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Friday, September 28, 2012

Favorite Five Friday: Sorority Big Sister

 
 

Finding out who my sorority big sister was last year has been one of my favorite college memories. I can't believe that day was a whole year ago and that I find out who my little is going to be tonight! The relationship between a big and little is like no other and I am so excited about taking on this new responsibility.
My Big, Mollie, has been awesome and here are some of my favorite things about her. These are qualities that I am going to strive for as I become a big sister this year.
 
1. A good big encourages you to be your best self. Within your chapter, on your campus, and within life in general, my Big always encourages me to get involved on campus and be successful in my classes and all that I do.
2. A good big is always there for you. I don't know how many times a week I am texting and calling my Big with all of my questions or because I have yet again lost something. If I have a bad day she is always there to make me smile.
3. A good big can have fun doing anything. My big and I can have the best time looking at the humor board on Pinterest or at our sorority's formal. She shouldn't pressure you to do things you don't want to do.
4. A good big teaches you about your sorority. My big was there guiding me through my initiation process and is still teaching me things about our chapter and organization. She helped me learn the greek alphabet and quizzed me before I went through initiation.
5. A good big always shows you love. It doesn't have to be through presents, but it can simply be through a text or hug. Sometimes it might even be tough love.
I understand that not everyone has the most amazing relationships with their Big, but you shouldn't let it ruin your greek life experience. You have a whole chapter of women to support you. Work on building those other relationships and find an older member in your chapter that you can look up to.
 
To my future little: I can't wait to reveal who I am and spoil you! :)


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

DIY Dorm Paintings

I've been wanting to post pictures of my apartment but I am going to have to clean it first. In the meantime, here is a really easy project to decorate your dorm/apartment. I couldn't find that many posters that I loved and matched my color scheme so I painted my own.
 
These designs were really easy and are a mix between free hand and stencil.
After the paint dried, I also added a little glitter. The paintings have traveled with me since freshmen year and are currently in my apartment kitchen area.
 
Here are some looks at how I've used them over the years:
Freshmen year over the bed
 
 
Sophomore year above the TV.
 
 
Senior year in the kitchen nook.
 
Just a simple and cheap way to add a little personality to your dorm room :)
 
 
 


Friday, September 21, 2012

Favorite 5: Fall!

Fall has officially arrived! Its seems like overnight the air just got a little crisper. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and here are some reasons why:
 
 
 
 
1. Salted Carmel Mocha
 
I know everyone is crazy about the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but just try the Salted Carmel Mocha! It is my favorite and is perfect for a chilly days and late nights studying. I had to get one as soon as they brought them back for the fall.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Sweaters
I love being able to wrap up in warm sweaters.
Right now I'm loving this sweater from H&M that is only $20!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. Halloween Crafts
There are so many cute Halloween and fall crafts on Pinterest right now! I can't wait to make a few for my friends and sorority sisters.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Soup and Grilled Cheese
There's nothing better than coming home after a fall day and having a warm bowl of soup. It is such a comfort food and I'm looking forward to attempting to make some this year. I'm thinking about trying this potato soup recipe from that village house.
 
 
 
 
5. Activities!
There are so many fun fall activities to do with family and friends. Fall craft night? Movie Night? Here's a fall bucket list that has some ideas.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken



 
Yesterday I made my very first crock pot meal! My grandmother recently gave me this small slow cooker that is the perfect size for my little apartment. I was pretty nervous about using it but it turned out super easy and the chicken tasted great. I wanted something that was very simple to start with. I looked up a lot of recipes for chicken cooked in a slow cooker and adapted them into this:
 
Italian Slow Cooker Chicken
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 Italian salad dressing mix packet
1 can cream of chicken soup 
1 package of pasta (I just got what was on sale)
 
1.Put chicken in slow cooker and sprinkle with the Italian dressing mix.
2. Cover the chicken with a thin layer of water and cook on low for 5-6 hours
3. Mix in the cream of chicken soup and let cook for another 15-20 minutes.
 
I served this chicken over pasta with a little cheese sprinkled on the top and a side salad. I was very pleased with how it turned out and am eating leftovers tonight!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Celebrating our Anniversary

 
Last Sunday was our six year anniversary! We've stuck it out through four years of high school and 2 years of going to different colleges. Of course last weekend was sorority recruitment weekend so we didn't get to celebrate then, but I received these beautiful flowers.
 
 
This weekend I was able to come home and we had the perfect anniversary date. First we spent the afternoon at the zoo. The weather was perfect.
 
Then we went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner and dessert. This slice of chocolate cheesecake was amazing!
We both agreed that it was the best dessert we had ever had! Then I was surprised with a trip to Build-A Bear and got to make a teddy bear that we named Rupp.
 
I think that guys are hard to buy for so I always have to think really hard about a gift. Last year I did a tailgating kit for football season with snacks, spirit stuff, and a football magazine.
This year I went with this handmade wallet from Etsy.
 
Finally, we went back and watched our high school's football team in a great game. It was the perfect day and I'm looking forward to many more anniversaries to come.
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Sorority Recruitment Weekend

Sorority recruitment is over! It was a very long weekend but it was definitely worth it. We got an amazing pledge class and I can't wait to get to know all our new Hannah's.
This weekend made me realize just how proud I am of our chapter. Delta Gamma has made a huge difference in my college career and I had the privilege of making our awards and achievements port for the first night of recruitment.
The banner across the front of the table says "Sail with the Best"
 
The second night was all about our philanthropy, Service for Sight.
 
The last night was of course Pref Night and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room during each party. The strength of our sisterhood was so evident.
 
Bid Day was the most exciting! I loved welcoming our new members home!
 
Congratulations to all of the girls who accepted bids this weekend! I hope your greek life experience is as amazing as mine has been.
 
 
 
 


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Going through Sorority Recruitment

 
Here at NKU we are gearing up for sorority recruitment weekend! I can't believe it has already been a year since I went through recruitment and found my home with Delta Gamma. It can definitely be a nerve racking experience. Here are some of my top tips for those going through recruitment:
 
  • Bring Snacks! Recruitment requires long days/nights so bring some snacks and drink plenty of water.
  • Wear Flats. Or bring flip flops to walk in and change into your heels right before the party. You may have to walk around your campus to get from one chapter to the other.
  • Talk about yourself. The girls really want to get to know you to see what you can bring to their chapter. Don't be afraid to share your accomplishments and your goals for college.
  • Stand Out. The women in each chapter will be meeting hundreds of potential new members, so try to wear a little something each night that will make you stand out and be remembered. Think a cute pair of shoes, something in your hair, etc.
  • Keep negative comments to yourself. When I went through recruitment there were girls in my group that openly talked badly about specific chapters. Just because a chapter isn't a perfect fit for you doesn't mean it wasn't meant for someone else. If someone does end up joining the chapter you dissed, that girl will always remember what you said.
  •  Remember that each school is different. Just because you heard something about a sorority at a different school, doesn't mean that it is true for the chapter at the school you are going to. Plus, don't believe everything you hear. Its important to experience things for yourself. Each college has their own unique Greek community.
  • Don't let a guy influence your decision. Join the sorority that is the best fit for you, not the one your current guy thinks is the most popular.
How will I know when I have found the right chapter?
For me, it was when the conversation came easily. I could see that the girls had high standards. I felt like I could relax when I was with them and at the end of their party I didn't want to leave.
 
 
Sorority Ever After is a great website with more detailed information and advice about recruitment.
 
Good luck to everyone going through recruitment!
 
 
 
 



Monday, September 3, 2012

Coloring

 
Check out that concentration. Its true...people of all ages love coloring. While we were hoping to get out on the lake this weekend, this is the second year in a row that the rain has altered our plans. In between meals and football games the boys spent their time coloring proving that yes, even college kids still love this activity.
 
Even with the rain it was great to have some time to relax and be with friends and family. Now I'm ready for a busy week ahead as I meet my practicum class for the semester and prepare for sorority recruitment!