Caitlin Boyle is the author, blogger, and motivational speaker behind OperationBeautiful.com, a self-esteem movement for girls and women. The mission of Operation Beautiful is to post positive messages in public places for strangers to find.  Since the site began, hundreds of thousands of notes have been posted. 

Caitlin is also the author of three books, including two books about Operation Beautiful and an anti-diet guide for healthy living. 

Her work has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network, the Today Show, and in numerous print outlets, including USA Today and Glamour magazine.  Caitlin is a runner and triathlete who juggles her many hobbies while running her small business and being a mother. 

Check out her websites OperationBeautiful and HealthyTippingPoint and keep an eye out for other ways to participate in Operation Beautiful!

Kappa Delta Chi is excited to have her join our quest this year at conference in Perpetuating Powerful Women.

Hi! My name is Alicia Bustillos and I’m from the Iota Chapter at New Mexico State University. I currently work at Base 5 Retail Partners in Albuquerque, NM and am the Director of Marketing for Kappa Delta Chi conference 2015. Got a blog idea that you would love to see? Email me at conference.marketing @kappadeltachi.org.

Making a list, checking it twice…

 Anyone else still on the making a list part of that? Yeah me too :/  I’m still getting over that thanksgiving food coma! But one of the great parts of Christmas is seeing the happiness in your loved ones face when you give them a great, unique gift! But sometimes it’s tough to come up with a good, meaningful gift. Well with conference being in Chicago this year why not get a few things to get excited for conference. Below are a few ideas that can work for anyone.

Anyone that likes to eat :)

Garrett Popcorn

This popcorn is literally world famous. Since 1949 they’ve been using only the highest quality ingredients from local producers as they handcraft their gourmet Popcorn in old-fashioned copper kettles. They hot air pop their signature blend of kernels, which is then mix into the secret family recipes. Every batch is handmade throughout the day and the result is an irresistible snacking sensation, which has generated lines of historic proportions outside of our retail Shops for decades. http://www.garrettpopcorn.com.

Your lil sis (…and your big…and your class sis… and chapter president…lol)

Penguin ANYTHING!

This is the easiest way to a KDChi’s heart!

There are many stores and price ranges where you can find penguin anything! Now is the time to take advantage and stock up for future littles too. If you want something a little more personalized check out our KDChi vendors. The Jewelria has some beautiful necklaces & bracelets to suit anyone’s taste.

Of course you can never have too many letter shirts. And if you need a quick turn around, order from Collegiate Greek to make sure you get it in time for Christmas! These are only two of many official KDChi vendors. Check out the Kappa Delta Chi website for other places to load up on KDChi gear. And this will make it easier to plan ahead for conference in July too!

For any and everyone while supporting a sister!

There are so many sisters hustling out there selling some awesome products. Origami Owl, Mary Kay, Avon, Younique, there are so many options out there to shop for while supports sisters small businesses. Not sure if a sisters sells? Just go to the sisters only page on Facebook and ask. Any sister is willing to help you pick the perfect gift.

For yourself! 

The ultimate gift that keeps on giving – Conference! Conference is the way to your very own heart. Sometimes a sis needs to spoil herself! Just go to conference.kappadeltachi.org, choose a payment plan, grab a warm cup of hot chocolate and dream up plans for warmer days in Chicago this summer.

by Cindy Mata-Vasquez

Cindy Mata-Vasquez is a charter from Alpha Beta at the University of Texas Pan-American (UTPA). Cindy currently works at UTPA as the Associate Director of the Student Union and serves as an alumni advisor for Alpha Beta Chapter. She currently resides in Harlingen, TX with her husband Louis and son Diego. 

So most of us will be making plans to head out of town this holiday season to enjoy time with family, friends or simply just to get away. And if you’re anything like me, you like to be prepared and travel like a pro.

I have been lucky enough to have traveled quite a bit in my 20s; partly due to my first professional job and attending conferences, and I learned quite a bit in regards to my traveling techniques.

1. Always have a bag ready to go. This includes suitcase and toiletry bag. This will save you time and effort knowing that your suitcase is handy and your toiletry bag is always stocked with the essentials.

   
   

2. Toiletry Bag…there is nothing worse than having traveled all day finally settling in your room and seeing that all of your toiletries exploded on the plane. One AWESOME tip that I learned while traveling with my boss many moons ago is before you leave for the airport and while you are packing, cut enough small squares to the amount of liquid bottles you have. Unscrew the lids and place one square on the bottle opening and reapply the lid. This will prevent shampoo, lotion and hair products to end up all over your clothes or creating their own blend in your toiletry bag. Also make sure to have an extra ziplock baggie or saran wrap in your toiletry bag and small scissors to reapply on your trip back home.

   
   

3. Roll it Up…When packing, always roll your jeans/pants. This will decrease the wrinkles and will in turn give you more space in your suitcase.

   
   

4. Be Smart About Your Suitcase…We’re all guilty of overpacking and adding clothes for those just in case outings. But you’ve gotta be smart about it; make sure you pack items of clothing that could be paired up with other pieces you already have in case of a last minute event or outing. Remember, we get charged for every ounce we put in the suitcase if traveling by plane; and if you’re traveling by car, you may have limited space!

   
   

5. Comfort All the Way. I’m one that likes to look my best at all times, but I have been caught in too many situations when I’ve had to run to my gate from connecting flights, or have to climb from a passenger seat to the back of an SUV to get something that my co-pilot needed. When traveling always remember to dress ready to take on the unexpected. Wear layers, wear shoes that YOU’RE comfortable in and  something that you’ll be comfortable in over a long travel day.

   
   

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Now go pack your bag and hit the road, remember traveling like a pro is not easy, but totally doable.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Crystal Gonzalez

Chicago is definitely my kind of town! My name is Crystal Gonzalez and I am an alumna from the Alpha Omega Chapter at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Even though I went to undergrad at SIU, I was born and raised in Chicago. I moved back because I could not stay away from the city too long! I am also attending graduate school here in downtown Chicago.

I joined the Conference Committee to help bring different ideas as well as show how amazing Chicago is.  Below are some of the top places to visit, I hope you enjoy! Be sure to keep a lookout for what else is in store in Chicago! I look forward to seeing you all! 

Visit the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere! The Skydeck has amazing views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and neighboring states from the 103rd floor! If you’re not afraid of heights, be sure to step out onto the glass ledge that extends from the building! For more information:  theskydeck.com/

John Hancock Center also has amazing views of Chicago, the lake and neighboring states! It has a new feature called TILT, where a glass tilts and extends out from the building! You can also check out their Café on the 95^th floor for some refreshments while you view Chicago! For more information: 360chicago.com

Millennium Park

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(View of the Cloud Gate and the Crown Fountain)

Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate or “Bean” as many call it. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Crown Fountain, a reflecting pool in between two glass towers. The glass towers are also video animated.  Another feature in Millennium Park is the Pritzker Pavillion. If you’re lucky you may be able to enjoy free entertainment on the Great Lawn. For more information: Cityofchicago.org

Museum Campus

Museum Campus is home to three of Chicago’s well known museums: the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Planetarium. It is also home to Soldier Field football stadium. It is also a great place to view the majority of the city’s Skyline! For more information: tripadvisor.com

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a pier that extends out to Lake Michigan. It has rides, such as a Ferris Wheel, musical carousel, Wave Swinger, and the Light Tower Ride. It also has an IMAX movie theatre, The Children’s Museum, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows and many sightseeing tours. For more information: navypier.com

Buckingham Fountain

Clarence F Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is in operation from April to mid-October. It also displays a water show every hour. The center of the fountain shoots 150 feet into the air! When its windy and hot out, the water breeze feels amazing! Another feature is the beautiful lights shown at night! For more information:chicagoparkdistrict.com

Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile is located along Chicago’s Michigan Ave adjacent to downtown. There are many high end department stores, , restaurants, hotels, luxury retailers and companies. Mag Mile, as it is also called, has many historic landmarks and historic places. One of them being the Chicago Water Tower (not Water Tower Place), which is one of the few buildings that survived after the Great Chicago Fire. For more Information: themagnificentmile.com/

Chicago Cultural Center

(Tiffany Dome. Photo credit to City of Chicago website)

The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. It hosts many free programs and exhibitions throughout the year where many international, national and local artists, musicians, and performers showcase their work here. It is also home to the world’s largest stained glass dome. For more information: cityofchicago.org