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!

Beach Waves Hair Tutorial {by, Maddie}

Stick straight hair can be both a blessing and a curse; it’s easy to manage on a daily basis, but it can look a little flat sometimes. I’ve always loved that beachy hair look (a-la-Olsen twins), but spraying salt water and scrunching my hair does absolutely nothing! Here are my tips for achieving that look that will work if your hair is straight or stubborn.

Tools:

• Heat protectant

• 1 inch Curling iron or rod

• Hairspray

• Pomade

Steps:

1. First, spray the heat protectant on your dry hair and let it fully sink in. Don’t skip this step! We don’t want to compromise the health of your hair with hot tools.

2. Start taking pieces of your hair and wrapping them around the curling iron, wrapping them away from your face.

3. Once you’ve finished your whole head, shake the curls out a little with your hands. Some girls might like this look the way it is, but I like to quickly run a flat iron over some of the really bouncy pieces to get that true “I just went surfing” look.

(TIP: I spray hair protectant over my hair again before straightening just to play it safe)

4. Time for hairspray! If you have pomade, you can also put rub some between your hands and just apply it to random ends of your hair for a piece-y look.
 

Enjoy your beach waves!

Spring Nails {by, Audree}

Help brighten up your outfit this season with the perfect polish! Spring 2014 is all about colorful pastels, vibrant neon, and feminine pinks. This season is all about freshness; keep your nails solid colors to add an extra pop against your outfit. 

Visit your local beauty store and stock up on the season’s newest spring shades. My favorite brands are OPI, Essie and Sally Hansen. They are super cheap and have a great variety of colors. 

My top three choices from OPI are (pictured left to right): ‘Lucky Lucky Lavender’, ‘I Just Can’t Cope-acabana’, and ‘Kiss Me On My Tulips’. 

My top three choices from Essie are:  ‘Resort Fling’, ‘Truth or Flare’, and ‘Dj Play that Song’.

My top three choices from Sally Hansen are: ‘Mint Sprint’, ‘Petal Pusher’, and ‘Peachy Breeze’.

At home manis are great for a quick fix or when you don’t have time to go in, but step up your nail game and try gel polish. Gel lasts 2+ weeks and instantly gives you that straight out of the salon look. Recently I started using an at home gel LED light and my life is now complete! You can purchase lights and polish for under $100 at local beauty supply stores, but check out this portable LED light for only $24.99 at ULTA. What a steal! 

Gel polish goes on like regular nail polish and just curate your polish between coats under your light and, viola! You have the perfect manicure for spring!

Lessons Learned from Mardi Gras

Ah, Mardi Gras. The one time of the year where it's socially acceptable to wear an obnoxious amount of plastic beads, break your diets with local foods such as beignets or po-boys, or stay up to the early hours of the morning as enormous, elaborate floats pass by with riders adorned in theatrical costumes.  I am no rookie to the Mardi Gras scene thanks to an amazing roommate who opened my eyes to the traditions of her hometown last year. Having survived my first go around, it was of no surprise that I was ready to jump back on the horse when the time rolled around again. Whether this year's Mardi Gras is your first time to the 504 or you're a seasoned NOLA veteran, here are a couple of lessons you should learn after your time in the Big Easy. 

1. It's pronounced Mardi "Graw" even though it's spelt like Mardi "Graws"

I'll admit, I still struggle with this one even though I have experienced the craziness that is Mardi Gras. Learn how to properly pronounce the way Mardi Gras is said if you want to avoid the "Oh you're a tourist" look from local residents as well as be corrected every single time you accidentally emphasize that deceiving “s”. 

2. Pace Yourself

Remember: Mardi Gras is a marathon...NOT a sprint. A typical Mardi Gras rookie will go all out the first night and be so tired that they can't enjoy the rest of their time. Yes, I am speaking from experience. The energy of Mardi Gras may push you to go above and beyond on your first night but trust me when I say the same things you want to do your first night will be there the second and third night. Have fun but remember you have to wake up to do it all over again the next day. 

3. The Jump & Snatch 

When it comes to parades, having unique, one of a kind beads thrown at you is basically a given. Each parade has their own set of beads that they throw so catching said beads becomes somewhat of a bragging tool when you proudly display them on you. Enter the jump and snatch. When a float is throwing beads, your best chance of getting them is jumping into the air at the time of release and snatching whatever your hand catches first. This method of bead collecting works...90 percent of the time anyway. 

4. The Bourbon Street Buddy System 

Oh Bourbon Street. From your flashing lights to your packed streets, no Mardi Gras trip is complete without visiting Bourbon Street at least once. It's one of the most well known destinations for Mardi Gras and also the most crowded. With that in mind, say hello to your savior: the buddy system. While it may seem obvious that staying with your group is imperative, you would be surprised how easily it is to be next to your BFF one second and in a flash be holding hands with a complete stranger. The buddy system is simple: stick to the sidewalks when moving from place to place and in the event you find yourselves caught in the tidal wave that is Bourbon Street, latch on to one another and make your way to the closest, least crowded spot to regroup. 

There are countless lessons that one can learn from Mardi Gras as each experience is unique to the individual, however these four lessons are imperative to learn should you have any chance at conquering the Big Easy. Take it from a seasoned Attendee-these lessons will only enhance your time in the 504. 

Second Day Curls on the First Day!

There's something about the second day curls that just looks and sits better than the first day.  Typically on the first day, the curls are too tight and too fresh- well, there's a trick to have the "second day curls" on the first day!  Follow the instructions below and try it out!

Step 1
Make sure to have freshly washed hair so your curls hold longer.

Step 2
Divide your hair in layers.

Step 3
Clamp a small strand into your curler.  We typically like to use about a 1"-1.5"curler.

Step 4
Roll it up to as high as you want your curls to go.  Remember to curl your hair OUT, not IN!  Hold it there for about 10-12 seconds

Step 5
Keep your hair clamped in the curler, but start unwinding your hair all the way until the end of your piece.

Step 6
Twist, twist, twist!  Twist the entire curler so your strand is twisted and then let go.

Step 7
Repeat the same step all throughout your hair, but remember not to brush it out or run your fingers through!  Keep it still for as long as possible and let it cool down.

Step 8
After curling all of your hair, run your fingers through so it has that natural curl/wave look.  Brushing it out with a brush can give you a different look and all of your curls will end up in one big chunk so we recommend brushing your fingers through!

...and that's it!

What are some of your hair tricks?  Share your secret with us at secret@thesororitysecrets.com

The Ultimate Ultra Guide

When you hear the word “Miami" you probably think of South Beach, tanning and a popping nightlife. While Miami may be all of that, there is a unique factor that happens every March, which makes going to school in Miami that much better. Ultra Music Festival, or Ultra as it is commonly known, is one of the worlds largest electronic dance concerts that takes place every year in Miami. People from all over the world travel to the sunshine state to experience the culture and raw energy that literally transports you to another world. Before coming to school here, I had absolutely no idea what Ultra was. Now, as a junior, I can proudly say that this year will be my third time attending with each time topping the last. No matter if this is your first Ultra or you've been going since you were in high school, here is your ultimate guide to all things UMF. 

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Ultra is no joke. Think of that one night you literally danced away and multiply that by three. Add in the humid Miami weather plus a crowd of 100,000 and what do you have? A recipe for dehydration. It is so imperative that you keep hydrated throughout the entire day-spend the five or ten dollars in water or invest in a camelback to share with your friends-all of it goes a long way. While Ultra has made efforts to keep their attendees hydrated with free water stations being implemented, sometimes you just can't (or won't) wait. While spending even more money on water seems costly, your body will be thanking you later. 

2. Pick a Meet Up Location 

Despite your best efforts to stay with your group of friends, getting separated from them is bound to happen. Make a plan at the beginning of each day to meet up at a unique spot should any one of you ever get lost. While the obvious solution might be to simply text and ask where everyone is, cell phone reception isn't your friend during Ultra and chances are you'll be too busy dancing to Krewella's newest hit to be checking your phone. 

3.  Go in With a Game Plan

Over 100 DJs showcase their talents during UMF. While it is unlikely that you will get to see them all, you can increase your chances of jamming to your favorite artists if you go into Ultra with a game plan of what you want to do. Every year, Ultra releases the set times of every artist and what stage they're going to be performing on via their app. My advice? Download this app the week of and plan your time at Ultra around the information it will provide you with. That way you aren't totally overwhelmed when you get there and you aren't missing your favorite DJ! 

4. Bring Back the Fanny Pack

I know. It's so old school. But the Fanny Pack will actually save your life at Ultra should you make the decision (and you totally should) to invest in going. Not only does it hold all of the essentials (water, keys, tickets, and phone) but you also don't even realize that it's there! There is nothing more annoying than having to hold a backpack or purse and constantly having to make sure it's untouched. A fanny pack gives you the security of knowing all of your things are safe because it is literally hanging right in front of you. The best part is it rests on your hips so you are free to fist pump all Ultra long. 

5. Pictures aren't really worth 1000 words

The best piece of advice I can offer is this: don't experience Ultra from behind your cell phone. The urge to take a million and one videos and pictures is going to be there and I'm not saying you shouldn't take any but the culture that is Ultra demands to be felt. You miss out on the beauty of everything if you're constantly trying to capture it on your phone. Take in your surroundings and dance to the amazing beats that artists prepare especially for this event. Worry about videos and pictures later because chances are someone in your group will be furiously snapping away. 


If you ever get the chance to attend Ultra Music Festival, prepare yourself for an incredible weekend filled with fun, laughs, and lots and lots of dancing. Each year Ultra changes little by little so that no two Ultra's are alike. The DJ's performing may change, but this guide is forever. 

Ali's "I Do" Diary: Wedding Planning Favorites

That's right, TSS Co-Founder Ali is tying the knot!  She's excited to share her wedding 

planning journey with our readers.  Read on for more!

Spring is upon us, which for me means one thing... our wedding is right around the corner!  Since we started planning, it seemed as though May 25th (our wedding date) was so far away.  Sure enough, the time has flown by!  Along the way, I've learned so much about the little details that needed to be decided.  Little things... from deciding on a signature cocktail, to figuring out what invitation style we wanted to use.  Luckily, I've discovered a few helpful resources that have made the process a breeze so far.  I'm excited to share a few of my favorite finds, from ordering invitations to setting up a wedding website!

1. Wedding Paper Divas.

When it came to ordering Save the Dates, I wanted a website that offered two things: creative designs, and magnets!  I love putting wedding Save the Dates on my fridge at home, so having it printed on a magnet was important to me.  Wedding Paper Divas offered everything I needed, plus the ordering process was so easy!  They send you customized artwork proofs with all of your requested information before you order, so you can make sure everything is exactly to your liking.  Not to mention, I received them super fast!  I couldn't believe how quickly the arrived on my doorstep, so I could get them mailed out in a snap.

2. Minted.

I went into a few invitation stores to look in person, before deciding to order the actual wedding invites online from Minted.  The invitation stores overwhelmed me, plus they seemed to be super pricey.  I loved the design selection from Minted-- they really had a custom feel to them.  They even allow you to choose which type of "edge" you want for the paper (I chose a scalloped edge) which made it more fun than a standard rectangular piece of paper!  I also decided to go with pearlized paper, which gave the invitations a pretty sparkle finish to them.  Just like Wedding Paper Divas, the ordering & proofing process couldn't have been easier.  They arrived fast, and looking beautiful!

3. Stamps.com.

After ordering the invitations, the next step was getting them mailed out.  I went to my local post office to talk to them about how to go about mailing them... after all, how was I supposed to know how much postage to put on the envelope?!  While I was there, the person helping me told me about Stamps.com.  Not only could I order the stamps with exactly the amount of postage that I needed (I took the completed invitation to get weighed first) but I could also upload my very own picture to the stamp!!  OMG-- a custom stamp with our photo on it?!  I was sold.  I ordered them with one of our engagement photos on the stamp... it made for an adorable personal touch!

4. Wedding Jojo.

Since we're having a destination wedding (hello, Cabo!) having a complete wedding website was a must for us.  We needed a place that we could put every last detail... from hotels to activities.  I searched high and low for the right wedding website host that had every function that we needed, plus one that offered nice looking layouts that weren't cheesy.  I came across Wedding Jojo, and fell in love with their beautiful templates.  For an extra fee, they even let you have your very own custom domain name!  We also were able to get a password protected site, which I liked as well for privacy.  The website was fun & simple to make, and our site came out looking great!

I hope that my favorite resources helps other Brides-to-Be!  Finding the right tools to help make these little details simple was a big relief to me.  No need to stress about invitations (or stamps!) when you know where to look!

xoxo, Ali