LN93 - DAY 1/PART 1

Hi,

To everyone that is stopping by to read what is about to turn into the nonsense of what goes on inside my head on a daily basis... I hope you enjoy!

            I’m just going to go ahead and start by saying this is pre arrival in Paris - Day 1/Part 1 and I will fill you in on all the fun post arrival in Paris in - Day 1/Part 2 tomorrow!

Well here goes nothing! By the time you are reading this I will be in Paris! OMG… one more time… OMG!!! Sorry, had to have a mini freak out moment there. It’s so crazy how I have been planning on going on this trip ever since I went to freshman orientation at FSU and found out my major had their own study abroad program. I remember looking at my parents and going “I’m going on that trip even if I have to cut off an arm and a leg to get there”. Well needless to say I didn’t have to cut of an arm or a leg to get here… that would have been extremely unfortunate in the long run if that had been the case lol.

I am going to try my very best to write on here once a day almost as a virtual journal since if I had wanted to keep a real journal… well there was no more room in my backpack for that! I really hope I keep up with this because I think these thirty days of letters would be an amazing thing to be able to look back on when my trip here is all said and done. So consider yourself lucky because you are about to get an inside look into the way my mind thinks because let’s be honest if I am going to treat this as a real journal than I am sure as hell going to type in it how my brain thinks it… if that even makes sense… probably not… oh well there you go...your first glimpse into my crazy brain of mine. I promise the shit show will only get better from here on out!

I am currently typing this while on the plane…cue children and babies crying… no but really i swear one kid cried 75% of the 7 hour flight. Want to guess where that baby was sitting? That's right, that screaming chunker was seated right behind me. All I have to say is thank goodness he wasn't my child because I don't think that kid would have come off the flight alive. The flight has been pretty uneventful other than the screaming child behind me. Oh, I can't forget about the old guy behind me yelling at the flight attendant when they tried to move his bag to another overhead compartment in order to fit some woman’s bag from the back of the plane. Needless to say, the way that story ended was that my bag was the one that ended up getting moved because let’s just say if they had moved this guy’s bag the flight would not have been taking off on time.

I was extremely disappointed to find out that they don’t have WIFI on this flight…UHM HELLO THE USA IS PLAYING SOCCER RIGHT NOW AND I DON’T KNOW THE SCORE…double hello this is 2014 you would think WIFI on planes would be a common thing now days. Dear lord, they just handed out the “Free Flight Food” and I have never tasted anything more bland…yuck… so much for “Gourmet Snack Mix”… more like “Am I eating real food or just cardboard in the shape of pretzels?!”

I must say they saved themselves when it came to dinner... that wasn't horrible! 

Another thing I learned on this flight was that do not eat the breakfast they serve you on planes when in actuality it is only 1 am at home. NO ONE EATS BREAKFAST AT 1 am! Why I thought eating a full breakfast meal was a good idea is beyond me. Let's just say my body didn't know how to process that amount of food at such an early time when I don't normally eat breakfast on a regular basis. So if you want to save yourself from horrible nausea... do yourself a favor ... and skip the breakfast!

There are eight other people on my flight from my major and all seem really nice which is exciting! Side story: For those of you that know me really well, know that I can sometimes be really shy until I get to know you, and then once I do it’s all over for you from there because then you can’t get me to shut up. Moral of the story, I was actually really nervous to go on this trip since I didn’t really know anyone going but for once I am trying to push myself to be open and talkative right away which I think will be good for me!

If you want to leave me a comment so I know you stopped by I would love it! I’ll try to respond to them as I can but I can’t make any promises! I had a long debate with myself whether or not I wanted to be active on social media while in Paris/London and the more I think about it, I really want to use this time as a time to focus on me! I feel like more often than not I get so wrapped up in keeping tabs on everyone else day to day life I don’t keep up with my own so here is to thirty days with no interaction with my life back home. Well no interaction with anyone besides my parents! I can’t forget about a little shout out to my big… heheh I didn’t forget about you big… but I bet knowing you, you probably screamed at the computer “LITTLE FORGOT ABOUT ME!” no I didn’t you can breathe again lol

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE SORORITY RECRUITMENT - PART 2

Hi Girls!

Continuing on with my little summer series "What I wish I knew before Sorority Recruitment", I am bringing you today part 2! These are just little tips, statements, and advice that I believe you all should know before beginning your journey into Greek Life. I might add to these as I feel fit or have something pop into my mind that I think you all would benefit from knowing. I hope you enjoy these little tips and truly take them to heart!

You can find Part 1 by clicking HERE

1. Your feet are going to hurt horribly. Accept it and keep moving. Don't be the girl that complains all day I promise everyone else is thinking the same thing.
2. The girls who are rushing you don't care if you know everyone of their sisters. They want to know who you are and what makes you special! So don't name drop with hopes that it will help you get into a specific sorority.
3. Even though the girls rushing you look perfect remember that they are normal human beings too! They just have sisters that are really good at doing hair and makeup and probably helped them get ready that morning. Don't feel intimidated.
4. Don't be that girl that cries because she didn't get an invitation back to a certain sorority. The girls in that house know their sisterhood better than you and just think you would be a better asset to another sorority. By no means does this mean that they don't like you or that the girls in the house are mean because they didn't ask you back. Take this as a good thing because now you are one step closer to finding your perfect home away from home.
5. Be respectful to every girl you meet during recruitment. Sorority girls can be found all over campus getting involved in a plethora of clubs and organizations. The last thing you want is a girl you were rude to in recruitment to end up being the president of the club you want to join later on in the year.
6. Remember when picking out your outfits during the week that you will be talking to girls, not boys, that means make sure the "girls" are not out for play. Also make sure that all your shorts and skirts are of appropriate length. 
7. If you are only concerned about being in a "top tier" sorority... why are you really rushing?
8. A sorority should enhance your life not be the only aspect of your life.
9. Recruitment is not something you should take lightly.
10. Don't choose a house because of your friends! I can't stress this one enough and it is probably the one that the majority of girls fall into every year during recruitment. Your decision should be based solely on where you think you can thrive and become a better woman. 
11. Just because you are a 4-time legacy to "said sorority" DOES NOT mean that you have to join that one. Sororities are different at every campus! A perfect story is a girl in my sorority transferred from USF and she tells us all the time that we are a 180 from her chapter there. Luckily she fell in love with our chapter and has turned into a wonderful addition to our chapter!

CURRENT OBSESSION - ALEX AND ANI

Hi lovelies,

Recently I have discovered the world of Alex and Ani. I must say if it weren't for being in a sorority I don't think I would have ever heard about the brand...I know that's bad to say especially since I am a Retail Merchandising major... Actually I take that back but I would have been late on the trend! Regardless, I first heard about them during big/little week when a lot of girls were getting their big
the Gamma Phi Beta Charm Bangle.

During my trip to New York City in March with my Rent The Runway team I purchased my first bangle. I ended up getting the Leo Horoscope Charm Bangle. There has always been something about horoscopes that has intrigued me. Maybe it's the fact that I can literally relate to anything written about a Leo...I feel like they are talking directly to my soul...cue you thinking I am a wacko right about...now... I also love that the Leo's "symbol" is a lion. Lions are strong, independent and dominant in the animal kingdom. All of which are qualities I strive to have in myself.

 The next two bangles I purchased were from my recent trip to Saint Martin and Saint Thomas in the beginning of May. I went on a cruise with my big in my sorority and we decided on getting matching initial charm bangles. Yes we are mildly obsessed with each other and like buying matching things. For example we just bought matching dresses from Express but that is another story for a different day.

I wish I could say that the second bangle I purchased had some form of significance but I just loved how delicate the starfish looked! But for the sake of this blog post I am just going to go with... It reminds me of the cruise I went on with my big this summer... lol but all jokes aside I just thought it was super cute and nautical! 

I am torn when it comes to making my next Alex and Ani purchase. I really like the FSU one but I still feel obligated to purchase the Gamma Phi Beta one. Maybe when I get a little in the fall she will purchase it for me... wink wink future little...  

Do you have any Alex and Ani bracelets?

I also just wanted to say a little thank you to anyone who takes time out of their day to visit this blog and put up with my rambling and not so frequent as I would like posts. You all mean more to me than you'll ever know!

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE SORORITY RECRUITMENT - PART 1

Hi Girls! 

So you decided to take the first step and sign up for sorority recruitment...YAH!!! I can't wait for you to embark on this fun and exciting journey to finding your "home away from home". If you are anything like me you are probably overwhelmed and nervous about the entire recruitment process...well let me tell you, you're in the right place! I promise to be your big sister through this entire process and give you the inside scoop on all things sorority recruitment. 

Today I am going to talk about what to wear during your entire journey through recruitment! From Round 1 - Bid Day I have you covered so you can go in fully prepared and ready to kill it! Lets just say with my help your outfits will not only be on point but also the least of your worries and you can now start focusing on other aspects leading up to recruitment! 

This is the typical outline of the days that you will have during your recruitment process (this is FSU's recruitment break down and what I have found is that most schools are identical or extremely similar)

• Scholarship Round (Monday and Tuesday): Panhellenic will provide you with an official Recruitment t-shirt for you to wear on each of these two days. You should also wear casual shorts or a casual skirt and very comfortable shoes (sandals, closed-toed shoes, flats).
• Leadership Round (Wednesday and Thursday): Casual and lightweight tops with casual skirts or shorts is appropriate attire for this round.
• Service Round (Friday): This round is more formal than the previous rounds, and it is appropriate to wear a nice sundress or casual dress. A skirt outfit would also be appropriate. You will be walking less on this day, so nicer sandals or dress shoes are appropriate.
• Sisterhood Round (Saturday): Sisterhood Round is the most formal round of recruitment. Chapter members will be dressed formally, and it would be appropriate for you to wear a formal dress with dress shoes.
• Bid Day (Sunday)

*What you will notice is that the rounds become more formal as you go on*

Let's just say you are an extremely lucky girl because you are about to see exactly what I wore every day for recruitment! 

Featuring my amazing selfie skills! 

Round 1 - Day 1

Panhellenic provided us with t-shirts this round! Make sure during this round you wear shorts of appropriate length! Remember you are not trying to impress boys! My shorts are from Express and were the perfect length and fit! (I will actually be wearing these shorts again for recruitment this year... However this time I will be rushing you all instead!) Make sure you wear comfortable flats or sandals this day! You will be walking the most this day.

*Bonus Tip: add a statement necklace to stand out amongst other girls*

Round 1 - Day 2

This outfit is basically the same as the previous day with the same shirt in just a different color. This day I added a cute belt and necklace to make the outfit looked more pulled together.

(Pssst. I am in the front row all the way to the left... this was my first ever sorority squat!!!)

Round 2 - Day 3

This was probably my favorite outfit from the week! I paired an American Apparel body suit with a high waisted skirt from Express. I completed the outfit with a statement necklace and my MK watch. For this day I wore black comfortable black sandals.

Round 2 - Day 4

I chose to wear a sundress this day and paired it with a fun statement necklace to add more color to a rather bland dress! My only negative about this was that I didn't realize I was wearing UF colors... but it obviously wasn't a problem since I still got asked back to houses the next round lol

Round 3 - Day 5

As much as I love this dress and this outfit! This is the epitome of what not to wear for recruitment! First off, it was extremely hot out that day... so wearing black was an automatic bad idea. Next, it was extremely long when it began raining later in the afternoon the train of my dress was drenched in rain. If I could redo this outfit I would wear something more along the lines of the dress to the right with brown wedges.

Round  4 - Day 6

This is the most formal round of them all and your outfit should reflect that! I wore a tea length lace dress with nude pumps. 

*This is also the the most serious round when it comes to recruitment. During this round sororities will be sharing some of their rituals with you making it one of the more personal and sentimental experiences during recruitment* 

It's extremely important to chose a very classy and lady like dress for this round! You want to show the sorority that you are very serious about all they have to offer and that it would be a privilege for you to be apart of their sorority. If you wouldn't wear it to tea with your grandma DO NOT WEAR IT DURING THIS ROUND.

Bid Day - Day 7

YAH!!! You made it to Bid Day!!! Make sure to wear shorts and comfortable sandals (that you can run in... you will be running from where you open your bids to your house) for this day! You are going to be spending the day with all your new sisters! Some sororities have bounce houses or slides set up outside for bid day so you definitely don't want to be wearing a dress or skirt during this day!

I hope by being able to see what I wore for recruitment you will have better understanding of what is and isn't appropriate during recruitment. Like always feel free to comment me any questions you have or message me photos of your outfits for further help! 

Check out Part 2 by clicking HERE

A LETTER TO MY FUTURE LITTLE

This is a letter to my future sorority little... I thought it would be cute to show her on her big/little reveal night just how much she meant to me even before she knew me!  Hope you enjoy a glimpse into the excitement I have over getting to have someone so precious come into my life in a few short months! 

Dear Little!

It's Big Little Reveal Night can you believe it?!?! 

But before I can shower you in love and hugs I want you to read something I wrote for you on

 May 16th, 2014.

 I am currently sitting in my parents movie room on a crappy pull out bed because we have visitors here from Holland. I actually turned the lights out and got cuddled in and then this whole letter to you came into mind and now I am awake and typing this even though it is currently 1:00 am... if you don't feel loved now I don't know if you ever will... I am missing out on precious sleep for you.

I thought this would be a fun thing to do since one day you will not be a figment of my imagination anymore and will in turn be one of the most precious things in my life. I thought it would be fun for you to read this once you are my little and realize how much you meant to me even before I knew you!

Sooo let me tell you... I talk about you all the time! No like seriously I dream up crazy scenarios about our life together and what you are going to be like on a daily basis. I think your G and your soon to be Kappa Big (aka Mia) are annoyed at this point. I wonder if you are going to have long hair or short hair (Which by the way me and your G right now currently have short hair and are considering becoming the Bob Hairstyle Family lol so if you have short hair thats a major + but if not we will still love you I promise), what your name is, what your passions in life are, and so much more! 

Its funny because as you will soon come to find out, me and your G are like UBER close... probably unnaturally close. A lot of people think that it will be hard for me to find a little that fits into our family; but to them I say screw'em because I know you are already going to be the most bomb ass little ever and will be loved in our family more than you will ever know! 

I already have so many aspirations for you I feel like a proud mom and I still haven't met you... It's all very weird if you ask me but that's how I know God is putting someone so great into my life.

I want you to be successful in whatever you do! I want you to know that even if you are drunk at a bar at 3 am and you call me to pick you up... that yes I might be a little upset but I will be so happy that you are safe with me instead of someone I don't know. I want you to know that my door is always open and that you always have a shoulder to cry on... because I know that college is hard, parents suck sometimes, and boys can well... let's just say go to hell. 

But now Little it is the most important part!!! Put on your Big/Little Reveal outfit and get ready to meet me because at this point I am probably dying of excitement in a little box somewhere ready to pop out and become your big!!!