Gifts for the Tech Savvy Friend

1. Crosley Record Player with Bluetooth

This is such an awesome gift, especially with a couple of records to go along with it! I have a Crosley record player and it is still one of my favorite gifts I've ever received. 

2. Apple Watch Series II

This is the Apple Watch I currently have and I LOVE it. I really can't say enough good things about it. If you're looking to splurge a little for a gift this is definitely it. 

3. Studebaker Portable Radio

This has to be about the cutest thing ever. This would make a great portable radio to take to the pool or the beach in the summer, or just about anywhere! It would also be great for tailgating!

4. Revolar Safety Wearable

This little guy probably has you confused but it would make a great and practical gift for anybody heading off to college, moving to a new city, or just anyone who wants to feel safer. This little button is easy to put in your purse or in your pocket and with a few clicks you can get help or send an alert to your worrisome mother to let her know you got safely where you were headed. 

5. Anker Soundcore Speaker

This little speaker produces a pretty good quality of sound and can get pretty loud. Would be a great portable speaker for anyone on the go!

6. HP Sprocket 

This smartphone printer is on my Christmas list this year. It's a great size and you can print any photo straight from your phone. You can also print straight from your Facebook or Instagram account!

7. Altec Mini Bluetooth Speaker

This little speaker has great sound and can get loud! It's a little bit less feminine then the last speaker I listed (it could also work for your bf). Added bonus: it's waterproof, and resists dust and sand!

8. Sonix Tortoise Portable Charger

So often these portable chargers are ugly but this one is adorable and even comes in about 20 different patterns! 

9. Tile Keychain

This is seriously the best thing I've ever purchased. I have a tendency to lose my keys almost daily and this saves me so much time in the morning looking for my keys. Less wasted time = more sleep, it's a win win!

10. Roku Streaming Stick

Best investment ever for anyone really. We have them in every room of my apartment because they're so small and convenient. It makes it so easy to stream all your favorite sites in one place with one remote. 

11. Fujifilm Instax Mini

So these have probably been at the top of Christmas lists for a few years now but it's a great gift idea for that friend who loves to take artsy photos. You can also hang them all up for easy and whimsical decor!

12. Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This thing is a godsend, especially in the winter. It helps with dry skin and helps eliminate those nights when you wake up with a sore throat from sleeping in dry air. I would even recommend grabbing one for yourself. 

13. Simon Optix

This is like a VR version of the Simon game we all knew and loved as kids. It's a cool throwback and personally I think it would be hilariously fun at parties. 

14. Lilly Pulitzer Crossbody iPhone Purse

Y'all know I can't leave Lilly off the list, so this is for the girl who never goes anywhere without her phone but wants to stay stylish.

15. Amazon Echo Dot

Honestly, when I first got this I didn't know if I'd ever use it but now I love it! I use this for everything from making grocery lists to jamming out in my room. The Echo Dot is the smaller version of the full sized Amazon Echo and it would make a perfect gift for the holiday season! 

16. Sony Canal Earbuds

The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone. These are a really cute color and they have pretty great sound quality for being inexpensive. 

If you're trying to stay as inexpensive as possible this holiday you can also consider signing up for the Target RedCard. They have both a debit card and a credit card to choose from and you always save 5% on everything in the store! You can sign up here!

Minneapolis Travel Guide

Hey y'all! I'm coming back with another travel guide, this time I'm talking all about Minneapolis! Minneapolis is a quick four hour road trip for me, so it's always a good destination for a little weekend getaway. This time I stayed at The Graduate Hotel and I have to say I highly recommend it to anyone looking to stay in Minneapolis! It was such a cute boutique hotel with the coziest furnishings. It really felt like a place you'd want to snuggle up by the fire (preferably the one in the lobby, which is gorgeous). It had a very luxury ski lodge vibe that we really enjoyed!

First Stop: Total Wine & More
So this stop is technically a little outside the twin cities but it's definitely worth swinging by. They have great deals on wine, most of it at wholesale prices. This means you can pick up some great quality bottles for under $20! They also have a huge selection of beer and spirits, I'd totally recommend stopping if you have time!

Second Stop: The Mall of America
Anyone who knows me or reads this blog, or even anyone who has seen the inside of my closet knows I love to shop so this was a fairly obvious place to spend half a day. The Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States so if you're in need of a shopping fix.....enough said.

Third Stop: The Graduate Hotel
After a shopping spree we stopped by the hotel to drop off our luggage and check in. The Graduate is located in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus which puts you right within walking distance to some really neat shops, restaurants, and more. They also have a restaurant and bar attached, as well as a Starbucks!
Bonus: Not traveling to Minneapolis? No problem! The Graduate is a chain of hotels in college towns all across the country!

Fourth Stop: Sencha Tea Bar
This is a place we just happened to notice on the way to the hotel. It's about a block and a half walk from the hotel so it made the perfect pre-dinner relaxation spot. They had a massive selection of teas to choose from, as well as some light food offerings. This was a really quaint and unique place and I'm so glad we happened upon it!

Last Stop: The Melting Pot
If you haven't been to The Melting Pot at least once in your life you need to give it a shot. It's definitely an experience. They offer a huge variety of different fondues such as cheese, and chocolate fondues. If you feel like playing it safe try the Classic Alpine cheese fondue. For the chocolate fondue you can choose what type of chocolate you want and if you're 21 and over you can choose a type of alcohol to mix in as well. We went with dark chocolate and Bailey's and it was FANTASTIC.
Pro Tip: Plan on spending at least two hours here, this isn't a quick meal but it's totally worth the time investment!

Hopefully you've gotten the travel bug from reading this! Have you ever stayed at a Graduate Hotel? What's your favorite place to visit in Minneapolis? Let me know in the comments!

The College Series: Do's & Don'ts of Sorority Recruitment

Hey y'all! The next few posts in the College Series have been highly requested and they're all about sorority rush. Let me know if you guys have any questions and I can do a Q&A post about rush as well!

DO

Do: Be Yourself 

This should be fairly obvious but we are trying to get to know you and hundreds of other girls as quickly as possible. Don't be afraid to be yourself and don't be afraid of being judged. 

Do: Smile! 

It makes us feel more comfortable as well as the girls around you. Smiling makes you seem more fun and approachable, trust me we're doing the same thing. 

Do: Be Positive

Try to be excited for every house, even if you have your eye on a certain sorority. It's not fair to not give a chapter a chance, you don't know them. You might fall in love with a chapter you never saw yourself in. Make it a point to find something positive about every chapter, you'll be in a better mood that way. 

Do: Make Sure You're Comfortable

This goes especially to those of you with huge campuses where the houses are spread out all over. Not every campus has sorority row, which can equal lots of walking. I know those brand new heels seem like a good idea, but instead opt for a cute pair of flats or some comfortable wedges. This goes for clothes too. Don't wear a dress or a romper that you constantly have to pull down. 

Do: Pack Your Purse

Take a bag, this is honestly so important. The whole process involves a lot of really long days and having some Band-Aids, water, gum, and snacks will make you a well loved person among your fellow PNMs. 

Do: Ask Questions

Think of this as a job interview except more fun. Be willing to ask any questions that you have about the chapter, the girls, or anything else. It makes it less awkward for us when you ask questions instead of us having to force small talk or grill you. 

Do: Be Prepared

It is a long process, which involves being asked the same questions over and over. Don't get annoyed everyone is trying to get to know you. We all know how repetitive it is, we went through it too. 

Do: Get Your Zzzzz's

Like I said before, it's a handful of really long days. Don't go out and party during rush (this can actually hurt your chances at getting a bid) but also make it a point to go to bed earlier and get up for breakfast. 

Do: Talk to Your Rho Chi (Recruitment Counselors)

They've been through the whole process and they're here to help you. Don't be shy about asking them any questions you might have or even just asking them for advice. Don't ask about what sorority they're in because they aren't allowed to tell you anyway. 

Do: Make Friends

Lots of the girls from your pledge class, whether they get bids or not, will become some of your earliest friends in college. Take the time to talk to everyone else too, everyone is in the same boat. Plus, making friends in your pledge class makes it feel less awkward because you don't feel alone in the process. 

Do: Dress to Impress
Having a hard time choosing between that skirt and your favorite Lilly shift? Go with the Lilly. It's hard to be overdressed for rush so just wear something that you love that makes you feel confident.

Do: Know What You're Getting Into
Sorority life can get expensive and it is a large time commitment between chapter meetings, retreats, and social events. Be prepared and do your research.

Do: Make Sure You're Doing This for the Right Reasons
One of the best things about rushing is finding a group of girls who you share interests and you can make friends so quickly. These are girls you'll most likely keep as friends for the rest of your life. Don't do this for the attention, the reputation, or the parties.


DON'T

Don't: Talk About the 3 B's
Booze, Boys, and the Bible. Try to keep topics light during recruitment. Religion might come up if you're talking with a faith based sorority though, then it's totally fine!

Don't: Swear
It's just not appealing, you're trying to make your best impression in a short amount of time. Just don't do it.

Don't: Have Your Heart Set
First of all it's unfair to not give all the chapters a chance, especially based only on things you've heard. Give everyone a chance. You never know, the chapter you never considered might be your favorite. It also hurts more if you have your heart set on one sorority and don't get a bid so don't put yourself in that position.

Don't: Be Intimidated
Recruitment is just kind of a strange and overwhelming experience. You're tired and you're having chants yelled at you all while being stared at by hundreds of girls knowing they are going to judge you based on a short amount of time getting to know you. That being said, if you do feel intimidated it's okay just try not to be nervous.

Don't: Take Anything Personally
Like I said we're all trying to get to know huge groups of girls in such a short amount of time based entirely off of quick conversations and small talk. If we just don't click don't take it personally.

Don't: Complain
Recruitment is a long, exhausting process. We know you're tired, we've been through the process too and honestly we are just as tired as you are. Plus our throats are sore from chanting constantly. Be excited, it makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

Don't: Worry!
This is so important! It's okay if you don't get a bid there are so many other ways to get involved on campus and make friends. If you really want in and don't get a bid during formal recruitment keep an eye out for informal recruitment sometime in the spring, or you can always try again next year.

Don't: Talk About Other Houses
Don't be the girl who goes around telling chapters how much you dislike a chapter, their house, or their girls. Many of us have friends in all different sororities on campus and you could be talking about someone's best friend. You never know who you might offend, so you're better off being positive and talking about yourself or asking questions.


That's all I can think of! If you guys have any questions about sorority recruitment I'd be more than happy to answer them! Feel free to drop me a comment here, shoot me an email or send me a DM on Instagram! I'll be answering everyone's questions!

Also be on the lookout for the next couple of posts in The College Series they will be all about sorority recruitment!