Disney Princesses Make Things Happen

I am sure we have all read those articles about how the Disney Princess movies of our childhoods have given us a false sense of romance and reality. We all want to be damsels in distress and have a prince come save us or we are totally willing to sacrifice anything to get the man of our dreams, blah, blah blah...

Sure, there might be a bit of validity in that, but I prefer to focus on the positives, like the fact that Belle passed up Gaston and loved to read. Last night on Pinterest I came across a quote that made me giggle and at the same time was a great motivator. 

Before this I had never heard of Kiera Cass, but I absolutely love this quote she gave. Heck, even the Disney Princesses had to make their fate happen. It also made me think of one of my favorite quotes from White Christmas.

(disclaimer: I am not encouraging you to "plus" honesty...strictly referring to the pushing haha)

So go out there this week, and for the rest of your lives and make things happen for yourself! Carpe Diem, with the help from a cup of coffee, naturally. Speaking of coffee, check out my new About Me page! 

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

The Friday Five: Self-Reflection

Today's Five on Friday is a bit different in light of the insane week I have had. Seriously though, I have had so much to do in such little time (part procrastination, part Relay for Life, part unavoidable deadlines) that I feel more like a zombie than a human. I wore workout clothes to class two days in a row...this might mean nothing to y'all, but that is a pretty unusual thing for me to do. Life just got so crazy and in the little pockets of free time I had, I found myself evaluating my habits and character. Admittedly, I don't know why this happened, but I am glad it did, so in honor of that, today's Five on Friday is going to be 5 areas that I can improve on in my life.

This is actually a really hard thing to publish and I feel a bit exposed doing it, but that's all part of being a blogger, right? Well here it goes, here are the five things that I think I could improve on:

1) Time Management

This is a broad term for a host of issues. Its not that I am late for class, in fact I am usually early for my 9am on Mondays and Wednesdays, but I tend to leave at the last possible second. I get stuff done, I just wait until the last possible moment and then end up arriving right on time and a bit frazzled. A lot of life could be more enjoyable if instead of waiting until I have to do something, I get it done and then have time to relax more.

2) Working Out

Okay, big shock here, pinning various workouts does not actually have a direct correlation with working out. For all the time I spend thinking about how I want to get back in shape, I could actually just go out and do it. A runner's high is a real thing and I miss those. Plus, I feel more energized and I sleep better when I regularly exercise...oh and so much less stressed!

3) Care Less

I am such a worrywart and I get embarrassed at the drop of a hat. Seriously, I hate awkward situations and have been known to make them more awkward because I get uncomfortable. More than that, I constantly worry about what others think of me and how my actions influence that. I mean, if I post a personal photo to Instagram, I shouldn't worry about the fact that the significant majority of my followers aren't looking for that, it is my Instagram after all! 

4) My Faith

I might have fallen off the Catholic wagon a bit. It's not that I don't love my faith or God, it's just that I haven't been the greatest about going to church and praying. I find myself really only praying when I am asking God for something and not just doing it because I want to develop my faith and relationship with him. It's not that I think God spites me for this, I just think that I could really improve this area of my life and that it would bring me some peace of mind.

5) Building my Brand

I love this concept from Kate White's book and I wish I took it to heart a bit more. I am a business-minded person and thinking of all my actions as something that represents my personal brand would be a great way to go forward in life. I already believe that you get out of life what you are willing to put in and I need to take that mentality and run with it.

What are five areas you need to improve on? I just think this is a good idea to take a moment for self-reflection. Take a minute to think about it and if you want to share them with me, I'd love to know (you can comment or shoot me an email at sugarsnappearls@gmail.com)

xoxo,

SSP

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

Inspire Yourself

Who inspires you?

That is a question I asked myself the other day. Who is it that I really want to be and whose footsteps do I want to follow in? Do I dream of being a Jenna Lyons or an Erin Andrews or neither? What do I want to do? Whose career can I mirror mine after? Do I love quotes by Mother Theresa, Thomas Jefferson, or famous athletes most?

The answer? It doesn't matter. I am a fashion and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sports pursuing a degree in Foreign Affairs and currently toying with the idea of adding a history minor. My interests are all over the place and that makes me, me. I feel like it is so easy to think you have to fit a mold in this day and age, like you should have an idea of where your life is going and a narrow, but deep set of interests. I like to be connected in so many fields and I feel like I can talk to anyone because I am familiar with all these topics. 

So as finals approach and you think about internships and jobs for the summer (or the rest of your life!), get inspired by whatever and whoever you want. Be the person you want to be because at the end of the day, you have to love yourself. I may not want to write children's books, but my all-time favorite quote is from Dr. Seuss and I feel like it sums my life up pretty well:

Also, please feel free to submit blog post ideas...I would love some inspiration! Oh, and don't forget, tomorrow is Cyber Monday! if you don't actually swipe the credit card, does it really count? ;)

xoxo,

SSP

Long Week Pinterest Inspiration

My week is crazy, crazy busy. I have 2 huge papers and 2 exams, oh plus it's Relay for Life Kickoff Week (please like this pic). What happened to "off weeks" is that just not a thing anymore? Anyways, here is a little pinterest inspiration for everyone else who has a packed week this week. We can do it!

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xoxo,

SSP

Happy Birthday, Lilly!

I'm sure many of you already know this, but today is Lilly Pulitzer's birthday. While she may have passed away, her legacy is carried on through her colorful frocks, memorable quotes, and inspiring life. She was a trailblazer and lived the life she wanted to live. It all started with a juice stand, then Jackie Kennedy making headlines wearing a kitchen curtain dress, and the rest is history. So thank you to "the barefoot queen of pink and green" for reminding everyone that life is a party and giving us the clothes to dress for it.
Oh, and these are a couple of quote images I made. I am trying to figure out Gimp because I don't want to pay for photoshop and I think I am starting to get the hang of it!

xoxo,

SSP

Smile!

-Truvey in Steel Magnolias (aka Dolly Parton in one of the greatest movies ever) {via}

Just wanted to share a bit of Wednesday inspiration with y'all. Smiling is the best. Sure there are days like today where I have so much to do and get overwhelmed by that I just can't seem to think straight, but a simple smile can go a long way. Studies show that even forcing yourself to smile can actually improve your mood. I know that it seems silly to want to smile when everything is piling up and becoming overwhelming, but attacking it with a positive attitude helps. 

I recently watched a Ted Talk about smiling and remembered this technique I actually had been using when I worked long hours over the summer, especially when I finished a long day with grumpy customers at my retail job. Try it, I promise it will work. And smiling is contagious, so spread the joy!

Here is the link to that Ted Talk. If you want a link to any others I have dozens saved on my iPad now for 20 minutes of study break inspiration or knowledge.

Also, while looking for an image that had this quote I was reminded of how much I love this movie and need to watch it this weekend...seriously, so many fabulous, sarcastic one-liners, I love it!

xoxo,

SSP

See the Good

Sometimes we need to just call our mommas or best friends and vent, but I really like this quote and I thought I'd share this bit of wisdom. So, this is my goal for the week. I know I will still need to vent and unwind, but I want to try to embody this as much as possible. 

Also, once this crazy weekend is over, I will be back to blogging in full swing starting with a special Monogram Monday birthday recap!

Enjoy this video puts a smile on my face every time.These kids are my heroes!

xoxo,

SSP

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

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...

Nothing Is Impossible

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm Possible'."

-Audrey Hepburn

Well I am back in Charlottesville and taking the day to (attempt to) shop the Lilly Sale and get some housekeeping done. Blogging will back in full effect tomorrow. For now, I leave you with one of my favorite motivational quotes as I look at my growing to-do list for the week!
OOOH, I cannot wait to show y'all the apartment...seriously, I'm in love with it!

xoxo,
SSP

Friends and Therapy

"Carrie: Hey, I don't need therapy. I need new friends.

Samantha: Look, we're as f'd up as you are. It's like the blind leading the blind."
2.13 "Games People Play"

How many times have we sat there with a pint of ice cream pining over a boy or emotional eating with a friend who is pining over a boy. I mean heck, this past fall one of my friends at school broke up with her boyfriend of a couple years. She wanted out but then realized how different single life is and was reeling a bit. So, we indulged in a little retail therapy...at Target (hey, we're in college, all right?). 
While there, walking around with our purchases, including sweating pints of Ben and Jerry's, she mentioned that she had always kind of wanted to dye her hair...
So we bought temporary hair dye and dyed our hair. 
Yeah, it wasn't the most rational choice. I am sure every therapist in the world would tell me that wasn't the right way to handle it...but, whatever. Sometimes we just need our girlfriends to help us work through issues and get back on the right track. 

What is the craziest thing you have done to cheer a friend up?

xoxo,
SSP

SATC: Family is Forever

"The most important thing in your life is family. There are days you love them, and days you don't, but in the end they're the people you always come home to."

-Carrie

Well, it is back to reality for this blogger. At 3pm I will be starting my shift at Talbots and really closing out of my week of bliss and vacation. I had the most amazing week with my family. It was just a great week of relaxation and, of course, some friendly competition with Cards Against Humanity and volleyball. I am not really ready to go back to reality, but I am going to do it just the same because that's how the world works!
I am so blessed to be a part of the family I have. They really have made me into who I am today: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can be myself around them and know that they love me just the same.

xoxo,

SSP

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

Marilyn may have preferred diamonds, but I believe pearls are a girl’s best friend. Pearls are classic, elegant, and unlike most jewelry, they get betterwith age and use.

Last Tuesday, I was lucky enough to get to go to an event at the City Club in DC with my Momma and one of her good friends, who I’ve known, basically my whole life. The event was called “Chanel and her Love of Pearls.” Yeah, this event was made for me, right?

Momma, Me, and Ms. B (l-r) at the event

While I was there, shopping and networking, I really thought about how amazing pearls are. If you are going on vacation and bring one strand of pearls and a pair of studs, I promise you’ll be fine. As many of you have probably noticed by now, I rarely change from my pearls and I seem to manage just fine ;)

"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls." -Coco Chanel

Anyways, this pearl event was fabulous and the best part was the steep discount offered. The company that brought the pearls both produces and distributes them, meaning they are much less expensive than what you get at a retailer. They are no Mikimoto, but hey, they work and they don’t completely break a college girl’s bank account.

"I favor pearls on screen and in my private life" -Grace Kelly

Princess Diana had many pearls she cycled through

"Pearls are always appropriate." -Jackie Kennedy

That being said, if you want to wear pearls without worrying about losing them, go for some good glass pearls. Seriously, $10 at Macy’s and you won’t be brokenhearted when they disappear, that’s what I do! However, if you want the real deal, searching Etsy has resulted in some promising and affordable options as well. It all depends on what you want to spend, and what you want for your money. 

What is your go-to accessory?

xoxo,

SSP

Beach Bum Sunday

"I typically enjoy a beautiful beach destination, as I find the water and sand to be most replenishing."

-Elizabeth Berkley

I am at the beach this week, but don't worry...I already have some blog posts ready for the week. I hope everyone has an amazing end to their weekend as I start my week of much needed relaxation down here at beautiful Sunset Beach, NC.

xoxo,
SSP

SATC: Church Zagat?

"Charlotte: So, which church does his mother go to?

Carrie: Park Avenue Presbyterian.

Charlotte: Good church! It's one of the best on the East Side!

Carrie: What? Are you rating churches? Is there a Zagat guide for that?

Miranda: Four stars. Great bread. Disappointing wine selection."

Hope this made you laugh. Have a great start to your week! I start at Talbots tomorrow and instead of Monogram Monday look for a "Make This" Monday for a project I did this weekend!

xoxo,
SSP

Pain is Beauty

"Samantha: My feet are killing me.

Carrie: Here, sit down.

Samantha: I can't. This outfit only works if I'm standing." 

The Turtle and the Hare 1.10

Finally getting back to SATC Sunday after a couple of weeks off! I love Samantha and her bluntness. Most of her quotes are not exactly appropriate for this blog, but they're great nevertheless. Quite frankly, there are some hilarious and/or true quotes on this show that I can't share here (watch the show...just do it!).
I think we can all relate to Samantha in this quote. Pain is beauty, ladies. Be it getting tweezed, threaded, or waxed or relying on Jillian Michaels or Insanity for that perfect beach body, we put ourselves through a lot. One time for me that comes to mind was senior prom. As I took them out, I counted over 70 bobby pins in my updo (flat/straight hair problems). There are also countless occasions where I've worn heels that kill my feet, but I never regret it. There is a confidence associated with looking good that makes that price worth it. Of course, I am writing this in my pajamas so I guess I am not exactly living up to that right now :)
Have y'all ever sacrificed comfort for fashion? I wanna know your stories!
Get excited for this week on the blog because I have at least one extra post, possibly 2 or 3 depending on my schedule!

xoxo,
SSP

SATC Reminder to Just Live Life

-Carrie (and basically everyone else according to google)

Okay, I know that this is not originally from Sex and the City. I also know it is not Sunday! I just remember Carrie quoting this in a voiceover and it really stuck with me. When I went to google it, I was reminded how much of a bottomless pit it really could be so I didn't try to attribute it further. 

Anyways...

Hey, remember that one time I was a blogger? Sorry I have yet again been MIA but I feel that this quote pretty solidly summarizes how life has been for me. I got home from beach week on Thursday, started moving all my stuff into the new house on Friday and Saturday, finally saw some of my besties on Sunday, and today I was diagnosed with Pink Eye (blech!). I just haven't had a down moment and most of my friends are leaving this week or at the end of this week for the entire summer so I am savoring every second I can have with them. 

Bigger news is that tomorrow morning (probably when most of you are reading this) I start my internship with Women On Course. I guess one plus side of having an (extremely mild) case of Pink Eye is that I am more concerned with having a bum eye than anything else. I am so excited about this internship and I just cannot wait to get started. Back to the quote though, I really love this one. I was so busy with little things and I really hadn't planned my weekend or day, which is strange for a compulsive list-maker like me, and I realized how much I just went out and did stuff and saw people instead. I have been so busy but it has all been with menial tasks that are never-the-less, important. Relationships with friends and family cannot be sacrificed and that is so easy to do in the hustle and bustle of the school year. 

The first few days of summer break were so nice without a schedule. I really feel like I just lived instead of checked things off and, honestly, it was just as rewarding as crossing an item off a to-do list. Of course, reality is going to start to set in and I am going to create a schedule again and get back to my routine, but these couple of days reminded me that there is more to life than that. Enjoy your summer, take a break, you deserve it.

I know I am personally excited to plan my bedroom at my new house and my apartment for next year...seriously, it is going to be a saving grace with all my friends from home scattered across college campuses around the country. 

Live life to the fullest, because we only get one shot at it.

xoxo,

SSP

Shoes or Men?

"I decided, the only way to move on from one addiction was to move on to an even bigger one...shoes. A couple of blocks, and way too much money later, I realized I had just entered an interesting chapter in my life. I had outgrown the boys of my past, and not quite grown into the men of my future."

-Carrie

Valley of the Twenty-Something Guys 1.4

First of all, sorry I have been such a bad blogger! I have had a crazy weekend of traveling, sporting events, and a half marathon (update later this week)! Fashion Friday from last week will probably be on Monday or Tuesday while I try to catch up and still pass my classes!
Back to SATC quote Sunday though: This quote is so relatable for women of all ages. Every stage of life provides guys with different challenges, and as we all know, women mature faster than men. Hopefully some of these college guys will be a bit less "frat star" and maybe deflate their egos a bit next year. If not, girls night is always a great alternative...or shoes. Carrie and I definitely see eye-to-eye on retail therapy.

xoxo,
SSP