments, come in many different strengths and formulations. Whether you are facing a challenging skin condition, or want to maintain overall skin health, a peel should be a part of your skin’s regimen. When introducing my clients to peels, I choose the same treatment for virtually anyone that walks through my door. The lovely ladies of The Sorority Secrets were no exception. My introductory chemical peel of choice is PCA Skin’s Sensi Peel. The Sensi peel is a low-dose, minimally invasive treatment that provides great benefits to the skin. This unique blend of active acids includes TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), Lactic acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Arbutin- all which work synergistically to exfoliate, hydrate, and even out the skin tone. One particularly wonderful thing about this peel is that it is safe for all different skin types, and conditions. Its formulation includes many skin brighteners, and treats conditions such as aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. Depending on your skin’s needs, your treatment can be advanced to something more aggressive, but only if necessary. As we age, our skin cell’s natural exfoliation process slows, and needs some assistance. Receiving regular peels (every 2-6 weeks depending on skin condition), will help your skin show its best self".

"I'll be honest, I was totally scared to get my peel! I think the word "peel" sounds a whole lot scarier than it actually is. When Annie started applying the peel products on my face & neck, I was pleasantly surprised. "That's it?!" I remember asking her. Quick & easy, it was over in a snap. Annie reminded me to stay away from heat or exercise for the next few days, and to not wash my face for the rest of the first day. I asked her if I could use my Clarisonic, and she told me to hold off for about a week. I listened, and the peel worked beautifully! Almost instantly, my skin was glowing! I didn't wear any makeup after the peel on day 1, and kept my face virtually makeup free for the following 2 days as well. By day 4, I had some light peeling; the moisturizing PCA products helped to calm my skin. By day 6, my skin looked radiant! I barely needed any face makeup. Skincare is all about maintenance and taking care of yourself; I'm happy to add PCA peels into my routine!"--Ali

    {before peel}                                                                {after peel}

"When I heard we were getting chemical peels, I really didn't know what to expect! I envisioned a super long process where a deep, long face treatment was going to occur. However, when Annie pulled out all the stuff she was going to use, I thought "Wow, this is not a lot of stuff!". Not only were the materials so easy to apply, but they smelled really good {they smelled like yummy oatmeal}. To say my face was glowing would be an understatement; my face looked so refreshed and renewed! I couldn't wear makeup for 24 hours, but I didn't mind because I just loved the way my skin felt and looked. It didn't take too long for the dead skin to peel off and Annie gave me the moisturizing PCA products to treat my face throughout the week--if I saw my skin peeling I wouldn't pick at it; rather, I just applied the aloe soothing balm {it also smelled good!}. Annie recommended doing these types of chemical peels every 4-6 weeks. I loved the results so much that I did the facial TWICE!"--Karen

    {before peel}                                                                {after peel}

"I've seen chemical peels done before on friends and family and they seemed really extreme- peeling after for days with very sensitive skin and no makeup for at least 3 days... yikes! When Annie approached us to try out the PCA Chemical Peels, I was intrigued, but I obviously was kind of skeptical and needed a couple questions answered.  I have always had fairly normal skin- not oily, never had acne, but I do get freckles!  Some people love freckles but to those that actually have freckles, I don't think a spotted face is their favorite feature.  Once Annie explained to me that PCA Chemical Peels actually reduces pigments and sun stains, I was all up for it!  It was a very quick process and the aftercare products that they give you really helps out a lot.  My skin was dry and tight the first two days after my peel, then I started peeling for a couple more days, but I could see my face starting to clear up and feeling very hydrated and smooth!  Annie reminded me that the more frequently I do the peel (about every 4-6 weeks), my freckles will start really disappearing!  You should wear sunscreen everyday, but sometimes sunscreen isn't enough for those that get freckles! PCA peels is definitely my answer to a clearer, smoother skin!" --Sakura

For more information on the treatments that Annie provides, please contact her directly at TheSkinny1122@gmail.com . Please also feel free to follow her on Facebook, Instagram (@theskinnyblog), and blogger (http://theskinnyblog1.blogspot.com/) for information on everything beauty and skin care related. The chemical peel is a treatment that Annie can provide, however, she cannot directly sell it to you. You can only buy the daily care products from Annie and she can go to your home to do the chemical peel. Annie is currently located in Scottsdale, AZ, and can schedule you for a treatment of your own. She is also a certified distributor for PCA Skin daily care products, and can provide you with a customizable regimen to fit your needs. If you are not local, but are interested in receiving a PCA Skin treatment, or safely purchasing their products you can contact the company directly at 1.877.722.7546 or visit them online at pcaskin.com to locate a provider near you.

Top 13 Favorite Posts of 2013!

2013 was an amazing year for us! We got to share our best kept sorority secrets with you all as we launched our site January 22nd. The attention and support we have received from you all has been nothing short of amazing. We wanted to take this time to sincerely thank you for being loyal readers of The Sorority Secrets. In lieu of that, we compiled your favorite thirteen posts of 2013. From beauty, to fashion, to tips and advice, you loved and read these posts. Thanks for making us your go-to site; we appreciate you!

1. My Favorite Online Boutiques-Serena Kamlani
2. Flawless {Makeup} Finish
3. Contrast
4. 5 Things You Need to Know When Purchasing Plane Tickets
5. TSS Master List of Bid Day Themes
6. DIY: Glitter Starbucks Cup
7. Pumpkin Carving 101
8. Our Favorite Recruitment Videos
9. Meet Lauryn Evarts
10. Birthday Cake Protein Shake {Recipe from Dashing Dish}
11. Coo Coo for Coconut Oil
12. 20 Powerful Words to Use In a Resume
13. Recruitment Wardrobe Do's!

Have a favorite blog post that didn't make the Top 13? Well, we would love to hear which post of 2013 was your favorite so leave a comment below!

TSS Favorite Christmas Movies

Snuggled up on the couch with your family members with some warm popcorn, hot chocolate, and a Christmas-inspired movie is one of our favorite ways to bond during Christmas. There is nothing like that warm and fuzzy feeling you get after watching a Christmas movie like "A Christmas Story" or "Miracle on 34th Street". We always enjoy a good laugh too when we're watching movies like "Home Alone" and "Elf" {Will Ferrel is hilarious}. The animated films are always the best because it brings us back to our childhood. Some of our favorites are "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "A Muppet Christmas Carol". Nowadays, these movies can be right at your fingertips through companies like Netflix where you can rent and return it. One movie that you probably won't find in stores though, but makes for a great occasion around the TV are HOME VIDEOS. Dig those out of the archives and you and your family are sure to have a fun time laughing and reminiscing.  No matter what you decide to do over the holiday, make sure you enjoy it with the ones you love the most.

Merry Christmas!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Your Guy

Whether it's a gift for your boyfriend, brother, or dad- buying a gift for a guy can be a tad bit tricky! Throughout the years, we've all gotten pretty good at selecting gifts for the guys so we thought we would create a "2013 Gift Guide for the Guy" list!

We have presents that are suitable for everyone!  Check it out and if we missed any great gift ideas, share them with us by commenting below!

1. Birch Box Man Subscription
2. Apple TV
3. Playstation 4
4. Call of Duty Ghost
5. BEATS Pill
6. iPin Laser
7. Apple iPad Air
8. Tickets to a football game
9. A Stay-cation
10. Bow Ties & Ties
11. Erin Condren Men's Keep It Simple Notebook
12. Helo TC iOS Helicopter
13. Personalized Leather Dopp Kit
14. Happy Socks
15. Nike+FuelBand
16. Mad Men Season 5
17. Warby Parker Sunglasses
18. Barney's New York Sperry Topsiders
19. J. Crew Sweatshirt Sweater
20. Alien Workshop Andy Warhol Skateboard
21. Jack Spade Tech Accessories
22. Beard Scent by JAO
23. Everlast strike bag
24. Everlast boxing gloves
25. Everlast weighted jump rope

Happy Gift Giving!

Black Friday Survival Guide

Ready, set, SHOP!!  Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, is upon us.  With all of the sales & great deals going on, we love taking advantage of this hectic day.  But facing the masses at the mall, just to get those killer boots on sale, is no easy feat.  Have no fear fellow shoppers, we're here to help you make the most of Black Friday... and successfully survive the day!

First and foremost, eat something.  You're stuffed from your Thanksgiving turkey, and might be experiencing a mild hangover from yesterday's food coma.  Have a light breakfast, and throw an extra snack (granola bar, protein bar, trail mix) in your purse for later.  Trust us, that mall food court is going to be BUSY... you'll be happy you packed a treat!

Bringing someone with you is key.  You can help each other wait in lines, carry things (honestly, a girl can only carry so many shoe boxes by herself to the register), you can give each other a second opinion, and keep you company as you navigate through the crowds.  Team effort here!  Having a trusted person's opinion can really help when sale shopping.  Just because it's on sale, doesn't mean you need it... see items #7-9 on our list about that topic as well.

Before you get too shopping happy, don't buy everything in sight just because it's on sale.  Ask yourself: "do I own at least 3 outfits in my closet that I could mix & match this with?"  If the answer is no, think twice.  If you're not sure (and want to buy it while it's on sale), just make sure that the store you're purchasing from allows returns.  Make note of their return policy, and save your receipts too!

Black Friday is a great day to get lots of bargains, but they still can add up fast.  Set yourself a budget that you feel comfortable with before you head to the mall.  That way you can feel happy, not guilty, about your purchases once you get home.  After all, Black Friday is supposed to be FUN!  On your mark, get set... GO and get your shop on!

Books to Read This Cold Weather Season

The fall season is well underway with the leaves around us browning and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes filling the air, yet with all these fun fall things happening the main change is the weather! The weather is starting to get colder as we transition into the holiday season and for me, cold weather means bundling up by a fire place (whether fake or real) with a good book.  I love a good classic novel as much as the next person but sometimes you just need a funny, girly book. Check out some of these titles the next time you are looking for something to read:

 

Written by Project Runway mentor and chief officer of Liz Claiborne, Tim Gunn breaks down every item in your closet and explains the significance and history behind them. From high heels to corsets you can learn how these things came to be. It is super informative and helpful when trying to plan a great outfit for a night out.

  

This hilarious, satirical book written by the creators of everyone’s favorite blog “Betches Love This” is a must read. It dabbles in the topics that are of the utmost concern to typical 20 something year old women such as texting, traveling, instagram and dying your hair. If you are having a bad day this book is sure to brighten it while also actually dishing out some helpful tips!

 

Former “The Hills” star dishes out her love and relationship advice for all to hear. She shares her personal stories about bad dates and failed relationships while giving awesome advice on what to do so you don’t end up in a situation like that. This book feels like advice from your own sisters!

In today’s society women of style and grace are hard to come by and even the best of us can lose our way. This book is a funny yet serious guide full of “old fashioned” advice on how to be a proper lady. It covers diet, speech, work ethic, friends, relationships, manners, makeup, and fashionable yet modest clothing, showing modern ladies how they can be beautiful, intelligent and fun while retaining values and morals.





Happy Reading!