SMASH Your College Memories

 



One of my hobbies is scrapbooking, but when I came to college I realized that I didn't have as much time and sometimes I didn't end up with pictures to scrapbook. My sophomore year of college SMASH books by K&Company came into the scrapbooking world and my mom gave me one. Now you can even find them at Walmart and Target!

I found that this was a fun and easy way to document my college memories, even if you have never scrapbooked before. I've been using this one since my sophomore

year and I already have another book ready to go when I fill this one up.

 

The books come in all different styles and colors with a pen that has a glue stick on the other side. You also get to choose from their large line of cute accessories. Here are some of the accessories that I have acquired over the past year:

 

These are just a few of the pages that I have Smashed!

 

 

 

You can put anything in the book! In the top picture I included part of a tshirt I wore during a paint wars activity. In the bottom picture I included a nametag, receipts, quote from a magazine, and a card that my mom sent me.

 

 

For December I completed a page dedicated to my favorite holiday foods and used a Starbucks pastry bag. I also did my version of a "December Daily" page and documented all the fun stuff I did throughout the month.

 

 

This is a page I did after I went to two concerts. I just printed out the pictures I took in wallet size and included the tickets from the events.

 

College goes very fast so find a way to preserve all those memories!

 

 

 

 



Getting Involved on Campus

 

The number one piece of advice that we give incoming students is to get involved in at least one student organization on campus. Joining an organization will help you meet new people who will help you along your college journey. Plus its fun and gives you something to do!

 

This weekend was full of campus involvement for me. Friday was one of our biggest campus events of the year: Fresh Fusion. Basically it is a huge organizations fair. All of the campus organizations set up booths and there is free food and stuff like airbrushed banners. All of the incoming students get to talk to organizations that they are interested in.

 

The Orientation Leaders even got to do a fun dance to kick the whole event off.

 

 

I was there representing my sorority, Delta Gamma. We also had our first meeting of the year this weekend getting ready for recruitment. It was great to see all of my sisters again and pose with our new wooden letters!

 

Our campus also gives us the opportunity to do a lot of service for the community. On Saturday I participated in "Service on Saturday" and worked a giant blow up slide at a family festival sponsored by Girl Scouts. Even though it was super hot, hearing the children giggle as they came down the slide was worth it.

 

Check with your campus's Office of Student Life to see what you can get involved in!

 



Getting an On Campus Job

 

On way to make balancing a job and school a little easier is to work on campus. This is my third year working on campus and I've held two different positions. There are definitely many benefits to working on campus. They have to work with your school schedule and you can work between your classes. In addition, you will probably get to meet important people who can serve as mentors and references later. Having work experience from a university also  looks great on a resume!

 

The beginning of each semester is a great time to look for openings since most offices are restocking student employee positions after others have graduated. Here are some of my tips for getting an on campus job:

 

• Actually read the job description. This will save you a lot of time. Don't just apply for every job listed, but tailor your resume for a few that fit your talents and needs. For many jobs you have to be eligible for a work study. Others request that students have a certain major or are a specific year in school.
• Do not lie on your application and resume. This seems like a no brainer but you'd be surprised. It is possible that those hiring you will actually check out your transcript to see you really have a 4.00 GPA.
• Dress up for the interview, even if the job is casual. Even if it is acceptable to wear jeans in the area you are applying for, I suggest at least wearing a pair of khakis and a nice shirt. It makes you stand out from all of the other students in t-shirts and shows that you care.
• Show school spirit. Show the employers that you really enjoy being on campus and take pride in the university. Do not wear anything from another school!
• Get to know your professors and staff. Faculty and staff may let you know about recent job openings, and they serve as great references!
• Change your voicemail message. If a potential employer calls about an interview you don't want them to hear your voicemail message that tricks people into thinking you answered or just says "You know what to do, leave a message." This is all about showing maturity and professional behavior.

Once you get the job, remember that these are real jobs and they should be taken seriously. You might have close relationships with the people you are working with but that isn't an excuse to slack off your job. This is a great opportunity to gain work experience and many people would love to have a campus job, so treat it accordingly.

 

I hope these tips are helpful! For more information on making your resume and interview tips, visit NKU's Career Development Center website.

 



Last Summer Weekend

While I am excited for classes to start tomorrow, it seems like this summer has flown by. My last weekend before school was super busy!

Friday was Freshmen Move-In Day.

My Delta Gamma sisters and I were on Move In Crew. It was great to be able to meet some new students and see their excitement about starting their college career. I can't believe it has been two years since I first moved in!

Friday night was our soccer game against UK.

I got to be a part of history here at NKU since this was our first home game as a Division 1 university. Plus, it was a record setting audience! The game ended in a tie at 2-2 and made me super excited to cheer on our Division 1 Norse in the Atlantic Sun Conference this year.

Saturday we had Rock and Jock.

Rock and Jock is basically a big kick-off for Greek recruitment and the Orientation Leaders got to wear our letters in front of the freshmen for the first time.

I also got to be reunited with my Delta Gamma sisters and talk to some great freshmen that are interested in going through recruitment.

Finally, today was the Orientation Leader Reunion Picnic so we got to see all of our freshmen again before school starts.

I had a blast at all of the events! It was a great way to end the summer and I hope it is a sign that this will be a great semester.

Good luck to everyone starting classes tomorrow!



Favorite Five Friday: College Wardrobe

When I came to college I wanted my wardrobe to mature a little. I no longer wanted to wear tees that said Aeropostale or American Eagle every day. Here are some of my wardrobe essentials for everything from work to class to just hanging out.

1.Khaki Pants

These are a must for job interviews, internships, award banquets, etc. An easy way to make it look like you put some effort into your outfit choice. I love my khaki pants from Old Navy! They come in a "short" size and are the perfect fit.

2. Cardigans

Again, an easy way to make you seem put together while keeping you warm in cold lecture halls. I usually find cardigans to be pretty affordable on a college budget by shopping at Target or H&M. I would suggest at least having a black cardigan but I have them in several colors.

3. Colorful Rain Boots

You will still have class on rainy days and nothing is worse than walking across campus in wet socks. Everyone will be checking out your boots and comparing them to see whose are cuter so go for something fun and colorful!

4. One Set of Cute Sweats

You will want at least one set of sweats that you aren't embarresed for people to see you in. Of course they are perfect for movie nights, sleepovers, and just hanging out in the dorms. My favorite sets come from Aerie.

5. Spirit Wear!

Show some school spirit in class or at games! Spirit wear comes in all forms and is almost always acceptable on a college campus so stock up! NKU just got a new bookstore and I am loving all of our new apparel.



Dorm Decor: Clothesline for Photos

This year I am lucky to have an apartment style dorm and I have been working on getting settled in this week. I love displaying pictures in my dorm because it makes it feel even more like home. Today I added this clothes line style decor to my wall to display pictures and cards.

I attached small Command hooks in the corner of each side of the wall. I tied yarn that I got on sale for .88 to each hook. Because the clothespins are a little heavy for the yarn I also used sticky tabs to attach the string to the wall. The tabs are covered by the tissue paper flowers.

To make the flowers I cut out circles from tissue paper (2 circles per flower) and folded them in together. I then stapled the circles together in the back and stuck them over the sticky tabs.

I can't wait to add more pictures and cards as the school year progresses! Here is what it looks like on the whole wall:



Cheap and Easy Dinner

This is such an easy and affordable dinner for college students! In the produce department there are potatoes that come packaged in plastic.I got this one for just .99. You microwave them for ten minutes and they are ready to eat.

If you are new to buying your own groceries you probably haven't even noticed these potatoes. My local grocery store usually keeps them in a basket next to the regular potatoes. My mom gets them for us at home sometimes.

Add some salt, pepper, cheese, bacon bits, etc. and you have a loaded baked potato for less than five bucks. My potato was pretty big so I ate it by itself but you also warm up some vegetables or have a salad for a complete meal that is just right for a college student's budget.



Homemade Ice Cream

What could be better than homemade ice cream on a summer night? I just got home from vacation and had to share about this hole in the wall ice cream shop we discovered. After hearing about it from friends, we found it easily on Front Beach Road in Panama City, Florida.

All of the ice cream is homemade and comes in a wide variety of flavors. Everyone raved about how good the vanilla was while I was a fan of peanut butter. We ended up visiting this store three times during our trip! Just look at this ice cream cone:

Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe became one of my family's favorite places and was one of the best parts of the week. This is definitely a must stop place for your next family or spring break trip to Panama City!

For an address, hours, and more information visit their Facebook page! 



Favorite Five Friday: Dorm Essentials

Freshmen move-in day for NKU is a week away! I can’t wait for the campus to be busy with people again. This will be my third year living in the dorms so I wanted to share some dorm essentials that you might not think about.

1. Mattress Cover and Pad

Protect your bed from bed bugs with a cover that zippers around your entire mattress. Then add some comfort with an extra mattress pad. You never know how old that mattress is or who used it before you.

2. Clothes Drying Rack

A lot of my friends were amazed when they first say this is my room because they had never used one before. It folds up for easy storage and allows you to save money on laundry. If I’m afraid something will draw up I always put it on this drying rack versus a regular dryer.

3. Good Wall Adhesives

If your dorm is older it will be tough to get things to stick to the walls and most places forbid using nails. The worst thing is having your bulletin board fall on you in the middle of the night. I attached ribbon to things I wanted to hang and invested in some Command hooks. Adhesive tape is helpful as well.

4. Power Strip

Your room will not come with many outlets and you will have to share them with your roommate. Make sure you have a power strip to ensure you can plug in your mini-fridge, printer, alarm clock, etc.

5. Make-up Mirror

Your own mirror will be a lifesaver when you and your roommate are trying to get ready at the same time or you don’t want to go to the floor bathroom. Plus, dorm lighting usually isn’t the best for applying make-up.

These are just a few items that I have really found helpful in my years of living in a dorm. My advice is to come with the essentials and buy more as you discover that you need it. Freshmen usually end up overbuying and sending a lot of stuff back home after the first few months.

Also, for move in day I suggest suitcases or bags with handles or wheels versus the big tubs. The tubs get very heavy, the lids don’t stay on well, and they are hard to carry.

I hope this is helpful! Get excited for move-in day!



Beach Playlist

I spent a lot of time coming up with the perfect playlist for the beach this year. Here is what I'm listening to on the beach:

Felt Good On My Lips (Tim McGraw)

Knee Deep (Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffet)

Springsteen (Eric Church)

Drunk on You (Luke Bryan)

Somethin' 'Bout A Truck (Kip Moore)

Country Girl (Luke Bryan)

Pontoon (Little Big Town)

I Won't Give Up (Jason Mraz)

Angel Eyes (Love and Theft)

Truck Yeah (Tim McGraw)

Twenty One (Corey Smith)

Sorority Girl (Luke Bryan)

When the Sun Goes Down (Kenny Chesney)

Barefoot Blue Jean Night (Jake Owen)

Party Rock Anthem (LMFAO)

You Make That Look Good (Scotty McCreery)

Sexy and I Know It (LMFAO)

Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5)

My First Love Song (Luke Bryan)

Watch the Wind Blow By (Tim McGraw)

Wagon Wheel (O.C.M.S.)

The Time (The Black Eyed Peas)

Sweet Thing (Keith Urban)

My Kind of Crazy (Brantley Gilbert)

All About Tonight (Brad Shelton)

Working on a Tan (Brad Paisley)

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (Alan Jackson)

Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffett)

Water (Brad Paisley)

Suntan City (Luke Bryan)



Favorite Five Friday: The Beach

The beach is one of my family's favorite vacation destinations and we are headed to Panama City tomorrow morning! I wanted to share my favorite things that I always make sure to pack for a beach trip.

1. A New Book                                      

I am bringing American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin. This is Goodwin's debut novel and a New York Times Bestseller. The plot centers on the Newport heiress Cora Cash who is sent away to England by her mother in search of a husband and title. I can't wait to sit beside the pool with this book!

2. A Nice Sundress (or 2 or 3)

I love this teal dress from H&M. The straps are lace and there is a belt around the waist. The fabric is light and perfect for the hot weather.

3. Triple Moisture Body Cream

Long days on the beach and in the pool always leave your skin dry. I use Bath and Body Works triple moisture body cream in Forever Sunshine. Not only does it replenish your skin, it is the perfect scent for the beach.

4. Sunscreen for body and face

I'm a big fan of sport performance sunscreens for the beach. Banana Boat also has facial sunscreen in stick form and spray sunscreen so it is easy to apply.

5. Games

Be prepared for rainy days with a few games and movies. Some of our favorites are Phase 10 and Apples to Apples.