The friends I have spoken to about dry shampoo say that unless it is the foam dry shampoo, it turns your scalp white. Most dry shampoo products have a white powder base to them, which clears the oils in your hair but leaves a [ ...continue reading ]]]> As I watched the QVC video, I was surprisingly intrigued. Could this dry shampoo actually work? Dry shampoo is all the rage these days. I have had many friends try out several different versions and brands of dry shampoo. Some say it works for a short time, and others have been disappointed with their purchase.

The friends I have spoken to about dry shampoo say that unless it is the foam dry shampoo, it turns your scalp white. Most dry shampoo products have a white powder base to them, which clears the oils in your hair but leaves a white residue. When I received my Shampowder in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a brown powder that was designed to match your hair. The company also has a lighter color for blond hair and even one for red hair, too!

It took me a few days before I tested it out, but finally I gave it a go. One complaint I do have is that the instructions are a little confusing about how to open the bottle and get the powder to come through the brush. Once I had already spilled a part of it on my bathroom rug, I figured out how to get it started. I tested it on my hand first and it blended right in. I was surprised that it had a pleasant vanilla scent to it. I carefully flipped the brush over and began to place it on my scalp. After applying it to various places in my hair, I was done. My hair actually felt clean. There was no oil or residue left in my hair! I have very curly hair and was worried it wouldn’t work as well as on straight hair, but I have no complaints because the texture of my hair had no effect at all! I was super-pleased with the results Shampowder gave me.

For one, the product left no residue or oils in my hair. Another big factor was the pleasant scent and the color of the powder. The fact that Shampowder matched the color of my hair was definitely a selling point for me. This is a very useful product because not only does it really work, but also it can be used in any hair color or with any texture. My only words of advice: Once you buy this product, read the directions very carefully so that you don’t have the same accident I had. I’m giving this product two thumbs up and will definitely buy more in the future.

There was always a direct path for me to follow, [ ...continue reading ]]]> As I sat at my graduation party last weekend, watching the slide show my mother so dutifully put together, I looked back on all of my other graduations. There was my preschool graduation, where I proudly posed with my “diploma” (a certificate tied with yarn) and cardboard cap. There was the 5th-grade moving-up ceremony, middle school graduation, and of course, high school graduation. Yet something seemed different about graduating from college. All of the other times, I knew what lay ahead: elementary school, middle school, high school and college.

There was always a direct path for me to follow, in some cases, right down to the clothing I would wear (private school uniform, what’s up). More importantly, ever since I was 10, my life revolved around going to Duke. Every spelling test, French quiz and history essay had a unified purpose. And I ultimately did go to Duke—and loved it. But now what? Where do I go from here? What happens after the dream ends? For the first time, I don’t have classes, tests, spring breaks or report cards. And as scary as that seems right now, it’s also kind of exciting.

Some of my friends have known what they wanted to do since they were practically in the womb. I’m not going to lie and pretend I’m not jealous of that, but what happens if, after all those years of medical school, they realize it’s not for them? Or if they come home after a long day on Wall Street and decide they were really meant to be a music teacher? Take the case of my uncle: In college he decided he wanted to be a lawyer, so he went to one of the best law schools in the country, joined a top firm, and even moved to China to teach law for a few years. Then he realized it wasn’t for him and that he would rather be a news reporter. Though he gained valuable life experience and legal knowledge, I’m sure he would’ve appreciated getting a jump start on his current career a few years earlier (not to mention saving a bundle of money on tuition).

While having strong career aspirations is great, I’m discovering that not knowing what you want to do isn’t the end of the world. Not being too committed to anything right now means that I hopefully won’t make a similar mistake. I have the chance to take my time, think and try things out; hopefully finding a career that is just right for me. Though it means a little bit longer period of uncertainty, I kind of like having this little test period. I can take pastry classes and become a chef if I want to. I can join the State Department or audition for “The Voice” and pray that Cee Lo turns his chair (let’s face it, Red Team needs me). Or who knows, maybe I’ll even decide to go back to school someday. As the saying goes, the world is my oyster. I just have to decide what to do with it.

And for those of you as undecided as I am, there are some websites to help get you started; Launching Millennials and Duke’s Undecided Advice: Post Graduation are just two.

When I was in 10th grade I went to my first senior prom. I had an older boyfriend at the time, and after pleading with my mother I was surprised that I was allowed to attend. I agonized over finding the “perfect” dress, how I should do my hair and what shoes to wear. Soon, thinking about [ ...continue reading ]]]> June is always a busy month for high school seniors. Along with the warm weather comes the end of school, finals, graduation and the very hyped-up senior prom. Preparing for this important night may seem like it warrants a lot of stress.

When I was in 10th grade I went to my first senior prom. I had an older boyfriend at the time, and after pleading with my mother I was surprised that I was allowed to attend. I agonized over finding the “perfect” dress, how I should do my hair and what shoes to wear. Soon, thinking about prom—at the time more than three months away—became more stress than fun. As the date came closer I became more and more nervous for my first prom, but when the day finally came my “perfect dress” (which proved to be SO uncomfortable) and I were ready for a good time.

When I went to my own senior prom, I promised myself that I wouldn’t stress over it as much, but soon I found myself juggling being in charge of choosing a limo and choosing an after-prom venue—all while searching (again) for the “perfect” dress of 2010. I slowly fell back into the anxieties that I swore I was going to avoid, but finally, with the prom just weeks away, I decided to step back and enjoy the ride.

The morning of prom couldn’t have been more frightening. Thunder boomed outside my window, and the ever constant rain provided a thick wall of humidity that promised frizz and limp curls. After running into the house under a golf umbrella to avoid ruining my hair that had just taken two hours to complete, I remember just sitting down and crying and thinking about how after months of preparation my day was now absolutely ruined. Fifteen minutes before I was about to head down the block for pre-prom photos, the sun came out. The rain was gone, but the humidity was here to stay, and now coupled with a crippling heat. It was clear that in terms of weather, my day was not going to get any better.

Despite my battle with Mother Nature, my senior prom was a success. I had a great time dancing with my friends, and our after-prom proved to be a great time. But this was not the last the senior prom would see of me. This year, I attended the prom again, this time with my boyfriend, who is a year younger and had accompanied me to my own prom the year before. My experience this time could not have been more different than in years past. Up until the week before prom I had no idea what dress I would be wearing, I didn’t have a hair and makeup appointment, and I had no clue what time anything started. Two years ago this would have stressed me out beyond the point of return, and I think I would have forgone prom altogether; however, even with my last-minute planning, this prom turned out the best of all three I have attended.

I knew this time to make sure to get a dress I’d be comfortable in; with the dress I wore in 10th grade, I had to pull on it and check the fabric every few minutes. So this year I chose a one-shoulder black dress that was gathered on the side with a row of black sequins and a dramatic slit up the side. It was a classic dress that, despite what I originally feared, really stood out in pictures, and most of all, was so comfortable.

This time I chose to acknowledge that the weather is in fact unpredictable, and just because it’s my prom doesn’t mean that it has to be nice out, and opted for an Eva Longoria–inspired updo that beautifully withstood the humidity and rain that once again appeared the morning of prom. Overall, the morning of this year’s prom was my best one yet: It was stress-free, and because I wasn’t stressed I was able to get excited.

I had a great time yet again at prom this year, and I think I’ve finally gotten the art of prom down to a science. For all my “little sisters” who have proms in their futures, keep my mistakes in mind when you prepare for this exciting time in your life. As for me, I think it’s safe to say I’m done with senior proms.

One example of spending time with my family and getting involved in an activity at the same time was my cousin’s baby shower. We had it at my house, and it was loads of fun. I felt like I was really helpful, and even though it was stressful having about 30 people at our house, it was a [ ...continue reading ]]]> This summer has been great. The weather is finally clearing up, and I am finding myself busy with diving, tennis, synchronized swimming and spending time with my family. If your summer feels boring and rainy, get involved with sports and activities.

One example of spending time with my family and getting involved in an activity at the same time was my cousin’s baby shower. We had it at my house, and it was loads of fun. I felt like I was really helpful, and even though it was stressful having about 30 people at our house, it was a great experience. During the shower I got to play a game that was really fun: First, you get six different types of candy bars (we used Reese’s, Twix, 100 Grand, Snickers, Butterfinger and Milky Way). Then you get six dippers and you melt the candy in the dipper (one bar of candy per dipper). When the candy is all melted, you pass around each of the dippers and everyone has to guess what kind of candy bar is in the dippers. My sister Megan made everyone laugh when she decided to taste one of the dippers.

I hope that everyone had big and fun plans for the Fourth. We had a block party, and I helped out in the dunk tank, which was pretty interesting.

Since it has been so rainy out lately here are some fashionable ideas to keep dry and look good when it’s wet out.

1. Hunter rain boots

These always dependable, always fashionable boots are a classic.

2. Feather hair extensions

These are cool hair style ideas for the summer!

3. Sun Dresses

Going to the beach or to camp and don’t know what to bring? Here are some fun ideas on dresses that are cute and cool for hot weather.

Images taken from http://www.hunterrainbootssale.net/, http://www.urbanhairfeathers.com/, and http://topicden.com/summer-sun-dresses/

In order to have a fun time [ ...continue reading ]]]> The dating scene isn’t the same as it was in your grandparents’ age…even in your parents’ age for that matter. You’ll be hard pressed to find a boy willingly hanging out in his varsity letterman jackets or a girl wearing pins that boast her boyfriend’s name. However, that doesn’t mean that teenagers have fallen out of love with love itself. Maybe fancy dinners and romantic walks in the park are outdated, but dating is still going on, just less conventionally then in generations past. So what makes a good date these days?

In order to have a fun time getting to know someone, you first have to know yourself. What are particular activities you enjoy? Sports? Games? Going on a date doesn’t have to consist of just staring at each other and watching the clock tick. Go out and be active. A great round of mini golf allows for friendly competition and gives you some common ground for something to talk about. Bowling, heading to the batting cages, or even playing skeeball at the arcade are all fun and casual ways to enjoy each other’s company. If you feel comfortable in the setting, he will feel comfortable, too. It’s a little known secret that boys are actually 10 times more nervous on dates then girls are, so use that to your advantage. And pick the location—he’ll be relieved.

Once you know what your plans are, its time to decide what you’re going to wear. For most of us, this isn’t easy. How may times have you rifled through your closet, clothes piling up on the floor, trying to find the perfect outfit? It gets frustrating, but just relax: The key is to keep it casual and simple. Going overboard on makeup and high heels can give your date the wrong message. He asked YOU out for a reason, so unless six-inch stilettos and heavy eyeliner is your everyday look, leave the theatrics at home and stick to your personal style. Being comfortable with yourself and your outfit is key, so try to pick something you know you look good in and feel good in, too. He will be able to tell the difference.

But what happens when you’re actually ON the date? The No. 1 thing to remember is to have fun! Just because you’re on a date with this guy for two hours doesn’t mean you’re going to spend the rest of your life with him! So open up and get to know him—you might find out things you never knew and even like him more. If you’re ordering food or going to the movies, pay for yourself; this puts a lot less pressure on both your date and on you. If he asks you out again, make the payment decision when the time comes. Remember there’s nothing wrong with being independent, especially when it comes to your money.

As the end of the date approaches you may feel the hint of a goodnight kiss coming on, but remember, only participate if you’ve had a good time and are comfortable. No one should ever pressure you in to something you don’t want to do, so if you’re just not feeling it, a polite thank you and a hug is classy and appropriate. Dates don’t always work out, but it’s important to have communication regardless. Don’t string along a guy you’re just not in to; let him know you had a great time but would rather remain friends. Boys are afraid of rejection just as much as girls are afraid of getting hurt; so let him down gently and maturely. Maybe a great friendship will bloom out of this instead. Either way, if he’s as smart as you are, he’ll understand.

However, on the flip side, if all goes well (I’m sure it will!) and you want to see him again, don’t wait around for a call or text, put yourself out there and make the next move! You have the power just as much as he does to turn this in to something special, so go for it. You’ll never know what could be until you try.

These are all common phrases in the board game Gotcha. This game had my friends laughing (expect for when the card forbade you) and fighting when the player didn’t exactly abide by the “rules.” We were fist-pumping, talking with clenched teeth, saying “ta-da!” and pretending to be a motorcycle when it was our turn. Luckily, [ ...continue reading ]]]> “Is it my turn turn.” “No it’s my turn, roger that” (with air quotes). “Guys, it’s my turn.” Buzzzz! “You forgot to point to the person. Move back one space. That means up two for me. I am almost the ‘champ’ of this game.”

These are all common phrases in the board game Gotcha. This game had my friends laughing (expect for when the card forbade you) and fighting when the player didn’t exactly abide by the “rules.” We were fist-pumping, talking with clenched teeth, saying “ta-da!” and pretending to be a motorcycle when it was our turn. Luckily, when I forgot I wasn’t allowed to use the word “I” and I did anyway, no one noticed!

I tried to escape the buzzer so I wouldn’t move backward and my opponents wouldn’t move up. However, on the other side of things I loved pressing the buzzer for my own advantage. In the end my friend made it to the champ space on the game board, which is like the finish line on many other games. It was a fun, exciting game that kept us on our toes the whole time. The only downfall was it can get a little too competitive. I was frustrated when I got buzzed for forgetting to unzip my mouth with my hand before I spoke. J

Playing with lots of people makes it even more fun because it means there are more rules to potentially be broken. This is a great party game to play with friends, cousins or siblings, and I can’t wait to play again. It was easy to set up, clean up—and easy to understand the directions, which are exactly what I am looking for when I play a game. It provided a night full of funny memories for my friends and me.

Don’t shoot the messenger, but this does not change in college. Girls [ ...continue reading ]]]> The cliché about boys and men may be that they think about sex every seven seconds, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we girls and women have something on our minds even more frequently: weight. As a teenage girl, you probably think about your weight—be it high or low—all the time. Every time you take a sip of that oh-so-tempting milkshake, every time you miss track practice, every time you try on a new dress…you name an action, it might trigger a thought about weight for someone.

Don’t shoot the messenger, but this does not change in college. Girls may become more confident and less concerned with cliques and labels, but somehow the weight issue does not shake off. I have certain friends with whom I eat lunch, and without fail, the topics of our portions, calorie intakes and who looks thinner ensue. These conversations do not bother me in the moment. Frankly, thinking this way is completely normal to me.

It is only in retrospect when it becomes the devil on my left shoulder and the angel on my right. I know I shouldn’t care that much, but I still have that other shoulder from which I hear the voice telling me that piece of cake will be the death of me. At 105 pounds, it is obviously unhealthy for me to be thinking about my weight so much…but is it really so shocking? The issue of thin models and celebrities bombarding us in the media has been condemned ad nauseum but is as prevalent as ever. Everything in the supermarket is available low fat, low carb, low sugar; the New York Sports Club’s summer slogan goes so far as to suggest that beach season is scarier than flu season.

Maybe I shouldn’t be giving advice to all of my “little sisters” about this—some of you certainly are more qualified to talk about the subject—but in my first post for The Sisterhood, I want to inspire you to think differently for a day! Skip out on the ice cream because you’re already full, not because you feel like you must (or eat the ice cream—and really enjoy it); go to the yoga class because you’ll feel refreshed afterwards, not because it’ll help you tone for that beach party this weekend. Stay healthy to be healthy, not to be paper-thin. (And don’t be shocked if I’m writing this post for myself, too, in the hope that I start to take my own advice.)

Image taken from http://wholepersonpsychotherapy.com/?p=1

The parade started at noon, with floats, feathers [ ...continue reading ]]]> New York City is crazy in the summer, even crazier on weekends and craziest when there is a parade. This past Sunday, men, women, transvestites and transgenders gathered from all parts of the country to celebrate one thing: equality. The Gay Pride Parade is a tradition in New York dating back to 1970, but this year, having been coincidentally scheduled for the weekend following the big senate vote on marriage equality in New York State—and the subsequent passing of that law—this celebration was even larger and more colorful then years past.

The parade started at noon, with floats, feathers and flags, from various posts south of 42nd St. eventually all funneling on to Fifth Avenue. There were drag queens, men and women in bridal gowns, rainbow-wrapped horses and even people on stilts. Fans and passersby crowded the streets behind barricades, singing and chanting with joy as the mile-long precession marched its way down to Greenwich Village. While there were certainly people from all states and socioeconomic statuses there, I was surprised yet happy to see large corporations such as Delta, Kiel’s and MasterCard showing their “rainbow” colors of support. With a team of employees all excited and proud, these groups marched down the street together wearing their own shirts—not just promoting their company but advertising equality as well.

As toddlers in strollers waved their purple flags, and teenagers and thirtysomethings cart-wheeled in neon spandex in front of the crowd, I was struck by a quiet demographic beaming proudly, walking confidently and dressed conservatively: gay men and women aged 60 and up. These people, older then most of the parents of my peers, have been waiting for this day their whole lives. Having survived the torment and prejudice for being gay in a time of little tolerance, (homosexuality was considered a mental illness until the ’70s), this bill passing is a symbol of their strength and perseverance. As I clapped and cheered for those young and vibrant, my heart went out to the older women and men, one step closer to peace, who paved the way and may never have thought that this day could come.

Whether you stood for or against the recent vote, it is important to note that each and every one of us is different and deserves the right to be who we are. Allowing two people of the same gender to spend the rest of their life together does not shake the foundations of America, its strengthens it by allowing love and equality for all who call this country home. As young people, it is important to stay politically active and aware, as we have the power to change what happens to our nation. As Obama’s election to office clearly showed, young people have a voice and are not afraid to use it! So stand up for what you believe in and don’t be afraid to speak your mind: Change and progress can start with one person, and that person could be you!

Image taken from creativecommons.org

Facebook, the leading social [ ...continue reading ]]]> Throughout the past couple of years, social networking websites have increasingly become one of the central focuses of everyday life. Not only teens, but adults as well have seriously begun utilizing sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as great ways to connect with old and new friends, colleagues and family. Each site offers relatively the same form of communication but is set apart by its own distinct set of characteristics. With so much going on in the cyber world, it is easy to get caught up in these sites and lose touch with reality.

Facebook, the leading social networking site, is where more than 500 million teens and adults have come together to connect with friends, family and colleagues everyday. I have maintained a Facebook page since 2008, and I admit I have become mildly obsessed with it. I check it multiple times a day and have even downloaded the Facebook application for my Blackberry so I won’t miss a thing.

With time restrictions on our Internet usage at school, my friends and I spend a majority of our time on Facebook. We look like zombies staring at the computer screen, furiously liking and commenting on things, scanning our home pages and “Facebook Stalking” those we like—and those we don’t. Our Facebook pages consume the majority of free time we could be directing towards much more productive activities or studies. In fact, according to Facebook, “people spend over 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook” and “there are more than 250 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.” Facebook has infected the lives of millions of people worldwide, and continues to help people connect to those they know every single day. But have you ever considered what your life would be like without it?

This past May, I took on the challenge of deactivating my Facebook page. Now, when someone tried to see my profile, it appeared as though I never existed to the chaotic and dramatic online community that is Facebook. I knew if I ever wanted to reactivate it, all I had to do was log in, and everything would be restored. A few of my friends had deactivated their accounts throughout the year, but none had lasted without it for more than a week. Being a Facebook addict, it was surprisingly refreshing to take a step back from the daily ongoing drama that continually flooded my newsfeed. Although I did miss seeing new pictures, writing on friends’ walls and responding to event invitations, I was forced to spend less time engaged in other people’s lives, and focus more on mine. With Facebook out of the way I studied with less distraction for my final exams and the SATs. I was able to balance my already busy life much more easily without another online distraction. I lasted one month without Facebook until just recently, after I attended a field hockey showcase, and reactivated it so I could keep in contact with my team mates.

Although Facebook has so many great things to offer, the dramatic aspect attached to it is sometimes too much to handle. Taking a step back from your online life and devoting more time to reading, exercise or hanging with friends is a great way to capitalize on your summer—and not waste it away behind a computer screen.