Celebs in Stars and Stripes

Next week is America's birthday, and in honor of our nation's 236th, get ready to celebrate in style! Check out some of the celebs that have been spotted in their patriotic best.  

Actress Halle Berry in a Catherine Malandrino frock

Singer turned fashion mogul, Jessica Simpson in an American flag inspired bikini

Professional snowboarder/skater Shaun White, wearing stars & stripes denim 

Lady Gaga and Beyonce in Gaga's 'Telephone' video

Rapper Wiz Khalifa performing in red white and blue trousers

Model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whitely, strolling crop top style

Kourtney, Kim and Khloe's youngest sister Kylie Jenner, snaps pictures in cut-offs

Singer Katy Perry, salutes on the red carpet

Remember any of these outfits? See any looks you'd like to recreate this Independence Day? 

First Date Do's & Don'ts

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/date-dos-donts/

First dates are always nerve racking!!! Whether or not you know the person you’re seeing, it doesn’t make a difference. Initial meetings have the ability to make anyone feel a bit anxious when it comes to matters such as dating and relationships. The 3 things we secretly hope for on a first date are:  to be liked, to not embarrass ourselves, and lastly- to get the coveted second date. By following these Do’s & Don’ts on a first date, you can bet that you’ll be seeing them again!

DO'S

1. Be yourself.

2. Be on time. 

3. If you’re going on a blind date, meaning you haven’t met the person yet, agree to meet them someplace public. Do not give them your address…just yet. Safety first!

4. Be courteous and polite.

5. Hold back from giving your honest opinion on everything. You never know how your date will react to your candidness.

6. Offer to pay for your portion of the date. Do not expect that your date will pay unless they’ve specifically said they would…always 

be prepared to offer.

7. In case you have to contact someone during the date, make sure your cell phone is with you and charged. Carry change for a payphone if need be.

8. Have an exit plan if the date is making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. For example, “I need to get home” or “I have an early day tomorrow”. In short, a polite way to excuse yourself.

9. Carry gum or mints with you. There’s nothing worse than bad breath on a date, especially your first.

10. If you enjoyed yourself and hope to see the person again, let them know your interest in a second date. You could try saying, “I had a great time”, or “I hope we do this again”.

DON'TS

1. Never be late- unless you have a legitimate reason to be. Inform your date if you know you will be running behind schedule.

2. Do not be impolite to your date or anyone you come across while out. Keep in mind that you don’t have a second chance to 

make a first impression.

3. Honesty is an admirable quality, but being blatantly honest could backfire on you- as well as ensure that there’ll never be a second date.

4. Don’t forget your wallet; never assume that your date will foot the bill. Today, the common and polite gesture is known as, “going Dutch”. Which means both persons pay for themselves.

5. Don’t forget your cell phone. If the two of you are meeting someplace, you have to be able to reach each other.

6. If you’re of legal age to drink- do NOT get drunk. Having a drink at dinner is acceptable, but getting drunk to the point where you cannot drive is shameful.

7. Don’t kiss on the first date (at least not on the lips). I like to think I’m traditional, so a hug or even a kiss on the cheek is appropriate.

8. If you didn’t have as great of a time as you hoped, and you don’t foresee a second date- don’t say, “I’ll call you”- if you have no intention of doing so. A simple “thank you for tonight” will suffice.

Hopefully you made it out of the date unscathed and have already made plans to see them again. If you followed the suggestions, then all the better. Congrats!

Summer Shoe Must-Haves

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/summer-shoe-must-haves/

With the official start of summer comes the steady stream of social invites, to places like beach parties, dinner dates and girl's night out. But in the midst of our planning, us girls always seem to run into the annoying question of, "What am I going to wear?" If this sounds like you, because it sounds like me- you're probably hoping for a wardrobe genie. While I can't provide that, I will provide a list of summer shoe must-haves, appropriate for any and all of your plans. 

DAYTIME CASUAL

•FLIP-FLOP: Perfect for the beach or pool

•SLIPPER: Cute with shorts, skirts or capris

•FLAT SANDAL: Adorable with a dress

NIGHTTIME DRESSY

•SLIPPER: Cute with shorts, skirts or capris

•WEDGE: Ideal for a dinner date or girl's night out

•ESPADRILLE: Its wrap around strap dresses up any outfit

From day to night, these shoes will carry you the entire summer through. Which styles do you already own? Which styles do you want next? 

8 Signs To Know You're in Love

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/8-signs-love/

My love, Joey and I in Cancun 

Knowing you're in love doesn't always come easy. For most teens, falling in love is something you haven't yet experienced. And with nothing to compare it to, it's nearly impossible to know if you are or aren't. In an effort to help you decipher those uncertainties, I've created a list that I hope will answer, "Am I in love? Or aren't I?"

• A good sign of knowing if you are in love is if you get butterflies. We're talking about the excited, anticipation butterflies. Not the nervous, second thought ones! Those are 2 completely different kinds. If you've got the kind that make your heart beat just a little bit faster, it's usually a good sign. It lets you know that your mate is someone who means more to you than just a friend.

• Having shared qualities is also a good indicator. Qualities might include honesty, loyalty, open communication and the ever important, respect. This means respect for yourselves, each other, and every one else. 

• Feeling comfortable with and around your partner is a crucial sign too. If you aren't completely comfortable in the relationship, then chances are you aren't truly being yourself either. Love requires honesty.

• Do you laugh and have fun with each other with ease? If so, your love meter just rose a little higher. The ability to have a good time with each other no matter the circumstance, is a true judge of compatibility. If you both can make a rainy day stuck inside feel like an outdoor adventure, then you might just have a keeper.

• Some people say that the best relationships come from friendships. I couldn't agree more. Having a true and sincere friendship with the person you're with is another great sign that it could be love.

• Another way to be sure is by the amount of time you find yourself thinking about the other person. If you find that your boyfriend or girlfriend is a constant thought, especially if you just talked to or saw them- count that as another sign. People or things that are important to us, tend to be the things that are at the forefront of our minds. 

• In a relationship, it isn't necessary to love EVERYTHING that your mate loves, but it is important to like some of the same things. Sharing interests, morals and goals are all indicators of that four letter word.

• Lastly, how each of you handle things when or if they get tough is a sure sign. Are you both willing to talk it through to make things work? Or do you each play the blame game? If you answered yes to the first question, I'd say you have a strong shot at love. Being able to communicate while experiencing a rough patch, shows dedication and respect. And if you've got someone who won't easily give up, then you've definitely got something special.

Not all matches turn out to be love, and that's okay. Finding someone worthy of your love takes time, but hopefully you'll both be lucky enough one day to experience some of the signs. Good luck! 

How To Get Over a Break Up

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/breakup/

If you've ever experienced a breakup, you know how tough it can be to get through the days and weeks that follow. You might experience emotions that range from sadness, to anger, confusion or even regret…but eventually, you'll get to a state of peace and understanding about the split. At times you might think that you'll never get there, but rest assured, I'm here to let you know that you most certainly will. Continue reading to discover 7 tips that will help you fight the breakup blues. 

1. Exercise! "Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states." -Carol Welch, Health Coach. Not only can physical activity make you feel better about your general health, it can make you feel better about your mental health too. Which, after a breakup is extremely important.

2. Surrounding yourself with people you enjoy being with and that enjoy being with you is medicine in itself; even if the breakup is not discussed. Altering your state of mind is sometimes all you need to get to a happier, healthier place. 

3. Reconnect with yourself. Partaking in activities that interest you are a great way to do this. These activities allow you to focus on the most important person in the situation; you. Doing things you like doing will give you control over a situation. Rather than a situation (the breakup) having control over you. For example, emotions, moods, tempers, etc. 

4. Music has the tendency to put people in a better mood, especially if it's music you like. Often time people can relate to the words in a song. Repetition of a positive message can produce positive energy. Did you know that calming music reduces depression?

5. Doing something outside of your normal routine can be helpful as well. Think about it, you might meet and make friends with people you might have not otherwise. Who knows who you could meet at Zumba class? Moving forward in a new direction almost always heralds positive results.

6. Writing about your day and your feelings can be quite beneficial too. It allows you the opportunity to get out everything that you're feeling at the time. Whether you're sad, angry, happy or confused. Maybe you don't feel like talking about the breakup and your feelings at this exact moment, but if you're able to jot some of those feelings down, at least you've communicated them- even if it is to yourself.

7. Communicating with someone you trust about the subject can also help you over this hurdle. The important thing when talking about deeply personal experiences, is that you only share that information with someone you know you're safe with. Family and friends that you are close to should want nothing more than for you to be happy. By gaining their perspective on the breakup, it might help you to push through your blues…a route, you may have not known how to get to before. 

If you find yourself feeling down about an ended relationship, know that it's normal. Also remember that your well being is the most important thing that should come next. It may not seem like it now, but by following these suggested tips, your blues will fade away in no time.  

Keep healthy and happy always!

How-To Beach Waves Hair

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/how-to-beach-waves-hair/

A popular summer hairstyle are trendy "beach waves". You know, that perfect hair you get after a swim in the ocean? Now, getting this style is also possible without even leaving the house! Read below to discover the 3 ways to achieve this 1 look. 

1. The Product: The Ocean

The Cost: Free

The Effect: The hair's most natural looking wave is created by the elements of the ocean (salt water). Go for a swim the next time you're at the beach, and try out this hairstyle.

Tip: Help the waves along by scrunching hair while it's still damp, this will also help to build body. *After your hair has been exposed to salt, it dries faster so don't wait too long before scrunching.

2. The Product: Goody Heat, Wave Creator curling iron

The Cost: 29.99 

The Effect: Loose effortless waves are created by a wave shaped barrel. Unlike ordinary curling irons designed with a full clamp, this styling tool's is only partial. Simply place the clamp on or close to the ends of your hair, and wrap the barrel upwards. Because of the iron's unique design, it is almost effortless to achieve the desired look.

Features: Reaches it's maximum heat of 410 degrees in 30 seconds.

Tip: To tame waves, I recommend using a smoothing serum before or after heat styling.

3. The Product: Beach Wave/Surf hair sprays

The Cost: Prices for each hair spray will vary by brand and location at which you purchase them. My DIY version however, is of course free (if you've already got the supplies at home). 

*What You'll Need: 1 teaspoon of epsom salt (epsom salt helps with sore muscles and stomach aches- so you may already have this at home), a few drops of olive oil, 1/4 cup of water and a spray bottle.

The Effect: A less precise and looser wave is created by spritzing the product onto damp hair. Scrunch hair to style and allow to air dry. Waves will form as hair dries. 

Tip: If making your own spray, I suggest going easy on the olive oil. Oil has the tendency to weigh hair down and/or become too greasy to hold any body. 

The Verdict: I've achieved this look using all 3 methods, but have been most successful going the natural route. Next, using the curling iron and lastly, the hair spray. 

The whole point of the beach wave hairstyle is to make it look like you actually spent a day at the beach. So the messier the look, the better! Complete precision isn't necessary for this hairstyle, so don't be afraid to let it get a bit unruly. 

Try it out and discover which method works best for you.

Summer's Hottest Swimwear

My article: http://theteentrends.com/summers-hottest-swimwear/

It's that time of year again. The time when ladies around the world either break out their self-tanner and boldest accessories, or hide behind the covers and cringe with fear…it's swimsuit season! But don't start running for the hills just yet ladies- because I've designed a guide to help you find the perfect swimsuit. I give you 5 of this season's hottest designs. 

The One Piece

A single garment and classic choice. Its design provides moderate to full coverage and is available in an array of styles.

The Bikini

A two piece swimsuit available in several bra top and bottom styles. More skin is exposed in a bikini, so sunbathing is ideal for these suits. Whereas high action or physical activity would require a sports version of this suit for extra coverage. 

The Tankini

A two piece swimsuit comprised of bikini bottoms and a 'tank' top inspired upper. Tankinis are typically worn by those who prefer the coverage of a one piece with the convenience of a two piece. It provides moderate to full coverage.  

The Monokini

A one piece swimsuit that connects in the front and back, leaving only its sides exposed. Not ideal for sunbathing, just think of the tan lines! The monokini is available in a variation of styles and designs. It provides moderate to full coverage. 

The Swim Dress

A one piece swimsuit designed in dress form. For the more conservative swimmer, this particular design provides full coverage. 

Support and coverage for each swimsuit will vary, which is great for the self conscious of beach goers. The truth is, all of us aren't completely comfortable frolicking on the beach or near the pool in next to nothing. What is comforting to know if you're looking for something you'll feel most confident in, is that many are now made with firming and full control materials. Think beach wear `a la the Spanx revolution.  

Budgeting for swimwear can be done one of two ways: 

a) If you're the type of girl who likes to have multiple suits to choose from or you only plan on wearing yours for the current summer, I suggest going the less expensive route. Stores like Target and Old Navy carry really cute pieces at great prices.

Or

b) If you're looking for a higher quality suit with special features and/or materials, or you want something that will last you a few seasons- I say splurge. Yes, $50+ seems expensive but if you know that you'll get the wear out of it that you intend on, then why not? Stores like Nordstrom, Macy's and specialty boutiques carry these types of suits.

Choosing a swimsuit is a big deal this time of year. Many of us like wearing what speaks to our style while others of us simply like wearing what we feel comfortable in. No matter which style you choose, I hope this guide will prevent your next fitting room meltdown and instead send you out the doors with a smile. 

So this summer, be sure to pick the suit that suits you best!