Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Guest Blog Post from A Greek Concept: How to Plan a Memorable, Budget-Friendly Trip with Your Sorority Sisters

I haven't done a guest post in a while and I was happy to be contact by Adrienne St. Laurent from A Greek Concept on how to plan a trip with your sorority sisters on a budget. Something that I'm actually planning with my sorority sisters soon and I can't wait but this can also work for you and your sisters also. If your also interested in doing a guest post, don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy.

How to Plan a Memorable, Budget-Friendly Trip with Your Sorority Sisters

Taking trips together is one of the most fun ways to get to know your Sorority sisters super well! Whether it’s just a few of you gallivanting around together, or it’s a whole slew of girls from your sorority, trips build memories that help strengthen bonds to a whole new level! Don’t go through college without jetting off somewhere with your closest gal-pals – you’d regret it! So grab your bags and get planning!

That being said, there is a lot to consider in how to plan a memorable, budget-friendly trip with your sorority sisters. Prepping for a major extravaganza can cause tensions to rise and opinions to be voiced louder than normal. You’ll need to make sure a couple of things are in order before you plan the details – otherwise you’re asking for a major disaster.

       Things to Consider
As you’re tossing around the idea of where to go/what to do, make sure you consider the following:
        Someplace close
        Look for Livingsocial deals / Groupons
        Driving instead of flying
        Family-owned vacation homes
If you wait ‘til the last minute to discuss these options, it can cause some major kinks in budgeting. When it comes to places close around you [like the Michigan Dunes if you’re going to school in a surrounding state], add the costs of gas + rental place + meals and weigh that against an all-inclusive cruise. Chances are you will save by going someplace more local. If you choose to go somewhere more domestic, toss out the question of whether you should drive or fly. Although either creates memories, traveling in a car/s gives you ample opportunity to get to know your sisters.


These sites offer FANTASTIC trips for nearly half the cost of what the vacay would normally cost [they even have places like Europe and the Caribbean!]. Your parents or relatives might even be able to help out if they have a vacation home somewhere exotic [or even in the mountains]!

Things to Plan
Cutting back on expenses once you’ve decided where to go doesn’t have to squash your memory-making! The simplest way to save some bucks is to stick to the plan. It’s mega tempting to keep adding and expanding the holiday, but it only adds cost to whatever fabulous ideas you already have.



Using your parents’ miles/points massively cuts costs! Maybe your dad/mom is a big traveler and racks up points like nobody’s business – why ask for some of them for your trip as a birthday or Christmas gift! You might be surprised by their response.

We also suggest saving on meals while you’re there by opting for a few nights of cooking in!


The plus of this = cooking together helps you make memories you’ll be reminiscing for years to come.

 Every night of the trip doesn’t need to be wild – wild also adds up! So, kick back and relax instead with a Hunger Games movie marathon or another of the classics.


You can rent these from your local library at home and take with you to help cut back on additional day costs from RedBox.


Happy vacation planning!



Amy Furrow is the owner of A Greek Concept an online retailer of licensed Greek merchandise. She’s got drive, heart, and passion – something Greek life is all about. From Sorority picture frames, tote bags, and jewelry, as well as Fraternity coolers, glassware, and travel accessories; A Greek Concept is filled to the brim with options for every Sorority sister or Fraternity brother. 

Thank You Again to A Greek Concept for your post, Check out their website: www.agreekconcept.com for anything for sororities and fraternities accessories. 

XOXO,


Thursday, July 10, 2014

Day 1: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Wedding Day!)


As you already know (or if you didn't know) I'm going on a cruise for my cousin's wedding and to celebrate my dad, my aunt and my uncle's birthday NEXT MONTH!! So it's coming down to the wire to look for some last minute things for the cruise, especially a dress for the wedding that will be at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas. I'm looking for something pretty but also something that will go with the nice weather but also more of a formal wear look for the summer. 
These are just dress ideas for what I'm looking for when it comes to the dress I want to get. These dresses are under $100 (which is my dress limit) and pretty plus I love the color scheme very summery and flowy. I love to show a lot of skin but not too much skin, so more of a strapless or a spaghetti straps type dress is what I was looking for. These dresses fit what I was looking for. 
I'm even trying to look for a dress similar to my white dress from the last cruise I was on. 
 If I can get a dress similar to this then I would be very happy!! :) 
We will see what happened...there's 37 days left until im in sunny Miami boarding The Carnival Conquest. I can't wait, the excitement is killing me!!! 

XOXO,

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Greek Spotlight: Alex and Ani

I'm in love with beautiful jewelry but says I love jewelry then a Alex and Ani bracelet. Started in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian named after her two daughters. Producer of fine Jewelry in Rhode Island, Alex and Ani is a eco-friendly jewelry that is sold in most high end stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, etc. also having their own stores too. 
My mom actually brought me my first Alex and Ani bracelet for my birthday but I'm planning to get one with my sorority letters on them, just a little gift for myself. I've seen a lot of people with these bracelets, they are so beautiful.
This is what my mom got me, The Pineapple.

Interested in see more  of Alex and Ani bracelets, check out the website: www.alexandani.com

XOXO,


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Greek Spotlight: Something Greek

(c)SomethingGreek 

So early in the week, I came up with an idea to do posts on some of my favorite Greek stores and/or Websites that I want to feature on my blog. Some of the stores/website people might know and some they might not know but I want to give them a little shout out and my personal reviews on what they have.
Now I thought I should start this post with the most favorite website, the one place I go to get all my Greek Store where I get a lot of my Greek Apparel, Something Greek.

Something Greek is the go to store if you want some great stuff not only for yourself but with your sorority or fraternity. Started in 1989 in Hempstead, New York, Something Greek has a great place to get your Greek apparel, stuff for formal, and anything else under the sun. Their customer service reps are amazing and extremely helpful. When it came to getting my crossing jacket, they made sure to that they give you what you ordered and make you very satisfied with your order. Their delivery is on point, even though I live in Brooklyn, I never had to wait no more than 10 days to get my order because when it comes to getting your things they make sure they give you 100% on your order. 

Since I crossed in Spring 2013, I've been had at least 8 or more apparel from Something Greek and I'm not even done yet. I would recommend Something Greek because they are good at what they do and you will always get good service. 

Here are some of the things I've brought or gotten from Something Greek:
  This was from my first Founders Day Dinner. 

If you want to check out Something Greek's Website: http://www.somethinggreek.com
 Follow them on Google+: +Something Greek
Follow the Instagram & Twitter: @SomethingGreek
You will love it that place...I know I do. 

XOXO,
 
P.S.: Greek Spotlight is a Weekly post, check out the next post Every Wednesdays.