It's Who You're With That Matters

Since I started my undergrad education 2 years ago in a city halfway across the country from where I grew up, by far the hardest thing to do has been learning how to live with long distance friendships. Whether you’re at home or at school, there’s always a group of bright, lovely friends that you stay in touch with through text, snapchat, FaceTime, and, if you’re lucky, good old fashioned I-hopped-on-a-plane-just-to-see-you visits. 

Now I’m really lucky because one of my very best friends from school has come to visit me in my hometown of Washington D.C. twice now in the two years that I’ve known her. Last year, Delaney and I spent days at the zoo, exploring monuments, and checking out the hip neighborhoods – all of those fun touristy things that I’ve been doing with relatives and out of town friends since I was old enough to walk. Really if you’re ever in town, hit me up, cause I’ve got an evening monument tour that I could give in my sleep.

 

Delaney and I at the National Zoo in 2014.

But this second year around, the tourist routine didn’t seem to cut it. On Delaney’s first day here, I took her to a street fair in which I expected browsing to take at least an hour, and after a 15 minute spin through we were done. And that was when my little bit of anxiety started creeping in…was I being a terrible host for not having planned more effectively? I mean Delaney was only here for a few days! And she had come all the way to D.C. from Chicago! Shouldn’t I be making every moment as special as I could?

With these worries in the back of my mind we spent the afternoon sitting and just talking. After a couple of hours of chatting aimlessly we stopped and looked at each other, realizing that my lack of planning and trying to make it special had given us a great day. It was kind of nice, even though we only had four days to spend together to just take those hours and chill. To talk outdoors without a computer or cellphone in sight. To not worry about whether of not the moment was as special and unique as it could have been and just be able to enjoy each other. Even though we were busy and had limited time and at first it felt counterintuitive, there was no more valuable or special way we could have spent that day together than just doing nothing.

So I guess my big lesson was this: in our busy and scheduled lives, we need to take the pressure off our ourselves to have every moment we spend with our friends be special or planned. I mean, in the end Delaney didn’t come visit to see the city, she came to see me. It was a lovely reminder that it’s not what you’re doing or where you are, but who you’re with that matters.

Top 10 must see movies to see this summer!

 

I have a pretty long list of movies that I am dying to see this summer. May alone kicked off with two awesome blockbusters, Pitch Perfect 2 and The Avengers: Rise of Ultron and the month ends with two more awesome movies. With June now here the countdown begins for the next big movie to hit the theaters. For me I’m all about the funny and action movies that are coming this summer. I’ve come up with a list of a few movies that I’m putting down on my calendar on when they hit theaters. If you know the theater will sell out buy your tickets in advance, even try a midnight show and go with some friends, midnight shows are the best because you get hangout with people who are just as excited about the movie as you. Especially if the movie already has a big fallowing which brings me to the first movie on list…

1. Tomorrow Land: Out now!
2. Entourage June 3rd^th
3. Spy: June 5th
4. Jurassic World: June 12^th
5. Inside out: June 19th
6. Magic Mike XXL: July 1st
7. Minions: July 10th
8. Trainwreck: July 17th
9. Ted 2: June 26th
10. The Fantastic four: August 7^th

So stock up on movie snacks because this summer is going to filled with great movies that you will waiting to see. Best advice for movie magic to happen would be to check out a midnight showing or get a group to go to a local drive-in. Some drive-ins even have double features. Enjoy and see you at the movies!

Top 10 Summer Beauty Tips!

 

Now that summer is pretty much here it’s time to change up the beauty routine. When it gets hotter I tend to switch up my skin, hair and makeup routine not to mention my fashion obviously. I know that sounds like a lot of change but don’t worry as always I will give just the top 10 tips that will help ease you into the change of summer.

 

1. BB cream is your best friend-I was a bit half and half about this product but it’s become one of my favorites to put on my face. And now there are so many different kinds depending on your skin type. All you need is a quarter size (sometimes nickel) amount on your face, a thin layer and you’re done. Not to mention is also leaves off a nice dewy glow.
2. Any makeup you have I strongly suggest it should have SPF in it- Even lip balm, and these days a lot of lip gloss and lipsticks have it in. You can always just put sunscreen on your face then add foundation but me I prefer to do it when there is SPF in it. This is so there is not a lot of product on my face, especially when its hot outside and I'm sweating. Also that way there is not so much makeup on my face and I can enjoy the summer rays more.
3. Summer Detox? - I’ve said this before only because I am a true believer. Fresh cut lemons in your water really help cleanse the palette, not to mention it’s a great detox. Make a pitcher of water add some fresh cut lemons then add some mint leaves. Leave in the fridge till its cold and pour yourself a glass and relax.
4. How can I make my tan stand out?-Bright neon nails on your toes and nails bring out any summer glow. Try colors like coral and pink those will really bring out any beach glow.
5.  In need of a fast tan-If laying out in the sun is not your thing, and you’re in need of a fast tan. There are a few products that can help with this problem. Top 3 products I'd recommend would be Victoria Secret Beach Sexy Tanning Spray, Sally Hansen Airbrush legs and L’Oréal Sublime Bronze.  But that does not mean to lay off the SPF!
6. For kissable summer lips try using sugar- I’m serious! Take a teaspoon of sugar and use your finger (or a toothbrush) and scrub it on your lips. After your done use a light warm washcloth to clean off your lips then apply your favorite flavored lip balm.
7. It’s ok to have messy hair- Let’s face it every summer every girl does the beach waves, even if your hours from the beach you want to have your hair look like you live right next door to it. It’s all about texture. Sea Salt hair products are your best friend, use a little bit and use your fingers to create the beach waves you desire
8. Do blonde really have more fun? - I know for me every summer I want my hair to be lighter but I don’t want to use dye or sludge to go to the salon. So my mom got me hooked on a trick that she uses on her blonde hair. Lemon juice. I know it’s random and there are products that have it already but if you do it yourself you save way more money. Get fresh pure lemon juice  then pour some into a spray bottle and add a little water and spray away. Also another thing if you add a little sea salt it builds texture but lightens your hair at the same time. But don’t over board the spray. 
9.   Messed up tan lines? - Lemon juice and a loofah sponge does wonders will smoothing out any tan lines. It make take a while for it to fade completely but it’s worth it to make sure your tan is flawless.
10. Free Spa day!- Sand from the beach is a natural exfoliator. So while you are moving your feet around in the sand know your making your feet extra smooth and ready for some polish (remember tip #4).

I hope these tips help and have a great summer!

 

How to Travel Alone This Summer

For many, summertime is the perfect opportunity to have a little get away. If you're like me, you have to actually travel to get where friends and family are and 98% of the time I'm doing it alone. This past week, I found myself flying back to my hometown of Pittsburgh to visit. I have no trouble breezing through a busy airport by myself because I've done it countless times since I was young. But it dawned on me that many young women may not have had that opportunity growing up. So if you find yourself traveling alone this summer, here are a few tips to hopefully make it run a bit smoother for you!

• Airport Size - Many airports are downright huge. It can be so stressful when you find yourself arriving at one gate and have to run to the complete opposite end of the airport, especially if you have a connecting flight. The night before you leave, get online and check out a map of the airport. You probably won't know what gate you'll be coming into, but at least get on and familiarize yourself with the airport so you don't find yourself lost and feeling stranded.
• Wear something comfortable - I always find myself opting for a comfortable pair of jeans and a letter shirt #sororitygirlproblems. But where something you'll feel comfortable in because you're probably going to find yourself just sitting around, whether it's on an airplane, waiting for your flight, or waiting in baggage claim. Wear comfortable shoes because I'd be more than willing to bet you're going to be doing some walking.
• Pack early - Don't be like me and wait until a few hours before your flight to pack. Lay everything out and figure out exactly what you're going to need. If you wait until the last minute to pack, you may get to your destination and realize you forgot to pack some essentials.
• Check into your flight within 24 hours of your flight leaving - Nowadays, you can easily check into your flight online which saves you the hassle of having to deal with checking in at the airport and adding more time to your wait. If you check in online, you can have your boarding pass emailed or text straight to your smartphone and use that to check in. This means you can head straight to security and get on your way faster. For iPhone users, if you check in online, it will give you the option to add your boarding pass to your "Passbook" app which will then give you reminders of when your flight will begin boarding. Oh Apple, how much easier you make my life.
• Bring things to keep you occupied - Again, you're going to have downtime. Don't just sit on your phone and drain the battery because you may need it later on. Bring magazines, a book, a tablet or computer to watch movies, homework, etc.
• Be aware of your surroundings - I can't stress ENOUGH how important this is! Don't be the girl walking through the airport mindlessly scrolling Twitter. If you aren't aware of what's going on around you, you could very easily have items go missing or even worse, you could go missing. Unfortunately it is a very real scenario. So PAY ATTENTION to where you are, what you're doing, and who's around you!

So tell us, what do you think? Do you have any travel tips you'd like to add? Comment below and share them with us!

How to diet in secret! (FYI you will forget you're on it)

Summer is just around the corner which means its almost swimsuit season. Alright now I don’t like dieting than again I’m pretty sure nobody does. When I do I do my very best not to tell anyone. Because if you tell people on a diet there is a chance they may look at what you’re eating and ask “can you really eat that?” or “should you be eating that with your diet?” When it comes to the “D” word its best if it’s not said at all. Switch things up with your food and lifestyle. Better yet don’t do it alone, ask your sisters for help!

My list below is of 10 tips I’ve found helpful when it comes to switching things up. I hope this list helps all you getting ready for swimsuit season!

1.  Don’t call it a diet! Just say to yourself you’re switching things up with your food. If you think of it like that you will forget your on a diet
2. Don’t get mad at yourself for eating sweets! Love yourself it’s the most important thing, and if you get mad at your body for having a natural craving for chocolate or candy its ok to give in. Try dark chocolate, I know its bitter but it really helps you eat sweets slowly so you feel fuller. Also peanut butter is amazing! I use it whenever I want some added protein to my sweets.
3. If you want some sugar, try adding some fruit to switch things up. I never used to eat Cuties (the baby seedless tangerines) and now I’m addicted. I throw a few in my backpack and eat them on my class breaks. It calms down my sweet tooth plus it has Vitamin C to keep me healthy with cold season coming and keeps my energy up on busy class days.
4.  Adding avocado does wonders! It makes you feel fuller, helps with skin and hair. It’s one the kind of food that makes you feel like Beyoncé, and who does not want to feel like Beyoncé!
5. Check out Pinterest for healthy easy recipes.
6. Don’t worry I didn’t forget exercise! Ew I know but when it comes to this subject I do something I love to do. I love to dance, any chance I get I dance. Not to mention I also walk. If you’re not into the gym do something that you enjoy doing. Like swimming, dancing or walking. Better yet ask your sisters if any of them want to go on a hike, or play beach volleyball
7. Don’t let your water get boring. Add some fruit to your water. Such as strawberries, lemon, oranges. The natural juice will also help detox you and keep you energized.
8. Same thing goes for salads! You can add fruit to salad, and nuts. Etc. If you use notes make sure they are not glazed. Have them be dry with only natural flavor. You’re going to be getting enough flavor from the dressing you can add. And if you’re worried about adding too much dressing, pour it in a spray bottle its way easier and less stressful than measuring it out.
9. Leave positive notes about yourself on your mirror. Each day write a new note about something you love about your body and self in general. It will help you get to your goals, because you won’t reach it if you are hating on yourself
10. My final tip! Don’t make it your goal to lose weight. Change things up to be healthy. If you are weighing yourself all the time and focused in on the numbers it could stress you out. You will feel the difference soon, if you follow my tips. You won’t need a scale!

6 Reasons Spring Semester is the Best

1. Spring Break: 
There may be no other time in your life where you get to take a week off from school to go to the beach and act like fools with all your friends. On SB the party never ends.

2. More singles: 
Quite a few people have fallen victim to the turkey dump which means more dating prospects! (Turkey Dump- When a student returning from college breaks up with their significant other from high school. So-called because it traditionally takes place over thanksgiving break, the first time most students return from college.)

3. Warmer weather: 
You don't need that coat anymore so feel free to wear all of your cute tank tops again; plus no more hiding under layers of clothes

4. Formal: 
You're getting dressed up to drink and party with all of your sisters its like Prom but 10x better.

5. Its almost summer: 
Schools about to be out which means you get to forget about school for almost 3 months; unless your taking summer classes but they still aren't usually as hard.

6: Shedding the winter weight:  
The suns out which means you want to be outside and active. You'll be bikini ready before you know it.