Rough Week

"School prepares you for the real, world which also sucks."

Happy Bunny (yeah...)

Anyone remember when Happy Bunny was almost cool? I know I do. I had 2 shirts and pajamas and...I'm gonna stop embarrassing myself there.

Anyways, I am writing this post while writing a paper with a thesis I changed 14 hours before the deadline so that's exciting. I am going to be kind of MIA on this blog until Thursday and maybe even then if I decide to try to catch up on sleep. Basically, I still blog but this week (and weekend because of Parent's Formal) is just not conducive to blogging.

Have a great couple of days and I hope your week involves more sleep and less mediocre coffee than mine.

xoxo,
SSP

Fostering Friendships

"He who covers up a misdeed fosters friendship, but he who gossips about it separates friends."

Proverbs 17:9

Chi Omega: Lambda Gamma

I have this habit of opening my bible to a random page, reading a verse and seeing how it applies to my life. I feel like God is really speaking to me when I do this and it calms me down when I can't deal with all the stress. Today's verse made me think of a couple of interactions I've had recently where I said something without thinking and immediately regretted it. Quite frankly, I always regret talking bad about someone right after doing so. I know what it is like to be talked bad about and I know how much hurt can be inflicted by the slightest comment. Even if I pass a judgement on someone or have an opinion, that doesn't mean it should be said. It is not up to me to influence those around me of the characteristics of another person (unless one of my friends is going on a date with someone I know to be seriously bad news bears...obviously). 

I have thought about how much I dislike doing this in the past but never acted on it. Today I am going to make a mini-resolution. I am going to work on stopping doing this. There is no reason to pass harsh judgement on a person's actions and all you'll end up with is an empty hole in your heart where friendship should be fostered.

Be the friend you want to have to everyone you come across. Sure, there will be people who don't treat you with the same respect, but wouldn't you rather be the happy one surrounded with good friends?

And on that note, I am going to stop procrastinating on this paper...

xoxo,

SSP

For the Book Lover or Student In Us All...

Well, admittedly writing a post about books on the tail end of one about Mr. Darcy does seem a tad cliche, but I have started using a site I thought I'd share with y'all. I had come across Goodreads once or twice on Carly's blog and others and absolutely loved it. Plus, having allergy congestion is not conducive to going out, but it is good for curling up with a book and a cup of tea.

This week I decided to make an account and (attempt to) archive and rate books I've read. The nice thing about this site is that you can see what your friends are reading and get recommendations for books from other people. I love looking at reviews and ratings for books by other people, not just the critics. 

Through Good Reads I have discovered a few books (like 20...) that I want to read. Seriously, the nerd in me got lost for 45 minutes just looking through different book groups lists. Side Note: I love reading eBooks for convenience, but there is just something about physically turning a page that makes me really happy and Amazon Prime gets them here so fast that it's worth it. #NerdAlert

Right now I am starting on Kate White's "I Shouldn't Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know." I have heard great things about this book and after being slightly disappointed by Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, I am hoping to love this one!

If you have a Goodreads account or make one after reading this (hint: you should) be sure to add me! I'd love to know what y'all are reading. 

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. I get my class ring today...oh my gosh, halfway through college? panic!

Allergy Season

This morning I woke up to discover allergy season has hit Charlottesville. Fall allergies tend to come out of the middle of nowhere for me, often before most of the leaves have changed.  Since I ended up having no classes today and a to-do list a mile long, I got to spend some time sitting at my kitchen table in my apartment checking it off...an activity I will resume after my evening meetings (college is busy!).

My Allergy Survival List:

Tea

Coffee is my favorite morning (well, really anytime) drink. However, I stick to tea when I have a scratchy throat. There are so many great herbal teas out there that can sooth the sorest of throats. For my fellow caffeine lovers, I recommend a black tea infused with spearmint!

Honey

It's sweet and sometimes I like to add it to my tea. I've also heard that local honey can help with allergies? I don't know that this is true but I always buy local honey and frequently sneak a spoonful of it on its own! 

Cough Drops

Sometimes these help, sometimes they don't. Regardless, I keep a little stash of these ready to combat a day with bad allergies.

Water

I cannot stress this one enough! Drink tons of water. It will help clear up your sinuses and water won't hurt a scratchy throat, in fact it may help. Keeping hydrated always makes me feel better when I am under the weather.

Allergy Medicine

Obviously, talk to your doctor before taking any medicine first and foremost. I am not a doctor or anything remotely close to one, but my doctor always knows what's best for my allergies. Keeping ahead on my routine here does wonders for the allergies!

Has anyone else been hit by fall allergies yet?

xoxo,
SSP

Oh Mr. Darcy

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

-Mr. Darcy

Well, gee, ummm, okay, sure let's get married. Who doesn't melt into a puddle reading that line? Of course, that was actually what he said before Elizabeth shut him down, but that's a minor detail, moving on now... (Also, I have this quote framed on my gallery wall...NBD.)

Pride and Prejudice is a timeless love story that has given every woman a dream man. Mr. Darcy is cool and calculated. He seems to be an starch-collared, arrogant member of the gentry, yet as you read on you begin to see his softer side. His life experiences have made him hardened, but a woman like Elizabeth Bennett has the power to change his callous nature. Women love Darcy because we want to believe that behind every stern brow is a man who is capable of passionate love and affection. 

I could go into my adoration for Mr. Darcy and Jane Austin's character development (as well as that of several others) for hours...but this is about a far more important matter. This is about how he is portrayed in cinema. Before we go any further, I feel as though I should issue a slight disclaimer: if you have never read the book you might disagree with me because you have no medium to compare it to, but anyways...here it goes:

Honorable Mention: Martin Henderson from "Bride and Prejudice"

I mean, how can you not love a Bollywood take on this classic? I know I love it. Seriously, go watch it. It's absolutely hilarious and the costumes are amazing! Fun fact: we actually watched this in my AP English Lit class after reading Pride and Prejudice...thanks Mrs. Wydra!

3) David Rintoul- 1980 BBC miniseries

He is an excellently stern Mr. Darcy, however the character never seems to warm up, there is only a sudden change at the end. Also, the BBC acting around this time was a tad bit plastic and feels a bit like a soap opera. Bonus: The actor portraying Mr. Collins delivered the most accurate portrayal I've ever seen. 

2) Matthew Mcfayden- 2005 film adaptation

If you think he should be #1 you probably haven't read the book. If this is the case, you have also never heard the quote from the beginning of this post because it was butchered in that scene where Hollywood thought a rainy rotunda* would do better than the parlor...which I actually thought took away from the emotional tensions present. Also, Darcy should've been more composed, throughout, than in this version...proper decorum mate it hard enough to marry below your class, let alone show such overt emotion.

If you have read the book, I can see how you might want to see a flaw, but being this awkward just isn't Darcy. I guess I just really prefer a prim and proper Darcy a la my #1...

1) Colin Firth- 1995 BBC miniseries

This should never be questioned. Ladies and gents, Firth epitomizes what a Mr. Darcy should be. He is composed and yet there is a sense that he might be a bit less haughty than that appears. Firth just has a way about him that suits him so perfectly for this role. Most people who have seen him here tend to carry this image of him whenever they see him in other movies. There is a reason he was such a perfect Mr. Darcy to Bridget Jones. He really is sensational in this adaptation and I swoon for his Mr. Darcy. Plus, being a miniseries, it actually covers the book pretty thoroughly. 

Oh, and you know, the post-lake scene isn't half bad here ;) (*note: it is okay to slightly alter less crucial scenes)

Who's your favorite Darcy? I can't believe I just dedicated a post to the subject...

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. My friend Meghan approved this list, so I know I'm not alone in this...

Comforted by God

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I have been so blessed to have this opportunity at UVA and to make wonderful friends and connect with amazing women that I get to call sisters. Yesterday an alumni of my Lambda Gamma chapter of Chi Omega and the mother to one of my dearest friends, and sisters, at UVA was called home to God.

Please send up thoughts and prayers for Laura and her family. I was never lucky enough to meet her Momma, but I know that to have raised a daughter as wonderful as Laura, she must have been pretty incredible herself.

Also, please continue to join me, Laura and so many others in the fight against Cancer. I relay for a world with more birthdays, and I hope you will too. If you'd like to donate to Laura's Relay for Life page in memory of her mother, here is the link: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=60216&pg=personal&px=34828844

Laura, you are my sister in Chi Omega, a sister in Christ, and the best Arches buddy a girl could ever ask for.

Fashion Friday: Class Time

It's been a while since I had a Fashion Friday on here. Back to school attire is pretty much variations on the same couple of outfits for me. I like to keep it because I am not a morning person, but I never want to be late to my 9am. 

Personally, I am also a big fan of choosing my outfit the night before, even if it's just to brainstorm it while I'm falling asleep...just some sort of preparation that will save me time in the morning. 

As y'all may have noticed from my Instagram, I have become a big fan of statement necklaces with simple tops. I prefer to invest in basics that can be worn in different styles and then get fun accessories to go with it. At the same time, I like to save money and though some of my necklaces are designer-inspired, they're the knock off version and I am more than okay with saving that money. 
Also, shameless plug for Concert for a Cure again...all y'all cavaliers best be there tonight...it's gonna be awesome!

Polka Dots and Tortoise

Old Navy dress // Etsy necklace

This is my favorite fall necklace...get ready to see it a lot. Also paying $25 was way more favorable than paying $130!

Bows on Bows

Loft shirt // Talbots belt // J. Crew Factory shorts

I love this girly Loft shirt and it have this belt from Talbots in leopard too???so excited to break it out!

Fringe

Lilly Pulitzer dress // GroopDealz necklace

This is the perfect example of my love for these necklaces. It took no time to throw on a navy shift and the outfit was immediately pulled together with one accessory!

Hot Pink and Navy

J. Crew Factory shorts, shirt, and shoes // Etsy necklace // C. Wonder bracelets (similar) // Essie Sugar Daddy 

Favorite color combination and favorite flats? Perfect outfit for me

Letters!

I love my sorority. But let's be real, the point of this picture is the puppy. Say hello to Luther!

Matching my Bedspread...

J. Crew Factory skirt and shoes

Polka dots again! I should probably dedicate a post to my love of polka dots. They just make me happy automatically...hence my polka dotted comforter. 

xoxo,

SSP

Mantle Decorating...Like My Momma

First, PSA: If you go to UVA and have not gotten a ticket for Concert for a Cure, come to the lawn and buy one today (plus, I'll be there from 12-1). Seriously, do it. So many a capella groups...it's gonna be great. Anyways, back to the blog...

I'm ready for Fall, y'all. No seriously, I just need more pumpkin, cinnamon, sweaters, and duck boots in my life right now. Can you make that happen? Great, thanks.

But seriously, I love Fall so much and these last few days have been such a tease compared to the weather for the next few. Well, that can't stop me from enjoying my free Pumpkin Spice Latte today (thank you gold card!) or decorating for Fall. I know this is a total mom thing to do, and several of my friends have already pointed out that this is further proof that I am my Momma's daughter. Regardless, I have decorated the mantle in my room for the season and all I have left to do is to find a cute dish to store my candy corn in!

Decorating a mantle can be a bit daunting, especially on a college girl's budget. I am lucky enough to have gotten a fabulous mirror from my Momma that she wasn't using and it fills the big space above it perfectly. The nice thing about the mirror is that it can stay there year-round and go with whatever theme I put on the mantle.

How to decorate a mantle on a budget in 5 easy steps:

1) get a space-eater piece

This can be a mirror (like mine; similar) or even a framed poster/print that you like. Just get something to take up the space above the mantle so that your decorations don't look strangely small.

2) get elements that aren't seasonal

I got apothecary jars (thank you for the term, Kathy!) from Home Goods for $12 a piece. These are perfect no matter what time of year. For now I have them filled with pine cones for Fall and I am going to add some fake snow to the mix for Winter. This $24 investment will get me through years of use.

3) pictures!

This is another element of my Momma shining through me, but I love having pictures on display. I've moved on from the corkboard displays of a dorm room to frames now, but the same idea stands. It gives a nice personal touch to the display, plus frames can add great architectural elements and varied sizes.

4) Fireplace Flowers

This probably only applies to us college girls who have fireplaces that aren't usable, but I love this look. I didn't just want to stare at an empty fireplace and these flowers that were on sale at Michael's were perfect. I just got a couple of bunches of their seasonal flowers to throw in there and will probably switch to poinsettas for the Winter.

5) Go to Michaels and/or Home Goods

I got the pumpkin on the ground at Home Goods and the mantle elements are from Michael's. Their home line is currently 60% off so I scored the pumpkins, roosters (again...influence of my Momma) and flowers at a great price. The fall leaves behind everything just make the bland whiteness of the mantle a little less boring and helps to make my smaller decorations look bigger against such a big part of the wall.

Other mantles I love (thank you Pinterest):

why didn't I think to monogram my mantle? 

Have you started decorating for Fall?

xoxo,
SSP

Sweaters and Shorts

Fall is here! ...at least for a couple of days. I love fall fashion and everything that it brings, but early fall is always hard to dress for. Personally, I love sweaters and shorts. It's the perfect transition outfit for those chilly mornings and warm afternoons. These outfits are also helpful for you summer lovers who are not ready to part with hot weather and summer whites...baby steps, y'all. 

sweater set 2 by sugarsnappearls

Sweater / J.Crew chino shorts / J.Crew patent leather flat shoes / Longchamp tote bag / Tory Burch golden bracelet / Tory Burch bracelet

sweater shorts 1 by sugarsnappearls

H&M angora sweater, $32 / J.Crew j. crew shorts / Rocket Dog shoes / 3.1 Phillip Lim tote / Adia Kibur necklace

Who else is ready for fall? I decorated my mantle last night and I already have some candy corn...sorry not sorry ;) 

xoxo,

SSP

College Commitments

"The secret of happiness is: Find something more important than you are and dedicate your life to it."

-Daniel Dennett

Have you ever heard that it is better to stretch 6 inches wide and 2 feet deep than it is to stretch 2 feet wide and 6 inches deep? Well, that is the jist of what my high school counselors and other mentors have always told me. It makes sense, why be barely involved in a dozen things when you can really delve into 3-4? 

I believe that college is both one of the best opportunities to explore what interests you, and the final chance to do so before the responsibility of the real world comes crashing down post-graduation...okay, that might have been a bit dramatic but you get the idea. 

Do what you love and love what you do. Don't do something because it will bolster your resume...if you hate it that will show and it will affect you in other ways. Yesterday I had 4 classes and 3 discussions and all I could think about was how excited I was for my Relay for Life meeting that night. And guess what? After my meeting I went to the Chi Omega house and spent another hour brainstorming with one of my sisters about Relay. I love Relay and I love working on things for the organization no matter how exhausted I am.

lovely Chi Omegas take Relay (indoors because of dumb rain...)

It isn't too late to get involved. Write down a list of things you love and look at flyers around campus/grounds. Ask friends what they do and stop and talk to people who are tabling. Just find something and get involved now. You will find that as you pursue a passion, it motivates you to achieve. I believe in hard work, but I also believe that without passion, hard work is just an empty shell with little reward to show. 

This should translate into other aspects of your life. Pick a major that inspires you, that is why I study Foreign Affairs! Find a summer position that exposes you to an interest. I am so lucky to be a fellow of The Perfect Game Foundation. I got to work on an amazing internship this summer and while working 2 jobs plus an internship sounds crazy to some, it wasn't for me because I reveled in the time I got to spend working for a sports-related company.

Pick a passion and pursue it. It sounds so simple, yet it took me 20+ years to really understand it.

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. for all my Hokies out there, Ut Prosim might be the phrase with the single biggest impact on me throughout my life. I guess you really do bleed maroon and orange once you touch that Hokie Stone...

Rowdy Redneck and Sorority Socials

So I should be reading or doing my spanish homework right now...but I wanted to blog and decided that was more important, so, you're welcome ;)
First off...HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to (one of) my little(s), Emily. I adore you and I am so happy that I got you as a little! Who knew that my first owl pal would become one of my favorite Chi Omegas!
Anyways, back to blogging! This weekend was so much fun. Chi Omega had our first date function of the year...the infamous Rowdy Redneck! We kick off the year with this d-func every year and it was a blast. I took one of the Chi O transfers and we had so much fun. I loved everyone's costumes and it was great to get to see everyone. 
Having so much fun got me thinking about other date function themes so I went on a bit of a pinterest binge and here are some of my favorites that I think everyone should suggest as a mixer/dfunc theme in the future! Hope y'alls weeks are off to a great start!

 

other social/date function ideas:

woodstock!

 

"noah's ark" (left) "you are what you drink" (right)

"dynamic duos" (left) "nursery rhymes" (right)

What is the best social/date function theme you've been to?

xoxo,

SSP

Game Day: Girls in Pearls

Who is ready to watch UVA trounce get annihilated by Oregon today? Well, if you want to watch it and you aren't in Charlottesville...it'll be on ESPN2.
I love college football. The tailgates, the hype, the fashion, and the fans. Admittedly, the game isn't a big deal at UVA but we get to dress cute and tailgate on the lawn, which is a plus. We're a notoriously preppy school (apparently credited with making duck boots popular?) and for football games it's "Girls in Pearls, Guys in Ties." Dressing for these early games is pretty easy because it just involves throwing on your Jack Rogers or cowboy boots, a sun dress, and pearls. I'll do a post about cold weather games later...but it is just too nice out today to think about stuff like that.

Sundress

I think I might actually be wearing a skirt to today's game, but still, same idea. A google search for game day dresses will result in several websites with adorable school spirit outfits. Some of the sites even separate the dresses by school color which is an awesome time saver. 

Boots

I love wearing my cowboy boots because they're sturdy and I am not worried about getting them trashed while I stand on the hill at the game. Plus, sundresses and cowboy boots go together like peas and carrots!

Jack Rogers

For those days where it's just too hot to wear your cowboy boots, or if you want to show off that new pedicure, Jacks are the way to go. Like the game day dresses, you can easily find these in almost every school color and they even sell college and sorority themed ones specifically!

Crossbody bag

I wish I'd had the forethought to buy a monogrammed bag for football games. I have my coral one, but obviously that doesn't go with my school's colors. Any crossbody will do, its just nice to have somewhere to keep your keys, phone, school ID, and a bit of cash.

Pearls

Naturally...you need these! Freshwater pearls are more than affordable if you find the right vendor. There are always glass pearls too if you're on a tight (college) budget. The advantage of the pearls is that you can literally change your outfit 60 times and they will still go perfectly with what you're wearing!

Sunglasses

Prevent those crows feet! Get some sunglasses so that you can actually enjoy the game...a lot more fun than squinting! Oh, and don't forget your croakies! Seriously, I don't care if you don't like how they look. A pair of sunglasses on croakies trumps a busted pair on the ground any day!

Again, I know that different schools have different dress codes. At tech we just wore a VT shirt and shorts...I loved that simple look plus seeing everyone in maroon and orange made the stadium look awesome! Also, just throwing this video clip of the greatest game I've ever attended in here...seriously, I still have dreams about this game. 

Happy Game Day!

xoxo,
SSP

Fall Essentials: Kicking it Off

I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but I have kind of been in the process of a closet overhaul since high school. It wasn't that I had bad style back then...I've been preppy since the day I was born (yeah, I did have the embarrassing denim skirt and popped polo phase...who didn't?), but I sometimes bought cheap, trendy pieces that sat in my closet making it look infinitely more full than it was. 
From now on, I am all about the reusable, multi-outfit essentials (plus the occasional fun piece...they're necessary). I decided to share some of my favorite additions for fall, even if it is still hot outside...but it's okay because the Pumpkin Spice Latte is backkkkk!

Factory Accordion Pleat Mini

I did not buy this in every color...okay maybe I did. Whatever, I am in love with this skirt. It is a great wool blend that is perfect for chilly fall and winter days. I am debating returning the gray one because it feels a little "Catholic School Girl Uniform" to me, but they really are the best. Skirts that sit higher on me tend to be more flattering and I just love the way these fit.  The skirt doesn't have a lot of give and I wanted it to look a bit more A-line so I went with the 6 instead of the 4. (this skirt order was a fiasco for me and I literally ended up with 16 of them....you probably think I am kidding, but I'm not)

Penny Loafers

Okay, I love these and while I don't have them, I am desperate for a pair. I don't know if I prefer the darker burgundy or tan, but they're a great shoe. The advantage of these is that they're more substantial than a flat, but can easily be worn with a skirt too...perfect for those of you trying to cram a wardrobe into a dorm room. My desire for these may also stem from my love of Nancy Drew books when I was younger when I read them all (in numerical order because I can't deal with reading books out of order).

Ponte Pants and Leggings

Ponte is basically a gift from God. I'm serious, if you haven't tried these leggings yet, do it now. They're so comfortable and much more substantial than leggings (great for girls like me who have a butt!). I got the J. Crew Gigi Pant, but they're a bit long so I need to get them hemmed (also order a size down!). I also ordered the C. Wonder Jodhpur Legging in their (awesome) labor day sale in navy. I figured a Navy legging was good for me to have, plus I love the patch on the inside of the leg...cute detail!

Fall Coats

I didn't get much use of these my freshman year at Virginia Tech since it goes straight to winter with that wind chill, but I got so much use out of my LL Bean Barn Coat last year. While I'd love a Barbour, there is no way my budget will allow for that expense until I graduate and get a big girl job. I also picked up a cute J. Crew jacket (similar) in their August sale and am really excited to have it to add to my fall wardrobe. 

Button-ups and Popovers

I love button-ups and have started to develop quite the collection. They're perfect for jeans, skirts, or any bottom you pair them with. They add an effortless level of completion to any outfit. Popovers are also great, I got my first one recently and I am thinking of adding more. They're a little less formal and perfect to pair with leggings.

I'll do a couple more fall essential posts in the coming weeks...I just couldn't wait to share some of my favorites! What are your staple fall pieces?

xoxo,
SSP