Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Watch Out For These Creepy Guy Moves

You have been warned to avoid the “creepers” – those infamous jerks that seem borderline stalker at times. But how is a girl supposed to know which guys fall into the category? Here are some signs that you have a creeper on your hands: 


  • Soon after meeting, he starts being too touchy, with his hand a bit too low on your back or too high up your thigh. 
  • He always seems to show up at the same places as you. 
  • He asks a bunch of inappropriate questions on the first date. 
  • He says things like, “You look hot,” even though you barely know him or have made it clear that you aren’t interested. 
  • He seems to know a lot about you (interests, class schedule, etc.) and takes every opportunity to show off his keen observational skills. 
  • He texts you nonstop, even when you stop replying. 
  • His texts (or anything else about him) make you feel uncomfortable. 
  • He acts clingy or always wants to know what you’re doing. 
  • He continually pesters you online (blowing up your Facebook wall, mentioning you on Twitter, etc.) for no reason. 
  • At parties or other large gatherings, he seems to follow you around the room, without ever really talking to you. 



So keep these warning signs in mind, and avoiding flirting with a potential creeper! Make sure to share this post (and the rest of Chit-Chat) with your friends! For more posts that you’re sure to love, stop by my personal blog, That College Girl’s Guide.Stay sexy ;) ThatCollegeGirl

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Fall Bucket List

 

Hey guys! Today I am going to share my fall bucket list with you! I did a summer bucket list on my blog, which you can checkout here, so I thought why not do a fall one?! I found having a bucket list really motivates me to do things and not just sit around on the computer. I am hoping to have everything done on this list by the time December hits!

 Fall Bucket List 2013:
  • Go to a drive in movie
  • Host a bonfire
  • Go to a pumpkin patch
  • go on a picnic
  • go on a hayride
  • go to a haunted house
  • go to a concert
  • have a random acts of kindness day
  • go to a festival
  • have a leaf pile photo-shoot
  • go in a corn maze
  • go on a hike
  • Make a pumpkin recipe from Pinterest 
  • Make a fall DIY 

Let me know in the comments if you had a summer bucket list, or if you make a fall one I would love to hear what is on it!
xo, Scarlett

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Half-Marathon Training

In July I thought it might be fun to sign up to run an 1/2 marathon this October, having run very little before this was a huge step for me and something thus far I have really enjoyed training for.

The idea of running 13.1 miles seems incredibly daunting at first but as you slowly progress it becomes more and more attainable.

I run 3 times a week. 2 are shorter runs and one is a longer run. The way I have build up my distance running is on the longer run I have increased it by a mile every week (or every 2 weeks depending on how tired I am) this has meant I have a reachable goal when I run, and helps keep my motivated.

Here are some of my top tips
Set a goal- Be it running a race or just being able to run frequently throughout the week. Goals give you something to aim for. 
-set rewards associated with your goal, to help further motivate you
Always warm up and cool down. Nobody likes having DOMS
 Get good quality running shoes that fit you well, to prevent injuries.
 Try to run on a quality surface, grass is the worst to run on, if you can find an athletics tract try road running, but be aware that concrete is high impact.

I am running my 1/2 marathon in aid of the Lullaby trust charity who help families affected by sudden infant death syndrome. 

If you wish to sponsor me head over to my just giving page

http://www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Elizabeth

XX,
Beckie

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Stay Healthy For School

Hey ladies!

So as we are all painfully aware of, school is starting soon. It's much more easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you have plenty of free time (aka summer), but now that that time isn't available it's difficult to stay on track! Here are some easy ways to incomporate a little health into your school days! 

1. Drink water!
It's annoying to hear over and over again, but it's SO true. Water is essential to your body working properly. Your muscles will be more flexible and strong, your skin will be clearer, and you will just feel better overall! Did you know that you should drink an ounce for every pound you weigh? That means that if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking 150 ounces of water a day! Use this as an excuse to go out and buy yourself (or even DIY!) a cute waterbottle.

2. Sneak in little bits of exercise
Making time to work out can be hard, especially when you have so much school work to do at night. So sneak in exercise during the day! Bike or walk everywhere you can, take the stairs, and use proper posture in class (it makes you pay more attention in class too!). 

3. Eat properly 
Carry around health snacks, such as almonds, cereal, and fruit, to eat when you get hungry. Always eat breakfast. Try to have protein, carbohydrates, and fats at lunch and dinner. Try to cut down sugar. All these things are vital to a healthy diet! Use a day before a school starts to really read up on proper nutrition and you will be amazed on what you will learn! 

4. Get your sleep!
While sometimes it seems impossible to get 8 hours of sleep, it is crucial. I believe a lot of this comes down to time management. I admit that it's hard to go home and go straight to homework, but try not to get sucked into watching an episode of a show, or skyping with your friend for another 30 minutes. Use these things as rewards for when you need a break from (or have finished) your homework!

So there you have it, my best tips for staying healthy through the school year! Good luck with back to school ladies! 

XX,
Brittany

Friday, August 23, 2013

Locker Organization

Today's post is all about locker organization.


I remember when I entered high school, I was so excited to have a locker and quickly stuffed it with random odds and ends, but I quickly realized, I just needed a few essentials and key ways to keep my locker in order!

You Only NEED The Basics

Don't get conned into buying the locker chandelier or wallpaper decorations. You don't need them. When it comes to your locker, you need it as simple and clean as possible. I mean, in all honestly - how much time do you spend beside your locker? The two essential locker accessories I believe are worth purchasing are a locker shelf (if your locker doesn't have shelves) and a magnetic utility cup. Since the lockers at my school were basically boxes, I would put the shelf in my locker and put my textbooks and heavier items on the bottom and keep my notebooks/binders/etc. on the top. Then in the magnetic utility cup I would keep a few extra pens and pencils. When it comes to lockers, my motto is - less is more.

Weekly Clean Out

If you are one who finds yourself going to your locker before and after every class and notice things begin to pile up - I suggest once or twice a week, you clean out your locker and clean any clutter build up that has accumulated over the span of time.

Organize Binders/Notebooks in Order

This will help those of you who have hurried breaks where you just need to grab and go. It works like a file system - put your first period binder in the back of the stack, and then grab your second period binder from the front. #SimpleAsThat

Do you have lockers at your school? How do you keep them organized?

XX,
Grace

P.S. Make sure to check out my locker organization post from last year!! {click here}

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Hollywood Hotties: Dating Secrets

By ThatCollegeGirl


Some of Hollywood’s newest cuties have been quoted talking about their personal lives. Take a look at the romantic side to these stars!

Austin Mahone
“I like girls that have a nice smile and nice eyes. I want to date a girl who understands my busy schedule, and that I have to be on tour a lot. And she has to make me laugh!”



Check out Austin’s latest hit song, “What About Love.”


Dylan Sprayberry
“I like girls who are funny, but know how to be serious, too. I like girls that aren’t worrying about how they look all day long. She can just have fun, make funny faces, be quirky, and doesn’t care about it. All the girls that I’ve had a crush on have been my friend first. I’d rather crush on a friend, who I already trust, than a complete stranger.”



Dylan’s most recent movie, Superman: Man of Steel, will be released on DVD this fall.


Jake T. Austin
“Instead of traditional dates, I like to go out for ice cream and a walk in the park. It might sound cliché, but I think it’s the perfect date for a hot summer day. I am definitely single right now. I want to date a girl who is secure with who she is, and isn’t afraid to just be herself. I’m very much into a girl’s personality!”


Watch Jake’s current television role on The Fosters. It airs on Mondays at 9pm EST, on ABC Family.

Logan Lerman
“I’m not confident enough to ask for a girl’s phone number at all. It’s pretty bad! It’s really hard for me to approach a girl I like.”


Logan’s latest film, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, is in theaters now.

Mindless Behavior
“When I meet a girl that I like, I’ll text her that day. If you wait too long, she’ll that that you don’t like her. That’s what I think if a girl doesn’t text me after I meet her.”
- Princeton

“I know that I like a girl when I can’t stop thinking about her. It’s like a song getting stuck in your head. If I hear a song and can’t remember it the next day, I wasn’t into it. But if the song stays in my head, I know I like it. It’s that way with girls, too.”
- Ray Ray


Mindless Behavior is on tour now. Their documentary All Around The World is available on DVD.


Get more sex, dating, and relationship advice on That College Girl’s Guide.

Stay sexy ;)
ThatCollegeGirl

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

How To :: Organize Your Inbox

By Emma @ itsemmaelise.blogspot.com

One thing that I’ve encountered as I entered college was a busy inbox. My email has been overflowing. I abandon my laptop or phone for an hour, and have twenty new emails upon my return. So I talked the problem by organizing my cluttered corner of the internet. Here’s how I did it!

First, you must consolidate. I have one main Gmail account, and have re-routed all of my other accounts to forward their mail to my one inbox. Gmail is very user-friendly in this department. You can find how-to guides if you need help.

Now, you must organize all of that information. Gmail makes it very simple to create labels and sub-labels, which can also act as folders. You can also put multiple labels on one email. These are the labels I created:
  • Blogging – updates from my favorite blogs, topics to write about, conversations with affiliates/companies/interviewees
  • Need Reply – emails that I need to reply to (pretty self-explanatory)
  • Need To Print – emails that need to be printed, such as receipts or confirmations (also self-explanatory)
  • Pending – shipments that haven’t yet arrived, refunds that haven’t processed, etc.
  • Reference – emails that need to be saved for future reference (ex: scans of medical information)
  • Scheduling – anything with a deadline or set date (then sub-labeled by date)
  • School – professor’s communications with the class, group project emails, other school-related emails
  • Shopping – coupons or online deals (whether it be a link or a coupon code)
  • Flagged as “Important” – how I bring my attention to items that I must address immediately
  • “Starred” items – how I differentiate between emails that come in from one other specific email account of mine
I hope this post helped you with your overwhelming clutter of email!

Make sure to visit me over at itsemmaelise, and let me know your thoughts!

♥emma

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Guys Like It When...

By ThatCollegeGirl

Make him notice you! Sometimes the little things are all you need to get his attention.

Satisfy His Inner Boy
If you head to a hockey game with your crush, do you shrink back when the players fight? Well, you shouldn’t! Get into the action, and enjoy it as much he is. Guys often love watching sports and playing video games. Sharing that with a cute girl is a big turn-on.



Plan The Date
Guys love it when the girl initiates planning for the date. Don’t just tell him that you’re down for “Whatever you want to do!” By planning, he knows that you’ll have fun. And that then takes a lot of pressure off of him.



Show Your Support
Does your guy rock out in a band? Make the crew band t-shirts before their neck big gig. Acts like this let him know that you care about his interests. And that, in turn, shows your investment in the relationship.



Let Him Chase You
While other girls may be flocking around your crush at a party, hang back. You don’t even need to try talking to him at all. He won’t be sure if you even notice him, which will make you even more intriguing. Just do your own thing, and it will make him want to talk to you even more!



Have Fun Doing The Boring Stuff
Whether it’s getting the car fixed or picking out birthday presents, be willing to go on small errands with your guy. It will make it feel like less of a chore for him.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Back-to-School Trend: The 90s Look

By Emma @ itsemmaelise.blogspot.com

When you head back to school, those hallways are like your runway! So I’m here to fill you in on one of the hottest looks for fall. Many of you probably didn’t live out your childhood in the 90’s, so let me fill you in. Cher Horowitz, star of the hit show Clueless, was a major style icon. (The show was also pretty addicting, if you want to check it out.) Cher was a somewhat ditzy, too-rich-for-her-own-good schoolgirl, and inadvertently started all sorts of 90’s trends, including her catch phrase, “As if!” Cher was known for rocking bold blazers, knee-high socks, and Mary-Jane platform shoes. And coming this fall, all of the above are going to be back in style.


Patterned Minis



Mini-skirts are key to pulling off the 90’s look. Look for checkered patterns, plaid, and bold colors (especially red and yellow). Channel your inner Cher with a simple, A-line version. Just make sure your skirt isn’t too short for school! (Pins And Needles Jacquard Skirt, $29.99, Urban Outfitters)

Bold Blazers



Your school’s hallways are a minefield of potential encounters. You never know when you might bump into your crush. With a bright blazer, you’ll catch everyone’s eye…and will be looking classy when you do! What’s the best part? A blazer will perfectly balance out that mini-skirt you found. (BB Dakota Arlene Blazer in Hot Pink, $36.99, 6PM)

Crisp Collared Shirt



A crisp oxford will look put-together, without looking like you’re trying too hard. For an edgy touch, try buttoning your shirt all the way up to the collar, and then add a chunky necklace. Make sure that you tuck in your shirt. Otherwise, get one that has a more boyish and boxy cut, as well as a slight crop. (, $36, Topshop)

Clear Bag



No one will dare to “Whatever!” you, when you are trendy enough to bare all with a clear bag. Store all of your must-haves in this cute piece, and you will never have to rummage through the dark insides of your bag ever again. As an added bonus, using a clear bag allows you to shows off your gorgeous tech cases, even when you aren’t using them. (
Faith Perspex Cross Body Bag, $65.82, Asos)

Knee-High Socks



The secret to recreating the perfect Cher-inspired 90’s look lies in the knee-highs. Match any outfit with a pair in a basic color. They will look classy, while also keeping you warm and cozy as temperatures drop for fall. (Gipsy Over-The-Knee Socks, $6.75, Asos)

Platform Shoes



Sky-high heels will help you to own the hallways, and your toes will appreciate an open-toe version. To pull off this look, stick to Mary Jane or t-strap styles. Don’t worry about wearing your knee-high socks with these open-toe shoes; it will still look adorable, and the look definitely channels the 90’s. Remember to keep the color and pattern of your shoes to a minimum, since the rest of your outfit is so bold. (Sandals, $29.95, H&M)

Make sure to check out my personal blog, itsemmaelise, and tweet me your thoughts on this look @itsemmaelise. Happy shopping!

emma elise

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Making Your Summer Last

Making Your Summer Last The tingle on your back,
Bonfires in the night,
That sip of green iced tea,
The way he holds you tight.

The splash along the shore,
Or a sand sculpture on the bay,
Catching up on recorded shows,
Friends that brighten up your day.

Ice cream around the corner,
Gardening in the sun,
Dancing in the summer rain,
Road trips planned for fun.

Instagram uploads of every moment,
Band members to meet.
It feels like time does not exist,
It feels like you are complete.

Summer activities don't have to cease,
Music will continue to blast.
Doing what makes you happy is
How to make your summer last.


source

xx,
Melanie

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Love Lessons of a Past, Current, and Future Lover

Love Lessons of a Past, Current, and Future Lover image

While I have not been in love since 2008-- ah, the middle school days--, my experience with lovers is pretty expansive. I'm going to be blunt: this post is chock-full of guidance manifested from sexual encounters, emotional devastation  and confusing entanglements. Okay, maybe I should scribble out "devastation," but these lessons are from REAL EVENTS. I hope my stories can teach you about your past, present, and future love life!
Love yourself first. I'm a huge advocate for self-love and self-confidence/esteem. The best way to develop a "love" for yourself is to take care of YOU. If something makes you feel good about yourself, DO IT! If it doesn't make you feel good about yourself, DON'T DO IT. Here's an example: If you were to step outside yourself and treat yourself as a friend, how would you treat that friend? Personally, I would treat my friend with compassion, kindness, and care. How would you want to be treated?
Know that your sex life (or lack thereof) does not determine your value. In other words, deciding to engage in or abstain from sexual activity is completely your choice. Friends and family (or your trusty blogger chick, haha!) can offer advice , but it's not their decision to make. Only YOU will know when you are ready, so listen to yourself and your needs! From personal experience, I will say that when you want to proceed, 100% certainty is ideal. When you're on the fence, you're most likely not ready. (Read more on this topic here!)
Sex is not all fresh roses and fancy fairy tale plot lines. I am not being cynical here; I'm simply telling you that a fairy tale standard is screwing up with my idea of love, sex, and dating. And I feel like it affects my peers as well...but mostly just me. Put in simple terms: sex can be awkward, not so satisfying, and even BAD-- which I hope you never have to experience! No need to freak out just yet, though. As long as you take the next piece of advice, sex and love will be fabulous!
Listen to your partner and listen to yourself. This applies to any facet of your life, but especially applies to sustaining a relationship (whether it be emotional, physical, or otherwise). For example, when a friend tells you they aren't looking for a relationship, it's best to steer away if you ARE looking for a relationship. You both aren't on the same page, so-- TRUST ME-- it really isn't worth pursuing. But let's say you're having sex with a new partner. Listen to their requests while assertively expressing requests of your own. Their needs are most likely different from your last partner; and they aren't accustomed to your turn-ons, either. Help each other out and communicate!

The advice doesn't stop there, and neither does the experience.
Much love to you (and your lovers),
Melanie

Friday, August 16, 2013

Summer Birthday Gift Ideas

Hi Everyone! 

Gifts for your friends in the summer can be tricky - especially if you didn't see each other over the summer, however I came up with a couple summer birthday gift ideas - ranging from presents for your friend that is literally attached to the hip and lives at your house, to the friend that was jet setting all over the globe and you barely even got a "Hey! What's up?" text.

Z Gallerie - Pasadena Frame
1. Picture Frame w/ Memory

This first present is a great idea because once school rolls around that will be all that is on your minds, but if you pick a funny picture of the two of you from that beach trip you were so excited for, and put it in a cute frame - ta da! you have your present! Everytime she looks at that picture she will think of the carefree memory and will easily calm her from that stressful AP Chem test she has to cram for! These colorful ones from Z Gallerie come in a range of colors and are too cute! 

Cafe Press - California Baseball Cap

2. Momento from Trip

Another present for that friend that  has basically moved in - a momento from a trip you took together! Whether it is a baseball hat, cheesy t-shirt or even a keychain, whenever she looks at it she will think of that trip and who gave it to her! My cousin visited this summer, and I think getting her a  baseball hat would be a cute idea because I know that while she was here she wanted to pick something up and she will remember her trip forever! #Summer2k13

Target - Merona® Zig Zag Phone Case Wristlet

3. Wristlet/Coin Purse

Do you see that adorable wristlet that you remember your girl friend talking about for ages? This would be a great present because it is something you know she will use! You could even stash a gift card to the local coffee place which makes those to die for Caramel frappes! If you're looking for a more inexpensive option, this chevron wristlet from Target won't break the bank! 


Lilly Pulitzer - Agenda

4. Planner
This is another one of those useful presents that you know she will use! You could pick up a cute Lilly Pulitzer planner and using colorful pens, fill it with special dates, whether it is birthdays, traditions, or even just writing little notes in here and there for her to seem! You could attach a fun pen - and whula! one less school supply she has to worry about picking up!

Lilly Pulitzer - Tumbler 


5. Tervis/Lilly Tumbler
This is the present that is perfect for your friend that is always on the go - whether it is because she is always running into first period at the last second or her strenuous list of extra curricular activities. She can just fill it up with whatever beverage and she is good to go! I'm loving this Lilly tumbler right now in the pattern Lucky Charms!




Do you have a birthday in the summer? What's on your list?

XX,
Grace

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

How to Carry Your Summer Attitude Into School

How to Carry Your Summer Attitude Into School image

School is around the corner, y'all! I must admit, I am really excited for this year. On the other hand, my schedule is jam-packed with class, leadership roles, and blogging commitments! I figured the best way to handle this would be to incorporate my summer attitude into my semester. Read on for a few tips on transitioning from the pool to school!
image

"Lounge" does not need to be synonymous with "lazy"! When you're out on your campus quad, your productivity (and creativity) will increase. If you're not so inspired by nature, try lounging in the student center. Find a place where you can be comfortable and not too distracted.
image

Getting test scores back doesn't have to be a challenge if you apply your tanning technique to your studying sessions! Similar to how you sit out in the sun during its peak hours, individual peak study time is key to receiving the best results. Carve out a block of time in which you will be most focused and get your nerd on!
image

Summer is the best time to catch up with friends, make some extra money, and get a break from major responsibilities. This summer, I made a list of friends I wanted to see before returning to school. (I'm proud to announce I have seen almost every one of them!) Jot down a school bucket list to keep yourself on the road to success!
imageLet's face it: the ultimate challenge during school is the BALANCING ACT. The easiest way to sustain a fulfilling social life -- and sparkling GPA -- is to make work time an incentive for play time! The harder you work, the more you deserve to play hard. (Be sensible, though!)

Best of luck!
xx,
Melanie

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Car Playlist

Hey y’all! My name is Lauren and I blog over at Polished in Pearls.

Today I have a car playlist perfect for all those last few spontaneous weekend road trips you’re taking. All the songs are upbeat and fun and will always remind me of summer 2013!




xoxo,
Lauren

Monday, August 12, 2013

Back to School Health Tips

Freshman 15 is definite possibility even if you're not in college. Unless you’re in a sport, trying to balance your social calendar, extra-curriculars, family obligations and school work, working out and eating right can be placed on the back burner.

Here are some tips that helped me lose the Freshman 15 and keep it off!
1// Don't feel guilty about the pizza, but make sure to limit your intake. Split a piece with a friend, or just have on piece. 
2// Drink water, and lots of it. In high school I carried around a huge Nalgene that I filled three times a day.  In order to get rid of dining points in college, I drank the most expensive water on campus. This year I'll be carrying around a tumbler from Personalized From Me to You instead. Basically. Drink water. It fills you up and keeps you alert! 
3// Track your food, in general on MyfitnessPal. You can access it online, on your tablet and smartphone! I swear by it, I can keep track of everything I eat (basically) and it makes you think about what you're putting in your body. 
4// Treat working out like a class. Schedule it, and go through with it! Last semester I would carry my workout gear with me and change after class. I knew that as soon as I got back to my dorm I wasn't leaving anytime soon. 
5// Find a workout that works for you. I just don't run, so I go on the bike or elliptical instead of running. Don't feel bad, some people aren't runners. Make sure to add a little weight lifting too!
6// Enjoy your body. No matter the type, you're beautiful. 

Take a deep breathe, and enjoy where you are in life!

xoxo
aVe
PS Check out Purple & Pearls and my Pinterest for more tips!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

High School Advice from a College Freshman

Hey y’all! My name is Lauren and I blog over at Polished in Pearls. Today I have a few pieces of advice targeted specifically toward high school students.

1. Take a lot of pictures. Having just graduated, one thing my friends and I all agreed on is that we didn't take enough pictures to really represent all the time we spent with each other. Even if you're just hanging out, take pictures! Selfies from the beginning of high school make the best laughs now.

2. Don't wait to get involved. As a freshman, and even as a sophomore, I was really shy when it came to participating in extracurriculars that genuinely interested me. I was so worried about the upperclassmen and not having any friends that I didn't get involved with anything until senior year. Remember you all share a common interest so go for it!

3. All of the clichés really are true. On the topic of graduating, life's too short is what stands out to me. You will be utterly amazed once you've graduated at how quickly the time has passed. Go out there and try new things, don't hold back, don't be afraid to do something a little crazy, and don't keep telling yourself you'll do it tomorrow. Make the most out of today.

4. Find the proper balance. Between your social life and your studies, I believe neither holds a place higher than the opposite. They're both critical parts of your future and balancing your time at this point in your life is imperative.

5. Don't stress. I spent endless anxiety filled nights from the middle of my junior until almost the end of my senior year. The college admission threw me for a physical and emotional roller coaster, and I realize now if I had just calmed down for a second, everything would still be just as okay as they are now.

XX,
Lauren

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Book Review

Hi guys! 

My name is Brittany and I’ll be posting this month! I’m a rising junior living in NYC (and just because I know you’re wondering, it’s not like Gossip Girl!). I’m hoping to share with you guys things I’ve found that are amazing and that I think you should know about! So without further ado… 

Summer is about doing what you want to do, and for some of us that means staying as far away from books as possible. I’ll admit I was guilty of this up until last summer, when I (finally!) found some books I loved. So, if you still haven’t had this epiphany, here are some recommendations! 

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Simply put, this is the best chick-lit I’ve ever come across. It follows Belly and two brothers through their summer as they vacation in a beach house. The story becomes addicting as a love triangle comes up (no chick-lit is complete without one!) and you sway between which brother she should choose. Best of all, it’s a trilogy! It’s Not Summer Without You and We’ll Always Have Summer follow, and believe me, you won’t be able to put them down either! I highly recommend you read this now since it’s summer; you basically feel like Belly herself. It’s just so great! Pick it up ASAP! 

Classy by Derek Blasberg
For days when you just don’t want to follow a plot, look no further than Classy. Derek dishes out actual advice, all while being absolutely hilarious. He covers everything from dinner etiquette to classic movies to appropriate airport apparel (take a look at the image below!). Although he is a guy, his advice is somehow very useful and, even if you are already extremely classy, may teach you a thing or two. 

There’s even a sequel called Very Classy if you really want to go the extra (classy?) mile!

So there we have it guys, two really good series to get you through the rest of summer! Let me know what you think of them! 

XX,
Brittany

Friday, August 9, 2013

Workout Playlist

Rap, rock, pop…I love it all when it comes to what I listen to while getting in shape!


”Image:

This month’s workout playlist just screams, “Get up, & get moving!” And with fun, up-beat songs (including some from female favorites, like Lady Gaga and M.I.A.), it will be near impossible to sit still while listening to these tracks. Plus, how can you not start dancing when “We Will Rock You” comes on?! This playlist also gives you the option of skipping the treadmill, in exchange for some fun dance sessions either solo or with your pals. Exercising to beats like these is sure to make you feel fantastic after every workout!

  • ”Let Me Blow Ya Mind” – Eve & Gwen Stefani
  • ”We Will Rock You” – Queen
  • ”Creator” – Santigold vs. Switch and FreQ Nasty
  • ”Under Pressure” – Queen & David Bowie
  • ”Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” – Lady GaGa
  • ”Fix Up, Look Sharp” – Dizzee Rascal
  • ”U.R.A.Q.T.” – M.I.A.
  • ”Take Me Out” – Franz Ferdinand



Let us know: What is your favorite song from this playlist?

Share your new tunes with friends, and don’t forget to share the Chit-Chat Blog as well!
Thanks for reading!

xo, Em

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Manicure Mania

Lately I have been obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer, so a Lilly nail design was bound to happen eventually! I think it turned out pretty well considering it was my first attempt at it!
For my Lilly inspired nail design, I decided to use the "You Gotta Regatta" print for inspiration. Here is what the actual print looks like: 
 

Here are all the colors I had to use for this design!
Kiss Nail Art Paints, Revlon White on White, Charlotte Russe Neon Pink, Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow, and Milani Glitzy in Denim. 

 
 It is such an easy design, and you don't have to be really precise or anything! You can pretty much use whatever colors you want, but I tried to stick to the original design. I do recommend using nail art brushes to do the design though!I just started out with a simple white coat and drew the design on! Then I filled in the sails and adds the light blue around it!
 The finished look! I love it even though I didn't do sailboats on every nail. As you can see I got creative and did a few solid color nails in the same color scheme and did an "L" for Lilly and a palm tree since that is their favicon for their website!

Tell me what you think of this manicure in the comments and don't forget to checkout my blog for more nail and fashion ideas! I also would love to hear your favorite Lilly print!

xo, Scarlett

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Random Recipe

Chocolate and Orange Mousse

This is one of my favourite summertime desserts and is super easy to make, for a non alcoholic version add orange juice instead of Cointreau. Also if you are not a fan of dark chocolate it works just as well with milk chocolate

Ingredients
170 g of dark chocolate
7 egg whites
40 grams of caster sugar
a dash of Cointreau 
zest of half  orange

  1. Melt the chocolate in the microwave on a low temperature so that it doesn't burn or become lumpy
  2. Whisk the egg whites to form soft peaks 
  3. Add the sugar and whisk to form firm peaks(the peaks should remain even when you remove the whisk), the mixture should now look shiny.
  4. Mix 1/3 of the egg white mixture with the chocolate very quickly otherwise you will en up with lumps of solidified chocolate.
  5. Add in the remaining egg white , Cointreau and orange zest and fold in, being careful not to knock out the air from the mousse.
  6. Decant into dessert dishes or drinks glasses and leave in the fridge overnight

for a non alcoholic version add orange juice instead of Cointreau


XX,

Beckie

Monday, August 5, 2013

Trending

Classic prints are making quite the comeback this fall. Get ready to put away your loud prints from spring and replace them with a classic print such as houndstooth! I came up with a 6 different options if you want to add houndstooth into your wardrobe for fall 2013.

 
If you enjoy wearing dresses, then having a houndstooth dress only makes sense! This one is from Forever 21, and would make a great transition piece from summer into call by just adding a cardigan!

 
If patterned pants are more your style, go with these houndstooth jeggings! They are also from Forever 21 and can be easily dressed up or dressed down!

 
Not sure if you want to be extremely bold? Try this simple houndstooth bow from Forever 21 to add a classic, girly touch to your outfit!

 
For the early fall months when it is still warm enough outside to wear shorts, try these subtle houndstooth print shorts from Forever 21!

I absolutely love the cobalt blue color of this houndstooth shirt from Francesca's!   

I also love this peplum top from Francesca's! Peplum is still a big trend for next season, so this shirt is perfect! There are also endless ways to accessorize it.


That's all for today, but tell me in the comments if you own anything houndstooth! Don't forget to say what your favorite piece from this post was too!

XX,
Scarlett
The Trendy Chick

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Back to School Transition

School is right around the corner, and even though I am getting ready to move into an apartment I still remember what it was like to be getting ready for high school!
Tips to get ready for school:

1. Routine: Unless you have to get up every morning this summer at the same time you did for school, I would get up one or two mornings the week before school the same time you will have to for school. Call me crazy, but it's what my parents made me do, and in high school it became habit. 

2.Cute Clothes!: Every girl knows she needs new clothes for school, but who's really looking forward to spending the money? Do you have a student id? Try these places for discounts!


3. School Supplies: To avoid unnecessary cost, I generally try to shop sales at Target, Office Max, and Walmart. They have great deals, but I do love cute accessories for school, and I recently discovered Lifeguard Press for cute Lilly school accessories. They come out with new ones in August, so stay tuned! (I have their Lilly agenda in Tusk in the Sun Large, and I am in love)

4. Last minute Summer Fun!: Don't forget to get the most out of August! In high school I always had AP homework, but I always made time to head over to Lake Michigan and spend the day at the beach! Continue the bonfires, late nights with friends and fun in the sun until school starts! It can get really hectic!

Don't forget your pearls, or a little purple! 

Check out my blog at http://purpleandpearl.blogspot.com/!
There you can tweet me questions or ideas you have about going back to school!

XX,
Ashley

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Random DIY

Make A Statement…with a DIY Chain Necklace!

This cute DIY necklace will take any outfit from drab to fab. If you want to rock this look for yourself, just take a trip to your local craft store. Soon, you’ll have easily made an unforgettable statement piece!

DIY Chain Necklace

Here’s what you’ll need:
  • Needle-nose jewelry pliers
  • A 26-inch cord
  • 28 small jump rings
  • 2 large jump rings
  • 14 metal-rhinestone chains
Don’t be intimidated by some of the terminology here. A “jump ring” is just a fancy name for a metal loop. If you have any questions, a store associate should be able to help out!

Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Using your pliers, attach a small jump ring to each end of all 14 of your chains.
  2. Attach all of the small jump rings on one side (14 total) to one of the large jump rings. Repeat on the other side. It should now seem like you have one thick chain, that is made up of all the individual chains.
  3. Pass the cord through both large jump rings. Knot the ends of the cord together.
  4. Wear you fashionable new DIY necklace!
Feel free to stop by my personal blog, itsemmaelise, or tweet me your thoughts and pics (@itsemmaelise)!

♥Emma