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Author: Contributors

  • Five Superbly Single Artists to Watch at Coachella

    Colleen Viana downloads us on five acts you need to see at Coachella 2014

    coachella 2014
    PHOTO: Colleen Viana.

    Coachella’s in the air. I can feel it, I can smell it. (Yes, there’s a distinct scent that I can’t quite describe, but it’s similar to how you can smell the sugar-coated air in Disneyland). Even if we are over 2,000 miles away from Indio, everyone’s caught festival fever, myself included. The overall atmosphere is shifting here in Manhattan; with the weather slowly reaching the perfect spring (ideally April 25th) temperature and the sun shining brighter than usual, everyone is noticeably happier. It’s that preeminent shift from winter to spring that sends me and so many other New Yorkers into a constant daydream of being outside—frolicking the festival grounds, being surrounded by our best friends and favorite bands. There is nothing more exciting to wait for (other than Christmas).

    In high anticipation of those first weeks of April to finally hit, I’ve been prepping myself for the past month on the festival’s entire line-up. Coachella is a great opportunity to discover musical artists you would never think to see otherwise and, of course, a chance to see your current obsessions perform in front of the perfect desert backdrop. Narrowing down your top picks for the weekend is a grueling process; after perusing my overly-extensive Coachella playlist, the process has become even more stressful than necessary—especially knowing that I most likely will not make it to half of the acts I’d love to see.

    So this year I’m trying something different… Here are five of my favorite up-and-coming-non-top-40 artists (hey, I work in radio, I hear enough of that) that I simply cannot miss, with a fun Single Diaries spin. The result is my shortlist of Superbly Single female artists whom you MUST see at Coachella… no question about it (unless they’re scheduled at the same time, in which case we’ll just have to flip a coin).

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  • Lessons in Online Dating From an OkCupid User

    Lessons in Online Dating From an OkCupid User

    Lara Torii downloads us on what it’s really like to use dating site OkCupid and shares her online dating tips

    OKCupid
    PHOTO: Pinterest.

    During a post-dinner group discussion on the landscape of modern dating, our college mentor and her husband admitted their fascination with 20-somethings and online dating. “When they were our age,” they met potential matches through friends, and the concept of online dating was completely foreign (despite the start of social media sites like MySpace and Asian Avenue). As the conversation continued, everyone weighed in on their personal experiences with dating sites and apps. Lara brought a unique perspective to the group as she’s a girl looking for girls on OkCupid. Here she gives The Single Diaries the ins and outs of her experience with the site, and offers her top tips for using OkCupid and for online dating.

    I joined OkCupid last year while I was traveling in Asia. After being abroad for two years and a long-distance break-up, it was interesting to hear that online dating had somehow become trendy. Several friends told me they had good experiences with OkCupid, so I set up my profile. I didn’t intend to date anyone halfway around the world, but I was looking forward to slowly getting myself out in the dating world.

    OkCupid (or OKC) is set up similarly to Facebook, which some may find to be a turn-off, but I didn’t let that faze me. I dutifully set up my “about” page, my photos, my details. Then there are the Questions. These Questions delve deeper into your habits, psyche and preferences. The Questions range in topic. How important are politics to you? Do you like to cuddle? What are you looking for in your next relationship? How often do you brush your teeth? After you answer each question, you can indicate what answers you will accept from potential matches and how important it is to you that they answer in that way. These questions and my answers are visible to other users under a tab on my profile.

    When browisng other people’s profiles, they show you a compatibility percentage based on your answers. For example, I am 86% compatible with this girl, but only 45% compatible with this one. This function is helpful to narrow down the sheer volume of OKC users. It also means that OKC sends me personalized matches each week—another way to interact with the site without necessarily having to check in everyday.

    After being on the site for a few months, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience on OKCupid… and what I recommend to anyone looking to start online dating.

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  • Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

    Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

    Everything You Need to Know to Nail the Part of Perfect Bridesmaid

    By: Kristen Page

    bridesmaid

    Whether it’s your sister, your childhood friend, or your college roommate, these five little words actually mean a lot. Brides give a lot of thought as to who they want to be part of their special day – not to mention the months of planning leading up to it. Before saying yes, make sure you’re up for the challenging task ahead!

    Being a bridesmaid is no easy – or cheap – feat. It’s a role that has the potential to require a fair amount of planning, to cause a serious strain on your bank account, and to tie up at least a few of your precious weekends – not to mention that you might have to wear a hideous pairing of dyed satin shoes and an awkward gown…all with a big smile on your face. With that said, it can also be one of the most special, rewarding, and memorable roles that you can play in any girl’s life. Weddings are important celebrations, and the role of a bridesmaid should not be taken lightly!

    But don’t fret; I’ve got all the tips on what TO DO and what NOT to do, once you take on the “bridesmaid” title.

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  • 6 Easy Tricks for an Organized Closet

    6 Easy Tricks for an Organized Closet

    Sara Bodle Shares Her Top Tips for Getting an Organized Closet

    organized closet

    Here we go.  The sun is setting later, the snow is melting (hopefully for good) and we are ready to bring out the short shorts and crop tops in celebration of warmer weather.  Before we can get that far, it is time for another big holiday: the annual “spring cleaning” of our closets.  This year let’s make it fun, easy and most of all budget-friendly.  Because come on, we don’t want to spend our money on the closet, but on the goods inside. Read on for 6 of my favorite tips for getting your closet organized.

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  • My First House | Lessons From a First Time Home Owner

    My First House | Lessons From a First Time Home Owner

    Kristen Proctor Shares the Experience of Buying Her First House

    first house

    Have you ever considered becoming a homeowner? Many of you have probably let the idea pass through your thoughts at least once. For some like myself, we’re still trying to get a grip on managing our apartments but owning a home is a long-term goal. Others, however, might be more ready to invest in a permanent place. Wherever you are with the decision, most of us can agree that the idea is a bit daunting.

    Single Girl Kristen Proctor recently made that big decision and took the leap from tenant to homeowner. She shared with The Single Diaries what that experience was like, the lessons she learned, and tips for others Single Girls looking to make the jump.

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