tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85484125956519614042024-03-05T20:33:16.834-08:00Girl Meets PearlsA sorority girl's views on fashion, beauty, school, Greek life, and much more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-33239009031839686642014-06-22T15:01:00.000-07:002014-06-22T16:18:34.203-07:00the divorceThis is a topic that I've longed to write about for months, but never had the guts to. It's something really difficult to write about because you can't pick and choose who reads it, whereas when you tell someone, you choose who to tell. But here I am, writing about it, because I can't keep hurting like this.<br>
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Here it is: my parents are getting a divorce. I'm 21 years old, and my parents are splitting up for good. My mom filed after Christmas, and now all that's left is to sign the papers and get it approved by the judge. For the past 6 months, I have been in either a conscious or sub-conscious state of turmoil. It's hard to have your parents split up, but it's about 1,000 times harder when you're older because then they feel obligated to tell you everything, from how they're feeling to how terrible the other person is to every little detail of the proceedings. Something's I ask, but most of it I just don't even want to know, and yet they tell me anyway. And nothing hurts more than one parent attacking the other. Nothing.<br>
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People try so hard to empathize. The problem is, it's so different having your parents divorce when you're young. They sit you down and tell you everything is going to be alright and that it's not you, it's them. They might get remarried and you'll get step-parents and step-siblings and two Christmases doesn't feel like a big deal. You graduate high school and college with everyone sitting together because by then, everyone is happy with their lives again and there's no more pure hatred to ruin your big day. You get married and they're both there and everything is great, albeit a little awkwardness, but everyone makes the day about you still.<br>
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But when you're 21, they don't even bother. My mom told me over margaritas because my dad didn't see the point in all of us sitting down and telling my brother and I. It would be weird for my parents to remarry, and I would never consider them parental figures in any way. I'm graduating in 6 months and my parents will sit on opposite ends of a large basketball stadium because my dad can't be anywhere near my mom for a couple years, he says. I don't know who will take me out to dinner, but I'll have to pick who does. Then I'll get married down the road and everything will be super awkward because there's still this lingering animosity hanging around between sides of the family. They will bicker about who is responsible for paying for what, but they'll do it through me because they won't talk to each other.<br>
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Is it even worth having a wedding at that point? Is it even worth getting married at all? The likelihood of my own marriage ending in divorce has skyrocketed now, so what's left for me? A future full of the torment of listening to one parent diss the other for years to come? Awkward family obligations? Always having to mediate between parents when it comes to reaching agreements?<br>
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The hardest part, though, is never knowing who's lying and who's telling the truth. I have heard both sides to many stories, and each time, I've been left feeling confused. One parent says this, the other says that, and the stories never match up. Who am I supposed to believe? They tell me don't pick sides, but I can't help it when both sides are different all the time. I can't be impartial when one parent says spiteful things about the other and the other doesn't retaliate. But they're both my parents and I love them and I know they both love me. I just wish I could decipher truth from fiction more easily.<br>
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My dad told me, "We're gonna finish this while you're in Spain, you won't worry about it over there." Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your problems don't say goodbye to you at check-in like my dad did. They follow you wherever you go. Whatever you do, they're there, creeping up on you when you least expect it. I'm thousands of miles away and I still can't help but cry when I think about how everyone has handled this divorce, how I feel like family is made up of individual people and not a group of them anymore. Everyone is supposed to choose a side except me. I'm just meant to always be torn into pieces I guess.<br>
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I hope I haven't pointed fingers at anyone or put anyone in a bad light with this post. The people who I've talked to know all of what's going on, and I'm thankful for their continuous support through this. I want to heal, but I know it will take time. I know my parents will be happier after time, too. I feel better after writing about this, and I hope someone else in a similar situation can feel better, too, knowing they're not alone. <br>
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<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-6061655984548593432014-05-28T18:36:00.001-07:002014-05-28T18:36:13.714-07:00what i've learned from not yet studying abroadLet me tell ya - preparing to study abroad is NOT fun. Maybe it's just my crazy brain, but I have been thinking of EVERYTHING for a while now. What should I wear? What should I bring? What if this? What if that? It's exhausting. So, in order to make your lives easier, here's a list of things to do/think about for your study abroad trip!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Money</span><br />
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Oh, goodness. The root of all my problems. So the big question is, how are you going to have money while abroad? After countless research and talking to my friends who have gone abroad, this is the best method I can think of:<br />
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<li>Carry and use cash. It's so much easier than wondering if the place you're going accepts plastic. Just take out what you need at the beginning of each week and be done.</li>
<li>Open a <a href="https://www.schwab.com/">Charles Schwab</a> account. There's no minimum balance, and it's fast and easy to do. The reason why you want Schwab is <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">NO ATM TRANSACTION FEES WORLDWIDE.</u> *Cue the Hallelujah Chorus* This means that you're not limited by how many times a week you take out cash/you're not burdened with ATM fees. I still say don't withdraw too often, but this gives you a little more leeway.</li>
<li>Hook up the Schwab account to <a href="https://www.paypal.com/">PayPal</a>, and then have your parents (if they're the ones sending you money) transfer it over. It's fast and free, unlike a wire transfer, which could take days and charge fees to do. </li>
<li>Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, like the Capital One Venture card or the Discover It card. I would recommend the Discover because it has no annual fees, cashback, and a lot of other cool perks. For more info on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, go to <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/no-foreign-transaction-fee.php">CreditCards.com</a> and do some research. This card is for emergencies/big purchases while abroad, and can be used later for your regular credit card.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Electronics</span></div>
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If you know anything about me, it's that I have to live next to an outlet because I'm always using something that requires a plug - my phone, my computer, my straightener, my blow dryer, etc. However, if you go abroad, the outlets/voltage is going to be DIFFERENT. You can't use all your stuff in the same way, so it's important to know what to do in order to keep your electronics intact. </div>
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<li>There are two things you'll need - a <u><b>voltage converter</b></u>, and an <b><u>outlet adapter</u></b>. The outlet adapter turns your US plug into another country's plug. However, that's not all you'll need. The voltage in the US is 120v, but the voltage in other places (namely Europe) is 240v. That means, if you try sticking your straightener into the socket with just an outlet adapter, it's gonna be toast. Which means, you also need a voltage converter for many of your items.</li>
<li>That being said, don't bring things you wouldn't want accidentally ruined. Buy a cheap straightener there. That way, it won't need a voltage converter OR an outlet adapter. Or, buy products where the voltage can be converted. I just bought a hot air brush, and it turned out that you can change the voltage from 120v to 240v on the product itself. Ebay is a good place to find things that people used when going abroad and don't need anymore. </li>
<li>Good news - Apple products are built in with universal voltage conversion, so they will only need the outlet adapter. </li>
<li>I recommend buying a kit with a voltage converter and outlet adapters, just to get you started. After that, there are several things you can get to make your life easier. You can get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/VCT-Universal-Protector-Outlets-Capacity/dp/B000784H4K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394858906&sr=8-2&keywords=power+strip+converter">universal power strips</a> with voltage conversion on Amazon. That way, you can plug in all your American stuff and not worry about it blowing up. Or, if you have products that are already converted to the right voltage (Apple products, for example), you can buy a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038L54ZO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1LIX2T9PPCGMB&coliid=I21ESE70GV8SQJ">big pack of outlet adapters</a>, also from Amazon. Basically, Amazon is going to be your new best friend.</li>
<li>If you're going abroad for the summer and you won't be writing lengthy dissertations, I highly recommend not taking your laptop. They're heavy, they're bulky, and they're the first thing that could get stolen. Instead, invest in a tablet of some sort and get a keyboard attachment or a stylus. Or if you just HAVE to take your laptop, have a way to lock it up when you're gone, just in case.</li>
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I felt like I had to make a separate category just for cellular devices. I know it's going to be hard to part with the extension of your right hand, but it's just not practical to use. Doesn't mean I said don't take it with you...</div>
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<li>If possible, take an old smartphone or iPod Touch instead of your usual phone. That way, if you lose it, it's not the end of the world. The good thing about old phones and iPod Touches is that they have no cellular connectivity, so you're also not tempted to turn it on, or turn it on by accident. They will only work on WiFi, which is what you'll need most of the time. But the good news is, WiFi is EVERYWHERE, especially in Europe. </li>
<li>Take pictures of important lists, maps, guides, etc. so when you're not able to get WiFi, you can have access to things you need. Download handy apps for when you do have Internet connectivity. </li>
<li>For calling, most study abroad programs will provide phones. Or, if they don't, you can always pick up a cheap-o at a hypermarket (their version of Walmart) and load it with minutes. You probably won't use it much, but it's good to have for emergencies and getting ahold of fellow students/staff quickly.</li>
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And, of course, you're going to need a way to pack all this stuff up and get it on the plane. Here are some things you should/shouldn't pack:</div>
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<li>Already said before, laptop is not recommended, but if you must take it, keep it with you on the plane, either in your carry-on bag or personal bag. </li>
<li>You'll need 3 bags - a large rolling suitcase (whether you stay in one place or move around will determine how large that suitcase will be for practicality), a carry-on that will go in the top compartment on the plane, and a personal bag with your ticket, passport, snacks, medicine, and plane entertainment. </li>
<li>Your carry-on should act as a "If my luggage gets lost and I'm stranded for a couple days without it, this will get me through" bag. Put in an extra outfit, pair of shoes, small toiletries, and anything else you wouldn't want to lose. But make sure it fits TSA standards (i.e., travel sized products).</li>
<li>Don't bother bringing full-sized toiletries - they'll just be heavy and take up room in your suitcase. Instead, go to the drugstore when you get there and buy the products there. Unless you absolutely HAVE to have a certain kind of shampoo, you'll be fine with what is in the country you're staying in (and if you're in Europe, it's probably better for you anyway). A full-size bottle or two will last you for the duration of your stay, and you can throw it away when you leave and be done!</li>
<li>Don't pack anything you wouldn't want to get ruined. Your $100 hair straightener? Buy it when you get there. Your favorite pumps? Those cobblestone streets will ruin them. Just think, "Would I want this ruined?" and if the answer is no, then don't bring it. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Clothes</span></div>
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Depending on where/when you go, what you bring to wear is important. And what may be cool and in style here may not be there.</div>
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<li>Europeans don't wear athletic wear. They don't wear shorts very often. They dress up. They always look presentable. That being said, bring one pair of norts for working out/sleeping and be done with it. Life is too short to go to Europe and look like a tourist! </li>
<li>If you're going to bring jeans, don't. It gets hot there in the summer. "But you just said don't wear shorts!" You're right. Therefore, buy your jeans abroad. Europeans make their jeans of a lighter material during the summer, so they'll be more comfortable than your hot American winter jeans. </li>
<li>You want clothing with a little stretch in it. Most people abroad don't have clothes dryers, so they line dry everything. If your clothing has no stretch, it will stay large because the heat from the dryer normally shrinks it. I don't think this is a big deal, this is just what I've heard. </li>
<li>Cobblestones + high heels = dead. Don't even bother. If you want height, go for wedges. You'll be able to walk better and be more comfortable in them. </li>
<li>Bring things that can go with other things. What I'm trying to say is, make many outfits from few pieces of clothing. Make that shirt go with different pants and those pants go with different shirts. Here's a great <a href="http://www.outfitposts.com/2012/12/summary-one-suitcase-beach-vacation.html#.UM8Ux2letyE">article</a> that has packing tips for making outfits.</li>
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I know this is a lot of information. I know. And some of it may come in handy, and some of it may not. But this is what I've heard to do for studying abroad and what I intend to do when I go. I hope this helped answer some questions you may have been having!</div>
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Have you studied abroad? Do you have any tips I may have forgotten? (Or did I get anything completely wrong?) Leave a comment! And if you want more inspiration, check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/girlmeetspearls/let-s-go/"><b>Pinterest board </b></a>:)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-40177156636859427412014-05-06T17:22:00.000-07:002014-05-06T17:22:44.560-07:00a weighty conversation, part twoOver Easter break, I went shopping with my mom, which is usually where I try on a bunch of stuff and she MIGHT get one thing for herself. This time, however, she was the one who brought more than 6 items to the Target dressing room, some of those items being swimwear. My mom, despite the fact that her nickname was "Slim," is very conservative when it comes to her swimsuits because she is a mom of two older children, and therefore doesn't think she can wear anything that would expose her midriff (although she totally could).<br />
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I decided to join her and picked out a cute pair of shorts, a swim top, and two pairs of bikini bottoms. My mom asked me to look at something she had tried on, so I went next door to her dressing room wearing the bikini top and bottoms. Upon seeing me, she said, "I don't think you look good in that." I retorted, "Why, because I'm too fat?" and she made a face with wide eyes and nodded solemnly.<br />
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I'm not gonna lie - that right there kinda broke my heart. I have never thought of myself as "too fat" for anything, although I will admit I do prefer a certain level of modesty and agree that some things look better on size 2s than on me. And it is important to note that she said I was the one who didn't look good, not the swimsuit, which made it so much worse.<br />
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I like to think I suffer from body dysmorphia in that I think of myself as thinner than I actually might be, which is opposite of how most body dysmorphia works. When I look in the mirror, I of course see things I don't like, but I also see myself as proportional. Nothing is too big or small or ugly. But when she said that, I began to question whether I was physically attractive at all. I asked my boyfriend and he of course rejected my mom's remark and said I wasn't fat at all.<br />
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So which is right - my perception of my body or my mom's? Should I be allowed to continue wearing bikinis, or will I be banished to one-piece purgatory because of her comment? It really comes down to two things: whether I care more about what my mom thinks or my own comfort level. I know she meant well, but it's comments like that that destroy girls' self-confidence, and it hurts more coming from the ones we love than from strangers.<br />
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Whenever I'm feeling discouraged about my body, I list things I like about myself: my hair, my freckles, my eyes, my ears, my nose, my mouth, my teeth, my boobs, my waistline, my back, my forearms, my hands, my fingers, my hips, my butt, my legs, my feet, my toes. There are more items on that list than there are on the list of things I don't like about myself. So why should my perceived level of physical attractiveness be determined by the small list of things I don't like about myself when there are so many more things I do like about myself? The only person who gets to decide how you feel about yourself is you.<br />
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<a href="http://equal-writes.org/2010/03/01/love-your-body-3/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Equal Writes</span></a></div>
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So in an attempt to compromise with my well-meaning mother, I have been shopping for more modest two-pieces that enhance my favorite features rather than accentuate my least favorite. But one-pieces are gross and make my shoulders look manly so that's going to remain a no-go. The point of this is, if you feel comfortable wearing a bikini, wear one. And if you don't, don't. I feel fine in a bikini whereas my mother does not, and THATS OK. Don't let others define you, YOU define you. As Kevin Gnapoor says, "Don't let the haters stop you from doing your thang." And please, love your body. It's the only one you've got.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-74283315917163852792014-05-04T13:31:00.000-07:002014-05-04T13:48:00.999-07:00a weighty conversation, part oneLately, the topic that has most interested me is the War on Weight. Women (and some men) today are struggling with everything from fat shaming to thin shaming to thigh gaps to fitting into clothing and even more. Everyone has issues with their body, and don't let anyone ever tell you they don't, because it would be a lie. "My boobs aren't big enough," "I hate my arms," "I have so much cellulite on my thighs and butt," and "I wish I were more toned" are things even thin people say to themselves when they look in the mirror. We are all at war with our bodies.<br />
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Personally, I go from being fine with my body to hating it from day to day. Shopping is frustrating because my boobs and waist are too big to fit into some clothes, such as bralettes and dresses. I hate looking at pictures of myself after they're taken because I never know whether my arm or my face will look fat or fine. I feel like I can't wear a bikini because of my pancha. I'm having to buy new jeans because my favorite pair has holes in the thighs from mine rubbing together when I walk. My grandma said that my dad shouldn't be so hard on me about my weight because I have his frame and broad shoulders, and my dad actually apologized for my being "built just like him." I'm sure a lot of you are able to relate to some of the things I've said, which is why I don't mind sharing them with you.<br />
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My best guy friend (with whom I share just about everything) will attest to the fact that I complain about my body to him way too often. He's a good sport for listening and encouraging me, but I know he gets frustrated with it sometimes. Many times, we feel a pressure from our loved ones to lose weight or fix the things about ourselves we dislike, but they only do it because they know that deep down that is a concern of ours and they want to help us achieve our personal goals. If we're not happy, they want to encourage us to be happy. And if that happiness can be more closely achieved by losing weight, then that's what they want for us.<br />
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We also, of course, feel a pressure from clothing companies (which tend to feel more personal to us than celebrities in the media) to be a certain size, weight, or build. Companies like Target and Hollister have recently come under attack for too heavily promoting the thigh gap. Abercrombie's CEO has been blamed for being personally responsible for the company's decline in sales for saying that not everyone was meant to wear A&F clothing. Plus size models are starting at size 6 when plus size itself begins at size 14.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9jezzyMUJKq4WNw9oN6zjIMbUigQUYWSDEVyKb3SC7ITjbPcIey7YOSf0GSN-S-BYy3kWxUFr1fmkr_rFjIC8p2c4pMu1fzAHmJ0JlYbPTjcMRz9obTInVff3uN3518Vi_lgxtkBztg/w608-h342-no/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9jezzyMUJKq4WNw9oN6zjIMbUigQUYWSDEVyKb3SC7ITjbPcIey7YOSf0GSN-S-BYy3kWxUFr1fmkr_rFjIC8p2c4pMu1fzAHmJ0JlYbPTjcMRz9obTInVff3uN3518Vi_lgxtkBztg/w608-h342-no/IMG_0366.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Target faux-thigh gap</span></div>
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Meanwhile, other clothing companies are trying to combat this by showing that are more representative of everyday women. H&M has been using bigger models to promote their swimsuit line, and Aerie is using models of different bra sizes to model bras and not retouching them. They see there's a problem and they are trying to change the way girls think about themselves as well as society's pressures for all girls to be a certain size. But they certainly can't do it alone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJfZAXu9YU-QvxFuzoUA09TgR23cvbdt6_k7oDxc0rUEfFz-T05TWvSQeLlxF8YYU29lCycNhvhGPhSbmZOJLQKn57D0w9vtzsM9T6JgaxyBoN-fo87ppSeLfK_ZtRYBDWMF4AvuYuIE/w500-h542-no/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJfZAXu9YU-QvxFuzoUA09TgR23cvbdt6_k7oDxc0rUEfFz-T05TWvSQeLlxF8YYU29lCycNhvhGPhSbmZOJLQKn57D0w9vtzsM9T6JgaxyBoN-fo87ppSeLfK_ZtRYBDWMF4AvuYuIE/w500-h542-no/IMG_0368.JPG" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">H&M model Jennie Runk</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YH_aISp_WSbm54BETBSEnLPTGztsTA4bMGGN59bR5V9CwszjcwxG0ApIh7yiGmQ7blkU4Ej1iurP1unIvTzHGhs9hXAsrmfZXXkiylnBsCkqNtDMcfKM1Lm4fTHSbzmjMJNEycnHQbQ/w400-h589-no/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YH_aISp_WSbm54BETBSEnLPTGztsTA4bMGGN59bR5V9CwszjcwxG0ApIh7yiGmQ7blkU4Ej1iurP1unIvTzHGhs9hXAsrmfZXXkiylnBsCkqNtDMcfKM1Lm4fTHSbzmjMJNEycnHQbQ/w400-h589-no/IMG_0371.JPG" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Un-retouched Aerie model for DD cup size</span></div>
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Even more so, we feel pressure to look like people we know. Our Facebook acquaintances are our biggest enemies when it comes to putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves to look a certain way. They are practically strangers, so we don't feel any emotional connection to them, and then when they post pictures of themselves at the beach, we see them and compare ourselves to them and the other people in the pictures with them. With friends, we feel a little different because they are people we care about and want to succeed, but jealously can still arise. It's just a lot easier to not judge someone when you're both eating pizza and drinking wine and watching Frozen together. But Facebook can be a poisonous place for insecurities to root and grow.<br />
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So how do we fight the War on Weight? The first and most important thing we need to do is to make peace with our bodies. Fall in love with your frame. Be at peace with your booty. Forgive your stretch marks. Cherish that little roll of fat between your boobs and stomach. Whatever it is, be ok with it. This doesn't mean that this is an excuse to let yourself go or to be satisfied with the body you're in, but to instead forgive your body for how it is. You should be able to look in the mirror and not hate yourself, because hating yourself is more unhealthy than eating junk food everyday.<br />
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Next, we should cut out the weeds of negativity about our appearances from our lives. Do you have that one Facebook friend that makes you see green because she is constantly posting bikini pics? Cut her out of her life - she's not good for you. How about a friend from high school who works out to the point of obsession? Delete him - he's not helping you. I'm not saying you should delete actual FRIENDS. But people who don't know you don't care about you, so they're just excess weight that will burden you.<br />
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We should be encouraging each other to be the best we can be in all aspects of life. If you and your friend both want to lose weight, work out together. Keep each other accountable. Cook together instead of going out to eat. Go shopping when y'all both lose x-number of inches. Share your victories and frustrations alike. THESE are the people you need to keep around because they will support you. They will be there for you through your successes and discouragements.<br />
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And finally, we need to stop comparing ourselves to models. They are photoshopped, we know, but more importantly, they have flaws that they camera can't see. They are insecure about something, too. They need support, too! Thin shaming is just as bad as fat shaming. We need to all be OK with how we were made and work to be healthy, not just necessarily thinner or fatter. That means loving ourselves and taking care of our bodies and minds because of it.<br />
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The War on Weight will be a long-fought battle, but every little thing helps. If we just stop comparing ourselves to others and start loving ourselves more, a big step will be taken towards ending it. And if clothing companies continue on the uphill trajectory they're currently on, before long, we may all learn to be less insecure and more satisfied with just being ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-2UiGwbTak7lu1EVKaM-SCzVzbKWchyuOjLj4nnzYg4gbWnFqwFWosZI3Ht0Cz-mQO8qLutH-f5v8DROymrCkuWZb65Wnkzb4ViO_k9OoGAktxhlG7Ji0QvOoBa2IHPM-QveS-9tr2c/s1600/2014-02-17+23.18.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-2UiGwbTak7lu1EVKaM-SCzVzbKWchyuOjLj4nnzYg4gbWnFqwFWosZI3Ht0Cz-mQO8qLutH-f5v8DROymrCkuWZb65Wnkzb4ViO_k9OoGAktxhlG7Ji0QvOoBa2IHPM-QveS-9tr2c/s1600/2014-02-17+23.18.54.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
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One final thought - my roommate and I were discussing this post, and she said she found a picture that showed me what she considered to be the "perfect body," the body she herself wanted. The picture was this one of an MMA fighter - strong, muscular, ripped. And then I described my "perfect body" to her - soft, hourglass figure, flat stomach. Our ideas of the perfect body are so different, because there is no such thing as the perfect body. We are all have different perceptions of what perfection and beauty are, but when it comes down to it, we are all beautiful creatures. And the sooner we realize that and embrace it, the happier we will be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlGheDCdj9qjE18AIheiV6FD5eXGY5MlzZ0o4XFbUv8ZkCtmu3wQ9sQtk6PX3ZLpW0FpVp1KI5yEypf5z-anv8lnXDtZnfIwI_otDeYHDv-o1tnBHOBJTgRtKq5f2LnYQrOCrA49JRAo/w392-h589-no/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlGheDCdj9qjE18AIheiV6FD5eXGY5MlzZ0o4XFbUv8ZkCtmu3wQ9sQtk6PX3ZLpW0FpVp1KI5yEypf5z-anv8lnXDtZnfIwI_otDeYHDv-o1tnBHOBJTgRtKq5f2LnYQrOCrA49JRAo/w392-h589-no/IMG_0369.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My roommate's "perfect body" - Rosanna Garcia</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizGuu-BsfxuM7NOSBYs4BtwYE7yVKXQs00la7NWuKAJfZOAInxtqYDRQd1QAU6PZtLH7vr_ju3FP57EjjvDKEL41a-bn9a528S8H-uNwbxha7Aws4rQN1BA5li8BrxYFiZ5rR03h0fhY/w456-h588-no/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizGuu-BsfxuM7NOSBYs4BtwYE7yVKXQs00la7NWuKAJfZOAInxtqYDRQd1QAU6PZtLH7vr_ju3FP57EjjvDKEL41a-bn9a528S8H-uNwbxha7Aws4rQN1BA5li8BrxYFiZ5rR03h0fhY/w456-h588-no/IMG_0370.JPG" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My "perfect body" - Beyonce Knowles </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mdEbmYVTKxLIhuiSFPGdM9DTDBnO2pIydhOBa1_uAzhImAxEkSLniFwijyjUz6cgFw28nOiEwAh2AQ_cZjdu2-u0CkCY3wINnOOoaw3XFwjgS3NmNu5mKwaXzLQhmp5aPmUjHwGimn8/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mdEbmYVTKxLIhuiSFPGdM9DTDBnO2pIydhOBa1_uAzhImAxEkSLniFwijyjUz6cgFw28nOiEwAh2AQ_cZjdu2-u0CkCY3wINnOOoaw3XFwjgS3NmNu5mKwaXzLQhmp5aPmUjHwGimn8/s1600/new+signature.png" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-48876947688655700062014-03-14T20:59:00.000-07:002014-03-14T22:35:45.614-07:00black diamond ballFirst, congratulations to Erin Raymond on winning the GoGreek app! I'll be emailing you with details. :)<br />
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I know it's still a little ways away, but since the Social Chair is mentioning every chance she gets, I figure it's OK to go ahead and post about it. For those of you who are not ADPi's, we have this tradition called Black Diamond Ball, which is a fancy name for something you all know and cherish:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">FORMAL.</span><br />
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What differentiates Black Diamond Ball (hereforth to be abbreviated BDB) from regular formal, however, is the dress code. At BDB, you can only wear black or <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">white</span><span style="background-color: white;">. NO color whatsoever. Now, I don't know about you, but I love color, so this is going to be a little hard for me. Shoes have to be black, white, nude, or metallic, and jewelry can't be colorful, either (think silver, gold, black, and white). I'm feeling a little...restricted, honestly. If you're feeling the same, not to worry - I have some great ideas for how to add color to the otherwise grayscale BDB.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">First things first, though: Here are some pretty dresses that are black or white that are BDB-appropriate.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HNwRus1dH2_FCvv1e-o7ieRuh_erzmVQLAeOM2l30f9vFZNp9vICpLKglvRILxJ-rzEd-4PK8R0MzTLfa8s0tqy5PSKy5LiA-PA3pGQERgEhcLR-lg8lTxOOz-7GbCNWW5byEZLGw_Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.52.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HNwRus1dH2_FCvv1e-o7ieRuh_erzmVQLAeOM2l30f9vFZNp9vICpLKglvRILxJ-rzEd-4PK8R0MzTLfa8s0tqy5PSKy5LiA-PA3pGQERgEhcLR-lg8lTxOOz-7GbCNWW5byEZLGw_Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.52.32+PM.png" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Jodi-Kristopher-OneShoulder-Rosette-Gown_301_-1_301_504178522?df=04104744_zi_black" target="_blank">Dillards - $53.40 (Sale!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELWhIqIlqskezNIhNHuFf5LegLoVLwIQRvl9GnrNaql2-U9Dval3cF55MBna4qMHNgjGR6inUfYmUs6lOkyfRRr1hghrvSgDt0iX1LpcSzUR09vk8w0s19FHvNhNb6Qrl-WjRLPsnaiU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.54.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELWhIqIlqskezNIhNHuFf5LegLoVLwIQRvl9GnrNaql2-U9Dval3cF55MBna4qMHNgjGR6inUfYmUs6lOkyfRRr1hghrvSgDt0iX1LpcSzUR09vk8w0s19FHvNhNb6Qrl-WjRLPsnaiU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.54.31+PM.png" height="320" width="171" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-dress-sleeveless-beaded-illusion-panel-soutache-gown?ID=1104890&CategoryID=18109&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%3B%3BProm%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D137%26ruleId%3D72%26slotId%3D16" target="_blank">Macys - $194.99 (Sale!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuzNzQM6ky1R9DJT-Calr8w27H9FQ_TIToBx0asb3wWfSWiCY9Y-D7BSA6XTaXvJDhGaoI6eMuQgg-EWBPG8FgzctDPopJfoTBcSZxBGg12Z8xbqxmBo2UZaUig_JORm_bYAhi9P8m3k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.58.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuzNzQM6ky1R9DJT-Calr8w27H9FQ_TIToBx0asb3wWfSWiCY9Y-D7BSA6XTaXvJDhGaoI6eMuQgg-EWBPG8FgzctDPopJfoTBcSZxBGg12Z8xbqxmBo2UZaUig_JORm_bYAhi9P8m3k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.58.12+PM.png" height="320" width="199" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/speechless-juniors-strapless-rhinestone-gown?ID=1242095&CategoryID=18109&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%3B%3BProm%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D137%26ruleId%3D72%26slotId%3D32" target="_blank">Macys - $69.99 (Sale!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifY-fX_UrYsPEoyFxuwrwXU7R2OL94f9NXEm5W9VqS5mOlu4B-d-zbb9Z3iY9M5sdm-zPNIuAClj0lwJejgwhSgEb2QhAkfoRXgWDZHxO3qIpLcRZg6tvQY46-hcgvDDuICaB0_j9sRpk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+12.05.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifY-fX_UrYsPEoyFxuwrwXU7R2OL94f9NXEm5W9VqS5mOlu4B-d-zbb9Z3iY9M5sdm-zPNIuAClj0lwJejgwhSgEb2QhAkfoRXgWDZHxO3qIpLcRZg6tvQY46-hcgvDDuICaB0_j9sRpk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+12.05.23+AM.png" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Short-Dress-with-Tulle-Skirt-and-Sequin-51358_Prom-Shop-By-Occasion-Homecoming-Dresses" target="_blank">David's Bridal - $69.50 (Sale!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgTxYhtvslypH2LJVJtvWqx-kUMESX72NsorsmV-i5aRnV8LbapRUTDgo6u6Kb2F7rGJkmfHVZKXXD4myWvBHi44nRdkD2NdhhrW9djcv3nStfenxPoiNf9spEaeiUtbWK38xhSBBbcQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-14+at+11.15.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgTxYhtvslypH2LJVJtvWqx-kUMESX72NsorsmV-i5aRnV8LbapRUTDgo6u6Kb2F7rGJkmfHVZKXXD4myWvBHi44nRdkD2NdhhrW9djcv3nStfenxPoiNf9spEaeiUtbWK38xhSBBbcQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-14+at+11.15.56+PM.png" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/juniors-guys/view-all-juniors/prom-shop/as-seen-in-seventeen-/my-michelle-1-shoulder-beaded-waist-pleated-long-dress/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003550317&cmvc=JCP|dept20023450025|cat100290062|RICHREL&grView=&eventRootCatId=&currentTabCatId=&regId=" target="_blank">JCPenney - $59.99 (Sale!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X1z-Grg8GIWiP53Q4BMOTLt1yUUlOsHeAIfG2kuQycx1WT4ikCxHTNaIG-RXbRKv0bX32iZ3NemRB7KjvUQ0SgTQdIHVDhklC0XrHDkTiqzy7SlX-tT1eu5yE6Priq3QPyaquhXpIKc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.58.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X1z-Grg8GIWiP53Q4BMOTLt1yUUlOsHeAIfG2kuQycx1WT4ikCxHTNaIG-RXbRKv0bX32iZ3NemRB7KjvUQ0SgTQdIHVDhklC0XrHDkTiqzy7SlX-tT1eu5yE6Priq3QPyaquhXpIKc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.58.34+PM.png" height="320" width="142" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/As-U-Wish-OneShoulder-Sequin-Tiered-Dress_301_-1_301_503853429?df=04014797_zi_white" target="_blank">Dillards - $69</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfDpDj06Di8VbwwEx0cRKVghCOqdv-3NEaUf-fwCud9hdp01E_V__WPxWlVAydiIzcQYI_i3ZQtQR0FTuJZy90C74szsMrxsjgqkQ0is-nGjgzMRN-dgNuHdHyeXf6mvreRoLc3I3FDs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+12.04.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfDpDj06Di8VbwwEx0cRKVghCOqdv-3NEaUf-fwCud9hdp01E_V__WPxWlVAydiIzcQYI_i3ZQtQR0FTuJZy90C74szsMrxsjgqkQ0is-nGjgzMRN-dgNuHdHyeXf6mvreRoLc3I3FDs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+12.04.20+AM.png" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Mesh-Jersey-Dress-with-Open-Back-8420Z77D_Prom-Shop-By-Occasion-Prom-Dresses" target="_blank">David's Bridal - $129</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-dxt0AojCXf_kwdwDt769Dbq6GqkkTWSlpTJXdyD902Dh5naSlgI0apcjTzBCP5Wa-FLoVj0t9-xB4yZYSSWPgeLpy1KVzqMzvmYrgsMQ1XWk5Ma3fw9UYKHrTGCRIWYfl3L62dn4DU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-14+at+11.19.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-dxt0AojCXf_kwdwDt769Dbq6GqkkTWSlpTJXdyD902Dh5naSlgI0apcjTzBCP5Wa-FLoVj0t9-xB4yZYSSWPgeLpy1KVzqMzvmYrgsMQ1XWk5Ma3fw9UYKHrTGCRIWYfl3L62dn4DU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-14+at+11.19.01+PM.png" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.windsorstore.com/Shop/Prom-Dresses/Short-Prom-Dresses/Carrie-Ivory-Gold-Prom-Dress/p/169797" target="_blank">Windsor - $119.90</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">B</span></span>o<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">t</span>h<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">!</span> (Yes, both is allowed!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqroCltrVOcJxrm8Ylk67lf41FA53b3zY72jX7JDudxOFvZib2Ni20oq_knfp0V6FU-e5MtQl54xsyeQy0mdoVwxQGmXnKOccLc79QUPPwJCz0jcz2bZzIlZwqDMtOmU51ddQGIo8Obg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.53.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqroCltrVOcJxrm8Ylk67lf41FA53b3zY72jX7JDudxOFvZib2Ni20oq_knfp0V6FU-e5MtQl54xsyeQy0mdoVwxQGmXnKOccLc79QUPPwJCz0jcz2bZzIlZwqDMtOmU51ddQGIo8Obg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.53.36+PM.png" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/dynamic-dame-dress-in-black-and-white" target="_blank">ModCloth - $97.99</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmzmT_3uMw15CaNlIgXwB9Hhe0-Lg66WiSo1yYjlIjOBGVrH7MKDrUfl0fQi-Lb546uUTeBr8VZpOv5NGLFj0oTKFIwrnNr9zIGYq6Zf70Sv03RwOCkaiWVgjMDGhgCpf0y7iAb1Fm_U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.57.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmzmT_3uMw15CaNlIgXwB9Hhe0-Lg66WiSo1yYjlIjOBGVrH7MKDrUfl0fQi-Lb546uUTeBr8VZpOv5NGLFj0oTKFIwrnNr9zIGYq6Zf70Sv03RwOCkaiWVgjMDGhgCpf0y7iAb1Fm_U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+11.57.52+PM.png" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/js-boutique-one-shoulder-colorblock-gown?ID=1187661&CategoryID=18109&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DBlack%26DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%3B%3BProm%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D31%26ruleId%3D72%26slotId%3D18" target="_blank">Macys - $209</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFQQuGEZuiRFyu3cSk8znkvZAbuPmegPSX5IhMROsAdVQnSqphylsgfR6h_ETLtgBWX6DOV5fq5bfBJ-f6lE_9pu35H61a9Z2irvzbogQQKAIwodI7nNnUrCXD_nQjRJmap2JK9NEHEw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-14+at+11.21.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFQQuGEZuiRFyu3cSk8znkvZAbuPmegPSX5IhMROsAdVQnSqphylsgfR6h_ETLtgBWX6DOV5fq5bfBJ-f6lE_9pu35H61a9Z2irvzbogQQKAIwodI7nNnUrCXD_nQjRJmap2JK9NEHEw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-14+at+11.21.24+PM.png" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Masquerade-Sweetheart-Beaded-Party-Dress_301_-1_301_504105355?df=04092073_zi_white_black" target="_blank">Dillards - $77.40 (Sale!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybwh_HZWa0pKldQPthjXb-JFJeoUsNgS2WoJ0kLrf0iqDIW1_hoqC_LuSS4BddF0aWkoYq0_9Ycl2MAriQEUDEVUxT5ZwWHCZA0XCrsDeOIqCYVH6qFRrd16zPLK8X_S95GVW8QLnZao/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+12.04.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybwh_HZWa0pKldQPthjXb-JFJeoUsNgS2WoJ0kLrf0iqDIW1_hoqC_LuSS4BddF0aWkoYq0_9Ycl2MAriQEUDEVUxT5ZwWHCZA0XCrsDeOIqCYVH6qFRrd16zPLK8X_S95GVW8QLnZao/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+12.04.58+AM.png" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Sleeveless-V-Neck-Jersey-Dress-with-Side-Ruffle-54043_Prom-Shop-By-Occasion-Prom-Dresses" target="_blank">David's Bridal - $149</a></div>
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Some great sites to find even more BDB dresses are Macys, Dillards, JCPenney, Windsor, and David's Bridal. Or, if you're feeling fancy, you can rent a dress from Rent the Runway. I'm actually wearing the dress I wore to formal freshman year, which I found at White House Black Market.</div>
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Now for accessories. I suggest first picking what shoes you're going to wear - black, white, nude, or metallic. This will determine which jewelry will look best. Here are some good pairings for reference:</div>
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Black dress - black shoes - gold jewelry</div>
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Black dress - black shoes - silver jewelry</div>
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Black dress - black shoes - rose gold jewelry</div>
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Black dress - black shoes - pearls (with silver or gold metal)</div>
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Black dress - black shoes - rhinestones</div>
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Black dress - nude shoes - pearls</div>
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Black dress - silver shoes - silver jewelry</div>
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Black dress - silver shoes - rhinestones</div>
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White dress - white shoes - gold jewelry</div>
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White dress - white shoes - rose gold jewelry</div>
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White dress - nude shoes - pearls</div>
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White dress - silver shoes - silver jewelry</div>
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White dress - silver shoes - rhinestones</div>
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White dress - gold shoes - gold jewelry</div>
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Black and white dress - black shoes - silver jewelry</div>
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Black and white dress - black shoes - rhinestones</div>
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Black and white dress - silver shoes - silver jewelry</div>
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Black and white dress - silver shoes - rhinestones</div>
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As you can see, a black dress with black shoes has the most versatility. It's kind of hard to find gold shoes so I didn't include it except for white. Also, pay attention to the detailing on your dress - silver detailing equals silver jewelry, for example. I personally wouldn't put black shoes with a white dress and vice versa, but that's up to you. It might even be fun to find black and white shoes!</div>
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Now for the fun part - makeup! THIS is how you're going to be able to add color to the otherwise black and white ensemble. Here are some fun, colorful makeup ideas to try:</div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/b6/d9/5ab6d9f7b901a7f4efed2336555581c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/b6/d9/5ab6d9f7b901a7f4efed2336555581c6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of the bold lip. I love subtle/neutral eyes paired with bright lipstick. Be careful not to overdo it by doing a super colorful eye with a bold lip, as it will make you look clownish. If you're having trouble, feel free to ask a makeup consultant at MAC or Ulta what they think (or you could just ask me...ya know...)</div>
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I hope this gives all of you ADPi's a better idea of what you're going to wear to Black Diamond Ball. And if you're not an ADPi, maybe you got a good dress or makeup idea out of this. If you have any questions or need help finding a dress/picking out accessories/doing your makeup, let me know!</div>
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And if in doubt, you could always take a bedsheet and a couple of belts and pull a Jennifer Lawrence a la the Golden Globes.</div>
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<a href="http://www.hungergamestrilogy.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jennifer-lawrence-golden-globes-011214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hungergamestrilogy.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jennifer-lawrence-golden-globes-011214.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
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Just kidding, I love JLaw.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-10yW5Kz06aauDU2ds9NmrK3mOCSaYxDdaNI9z3FpYfHVNaYoqMaF1cXGtlOQZUes9tGH3wW1-cbyBoDH_-yYM1GF5W2rrFqftmBvT2hBG9OjuhIc2T-966ormK1u_pfbZ3CtZXaAdo/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-10yW5Kz06aauDU2ds9NmrK3mOCSaYxDdaNI9z3FpYfHVNaYoqMaF1cXGtlOQZUes9tGH3wW1-cbyBoDH_-yYM1GF5W2rrFqftmBvT2hBG9OjuhIc2T-966ormK1u_pfbZ3CtZXaAdo/s1600/new+signature.png" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-57773852901299475942014-03-03T17:03:00.001-08:002014-03-03T17:03:53.642-08:00GoGreekPro - Sorority Edition app review + giveaway!Ok...ok...I know...I haven't blogged in, like, 3 weeks. Doesn't mean I haven't thought about it, because I have. It has just been hard for me to sit down and type everything out for some reason. So forgive me, my loves. I'll try harder to post more regularly in the future.<br />
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So a while back, a company called <a href="http://happymonkeyapps.com/" target="_blank">Happy Monkey Apps</a> emailed me wanting me to try an iPhone/iPad app of theirs and talk about it. The app is called GoGreekPro - Sorority Edition. Basically, you upload a photo, add sorority/Greek-inspired stickers, and then post it to various social media sites (or just send it privately to friends). I found it was really cool and easy to use once you figured out what everything did. It also links up to Facebook so you can edit your friends' photos as well. My biggest complaint is that there are only a few colors of letter to choose from, and while Happy Monkey is working to add more, there are two other version of the app you can download - GoGreek and GoGreek - Fraternity Edition - that have more color options for the letters.<br />
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Here are some pictures I edited of me and/or my sisters/friends using the app:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-60064476098287164592014-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:002014-02-18T18:14:09.448-08:00guest post - A Greek Concept<div class="s2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">When I was approached week or so ago by a representative from <a href="http://www.agreekconcept.com/" target="_blank">A Greek Concept</a> to write a guest post about recruitment clothes, I was like, "Of course!" Many of my lovely readers are planning on going Greek, so this is a great post about what to wear and not to wear. I definitely wish I had this guide when I was going through recruitment! If you're going through recruitment this spring or fall, be sure to read this awesome post. Also, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.agreekconcept.com/" target="_blank">A Greek Concept</a> - they have a lot of really awesome sorority and fraternity stuff!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">What to Wear and What Not to Wear to Sorority Recruitment/Bid Day</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">What you wear says a lot about who you are and </span><span class="s4">what group you belong to. N</span><span class="s4">o other week in the year screams this reality as brightly as so</span><span class="s4">rority recruitment! Whether Panh</span><span class="s4">ellenic recruitment falls in autumn, or your school is more of a spring fling kind of group, we’ve got the “musts” and the “please don’ts” for all you soon-to-be sorority sisters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">The </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: line-through;">single</span><span class="s4">, </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: line-through;">literally</span><span class="s4">, </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: line-through;">absolutely</span><span class="s4">, </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: line-through;">hey, listen to me</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s6" style="font-style: italic;">most </span><span class="s4"></span><span class="s6" style="font-style: italic;">important</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s4">thing during the recruitment process is to </span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">be yourself</span><span class="s4">. Although you’r</span><span class="s4">e attempting to fit into a </span><span class="s4">historical lifestyle and a major values-based organization, the worst thing you can do to yourself and your dress is to not be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not – and likewise, don’t dress to play a part! Trust your instincts [which in sorority life really means, add your own personal flair to the set of guidelines laid out by the sororities].</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With that out of the way, let’s get started! Before you enter recruitment it is vitally important that you check out your college’s website for the Panhellenic Association. The awareness you’ll gain from the website will save you from a lot of this:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">Who wants that? </span><span class="s4">Another way to figure out what specific requirements might be attached to your school’s recruitment week is to ask your recruitment counselor. Every potential new member (PNM) is assigned a recruitment counselor who has made the decision to temporarily step away from her sorority in order to help all the newbies [they’re really the best].</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">First Event Rundown – </span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">A MIXER </span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">or </span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">OPENING DAY</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">Two</span><span class="s4"> “dos” –</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Wear something</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;"> you feel comfortable in </span><span class="s4">because</span><span class="s4"> you will only show your nervous side if you’re not wearing something you love! It’s a casual night filled with lots of </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: line-through;">traveling</span><span class="s4"> walking</span><span class="s4">, so don’t overextend your latest and greatest. We definitely recommend you don’t wear heels [unless you really like not feeling your feet much for the next couple of days]</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Wear something that expresses your personality</span><span class="s4">. T</span><span class="s4">his is initial “notice me” time. You don’t want to stick out like sore thumb, but you definitely want to let any potential chapter what you like to wear, and looking the most YOU!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">A “don’t”</span><span class="s4"> –</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Be very cautious in going against the rules!</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s4">If your school says no denim or only black pants [hint: follow the rule!] it is of the upmost importance that you don’t break this just to stand out! Additionally [and on the record], casual does not mean ripped jeans. The only thing ripped jeans let’s them know is that you don’t look put together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Second Set Events – </span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">SEEING THE HOUSES</span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A “do” –</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">This is definitely a </span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">more</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s14" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">than</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;"> casual kind of day!</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s4">You’ll want to make sure you’ve picked out some cute dress for this day. Whether it’s a sundress</span><span class="s4">…</span></span></div>
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or a sweater dress...<br />
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<span class="s4">Yo</span><span class="s4">u can </span><span class="s4">totally </span><span class="s4">come up with something really stellar </span><span class="s4">yet</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s4">100%</span><span class="s4"> within the rules.</span></div>
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<span class="s4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A “don’t” –</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Refrain from denim!</span><span class="s4"> Whether you just ordered the cutest pair of dark skinnies anyone has ever laid eyes on, or you have a light-wash denim romper… NOW is the time to wear a dress!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Philanthropy Day </span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">–</span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">RECRUITMENT TEE TIME:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A “do” –</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Wear a solid pair of shorts</span><span class="s4"> for fall recruiters OR </span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">a solid pair of pants</span><span class="s4"> for winter recruiters.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&id=335528&recipeId=160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&id=335528&recipeId=160" height="320" width="307" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3vf4M6GO4_tyxUyBT0YQssaIwc038FY0lQD0V3QQzwYnYgb6kiFaB_7i3k4vT0T4LlQf0bBDwm7yj7ATOZtJ6V9XxJSzjLa-IFnnb7Mpw4xxXql_9XDw-6_djHc6BZqlhINBfiZGKP4/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3vf4M6GO4_tyxUyBT0YQssaIwc038FY0lQD0V3QQzwYnYgb6kiFaB_7i3k4vT0T4LlQf0bBDwm7yj7ATOZtJ6V9XxJSzjLa-IFnnb7Mpw4xxXql_9XDw-6_djHc6BZqlhINBfiZGKP4/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">For this portion of the experience you’ll likely be given a t-shirt to wear</span><span class="s4"> and other </span><a href="http://www.agreekconcept.com/greek-merchandise/greek-recruitment-gifts/"><span class="s9">fun recruitment gifts</span></a><span class="s4">! Choose comfy flats and a very matchable pair of pants. You’ll be walking [again] to most of the houses, so make sure you are comfy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Impression Night – </span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">MAKING IT LAST:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A “do” –</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Dressy but not overdone </span><span class="s4">is the theme of this night! You want to look put together, well thought out, and 100% ready to make an impression. Don’t let this night slip through your grasp.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A “don’t” –</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Don’t be scandalous</span><span class="s4">. That’s a pretty simple summary of what to avoid on this night in particular, but really for any sorority rush event. Never try to make a statement with a neckline or dress length. Stay classy, soon-to-be sorority sister!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">The End of It All – </span><span class="s10" style="font-weight: bold;">DUN, DUN, DUNNNN…. BID DAY!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You’ve made it to the end, and now you’re ready to be chosen. If you’ve gotten this far you don’t need a “don’t” anymore. Instead – soak bid day in as you eagerly await to hear what house has chosen you in return. Wear denim [if association approved] or solid bottoms – your new home will give you a bid day shirt to welcome you in!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4">About the </span><span class="s4">Author</span><span class="s4">:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://plus.google.com/+AmyFurrow"><span class="s9">Amy Furrow</span></a><span class="s4"> is the owner of </span><a href="http://www.agreekconcept.com/"><span class="s9">A Greek Concept</span></a><span class="s4"> an online </span><span class="s4">retailer of </span><span class="s4">licensed Greek merchandise</span><span class="s4">. </span><span class="s4">She’s got drive, heart, and passion – something Greek life is all about. </span><span class="s4">From </span><span class="s4">Sorority picture frames, tote bags, and jewelry, as well as Fraternity coolers, gl</span><span class="s4">assware, and travel accessories;</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s4">A Greek Concept is</span><span class="s4"> filled to the brim with options for every Sorority sister or Fraternity brother</span><span class="s4">.</span><span class="s4"> </span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-3881293472811625782014-02-03T19:41:00.000-08:002014-02-03T19:41:46.087-08:00the secret to great skin<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no such thing as perfect skin. Faces are either oily or dry, wrinkly or acne-prone, sensitive or resilient, or a combination of these. Those people who are "normal" skin are dadgum liars. "Normal" skin doesn't exist without help. This is my philosophy on life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a lot of friends with oily skin. I don't know why this is, but it is. I cannot relate to them on this level because I have dry skin. My skin flakes like no other when left to its own devices. Therefore, I obviously have no choice but to moisturize it. That's a given.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But here's the reason my oily-faced friends are having so many problems: their glands are producing excess oil because they have nothing to tell them, "Stop, that's enough." They wash their faces to try and strip the oil away but it keeps producing more and more because it thinks it needs to. So what will trick the glands into not producing so much? Simple. It's the one thing they think they don't need to do - MOISTURIZE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This seems counterintuitive, I know. "Why put more oil on your face if you have oily skin?" Well, you're not putting on more oil, per say. You're hydrating your face so your glands don't think they have to do it themselves. Therefore, they produce less oil, and you're left with "normal" skin. And the main ingredient in most moisturizers is glycerin, which is essentially water. So it really isn't adding oil to your face.*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Note: One thing I've seen in magazines lately is putting argan oil on your face. Argan oil is wonderful for face and hair, and if you'd rather try that, I say go for it. I'm mostly referring to standard drugstore moisturizers. Other oils to try are almond, jojoba, coconut, and olive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I actually have a friend who had this problem. His face was SO greasy and acne-prone. Then I made him buy a moisturizer. Now, his skin is significantly clearer and is soft without being oily. I'm telling you, this is the key to great skin. And they literally make a moisturizer for every skin type. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven't been moisturizing your face, 1. shame on you, and 2. you need to. It'll make all the difference, no matter what ailment your skin suffers from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are a few of my favorite moisturizers for you to try:</span><br />
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<a href="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod22/dw/image/v2/AAHE_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-PHILUS-Site/Sites-Coty/default/v1390593803018/HopeInJr-HiPerMoi-2ozCpBhdWhp-B-Gl-00500030E_Scene7.jpg?sw=405&sh=432&sfrm=jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod22/dw/image/v2/AAHE_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-PHILUS-Site/Sites-Coty/default/v1390593803018/HopeInJr-HiPerMoi-2ozCpBhdWhp-B-Gl-00500030E_Scene7.jpg?sw=405&sh=432&sfrm=jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.philosophy.com/original-formula-moisturiser-for-all-skin-types/hope-in-a-jar,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Philosophy Hope in a Jar</a> - All skin types</div>
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<a href="http://www.garnierusa.com/img/our_products/PRD_SKINCARE/SKINCARE/prod-P10901-big.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.garnierusa.com/img/our_products/PRD_SKINCARE/SKINCARE/prod-P10901-big.png" height="200" width="152" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/our_products/product-struct.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS^PRD_SKINCARE^SKINCARE^SKINCARE_DISCOVER^RESCUE^RESCUE_RTN2&prdcode=P10901" target="_blank">Garnier Moisture Rescue</a> - Dry skin</div>
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<a href="http://www.cetaphil.com/Content/images/product_dermamoisturizer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cetaphil.com/Content/images/product_dermamoisturizer.png" height="200" width="124" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cetaphil.com/products/dermacontrol-oil-control-moisturizer-spf30" target="_blank">Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control</a> - Oily Skin</div>
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<a href="http://images.neutrogena.com/images/products_store/en_us/product_images/6806240_320x385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.neutrogena.com/images/products_store/en_us/product_images/6806240_320x385.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.neutrogena.com/product/oil-free+moisture+-+combination+skin.do?sortby=ourPicks" target="_blank">Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture</a> - Combination skin</div>
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<a href="http://www.cleanandclear.com/sites/default/files/images/Products/Big/ADV_Acne_Control_Moisturizer_360x430.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cleanandclear.com/sites/default/files/images/Products/Big/ADV_Acne_Control_Moisturizer_360x430.png" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cleanandclear.com/product/moisturizers/advantage-acne-control-moisturizer" target="_blank">Clean and Clear Advantage</a> - Acne-prone skin</div>
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<a href="http://www.simpleskincare.com/Resources/Images/Protecting_285x245_tcm1598-427242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.simpleskincare.com/Resources/Images/Protecting_285x245_tcm1598-427242.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.simpleskincare.com/our-products/product/protecting-light-moisturizer-spf-15.html" target="_blank">Simple Protecting Light</a> - Sensitive skin</div>
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<a href="http://www.embryolisseusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_full/public/lait-creme-concentre_2.jpg?itok=7F7j4I2Y" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.embryolisseusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_full/public/lait-creme-concentre_2.jpg?itok=7F7j4I2Y" height="200" width="145" /></a></div>
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Bonus: <a href="http://www.embryolisseusa.com/moisturizers/lait-creme" target="_blank">Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre</a> - Dry skin (my favorite ever)</div>
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And for the dudes...</div>
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<a href="http://www.dove.us/TD/Images/FaceLotion_Hydrate71-303116.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dove.us/TD/Images/FaceLotion_Hydrate71-303116.png" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dove.us/Products/Men-Care/Face-Care/Men-Care-Hydrate-Face-Lotion.aspx" target="_blank">Dove Men+Care Hydrate+Face Lotion</a></div>
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Now you have no excuse but to start moisturizing right...now. Seriously. Do it. Your face will thank you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHHApAbOkRoVCGRxd4RGFUr2mmtXzR-271CObFFpO85MSmOGbPxl7Zx9Rs0s8bKdmRxkXVu3rJWo5RC_-dgQN0TEoUVXvhLA5TWRNSepsLl8Aua8jSptjoGe3-3zAs2pozr2-g12jgiQ/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHHApAbOkRoVCGRxd4RGFUr2mmtXzR-271CObFFpO85MSmOGbPxl7Zx9Rs0s8bKdmRxkXVu3rJWo5RC_-dgQN0TEoUVXvhLA5TWRNSepsLl8Aua8jSptjoGe3-3zAs2pozr2-g12jgiQ/s1600/new+signature.png" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-90589040847196112382014-02-03T19:40:00.000-08:002014-02-03T19:44:29.458-08:00what to wear to a mixerMixers might be the scariest thing a sorority girl does. You show up to a place and are tasked with meeting new guys, hopefully befriending one or two of them, in order to secure dates for all other date functions. Eek. I don't know about y'all, but I'm pretty terrible at meeting guys, so I feel like there's a lot of pressure to be impressive. But I have to remind myself that impressing guys really isn't that hard. Because the point of the mixer is to meet guys, it's important to look cute and put your best foot forward. Here are my tips for looking your best to give yourself the most confidence.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clothes</span><br />
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There's a saying that I firmly believe: "Girls dress for other girls." When we get up in the morning, we usually don't say to ourselves, "Hmmm, will guys notice me in this?" We usually think, "Will other girls think this is a cute outfit? Will I possibly get compliments on this?" It's sad but true, and we usually do it subconsciously. Now that you're thinking about this, it's important to change your mindset and think instead, "Will a guy think I'm attractive in this?"</div>
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Now, this doesn't mean you need to show a ton of skin and wear heavy makeup. Surveys indicate that most guys find white v-neck shirts, skinny jeans, and heels are the most attractive outfit a girl can wear. That being said, don't all go out and wear the same outfit. But be mindful that guys are simple creatures with simple tastes. Wear a shirt that is comfortable but not baggy, if you know what I mean, skinny jeans, and shoes with heels (boots, pumps, or wedges work).<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/10/7f/71/107f7161347ca1dfb9334c91cc47d593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/10/7f/71/107f7161347ca1dfb9334c91cc47d593.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My favorite outfit, courtesy of Pinterest</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Accessories</span></div>
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Keep jewelry simple. I know statement jewelry is really popular right now, but it can be a little distracting. Stick with a pretty pair of earrings, a small necklace, a delicate bracelet, etc. Simple and pretty is the key.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gold_date_night_jewelry/set?.embedder=6240000&.svc=copypaste&id=112314858" target="_blank"><img alt="Gold Date Night Jewelry" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/KKTtv8gtKJu0Vb4f5Ig8w/cid/112314858/id/4H1QTJiM4xGAmK5VDXURzQ/size/c300x196.jpg" height="196" title="Gold Date Night Jewelry" width="300" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gold_date_night_jewelry/set?.embedder=6240000&.svc=copypaste&id=112314858" target="_blank">Gold Date Night Jewelry</a> by <a href="http://girlmeetspearls.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6240000&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">girlmeetspearls</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/snake_ring/shop?query=snake+ring" target="_blank">snake ring</a></small></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/silver_date_night_jewelry/set?.embedder=6240000&.svc=copypaste&id=112315909" target="_blank"><img alt="Silver Date Night Jewelry" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/dPByzr4dYN6Wp2FXUNwUQw/cid/112315909/id/aBEg0ZuM4xGCD3NJm_7EJQ/size/c300x188.jpg" height="188" title="Silver Date Night Jewelry" width="300" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/silver_date_night_jewelry/set?.embedder=6240000&.svc=copypaste&id=112315909" target="_blank">Silver Date Night Jewelry</a> by <a href="http://girlmeetspearls.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6240000&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">girlmeetspearls</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/tear_drop_earrings/shop?query=tear+drop+earrings" target="_blank">tear drop earrings</a></small></div>
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For hair, guys like long, shiny, curled tresses. If your hair is long, bust out your curling irons and wands and get some pretty curls going. Be sure to use protectant so that you don't end up frying your ends. But if your hair is short, like mine, never fear! Guys love hair that looks soft and touchable, so try a deep conditioner and some smoothing serum to get hair extra soft and shiny. For both long and short hair, you can't go wrong with volume, softness, and shine!<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ec/9c/b0/ec9cb035c894724263404342ff4c6534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ec/9c/b0/ec9cb035c894724263404342ff4c6534.jpg" height="640" width="195" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Makeup</span></div>
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As for makeup, guys like it "natural, like Kim Kardashian." Translation: go for natural colors while still making it obvious you're wearing makeup. Flawless-looking skin, a pretty, glowy flush, and a subtle smoky eye in neutral colors are going to be the best to achieve this (so bust out your Naked palettes, ladies). For the lips, go with a "there but not there" shade of lipstick or some gloss and you're set.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c0/be/52/c0be526fffcc1c1ba42360f581f4485d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c0/be/52/c0be526fffcc1c1ba42360f581f4485d.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nails</span></div>
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Now here's a bonus: For some strange reason, guys prefer "french dipped" nails (aka, french manicure) over colors. There are varying theorries for this, some of which aren't very appropriate, but that seems to be the consensus. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Like I said before, guys are simple creatures with simple tastes. They pretty much like "enhanced naturality," hence why they like natural makeup, french nails, and skinny jeans - they enhance what is natural about you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">French meets ombre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Confidence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This might be the most important thing, because no matter what you wear, if you don't have confidence, you're going to be lacking. One of the things I like to do to have confidence is to wear cute/sexy underwear. No guys is going to see it, but I know it's there, and that makes me feel 100x more confident. Wear your favorite, well-fitting pushup bra and your sexiest undies (whether it be a thong or boyshorts) in order to feel as sexy as you want to look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annie said, "You're never fullly dressed without a smile," and it's so true. Before you leave or in the car on the way, listen to your favorite happy songs. Sing along loudly or dance around like no one is watching in order to boost endorphins and your mood. Also, don't forget to brush your teeth before you leave to ensure a bright smile free of plaque. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a special message for you <b>taken ladies</b>: you have a boyfriend. Some of your sisters do not. It is your job to play wing woman at this thing. Like I said before, mixers are there to help your single sisters find dates. You already have a date for every single event, so you need to be there for your sisters. If she's nervous about talking to a cute guy, go up with her and help her start a conversation with him. If you see a sister standing alone, talk to her and maybe help her find someone new to meet. You have an important job! And YOU have the most confidence because you already have a boyfriend - lucky you. So be sure to help your sisters have confidence, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that mixers seem intimidating. But when it comes down to it, the only pressure that exists is the pressure you put on yourself. So look cute, take a deep breath, put a smile on, and have fun! Because THAT'S really the point. And if a guy sees you're having fun, he'll want to have fun with you. Mission acccomplished. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have any tips for what to wear/how to be confident for a mixer? Leave a comment!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mdEbmYVTKxLIhuiSFPGdM9DTDBnO2pIydhOBa1_uAzhImAxEkSLniFwijyjUz6cgFw28nOiEwAh2AQ_cZjdu2-u0CkCY3wINnOOoaw3XFwjgS3NmNu5mKwaXzLQhmp5aPmUjHwGimn8/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mdEbmYVTKxLIhuiSFPGdM9DTDBnO2pIydhOBa1_uAzhImAxEkSLniFwijyjUz6cgFw28nOiEwAh2AQ_cZjdu2-u0CkCY3wINnOOoaw3XFwjgS3NmNu5mKwaXzLQhmp5aPmUjHwGimn8/s1600/new+signature.png" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-47197517327286637012014-01-29T09:22:00.000-08:002014-02-03T19:41:30.328-08:0022 before 22So it's official - I'M 21! Yes, I turned 21 in October during my hiatus, but whatever. There is still LOTS of time left for me to be 21.<br />
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Kind of like a New Years Resolution list, this is a list of all the things I want to do before I turn 22. I have 9 months left, but I think I can get a lot of these things done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV6R24GKUdk5NnDv3m22JOhcfEI9Ro8pr6eIiO9DDQxvg6N8kFo3vzJboFutKIBW69NxK0ft2AwyaI34zG6_EJT6YcuzlWpMl0uZyDMZjS23_Heqm6RL17tx9NRiEdmVvILT0JcUuxaU/s640/blogger-image--71126359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV6R24GKUdk5NnDv3m22JOhcfEI9Ro8pr6eIiO9DDQxvg6N8kFo3vzJboFutKIBW69NxK0ft2AwyaI34zG6_EJT6YcuzlWpMl0uZyDMZjS23_Heqm6RL17tx9NRiEdmVvILT0JcUuxaU/s640/blogger-image--71126359.jpg" /></a></div>
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School/Career</div>
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1. Make a 3.0 (slash keep a 3.0)</div>
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2. Befriend a professor (who will one day write me a letter of recommendation)</div>
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3. Get my Aggie Ring</div>
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4. Become fluent in Spanish</div>
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5. Get a job I'm in love with</div>
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Financial</div>
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6. Go a month without buying anything but gas and groceries</div>
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7. Save up my money and buy something designer </div>
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Travel</div>
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8. Eat tapas in Spain</div>
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9. Go on a Spring Break trip with friends</div>
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Food/Health</div>
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10. Break a bad habit</div>
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11. Lose 10 pounds (typical)</div>
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12. Try 21 new drinks (in honor of being 21)</div>
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13. Learn 5 recipes by heart (pasta doesn't count)</div>
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14. Eat chicken and waffles</div>
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Personal</div>
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15. Take more pictures</div>
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16. Write for an online magazine</div>
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17. Get a facial</div>
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18. Add 5 new pieces to my professional wardrobe</div>
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19. Learn a new, useful skill</div>
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20. Read 10 (new) books for pleasure</div>
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21. Be more positive</div>
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22. Show love to a stranger</div>
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Think I can do all of these in the next year? I hope so! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-10yW5Kz06aauDU2ds9NmrK3mOCSaYxDdaNI9z3FpYfHVNaYoqMaF1cXGtlOQZUes9tGH3wW1-cbyBoDH_-yYM1GF5W2rrFqftmBvT2hBG9OjuhIc2T-966ormK1u_pfbZ3CtZXaAdo/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-10yW5Kz06aauDU2ds9NmrK3mOCSaYxDdaNI9z3FpYfHVNaYoqMaF1cXGtlOQZUes9tGH3wW1-cbyBoDH_-yYM1GF5W2rrFqftmBvT2hBG9OjuhIc2T-966ormK1u_pfbZ3CtZXaAdo/s1600/new+signature.png" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-31669056953616745592014-01-24T09:42:00.001-08:002014-02-03T19:41:58.792-08:00your sorority sister campus repI am so excited to finally announce that I have been selected to be a Campus Rep for Your Sorority Sister! YSS is a wonderful site I've been following since I first started blogging. It centers around sorority life and has great articles about being a leader in chapter, great ideas for getting involved, and sorority spotlights. Needless to say, I am so honored to be able to represent my school and sorority by being a Campus Rep!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQKGrEpbriGtC9JgcxzuCz4m1VPBBnoARoFyM6onZMnSQOThquD-o3ZR_Q3H-sWmALV_eN_gisqahbm0UjR9QRw9LrnZsFzZB0sVDoN7M0V2v8URwSd8vC6UZw2MMi9QGvdoNY_zb7g0/s1600/IMG_0180.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQKGrEpbriGtC9JgcxzuCz4m1VPBBnoARoFyM6onZMnSQOThquD-o3ZR_Q3H-sWmALV_eN_gisqahbm0UjR9QRw9LrnZsFzZB0sVDoN7M0V2v8URwSd8vC6UZw2MMi9QGvdoNY_zb7g0/s1600/IMG_0180.PNG" height="132" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.yoursororitysister.com/2014/01/meet-our-campus-reps.html" target="_blank">Check out my bio</a> and meet my fellow Campus Reps, and be on the look-out for some of my future posts!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsfA0qhamps1QZGjoYiILN3jRZ4NnySRLP6od8IbACOrRp0jt_2pDa4bgyf7w-NYMDZhylpwiGyzocoQbdnAQEQrf7IqPkxhrhRm1rQJkqaD9AoLwPtAkdePfUeV99o6ZBfVhY0qhcGs/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsfA0qhamps1QZGjoYiILN3jRZ4NnySRLP6od8IbACOrRp0jt_2pDa4bgyf7w-NYMDZhylpwiGyzocoQbdnAQEQrf7IqPkxhrhRm1rQJkqaD9AoLwPtAkdePfUeV99o6ZBfVhY0qhcGs/s1600/new+signature.png" height="110" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-22957112154613231912014-01-20T12:29:00.001-08:002014-01-20T19:57:57.570-08:00beauty breakdown - Sephora's Super Stars gift setThis is a post I started a looooooooong time ago. but I love it so much that I decided to edit it and resurrect it. For my birthday (in October), I got this gift set for my birthday AFTER writing this post. This is what convinced me to even ask for it. Because of this, I'll also give a short review of each product.<br />
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So one of my favorite bloggers, Robin at <a href="http://www.brightestbulbinthebox.com/" target="_blank">Brightest Bulb in the Box</a>, loves picking apart palettes and gift sets and comparing them to their full-sized counterparts to see if they're really worth it. I decided to steal this idea and use it to analyze Sephora's <a href="http://www.sephora.com/super-stars-P382575" target="_blank">Super Stars gift set</a>. There are a lot of great things in this set, but the question is: is it really worth the $75 my parents paid for it?<br />
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In order to analyze it, I first looked up all the products' full sizes and the price of them. The good news about this set is that many of the products are full-sized, so it makes my quest easier as well as come out to be a good value. I found based on a full size of the product the cost per ounce, and then calculated the price of the sample based on that. Simple enough? It should be - I can't math, and I was able to do this pretty easily.<br />
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I also put the ratings next to the products in order to see how good of quality these products are, as reviewed by actual buyers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1552108-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1552108-main-hero.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- 0.085 oz Anastasia Clear Brow Gel </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reg. .28 oz - $22<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">New price: $6.68<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: This is my first brow gel, and it was a good first brow gel to use. However, it's a brow gel, and most brow gels are created equal, so I probably won't bother buying this product myself.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>- 1.7 oz Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Small - $15<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: This didn't really do much for me. It kind of gave my hair a wave, but it wasn't anything extraordinary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>- 0.50 oz Deborah Lippmann Treatment-infused
Nail Color in Cleopatra in New York</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Full - $19<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: I love this polish! It's a little hard putting on because the black is sheer and the gold has to be rearranged so it doesn't clump in one spot, but with some TLC, it looks really great. My roommate actually used this before I did and she loved it too.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>- 0.50 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Small - $15<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: Funny story...I actually put this in my hair before I figured out it's supposed to be for your face. Have you seen those "What kind of nut puts oil on her face? This nut!" ads in magazines lately? It's this stuff. I suggest putting it on OVER makeup for a nice dewy glow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>- 0.17 oz Nars Blush & Bronzing Powder Duo
in Orgasm & Laguna </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mini - $24<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: Soooooooo I only use the blush in this. The problem with the duo is that the squares are too small! I can't get my bronzer brush in this well. And I love Orgasm, so I'll definitely be getting it by itself eventually.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>- 0.12 oz Nars Lipstick in Dolce Vita <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Full - $26<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: This is the perfect natural looking color. I could totally wear this to class and not wonder if people are staring. It looks amazing with my skin tone and is very classy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>- 0.50 oz Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream
to Brighten and Depuff </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Full - $30<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: I don't usually have bags under my eyes that need depuffing, but it's very refreshing to put it on my weary eyes after a long day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>- 1.0 oz Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad
Spectrum SPF 35 in Light </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Full - $39<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: I. Love. This. BB Cream. I've tried a bunch, but this is by far my favorite. It blends really well and is a good color for my face. LOVE.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;"><b>- 0.016 oz Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid
Eye Liner </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Full - $20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: This is a great liquid eyeliner pen. It's easy to apply without ending up with panda eyes. I even got my mom hooked on it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>- 0.30 oz Too Faced Better Than False Lashes
Mascara Base & Top Coat <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- 0.02 oz Too Faced Flexistretch™ Nylon
Fibers </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Full - $35 (set of both)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: Ok, so the reviews on Sephora are correct - this stuff is weird. The nylon fibers are kind of like putting cotton on your eyelashes. And the mascara is super tacky after you apply it. Good at making your lashes long, though.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 0.05 Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sin &
Mushroom </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reg. .05 oz per 1 eyeshadow ($18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">New price: $18<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: I'm in love with Naked palettes, which Sin is in, and it looks really good with Mushroom. It's a good combo for an on-the-go smoky eye. But it's not Naked, so...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>- 0.33 oz Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
Rollerball</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rollerball - $29</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Review: This perfume smells amazing. It's sexy without being too musky, and my best guy friend has told me it smells great. It's also nice that it's in a rollerball for convenient travel and storage.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Total: $276.68 ($280 value)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So my calculations are correct - the set really is worth that much, price wise. As far as quality of the products, most of the products got really high ratings from buyers. The two lowest were the Surf Spray and the mascara. After looking at low reviews, I concluded that most people didn't like the spray because it simply didn't work for their hair's texture (also, sticky, smells bad, crunchy hair), and the biggest complaints for the mascara set were that the Flexistretch primer "feels like putting cotton on your lashes" (also, glue), and the mascara itself was sticky and made lashes clump. I found similar things myself in these two. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Otherwise, I like all the other products. It was a really great birthday gift, and, unfortunately, I'm now addicted to some of the products.This is unfortunate because I'm a broke college student. Maybe I should start wearing a sign that says, "Need change for makeup fund."</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-62530264772669573782014-01-14T13:49:00.000-08:002014-01-14T13:49:25.442-08:00being NakedAhhh, Naked 3. Urban Decay amazed me this year by releasing another highly coveted eyeshadow palette mere weeks before Christmas and giving retailers enough supply to meet the demand. After having the Naked palette for over a year and getting the Naked 2 palette over the Thanksgiving holidays, my mom and I went to Ulta and each got one (although mine was saved for Christmas).<br />
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A lot of people are apparently afraid of pink eyeshadows. Ummm, why? Pink (besides flesh tone) is the natural color of your face! When you work out or get trapped in the cold, your face doesn't turn green or purple or blue or black or brown - it turns freakin' pink. So why shouldn't pink look good on your eyelids as well as your cheeks? I don't know, maybe it's just me because my eyes are hazel and therefore work well with every color except blue. But seriously, pink is good! And one of the best new makeup trends is pink lids and cheeks working in perfect harmony.<br />
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Personally, I like all the colors offered in the palette. If you want a detailed analysis of the consistency of each color along with swatches, I highly suggest <a href="http://www.brightestbulbinthebox.com/2013/12/review-urban-decay-naked3-eyeshadow.html" target="_blank">Brightest Bulb in the Box's post</a> about it. I'm just too lazy to redo her experiment, so if it really matters to you, feel free to check it out. This is a really good palette for everyday color. Only the two colors on the far right are anywhere close to being dark, and I just use them sparingly in the corner of my crease. For my lid, my favorite colors are Burnout and Limit. For my crease, I go only a little darker with Nooner and Liar. If I want to make it more smokey, I add Mugshot to the outer corner. If I want something more shimmery, I add some Buzz or Trick. And then Strange goes in the inner corner and up by my brow.<br />
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My mom, who claims she is too old to wear shimmery colors, really likes this palette, too. Most of the colors are not too shimmery, so she can combine them with some matte colors and make it work. Overall, it's a really great palette if you're looking for an everyday flush of natural pink in your face. But now, how do all the Naked palettes stack up?<br />
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For me, Naked (1) is no longer my go-to. There are some really great colors in it, but the problem is, they don't all work TOGETHER. It's harder to mix and match all of them because the range is so different. But individually, I think the colors are great and can go with colors from other palettes. My favorites are Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Dark Horse, Toasted, and Hustle.<br />
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Naked 2 is the starlet of the four palettes. This is everyone's favorite. It's my favorite for going out because the colors are neutral but still glam. My favorites are Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Suspect, YDK, and Busted.<br />
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I don't have Naked Basics, but my mom does. It's pretty boring to me - they're all matte colors. And what kind of bothers me about it is all the colors are light - there are only two even semi-dark colors - brown and black. Like, give me some depth, here! I won't invest in it - there's no need - but it's great if you're afraid of shimmer.<br />
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When it comes down to it, choosing a Naked palette is all about what you're looking for in your eyeshadow - do you only wear eyeshadow on the weekends when you're going out? Do you just need something basic to go with everything? Do you like color but need versatility? Asking these questions will help you choose which palette is best for you. Or you could be like me and just have all of them...</div>
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BONUS: Here are some good combo ideas I found on Pinterest using the different palettes.</div>
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Which Naked palette(s) do you own? Which are on your wishlist? </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-8521487000478983372014-01-13T09:45:00.003-08:002014-01-13T19:38:03.043-08:00review: Erin Condren plannerSo you know how I've said that the Erin Condren Life Planner is the best planner ever and everyone should have it? Well, I said that without actually having one. But now that I have one, I can safely say my predictions were correct (which is good because if it weren't, that would've been rather embarrassing).<br />
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I finally got this amazing planner as a Christmas present for my mom. When I asked her for it, I wasn't sure which design I wanted - I texted her some options and asked her what she thought. At first, she gave the whole "This is your planner so I can't decide for you" bit, but after some persistence, she told me that she liked the "Favorite Things" design. And you know, so did I, so I went with it. The hardest part of making the list of my favorite things was getting started, but after a while, I had a good sized list going.<br />
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The planner came out perfect (albeit my spelling mistake of "frapuccino"). And, my mom surprised my mom surprised me by adding "Mama" to the list (although she put it between "instagram" and "John Mayer" in my otherwise alphabetical list). But seriously, y'all, I am in love.<br />
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Another thing: my parents don't understand why I need a paper planner. "You have a phone, a computer, and an iPad, why on earth do you need a paper planner?" Well, lovely parents, there is this thing called "sorority meetings" that I must go to every Monday, and they have outlawed electronics (along with riding boots, leggings as pants, and *almost* chambray shirts), so my only option of recording upcoming events and news is by pen on paper. How archaic, I know. But it does give everyone else an excuse to buy cute planners. Most girls opted for the Lilly planners in August, which I had predicted, so I'm excited to be unique and the envy of all my sisters.<br />
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My favorite things about my planner are the colors, the format of the pages, the ample space to take notes, and the pouch and folder in the back for keeping loose papers organized. My mom also got me a stick-on pen holder, a 6-pack of colorful pens, three stretchy bands for keeping it closed, and extra stickers to write on. And because I'm addicted to them, I restocked my Lilly Pulitzer Academic and Greek sticker sets. If that doesn't say colorful, I don't know what does.<br />
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I've been stalking my school schedule for weeks waiting on syllabi to be posted so I can write down assignments and put stickers in my planner. I can't wait to fill it all up with assignments, activities, and other fun things. It was by far one of my favorite Christmas gifts this year.<br />
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What do you think? Will you make the switch to Erin Condren?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-12702040122343925582014-01-10T13:53:00.004-08:002014-01-10T13:54:54.031-08:00i'm back, y'all.I would love to apologize for my lengthy absence. I would love to say things like "I'm sorry for not posting for such a long time" and making excuses such as "I was just so busy with school and extracurriculars that I didn't have time." I would love to remind everyone how much they missed me by writing a spectacular post to makeup for the three months I was not writing about makeup and fashion and sorority life. I would love to, I really would.<br />
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But I won't. You see, I'm not sorry. I wasn't too busy to post. And I know that no one missed me while I was gone. Here's what really happened:</div>
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Around the time of my last post, I got really depressed. I had been depressed over the summer, and while recruitment and the start of school had distracted me, I was still in a rough place. I won't go into all the details, but I will say that when you're depressed, you lose interest in the things that you love. Forr me, that was my blog. I started writing posts and then never finished them because I didn't have the motivation to do so. Subconsciously, I even questioned whether or not anyone would even care. And maybe they did, and maybe they didn't, I'm not sure. I will say, there have been many times in the past few weeks, especially, that I had an idea of something to write, but then a cloud of guilt consumed that notion and snuffed it out. I figured it would be better just to say I had a good run and let it die and go to Blog Purgatory with all the other abandoned blogs.</div>
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Don't worry though - I'm better now. I went to the doctor and was prescribed antidepressants, found a new group of friends who didn't judge me when I was at my lowest, and just took a break from a lot of the pressures I was placing on myself, this blog included. But now, I'm back and I'm ready to make 2014 a great year.</div>
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So here's what happened since my last post: I turned 21, made a 3.5, had a lot of Tinder escapades, applied for CPC Exec and was turned down, got an iPad mini, and Erin Condren planner, and Naked 3 for Christmas (I'll be blogging about those, don't you worry)<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and learned a lot about myself in the process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2014 is bringing a lot of things for me. First, I'm getting my Fightin' Texas Aggie Ring in April, which is a big deal as it becomes our key to the great Aggie Network. Then, I'm going to study abroad this summer in Granada, Spain for two months. And finally, I'm graduating early in December. Phew! I'm so excited to be starting the next chapter of my life in the months to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another exciting thing that's just happened is that I have been selected to be a Campus Rep for <a href="http://www.yoursororitysister.com/" target="_blank">Your Sorority Sister</a>! YSS is a blog I've been following since I first started blogging. Her posts center around sorority life - from recruitment to sisterhood to sorority shoutouts, her posts are fun and give valuable advice. I'll be contributing bi-monthly posts, so be on the lookout for those. I feel so honored to be representing both my sorority and A&M by being a Campus Rep!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it is because of this wonderful opportunity that I am back to blogging. I needed this kick in the butt anyway. Get ready for a great year!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-37920702265884445302013-09-15T16:19:00.000-07:002013-09-15T22:55:54.350-07:00technology for girls - new iPhones and iOS 7<div class="p1">
My dad has given me a lot of nicknames over the years, all with interesting origins. His latest one started around my senior year of high school when the iPhone 4 came out. I IM'ed him all afternoon with updates about Apple's keynote and what new specs the iPhone would have. He was impressed, and soon I became "Geek Girl." This nickname is really only partly true - there is still a lot I don't know/understand about technology. But one thing I do know is, how to simplify the lingo for girls who have no idea how anything works. </div>
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On Tuesday, Apple announced three big things - the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 5C, and iOS 7. So here, I'm going to breakdown the tech mumbo jumbo behind each thing so all you non-geek girls can fully appreciate/understand what these things mean. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>iPhone 5S</b></span></div>
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As with most "S" iPhones, it isn't much different from it's most recent predecessor. But there are a few things apple did to upgrade it. </div>
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1. The 5S features a 64-bit processor, and it's the first phone to ever have one. That means it's going to be faster than the iPhone 5, which only has a 32-bit processor (about twice as fast). However, don't let the numbers fool you. A huge processor is nothing without good RAM. From what it sounds like, the RAM won't be any larger, so it's not going to be as huge a jump in speed as it seems. </div>
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2. The 5S won't have more megapixels on the camera, but the flash and other internal camera specs will be better. There will be a dual, two-tone LED flash, called "True Tone," in order to create more realistic lighting by balancing the color and preventing that washed out look you sometimes get. There will also be auto image stabilization, which is a fancy way of saying that the camera will take successive shots and combine the best ones into a composite photo. And you can now take slow motion videos - pretty cool!</div>
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3. Now the coolest feature: Touch ID. Although the fingerprint identification technology has been around for a couple of years, this is the first time we're seeing it on a phone. The ID sensor will be under the home button, and it'll just be a touch, not a press, that will unlock the phone. You can use your fingerprint to make purchases, and you can set multiple prints to be identified. Because it's a brand-new thing, it might not work perfectly this round of iPhones. But if there are any bugs or flaws, Apple will probably get them squared away for the next round of iPhones. </div>
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As an added bonus, iPhone 5S will be available in white, black, and now gold!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>iPhone 5C</b></span></div>
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The only people who will probably buy this one instead of the 5S are either those who don't want to pay an extra $100 for the 5S, or 12 year olds who want an iPhone but whose parents don't trust them with such an expensive piece of hardware. Understandable. </div>
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So the biggest things about the 5c are that they are exactly like the 5, and they have a plastic back instead of an aluminum one. This makes them much cheaper and faster to produce, which means more of them made at a cheaper cost to you. Yay. They come in bright neon colors and white, and each storage capacity is $100 less than the 5S of the same size. Because they are essentially a 5, they will not include Touch ID. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>iOS 7</b></span></div>
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Now for the beast. Everyone has been dreading the new iOS because of the anti-skeuomorphic design you're so accustomed to, but y'all. C'mon. </div>
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I've personally been beta testing iOS 7 since June, and lemme tell you - the only thing essentially different is how everything looks. All the buttons are in the same place, all the icons still kinda look the same, all your apps will still work just fine. So when you look at your phone for the first time and think, "Oh crap, how am I going to work this now?" don't worry - it's not so bad. Besides changes in the fonts, icons, buttons, and colors, it's the same phone you know and love.</div>
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However, there are some things that are different that I think you all will rather like. First is the Control Center. Instead of a pull-down like the Notification Center, it's a pull-up. It allows easy access to volume, brightness, wifi, Bluetooth, camera, a flashlight, the calculator, and much more. You can turn it off in certain apps like Messages and Safari if it bothers you, but it's so much nicer than having to go to Settings all the time.</div>
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You'll also really like the new multi-tasking function. Instead of little icons at the bottom with teeny red X's to delete it, you now have a full page-preview display. To delete, simply swipe the page up. Very similar to Android, but it's pretty handy. I showed my roommates and they were really excited about that. </div>
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Some other fun things are iTunes Radio, which is pretty much just like Pandora; larger App folders; Apps automatically update; and now in the Notification Center, there are different tabs for different things - Today, which shows you the date, weather, events on your calendar, alarms, and how far away from home you are; All, which is your normal notification list; and Missed, mostly used for missed calls. Pretty nifty stuff. </div>
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iOS 7 will be released for the public on September 18th for all iPhone 4, 4S, and 5 users. iPhone 5C will be available for pre-order on September 13th, and both will be available for purchase on September 20th. </div>
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If you have any questions about the new iPhones or iOS 7, leave a comment! I'd be more than happy to help! </div>
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This is Geek Girl, signing off. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-58650806409790124762013-09-10T11:33:00.000-07:002013-09-10T11:33:05.786-07:00everything I need to know in life I learned from being in a sorority<div class="p1">
A few weeks ago, a fellow Aggie named Cheryll Duffie wrote me to tell me about her book, <u><a href="http://www.cheryllduffie.com/excerpt.html" target="_blank">everything I need to know in life I learned from being in a sorority</a></u>. I checked it out and fell in love with it. There are so many truths to it, and there was a lot I didn't even realize about my own sorority experience. </div>
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The book's focus is combining lessons learned through the lens of sorority life and applying them to the "real world." I learned so much about how what I'm doing in my sorority can help me in my other relationships and future career. It definitely gave me a new perspective on what it means to be a sorority woman and what I can gain through my experiences as an active member that will guide me when I become an alumna. </div>
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Being a Rho Gamma (recruitment counselor), I wanted to share all my [unbiased] sorority knowledge with the PNMs, so I brought my copy of the book along for them to read. Many of them flipped through the pages with intrigue. They liked it so much, one of them accidentally took it home with her! I will probably never see that copy again. But I'm really glad I got to share it with them, and I hope they took as much from it as I did. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me, my Rho Gamma partners, and our wonderful group! </span></div>
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I definitely recommend this book to all New Members, Actives, and Alumnae, as well as giving this book to your Big, your Little, your best friend, the rest of your sisters, and every sorority woman you know. This is also a great book for New Member/Pledge Educators to give to their new pledge classes. Cheryll also speaks conferences and events, and I definitely encourage you to <a href="http://www.cheryllduffie.com/speaking.html" target="_blank">contact her </a>if interested - she is such a sweet woman! Special thanks to her for contacting me and sending me a copy (and a replacement copy) of her fabulous book!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-78269864006105785752013-09-03T13:14:00.003-07:002013-09-03T13:14:39.543-07:00outfit of the day - SEC classy<div class="p1">
First, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for being absent for so long. I have been so overwhelmed with recruitment and getting back into the swing of school and my sorority again, I haven't even had time to think about blogging, let alone chug out a post (I'm actually beginning this post as I sit on a judo mat waiting for my self-defense class to start). But I'm back and ready to blog again!</div>
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Last week, my sorority had a Continuous Open Recruitment (COR) event open to all women who didn't go through Formal Recruitment the week before but were still interested in possibly joining a sorority. It was held at the Diamond Club at Blue Bell Park (A&M's baseball stadium) with President Loftin, SBP Reid Joseph, and the Junior Yell Leaders as special guests. </div>
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The theme was "SEC Classy," so I donned my classiest Aggie outfit and paired it with a berry lip to add a little more maroon to the mix. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Grand-Little - Katy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior Yell Leaders!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">SBP Reid Joseph!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me and Alyssa!</span></div>
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Scarf: Old Navy (old)<br />Top: Target (old) (seen <a href="http://girlmeetspearls.blogspot.com/2013/04/target-haul.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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Jeans: <a href="http://www.sixtyninejeans.ca/index.php?option=com_aceshop&Itemid=5&route=product%2Fproduct&path=41&product_id=42&lang=en" target="_blank">Sixty Nine Jeans</a></div>
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Shoes: Antonio Melani (old)</div>
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Earrings: Forever 21 (old)</div>
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Lip color: <a href="http://newyorkcolor.com/products/lips/lipcolor/smooch-proof-16hr-lip-stain" target="_blank">NYC Smooch Proof 16h Lip Stain in Champagne Stain</a> and <a href="http://laqaandco.com/product-3/lil-lip-kit.html" target="_blank">Laqa & Co Lil' Lip Duo in Fuschia</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-56096275986907419962013-08-16T07:08:00.000-07:002013-08-16T07:08:13.221-07:00friday fav: chevronYou may not know this about me, but I am in love with chevron. I am still a believer in "too much of a good thing is bad," but I toe that line with chevron. If there were any more chevron in my room, people would get dizzy. It's just the perfect pattern - it's more interesting than stripes and more adult than polka dots, but it is not too crazy. And it's super flattering to wear. Here are a few chevron things I already have, as well as a few I'm wanting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7g9L1SeUJVH53FrW70HNYTF1GTKiN5ktcw18e0nLnhkN6vdN4aagXbqQ0LqPG7ISToydFS1XO_6VcneR_vF94OqZM_1KgY_EL0hdos3jhXzLn6Ss04vHeLr9vhtxw0VysU7XXPe8R_w/s1600/526429_4731553336147_149504866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7g9L1SeUJVH53FrW70HNYTF1GTKiN5ktcw18e0nLnhkN6vdN4aagXbqQ0LqPG7ISToydFS1XO_6VcneR_vF94OqZM_1KgY_EL0hdos3jhXzLn6Ss04vHeLr9vhtxw0VysU7XXPe8R_w/s320/526429_4731553336147_149504866_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chevron Dress</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoW3am1Lb_dIbe0s3VOHTsJFg_ZVK9uPrZN33S_kZkgaK0jGD-Km1qg0GhipK3rrDbMLaHTlAiUS0tMM8HfC8akBT5M8-ykUQufViz_vkSApeMssFippLU_KBnBW0adJcA5MDKOGbce4/s1600/Photo+May+17,+7+25+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoW3am1Lb_dIbe0s3VOHTsJFg_ZVK9uPrZN33S_kZkgaK0jGD-Km1qg0GhipK3rrDbMLaHTlAiUS0tMM8HfC8akBT5M8-ykUQufViz_vkSApeMssFippLU_KBnBW0adJcA5MDKOGbce4/s320/Photo+May+17,+7+25+19+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My bedding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoswF9ZoY_mI7nnnoXRcafpznmFenoyZWmOxDRJlBBB66-8guEqC4CAXN1UJLnSIeaTAo5ZcUS1gfUlAtGpmHb8RoUy8wO3EqPEYX0lDMjUNUP4Tv-8l_sJFrVFENtz9W3bMMjOe8dGkg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-26+at+11.06.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoswF9ZoY_mI7nnnoXRcafpznmFenoyZWmOxDRJlBBB66-8guEqC4CAXN1UJLnSIeaTAo5ZcUS1gfUlAtGpmHb8RoUy8wO3EqPEYX0lDMjUNUP4Tv-8l_sJFrVFENtz9W3bMMjOe8dGkg/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-06-26+at+11.06.09+PM.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Monogram background</div>
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Adorable nails</div>
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Trinket Tray</div>
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Clutch</div>
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Even though I am in love with chevron, that doesn't mean I'm going to go overboard with it. But it is still a fun addition to my room, wardrobe, and life! </div>
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What pattern are you obsessed with? Leave a comment!<br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSkf7BuBHTP222SWuqzPyDg0GttsVGE7O4pg5L5fueaOiwlG6Imb9zYPHi3WIpcYK9eBI9zs-Zwq_uuTVtU38HAMtQo3illUQPk-P-hkLNmNhYM1h0PT3QFF8XzN6ZphF6N6OWK82H5E/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSkf7BuBHTP222SWuqzPyDg0GttsVGE7O4pg5L5fueaOiwlG6Imb9zYPHi3WIpcYK9eBI9zs-Zwq_uuTVtU38HAMtQo3illUQPk-P-hkLNmNhYM1h0PT3QFF8XzN6ZphF6N6OWK82H5E/s200/new+signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-77601137009882956182013-08-13T15:12:00.000-07:002013-08-13T15:12:01.569-07:00diy lip scrubAs I was perusing Pinterest the other day, I found this awesome<a href="http://sunshinemakermeg.blogspot.com/2012/09/frugal-fiday-diy-lip-scrub.html#more" target="_blank"> tutorial for DIY lip scrub</a>. I've been wanting a lip scrub for a while but haven't wanted to shell out the cash for it, so I thought I'd give this a whirl and see how it turned out.<br />
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It was so easy to make: 2 parts sugar to 1 part honey to 1 part olive/coconut oil. Ended up using 4 tsps sugar, 3 tsps honey, and 3 tsps olive oil to fill a small jar. I found a set of 3 jars in the travel section of Target for really cheap, and they're the perfect size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkCPhQ-RC7nEVLiDPW5U-GVEE1Y6BeLnA6YeyRi4LbjcotEwRzVfBq82YPvV0PJMO-YTaw9JI_TWP-_17nEa2VKzJOkUiZ2T97DR8bEZ9UNVjlRaoA00_OfRzU-6c32CRSH_kx-f7SXY/s1600/4gLvvE6gaUS1-u4S0sypoXQh2HWBo2ubGE-s_8yjwVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkCPhQ-RC7nEVLiDPW5U-GVEE1Y6BeLnA6YeyRi4LbjcotEwRzVfBq82YPvV0PJMO-YTaw9JI_TWP-_17nEa2VKzJOkUiZ2T97DR8bEZ9UNVjlRaoA00_OfRzU-6c32CRSH_kx-f7SXY/s320/4gLvvE6gaUS1-u4S0sypoXQh2HWBo2ubGE-s_8yjwVA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The taste is a little funny, but it's totally lickable if that's your thing. I just use it in the morning as part of my daily routine and wash it off after a good scrub. Then, I apply chapstick so as not to dry my lips out. My lips are definitely less cracked and peeling than before.<br />
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This is a cheap, easy project that'll take you 5-10 minutes and will make your lips soft and healthy-looking. I definitely recommend it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz7GLgGk1-wVZu4yg7CUozQDLb0UoW1wNrKOoiOVAEIYwSB7uwm5W06PUyCqEAadmfZdyAJ7TvXbqqHgVrY5WRPB4jjgY8X5tbWcMpVtTDOQnsfk-_entfRn9Io5IionTsBgZobLSbbo/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz7GLgGk1-wVZu4yg7CUozQDLb0UoW1wNrKOoiOVAEIYwSB7uwm5W06PUyCqEAadmfZdyAJ7TvXbqqHgVrY5WRPB4jjgY8X5tbWcMpVtTDOQnsfk-_entfRn9Io5IionTsBgZobLSbbo/s200/new+signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-2398414019476026642013-08-08T08:47:00.000-07:002013-08-08T09:07:50.813-07:00how to organize a small roomSo as I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I just moved into a new apartment. Although moving is tiring and intense, it's also a chance to start over in a new place and make it however you want. However, a problem arises when you realize you have so much stuff and not enough room for it all. Small spaces can get so cluttered easily, and I didn't know where to start. That's when I called my mom for help. She came down the Sunday after I moved in and helped me organize everything in a way that was both functional and uncluttered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuDVcX48t5hBMoe_HUXlsucGwVPlXEvT9YRcJfJJ83FdNKxNtCaIl-1Z5wdb7wF3hdSkZzMDNW9gKDSRpX8C0OKtT_zNciDGjuRHrEpgt0FoaWThhibSeRR7HqP6SdQ0ObEJllpU4eV4/s1600/Photo+Aug+07%252C+12+11+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuDVcX48t5hBMoe_HUXlsucGwVPlXEvT9YRcJfJJ83FdNKxNtCaIl-1Z5wdb7wF3hdSkZzMDNW9gKDSRpX8C0OKtT_zNciDGjuRHrEpgt0FoaWThhibSeRR7HqP6SdQ0ObEJllpU4eV4/s320/Photo+Aug+07%252C+12+11+41+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Princess and the Pea."</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tip #1: Put little things in big things</span></b><br />
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In my bathroom, there are a lot of items than can run loose - bobby pins, hair bands, ponytail holders, bottles, brushes, etc. In order to contain all these items, bins are your best friend. Sort out different categories (small hair accessories, large hair accessories, beauty products, medicine, feminine hygiene, whatever) and put them into a larger container. This will save you so much room and hassle, and your space won't look so cluttered by all the little things.<br />
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And that white 9-cube shelving unit? Each of those black bins has more stuff in it. Bins are the best!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2y9mJlJ_yuIEYTjKK4riEWrDCogb0FQylHGC-jWLqJuyRBxbRpMNAE4Sz_aZkjEEfzDA4UvpOjrnA4sUo4nmW33mc0rKkd4qaR56RRcNl7n5vW7-aWRuxK7Whixsed8Ff3DniFJH-oM/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2y9mJlJ_yuIEYTjKK4riEWrDCogb0FQylHGC-jWLqJuyRBxbRpMNAE4Sz_aZkjEEfzDA4UvpOjrnA4sUo4nmW33mc0rKkd4qaR56RRcNl7n5vW7-aWRuxK7Whixsed8Ff3DniFJH-oM/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+42+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bins on bins on bins</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQIsZVRZ2lNW7DOV_NmEBawcoP3y5-LAisTEUxf6VJlT8r2TwhTWEN1Qs3Do1eBNW6We4ehyoRQP6UqhdFuW5fFX1907rwFZFaMcFXAYw-KSGkry33PAejrmtdK5SrchIUFoTK5Pqgbk/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+52+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQIsZVRZ2lNW7DOV_NmEBawcoP3y5-LAisTEUxf6VJlT8r2TwhTWEN1Qs3Do1eBNW6We4ehyoRQP6UqhdFuW5fFX1907rwFZFaMcFXAYw-KSGkry33PAejrmtdK5SrchIUFoTK5Pqgbk/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+52+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Even more bins</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCADdnLqudxgdk8H8QGCW_e8OmAW_3c3aHWPWcwo49Ylob4oTaJ0Ze-8JCpO4pqfUk8rNLQEYMh_ghJFi9_5qfCbp4W42PIwUxxPkf1s3sWrfHAVBuaB66Mxm3O1GsyK9ICR4W1rwjpo/s1600/Photo+Aug+07%252C+12+12+14+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCADdnLqudxgdk8H8QGCW_e8OmAW_3c3aHWPWcwo49Ylob4oTaJ0Ze-8JCpO4pqfUk8rNLQEYMh_ghJFi9_5qfCbp4W42PIwUxxPkf1s3sWrfHAVBuaB66Mxm3O1GsyK9ICR4W1rwjpo/s320/Photo+Aug+07%252C+12+12+14+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bins!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tip #2: Stack, stack, stack</span></b><br />
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What my apartment lacks in horizontal space, it makes up for in vertical space. Those high ceilings are super great because it makes my room seem bigger than it is. And, it makes it easier to stack everything without feeling like it's towering over you. As you can see, I stacked my mattress on a box spring on a bed frame; my TV on a table on my desk; and black plastic crates on top of each other. This brings everything higher so the floor space seems bigger.<br />
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A word about those crates: this might be one of the best ideas my mom came up with. These crates were only $3.47 each at Walmart, can be interlocked one on top of another, and when you're ready to move, just grab one by the handles and pull it off. Voila! An easy way to stack and carry books in lieu of a bookcase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuSr0yytYaDRDcuuP_59yhA5i7PTZM6cJ3izi49Or1Pbe9yxKC073HaytuWEzK1zlt0NG-FwmS1hFiFj3adyEwET1-CCQg7ftLBCXgON0s5lUVEvkWUh2klUGV7wJ1AvJVK8zrim3YoI/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+18+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuSr0yytYaDRDcuuP_59yhA5i7PTZM6cJ3izi49Or1Pbe9yxKC073HaytuWEzK1zlt0NG-FwmS1hFiFj3adyEwET1-CCQg7ftLBCXgON0s5lUVEvkWUh2klUGV7wJ1AvJVK8zrim3YoI/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+18+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Drawers under bed frame, box spring, then mattress.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnan5MfWPERANAe-b-blgg6jFu1UJ_QXjvLJcEkuy7Uk_ixgE-l8ZL8R83D7AzGpgyS-6i9DazQ4-Vf_V-XHHUYjB1PZysgFyg8jpcBdaTDlkWwZPj_WUMi33Uw17Dls20MatX4O5KlE/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+52+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnan5MfWPERANAe-b-blgg6jFu1UJ_QXjvLJcEkuy7Uk_ixgE-l8ZL8R83D7AzGpgyS-6i9DazQ4-Vf_V-XHHUYjB1PZysgFyg8jpcBdaTDlkWwZPj_WUMi33Uw17Dls20MatX4O5KlE/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+52+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">TV on table on desk</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxQUQbjDZ0-ESyyHOr9KbPqAu-cb9wu1qMhqFi0buackGjqGWK76dLwTwARkO8BhecipRmR1RYPJwFUkh7oilV4rMWcqW2AbUQTLxY6xeoL60S5X574a7__4Dj4cmwAopRuYaEGG_W6U/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+12+23+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxQUQbjDZ0-ESyyHOr9KbPqAu-cb9wu1qMhqFi0buackGjqGWK76dLwTwARkO8BhecipRmR1RYPJwFUkh7oilV4rMWcqW2AbUQTLxY6xeoL60S5X574a7__4Dj4cmwAopRuYaEGG_W6U/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+12+23+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Crates on crates on crates</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tip #3: Group like things</span></b><br />
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Whether it's by color, theme, or function, put things that are alike together to create consistency and cleanliness. Examples: I grouped all my lions into one section of my room, I used all black frames on my wall, and I grouped all my sorority stuff together (not pictured, can't give my affiliation away!). This helps organize the pretty things you want to display in a way that is pleasing to the eye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Km45G8_eRA4f3HLkGTjEyof86_z_qlw_EYnXfBKHrsIpdk1x5I5L4mRomCC2qUsaU2AYjUO0glI4McHtkM7SrdAithJnhSQxT00PkXWQ1eBdCWf-fTzBMMyv1xdIDbkfSMv2b96Xqos/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+12+31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Km45G8_eRA4f3HLkGTjEyof86_z_qlw_EYnXfBKHrsIpdk1x5I5L4mRomCC2qUsaU2AYjUO0glI4McHtkM7SrdAithJnhSQxT00PkXWQ1eBdCWf-fTzBMMyv1xdIDbkfSMv2b96Xqos/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+12+31+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lions and light blue</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT78wLhdLyVmtNa5fBX2Y5qQ5SetEj3jGOe7zphLu3O639aDyqGmDeoRCwLYa1ZuOvbiv_Bc4pSXYj5WMkfORqGMvP0ABXtM5EHXbI2Q10lBj2Fw4H0hMzUcGnQ8lI3A6ACKFyp0H13B4/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+47+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT78wLhdLyVmtNa5fBX2Y5qQ5SetEj3jGOe7zphLu3O639aDyqGmDeoRCwLYa1ZuOvbiv_Bc4pSXYj5WMkfORqGMvP0ABXtM5EHXbI2Q10lBj2Fw4H0hMzUcGnQ8lI3A6ACKFyp0H13B4/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+47+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All black frames tie the different pieces together</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tip #4: Get creative</span></b><br />
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Having a "Princess and the Pea" bed has proved difficult, and I've had to get creative (the reason by bed is so high is because the mattress that the apartment complex provided was crappy, so I brought in my mattress, which needed a box spring...you get the idea. What? I'm totally a princess). I stacked my TV on top of a small table in order to make it taller so I could see it while I was in bed. I put the tall lamp so I could easy access light. And I got a step stool for easy access.<br />
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Also, that white shelf in the closet was supposed to be my bedside table. When that didn't play out, my mom stuck it in the closet for more shelf space. When you get creative with your space, you can find ways to make it more functional while eliminating feeling trapped by your stuff.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS5zcuJ3STafBX9LVoN-q4p8qbqw_ESiqNwB7rS2tHuQs80UABKSMAoto3_lAn8bWXc3gQRJAqVQYp66bC-RXYxdzEe3lBtQDj_09G_O2kFTBFuDjeAua6CEdd_rA6yfGHPvB7GgJXVw/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+13+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS5zcuJ3STafBX9LVoN-q4p8qbqw_ESiqNwB7rS2tHuQs80UABKSMAoto3_lAn8bWXc3gQRJAqVQYp66bC-RXYxdzEe3lBtQDj_09G_O2kFTBFuDjeAua6CEdd_rA6yfGHPvB7GgJXVw/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+13+20+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Closet organization.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnQUlhPd46-e4a2cX71urkMKghbUd4FiT48vJXC-bSx9vhdtt_6LnGxNoxkbxqpmP2HTkbXRZMalIb-SM3cgG5fIO80CfoGticjka_dZBRogdzr63VmDGxti0pgRllj-eQBR78qqF8mU/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+14+33+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnQUlhPd46-e4a2cX71urkMKghbUd4FiT48vJXC-bSx9vhdtt_6LnGxNoxkbxqpmP2HTkbXRZMalIb-SM3cgG5fIO80CfoGticjka_dZBRogdzr63VmDGxti0pgRllj-eQBR78qqF8mU/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+14+33+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Needed a good way to store bobby pins. Magnet for the win!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpVvLMZoirBT9OsXlg7zFiUlLWgQJ_efD4Sp6JVrtL9Q_mRDCbXQWFxPttd507JUV8QyB2P1xF1xZh5dGW-q2IwwoTFK5jPMSrtLbedogKQJPKhES50Fkvjjye_FqwRBX5W3YFhd-9Hc/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpVvLMZoirBT9OsXlg7zFiUlLWgQJ_efD4Sp6JVrtL9Q_mRDCbXQWFxPttd507JUV8QyB2P1xF1xZh5dGW-q2IwwoTFK5jPMSrtLbedogKQJPKhES50Fkvjjye_FqwRBX5W3YFhd-9Hc/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+00+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">More shower storage space</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tip #5: Keep it clean!</span></b></div>
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The hardest part of a small room is that if you don't consistently clean it, it WILL get messy and cluttered very easily! As Mad Eye Moody would say: CONSTANT VIGILANCE. You have to always be putting things away and picking up or else it'll get out of control at the drop of a hat. This is hard for me because I am extremely messy, but I'm willing to try it. </div>
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Living in a smaller room has been a challenge because of how much stuff I have (#girlproblems). But I think I've come up with some good solutions to keeping things organized. Big thank you goes to my mom for helping me buy things, organize, and FaceTime decorate. I love you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiligqSDf01oq_JsIf_wkSdv9jRNXlzyE-MhZeooLhRQ7TA0f3vnqdUNjMO3nmEv7sGkMBX6XkibxySSoLeDeqER9CL1G1M-2BXXzVhO1iRa3W-m8H10ltlS5L3xugqSDduBQZm4zBzIyM/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiligqSDf01oq_JsIf_wkSdv9jRNXlzyE-MhZeooLhRQ7TA0f3vnqdUNjMO3nmEv7sGkMBX6XkibxySSoLeDeqER9CL1G1M-2BXXzVhO1iRa3W-m8H10ltlS5L3xugqSDduBQZm4zBzIyM/s200/new+signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Ps: Here are more lovely pics of my room! I'm so proud of it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkf49tEu3ifeAm-X5_P0aV0WSZVXQem1MQ2oZV8pGQDazpevIcVg-orpnIplim6TSbJvAkPYUnka7Ye1dhfuNMZj0Jx7Ndssy1fhDRmE1K36b67IjGkTY71Xdm4qSySnRZUG66QnDXII/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+17+32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkf49tEu3ifeAm-X5_P0aV0WSZVXQem1MQ2oZV8pGQDazpevIcVg-orpnIplim6TSbJvAkPYUnka7Ye1dhfuNMZj0Jx7Ndssy1fhDRmE1K36b67IjGkTY71Xdm4qSySnRZUG66QnDXII/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+17+32+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I love my chevron bed!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFzbD97XTetsR9XI-X2stBDXgBy_w5HXTEXjeSCZcWWU-b_agqrO3Er9RdcEUt9Fprhs0GvvgiHPwxTwnTFJb9EQKmFAt3LxDSkc70skwRbq6IStVadCGEGwyM9vPkT6sG-uJdHsFj_k/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+12+42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFzbD97XTetsR9XI-X2stBDXgBy_w5HXTEXjeSCZcWWU-b_agqrO3Er9RdcEUt9Fprhs0GvvgiHPwxTwnTFJb9EQKmFAt3LxDSkc70skwRbq6IStVadCGEGwyM9vPkT6sG-uJdHsFj_k/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+12+42+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My Texas wall art - Texas A&M, Fort Worth, and...my sorority ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ttCZjF4GjISEq5MzXwDyIXUiGv8oya6y-qM-_GPXaIO45Mdz5mxZfdJZbAXwxZtMAf8TtE5C0IFw0U4eAMz5gPwsrQ1Wa-f5AeDwjYkipafnvS5scqcuolTkl3cRSVPnGOATIqBdrfU/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+29+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ttCZjF4GjISEq5MzXwDyIXUiGv8oya6y-qM-_GPXaIO45Mdz5mxZfdJZbAXwxZtMAf8TtE5C0IFw0U4eAMz5gPwsrQ1Wa-f5AeDwjYkipafnvS5scqcuolTkl3cRSVPnGOATIqBdrfU/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+11+29+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">One of my favorite things! This little guy makes me so happy</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYhc-Ox1XBuLc2265r-WJuxdrRbq6VdkN1HsoilD-VjZ39dVkHitc0t53UFvOxMr76KFWLi5lMpSTDwkro8Ee42xHSVrW70xwqIPz8F1nH4091FRDFUrqKftncu0EcZiWKSV0v6UaBvo/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+13+44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYhc-Ox1XBuLc2265r-WJuxdrRbq6VdkN1HsoilD-VjZ39dVkHitc0t53UFvOxMr76KFWLi5lMpSTDwkro8Ee42xHSVrW70xwqIPz8F1nH4091FRDFUrqKftncu0EcZiWKSV0v6UaBvo/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+13+44+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lovely bathroom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjjpnMjFiZ043erQ579w-nuguv9O1BAdbdumHBMGF972JjNkVY5PcBSbYAzzEZ0JfDaPKs5_PAwZ94kvUMV_UBiughWEU7r2eEp4WglemwjU5MZfLTq62Qu61uufeXtj7u3SEXwgPckY/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+14+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjjpnMjFiZ043erQ579w-nuguv9O1BAdbdumHBMGF972JjNkVY5PcBSbYAzzEZ0JfDaPKs5_PAwZ94kvUMV_UBiughWEU7r2eEp4WglemwjU5MZfLTq62Qu61uufeXtj7u3SEXwgPckY/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+14+20+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wish I had more counter space...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3Bbohyphenhyphen5faJ5BZQROTJorTPqoBmrznQz29gdLcwJQByJ2OWkzt8ufDPmSEK9JwtAx6icSKnlf6EVH4se89_SkdphEgBG_w17ozLuktP90nOltLgp7JNyFKdAo04fhnNnrmYKkb9nJE2w/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+23+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3Bbohyphenhyphen5faJ5BZQROTJorTPqoBmrznQz29gdLcwJQByJ2OWkzt8ufDPmSEK9JwtAx6icSKnlf6EVH4se89_SkdphEgBG_w17ozLuktP90nOltLgp7JNyFKdAo04fhnNnrmYKkb9nJE2w/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+23+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Container Store buy. Love it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDScvIVl50Xhn4g-VTiZFnieHrR9bVqRyleF_18GF7bzJm05k-bSK3RX0fQ0jlLwpfw_79DepU6sCzyaHy2AGi2XXYVmjQyQ47j2KyFpLo5XlxF7XM3MAhD25jiZYZb-APxesZzYz4wbw/s1600/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+30+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDScvIVl50Xhn4g-VTiZFnieHrR9bVqRyleF_18GF7bzJm05k-bSK3RX0fQ0jlLwpfw_79DepU6sCzyaHy2AGi2XXYVmjQyQ47j2KyFpLo5XlxF7XM3MAhD25jiZYZb-APxesZzYz4wbw/s320/Photo+Aug+07,+12+16+30+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">No towel rack means over-the-door storage!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-23643607560130449152013-08-07T09:12:00.000-07:002013-08-07T09:12:12.404-07:00wishlist wednesday - problem solversWhen it comes to our skin and hair, we will always have problems. From acne to frizz to dull skin, we all would like to change something about ourselves. For this Wishlist Wednesday, I've compiled a list of products to help me combat my own issues.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41oGdeLOwgL._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41oGdeLOwgL._SY300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Problem: Dry skin<br />
Solution: <a href="http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=91" target="_blank">Philosophy Hope in a Jar for Dry Skin</a><br />
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I have heard that this is THE stuff to get if you have dry skin. Most specialty moisturizers are made for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, leaving those with dry skin having to reapply moisturizer daily just to keep up. And the dry skin-specific one also comes in an SPF 20 version for all you heliophobes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kenra.com/DisplayImage.aspx?ID=980" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.kenra.com/DisplayImage.aspx?ID=980" width="62" /></a></div>
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Problem: Slow blow-drying</div>
Solution: <a href="http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=91" target="_blank">Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray</a><br />
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My hairdresser used this on me while blow-drying my hair without telling me what it was, and after awhile I finally had to ask, "What on earth are you using that smells so freakin' good?" Turns out it was this. It reduces blow-dry time, keeps your hair from being frizzy, and, like I mentioned, it smells amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/460x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/u/suki_exfoliatefoamingcleanser_900x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/460x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/u/suki_exfoliatefoamingcleanser_900x900.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Problem: Blackheads and flaky skin<br />
Solution: <a href="http://sukiskincare.com/products/exfoliate-foaming-cleanser.html" target="_blank">Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser</a><br />
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I got this product in my <a href="http://girlmeetspearls.blogspot.com/2013/06/birchbox-june.html" target="_blank">Birchbox a couple months ago</a> and absolutely love it. It leave my skin feeling soft and refreshed while scrubbing away all my skin's impurities and the flakes of dry skin that like to build up. Definitely recommend to all skin types.<br />
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<a href="http://www.100percentpure.com/v/vspfiles/photos/1fmcbec-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.100percentpure.com/v/vspfiles/photos/1fmcbec-2.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
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Problem: Dark under-eye circles<br />
Solution: <a href="http://www.100percentpure.com/ORGANIC-COFFEE-BEAN-CAFFEINE-EYE-CREAM-s/242.htm" target="_blank">100 Percent Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream</a><br />
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After weeks of taking Vitamins A and E religiously, I haven't seen as much of an improvement in my dark circles. I read that topical caffeine helps to constrict the blood vessels under your eyes, which seems to be the source of my problem. Definitely worth a try. Note: I don't have any puffiness, just dark circles. And no, it's not just lack of sleep!<br />
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<a href="https://d17bec6qh8m533.cloudfront.net/images/product/medium/BLISS-389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d17bec6qh8m533.cloudfront.net/images/product/medium/BLISS-389.jpg" /></a></div>
Problem: Chapped lips<br />
Solution: <a href="https://www.blissworld.com/brands/bliss/bliss-fabulips-sugar-lip-scrub/" target="_blank">Bliss Fabulips Sugar Scrub</a><br />
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While chapstick is good at keeping lips from becoming cracked, once that skin starts coming off, there's not much you can do but start over. Sugar scrubs for lips are great because they help exfoliate the dry skin that's peeling so that chapstick can do it's job right. Plus, your lips taste awesome afterwards - that's a plus, right?<br />
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Do you have any of the same problems I do? What products do you use to fight your issues? Leave a comment!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-66398820632144389252013-08-05T09:15:00.002-07:002013-08-05T09:23:39.769-07:00motivation monday - moodboardFirst of all, I'm happy to announce the winner of the $50 Erin Condren Giveaway is...Katie Cooper! Congratulations, Katie! I will email you the info. :)<br />
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Last week, I read a really <a href="http://www.thecollegeprepster.com/2013/08/behind-new-branding.html" target="_blank">good post from The College Prepster</a> about how she made a moodboard on Pinterest, full of pretty things she found that made her happy. I was inspired by this idea, so I decided to make one myself.<br />
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The only theme of my moodboard is things that make me happy. Beautiful things, inspirational quotes, pictures that make me smile, whatever. It's just a place that I can collect pretty things and go back and look at them when I'm feeling blue.<br />
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Check out my moodboard <a href="http://pinterest.com/girlmeetspearls/moodboard/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn0hs0dmIbEAgJKDaz8MHBQECmpc-7TX8vwQWCDEnMnKMgDVRwcs2RzVndCPwXFT5tR10YtkPwTnpDK4cv9r_1kI_Xi8mED9sliKRb5CjQ0wXerTEQASpNsPCQa1M2lcA9yUz18UMCkY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-05+at+11.12.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn0hs0dmIbEAgJKDaz8MHBQECmpc-7TX8vwQWCDEnMnKMgDVRwcs2RzVndCPwXFT5tR10YtkPwTnpDK4cv9r_1kI_Xi8mED9sliKRb5CjQ0wXerTEQASpNsPCQa1M2lcA9yUz18UMCkY/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-08-05+at+11.12.22+AM.png" width="330" /></a></div>
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Do you have a moodboard on Pinterest? Have you considered making one?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGfvXnsUDxlsi942CcWPpoW3GgxvJqUxtUDZ_7cgEHQPZJtWRHqfOr_slfFa7mpvuAckPEsXnAuIIwNxzXtSVEjWCZ43cxoMAVPvkFzYofVqh-QtTFxBFODVZapDfUTpenpenIuT7O9M/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGfvXnsUDxlsi942CcWPpoW3GgxvJqUxtUDZ_7cgEHQPZJtWRHqfOr_slfFa7mpvuAckPEsXnAuIIwNxzXtSVEjWCZ43cxoMAVPvkFzYofVqh-QtTFxBFODVZapDfUTpenpenIuT7O9M/s200/new+signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-29971743939815839882013-08-02T08:22:00.000-07:002013-08-02T08:22:15.025-07:00friday fav: Lilly stickersSo I know about 90% of you have just started using their Lilly Pulitzer planners. Yay for you! I'm still using mine from last year until December comes and goes before getting a new one. It's great, huh? Know what would make it better? MORE STICKERS.<br />
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I love Lilly stickers, but they're so pretty that I don't want to use them. I wish there were more I could use for marking test days, philanthropy events, and hair appointments. That's why I am in lurve with the <a href="http://www.lifeguardpress.com/product/lilly-pulitzer-sticker-set" target="_blank">Lilly Pulitzer Greek and Academic Sticker Sets</a>. They made my entire last year much better by helping me visualize when I have papers due, friends' birthdays, and sorority events. Plus, they're super adorable.<br />
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The Academic Sticker Set includes stickers for "Study," "Test," "Paper Due," and "Cram," as well as stickers for hair and nail appointments, birthday parties, visits home, vacations, etc. It also includes several sheets of large white letters so you can personalize your planner with your name or monogram.<br />
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<a href="http://thepinkchalet.com/images/124021AcademicStickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thepinkchalet.com/images/124021AcademicStickers.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Greek Sticker Set includes stickers for "Recruitment," "Philanthropy," "Greek Week," "Big/Little," and "Derby Days," as well as similar stickers for various life events. It includes several sheets of large white GREEK letters so you can put your sorority's letters on it. How great is that?<br />
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<a href="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server4900/eedf9/products/183/images/645/Lilly_Pulitzer_Sticker_Set_Greek_A__69359.1346679618.350.350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server4900/eedf9/products/183/images/645/Lilly_Pulitzer_Sticker_Set_Greek_A__69359.1346679618.350.350.jpg" /></a></div>
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The only bad news is that Lilly Pulitzer seems to have discontinued these stickers on their website. However, you can find them on various other sites, such as <a href="http://www.lifeguardpress.com/category/stickers-and-labels/lilly-pulitzer" target="_blank">Lifeguard Press</a>, <a href="http://www.seejanework.com/productcart/pc/Lilly-Pulitzer-Agenda-Stickers-24p5525.htm" target="_blank">See Jane Work</a>, and <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.Xlilly+pulitzer+sticker+set&_nkw=lilly+pulitzer+sticker+set&_sacat=0&_from=R40" target="_blank">ebay</a>. Hopefully, Lilly will see how much people love these stickers and bring them back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuE-lteIdbKT3jkqNGo_9iTw-3SPIq1QmHTHy5hetootnFGczl2P189wOMycK3SFyQavMQ2fJxdiDiQ7KKhTQ82QkQ13SP1dTx9KuuQ8BKuLHUeWlXYcHnWd707t6B-1OXhoH7is_5cs/s1600/new+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuE-lteIdbKT3jkqNGo_9iTw-3SPIq1QmHTHy5hetootnFGczl2P189wOMycK3SFyQavMQ2fJxdiDiQ7KKhTQ82QkQ13SP1dTx9KuuQ8BKuLHUeWlXYcHnWd707t6B-1OXhoH7is_5cs/s200/new+signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">PS: Two more days to enter to win a $50 gift card to Erin Condren! <a href="http://girlmeetspearls.blogspot.com/2013/07/erin-condren-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Enter now</a>! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548412595651961404.post-43230706249872150652013-08-01T09:03:00.002-07:002013-08-01T09:04:42.752-07:00product review: benefit re-hydrating mistDespite the fact that my pores are more congested than Houston at rush hour, my skin is actually very dry. It's so dry than it will start randomly flaking and peeling. Terrible, right? While moisturizer does help somewhat, I was looking for a product that could help keep my skin hydrated throughout the day. Then I heard about <a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/ultra-radiance-facial-re-hydrating-mist" target="_blank">Benefit's Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Mist</a>. I thought it might help keep my skin fresh and flake-free during the day, so I went ahead and purchased it on a trial basis (I kept the bag and receipt). However, it wasn't what I was expecting...<br />
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<a href="http://i.beautylish.co/sR0ALVtHFyVVSF5kzoXw1gIwAhA/bb_p-5f/benefit-cosmetics-ultra-radiance-facial-re-hydrating-mist-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.beautylish.co/sR0ALVtHFyVVSF5kzoXw1gIwAhA/bb_p-5f/benefit-cosmetics-ultra-radiance-facial-re-hydrating-mist-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was under the assumption that this product would keep my skin hydrated like a moisturizer. Not the case. Basically, the point of it is to perk up dull skin, not keep dry skin hydrated. Yeah, it felt nice to spray it on my face, but it was like spraying smelly water from a squirt bottle. So it didn't do what I needed it to do. </div>
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Another con about it is that the bottle is big. I mean, it's not gigantic or heav, but if you're planning on keeping it with you to spray on throughout the day, you're going to need a bigger purse. You can justify putting some in a smaller bottle, but why not just make a travel size? I would rather have something actually portable to refresh my skin than something I couldn't take with me.<br />
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But there are pros. It smelled nice, kind of like cucumbers, which I though was refreshing. It didn't sting or burn my eyes. It didn't mess up my makeup. It cooled my skin in the Texas heat. And it made my face look shiny in a healthy way (not an oily way). But that's not what I needed it for.<br />
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If you're looking for a way to refresh your face when your makeup is looking dull, this is a good product. If you have dry skin and need to hydrate it throughout the day, this is not the product for you. Stick to a good moisturizer and get a travel size if your skin gets dry throughout the day. That's really the only thing that's going to help you. My decision? I'm going to return it. Good thing Ulta has a great return policy.<br />
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Have you tried this re-hydrating mist? What did you think? Are you thinking about trying it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">PS: The Erin Condren Giveaway is still going on! Be sure to <a href="http://girlmeetspearls.blogspot.com/2013/07/erin-condren-giveaway.html" target="_blank">enter here</a>! Contest entry closes Sunday at midnight!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14476886725044746570noreply@blogger.com0