Knotted Headband

I love to crochet. It's a skill I try to hide. I've always been afraid that people judge me. It's kind of an old lady thing. But it's really easy because most of the time, if you make a mistake, it doesn't take long to fix or you can incorporate it. Crocheting is really easy to modify and improvise. I've loved making stuffed animals in the past and I'm sure I'll go back to that at some point, especially when Liam is old enough for safety eyes and small details but right now I'm pretty satisfied with projects that I can work on for an hour. I don't really have the time for multiple pieces or remembering rows and counting lots of stitches. This headband came together in an about an hour and a half because I got to row two ripped it back to the chain row and started over. This is a great beginner project. My little love loves it and I can't wait to alter the pattern a little and make it for the grand little love! Check out my pretty little love modeling her new headband below! If you have a great pattern for a simple project, send it my way because I need simple projects that aren't scarves.

Friday Faves

Well, this has by far been the most difficult week since the beginning of Fondue You Love Me? but I'm determined to find five amazing things that happened this week.

1. AST Scavenger Hunt

Our beautiful chaplains hosted a scavenger hunt for us on Wednesday night. We ran around like crazy people but it is completely fine because team Damsels in Success won! We were the only team to not only accomplish all 18 tasks and arrive back first but also the only team to follow the directions for each picture. Along with our scavenger hunt, we created happiness jars and got personalized Valentines. It was really what I needed this week.

2. South West Egg Rolls and Homemade Salsa

Once again, Joe and I proved our culinary genius with some homemade salsa and south west egg rolls. The salsa is the perfect consistancy and has the right mix of spicy and sweet and sour flavors. The egg rolls are filled with beans and corn and spinach and have tons of flavor. They were so yummy dipped in sour cream or the salsa. They both will happen again soon. The salsa made the perfect snack and the egg rolls reheated nicely in a toaster oven. Yum!

3. Joe

Joe is the very best friend in the whole world. I would not have made it through this week without him. He is the absolute best and I will never be able to do enough to repay him for everything he has done for me! I just love him so much.

4. Retail Therapy

Joe and I went shopping over the weekend and I got two cute new dresses as well as a new blazer for Suit Up night and a new top. I'm in desperate need for clothes that don't have letters so be prepared for plenty of retail therapy pictures in the coming weeks.

5. Easter!

I am getting so excited for all the Easter things I have planned. Liam's Easter present is here and it is just so dang precious. I can't wait to send it to him and post about it! I won't ruin the surprise this time, I swear! I can't wait for what I have planned for spring break and all the blog things I am going to work on!

DIY Tank Top

My biggest boy pet peeve? Muscle shirts. And women wearing a boy's muscle shirt with a sports bra. But I get the appeal. It's cooler and easier to move in. But I don't want to wear a shirt that looks like it belongs to a boy. And tank tops made for women are usually too tight. When we went to Cedar Point last summer, I made one of these tank tops and I absolutely love it. I used one of Joe's that was stained and he was going to throw away anyways.

1. Cut off the arms and neck. Cut them a little deeper that just the seam.
2. Turn the shirt over and cut a little deeper just off the back of the neck and the arms.
3. Using part of the shirt that you cut off, pull a strip through both sleeves and tie a double knot.

If you're like me and you don't like working out in just a bra, this is a great option. There are a lot of other variations on the internet. I have two more of Joe's old shirts to work with so I might try something different with the next one. 

Friday Faves

Happy February y'all. It has been a long week here in the arctic. In the past two weeks, we've gotten over two feet of snow. Spring has six weeks to get here or I will be packing a bag and living on the beach in Florida.

1. Mint

I am so happy mint is every where this year. I have always loved mint and I've had mint polish for a long time but I had so many beautiful options for a mint dress for my Valentine's date with Luke. I am so excited for it to get here. Plus I always have a blast online shopping with Jessica.

2. Dinner with Emily

Little love and I had dinner on Sunday night and it was so nice to catch up with her. I just love her. I made her that cute little headband so look forward to that post.

3. Valentine's Day

Luke and I got our Valentine's Day plans squared away since his work will be sending him to teach a couple of classes up north for a couple of days over February 14. By the way, do you know how many times that boy actually asked me what the date of Valentine's Day is? Seriously. But anyways, I am so excited because he let me have a choice and my Valentine's Day gift is a day trip to Chicago together over spring break in March. I am super excited about that! He doesn't know it yet but we are so going into the Vera Bradley store on Michigan Ave. :)

4. The SpeakEZ Lounge

Luke took me to this super cute bar last night and I think this may have to be a regular thing for me to bug him about. It was so small and out of the way. Their staff is so nice and it feels exactly what a speakeasy should feel like. And they have a delicious moscato.

5. This Song

If I can't be Felicia Day, can we at least be BFFs?

If You Really Knew Me

It's my birthday! Woot woot! In honor of my awesomeness, I present this list of things you would know if you really knew me.

If you really knew me... you would know that I love teacup piggies! I really love a lot of animals but right now teacup piggies tops the list, followed closely by hippos. I want to own a teacup piggy one day. His name will be Franklin. We will be BFFs and his hobbies will include skeet shooting and snuggling. His dislikes will include bees and mean people... Don't judge me.

If you really knew me... you would know that would only buy skinny jeans if I thought that was socially acceptable. I own three pairs plus quite a few pairs of regular jeans but I only wear the skinny jeans if I can. Other jeans are for laundry day. Skinny jeans make me feel skinny. And they are an excuse to wear cute shoes since everyone can see your feet that are not covered in extra material from your pants.

If you really knew me... you would know I love my nephew more than the world itself. I don't think I have ever met another person who loves their nephew as much as I love mine. And that makes sense since we are BFFs and he is the coolest kid in the world. So if you have kids that aren't my Liam, I'm sorry you will forever be disappointed. Liam and I play lots of games like "Wiggle" and "Sit Ups" and "Nom the Fingers". Which are exactly what they sound like. And I don't think it's physically possible to be any happier than when Liam laughs because you nommed his fingers.

If you really knew me... you would know if I had to eat only one food for the rest of my life, I would totally choose shrimp pasta. You think you know what shrimp pasta is but you don't. Joe came up with the original recipe and I helped him perfect it. Only Joe makes it perfectly. It is garlic-y and cheese-y and delicious. Joe and I describe it as our first favorite food cooked in our second favorite food all over our third favorite food. It's awesomeness in your face hole. Hopefully, I will have a free day to post the recipe. It's on my list of potential blog posts, but every time I schedule it, I come up with another post that would work better for that time.

If you really knew me... you would know that I am currently working on myself. I am not overly happy about this change in my life because I feel guilty about spending any time focusing on my health and that is exactly why I am forcing myself to do this. You really only do live once and I am tired of rushing through life and settling for what life hands me so I'm taking some time to work on letting go and seeing the bigger picture. Being 22 might prove to be the most difficult age yet and I'm oddly at peace with that right now.

If you really knew me... you would know that I have self-diagnosed O.C.D. For example, I have perfect numbers that I stick to. If it's not a perfect number, I will be frustrated until I can make it a perfect number. I plan out each month's blog posts so I can ensure there is a multiple of ten. Again, don't judge me.

If you really knew me... you would know that I might be the most stubborn person like, ever. For real. When I argue, I even know I'm being unreasonable and I just keep barreling on. Sorry I'm not sorry?

If you really knew me... you would know that I have become really obsessed with my blog. If I have nothing to do, and sometimes when I actually do have things to do, I get on blogger and admire finished posts that haven't been published and scroll through the long lists of posts I'm working on. I am really really bored if I don't have a post to work on.

If you really knew me... you would know that if you are riding in my car and we see cows, I will make you say "cows" in a way that makes it sound like you would get out and frolic with the cows if you could but you know that I will drive away and leave you with the cows. And I do the same even though I'm the one driving. The only person who gets it is my sister. We're too cool for school.

If you really knew me... you would know that polar bears are "polaa beaaars" and fish are "feesh".

Friday Faves

Another week, another Friday Faves. This is possibly my favorite part of blogging and it has been the source of inspiration for other possible blog posts. I have plans for another weekly regular post so look forward to that.

1. Infinity Scarf from NY&Co

It's no secret I'm a bit obsessed with this brand. I own more than a few pieces from this store. By far this is my new favorite piece in my wardrobe. Doubled up it makes every outfit warm and cozy and perfect for this season. I love the colors! The nice neutrals pair with 99% of my wardrobe!

2. Bath & Body Works

We had our Holiday 2012 preparation meeting on Sunday night and I realized what a great company I am working for now. Everything that bothered my about Subway doesn't happen with B&BW. On Sunday, we got a chance to get oriented before being thrown into the insanity. We also found out that our location is being used a test store for a new holiday employee discount of 40% for the month of December! To top it all off, corporate treated us to a full size bottle of lotion in one of the seasonal scents as well as a seasonal anti-bac and case. Thanks, B&BW!

3. Influenster

As of yesterday, I am officially done with the Influenster Beauty Blogger Vox Box. I'm sad it's over but yet I am so happy to see all those posts under my published list! I got the Opt-In survey for the Holiday 2012 Vox Box so I'm hopeful Influenster won't be leaving my list of scheduled posts for too long. I have a post in the works about the redesign of Influenster and I have a new challenge for myself if I get another box so maybe I have my hopes up a little bit that I get another box soon.

4. Karaoke Night... Sorta

I was trying to add the picture from last night but the internet is being rude today. Anyways, last night was karaoke night. Except the bar wasn't doing karaoke night because of the opening of deer season. It was still fun because we spent the day at the mall looking for new stuff to wear. I love how much time I've been spending with the roommates lately.

5. This flamingo.

Go home Flamingo, you're drunk! :)

Friday Faves

I forgot to do Friday Faves last week so I'm treating you to a double dose of Friday Faves. Recruitment weekend had already gotten the best of me on Friday so I wasn't able to post.

1. Kate

My tiny little rock Kate kept me sane last weekend and all this week. She even brought me flowers! I just can't get over how precious she is and I just love her to bits.

2. The Alpha Taus

The Taus are here! Finally! I don't think my chapter could be any more excited. We love us some new girls like a fat kid loves cake. It was like Christmas morning. Welcome to our 28 gorgeous new sisters!

3. My Chapter

Look at those gorgeous sisters! We rocked preference and I could not be more proud of every single sister who made it all possible. I have never been so happy to be an AST!

4. Joe

As usual, Joe takes amazing care of me and I am so happy to have him as a friend.

5. Subway...

...is no more. I quit my job this week. Which is actually a good thing. I just feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'd rather be poor for a bit than hate my life because of a job. I have my whole life to work but only these years with my friends to have a lot of fun and not worry about kids or spouses or big kid jobs.

6. Teavana
I have another interview! I made it clear on my application that I'm only looking for about 25 hours and I now have day time availability so hopefully I have a better experience this time around. I'm pretty excited about this one because I've been interested in tea for a while so this might be a chance to learn a lot.

7. Snackers

Om nom nom snackers always makes for a good week!

8. V8 V-Fusion + Energy

If you don't normally like energy drinks, give this a try. I got them for the crazy recruitment weekend and they were just enough energy to keep me going but they didn't make me shake like other energy drinks do. Plus they are so so yummy!

9. My amazing roommate, her boyfriend, and having the car fixed!

Brandi's boyfriend Aaron fixed my car this week! No more check engine light! Better gas mileage! Woot!

10. Retail Therapy

Doctor Who love and a birthday gift for the nephew made for a great afternoon at the mall!

What to Wear... Bid Day

This last weekend was formal recruitment here at GVSU. To celebrate another successful recruitment and tonight's bid day, here is how I do bid day! After my first bid day as an active, I learned dressing for bid day can be just as hard as dressing for recruitment. You want to look cute for all those bid day photos! And it's the one day of the semester your whole outfit can be sorority colors and symbols without looking ridiculous.

The Shirt: Bid day shirts aren't a choice. But if I had a choice, my letters would be big and proud across the front. Last year, our letters were about an inch tall. Wth? To me, the shirt needs to be all about the letters so there is no mistaking you for a chapter with the same symbol or every other black sweatshirt. Just saying.

The Shorts: Shorts are a must. It's gonna get hot. You're gonna be jumping around, mobbing new girls and Rho Gammas. It's like a rock concert in a desert. No joke. Just wear shorts, OK?

The Hair: I'm pretty sure if you went to a rock concert in the desert, you'd wear a pony tail or bun. Just use that common sense and wear your hair up. And oh hey, wear a bow. Sorority girls like bows. Like this one with their symbol all over it. Again, just saying.

The Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes. You've been in heels all weekend. You're gonna be mobbing the stage, running around looking at other chapters outfits. Do your feet a favor. And if they are sorority colors, you're a dedicated sorority girl.

The Bag: Again, vomit your mascots and symbols all over and get yourself a cute tote. If you set it down, someone at least knows which chapter it belongs too. Plus you'll need a place to stash your camera.

The Accessories: Lavaliers are a must. In case anyone forgets what chapter you are from. I also have a bracelet with my letters on it. It's not over-kill. Promise.

So there you have it. How to be completely sane and normal and celebrate a very long weekend. Now on to claiming a little before all the good ones are taken... :)

What to Wear.... Preference as an Active

Preference to me is the most important ritual we hold. Recruitment is the key to the survival of a chapter and the key to recruitment is preference. In the fall, preference should make a very difficult choice easy. It should show potential new members exactly what they are going to represent if they wear your letters. That being said, as I approach my second fall preference as ritual chair, attire is extremely important. You want to show how seriously your chapter takes it values through the way you act and dress at preference. This is how I would ask my members to dress. I know other sororities have different requirements and you should definitely make sure you follow all of those. But this is what I would ask my chapter to wear.

The Dress: Black and classy. You're not going to the club. You're going to preference. Make sure it's got thick straps or wear a cardigan. It better get close to your knees or I'll kick you out. Think "interview". No cut outs or see-through lace nonsense.

The Shoes: Low heels are perfect. You want them to be comfortable because if I see you fidgeting during round one, I'll ask you to leave for round two. You can tell the experienced sisters from the new sisters. They can stand still facing forward for the whole 45 minutes. They don't shift from foot to foot because they know good shoes are crucial. And they better be all black. No white details, no bright flower. It's gotta be all black.

The Pin: My sisters know if I see you forgot your pin, you will be written up to standards. It's our badge! Make sure its on straight and over your heart. 

The Make-Up: Go neutral. I'm not a dictator with make up at preference because everyone wants to look pretty for the PNMs. Just make sure it's natural. Lipstick, foundation, and mascara are really all you need. Nail polish should be light and pretty to go with all your recruitment outfits. And if you're skipping the nylons, you better shave your legs and put lotion on. 

The Accessories: I am all for a cute headband or a flower. But it also better be black. It's our ritual requirements to be in all black. And your hair better be mostly down. I know it can get hot in that room but when everyone wears their hair down, it looks uniform and pretty.

Well that's it. I'm pretty straight forward with ritual attire. I expect it to all follow the rules because they reflect our values. But I also believe ritual attire can be cute and fun.

What To Wear.... Preference as a Potential New Member

Preference as a potential new member is absolutely terrifying. When I went through recruitment, I heard that you were supposed to cry at Preference. I couldn't figure out what they were going to do to me to make me cry. Anyways, I knew you had to come fancy but when I arrived at the student union building, I realized there was no standard response to "fancy". Some PNMs showed up in semi-formal homecoming dresses and others like me showed up in sundresses and a cardigan. Then when I was Ritual chair, I wished our Panhellenic council had spent more time preparing girls for this important round because I realized we cut girls we absolutely loved based on our perceptions of how seriously they took our Preference. I'm sure the girl who brought coffee didn't mean any disrespect but it offended every sister in that room. That's the inspiration for this post. As recruitment season comes upon us, here is a simple description of what might impress a chapter.

Here's the breakdown:

The Dress: Think church. What would you wear to impress your grandma? Most chapters look for women who will uphold their values and dressing like you're going to the club will probably insult a lot of women. So go super classy. Think knee-length or longer. Personally, I would try to show off your personality without looking like you spend more time looking at magazines than studying for your finals. The beauty of this dress is the pattern isn't overwhelming but the color is bright and the combination of purple and gold will help you stand out a little. Avoid black. Most chapters require their sisters to wear black dresses during this round. Alternative options are skirts and pants but I find myself adjusting myself too much wearing a skirt or pants.

The Shoes: This is the only round I could appreciate wearing heels as a new member. Go with something comfortable. I recommend wearing them a few times outside before recruitment. You will spend at least some time on your feet and at least from personal experience, you may have to walk with 30+ people focused on you. The last think you want to do is trip. 

The Accessories: Again, class is key. Go with simple accessories that show your personality. I can't wear necklaces because I fiddle with them. If you know you play with your jewelry, skip it. When in doubt, get yourself some pearls. Real or fake, gold or white, every sorority woman appreciates pearls.

The Make-Up: This is where you can show your personality. If you are skilled with a make-up brush, go a little trendy. The only rule with make-up: waterproof mascara. If you do cry, you don't want to risk spending the rest of your rounds looking like a raccoon. 

No purse?!: I am a self-proclaimed purse addict. But don't bring one. Ritual is often an activity that requires both hands. No to mention you don't want to fiddle with it during the round and have women think you are disrespecting them. If you have something like keys or a phone, leave them with your Rho Gamma (or Rho Chi or Gamma Chi or whatever your campus calls them). You won't need them during the round anyways. If you go through in the winter, this won't be an issue as they expect you to have a jacket and they'll have a spot for these things.

Most importantly, remember that Preference is meant to make the choice easy. Not just for you, but for us too. So leave a lasting impression as there will be no more chances after this round to do so on the sorority you really want!

What To Wear.... The Amusement Park

Is there anything better than a day at an amusement park? I don't think so. I've been lucky enough to go to Cedar Point in Ohio twice this summer. The first time I went, the heat index was over 100 degrees. I spent a lot of time strategizing for the second round of coasters. So I've compiled my best tips for how to get the most out of your days at the amusement parks. These tips are to maximize your time on the coasters and not have to worry about what to do with your gear.

First of all, you have to get the attire right. If you don't, you will suffer greatly. I've been to Cedar Point at least once a summer for all of my 21 years and I have mastered the proper outfit. To start off with, you need a great foundation. I didn't put it in my picture and I'm not sure this needs to be said but skip the frilly panties in favor of something cotton. You will thank me later. Go with some cotton socks as well. And the most important part: a sports bra will set you free. I cannot tell you how uncomfortable a regular bra is in 100 degree heat. A sports bra is key. A loose cotton tank top is perfect. Anything ribbed or tight-fitting will get uncomfortable as you sweat. (I made my own tank for our last trip. Tutorial to follow.) Don't go with regular athletic shorts on this one. Old Navy's perfect khaki shorts really are perfect. If you want to go without a purse or backpack, you need the pockets and belt loops. The Vera Bradley ID holder is perfect if you're going without a bag. It has a key ring and holds a couple of cards and bills. It also fits in a pocket. Combine that with a carabineer and you can ride without worrying about  losing your stuff. I also got a Vapur bottle which was a life saver. We filled them up between rides and just clipped them to our belt loops for the rides. I realized afterwards you could get a little sunscreen bottle with a carabineer so you wouldn't ever have to go out to the car if you didn't want to. Lastly, get yourself some decent athletic shoes. Your feet are going to hurt. Flip flops aren't going to help. 

If you're going to do an amusement park in this last month of summer, at least do yourself a favor and dress appropriately. Dressing just like this, I think this last trip was my first where I never thought about what I was wearing.