The Quick & Easy Salsa Recipe for Cinco de Mayo!

With Cinco de Mayo today, we’re scrambling to find the perfect dishes to celebrate the occasion. For those looking for a delicious dish that won’t overwhelm your waistlines, we would love to share a quick and easy recipe from Steve Lindner, go-to healthy chef and founder of Zone Manhattan and the team at bistroMD! Enjoy this delicious salsa recipe with half the calories and sodium; you can indulge without the guilt!

Happy Cinco de Mayo cooking!

BistroMD’s Super Simple Salsa with Avocado

Ingredients

4 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 small, sweet onion, diced
2 jalepeno peppers, seeded and diced
1/2 chopped finely chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 haas avocado, cleaned and diced
1 lime, for juice
A pinch of sea salt

Directions:
For this healthy twist on a Cinco de Mayo favorite, all you have to do is combine all of the above ingredients, and chill it in your refrigerator for about one hour.
Pair with a bag of low fat corn chips or veggies, and you are ready to start snacking!

Fragrances For Mom

Have you taken a look at our 'Mother's Day Gifts Under $50'? Still not finding anything perfect for Mom? When in doubt, go for signature scents to show your Mom how much you love and appreciate her. We have gathered some of our favorite perfumes perfect for any mother. Shop our list below!

1. Prada - Candy
2. Salvatore Ferragamo - Emozione 
3. Philosophy - Amazing Grace
4. Versace - Eros Pour Femme
5. Aerin - Water Lily Sun
6. Tory Burch - Tory Burch (p.s. It's her FIRST fragrance and it smells so charming!)

Consider buying the sets of these perfumes to include the perfume and lotion!

What are your favorite scents perfect for Mom? Share with us below.

Medium: A Community You Want To Be Apart Of

We love hearing from our TSS readers as you fill us in on the good stuff! Recently, one of our TSS Readers, Stephanie, shared with us a cool community called Medium. Medium is essentially a community blog where you can recommend articles, save them, and share them. You basically get daily recommended articles based on your interests. We love how you can hear from anyone, anytime and likewise be a contributor. One of Stephanie's favorite articles she received was about dreams. Check it out here! Best of all, you can download Medium from the App Store to have it right at your fingertips.

Popcorn Time: The Latest and Greatest in Watching TV

Want to watch your favorite TV shows and movies FOR FREE? Popcorn Time has you covered! TSS Reader, Mekdes, filled us in on one of the new, coolest ways to get access to your favorite shows and films via Popcorn Time. Popcorn Time essentially streams movies and TV shows from torrents. You simply open Popcorn Time, select a movie or episode, select quality and subtitles, then click Play and you're on your way toward catching up on your favorites! Popcorn Time is available for Android, Windows, iOS, Mac and Linux.

Download the beta now and let us know what you think!

Have You Heard of Miracle Gel?

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We have brought to your attention just about every nail polish and nail art fad so it should be no surprise that we recently discovered a new way of applying nail polish that will blow your mind (well, not really, but it's still really awesome--haha!). The amazing product is called Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen and it is specifically for you lovers of gel nails! Why this product is so great is that it requires NO LIGHT. Yes, you heard right. Second, the gel nails can last up to 7 days with no chipping (whoop, whoop!). Lastly, the Miracle Gel product is less than $10. Secret steal! We are currently loving the Creme de la creme pink color! So perfect for work or sorority functions.

Save yourself the time and money of going to the salon with this cool, new product! Tell us about your experience with Miracle Gel by leaving a comment below!

How To Be The Best Leader

Whether you just got offered a new position in your sorority or you're taking on a huge new role at your job, there are effective ways to lead your team of people and it starts with one thing:

Listening.

The greatest leaders hold many similar qualities and one that is universal is the art of listening. "Seek to understand before trying to be understood" is how they best describe it. If you listen more than you talk, you will be surprised at the added benefits that come with that. First, you have a better understanding of the people you're working with when you take the time to hear their ideas and review their comments. Not to mention, as you seek to listen, you gain the trust of the people you're working with because they feel comfortable with you and believe that you truly care about their opinion.

Aside from listening, exercise personal growth. The #1 best teacher of leadership is John C. Maxwell and he talks about the "Rule of 5 For Personal Growth". It goes as follows:

1. Learn - get into one area where you want to learn, become a student, and have a teachable spirit. Make a Top 5 list of all the areas you want to be better in such as relationships, attitude, developing people, leadership, and your faith.
2. Prioritize
3. Apply
4. Evaluate
5. Share- pass on what you have learned as the greatest leaders are ones who can master duplication.

We just can't get enough of John C. Maxwell and his amazing teachings about leadership. Here are some of his helpful reads:

• The Maxwell Leadership Bible
• The 360 Degree Leader
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
• Developing the Leader Within You

Happy leading!

5 Best Hair Tutorials

All we have to say is thank God for YouTube and Instagram! They've literally saved our hair days with awesome tutorials for just about all kinds of hair. From cute braided hairstyles to updos, we have come across some of the cutest and simplest hairstyles. We wanted to share with you some of our favorite hair tutorials we have come across so view our favorite five (5) below!

Tutorial 1:  Messy French Twist - http://www.irrelephant-blog.com/2013/10/how-to-messy-french-twist.html

Tutorial 2: Side Pony French Braid - www.instagram.com/klumsyclosett

Tutorial 3: Floating Fishtail Mermaid Braid - http://youtu.be/xXg2uV7mMEE

Tutorial 4: Easier Than It Looks Updo - http://youtu.be/PoX9C_U5abs

Tutorial 5: Extravagant Faux Updo - http://youtu.be/gBq-m9TYxDM

Do you have a favorite hair tutorial that we should know about? Share the link in the comments below!

When To Know She's Depressed

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Depression is real but it's also not obvious to many people. Whether it's your Little in your sorority or your real life sister or friend, it's important for you to recognize signs of depression and be there for them as they tackle the tough road of getting back in balance. To put it plainly, depression is intense sadness that lasts for long periods of time. According to WebMd these are signs you are suffering from depression when you have at least five of the following symptoms at the same time:

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide(not just fearing death)
• A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
• Significant weight loss or weight gain

But, it's important to recognize an important thing: many people try to hide their depression. They hide it by doing impulsive or often extreme things like doing a drastic change. They have high highs but very low lows. Don't take their actions personally; they are fighting a battle that they don't realize shouldn't be fought alone. How you can help is recommending they go to a doctor to be clinically diagnosed. There are several ways to help depression both medically and therapeutically.

Podcasts You Should Listen To

Have a long summer road trip coming up? Invest your time in some awesome Podcast stations. We have recently had a lot of road trips and while listening to music is a great way to make the time pass by, there is nothing like killing two birds with one stone: educating yourself while getting to your final destination. We compiled a list of some Podcast channel recommendations so find them below.

• Serial
• The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes
• Entrepreneur on Fire
• NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me
• TED's Radio Hour
• The Read
• Snap Judgement 
• Black Excellence
• ThisAmericanLife

What Podcast channels do you absolutely love? Share with us in the comments!

Best Sites For Secret Fashion Steals

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If you haven't noticed already, we are total fashionistas. But, one secret about a lot of sorority women is that we LOVE fashion on a budget. Why pay more when you can pay less for the same fashion forward look? If you're ever looking to shop in a sorority girl's closet, you will be surprised to find a lot of off label items. Below are some of our favorite sites for secret fashion steals.

Do you have a store that you're absolutely obsessed with their deals? Share with us below!

1. Sabo Skirt - All the way from Australia, this clothing line screams Coachella Fashion Show. Boho chic is their huge fashion staple. Tip: If you're ordering from them for a special event, order in advance. It takes some time to get items from Australia to America and you don't want to be disappointed if items don't come in on time.
2. ASOS - How do you pronounce it?! "A sauce" or "A sose"? Either way, if you want to splurge on some serious online retail therapy, this company hailing from London is the place to shop. "Get the London look" takes a whole other tune when you shop their hundreds of fashion looks. Shipping is really efficient with this company and their items are pretty true to size.
3. Brandy Melville - With 2.4 MILLION followers on Instagram, they're definitely one of the biggest affordable & adorable online boutiques!  They also have multiple store locations around the world and you can find Kylie & Kendall Jenner, Ariana Grande, and any other current teen sensations rocking Brandy Melville!  People love it for their cute, trendy, and casual style!
4. Kiki LaRue Boutique - KLR is well known all over, by they're especially big in the south!  They just have the most adorable (...and affordable, of course) styles for all girls & women of all sizes.  They're constantly updating their online store with tons of new items and a little birdy told us that they will soon be opening a couple store fronts throughout the country- woop woop!!
5. Lulu's - They have quite the arrange of styles & accessories on their online boutique and most people are probably familiar with Lulu's through social media.  You'll find tons of bloggers wearing Lulu's all the time as they cater to so many different styles.  Whether you're a casual-cute kinda girl or a complete girly girl, you will most definitely find the perfect wardrobe!

Spring Formal Looks

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It's almost spring formal season and it's time to start thinking of what to wear!  For seniors, this is their last time getting dressed up and attending a sorority event so you want to make sure you leave with a POW!  As you all know, we're huge fans of Rent the Runway-- you can find the perfect dress for a special event and rent it for a couple of days for just a fraction of what you would pay if you were to buy it!

Check out our 6 favorite new arrivals that could be the perfect spring formal dress at Rent the Runway!

Vigoss x InStyle Shopping Event

Our friends at InStyle Magazine have put us on a really fun shopping event going on this Thursday, April 16th for Vigoss and we want to extend the invite to you! From 4PM-7PM at Nordstrom Alderwood Mall enjoy light refreshments, awesome beats, and enter for your chance to win a pair of free jeans from Vigoss. Bonus: We will be there too! RSVP for the Vigoss x InStyle Event here: http://vigossseattle.splashthat.com/ Spread the word and share this event with your sisters and friends!

The Best Hair Moisturizer

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It doesn't matter if you have long straight hair or a beautiful fro, we have found the perfect hair moisturizer that will do miracles to your hair and it's called Hawaiian Silky by Miracle Worker! It's under $20 and we know for sure you can get it at Sally Beauty Supply. Why do we love it? It offers 14 things in 1 big bottle.

1. No drip activator
2. Moisturizes hair
3. Defines curls
4. Softens hair
5. Adds shine
6. Soothes dry scalp
7. Reduces breakage & strengthens 
8. For healthy weaves & braids
9. Repairs chemically damaged hair
10. Non-greasy
11. Detangles
12. Increases body 
13. Thermal protection
14. Helps relieve burning sensation

Co Founder Karen loves this stuff and says it makes her scalp "feel so good"!

How To Slowdown Your Relationship

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Just like a friendship, a relationship is always evolving. The idea is that it should never end. With all that being said, there is no need to rush in your relationship. Often times we feel the need to follow how our friends and their significant others are living out their relationships and it puts unneeded stress on your own. Slow it down.

Forget About Society's Timeline

As women, we aren't going to lie: marriage is an exciting thing. However, it's also a lifelong commitment so you have to be 100% right about your ever-after. Rushing into marriage after hardly knowing your partner is a recipe for DIVORCE. Take your time to fully get to know your partner and carefully consider the timeline you hope to fulfill on your own time.

Hold On To Your Goodies

Save yourself sexually until you feel it seems right. Getting physical, especially early on can cause a rift in your relationship because there is nothing to look forward to. When you give yourself away entirely, it unfortunately does create a vulnerable environment in which women (and men) start to feel used.

SAVE the 'Save the Date'

Talking about marriage speeds up your relationship. When a man has met his chosen woman, he doesn't need any push to make any special proposal moves; a man knows what he wants and will get it. Forcing marriage on a man will shut them down.

Any other tips & advice to slow down your relationship? Leave a comment below!

Mother's Day Gifts Under $50

phone case | perfume | business card holder | coffee table book | ring | lip scrub | garden-in-a-bag

We literally cannot believe how fast Mother's Day is approaching this year. We are trying to be more proactive this year in shopping for our mothers, so we scoured the Internet to find some awesome, thoughtful gifts for our sweet mothers, all under $50! Whether it's nice jewelry like a ring, or something simple and practical like perfume or a lip scrub, it's really the thought that counts. Shop some of our favorites above. 

Do you know of a special of Mother's Day gift? We want to know about it! Share with us below in the comments!

Hungry Girl's Too-Good Tuna N Apple Slaw

Here's another healthy, Hungry Girl's recipe for you to whip up in the kitchen! Try this fun spin on an old favorite to liven up your backyard BBQ bash or sisterhood!

Ingredients

1 (2.6 oz.) Pouch - Albacore White Tuna in Water

2 cups dry broccoli coleslaw

1⁄3 cup chopped apple (about 1⁄2 apple)

2 Tbsp. low-fat sesame ginger dressing

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix coleslaw, apple and tuna.

2. Top with dressing and toss to coat.

Enjoy!

Must-Have Hair Tools

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There are just certain hair items every girl should own because it makes that special time in front of the mirror getting all dolled up so much more smooth. Discovering the stand up hair blow dryer to keep at home has saved us time from having to go to the salon for a good blow dry. Target or Sally's Beauty Supply have some pretty affordable stand up hair blow dryers. Having a hand hair blow dryer is a must too and having a diffuser attached to it is essential to really dry the roots of your hair. We are always fans of Chi Products so we recommend their hair blow dryers with the diffuser tip though we are interested in trying the Kardashian Beauty Premium Finish Hair Dryer. Other Must-Have Hair Tools include:

• Curling Iron Holder-protect your curling iron, especially when you're traveling. Not to mention, we all have those days where we are quickly rushing out the door and don't want to leave the hot curling iron chilling on the counter!
• Hot Roller Set- For those days you need a quick overnight curl!
• Dyson Tangle-Free Turbine Tool- Okay, so this isn't necessarily a tool for your hair, but it picks up your hair from the floor and carpet. So essential!
• Personal Hair Organizer- Save time scrambling for all of your hair tools and keep them in one place with this personal hair organizer!
• lastly, you can't go too far without a hair tool set featuring various combs and clips! Check out the T3 Smooth Operator Hair Tool Set. They have all of that!

What are some must-have hair tools that we have missed? Share with us below!

Thin Mint Smoothie Recipe

Yes, you read this right: THIN MINT SMOOTHIE RECIPE.

Our mouths watered when UX3 Nutrition shared this tasty, and might we add rather healthy, smoothie recipe! The cool thing about this recipe is that you don't have to wait for Girl Scout season to gets your hands on this type of Thin Mint. Get the recipe below.

Thin Mint Smoothie
Brought to you by UX3 Nutrition

Ingredients:

• 2 cups organic spinach
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 scoops UX3: The Body Shaping Beverage
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• Stevia to taste
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 5 drops peppermint extract

How to make:
Puree all ingredients until smooth.

That was easy, right?!

Spotify TSS Coachella 2015 Playlist

Coachella is around the corner! Gah, we cannot wait to jam out in Coachella Valley with our friends. If you're looking to set the mood for the best party in the desert we've got you covered with some of our favorite music of artists who will be at Coachella--with some suggestions from YOU.  Theres's a little something for everyone since that's what Coachella is all about.

Check out our Spotify TSS Coachella 2015 Playlist, and press play!

What are your favorite songs of artists set to perform at Coachella?  Let us know, and we will add our new favorites to our Spotify playlist!

                                               

Handpick App: The World’s Largest Searchable Collection of Food

We wanted to make sure that you're in the know about the newest app called Handpick. This app allows food lovers access to over 10 million socially shared food posts from Instagram, hundreds of unique food blogs, and top recipe sites. Handpick also recommends ingredient pairings based on what users have on hand. Handpick’s 10 million socially shared food posts include dishes from 1.6 million content creators worldwide. The app makes it easy to save interesting dish posts by adding them to topics which can be shared with others. By following different topics, users get notified when new dishes are added, making Handpick a reliable source for continuously refreshed food content. This means users can find dish topics titled anything from Gluten-free Desserts to 10 Best Superbowl Snacks to 7 Ways To Use Tofu.

With its new approach of curating content from Instagram, Handpick features over 10 million food posts, thus making it the world’s largest searchable collection of food. The company’s editorial team hand-picks the best dishes daily, allowing users to quickly and easily find great dish ideas without having to pore over thousands of results. The new app also allows users to pick and combine over 10,000 ingredients, more than any other food app available.

The Handpick app is available for iOS here!

Happy cooking (and eating)!