Superbowl Legend: Vince Lombardi

Vince Lombardi, what a man. What a coach. What a legend. He is football, he is the enduring spirit of winning, and he was an amazing man. Arguably the most iconic man in the history of American football, his quotes are used on a daily basis to inspire athletes and mathletes alike, and the Superbowl Trophy has borne his name since his untimely death from cancer in 1970. This time of year always gets me thinking about him and the incredible legacy he left behind. On Sunday, one team will host the Vince Lombardi trophy high above their heads and become the "world champions" of football. 

Of course, the Superbowl also makes me think of Disney World. Oh, and when I went to google the origin of "I'm going to Disney World," I came across a Wikipedia article dedicated to it. Where would we be without wiki?

Anyways, I decided that Lombardi deserves a post to himself and I don't know about y'all, but I could certainly use some motivation for the end of the week, so here are some of his greatest quotes. I highly recommend looking into his life, personally, I really want to read his biography. Lombardi left a legacy of reaching to become the greatest one can be, something that we can all relate to, even if we aren't competing in the Superbowl on Sunday.

What is your favorite sports related quote?

xoxo,

SSP

Fur Sure

Well then, I guess if it is going to be cold, it might as well be snowing too, right? I mean, it is impossible to hate a pretty walk to class...unless you can't see it because your eyes have frozen over. You know what the cold means though? Faux fur vests! I love faux fur vests, I have had one for probably about 3-4 years now and I have never regretted it. It seems like everyone and their mother has one now, and with the instant chic vibe they give any outfit, can you blame people. Personally, I have two, one that I've had for a while and another that my Momma decided she didn't want anymore while I was a freshman at Virginia Tech and now she kind of wants it back, but I'm not relenting ;)

today's outfit

Here's the thing with these vests, you don't have to break the bank to get one. I think I spent $40-$50 on my first one because I got it at TJ Maxx! They're affordable, chic, and versatile. Here are some ideas for how to style yours: 

 

 gosh, can I just have Olivia Palermo or Rachel Zoe's closet? 

How do you style your faux fur vest? Also, I really want a pair of wedge booties like in the Polyvore set above...I feel like everyone wore them during recruitment this year, so cute!

xoxo,

SSP

Superbowl Sunday: Who Are You Pulling For?

Superbowl Sunday is almost hereeeeee! Who else is excited? I mean, even if you don't like football (shame on you), there are parties and the halftime show to look forward to. Disclaimer: not really looking forward to the halftime show, but I like football so it's still a winning situation for me.

Now, you might be wondering who to cheer for? Any Redskins fans out there? I feel your pain, this is just not our year decade sport. Oh well, but you know what, just because you don't like football or have a team in the Superbowl, doesn't mean you can't have a team to cheer for come Sunday. So how do you go about picking a team to cheer for? Don't worry, Sugar Snap Pearls has several ways for you to pick your team and advice for being a one-day fan for the Broncos or Seahawks.

First, let's go over the numero uno rule of temporary fandom...yes, this is an actual thing. Would you want your friend to rub it in your face if your favorite team loses to one who's roster your friend pulled up for the first time that day? I didn't think so. It takes a lot of heart to stick with a team through thick and thin...respect it. If you want an example of a fan who never leaves his team's side, just look to someone like...

ugh, gross, Beibs. disclaimer: I still listen to some of his music #noshame

On that note, temporary, fake, fair weather and other fans who only know 2 names on the roster are fair game to tease if your team wins. In order to do that, of course, you need a team to cheer for. So how are you going to do that? Follow this nifty little flowchart:

So, who am I cheering for this year? I am cheering on...

...Peyton Manning and his Denver Broncos!

Why? Well, if you follow the flowchart, the second question asks if you're best friend has a team. While Julia may not have a team in the game, she does go to Tennessee. What, that didn't answer your question? Well, Peyton went to Tennessee, for those of you who didn't know, and he is a hero to that school and if Julia is pulling for her boy, Peyton, I will do it too. Solidarity, sister!

Of course, I am totally cheering for Richard Sherman on the Seahawks too because he is awesome! (see pic below and this article)

Seriously, you can't read that tweet and not get the biggest smile on your face, unless you're a Patriots fan. If you're a Patriots fan...umm awkward, I'm a Yankees fan and I feel your pain, but I still hate Bill and Tom.

Who are you pulling for on Sunday? And stay tuned for some more Superbowl Sunday themed posts this week!

xoxo,

SSP

Daily Hair Care

Y'all, my next big project is in the mail on its way here and I can barely keep it a secret! Actually, I have sort of already revealed it on here in a previous post, but whatever...I am still so freaking excited. 

So I have now had short hair for a week and a half, and I am still not totally used to it, but I am learning. It's all about the baby steps, like learning that the previous amount of shampoo my hair required could last me a few days with these short locks. Another thing that I have learned is that there is really not a lot of variety when it comes to styling. Seriously, it's like do you want a center or side part? Flipped out, straight, or curled under? Ringlets...yeah right. It's not the worst thing, but it is definitely different.
One thing that I find myself wanting is something that I have not owned or used in a pretty long time...a hair straightener. I have naturally stick straight hair and I just never found myself needing one. Actually, there was that period of time in high school that everyone straightened their hair, regardless of how straight it was, and I participated wholeheartedly in that trend. However, come college it just wasn't really necessary unless I slept with wet hair in a messy bun. Now, I am in the market for a straightener and goodness am I overwhelmed...there are soooo many of them! Luckily, I was able to ask around a bit and find one that I think will work for my super limited requirements, but that got me started on restocking a bunch of products that I had run out of or been running low on.

hair care 101 by sugarsnappearls (product details through set link!)

Daily routines seem to not be that important, but honestly, just harming your hair a bit every day adds up. I love, love, love how healthy my hair is right now and I want to maintain that as it continues to grow out. There are so many products out there and so many different hair textures and styles that I could never pretend to list what each person needs on a daily basis, but there are some core essentials that most people could use. Yes, there are a lot of volumizing products in this set because I believe in big hair, despite gravity and the perpetual state of flat-ness that my hair seems to enjoy.  (Oh and no, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner did not make the list...thank god! and snaps to anyone who just caught that Legally Blonde: The Musical reference)
Do y'all have any hair care necessities? Anything that I should add to my routine?

xoxo,

SSP

HerCampus Blogger Network

Why hello there! Long time, no blog! Sorry but I have been fighting a killer little cold all week that is just bad enough that I spend all my free time in bed, but not so bad that I can skip classes. Luckily, I am finally feeling like I am on the mend and I will be back to blogging full-time tomorrow! I actually have several blog posts half-done for next week that I am pretty excited about. In the meantime though, I just wanted to share the amazing news that I got last night!

I was accepted to be a member of the HerCampus Blog Network!!! (the new button is in my sidebar). I have been reading HerCampus for a while and could not be more excited about this. I am so excited to join a network of like-minded college women and have a whole new set of blogs to be exposed to and network with.

As for HerCapmus in general, their nightly Study Break emails have some great articles and are a welcome break from long nights in the library.

Go check out the HerCampus site and sign up for the emails and check out your local chapter!

Well, it's off to the UVA v. Virginia Tech Basketball game for me...Go HOOOOOS

xoxo,

SSP

Happy Bid Day

OH. MY. GOD. BABY HOOTIESSSSSSS.

Do you know where I am pulling this quote from? No? Okay, watch this (...or just watch it anyways because it's hilarious):

Yes, that's right today is BID DAY!!!! I am so excited to get all the new babies today after a long week and a half of recruitment. They're so lucky to join in this amazing sisterhood that myself and so many others have found! Oh, and have I mentioned who my first owl pal was? Because today is my friendiversary with this one....

AND THEN SHE BECAME ONE OF MY BABEHS

So cheers to the new babies and me finally having some free time to dedicate to homework and blogging again! Enjoy these pictures of actual baby hooties...they're almost as adorable as the Chi Omega baby hooties ;)

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. fun fact: owls totally freaked me out before I joined Chi Omega, but how can you not love pictures of baby owls?

Locks in Limbo: Changing Your Hairstyle

So I got a big haircut.

Nobody knew I was going to do it, including me. I had been thinking about this since about June, but I was too scared to actually go for it. Actually, I was thinking about getting a haircut to be about the length of Hannah from Pretty Little Liars since then, this medium bob (mob?) was 100% unexpected, but not in a bad way.

not that my hair would ever hold that awesome curl... {via}

I have been kind of stressed and just not feeling like myself for the last couple of months, cumulating in me just really feeling off this past week. I decided that I was going to actively try to get my life back on the track I'd envisioned starting now, and sometimes a big physical change can help get the ball rolling. Of course, now I look like the kid version of myself, but I love it, so I don't really care too much.

Seeing as I have only had this haircut for about 24 hours, I am not exactly an expert on short hair yet, but as I learn more about styling it, etc. I will share with y'all. In the meantime here are some tips for deciding to change up your hairstyle, drastic or not.

1) Think On It: Especially if it is a big change like mine. My hairstylist said she usually tells clients that if they've been thinking about it for 3 months, they should do it. Some changes, like mine, are drastic and are going to take a while to return to their previous state, so make sure you want it!

{via}

2) Look up styles for your face shape: I am surprised I like my hair in this bob, but it is a medium bob that will grow out shortly. I have a round face and generally bobs are not the greatest style, but there are plenty of others, like the shoulder length hairstyle I'd originally envisioned. A quick google search comes up with a bunch of results for this, as well as "face shape with bangs," "face shape with layers," etc.

{via}

3) Find a Photo: There are so many celebrity styles out there that a google image search can result in. Picking out an ideal cut with one of those helps give the stylist a vision for what you want. (I had kind of done this, but I was feeling pretty flexible as well).

{via}

4) Talk to your stylist: Why is this the one that is so often skipped? Y'all, they want to know what you want and they are not mind-readers, plus they can offer really helpful insight. Tell them if you have a specific vision that has to be adhered to. Or, like in my case, tell them what you're going for and then that they have some wiggle room within that.

5) Ask for it longer or less severe than you want: There will be many times that your hair will end up being cut shorter or dyed a slight shade different than what you anticipated. Be prepared for this. I explicitly told my stylist "shoulder length, but err on the side of being too short" so she knew that I didn't want it to be longer than that. In a sense, I asked for my mob (this is a new thing) without anticipating it.

{via}

6) Work It: Hair is one of those things that we alone control. We can cut it, grow it out, dye it, curl it, straighten...you name it, we can do it! So any cut or styling that you have is not permanent. Therefore, love your hair, even if you don't. It's kind of like faking a smile, eventually, it will improve your vision of your hair and you'll love it, and of course you can change it again soon! (pic is unrelated, but Bey is always workin' it).

Have y'all done anything drastic with your hair before? Any styling tips for my short hair?

xoxo,

SSP

Fan Friday Linkup: Brackets by Six-Year-Olds

Today is a bit of a feature and a linkup all together and I am just soooo excited to write this post. I recently discovered one of the greatest blogs ever. Sarah over at Venus Trapped in Mars is the bees knees. Seriously, this girl loves fashion and sports, sound familiar? You know she's a keeper because she actually found my email to her entertaining! Did I mention that her sponsorship packages have sports-themed titles? It's great. Go check out her blog if you haven't already (but finish reading this post first...)

Anyways, she hosts a Fan Friday Blog Linkup and I am so excited to start participating in it. I am totally using this as my reasoning and motivation to start writing more sports-related posts! Has anyone seen the AT&T "Brackets by Six-Year-Olds" commercial? It's great. Fun Fact: I once got all but one matchup correct in the first round of the tournament and came in second despite only having one team make it to the final four. #BossStatus (also, still mad at Louisville for sucking so much in the tourney that year...)

These are my absolute favorite commercials. I laugh every time I watch them, and recently watched the behind the scenes clip on YouTube where they talk about how what the kids say isn't scripted, which just makes them that much better. Also, I get to pretend to be one of these kids in my sorority's skit for recruitment, it's so much fun. On that note, I highly recommend never combining the taste of a blow pop and Kool Aid Jammer unless you want to feel sick...I learned the hard way. 

Anyways, I have to get ready for class, decorate 6 dozen mason jars, make gallons of sweet tea, shop for the next round of rush, and participate in tonight's round of recruitment, so I am gonna get on out of here and attempt to style my short hair! 

xoxo,

SSP

Day to Night: Bootcut Jeans

Yesterday I pulled out the bootcut jeans and let me tell you, it felt great. I love these jeans because they're flattering and sometimes it is just nice to have a different cut on, but I struggle to add variety to them in the winter. I basically wear a simple shirt, my Ariats, and the jeans. For whatever reason, it seems to be easier to just keep the look as casual as possible. However, last night I decided to try to play around with some outfit ideas involving them and I think I might be breaking out these pants more often. Seriously, why didn't I, of all people, think about just adding a statement necklace to the equation? On that note, if you follow me on Instagram, you would've seen that I got a haircut today!!! It is so drastic, and I am trying to play around with it and how to still wear my statement necklaces without it looking like there's too much going on by my face.

bootcut jeans by sugarsnappearls

How do you rock bootcut jeans? And does anyone have suggestions for short hairstyles?

xoxo,

SSP

Overcoming Embarrassment

To have embarrassing moments is to be human. It shows that you've lived a bit and stumbled (sometimes literally) along the way. The trick is to take those moments in stride and not worry about them, to overcome that situation and move on with your life. 

 I am an expert living through these situations. Without a doubt, I am one of the biggest klutzes I know and I definitely say the wrong thing or end up in an awkward situation more often than I'd like to. This wouldn't be a problem if I could simply move on, but I really struggle with that. Seriously, I am up writing this post at 12:42am because I couldn't sleep thinking about one of these situations. So what did I do? I grabbed my phone and discovered that a quick google search had no good solutions. Come on internet, someone has to have a guide for getting over this! Then I realized, I am totally capable of doing it on my own and so is everyone else. Sure I can get caught up in the emotion and what I perceive to be embarrassment that should result in me moving to the Arctic or at least transferring colleges, but that doesn't have to happen. Just follow a couple of easy steps to getting over your anxiety:

has this happened to you? keep reading...

1. Keep your head high: I tend to kind of burrow in my shell when faced with an uncomfortable situation. If you can keep going as if nothing happens, people will think nothing has happened...the power of perception, people!

2. Laugh it off: You are not the first nor the last to be in a situation like the one you're in, regardless of what it is. Think of it as you would if your friend was in that position, chances are, it is probably comical and/or ironic that this happened.

3. Own it: Guess what? It happened. Whatever it is that you are running over a million times in your head will not change if you keep thinking about it, so don't. Move on with your life and focus on more important things like, who's gonna win Juan Pablo's heart on The Bachelor.

4. You aren't that important: One more thing, this is a big deal to you, but probably not to anyone else. And if they really have the time to dedicate to thinking about the awkward situation- a) they need to pick up a new hobby b) they're just as awkward c) you thinking about it, doesn't change it.

just because this is adorable

Seriously, this happens to all of us. This is the third consecutive semester that I have had a class and discussion (actually, techincally this semester we have a once-a-week intensive seminar) with one guy and I literally just learned his name in class today (yesterday? most of y'all are probably asleep while I'm writing this). The best part? He didn't know mine either. See, it was a quick awkward name exchange and then we moved on with our lives. So move on with your life, awkward as it may be, and live it to the fullest without caring about how others are judging you! Disclaimer: I mean judge you for being awkward, this is not an excuse to give up showering or be a b**ch 24/7.

So, live life, embarrassing moments and all. How do y'all overcome embarrassing situations?

xoxo,

SSP

Sick Day Essentials

And just like that, the semester has started. And just like that, I am coming down with a cold. It's not exactly surprising since I have been on the go for a while now and this weekend was back-to-back days of recruitment. There is nothing worse than getting sick at college. You have to go on with life, go to classes and other meetings, and try to take care of yourself. That's why it is so important to take care of yourself at school. So if you feel a cold coming on, make sure you take care of yourself and try to adjust your schedule accordingly. It might be a bummer to miss out on a day or two, but it is so much better than being sick for a long time and being out of commission for a week. So stock up, and make sure you're keeping yourself healthy as we start classes up in the midst of flu season!

What are your sick day essentials?

xoxo,

SSP

Simply Stated

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

-Clairee Belcher, Steel Magnolias

Please tell me some of you know that quote? If not, go watch Steel Magnolias right now. Seriously my favorite movie, you laugh, you cry, you relate to the characters, it's great. Anyways....

As many of you probably know, I think statement necklaces are the bomb dot com. They allow you to wear an outfit in so many different ways. There are a bunch of different places to find them on the internet and in stores. I love a local Charlottesville boutique called Darling and I have also had luck on Etsy and other sites. Personally, one of my favorite strategies is to pick a designer necklace I like and see if there is a necklace on another site that is inspired by your original piece...it's at least worth a shot. 

make a statement by sugarsnappearls (item links through polyvore)

Recently, I discovered a new site with fabulous jewelry and a price to match, Purple Peridot! Seriously, the necklace I wore in my instagram post this morning is from there, as is my gold tassel necklace. She sells great pieces for amazing deals that are super friendly for a college girl's budget, as well as any other fashionista. Here are a couple of my other favorite necklaces of hers: 

blue tile necklace

crystal sparkler:
subtle and perfect for any outfit/occassion

pennant necklace

What is your favorite statement piece? 

xoxo,

SSP

Inspired by a Calendar

Where are my fellow Target lovers at? Seriously, Target is the bomb dot com. I could (and sometimes do) spend 4x as much as originally anticipated when I go there because they just have the greatest stuff. Yesterday I stopped by to check for a blouse and, naturally, got everything but that. I am actually sitting in the robe I got there yesterday and staring at the calendar I picked up. Speaking of this calendar, I am obsessed.

Y'all, it was love at first sight. I was checking for a desk calendar for my friend, Meghan, when I stumbled across this one, and while I had seen the Sugar Paper Los Angeles display before, I somehow just never noticed it. As you can tell, I bought it and I am so glad I did. This company has so many amazing products...I just want it all. I mean, those cards are just adorable.

sweet as sugar paper los angeles by sugarsnappearls

Oh, and it wouldn't be a trip to Target without peeking in the One Spot, where I picked up a couple of other cute stationary items. If you like the other items I got, definitely head out to your local Target (like you need an excuse?) and go grab them...they're so cute and happy!

{original}

Well, this post title is about inspiration, and I swear the post is too. As I have begun decorating my apartment and maturing in my tastes, I find myself drawn more to gold than silver and with pink and navy as my go-to color combination (with splashes of green, still). Well, this calendar has pink writing with gold polka dots, as in the pattern that already covers my bedspread and a decent portion of my wardrobe. So, this got me thinking...how can I incorporate these elements that I love so much into my room? After a bit of snooping, aka pinteresting, I discovered that the ever-fabulous Lauren Conrad already did something similar to what I'm thinking, so I'll leave you with that little hint.

What is your favorite paper company?

xoxo,

SSP

p.s. have you seen this? Libra is "a sports fanatic" soooo accurate

Kick It Into Gear

First of all, yesterday some sisters and I went to the Kappa Sigma headquarters to drop off a birthday cake in honor of Dr. Charles Richardson's birthday. He was a founder of Chi Omega and a brother of Kappa Sigma. Their headquarters was absolutely stunning and an afternoon of that followed by an evening of cheering on UVA basketball as they crushed Wake Forest was just what I needed. Of course, it is back to J-Term for me today...

CAKE!

with the Dr. Charles Richardson bust in their museum

A little self-criticism never hurt anyone, right? Actually, I don't know the answer. What I do know is that when I looked in the mirror last night as I tried on one of the dresses that I got in the Lilly sale, I did not like what I saw. Yes, I was wearing a size 4 dress...two sizes smaller than what I would have worn at times in high school, and yes it was pretty. What I didn't like was the way my legs looked. I didn't like that despite adding some lotion and a pair of pumps, they still weren't that impressive.

Now, I am never going to have Carrie Underwood legs and I am not complaining about my weight. That isn't what bothered me. The problem I saw when I looked in the mirror was that the reflection was showing me a reality I had been trying to avoid. I have been absolutely horrible about working out, and now, my body is showing it. It is not about just fitting into the dress, it is about how you look once your in it. 

I wasn't upset that I was lacking definition because I wanted to weigh less, I was mad because I let myself fall out of shape. The image in the mirror was upsetting because it confirmed a reality I had been carefully avoiding. One that could no longer be avoided. So, how about no more excuses. How about I just start running again and liking what I see? I am not trying to get the "perfect figure" that others determine, but I would like to be proud of myself when I look in the mirror or at my outfit shots.

Here's to making healthy lifestyle changes and becoming the happy person you deserve to be!
 

Cheers,
SSP

Sugar Snap Pearls Turns One

Happy Birthday to my blog! Today Sugar Snap Pearls turns ONE YEAR OLD!

Last year I decided that after years of following blogs, I would make one for myself. I started this blog as an escape from the troubles I was facing with transferring and feeling isolated. Looking back, I can see how much I have grown from that time and I know that this blog was a huge part of that. This blog has become such an amazing outlet for me, both creatively and emotionally, and every day I am so thankful that I decided to start writing it.

wrong cake, but you get the idea...

Thank you so much for reading my blog, and for your comments, emails, and texts. I blog because I enjoy it, but knowing that it brings joy to others makes this that much sweeter. I am so appreciative of your continued support and look forward to seeing what year two will bring!

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. I hope y'all had/are having as much success as I did shopping the Lilly Pulitzer New Year Cheer Sale!!! They have fixed all of those crashing problems and it was such a pleasant experience...can't wait to share what I scored!

Dream Bigger

Last night, I had an amazing dream that I had started the drybar franchise. Yeah, I wish... (I mean, that would mean a lifetime of free blowouts, right?) I am pretty sure that this all got started with me running into Michaels yesterday looking for a print for my wall and coming across a print that I had been wanting for a long time now. Since I had a 50% off one item coupon, I figured that I may as well see if I had a place for it and if I had to, I could always return it. Well, when I got up to the cash register, I went to pull out my coupon until the lady said it was costing me $0.01. Seriously, I don't know why the heck this happened, but I paid a penny for this print!!!

What does this have to do with dreaming big? The print is called "The Boys of Summer" (see below) and it depicts four boys walking to or from a pickup game eying the ultimate prize, playing major league ball in Yankee Stadium. That is one of the reasons I have always loved this so much, not only is depicting a scene involving my beloved Yankees, but it also is about the importance of dreaming big.

Although I did not start a wildly successful franchise, like in my dream, I do have the ability to do what I want with my life. I have the ability to dream big, and so do all of you. Here is some inspiration for pursuing those dreams. I find it so helpful to pin quotes like these or print them out and I hope you do the same. Dream big, y'all!

 

peace, love, and back to paper writing for me.

xoxo,
SSP

p.s. Downton Abbey season premiere is tonight at 9pm!!! Thanks to G for reminding me...who else is excited???