Throwback Thursday: 90s Shows Every Sorority Girl Loved!

You guys, we want the 90s back!

Sigh.

The 90s were full of the movie Clueless on repeat, Nintendo 64 games, our beloved Skip-Its, and Lisa Frank. But, best of all were all of the TV shows we had our eyes glued to. Since it's Throwback Thursday, let's walk down memory lane with our favorite 90s TV Shows.

• Clarissa Explains It All: Could her young, easy yet drama-filled life be anymore enviable? We loved feeling like we were having one-on-one convos with her when she would "freeze time" and talk directly to the camera.
• Saved By the Bell: Speaking of talking directly to the camera, that happened a lot from Zach Morris. Can we say major crush? We loved watching Zach Morris, Kelly Kapowski, Skreech and all of their friends navigate through high school life.
• The Fresh Prince of Bel Air: This is a story all about how our lives got flip-turned upside down and we'd liked to take a minute and sit right there and tell you how we MISS The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
• The Adventures of Alex Mack: It's not every day you see a girl disappear by morphing into liquid {lol}.
• Sweet Valley High: Please tell us you read the books growing up. We are singing the theme song now-" Sweet Valley, hiiiiiigggh, hiiigggh, higggh, higgghhhh"
• Power Rangers: Raise your hand if you were the Pink or Yellow Ranger (sitting on your couch, of course).
• Growing Pains: Can we talk about how Alan Thicke hasn't aged since this awesome show?
• The Babysitter's Club: This was another book series we were absolutely OBSESSED with. We felt like we could really relate to all of the young girls and their different life experiences.
• Rugrats: Yes, we loved cartoons too! Angelica Pickles and her friend Suzie were quite the divas. Of course, we can't forget the troublemakers Tommy and Chuckie!
• Martin: Pure comedy. Till this day no show has made us laugh more.
• Friends: Whenever we hear that opening theme song "I'll be there for youuuuu" it just gives us chills. Seriously Top 5 best TV shows of all time.
• All That: This was when Amanda Bynes was funny/cuckoo and she wasn't serious!
• Boy Meets World: Two words: Corey & Topanga (<3)

Wow, that was so much fun walking down memory lane! We know we are missing a ton of shows. What 90s shows did you love? Share with us in the comments below!

Amazon Prime Anniversary Sale! TSS Shopping List

Congrats to Amazon and it's 20 year anniversary! In case you hadn't heard, today is the ONE day where Amazon is having a big sale to celebrate their anniversary so now is the perfect time to get your hands on some great items they offer through Amazon Prime. Consider it the summer version of Black Friday! With more deals than Black Friday, members will enjoy thousands of deals from sought-after devices and tools to popular toys and pet supplies. Anyone can join Prime! To start a free 30-day trial and participate in Prime Day visit amazon.com/primeday. Here are some of the list of things worth adding to your shopping cart:

• Fire TV Stick, fastest selling Amazon device of all time, $15 off
• Kindle, $30 off
• Fire HD 7, $60 off
• Fire HD 7 Kids Edition, $60 off
• 32-inch LED TV, $75
• 40-inch 1080p LED TV, $115
• Brand-name 32-inch Smart HDTV, under $200
• 50-inch 4K TV bundle, under $1000
• Bose headphones at the lowest price ever on Amazon
• Chromebook laptop, only $199
• Over 50% off two Nikon COOLPIX cameras
• Highly rated binoculars, under $120
• Two security camera-kits, $279.99
• 40 lightning deals on DVDs up to 75% off
• Up to 50% off any of the Harry Potter books
• Save more than 70% on the Divergent Series Complete Box Set of books
• Save up to 70% on select kitchen products from top brands like Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Foodsaver and Thermos
• 30% off select clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches & more
• Free luxury beauty sample box with $50 purchase of luxury beauty products, with promo code LUXSAMPLES
• Buy an Amazon.com Gift Card multipack, get $10 in Amazon.com promotional credit
• Get 25% bonus Amazon Coins when you buy 5,000 or 10,000 Amazon Coins

P.s. #PrimeLiving Photo Contest: Through July 15, members are invited to snap a photo of #PrimeLiving moments and upload them at amazon.com/primeliving for the chance to win $10,000 in Amazon Gift Cards. To learn more about the #PrimeLiving photo contest and get inspiration from artists around the world, watch here.

Good luck and happy Prime Day Shopping!

Face Masks & Scrubs We Love

Gah, isn't getting older a drag? There are so many beauty regimens we have suddenly really stuck to as we have gotten older, and one of them is our favorite bedtime/chill routine: face masks & scrubs. Applying a face mask is like having a spa day with your face at home. Co Founder, Sakura got her hands on the Buddha Scrub and she thought it was amazing. It is a coffee based scrub and the one she tried was pineapple flavored (yum!). If you dig the coffee face masks then you should also try the brand Frank. They have really generous portion sizes allowing you to get a lot of use out of one packet. The Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask by Herbivore Botanicals gets you that more dry clay kind of texture on your face. It leaves your skin silky smooth that's for sure! Lush Cosmetics is another favorite brand for our face mask needs. We love how they have a store front and fill the store with facial products you can try out! It's like a facial sampling--we love!

What face masks and face scrubs are you loving? Share with us in the comments below!

Beauty Mistakes To Avoid

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Being in a sorority has been like having 100+ sisters to mentor you and set you straight. There's nothing better than being able to have the opinions of people who are a lot like you. We have definitely matured with our knowledge in beauty thanks to the guidance of our sisters so we thought it would be of benefit to you to share beauty mistakes to avoid!

1. 1. Don't Forget To Wash Your Face.  We know: It's so much easier to just plop on your pillow and wish that magically your face would wash itself. We have all had those nights where washing our face is a drag, but we can assure you as we have gotten older that washing your face no matter the circumstance is a huge benefit. If you know that you often crash on your bed, leave some makeup remover wipes underneath or by your pillow. If you do get around to washing your face, having a Clarisonic has been the best investment ever! We love how it really intensely cleans your face right down to your pores. Basis is Co Founder, Karen's favorite makeup remover & face cleanser and best of all it's super affordable.

    

   2.  Do Your Eyebrows. Wow. We are seriously looking back at old photos without our eyebrows 

         done and it's cringe-worthy. It's amazing how your face totally brightens up when you choose to 

         fill in your eyebrows. Being introduced to Anastasia Dip Brow was the best thing ever. With the

         perfect eyebrow brush, Anastasia Dip Brow allows for ultimate eyebrow coverage. Eyebrow

         pencils aren't too bad as well and we love the ones that MAC carries.

   3.   Wear Sunscreen...Especially On Your Face. SPF 30 and above is the best type of skin      

         protection. Even if it's a cloudy day, the sun is STILL shining so don't make the mistake of not

         protecting your skin because skin damage from the sun can cause some serious aging which is 

         no good. Smashbox offers BB Cream that contain both color and sunscreen- the  

         perfect combo. Here is a link to the dark BB Cream and light BB Cream.

  

   4.  Don't Sleep with Your Fake Eyelashes On. Believe us: we understand how meticulous it is to 

        put eyelashes on. Ardell Professional Eyelashes are every sorority girls BFF. But, even though         

        they are so glam,  you don't want to take that glam to bed and risk not being able to reuse them 

        because they've been smushed. 

  5.   Don't Wear Foundation That Is Lighter/Darker Than Your Face. Don't be too proud to go to 

        the beauty counter of your favorite makeup company to get the best color match for your 

        foundation, concealer, or powder. There is nothing worse then your face looking ten times 

        lighter or darker not matching your neck in pictures.

  

  6.   Clean Your Makeup Brushes. The more you have a routine of washing your makeup brushes, 

        the less likely you will carry bacteria on your makeup brushes. Johnson & Johnson baby

        shampoo is an awesome product you can use to wash your makeup brushes. Simply drop a 

        quarter size amount in the palm of your hand and swirl the bristles of your makeup brushes in it. 

        The makeup drips right off! 

Those are just a few of our beauty mistakes to avoid, but we want to hear from you. What are some Dolled Up tips that you have? Share with us in the comments below!

Bra Buying 101

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Bra buying can be fun but it also can be a daunting task if you feel kind of weird about "that stuff". Victoria's Secret is our favorite place to shop for bras because they have something for everyone and their level of comfortability is on ten. However, it's super important to know exactly how to properly pick a bra so here is an awesome video that gives a breakdown on choosing the perfect size bra: http://youtu.be/psZBH0AHWWw

What special tips do you have for choosing the perfect bra? Share with us in the comments below!

5 Foods To Keep You Hydrated

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This summer has been hot, hot, HOT! Like, whoa. We are between Scottsdale and Seattle and with AZ's dry heat and Washington's lack of A/C, this summer has been brutal. But, luckily there's nothing a little hydration can't cure which is why we were so happy to have stumbled across United Healthcare's menu on some hydrating foods to quench your thirst during this summer heat. Check them out below!

Super salads. Watermelon, oranges, tomatoes, cantaloupe, berries, celery and cucumbers are all flush with fluid. These water-rich foods make great low-calorie snacks too!

Berry-delicious smoothies. Add berries — fresh or frozen — to low-fat or fat-free yogurt or milk. Puree in a blender.

Summer salsas. These can be made from vegetables, fruits or a combination of both. Enjoy your favorite variety as a snack — dip into it with cut-up veggies or whole-grain pita chips. Or top grilled fish or chicken with it. Have a sweet tooth? Give orange or pineapple salsa a try.

Chilled soups. You can serve these as a light meal — or as an appetizer or dessert. Here are three cool and soothing options:
Gazpacho. A summertime favorite that's typically rich in tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper and garlic.
Vichyssoise. This creamy French classic is made with pureed potatoes and leeks. To keep it on the healthful side, use low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth. For an even creamier soup, stir in a little plain low-fat yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
Fruit soups. Strawberries, raspberries and cantaloupe puree nicely. See "Chilled melon soup" for a recipe to try.

Frozen nibbles. Freeze grapes or berries. Grab them for a quick and cold snack.

Do you have a favorite thirst-quenching food or drink for the summer? Share with us below!

The Nextdoor App

Have you ever heard a really loud noise outside of your apartment, dorm or house and wondered what it was? Have you ever seen a suspicious individual in your neighborhood and really wanted to call the cops? We got wind of a super cool app to help you build a community with the people around you to temperature check your area and it's called The NextDoor App! This app is a free and private social media platform for you and your neighborhoods to stay in the know of neighborhood activity. Co Founder Karen recently found the app to be useful when she heard a car alarm go off in her neighborhood at an odd hour. Based on the app, she was able to read that a couple of blocks away there had been some car break ins. To be proactive, one of her neighbors called the police to report the suspicious car alarm going off. Though it ended up being a faulty car alarm, it made both her and her neighbor feel protected and knowledgeable about their surroundings.

Click here to download the Android version or here for the Apple version!

Healthy 4th of July Treats

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Yay for our Independence! Even though we celebrate such a major moment in US history, that doesn't mean that we should exercise our freedom to eat poorly this holiday. Consider some healthy 4th of July treats when celebrating with family and friends. Below are some healthy recipe links to help you make some delicious {semi} healthy treats:

Patriotic Popsicles

Red, White, & Blue Trifle Dessert

Basil Hummus Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Happy 4th of July cooking!

Quick Tips To Relieve Stress

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We understand how school, jobs, and life in general can create a lot of stress. Even if you think you have it together, just simply quickly moving from one activity to the next is adding stress to your body whether you realize it or not. Headaches, fatigue, rashes, loss of appetite, belly aches, tense muscles - those are all common side affects of stress that we know all too well. Here are some quick tips that you can reference to help relieve the daily stresses of life:

• Sign up for a massage membership. We understand that massages can get pricey, but with resources like Groupon, there really is no excuse to take advantage of massage opportunities. From sitting on the computer all day to running around campus, your muscles deserve some TLC. Loose muscles will loosen you up and relieve body stress.
• Buy some aromatherapy. Wow, you have no idea how much of an impact this can have on you, in a positive way of course. Rubbing some aromatherapy lotion on before we go to bed has significantly helped us knock out and have a peaceful sleep. The aromatherapy calms us done and puts us in a happy place. Our favorite aromatherapy lotion is the Lavender Chamomile scented one from Bath and Body Works. The Pillow mister of the same scent is a personal favorite as well. You spray it on your pillow and once you lay your head down it's lights out! Lavender and vanilla scented stuff is so therpeutic!
• Burn some incense. After you come home from a long, stressful day, burning incense in your home can ignite a calmness that we love. Here is a nice incense pack to try!
• Take a bubble bath. If you want to have the best "Me" time in the world, hop into a warm bath water (full of bubbles of course) and lay back and unwind. Bubble baths are the ultimate de-stresser. Here is a nice little bubble bath bottle that we recommend to get the bubble bath party of one started!
• Take yoga classes. Co Founder, Sakura, just tried aerial yoga for the first time and she said it was a ton of fun and such a stress reliever. Whether it's hot yoga or regular yoga, there is no substitute for how sound your mind and body feels after a yoga session. It is definitely worth the investment.

How do you de-stress? Share with us below!

Secrets To Surviving With a Roommate

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Living with a roommate can have its ups and downs, but hopefully more ups for you. We lived with roommates during our sorority house living days and it was a blast. However, there were definitely some challenges that we had to overcome with some of our roomies to make sure that boundaries were not crossed. There is nothing worse than not wanting to return to your living space because you and your roomies aren't getting along. Here are a few tips to help you survive living with a roommate:

1. Be vocal about your cleanliness. Cleanliness has got to be one of the top subjects to cause a quarrel or misunderstanding between roomies. If you know you're practically messy or practically a clean freak, then meet in the middle and agree to hiring a maid to clean the living space once or twice a month. Cleanliness should not be a major factor in a disruptive living situation.
2. Declare a chore rotation. If one person starts to take out the trash all of the time, eventually it becomes like their job. If you don't want that to happen then decide on a realistic chore rotation and stick it in a visible spot so there is no confusion as to who is responsible for what.
3. Always consult each other when it comes to bringing guests over. We can't tell you how many times this has been a problem in living situations because one roomie walked into the space to find a bunch of people she didn't know in the living space. Transparency is the best policy!
4. If something is bothering you, don't let it fester. Festering your feelings will most definitely lead into a big blow out. Living with another person isn't easy and you will try to get to know each other as you work through inevitable differences. The worst thing you can do is bottle up anything you're feeling about the living situation because a sudden burst of anger can cause a negative ripple effect on both the living situation and possible friendship.
5. Have a "Roomie Day"! We have come across situations where our roommates had some heavy expectations about living together which included hanging every night. Often times, that does not end up being the case, but you can definitely make time for what you want. To keep the roomie morale up, have a designated day to yourselves. This could be a Bachelor/Bachelorette Monday night rendezvous on the couch or walking the dog in the evening. Anything to keep the morale alive!

What tips do you have about living with a roomie?

Summer Florals We Love

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Is it just us or have you been seeing a lot of floral prints in summer fashion? We are kind of loving it! Our wardrobe instantly lights up with every perfect little floral perfection. The designer, She Inside, is giving us so much life with this gorgeous floral flare dress and it's under $40 {fashion steal!}. Have you heard of the designer Show Pony? Well, you won't forget about them when you see how amazing this cute maxi floral dress is. Not to mention it's under $45! We think you know how we feel about Sabo Skirt and their to die for fashion pieces so this crop top, maxi skirt combo definitely made the list of our top favorite floral fashion pieces. If you feel like splurging (and we REALLY mean splurging with this one) Jimmy Choo has the absolute most fabulous leather python floral heels. We drooled a little when we spotted it. If it helps, they're currently on sale! But, there is nothing like giving back with your floral shopping purchases and that can be done with Inkkas super cute shoes. For every shoe purchased from Inkkas they plant a tree. Co Founder, Karen, got her hands on the Flora African Jogger shoes and she said they're incredibly comfortable and that people have been stopping her asking her where they can get their hands on those shoes. Nothing like stopping traffic with your floral fashion pieces!

Where are some of your favorite places to shop for floral fashion pieces? Share with us in the comments below!

The Best App for Snoozers!

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We're all guilty of hitting the snooze button- we're tired, we're grumpy, and we just want 10 more minutes of sleep! Co-Founder, Sakura, says she's totally a victim of the snooze button and snoozes for about an hour until she discovered this magical app called the Wake N Shake app.

The app is unfortunately NOT free, but it is totally worth every cent!  Basically, how it works is you set an alarm, select your shake level, and once your alarm goes off in the morning you have to shake your phone until it hits 100%!  Even if you slow down a bit, the percentage will go down and don't underestimate the shake levels because they're all really hard.  The objective is for you to literally shake yourself awake!  There's a whole app review from the individual ladies of Bloguettes on the effectiveness of the app.

You hate the app, but it really works!

Staying Fit with the Fit Bit

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Catchy name, right? After we did the update on our phones a while back and noticed that our phone was tracking our footsteps, we've been paying better attention to how active we keep ourselves throughout the day. Apparently, you're supposed to get in 10,000 steps a day believe it or not. Well, unless your phone is with you, your footsteps can't be tracked, so we got wind of an even better tracking device: the Fit Bit! The Fit Bit is an awesome device that looks like a wristband. As you keep it on your wrist it tracks your total steps, showing you your average amount of steps and comparing it to other days that you've walked. The Fit Bit also keeps track of how many miles you have walked and how many calories you have lost. But, that's not even the heart of it all! It can also track your weight change and your sleep patterns! We are even thinking of taking advantage of the competitive feature where you can compete with your friends and family. It has a leaderboard to reflect who is taking the most and least steps.

Talk about motivation! We can't wait to see how much more in shape and healthy we can get! If you're currently using the FitBit, share with us your experience in the comment below!

How To Use LikeToKnow.It

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Okay, so we started to realize that every time we said "double tap on this photo to get outfit details" you probably didn't quite know what we were referring to so we wanted to share everything you need to know about using LikeToKnow.It. LikeToKnow.It is an awesome way to get ready-to-purchase links of fashion forward items you've seen on some of your favorite Instagrams to follow. Above we give a step-by-step on how to sign up. It's really easy and saves you asking your favorite blogger, "Where did you get that?" You can even choose how often you receive product emails once you double tap an Instagram photo. For instance, the product links can be immediately emailed to you or you can opt to have it sent at a certain part of the day. So easy, right?! Be on the lookout for the specific LikeToKnow.It links on our Instagrams so you can have dibs on awesome fashion looks from sorority and non sorority women alike.

Curly Hair Care 101

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We have recognized a lot of sorority sisters and friends embracing their curly hair, that we seeked out TSS reader, Danielle Davis, to share with us her best tips on maintaining your natural curls. Check out her advice below and be sure to share your thoughts in the comment box below!


Curly Hair 101-
Starting your natural hair journey can be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming process to think about. With all of the products promising miracle results, natural hair gurus and your hair straightener calling your name it is hard to even know where to start. There is a lot to navigate so the tips below will provide you with my top 10 suggestions on how to start you on your own journey to healthy, beautiful curly hair.

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize- Without a doubt this is the most important advice I could give. Curly hair is notoriously dry, especially at the ends. Concentrating on providing your hair as much moisture as possible within your entire routine will help you exponentially. Moisturizing helps eliminate frizz and perpetuates defined curls.

2. Do Not Be Afraid of the Big Chop- My natural hair journey started 3 years ago and I was so attached to my length. I was paying $100 to a DevaCurl specialist for a haircut and would only let her remove ½ an inch- silly! One day I decided to go for it and go for the scary Big Chop, which ended up being the best decision I could have made. Curly hair is very forgiving so even when cut short you can get a lot of volume. The best part is that your hair will grow back extremely fast. When I get my hair cut now, I tell the stylist to cut anything that is dead, straight or just weighing my hair down. You will leave satisfied every time knowing your hair is healthy. Short, healthy hair is much more desirable than long unhealthy hair.

3. Sulfates are Bad- As I am sure most of you who have an interest in natural hair care have heard, sulfates are not your friend. It’s essentially like rubbing soap all over your hair; drying it out and depleting that moisture we talked about earlier. Always check the ingredients label on your products before using them. There are many products out there so be picky, you deserve it.

4. Deep Condition- It’s relaxing and your hair will love you for it. Pick one day out of the week to really concentrate on repairing your hair and deep condition. There are many options in the natural hair care world but one of the most raved about is coconut oil. After showering, slather this all over your hair and sit under a dryer. Your hair will be shiny, strong and feel amazing.

5. Put Down the Heat- I had to hide my straightener from myself in order to follow through with avoiding heat- the struggle was real! The hard reality is that you won’t get the results you want applying heat to your hair all of the time. If going cold turkey is too much for you set goals for yourself like only applying heat once or twice a week and then keep extending your goal until it becomes second nature.

6. Drink Plenty of Water- Beauty on the outside starts with what you put inside your body. The benefits of drinking more water go way beyond just beautiful hair. You’ll see a difference in your energy levels, skin, eyes and hair- talk about a win!

7. Safely Detangle- Curly hair is fragile. Always detangle starting at the bottom using a product with some slip and use your fingers or a wide toothed comb. This will help keep the cuticle and curl pattern protected.

8. Sleep on a Silk Pillow Case- Apparently I’m a wild sleeper so when I try to wear a bonnet to bed I wake up with it on the floor- fail. I started using a silk pillowcase because it eliminates the hassle of actually putting the bonnet on, helps keep your hair from breaking and retains the moisture in your hair that a cotton pillowcase depletes.

9. Be Patient- We are the generation obsessed with instant gratification. Unfortunately, this is just one avenue where patience is key. There is no miracle product, pill or haircut that is going to give you that beautiful curly hair you desire over night or even over the next month. However, with patience and a lot of trial and error you will begin to see the results you want.

10. This is Your Journey- Not Your YouTube Gurus- Between watching the endless YouTube videos and curly hair Instagram posts of all the women who seem to have the perfect curls it is very easy to develop hair envy. I’ve had many moments of thinking “ WHY DOESN’T MY HAIR LOOK LIKE HERS?” In the end, the journey is different for everyone and everyone is at various stages in their journey. It is important to realize that all hair types are beautiful and sometimes that Guru’s curly hair pattern is simply just different from yours- and that’s okay!

Curly hair has never been more celebrated than it is now. The natural hair care journey is a very personal one and it is amazing to think that something as simple as hair can cause one to self reflect on who they are as an individual. What a wonderful thing to grow in your journey and feel more beautiful than ever as a woman embracing her curly crown.

-@thecurlycrown

Top Summer Hikes

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The weather has been just right in some of our favorite places in the U.S. making it the perfect time to "take a hike"! We really enjoy being outdoors (allergies and all!) and there is just something so liberating and freeing about climbing and walking some of the coolest trails. After all, we are not IN nature; we ARE nature! It's important to have moments of meditation and tranquility in addition to challenging yourself physically and hiking does just that. With all that being said, we started to ponder where some of the cool places to hike are and we jotted down some suggestions of cities and trails from TSS Reader and Alpha Chi Omega alumnae, Alyssa Conti, in conjunction with our faves. We then created  a list to share with you. Find our must-try places and/or cities to hike for the summer below and let us know which ones we are missing by leaving a comment below!

1. Twin Peaks in North Bend, WA
2. Grand Canyon in Arizona
3. Cascade Falls in Lake Tahoe
4. Waipio Valley, Hawaii
5. Rocky Mountain, Colorado
6. Durango, Colorado
7. Bryce Canyon, Utah 
8. Zion Canyon in Utah
9. Nounou Trail in Hawaii
10. Glacier National Park
11. Boulder Trail in Payson, AZ
12. Coal Creek Trail in Washington
13. Franklin Falls Trail in Washington

Things To Remember When Meeting the Parents For the First Time

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1. Dress appropriately. Here's a cute outfit we would wear!

2. Be respectful, but friendly.

3. Don't make yourself feel at home.

4. Don't wear too much make up.

5. Show how much you care about him.

6. Ask them questions; get to know them.

7. Sell yourself, but don't overpower conversations making it all about you.

8. Act interested (even if you're not).

9. Be confident.

10. Show your manners by thanking them for their hospitality!

Good luck!

Summer Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Read

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According to the U.S. Travel Association, there was $645 billion spent on leisure travel in 2014. Much of that is spent during the summer, when people take trips to visit family, explore new destinations, and hit the beach. Any time of the year there can be challenges when traveling, but especially in the summer, when the weather poses different types of things to consider. The good news is there are plenty of ways to help ensure travel this summer is safe and healthy for everyone involved.

“The first thing people think of when they are going to do some summer travel is having fun,” explains Tina Aldatz, chief executive officer of SAVVY TRAVELER. “But what they should put at the top of their list is staying safe and healthy. That’s the only way to actually be able to enjoy the trip to begin with.”

Here are some summer travel tips to keep in mind when planning a trip as shared by SAVVY TRAVELER over the next few months:

• Be a minimalist. Forget packing everything and anything you can, which will weigh you down and drag on your mind. This year, aim to be a minimalist by packing the least amount of items you can, while still making sure you have the essentials for your vacation. You will appreciate the benefits that come with being a minimalist when traveling.
• Get physical. It’s important to maintain an exercise routine of some sorts even while on vacation. This is a great time to mix up your usual workout by adding in some swimming, hiking, kayaking, or other traditional summer recreational opportunities.
• Keep hydrated. Summer months mean that it’s warmer across the country, so be sure to stay hydrated. This will help your body fight off any illnesses and keep you feeling better.
• Dress accordingly. Plan ahead to see what the weather is like where you are headed to, so you can include the appropriate clothing. Don’t overdress if it’s going to be warm, which can lead to becoming overheated during the summer months.
• Sanitize. Traveling exposes people to numerous germs that could lead them to become sick. One of the most effective ways to fight back against this is to sanitize using wipes for the hands, body and surfaces around you. SAVVY TRAVELER has made a line of eco-friendly convenient wipes, including sanitizing ones, designed for the health conscious traveler.
• Relax, too. Getting relaxation in while on your vacation is good for your health. It will clear your mind, and leave you refreshed and ready to take on the world when you get back home.

Staying healthy and taking the time to be aware of your surroundings can go a long way when traveling so we hope that you can take in all of this awesome summer travel advice!

Scavenger Hunts Made Easy With Eventzee

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Whether you're planning a fun sisterhood, 21st birthday, or bachelorette party, we've come across the best app to help you have a scavenger hunt worth participating in! The app is called Eventzee and it allows you to follow clues, snap photos, and keep track of your scavenger hunt status all through the app. TSS reader, Keley, shared that "When it was time to go to the next place, you can send a message to the group. And you can assign judges. It was fun!"  Not only can you host a private scavenger hunt, but you can also participate in worldwide scavenger hunts by submitting your photos. We really love that you can relive the moments of the scavenger hunt in a special photo gallery too. Best of all, the app is free! Download it here and gather your friends for some fun!

The Airfare Secret

 

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Traveling can be super expensive, especially over the summer. We have been crying over the hefty airfare prices we have come across and have been seconds away from begging a friend of a friend of a friend for a buddy pass (yeah, we know--desperate!). But, then we got put up on quite possibly the most genius site ever (well, besides ours).

Skiplagged is an airline fare loop hole. The model is designed off of the idea that it's often times cheaper to buy a flight with more stops. Here is how they explain it!

Skiplagged is the only airfare search engine to not only find tickets where your destination is the final stop, but also any stop leading up to some other destination.

Why the latter? As part of the pricing model of many airlines, they would sometimes charge less for tickets where your destination is a layover rather than the final destination. This is price discrimination that has to do with being competitive in the industry. At the end of the day, what you would be doing here is purchasing more of a service than you need for less. There are some caveats though:

(1) no checked bags because they'll end up at the final destination [carry-ons are okay]
(2) must book two one-ways for round-trips
(3) shouldn't associate with frequent flyer programs
(4) there is risk of airlines removing your actual destination from your itinerary during times of irregular activity such as really bad weather
(5) you may be violating the contract of carriage for some airlines. Keep in mind that as the consumer, you have all rights to partially use the services you are paying for, so these trips are completely legal.

The savings are sometimes substantial (e.g. 80%), but it's up to you to decide whether they're worth it.

In addition to providing this transparent service, Skiplagged provides features like:
(1) seeing the cheapest destinations for almost any combination of departing airports and dates
(2) showing the prices of tickets for dates near your searched date(s)
(3) monitoring how the price for any search fluctuates every hour
(4) receiving alerts when the price of a search is near your reservation price

All of this is completely free and always will be. Some of the features may only be available on our desktop website right now, so for the full experience, check out skiplagged.com.

You can also download it here for the Android or here for iTunes.