The Sorority Secrets

Monday, January 6, 2014

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.

Friday, January 3, 2014

6 Shoes That Should Be In Every Girl's Closet

Meet Grace! She's a journalism major currently attending University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill! She has a passion for fashion and has been blogging for nearly 4 years!

Read all about Grace and make sure to check out her blog, Gracefulleemade.com!

1. Who or what inspired you to start your blog?

"I always enjoyed dressing stylish during the start of high school. My friends and classmates would always comment on what I was wearing and ask me where I got it from. It became more common and that's when my friends encouraged me to start blogging. At first, it was more of a fun "project" that I wanted to try out and I haven't regretted any bit of it since."

2. Your favorite color combination?

"That's a toughie. On Pinterest and Instagram, I usually hashtag #favecombo on the majority of all the color combinations out there but if I had to choose... I'm crushing on orange + cobalt blue / pink + orange / anything with a pop of red. It's kind of funny because before blogging, I never really wore the color pink. Or thought to wear it with orange. It's simply amazing how blogging has given me the courage to try new things."

3. What is your major?

"I am majoring in journalism of mass communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill."

4. How long ago did you start your blog?

"I started my blog in 2010. Three (or almost four!) years and going strong."

5. Who is your fashion icon? Why?

"My fashion icon is Olivia Palermo because the GIRL CAN DRESS. There is not one outfit that I have seen on her that would make me think otherwise. I'm obsessed with the way she takes classy pieces such as a blazer and makes it edgy paired with leather leggings. She doesn't have just one set style but various combinations and looks that inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and try myself."

6. Who is your top 3 favorite bloggers?

"Blair Eadie from Atlantic-Pacific, Rachel Parcell from The Pink Peonies, Caitlin from A Little Dash of Darling"

7. 5 beauty products you can't live without?

"1. Revlon lipstick -- red, pink, plum. I'm kinda obsessed.

2. Liquid eyeliner

3. My Chanel lipgloss collection (does having 3 make it a collection?)

4. Maybelline mascara

5. CoverGirl's smoky shadow blast stick (in blue + bronze)

Truth be told, I actually don't wear any face make-up because I don't really need it. Just eye make-up! It's a plus on rushed, late mornings!"

8. What do your friends think about your blog?

"They really enjoy it actually! It's quite funny when we're texting or meeting up for coffee dates and they'll be like... "love your outfit on your latest instagram. I had to check it on your blog" or make jokes like... "did you blog that outfit too?" sort of thing. It's the best to have friends that support me and visit my blog daily."

9. What are you doing when you're not in class or working on your blog?

"I love to run. I can't go three days without running or it just feels weird to me. Running keeps the stress away and helps me clear my mind."

10. What would you like to do after you graduate?

"Thinking about the future scares me, but it also excites me at the same time. I'm ready to graduate and step out into the big world, but I'm also contemplating what it is that I really want to do. I would preferably like to relocate and move to New York City, or any big city for that matter, to be a fashion stylist or even as a style editor for a fashion magazine. 'The Devil Wears Prada' really sets the tone for me there."

A special thank you to Grace for sitting down and chatting with us!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Purvana Giveaway Winners!

Many have contacted us to redeem, but there are still a few that have not! Below is our complete list of our Purvana Giveaway winners!

If you're one of our giveaway winners, email us at giveaway@thesororitysecrets.com with the following:

1) Subject Line: Purvana Giveaway Winner

2) Full name

3) Phone Number

4) Mailing Address

5) Instagram name

Please email us by this Sunday, January 5th 2014 to send in your info!

Thank you for entering! :)

Instagram Winners:

@savrae30
@cestjennjenn
@julieeegeckkkk
@eefahey
@mdflood
@_tinasu
@taytrujillo
@la_andrews
@brookelynnebatten
@burton213
@danielllepaige
@veronicajane7
@chaneyajoyner
@toriinturley
@gocatsmeow
@karla_liriano
@savannahleannn
@kiersss
@sarahgouldlong
@fortezzo
@kitty_kati
@megsherman11
@abby_gal_pierce
@marycarlson
@calliej
@blossomjohnna
@shannonkelly93
@jesijay247
@oh_emdee
@lovemeganx
@allisonvk
@randigraves
@keepcalmandstephon
@tonee1203
@bri_davy
@corrinnoel
@knbrown
@ilovechelss
@darms528
@jillian_sharp
@sydpearce
@_alisongardner
@jordanskye12
@brittanyford
@casssandrizzy
@maggie_riddick
@aclar468
@lindsayfurrier
@jadagonzales
@jxiao
@meaganruiz
@mo_mccarthy
@missykrissysk
@alexxcapraa
@mscheek
@ericaziemer12
@jobisou
@supppshell
@autumn_taylor
@malloryyyann
@hannahihendricks
@ashhhhp
@taylorpaige34
@mshanny
@kneecoleemarie
@kaitlynluensman
@lindseyanne92
@dominiqueryann
@somystique
@egweino
@brigitttrujillo
@maddshathaway
@rissa_cole10

[All blog post giveaway submissions have been contacted via email]

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year, New Resolutions

Photo Credit: Tumblr

Every year, people come up with all sorts of "new year's resolutions" that they will try to keep. We've heard them all... from going to the gym more often, to being more punctual. But really here, what about the smaller resolutions?! You know, the things that make your day a little happier, a little brighter? Now those are the new year's resolutions we're after in 2014! This year, we're seeking our resolutions in the form of daily doses of happiness...

1. Enjoy the sunshine. Grab lunch outside, take the dog for a walk.
2. Call your mom, call your grandma. She will appreciate it.
3. Say "I love you." Tell your friends, sisters, your significant other, your family.
4. Wash your makeup brushes. Your face will thank you.
5. Take vitamins.
6. Spend some time away from your phone. Put it down, and feel comfortable with that.
7. Feel in the moment; enjoy what you're doing right now.
8. Give big hugs.
9. Learn something new; like how to cook a new dish, or how to swing a golf club.
10. Skip that Starbucks, make coffee at home when you can. Little savings make your wallet happy.
11. Checking out at the grocery store? Ask the cashier how their day is going, and make them smile.
12. Treat yourself to something. If you really want that cupcake, feel guilt-free in moderation.
13. Make a lunch date with a friend once a week.
14. Be giving... from volunteering your time, to giving a smile.
15. That song you love? Blast it. On repeat.
16. Try out a new lip color. From cherry red to orchid.
17. Light a yummy scented candle when you're home.
18. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies.
19. Walk, take the stairs. Extra cardio adds up, and raises endorphins.
20. Oh and did we mention...share a smile! It's contagious :)

Cheers to you, and a year ahead filled with joy. We can't wait to share all that the new year has in store with all of you! Until then, we will catch you in 2014!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Why You Should "Eat Local"

Eating locally and seasonally has been given a lot of press lately, and for good reason. There are numerous benefits economically, and for your health when you eat foods that have been grown closer to home. And who doesn’t like benefits?

Better Nutritional Content and Taste

When food is transported, it has to be harvested early and refrigerated to keep it from going bad before it can get to it’s destination and be sold. That means that your food hasn’t had the time to fully develop, which means fewer nutrients, and then is chilled, which further depletes the nutritional value. On top of that, very often produce is irradiated to kill germs, which means it is exposed to radiation. Top that off with the use of preservatives like wax (to keep in moisture), time on the grocery store shelves, and the nutritional value goes down even further. Now, don’t get it wrong, eating any fresh fruit or vegetable is good in my book, but nutritionally speaking, locally beats out something that has been flown in any day. And a bonus: The same reasons that make locally grown produce nutritionally superior, makes them taste better. Early harvesting, transport, refrigeration, preservatives, and time all deplete the natural flavor of produce. When fruits and vegetables have a chance to ripen naturally, and are on your plate sooner, you are getting the full potential of flavor!

More Cost Effective

Everyone likes money, and the less you have to spend on groceries, the better! When you eat locally, you are eating seasonally, which means the fruits and vegetables that are available will be ones that grow in your area abundantly, and in line with the laws of supply and demand, they will always cost less. Couple that with minimal transportation (which also cuts costs), and your pocketbook will thank you.

Better for Your Body

Our bodies were designed to eat the food that grows in our immediate environment, season to season. Imagine an Eskimo moving to Arizona. In a freezing environment, a diet high in animal protein and fats like whale blubber helps to provide energy and keep body temperatures up. But if that Eskimo imported food from his homeland instead of adjusting his diet for a warm desert environment like Arizona, what do you think would happen? If he continued eating the way he had in negative degree weather, his body would most likely become overheated, and the chances of developing heart disease or a range of other health complications sky rocket. Now, this is obviously an extreme example, but think if you were to only consume fruit, salads, and popsicles all winter, you would probably have a hard time staying warm due to the high water content and the cooling nature of those foods. On the other hand, those same foods are great in the summer to help you stay hydrated and cool. A meal or snack that is out of season certainly won’t do you any harm in moderation, but sticking to the foods that grow more locally and that are in season on a consistent basis is definitely ideal for your health.

Variety in Your Diet

When you eat seasonally, your diet tends to be more diverse. You are literally changing with the seasons, which means a vast array of nutrients from many different sources throughout the year. It also helps to keep things fresh in the kitchen, not only with fresher, tastier, more nutritionally dense ingredients, but also with new recipes and meals, which can help make eating healthy a fun, exciting, and easy lifestyle choice.

So grab a friend and go pick your own fruits and vegetables at a local farm, or drop by the local farmers market and stock up on healthy, seasonal, and delicious food choices. Leave a comment and let us know what seasonal items are your favorites!

A Woman's Guide to Football 101: Pt.1 The Basics

Photo Credit: Direct Snap Football

With the Playoffs underway and Superbowl around the corner, if you're lost whenever you flip the channel to ESPN and you see a game of football, we've decided to put together some basic football knowledge to help you sound semi-cool in front of your significant other or a group of football lovers. It really is fun to get into the game when you understand calls that the refs are making and the overall nature of the game! So today, let's start with learning the basics. This women's guide to football is adapted from NFL.com's rulebook section so check it out for more detailed information.

Each team has 3 separate units: the offense, those players who are on the field when the team has possession of the ball; the defense, players who line up to stop the other team's offense; and special teams that only come in on kicking situations (punts, field goals, and kickoffs). Only 11 players are on the field from one team at any one time.

This is an 11-man team that has possession of the ball. They try to advance the ball down the field to the end zone in order to make a touchdown and score points.

This is another 11-man team that does not have possession of the ball and instead is trying to stop the offensive team from making a touchdown. In other words, they are trying to make them give up possession of the ball.

Games are divided into four 15-minute quarters, separated by a 12-minute break at halftime. There are also 2-minute breaks at the end of the first and third quarters as teams change ends of the field after every 15 minutes of play. At the end of the first and third quarters, the team with the ball retains possession heading into the following quarter. That is not the case before halftime. The second half starts with a kickoff in the same way as the game began in the first quarter.

Each offensive team has 40 seconds from the end of a given play until they must snap off the ball for the start of the next play, otherwise they will be penalized. The clock stops at the end of incomplete passing plays, when a player goes out of bounds, or when a penalty is called. The clock starts again when the ball is re-spotted by an official.

A game starts with the kickoff. The ball is placed on a kicking tee at the defense's 30-yard line, and a special kicker (a "placekicker") kicks the ball to the offense A kick return man from the offense will try to catch the ball and advance it by running. Where he is stopped is the point from which the offense will begin its drive, or series of offensive plays. When a kickoff is caught in the offense's own end zone, the kick returner can either run the ball out of the end zone, or kneel in the end zone to signal a touchback - a sign to stop the play. The ball is then placed on the 20-yard line, where the offense begins play.

All progress in a football game is measured in yards. The offensive team tries to get as much "yardage" as it can to try and move closer to the opponent's end zone. Each time the offense gets the ball, it has four downs, or chances, in which to gain 10 yards. If the offensive team successfully moves the ball 10 or more yards, it earns a first down, and another set of four downs. If the offense fails to gain 10 yards, it loses possession of the ball. The defense tries to prevent the offense not only from scoring, but also from gaining the 10 yards needed for a first down. If the offense reaches fourth down, it usually punts the ball (kicks it away). This forces the other team to begin its drive further down the field.

The Run and the Pass
A play begins with the snap. At the line of scrimmage (the position on the field where the play begins), the quarterback loudly calls out a play in code and the player in front of him, the center, passes, or snaps the ball under his legs to the quarterback. From there, the quarterback can either throw the ball, hand it off, or run with it.

There are two main ways for the offense to advance the ball. The first is called a run. This occurs when the quarterback hands the ball off to a running back, who then tries to gain as many yards as possible by eluding defensive players. The quarterback is also allowed to run with the ball.

The other alternative to running the ball is to throw it. Or as they say in football, pass it! Usually, the quarterback does the passing, though there are times when another player may pass the ball to confuse the defense. Actually, anyone on the offensive team is allowed to pass the ball as long as the pass is thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. A pass is complete if the ball is caught by another offensive player, usually the "wide receiver" or "tight end." If the ball hits the ground before someone catches it, it is called an incomplete pass.

The defense prevents the offense from advancing the ball by bringing the ball carrier to the ground. A player is tackled when one or both of his knees touch the ground. The play is then over. A play also ends when a player runs out of bounds.

The object of the game is to score the most points. There are four ways to score points in
football:

TOUCHDOWN = 6 POINTS
A touchdown is the biggest single score in a football game. It is worth six points, and it allows the scoring team an opportunity to attempt to get an extra point. To score a touchdown, the ball must be carried across the goal line into the end zone, caught in the end zone, or a fumble recovered in the end zone, or an untouched kickoff recovered in the end zone by the kicking team.

EXTRA POINT and the TWO-POINT CONVERSION = 1 or 2 POINTS
Immediately following a touchdown, the ball is placed at the opponent's two-yard line,
where the offense has two options. Usually the offense will kick an extra point, also called the point after touchdown, conversion, or PAT. If the offense successfully kicks the ball through the goal posts, it earns one point. The offense can also score two points by running or throwing the ball into the end zone in the same manner as you would score a touchdown. Since going for two points is more difficult than kicking an extra point, the offense generally chooses to kick the extra point.

FIELD GOAL = 3 POINTS
If the offense cannot score a touchdown, it may try to kick a field goal. Field goals are worth three points and often are the deciding plays in the last seconds of close games. They can be attempted from anywhere on the field on any down, but generally are kicked from inside the defense's 45-yard line on fourth down. For a field goal to be "good", the placekicker (or field goal kicker) must kick the ball through the goal-post uprights and over the crossbar. The defense tries to block the kick and stop the ball from reaching the goal post.

SAFETY = 2 POINTS
The safety is worth two points. A safety occurs when the offensive ball carrier is tackled behind his own goal line.

While trying to advance the football to the end zone, the offense may accidentally turn the ball over to the defense in one of two ways:

When the ball carrier or passer drops the ball, that's a fumble. Any player on the field can recover the ball by diving on it or he can run with it. The team that recovers a fumble either gets-or retains-possession of the ball.

An aggressive defense can regain possession of the ball by catching (intercepting) passes meant for players on the other team. Both fumble recoveries and interceptions can be run back into the end zone for touchdowns.

We hope this was helpful and that you can now "talk football"!

All Sequined Everything!

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New Year's Eve is tomorrow and we'll be dressed in all sequins from head to toe! From the Free People sequined blazer to the perfectly bedazzled Michael Kors leggings, here are some of our favorite sequined items that you can wear to ring in the new year!

Have a perfect New Year's Eve sequined outfit? Tell us about it!

Friday, December 27, 2013

TOPSHOPxNordstrom: Time to PARTY!

That's right, it's party time! We can't wait to meet all of you tomorrow at Chandler Fashion Center Nordstrom, in the TOPSHOP department. It's going to be a great time... lots shopping, fashion, and fun! Plus, we are so excited to celebrate the One Year Anniversary of TSS with all of our readers!

Music, refreshments, and shopping!
Come meet & greet the Co-Founders of The Sorority Secrets
Check out the winter TOPSHOP collection (and see our favorite items!)
Receive a TOPSHOP swag bag with every $100 TOPSHOP purchase

We're so excited to see you all tomorrow. We will be there from 1pm-5pm... time to get your shop on!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

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!

TOPSHOPxNordstrom... it's almost party time!

Have you heard? The ladies of The Sorority Secrets are hosting a party this Saturday at Chandler Fashion Center Nordstrom, in the TOPSHOP department! Not only is it going to be a fabulous shopping event (we can't wait to show you our favorite styles from the winter TOPSHOP collection) but we're also celebrating our One Year Anniversary!

Come meet & chat with the Co-Founders of The Sorority Secrets!
Receive a TOPSHOP swag bag with every $100 TOPSHOP purchase
Enjoy music, refreshments, and shopping!

We hope to see all of you on Saturday, December 28th from 1pm-5pm at Nordstrom Chandler!

Monday, December 23, 2013

How to Tie the {Perfect} Bow!

We have been getting tons of requests on how to tie the perfect bow so we thought we would make an easy step-by-step tutorial on how to tie the perfect bow on your gifts! One thing to keep in mind when tying a bow is it requires more ribbon than you would think so make sure you have enough ribbon!

Step 1: Measure
Place your left thumb on the bottom of the gift, place the ribbon across the box and use your index finger at the top. **Important Step** Slide your your right index finger to the bottom of the box to add more ribbon towards the bottom, place your left thumb at the bottom of the box again.

Step 2: Wrap-Around
Keep your left thumb on the bottom of the box and wrap the top ribbon around the box.

Step 3: The Placement of the Bow
After wrapping around the ribbon around the box, place the top of the ribbon (the one in your right hand) to the center where you would like the bow to be.

Step 4: Wrap-Around #2
Flip over the top ribbon (the one in your right hand) across to wrap around the box horizontally.

Step 5: The Tuck & The Knot
After you wrap around and come back to the center of your gift, bring the top ribbon that is in your right hand under the horizontal and vertical ribbon to create a knot.

Step 6: The Bow!
Use the bottom and top ribbon in your left and right hand to create your perfect bow!

Happy Wrapping!

Spotlight: Asha from GirlTalk HQ

We first came into contact with Asha when we first launched The Sorority Secrets. We really admired her outspokenness and quest to empower and enlighten women through her platform, GirlTalk HQ, which you will learn more about. Asha is not a sorority woman, but she reminds us that we are all in a sisterhood as woman as we continue to stand up for our rights and uplift each other. Asha wears many hats so we sat down with her to learn more about her--check out our Q&A session below!

1. The Sorority Secrets' embraces diversity and we love how well-rounded you are. Tell us about your journey and how you ended up in LA?

I studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Film, media and journalism at Griffith University in Australia, and started working in TV in my final year. I had an agent and would regularly audition for jobs as well as do background extra work. I worked for 5 years in Sydney on some pretty major networks like Nine Network Australia, Fox, MTV, Disney and Fashion TV before deciding I wanted to further my opportunities overseas. I moved to Los Angeles Feb 2008 and 4 months later landed a job hosting a huge Nickelodeon show in Florida. Despite the economy crash and employment being hard to find, I have hustled a lot over the past 5 years in LA and hosted, written and produced content for MSN.com, Myspace.com, Mahalo.com, TV Guide Network and had some small acting roles on ABC's 'No Ordinary Family', a Wells Fargo Commercial and a new Bil Paxton/Jon Hamm baseball movie called 'The Million Dollar Arm Contest' coming out in 2014.

I really love LA for the variety of opportunities available and the unique path you can create for yourself than aren't necessarily possible elsewhere.

2. GirlTalk HQ is such an amazing, inspiring site for young women. What inspired you to start GirlTalk HQ?

Thank you! I realized, after being an entertainment/pop culture host for 10 years, I needed to find my passion. I wasn't just passionate about celebrities. I figured out, after going through some personal struggles, that I really wanted to do something to empower my generation of women. I saw what Oprah was doing for her age group and wondered "why isn't anyone doing this for the younger women?" I was so sick of seeing girls tear each other down, compete and just buy into the media hype of slagging each other off, and picking apart a woman's appearance to make ourselves feel better. Where was the support, encouragement and celebration of each other?

I started girltalkhq.com and intend it to be THE number 1 go-to daily newsmedia site for young women to come and find articles that will inspire and empower them. I wanted it to be the only media site in the world aimed at women that only contains positive messages, as there are plenty of negative and bitchy sites out there. Once I figured out my passion, and did something about it, I finally found my calling in life and realized what all my TV experience was useful for.

3. How did you start your career in TV hosting?

I had an agent in Australia who would send me to various auditions. It's funny because originally I thought I wanted to be an actress. But in my final year at University, I auditioned for a daily kid show on a big network in Australia where we had to write our own script and showcase who we were. I got the job, beating out hundreds of other people. And then it clicked to me, I didn't want to be an actress, I wanted to be myself on camera. I love talking to people and am much more comfortable being myself than playing a character. So that was a huge revelation for me. Once I figured that out, I just kept going from job to job without a break in between for 5 years!

4. What are your thoughts on body image for the younger generation? How do you think the media plays a role in that?

The media plays a huge role, as well as fashion and advertising. Because of a handful of key power people at the top of those industries, especially fashion, we were all taught to think that skinny is beautiful, the ONLY way to be beautiful. Thanks to the media, we are taught as young women that being a reality TV celebrity is the only way to be considered successful. Thanks to certain types of advertising, we are made to feel anxious about ourselves, we have a lot of self-loathing and low-self-esteem as this is a marketing strategy to make consumers buy their products. Once we buy the product we will only then feel confident, happy, beautiful, successful, intelligent etc.

But thankfully there are many organizations and women who are taking a stand and blowing the lid on this controversy. They are showing the next generation what reality looks like, and are promoting positive messages relating to self-esteem, body image, success and individuality.

5. If you could trade places with any celebrity for 24 hours, who would you trade places with and why?

Hmmmm. I'd say Oprah Winfrey. I would love to know what it is like to be the world's biggest female media mogul, and see what it really takes to run a successful network which she created herself. I would love to walk in the shoes of a pioneer woman like her!

6. What are 3 different beauty products you can't live without?

Bio Oil. It helps with my dry skin and works magic on scars!
Mitch Stone Essentials Lustre Drops. I get frizzy hair after I wash and dry it. This serum flattens the frizz and makes my hair shiny.

My red blast flipstick from Covergirl. It is a lip stain. I don't wear a lot of heavy makeup, but having color on my lip makes me feel all dolled up!

7. How was it being involved with Tyra Banks' Show, America's Next Top Model? What was your favorite moment on the show?

It has to be one of my favorite recurring jobs. The show films for 3.5 months at a time so it's a great freelance gig for me in between other jobs. I have been the photo shoot coordinator for 5 seasons and absolutely love it! I have made a lot of good friends on the crew, traveled to some amazing places (Toronto, Macau, Hong Kong, Jamaica and Bali) and love the fast-paced high energy of creating a show like this. I have personally enjoyed seeing the creative process of a fashion photo shoot come together, as well as seeing Tyra Banks herself be a host, executive producer, decision maker, photographer, makeup artist and mentor on the show. She is incredible and a huge inspiration to me.

I can't say I have one favorite moment, but I love the travel, and making friends with the local crews we work with there, and all the awesome freebies I have gotten over the past couple of years!

8. LA can be a tough crowd. How do you stay grounded?

I have a few things. Not all of my friends work in the industry so I get to have a healthy balance in my social life. Learning to acknowledge that work is work, and you have to sometimes "check out" or "sign off" to give yourself a break, especially if you work in digital media like I do. I love to read, go to the beach, go for walks and eat good food. I don't go out or drink a lot, and I don't go to a lot of parties, except when it is for work or networking. I also go to church and meditate and pray a lot. That helps give me a bigger life perspective so that I can daily acknowledge that the world does not revolve around me, but I have a duty to be the best ambassador and contribute with the gifts and talents I have been given for a positive reason.

9. What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned being in the TV/Entertainment industry?

Listen and observe. Don't be too quick to promote yourself or think highly of yourself. Do you research, learn as much as possible, always find ways to improve and get better at your craft. Be aware of your digital presence, as it will be a key indicator to potential employers of who you are outside of work hours. Most of all, remember it is entertainment, so have fun and don't take yourself too seriously. Stay humble always!

10. If you could be remembered for only one thing, what would you want it to be?

Being a promoter of positive, inspiring and empowering messages for millenial women, through the media. I want to be remembered as the young woman who was the biggest supporter and encourager of them all, who lead a generation of women to think, feel and act the same to their fellow sisters.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

TOPSHOPxNordstrom & TSS Party Time!

To all of our readers in our home state of Arizona, it's time to party! We're hosting a shopping event at Chandler Fashion Center Nordstrom, in the TOPSHOP department. P.S. did we mention, we're also celebrating our One Year Anniversary?!

Come meet & chat with the Co-Founders of The Sorority Secrets!
Receive a TOPSHOP swag bag with every $100 TOPSHOP purchase
Enjoy music, refreshments, and shopping!

We hope to see all of you on Saturday, December 28th from 1pm-5pm!

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