Why I Went Greek {Sakura}

This week we wanted to highlight each of our individual stories on why we went Greek in lieu of many of you going through recruitment right now. First up, Sakura!

6 years ago, I made the best life-changing decision I have ever made and yup, you guessed it… I went Greek.  To be honest, Greek life was a complete mystery to me.  None of my family members were ever apart of Greek life and my hometown college, University of Nevada-Reno, wasn’t very big in Greek life at the time- so I really had no idea what it was all about.  I knew that Greek life can be negatively stereotyped at times, but I knew that there was so much more to it and I had to find out for myself.

I grew up in a small town in Northern Nevada where everyone knows everyone, so when I decided to go to Arizona State University, I knew that everything was about to change.  As I made my move to Arizona knowing no one, I was a little nervous as to how I would make these next four years in Arizona my new “home”.  I was an out-of-state student with a random roommate in an apartment, because I was not “comfortable” living in the dorms (huge mistake).  All I can say is that I was eager to find new friends and fill that hole in my heart of not being with my family and my childhood friends.   

I remember the first week of my freshman year like it was yesterday- getting lost on campus, walking from class to class by myself, and eating alone at the Memorial Union.  It was awful, but little did I know that it was all a blessing in disguise.  During my first “miserable” week, I had my first encounter with what being in a sorority was all about.  The first week of school at Arizona State University is promo week for Greek life and all the sorority women are wearing matching outfits with their letters on it.  I easily recognized which girls were apart of Greek life and saw these sorority women walking from class to class together, eating lunch, and hanging out between classes.   It was everything I wanted.  I registered for recruitment that day and was looking forward to that following weekend for recruitment to start. 

Looking back, recruitment was sort of a blur- it was a whirlwind to say the least.  I remember being torn by two sororities, but I thought long-term.  I loved the women in both of these sororities, but one of them seemed like the typical “fun” sorority, while the other seemed a little more… me.   I really wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do- do I go outside of my comfort zone or do I stay in my comfort zone?

I asked myself…

Which group of women could I rely on when something bad happens?

Who will be there for me?

Who will I feel more comfortable with?

Those three questions lead me to my new home, my new friends, and my new family.  I joined the sorority that was for me and nothing else. It has been 6 years since I became a part of Greek life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.  I have met the smartest, most hardworking women and they have inspired me in so many different ways.  Without being apart of a sorority, I never would have met my sisters and now business partners to start The Sorority Secrets either.

The only thing I can advise to those going through recruitment is choose the house for you- not because you’re a legacy, your friends’ decision, or the reputation of the house.  Do it for you and everything else will fall into place!

xoxo,

Sakura

Sisters Succeeding: Bryanne Lawless

Starting your own company is not easy- it takes hard work, dedication, and patience!  A firm believer in the power of cross collaboration, Bryanne Lawless has simultaneously operated 3 different types of businesses but with similar synergies that can be applied across the complete spectrum of marketing and PR. She has developed and implemented creative and unique marketing and PR strategies and proposals that cover industries such as hospitality, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Bryanne has extensive industry contacts developed through her regional experience of over 8 years with deep relationships within Southern California. She also garners an industry wide reputation of creating, organizing and implementing small to large scale events that complement client outlook and overall message. A Kappa Kappa Gamma Alum, she now is the Managing Partner of BLND Public Relations, Located in Los Angeles. 

The Sorority Secrets sits down with Bryanne to get the ins & outs of the PR industry, how to get started in the industry, the ups & downs, and her #1 advice to people that are getting into the industry!

1.    How long have you been in Public Relations?

I’ve been in PR and Marketing since I was a child to be honest. I’ve always been quite the talker and putting things together just comes naturally to me.

2.    What sparked you to start your own PR company?

I was working at a local newspaper and found that when I was speaking with clients buying ad space that they had no one helping them with getting the word out and doing PR/marketing for their companies. More than one of them told me that they would love help in that area, and began to ask for my advice. Huge companies had huge agencies representing them but there wasn’t a PR firm in the area representing the local brands.

3.    Who's your dream client?

My dream client is someone who knows what they want. Their branding is on point or they are willing to have us rebrand them. Branding and aesthetics are really 90% of your business now a days and it makes our job so difficult to sell and pitch something that we know is bland. People who often flip flop back and forth on ideas or never see something from Start to finish make our jobs much more difficult.

4.    What are your 3 must-have beauty products?

My Daily Routine :

Purity Face Wash – By Philosophy – My skin is always so clear and fresh with this stuff

My Clean and Clear Oil Free Moisturizer –Never too oily and always keeps me moisturized

Smolder MAC Liner and The Orange Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara

5.    What is your schedule typically like day to day?

one: Wake up around 7am to take my maltipoo, Benzo, out for a quick walk to the beach.

two: Head into the office by 9am

three: Conference calls, client meetings, pitching, writing, social media, Emails

four: Leave the office around 6pm

five: This is where it’s choose your own adventure:

    Option 1: Head to the gym (if possible/hopefully)

    Come home and pour myself a glass of red wine and maybe cook some dinner or order some thai!       Plop myself on couch and enjoy some RHOOC

    Option 2: Client Dinner or Event

    Option 3: Drinks/Dinner with the girls for a catch up sesh

6.    What are the ups & downs of being in the PR industry?

It’s a high stress job but the happiness that it brings you when you land a big press placement for the client or have an amazing event is undoubtedly worth every minute of stress. I always tell interns when they start that they will know within a week whether PR is for them or not. It’s not something that grows on you and it’s not something that you get over. You either LOVE it or you hate it. That’s it.

7.    If you can have anyone's closet- who would it be?

Definitely Khloe Kardashian. She is AH-Mazing! Like her, I’m also not the skinniest girl in the room so her stuff would fit me! I’d pick Kate Moss or Leighton Meister but I mean, Let’s be honest mama ain’t fitting into their wardrobes.

8.    What do you like to do in your free time?

Honestly I don’t have a lot of free time. I work A LOT. Having your own business is not easy! Any “free time” I come across is time that I MAKE happen. I love going on quick vacations. I was just in Cabo for 4 days and it was AMAZING.. .However even on vacation I find myself working quite a bit.

9.   Name 3 things in your purse that you can't live without?

My Smith’s Rosebud Salve Lip Balm

My iphone-OBVIOUSLY

MY Sapphire Credit card-The only thing I buy anything with.. I live for the points..Makes me feel less guilty.

10. What is your #1 advice for people that are going into the PR industry?

Make sure you intern somewhere first in college before you declare it as your major so you KNOW that it’s something you love. The business is hard and you really have to be passionate about it for it to work. There is of course things you can learn and grow from - but you really have it or you don't. And there's no point in forcing yourself to fit into someone else's mold.

Thanks again to Bryanne for sitting with us!  Feel free to reach out to Bryanne for any questions!

Lather Up! Our Sunscreen Secrets

[1.Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Lotion 2.Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 45 3.Obagi ProfessionalC Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF 30 4. Banana Boat Ultra Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50 Lotion, 8 fl oz]

Last week we got really inspired by this awesome video created by Thomas Leveritt, posted by Upworthy that highlights the importance of sunscreen. As Arizona girls, we have always been taught to wear sunscreen since the sun is pretty much out 24/7! However, often times sunscreen has been a chore to put on. Well, Thomas Leveritt's video further shows us why wearing sunscreen is important because it severely protects our skin from sun damage. It doesn't matter if your skin is light or dark; we all need sun protection to some degree.

TSS Reader and Alpha Delta Pi alumnae, Stephanie Rosa works for a company called Solta Medical, a division of Valeant Aesthetics. We reached out to her to get some better insight on the importance of sunscreen. Stephanie shared that,"The Importance of putting sunscreen on is huge! You should wear it every day, 35 SPF minimum, although 50 is recommended. Anything above 50 (75,90) doesn't make a difference, it's all marketing gimmicks. Also, the term water resistant is now being revoked by the FDA because it's not possible to have a sunscreen that is water resistant. That'll be seen in the next few months. Also, it's necessary to have UVA & UVB protection for it to do it's job! FDA will now require companies to state that it has both to be considered proper sunscreen". 

Stephanie further explained that,"Obagi makes several lines that work wonderfully and feel awesome on the skin. I use the Obagi Professional C Sunscreen and I LOVE it! It works really well as a primer too. Lastly, always having Vitamin C in addition to the sunscreen is a must. The Vitamin C serves as a serum/antioxidant".

What sunscreen do you recommend to stay protected? Share with us below!

Back to School Fall Bags {all under $75!}

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

School is officially back in session and although it's a bit bittersweet that summer has come to an end, there are tons of exciting things to look forward to- like getting a new bag for the year!  Picking out a new bag for the school year isn't as easy as it sounds- it has to be cute, durable, last the whole year (at least!), and fit your college budget. Also, with Fall coming around the corner, it has to go with all the cute fall outfits!

Today we're sharing our 7 favorite Fall bags!  Whether you're a backpack kinda girl or a messenger bag girl, we've got it all right here for you. These bags are all under $75 and they're made out of great materials that'll last a long time!

Happy Tuesday! xo

How to Apply Lipstick Like A Pro

products: translucent powder, primer, lipstick, lip pencil, fluffy brush.

We love wearing fun lipstick colors!  At first, it can be tricky to apply... how do you use lip liner?!  How do you get it to last longer?  We answer all of these questions, so you can have a pretty pout in no time.

1.  Start with clean, hydrated lips.  If you're wearing a dark color, exfoliate gently with a toothbrush before getting started.  Add a light coat of chapstick or face lotion to moisturize.

2.  Next, apply primer.  We actually like using MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly, which can be used as an eyeshadow primer as well!  This will serve as a base to help that lipstick stay put.  It will look lighter than your natural lip color, but not to worry-- we're adding the color back in!

3.  Start lining your lips at the cupid's bow... the little dip at the top center of your lip line.  You can draw the pencil in the shape of an "X" so it gets the lines at the cupid's bow in a straight line, as seen in picture number 3.

4.  Now, line the entire lip shape!  You can go slightly outside the natural lip line if desired for a fuller lip effect.  Be careful to not go too far outside the natural lip line, as you want your lip shape to still appear well-- natural!  We used MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Staunchly Stylish.  We love how versatile this color is, and the long lasting effects of this lip pencil formula!

5.  After you've lined your lips, apply lipstick.  Start by dabbing on, covering the areas lined by the pencil so it all blends together.  For more precision (especially helpful when wearing bold or darker lipstick hues) use a lip brush instead of applying it straight from the tube.  We used MAC Lipstick in Twig.  It's a great neutral shade for fall!

6.  Once the lipstick is applied, blot your lips together.  No need to "mash" them from side to side, simply blot by pressing them together.

7.  Now, your lipstick is almost ready to go!  But, we have a final step for extra long wear...

8.  As the last step, apply a sheer layer of translucent powder.  We used MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Powder, which is a favorite product of ours that can be used on the rest of the face as well!  Use a fluffy brush (like this one by e.l.f.) to lightly dust a tiny bit of powder on top of the lipstick.  For a skilled hand, this can be done directly on the lips.  If you want to practice first (or if you have a heavy hand) use a 1-ply tissue instead of applying directly to the lips.  Hold the tissue up to your lips, and dust the powder on top of the tissue.  Adding the powder will add a slight matte finish to the look as well.

9.  Smile, you're done!  Your lipstick will be ready to go, and ready to take on the day with your pretty painted lips!  If you're wearing a darker hue, stick your pointer finger in your pursed lips, and pull your finger out.  This will help to remove any lipstick residue inside the lips, which can end up on your teeth... and nobody wants lipstick on their teeth!

10.  Kisses.

Enjoy your long lasting lipstick!  What are some of your favorite tips for applying lipstick?  Share with us below!

Top 10 Time-Saving Beauty Hacks

Every girl has a few beauty hacks in her arsenal.  They make our lives (and getting ready) easier, faster, and often times help us to save money as well!  But, a few new tricks are always welcome!  Here are a few of our favorite beauty hacks, that we have grown to love & swear by.

1. Dry Shampoo at night
Dry shampoo is one of THE BEST discoveries of all time.  Why bother washing your hair, when a few sprays of dry shampoo can revive yesterday's good hair day?!  Instead of applying dry shampoo in the morning, spray it on at night.  This allows the product to "work" its way into your hair.  By the morning, the white or dull spots left from dry shampoo will be less visible.  Your hair will feel volumized and ready to go!  {try this: Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo}

2. Whiten Teeth for pennies
Swishing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide (the kind in the brown bottle) not only helps with gingivitis and to freshen breath, but it whitens too!  Pour the solution into the cap, and apply several generous coats with a Q-Tip.  Allow it to bubble for a few minutes, then swish another capful in your mouth for about one minute.  Spit and rinse.  Add this routine 1-2 times a day, and you'll notice results before you know it!  Make sure to not swallow hydrogen peroxide, and ask your dentist for any concerns before starting.  It also is a great supplement to your whitening routine, in between using a product like Crest Whitestrips.  {try this: Hydrogen Peroxide}

3. Tame Frizz & Flyaways on the go
Notice a little flyaway or frizz while you're out & about?  Dab a tiny bit of hand lotion into your hands, and use it to tame the problem area.  Only a little bit will do the trick, start small!  Too much will leave your hair feeling greasy, but a small amount will work just right.  Do a tiny amount, and add more if needed.  {try this: EOS Travel Size Hand Lotion}

4. Set Brows in place
Are your eyebrows looking a little frazzled, in need of something to hold them in place?  Grab an old toothbrush or a clean mascara wand, and mist it with hairspray.  Gently comb brows into place.  {try this: Big Sexy Hairspray}

5. Pick up loose glitter (or fallen eyeshadow)
If some of your eye makeup fell onto your cheek, have no fear!  Get a piece of transparent tape, and use it to pick up the fallen flecks of glitter or eyeshadow.  Much better than attempting to smear it across your face!  {try this: Scotch Magic Tape}

6. Polish jewelry in a snap
Do your rings need a little extra sparkle?  Silver necklace looking a little dull?  Just grab an old toothbrush, and a few common items to have them shine in no time.  Toothpaste helps to clean sterling silver, and dish detergent adds sparkle back to gemstones.  Be sure to clean underneath gemstones and precious stones to get the sparkle from the back side as well.  {try this: Dawn Ultra Platinum Dishwashing Liquid}

7. Ban the grease monkey
Is your hair beyond dry shampoo repair?  Often times, you can freshen the back of you hair with dry shampoo (see tip #1) and just wash the few strands in the front with shampoo.  Pull your hair into a pony, leaving only the very front greasy strands out.  By your sink, wet the front strands only, and apply shampoo.  Wash the shampooed area, and dry with a hairdryer before taking your hair out of the ponytail.

8. Freshen up oil slicks anywhere
If your t-zone is in trouble while you're out & about, go to the nearest public restroom.  Grab a clean toilet seat cover, and use to blot your face just as you would with any other facial blotting paper or rice paper.  It will absorb the oil just the same!

9. Avoid the iron
If that blouse you're planning on wearing today could use some de-wrinkling, you have two time saving options-- and they both don't involve an iron or a steamer.  If you notice the wrinkles the night before you wear the item, hang it in your shower and lightly mist it with Downy Wrinkle Releaser.  By the morning, your clothing will be dry and ready to wear!  If you notice the wrinkles as you're running out the door, a warm flatiron (super hot isn't needed) can smooth out any offenders.  Make sure the item you're running the flatiron over is iron-able first... if it can't be ironed, it can't be flat-ironed either.  {try this: Ultra CHI Flat Iron}

10.  Give your lipstick staying power
Love wearing lipstick, but can't stand how quickly it comes off?  After applying, hold a thin (1-ply preferred) tissue over your pout, and dust with a fluffy brush and translucent powder.  {try this: MAC Prep Prime Transparent Powder}

What are some of your favorite time-saving beauty hacks?  Share with us below!

The Power In Putting Your Phone Down

[Image Credit]

We are guilty.

We have an addiction to our phones. Somehow, getting the perfect angle, the perfect lighting, the perfect shot has taken away from living in the moment. That's more perfect.

If you were to gather around with your friends and family, chances are your phone is on the table or hiding in your lap so it appears like you're giving undivided attention when we all know you're not {haha}! What happened to an authentic experience where you would much rather live in the moment and capture your favorite scenes of the day in your memory bank?

Don't get us wrong, we LOVE taking pictures. Pictures help to capture the moments forever, however, it is important to experience the moment with you and your loved ones or your company before the whole world needs to see it on your Twitter feed or Instagram and Facebook feed every second of the day. 

Here are some tips to help you live in the moment in a world of social media narcissism:

• Put your phone in the backseat. This way, you won't try to reach for it when you're driving with friends or family.

• Leave your phone in your room or purse while at the dinner table. Think "out of sight, out of mind".

• Choose one moment to snap a picture or two. Not everyone likes taking pictures so be cognizant of your audience and choose one moment to take pictures then put your pretty little phone away.

• Have a reasonable picture cap. This is pretty self explanatory.

• Make eye contact. Unless you are an awesome "look away" texter or photographer, chances are you can't look someone in the eyes while doing that. When you look into someone's eyes while conversing with them it leaves you no choice but to neglect your phone.

Ask yourself, am I taking this picture for the sake of making my social media wall look cool, or is it really to capture the moment? Our advice is to just be more present. Your company will appreciate it so much more, and trust us, you will too.

What are some ways you think are helpful to help ween off of the "constant picture taking" disease most of us have inherited? Leave your comments below!

We Love Disneyland

2nd Picture: Co-Founders Ali & Karen at Candy Palace.  3rd Picture: World Of Color show at California Adventure.

It's a fact: we love Disneyland.  We have loved it since we were little, and nothing has changed to this day!  Sure, Space Mountain may not be as scary as it once was now that we're "grown ups," but we're still just as excited to blast off on one of our favorite rides.  In fact, Disneyland is a totally new experience now that we're old enough (and tall enough) to go on all of the fun rides!  So, how do you make your trip to the happiest place on Earth as happy as possible?  We've put together our favorite tips & tricks!

Buy tickets in advance.
To maximize as much time for fun as possible (and wait in one less line) buy your tickets online before heading to Disneyland.  It's more convenient, and can save money as well!  Disneyland tickets are pricey, but there are also some Disney authorized websites such as aRes Travel that offer discounted rates.  Discounted rates are also sometimes available for corporate companies, students, teachers, and youth groups.  There are special military rates as well, available select dates.

Dress for fun!
Comfort is key while spending the day at Disneyland!  Sneakers are ideal, with either shorts or jeans (depending on the weather).  Think footwear that you can walk around in easily, without having to worry about tripping or getting stepped on.  Plus, a little traction doesn't hurt for water rides!  During the hot summer months, shorts are ideal... it can get toasty!  Sunscreen is a must.  Bring a small purse or bag that you can hang on to or tuck away easily during rides.  Crossbody bags work great as well!  Make sure you have room to tuck your phone, wallet, and sunglasses away inside your bag... otherwise, pack light.  Hats & Mickey ears can fly off during rides, so put them away before hopping on.  A little extra safe spot to store your Disneyland ticket is ideal too!

Use the Fastpass.
Why is easy access to your Disneyland ticket important?  So you can get a Fastpass!  Fastpasses are used throughout the park on the most popular rides, and help so there's less waiting time.  Simply bring your Disneyland ticket to the Fastpass machine, and it will give you the Fastpass (free of charge) with a time to return to the ride later that day.  It's pretty simple, but there's a strategy to getting the most out of your Fastpass:

• You can only get one Fastpass at a time.  Don't run and grab the first Fastpass you see; think ahead!  Go to the most popular ride you're excited to go on first, and get the Fastpass there.  Each ride only allows for a certain number of Fastpasses each day... once they run out, they run out.
• As soon as your window opens up to get the next Fastpass, go get the next Fastpass immediately!  Don't wait around, since Fastpasses can run out for the day.
• When the lines are long for the busy rides (such as Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain), this is the prime chance to go to the other rides.  When the big rides have long lines, the others (such as Haunted Mansion) usually have shorter lines under 15 minutes.  Go to these rides while waiting in between getting your next Fastpass.
• Put each ride you want to go on the most on your list of Fastpasses to get, and strategically go to the next one as soon as the window opens up.  That way, you'll get a chance to go on everything you want!
• Strategize with friends and family.  If you're waiting in a line together, have one person in the group go get Fastpasses for everyone while you wait.  Just make sure they take each of your Disneyland tickets with them first!

Capture the moments.

Disneyland has professional photographers at all of the landmarks (such as Sleeping Beauty's Castle) that can snap a photo for you.  Sign up for a PhotoPass account before you go, and you can view & purchase all of the pictures taken during your trip for up to 30 days!  All of the details for PhotoPass can be found on the Disneyland website.

Experience the highlights.

For us, a trip to Disneyland isn't complete without a churro.  They are just SO delicious!  Be sure to make a stop and grab one of your childhood favorite snacks while you're there.  A few of our favorite stops:

• Candy Palace, Main Street: our favorite spot for handmade candy, chocolates, cookies, and treats.
• Redd Rocket's Pizza Port: over by Tomorrowland (and right next to Space Mountain) you can conveniently grab a slice of pizza!
• World Of Color, California Adventure: this nighttime show is nothing short of spectacular.  Located in Paradise Park inside California Adventure, get ready for a beautiful show of water, light effects, and your favorite Disney movie moments.  
• 21 years old?  Head over to California Adventure for a cocktail.  They have beer, wine (there's even a winery!), and mixed drinks.
• Get a souvenir.  Purchase those mouse ears when you get to the park, so you can enjoy them all day while you walk around!  Save the other purchases that are harder to carry around for when you leave.
• Ride the classics.  Teacups, It's A Small World, Peter Pan... be sure to make a stop at these memorable locations!

The necessities.

When going with a big group, plan out a meeting spot in case everyone gets lost.  Go with a fully charged phone.  Bring a hair tie.  Stay hydrated... you can even bring your own bottle of water into the park when you arrive, as long as it's unopened.  And most of all, get ready for a day filled with happiness!!

Where are your favorite rides & places to go in Disneyland?  We would love to hear!

TSS Favorite Things {August}

Sakura - Shoes | Power Card | Ring

Ali - Jeans | Brow Pomade | Perfume

Karen - Minimergency | Shoes | Tote

Holy moly... is September really only less than two weeks away?  It feels like it was just yesterday that we were jumping for joy for the first day of Summer!  Well we're here to kick off the week with our monthly TSS Favorite Things!  Here's some of our favorite items of the month!

Sakura

TOPSHOP: Espadrilles - I've been obsessing over espadrilles lately!  There's nothing better than shoes that are cute & comfy!

J.Crew: Power Card - I'm constantly on my phone and I'm always stressing that my phone is going to die!  Luckily I have this adorable power card to charge anything with a USB power cord.

Adia Kibur: Band Ring - I really like the look of simple band rings.  These really go with anything!

Ali

J.Brand: Black Distressed Jeans - I've been looking everywhere for black skinny jeans with distressed details.  These are the perfect look!

Anastasia: Brow Pomade - Eyebrows are everything.  This pomade lasts all day, and applies easily!

MAC: Perfume - My signature fragrance... the scent makes me feel happy!

Karen

Minimergency: Emergency Kit - This little pouch carries everything from a mouth refresher, a band-aid, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, deodorant, stain remover, lip balm, shemergency tape (double-sided tape), safety pin, and more! Yup... all in this little pouch that's smaller than the size of your palm!

Converse: Sneakers - You can never go wrong with the classic white Chuck Taylors! They're the perfect sneakers to dress cute & casual!

Baggu: Tote - If you've never had a Baggu tote, you're missing out.  These totes are really inexpensive and you can practically use it for everything and anything!  

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!

Back to School with Target x BRITA *Giveaway Ended*

   

Back To School Shopping with Target x Brita from The Sorority Secrets on Vimeo.
*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Brita, however, all views and opinions are solely that of The Sorority Secrets.

With the new semester coming up fast and recruitment being around the corner for many of you,  we wanted to help you with your back to school shopping spree that you're about to embark on by sharing some cool and helpful items. You can mark these items off of your checklist in this stressful time! We worked with BRITA to go on a shopping spree at Target to purchase the below Back-To-School items. These items are must-haves and will make living on campus so much easier!

1. Brita Space Saver (6 cups)

We love everything about the Brita Space Saver. You can get great-tasting tap water anytime with the Brita Space Saver. The Brita Space Saver is made to fit efficiently into small spaces--perfect for your dorm room! You can maximize your refrigerator or counter space with this BPA-free pitcher while still enjoying 6 cups of cleaner water before your next refill. This pitcher features a round carafe design with an electronic filter indicator to let you know when it's time to change the filter. The flip-top lid and comfort grip handle make filling and pouring easy. 

   2.    Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Keeping your small dorm space nice and tidy amidst writing school papers, studying for exams, and hanging out with friends is tough to balance. Luckily, keeping your container spaces clean is as easy as swiping with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. This was one of our favorite items when living on campus and really helped to clean up stains here and there. 

  3.      Glad Food Storage Containers

Pulling all-nighters or having back-to-back classes throughout the week can leave you really hungry. If you are anything like us, we got super busy during school that often times we would forget to eat! That's why getting your hands on some Glad Food Storage Containers is so essential because you can pack your meals. If nothing else, you can consolidate space by storing your food in the containers.

 4.      Brita Hard-Sided Water Bottle (23.7 oz.)

Going to school in the desert {Go SUNDEVILS} meant we had to always stay hydrated by drinking water. Walking from class to class or simply working out can really break a sweat so it's really smart to invest in a water bottle like the Brita Hard-Sided Water Bottle. Similar to the Brita Space Saver it helps to filter the water so that you're consuming fresh water.

 5.     Glad Trash Bags

It's all about being proactive when it comes to keeping a clean dorm space. That means keeping trash bags like the Glad Trash Bags handy. With as many visitors and events we had in our living space, we found ourselves always piling up trash. Rather than having the trash all over, actively dumping it into our Glad Trash Bags just made the place look less messy and clustered.

Lucky for one reader, we are going to help you check off some of these items from your back-to-school checklist by offering (1) $25 Target gift card. To enter, simply mention below the first thing you would buy from our list above. A winner will be chosen at random on Friday, August 22nd. 

Good luck!

P.S. Remember, all BRITA items are available at Target!

What You Probably Don't Know About Mental Illness

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With the sudden passing of Robin Williams we can't help but wonder how many people don't fully understand mental illness. We know that suicide is a choice, but what if your brain cannot mentally understand the value between living on this Earth or not? Where you would much rather stop this war in your head because you really see it as the only way out. Someone you know out there is smiling on the outside and dying on the inside. Take the time to look past that smile and understand what is going on deep down inside. It starts with picking up the phone and simply saying, "How is everything going?" Being in a sorority we were exposed to a lot of different women with different backgrounds and different issues they were dealing with. Mental illness was one that was very new to us. A common misconception about mental illness is that it is a choice. A mental illness (also referred to as a "mental disorder" or "psychiatric disorder") is a mental or behavioral pattern that causes either suffering or an impaired ability to function in ordinary life, and which is not developmentally or socially normative. 

Mental disorders are generally defined by a combination of how a person feels, acts, thinks or perceives. This may be associated with particular regions or functions of the brain or rest of the nervous system, often in a social context. Karen had a sorority sister who she felt seemed a little off in her behavior so one day she started to inquire about her well being until eventually this sorority sister broke down and told her she was fighting a lot of depression and feelings of self hate that she couldn't explain. It turns out that she had a hereditary mental illness and through much trials and tribulations she got on the right medications to work through her mental illness. 

What you probably don't know about mental illness is that the person suffering from it can still function in society. Meaning, while dying within, they are able to blend in. That is why things like suicide from mental illness catch people off guard, especially those seeing them on the exterior as okay. 

What you probably also don't know about mental illness is that for those suffering from it, it is hard for them to ask for help. Society treats people with mental illnesses like outcasts. Often times we hear things like, "You're crazy!" and "You're psycho!" in a way to put someone down, therefore, actually being those things is seen to be negative.

What you probably also don't know about mental illness is that YOU can help. Though diagnosing and treating mental illness is a long journey, it can be treated to some extents like psychotherapy and psychiatric medication, social interventions, peer support and self-help. Invest in your friends/family members going through it by constantly checking up on them and making them feel safe in your presence as they go through the difficult time of handling their disorder.

At the end of the day, don't be a surface friend. Have deeper meaningful relationships with people to uncover what demons they are fighting within. You will find comfort in knowing that you did everything you could to help save someone's life.

Need help in identifying mental illness or are you suffering from it? We recommend checking out NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness for more help. They have valuable education and help on dealing with mental illness. 

Why it's OK to be Single in College

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Whether you’re in a relationship or not, we all have a “timeline”.  You know, the timeline that we magically came up with one day that determines when we’re getting engaged, married, and having little mini me’s running around. Well, we’re here to tell you to throw that timeline away!  This is your life; not a book, and life is unpredictable.  Just because all of your friends are getting boyfriends doesn’t mean that you have to suddenly get a boyfriend!  Today's post is for all of you single ladies… we’re here to tell you why it’s okay to be single during college!

1. Build amazing friendships

College is the best time to build life-long friendships. Experience things with your friends and make great memories during your college years.  Once you’re out in the real world, it’s a little more difficult to find time to hang out with girlfriends! Your friends are your support group and the people that will always be by your side.

2. Career girl

Not that having a boyfriend disables you from pursuing your career, but your “life changing” decisions may be affected by your relationship- such as graduating, getting a job, and moving! This is your life. Work hard and put extra hours for that dream job of yours!

3. I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

Being independent isn’t a “pride” thing- it’s knowing how to be on your own, being comfortable with who you are, and learning how to deal with things without anyone’s help.  In your twenties, it’s especially important to learn about independence because it’s the decade of personal growth.  Enjoy a Friday night alone… it’s rejuvenating!

4. Be selfish

Once you are married and have kids, you have to make decisions depending on other people’s best interests. This is the one time in your life where you can make decisions for yourself and no one else’s. Take advantage of this time and be selfish and focus on achieving your wants and needs!

5. The world is your oyster

This is your life! Do what you want, whenever you want!  Take the opportunities that life has to offer and make sure to live life with no regrets! Oh... and TRAVEL!

6. Go on dates!

Just because we’re all for being single during college, doesn’t mean we’re anti-boys! We encourage you to go on dates, have fun, and take this time to figure out what qualities you want in your future significant other!  It’s all about trial and error!

10 Essentials: Recruitment Videos

The trend of recruitment videos is on the rise.  Chapters nationwide are taking part, and creating videos to share in the excitement of recruitment season!  They can be a great tool for recruitment as well.  We posted some favorites a while back, to check out for inspiration!  Our first video has some great ideas too.  But what exactly makes for a great recruitment video?  What tips can your chapter use to set your video apart from the rest?  We've compiled 10 essentials to help make your video the best it can be!

1. Music

Music sets the tone and mood for the video.  Go with something energetic to amp it up (check out our Summer Playlist & EDM Workout Playlist for ideas), and infuse it with more mellow tracks to add emphasis to sentimental parts.  Your videographer can often mix songs together to do this, to transition from mood to mood.  Adding a small break in the video (such as fading the screen to white and then coming back on again) can help to make the shift in moods easier between segments.  Or, pick one song the whole way through and stick with it.  There are plenty of great songs out there, so you can pick one that's uniquely yours!  Pay attention to the lyrics in the songs to make sure they fit the tone you're trying to get across.  At the end of the video, you can add credits to the songs you chose.

2. Lighting

Lighting is everything!  If you're going for outdoor shots, lighting is best either in the morning or mid to late afternoon.  Direct sunlight during lunchtime hours (from 11:30am until about 1:30pm) can be harsh, and can create unwanted shadows.  Plus, you don't want to be squinting from the sun!  Shoot outdoors during prime lighting hours, and you will capture the natural "glow" that makes everything look magical.

3. Showcase Your Sisterhood

Who are you?  What is your chapter all about?  Be sure to include this in the video, and capture the essence of who you are as a sisterhood.  Being in a sorority isn't all about perfectly staged glamour shots either, so be sure to include shots of simply being yourselves-- who you are on a daily basis.  This adds personality and authenticity to the video.

4. Add Interviews

Adding a message from the president or recruitment chair, even a few sentences, makes for a personal touch.  This can be accomplished as either a voiceover (paired with different footage while she's talking) or as a direct interview where she's seen talking to the camera.  She can also look slightly away from the camera, to give the look like she's talking to someone else.  Not all of the interview needs to be shown; your videographer can edit the interview to include the best highlights.  Other chapter members can also be interviewed, and pairing sisters off (such as a big/little duo) to show their personalities is great too!  The background music can fade down during these parts, so it's not completely off while you listen to people speaking.

5. Tidy Up

If you're shooting inside your chapter house, make sure things are looking as clean as possible.  Be mindful of any eyesores (such as garbage cans, trash, or messy piles) laying around, so you can move them out of the shots.  Think of the little details too, such as clean nails.  Not everyone needs to run out and get a manicure, but make sure that your nails are dirt-free!

6. Get Creative

Videos are a great time to show your creativity.  Think of shots that are outside the box... not everything needs to show smiling faces.  Think close up "moving picture" shots; such as things hanging on the walls, t-shirts you have created, accessories, arms linked together from behind, you get the idea.  You can also infuse black & white footage, or "Instagram" like filters or colors in certain scenes.  Put together some sort of storyline, so the video has a clear concept from beginning to end.

7. Have Fun & Be Yourself

Capture the moments, get candid.  Be silly.  Adding some "behind the scenes" footage or "bloopers" can add an element of fun to the video!  It shows who you are, and that you don't take yourselves too seriously.  

8. Smile

Laugh, smile, feel the happiness that is your sisterhood.  There's nothing like true happiness... and when it's captured on film, it's pure magic.

9. Get Styled

Plan out any looks or outfits prior to shooting the video, so you're not racing to put outfits together last minute.  Go for a color scheme, or similar accessories.  Not everyone needs to look like an identical cookie cutter either... your sisters can showcase their own personal style, while still looking visually cohesive with the group in the video.  Take a bohemian theme for example; flowy tops, jeans, shorts, maxi dresses, kimonos, floppy hats, turquoise jewelry, flower crowns... it all works!

10. Time It Right

Videos should be just long enough, but not too long.  Keep it under 3-4 minutes, so you keep your audience's attention.  Even better, keep it under 2 minutes, and you'll leave your viewers wanting more!  Edit the scenes, so you're left with only the footage that truly is the best.

Do you have any tips for a great recruitment video?  Share with us below, and also be sure to share your videos with us as well!  We would love to see!

8 Perfect Nail Polish Colors for Recruitment

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Recruitment season is coming up in a flash and it's time to get all the small details in line!  When it comes to nails for recruitment, it's important to keep it neutral with pinks, nudes, and even white.  There are so many different brands and shades of neutral colors that it becomes difficult to pick which one is best for your entire sorority to wear during recruitment!  Well, don't you worry because The Sorority Secrets is here to solve your dilemma! 

1. Spaghetti Strap - the perfectly sheer pink

2. Cuppa - a great color for the "matte" nude look

3. Samoan Sand - pinkish-nude color with a glossy finish

4. Pink Cloud - the perfect pink color 

5. Baby Love - this color is a mix of white and light pink

6. Vampire is Buff - a great color if you're looking for something in between white & nude!

7. Naked - the perfect nude

8. Lady Like - a subtle shade of purple

What are some other polishes that you would suggest?

5 Games To Play With Your Friends

While we absolutely LOVE going out and enjoying the party scene, staying inside the comfort of your home with your greatest friends is something we each look forward to ever now and again. Sakura has actually made Game Night a weekly gathering at her place and everyone has a blast. If you're also looking to have a Game Night with your friends we have compiled a list of some of our all-time favorites!

1. Electronic Catch Phrase

This hand held game is super fun if you have a group of friends over! Ali recently discovered it and we are all hooked. It has a buzzer on it and what you have to do is guess the phrase in time. Sort of like hot potato!

    2. Heads Up!

Anything Ellen Degeneres supports we support...haha! This game is all kinds of awesome and you can download it from the App Store. All you need is your phone to play this game with a circle of your friends. Basically, you choose a category and then place the phone on your forward. Your friends are then supposed to act out what is on your phone screen while you try to guess it in time. The best thing of all, your friends are being recorded! You can playback the footage and laugh at how crazy your friends look!

  3. Taboo

An oldie, but a goodie! Separate into teams and watch as everyone gets super competitive trying to guess the right word on each card. We especially love this game for girl sleepovers!

4. Cranium

This is a fun board game that gets you thinking! The more players, the more fun it is! It has similar elements to other popular games like Pictionary and Charades. Basically, players have to successfully complete activities in each of the four sections to win which include: 

- Creative Cat : A player must clue a word to his or her teammates by drawing it, sculpting it in clay, or drawing it with his or her eyes closed.

- Data Head : A variety of trivia questions.

- Word Worm : Players unscramble words, spell challenging words, guess definitions, identify words with letters left out, or spell words backwords.

- Star Performer : players must whistle a song, impersonate a celebrity, or act out a clue.[source: Board Game Geek]

5. Cards Against Humanity

By far CAH is one of our most favorite games to play with our friends. The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a black card, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card.

What are some fun games you like to play with your friends? Share them below!

Must-Have Back to School Items!

planner | paperweight | journal | desk lamp | phone charger

tray | desk calendar (coming soon)| ear buds | mouse pad | pencil sharpener 

Summer is coming to an end and the new school year is right around the corner!  We love the beginning of the school year- recruitment, football games, and being back with your sisters! It's all so exciting! Back to school shopping for your closet is one thing, but it's also important to get new items for your desk to help you study (wink wink)!  There are so many adorable things out in store right now that we wanted to compile all of our favorite items just for you- we'll make your shopping list easy!  

First of all, can we take a second to talk about how adorable all of ban.do's stuff is?  Their planner especially is the most amazing thing- very detailed, tons of room to write out your full schedule, cute stickers (that's right, cute stickers), and so much more!   We're also loving this chic desk lamp from Anthropologie!  It's pretty small and it does a whole lot of brightening up because it doesn't have a lamp shade! 

We're always on the lookout for cute school/desk supplies! Where are some places you like to shop at?