Cute Ways to Spoil Your Little

Wondering where I went last week? Well, it was big/little week here at my sorority, so I was busy crafting like one of Santa’s elves. I lucked out and got twins (two girls that I LOVE), so that meant I was busy crafting for over a week straight. I love crafting though, so even though it was slightly stressful (and my perfectionism was definitely kicking in), it was a lot of fun and so worth it to spoil my littles some.

Making and picking out cute gifts for littles can be super difficult and so expensive. Every sorority at every college has different traditions and expectations of amounts and money that should be spent, but I thought I would offer some cute ideas that I love (and some I even used!).

Matching T-Shirts!

Here at my sorority, we devote a day to giving our littles cute shirts, ones that generally match their future big’s, and sometimes even their future grandbigs!. I made my twins matching ones, that were just in different colors and with their names on the back! I’m currently loving bows, so I made sure to design a bow on the front and back! Hurting on cash a bit? Make them shirts! Whip out the puff paint, fabric, or use one of the t=shirt design programs for your computer! The thought is what counts!

Flowers!

I decorated cheap $3 vases from Walmart with nifty Marta Stewart class paint (using sponge polka dot brushes of course!). I personalized them with their names and our sorority. I then gave them each a dozen roses. If that’s a tad too expensive, use other cute flowers like daisies or carnations, in your sorority’s colors!

Bulletin Boards

This was my favorite thing to make my twins! See, my own big made me a board that I absolutely love. It was my favorite gift I received from her, and I wanted to follow the same design. I just customized them to my littles’ preferences. It was so much fun and really inexpensive too!

 

Favorite Snacks/Candy/Food

This is such a simple, cute idea to spoil your little! If you sorority doesn’t give out information sheets on your new little, have a sister sneakily ask her what her favorite foods, candy, and restaurants are. In my gift bag and boxes I included all of their favorite candy. And another day I added little $5 Starbucks gift cards (in clean Starbucks cups I decorated with ladybugs and ribbon!).

Rainboots or Shoes

Many girls in my sorority decorated rainboots with polka dots and monograms for their littles. Whether it was Toms look-alikes or just tennis-shoes, these came out so adorable! Bonus points for matching ones!

Pinbox

Making a cute little box for your little to store her pin in is a sweet gift for either big/little week or initiation. My Ruby when I first joined my sorority made me a pin box, that was also large enough to hold my bid card and some other important items from my membership.

Slippers/Stuffed Animals

Having a soft, stuffed animal or some fuzzy slippers in your sorority mascot are always fun things to receive. Pillow Pets are always popular as gifts too.

Blanket

Some sororities have traditions of making their littles fleece tie blankets, and they are very cute things to get and hold onto. Plus, they are very easy to make! There are wide varieties of fleece out there, and places always have sales on their fleece.

I hope this list of ideas make shopping and crafting for your littles easier and more fun! Enjoy each and every second of big/little week, and remember that the relationship with your sister is the most important part!

I Love Fall

It’s no surprise here on my blog that I love fall. It’s definitely my favorite season, and I just love enjoying every single second of it. You can imagine how much I’ve been loving the I <3 Fall tag on Youtube, so I wanted to do a version of that here on my blog. (Pssst…if you want to watch an awesome example of this, here is my favorite so far!)

1.    Favorite Fall Lip Product

So I’m not the biggest fan of lip products. Mostly because as a college student, if I wear gloss, all of my hair finds a way into it on my way to class. And I really just don’t like the drying of lipstick. However, I’m so far loving my special edition Baby Lips in Twinkle!

 

2.   Favorite Fall Nail Polish?

I love nail polish, and I really love the muted neutrals of fall. This fall, I’ve been loving Essie’s Chinchilly as always. I’ve also loved Revlon’s Spanish Moss, which is a perfect neutral green color. I also like wearing a classic red for fall, and after much searching, I’ve found that Revlon’s Red Carpet is the perfect shade for me.

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3.   Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?

I’m obsessed with Starbucks no matter what season, and when the fall drinks came out, I freaked out. I absolutely love a salted caramel hot chocolate, which is just a cozy warm drink that’s perfect for a night of crafting or cozying in. I also have become a big fan of a caramel pumpkin spice latte. That caramel syrup makes it sweeter and so indulgent!

 

     4.   Favorite Fall Candle?

In the dorms and sorority house we can’t have candles, but I think Wallflowers count too! And there is no question: PUMPKIN CUPCAKE!! This is by far my favorite fall scent ever! It’s sweet, cozy, full of cinnamon, and just perfect! Bath and Body Works NEEDS to bring this back next fall!!

5.   Favorite Fall Scarf or Fall Accessory

It’s a good thing I love this scarf since I drove to a different town to buy it, but this tan leopard scarf from Target is without a doubt my favorite! It’s leopard friend (the gray one) is just as awesome too! And I have to cheat and give a third one, but my riding boots from Target are also so perfect for fall!

6.  Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?

I’ve never really been to any of these things, because I hate being scared. I just hate it. So….I’ll just say that I love carving pumpkins :)

7.   Favorite Halloween Movie

My first would be “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” How can you not love this movie? It’s just a classic! When I watch it, it instantly gets me in the Halloween mood! I also love “Hocus Pocus” too!

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8.  Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?

I’m actually not a candy person. Shocking, I know. But if I had to choose a candy, it would be Kit Kats, Snickers, or Reese’s peanut butter cups. But honesty, Halloween is for eating pumpkin seeds!

9.   What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!


I have no clue! I saw this cute cupcake costume on Pinterest that I love. And last year I was a bee. So I guess we’ll just see….

10.  Favorite Thing About Fall?

Everything! I love the scents, the leaves falling, getting to wear cardigans, scarves, and boots, birds migrating, pumpkins, mums, hale bales, the colors, and pretty much everything! It’s without a doubt my favorite season!

So there are my fall favorites! Although technically fall goes until December, my favorite parts are September and October, so I’m kinda sad to see my favorite parts to be winding down. But then Christmas is around the corner, which is just…amazing too. So what are your favorite things about fall?

How About Some Goals?

People always say that you need goals to strive by, to work for. That they are what keep you motivated and all that jazz. And like a lot of people, I do have goals. Some are more strange than others, some are pretty decently normal. I do think it’s important though, for college students, and anyone to have goals. So here are some of mine:

·       To graduate from college. In a Lilly Pulitzer Dress.

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·       To own a house. And no matter what size, style, or ghetto neighborhood (let's be honest, I plan on being a teacher. It's going to be pretty ghetto) it resides in, to make it cute and pretty.

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·       To some day, hold jobs at: Starbucks, at a store that sells Vera Bradley things, or better yet an actual Vera Bradley store, Victoria’s Secret, and Bath and Body Works. Oh and Pottery Barn. Some people want to be doctors or lawyers. I just want to work at my favorite places to shop haha.

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·       To earn a master’s degree. God knows what in. If you ask me right this second, probably Special Education. But it changes hourly.

·       To Travel to Italy. Or better yet, elope to Italy. Or maybe just to have a vacation, since I’ve never been on one.

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·       To pass Math 283. And Biology. And Chemistry and Physics, and Science 465. This is what stops me from graudating in my Lilly Pulitzer dress. Besides money to buy said dress of course.

·       To get married before I’m 25. (why do I feel just by writing that down, it somehow jinxes it?)

·       To have a passing ceremony with my sorority for me. Problem: I don’t have a passing candle. So, I’ll have to make myself one. (or enlist one of my sisters)

So yeah. There’s my goals. Probably they’re pretty different than a lot of people, but they are things I’ve striving for. I’ve always been one of those people that focus and dream so much on the future, that I don’t enjoy right now. So that’s something I’ve been trying to work on.

What are some things you aspire for? Are they weird or normal? Ambitious or pretty attainable?

When it Comes to Littles...

It’s one of the most exciting things when you first join a sorority. The thought of getting a big, an older sister in your sorority that will lavish you with gifts, mentor you through the first crazy year (and every year after that, even after she graduates) of being in a sorority, and hold your hand and guide you through initiation. It’s someone that hopefully will be in your wedding party, and a person you will be a bridesmaid for.

It’s meant to be a special bond, one that is sacred and the closest thing to having a real biological sister.

So you can imagine when that time rolls around every year, that sorority women go crazy with who should be their big, will anyone want them, and will they have a close relationship.

It can definitely be scary. I won’t lie. When I was asked to give my top people as my big, I definitely freaked out. I could name three tops. And those three, well, I had only known for a few weeks!! What if they were different than their recruitment/post-recruitment front? What if they didn’t want me back? It was frightening.

It’s bad enough that the new member period is so overwhelming and fast as it is. However, I’m going to offer some tips for all the future littles to keep in mind:

·         Remember when your Rho Chi told you during recruitment to pick the sorority that aligns most with who you want to be in four years? Your big is a lot like that. Try to pick someone that will be a positive and fun person, but also who will help make the most of your membership.

·         If you don’t get your #1 choice, it’s not the end of the world. If you don’t get anyone on your list, it’s still not the end of the world. The committee that picks the pairs picked you with that particular person for a reason, trust in them.

·         Make the most of the relationship! No one ever got closer by never spending time together. After getting your big, grow your relationship by going out to coffee, lunch, hanging out, or taking classes together.

·         After reveal, if your sorority doesn’t have a Big Appreciation day, make sure you do appreciate her some way. More than likely, she just spent HUNDREDS of dollars on your gifts. Spoil her!

·         Don’t be that girl, that’s upset with who her big is, so she tries to steal another sister’s big. Just don’t.

·         Enjoy every second. It’s an experience you’ll tell during recruitment, to your children, and to your grandchildren.

High Five For Friday

1.    The perfect fall weather! I love the gray skies, the falling leaves, the Caramel Pumpkin Spice Lattes, riding boots, and scarves. I wish fall would never end!

2.  Red nails! So perfect for fall, bold, classic, and just plain beautiful! Revlon’s Red Carpet is the perfect red shade for me!

Revlon’s Red Carpet and a Carmel Pumpkin Spice Latte <3

3.  Riding boots! I’ve been searching for a pair that would actually fit my calves (I’m abnormal, I have the calves the of a size 8 shoe and feet the size of a girls’ 3!). So much fun to participate in this pretty fall trend!

 

4.   Bath and Body Work’s Sweet on Paris shower gel! Not at all fall scented, but a new obsession! How did I not notice this amazing scent earlier?!

Sweet on Paris

5.  New block letters for my sorority! Nothing is better than Vera Bradley letters!

 

 

Any highlights this week for you? I'd love to hear!

 



Birthday Haul

 

So the Thursday before last was my birthday and it was probably one of the best of all time. I have an amazing family, friends, and sorority sisters, that's for sure! I wrapped up most of the celebrating this past weekend with my family.



On my birthday I was awoken with a delivery from my secret sis, who spoiled me with a venti caramel pumpkin spice latte and a blueberry muffin. I'm so lucky!

And I was also surprised with a flower delievery from my parents! I absolutely love the fall colors in this arrangment! It makes me so happy just looking at it!

 

Then on Saturday, I celebrated my birthday with my family, and it was definitely a fun time! I got a lot of awesome things, that I'll share with you guys! I'm super excited about everything that I got.

 

 

So here is everything I got. A lot, right? My family definitely spoiled me this year.

 

One of the first things you probably noticed in the full haul picture was my new Vera Bradley laptop backpack in Provencal! I absolutely love it! This print might not be for everyone, but it makes me so happy just looking at it, with it's bright mustard yellow! To go with it, I got a matching pencil case! Perfect for fall, right? Then I got some perfume that I've been dying for.

 



 

Then I got some perfume that I've been dying for. Sephora has an online special for Marc Jacob's Daisy, where you get a 3.4 oz of the Daisy perfume that is so popular, a rollerball of the same scent, plus one of the Eau So Fresh scent, and a lotion of the original scent. All for $88 plus free shipping, which is a steal. Just saying.

 



Continuing the fragrance trend, I got my all-time favorite, Country Chic from Bath and Body Works perfume. Which, I actually got for Christmas last year, but upon moving out of my dorm last May, was broken in a tragic moving accident by my dad. So I've lived the last five months without, and it was very sad. But now I have a replacement and I'm really happy.

 

 Another present was this Tub O' Scissors. You know, that cool craft scissors that cut cute little edges on paper? Love them! A must for any crafter or scrapbooker or sorority girl.

 A couple more gifts I recieved were these adorable scarves from Target. I used to be obsessed with scraves in high school, but in college, I always thought that they kind of got in the way. However, now I'm retrying them out, and so far so good! Plus I think they are so cute, that it's worth it.

I also got a one inch curling wand, which I was beyond excited for. See, my hair refuses to curl. Ever. But in the two times I've used this since recieving it, I've had curls. That have lasted more than 12 hours. With minimal amounts of hairspray.

A much anticipated gift I recieved was Sigma's Mr. Bunny makeup brush travel kit. Yep, I finally decided it was time for a brush set. And that it wouldn't be MAC. Kind of earth shattering, right? I'll do a full review soon, but let's just say it's positive so far!

 

This Vera Bradley napkin in Island Blooms might seem completely random, but this is going to turn into a sorority block letter shirt soon! I love this print so much, and it only makes sense that I should have Vera blocks since I'm so obsessed.

 

My mom decided that I needed some yummy little snacks up at school, so she picked me up this Peanut M&M snack mix (which is like trailmix) that has little shortbread cookies, pretzels, peanut M&Ms, and almonds in it. I've been enjoying that as I watch Gilmore Girls to relax!

Knowing how insanely obssessed I am with Bath and Body Works and their fall scents, did you really think that I wouldn't ask for something from there for my birthday? Well, I did. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to their White Barn Fall Festival (I was so excited for it too!) because of sorority recruitment, but I did hint to my mom that she could pick up some birthday presents that day during the certain times, and get the free Pumpkin Carving candle (which I DEMAND as a full line next fall).

Anyway, in order to get said free candle, my mom bought for me some fall Wallflowers: Marshmellow Fireside, Pumpkin Cupcake, Pumpkin Caramel Latte, and White Barn's No. 1 (Nutmeg and Spice). All so yummy and cozy!! Thanks Mom!!! I think she enjoyed the fall festival, just saying.

 

My mom also surprised me with this absolutely adorable sweater from American Eagle. I know, my iPhone picture doesn't do it justice. It's the lovliest lavender color, with a high/low front and back that's so in right now. I got five compliements on it this past week. So cute and comfy!

 

 Nothing is better than a cute cardigan, and I love dots! It's from Target and perfect for fall!!

Being obsessed with dots, I was also so excited to see this dottie shirt also from Target when I opened up presents! So cute!

 

Sorry for the super long post, but I'm so excited about all my new birthday stuff! I'm so loved and spoiled. But it definitely made a memorable 21st birthday!!



Oh Fall...

I’m so in love with fall right now. Just everything is perfect. I love the colder weather (umm…pretty much though, Colorado just jumped right into winter, so that’s a little sad), the sweaters, boots, scarves, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (seriously, have caramel syrup added to it, and it’s HEAVEN), the leaves flying through the air, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, soup, Pumpkin Cupcake and Leaves Wallflowers, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin body spray, watching birds migrate, seeing the colors of the trees (so sad Colorado doesn’t get the explosion of red that other states get), hale pales, pumpkins, snuggling in blankets, wearing my boyfriend’s hoodies, and Target’s fun, colorful socks.

 
I don’t want this to end. I love the holidays and everything Christmas, but I want it to just stay like this awhile. Nothing is better than being in college in the fall.

Sunday Haul!

First of all, I love haul videos on Youtube. They are probably my favorite thing ever. I just hate the word "haul." And I'm semi-nauseated that I titled this post with the word “haul” in it. But whatever. The point is I picked up some fun and exciting things and I want to share their amazingness!

There is my pile of stuff. I just love looking at it. First, I'll share the things I picked up at Target (which I had a birthday gift card to go crazy with, and I think I did).

 
So the main thing I was after on this little shopping trip was a cheetah/leopard (does anyone know the difference?) scarf. Mostly, because I’ve seen the cutest outfits lately on Pinterest, and I want to partake in the animal print cuteness. And before going to Target, I was trying to decide which color I wanted. I’ve eyed their colors before, and while I liked the more…snow leopard color, I decided I was going to go for it, with the normal, standard gold cheetah scarf. Well, my college town’s Target didn’t have it. And they say, when you can’t make up your mind, to flip a coin, and if you have a pulling sensation to the option that lost, you should go with that one. Well, I had a moment like that. So I knew when they didn’t have it, that I needed it. But I also wanted the white one. And this was the last one. So I bought it, and decided to drive (after the rest of my Target shopping and a little yummy lunch as a local Mexican restaurant), thirty minutes to another neighboring town’s Target. And thankfully, they had plenty. So yes, in case you are wondering, I did go to two Targets and another town just to purchase a scarf.

While there, I also saw that their leggings were on sale for just $5. I'm not sure if I'm a legging person, but I decided $5 was cheap enough that if I'm not, I won't feel guilty.

And of course, a trip to Target is not complete without buying random things you had no intention of buying, but once there, you NEEDED it. And these were those things. October's Glamour. Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream (why is the light/medium shade NEVER in stock? Ugh. I got medium, so hopefully it's not too dark). And $1 Halloween window clings.

 

Next up was Payless, which I never planned on going to. But, it was calling me, and I love cheap shoes, and well. There you go. And while I was there, I saw the cutest pair of riding boots ever. On sale. And so cute. They are about a half size (at least) too big, but I figure with socks, it won't be too bad. And honestly, they are exactly what I was looking for, at not a bad price ($49).

On the way back from my second Target I went to, I stopped by this huge outdoor shopping mall, and of course, Bath and Body Works was calling me. I was kind of thankful, because the workers at the one in my college town, definitely recognize me now, which is just embarassing. I was shocked when I got there, that they are starting to get in their Christmas (!!!!!) home fragrances!!! The packaging is adorable by the way, but I'm just not ready. I'm loving fall waaaaay to much right now.



The first thing I decided I needed was the Sweet On Paris body wash. I sprayed a little on my hand, and seriously, was in heaven the rest of the afternoon smelling it. Amazing. Apparently, it's composed of blackberry, lemon meringue, and creamy vanilla. SO GOOD!! How did I not know how good this smelled until now? And of course, because I'm a hoarder, I bought more wallflower bulbs (two Pumpkin Cupcakes, Cider Lane, and Creamy Pumpkin). I never want the fall scents to leave, but I think I'm in the final weeks of buying them sadly. That just means I need to hoard more!!

That was my Sunday haul. I've been having some super stressful days because of school and sorority stuff, so taking this day just for me, was so nice! 
 

Cat Eyes Caitie

So I’m obsessed with trying out new drugstore mascaras. I think we all go through that stage. As I’ve said before, I believe that finding the perfect mascara is a lot like what Randy from Say Yes to the Dress says about finding the perfect wedding gown or husband: “When you find one you love, just stop looking.”

And I have found ones I love:

· L’Oreal Voluminous Millions Lashes

· Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes!

· ELF Mineral Infused Mascara

But…there’s just so many with cute packaging and under $10 at Target and Walmart that call me! For instance, on a recent trip to Walmart, I was just walking around the cosmetics section. And that’s when I saw Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara. See, I noticed not too long ago one of my sorority sisters had this mascara on her dresser. I had never seen it before, so I was like, “huh, I wonder what that is?” So coming face to face with it in Walmart seemed like fate. Plus it was yellow, had leopard print on it, was under $6, and apparently has a crazy wand. So I bought it.

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Before using it, I read some reviews of it online, and found that most people were less than impressed with it. This made me sad before I even opened up the package. A lot said that it didn’t do anything special, the formula had all sorts of issues, and a bunch of other stuff I completely forgot.

However, when I started using it, I was so shocked! I love it! See, I hated the Falsies. So I didn’t have very high hopes for this. But the practically “C” shaped wand works so well on my eye shape! It looks fantastic and I can really see a more dramatic cat eye look for my lashes! Plus it doesn’t clump, smear, or smudge (take that Falsies!).

Maybe I’m just really easy to impress when it comes to mascara these days, but I’d say everything I’m using has been great!

Have you recently purchased any new mascara? Do you like to try new ones out, or just stick with your tried and true?



 

September Favorites!

 

1.)   Pantene Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner

So recently I decided to switch out of using my Redken Smooth Down Shampoo and Conditioner and try something else. And so far I’m loving Pantene Nature Fusion. It smells awesome, doesn’t make my hair too flat while easing away frizz. I love it!

2.) Moroccan Oil

This has been a rediscovered favorite. Moroccanoil, the original brand, makes my hair beyond soft and shiny, and has the most amazing smell ever. It’s probably one of the best products I’ve ever used on my hair.

3.) Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish in Spanish Moss and Vintage Rose

On a recent trip to Target, I saw the Revlon fall colors in their nail polish. I fell in love. Spanish Moss is the prettiest green and gray color, perfect for easing into fall. And Vintage Ross is such a soft, unique pinky/red color. It’s one that has been really popular at all my Targets, as it has been sold out constantly!

4.) Maybelline Volumn’ Express Colossal Cat Eyes mascara

I recently bought this mascara on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! It makes my eyelashes really long, defined, and voluminous. Plus I love the packaging, with the leopard print! It doesn’t clump, flake, or smudge either!

5.) Bath and Body Works Pumpkin Cupcake

There are not enough words in the English language to describe how much I love the Pumpkin Cupcake scent from Bath and Body Works. It is the perfect sweet, cozy, rich smell for fall. I’ve been stocking up on it, as I am completely obsessed with it. I had this in my wallflower in my room during sorority recruitment, and every potential new member commented on how yummy my room smelled! If Bath and Body Works doesn’t have it next fall, I will be absolutely devastated.

6.) Bath and Body Works Leaves

This is another fall scent that I’m completely smitten with. It’s the perfect cinnamon, apple smell. I can’t get enough of it! This one also pleases many, and it is strong without being obnoxious. This has been a popular smell at my Bath and Body Works, constantly being out of stock, so if you see, it, stock up!

7.) Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Body Spray

Continuing with the trend, Bath and Body Works’ Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin body products are so addicting! I have the mini body spray, and it has become my love! It smells so yummy and perfect for fall!

8.) Essie’s Chinchilly

Without a doubt, Chinchilly is my favorite nail color that I have. It’s the perfect neutral gray/taupe for fall or really for any time. It’s so pretty and I love it!

9.) Finger Paints Tiffany Imposter

This is another favorite nail polish (I guess in September I’ve really liked painting my nails). I usually don’t like blues or greens on my nails, but this color looks absolutely beautiful on every nail shape, every skintone. Everyone. It’s just simply amazing and the quality is fantastic.

10.)  Elf Mineral Infused Mascara

As my past review indicates, this mascara is just the best drugstore surprise ever. It literally was such a great purchase and makes me so excited to talk about it. It makes my lashes look so amazing!