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

Easy Halloween Costumes

With Halloween a couple of days away, I guess I should figure out what I am going to wear. If you're a college freshman this year and you have never been out on Halloween (especially at UVA) get ready. Everyone and their mother gets dressed up to get messed up and it is a crazy weekend. Also, don't wear something you care about. Frat sludge (you know, the gunk on the floor) is gross, it is cold, and there's a good chance something will get spilled on you, plus, we're all broke and don't want to spend money on three different  costumes, right? Well, last year for one of my costumes I decided to channel my inner Slutty Pumpkin for one of the evenings and it turned out to be the easiest DIY costume, ever!

Here are all the things you could possibly need for a last minute costume that will cost you $5 or less, so you can have fun, look good, and still have money to buy a drink at the bar after you abandon that fraternity party...

1) Charlie Brown: Thanks to Meghan for the inspiration for this one. Just take a sharpie and draw a chevron line on a yellow shirt...wow that was easy.

2) Skeleton: Cut holes in the shirt that will leave strips of fabric to look like ribs and make sure you leave enough fabric at the center for a "backbone." Then, if you want, just apply some face paint...totally understandable if you're good just leaving it as a skeleton costume without face paint...who knows what that'll look like by the end of the night

3) Pumpkin: Cut a jack-o-lantern face in the orange shirt, wear a black cami, and add a green bow for your "stem" on top! Bonus points if you write "Slutty Pumpkin #HIMYM" on the back :P

If you want a slightly more official looking costume, I also recommend the Toddlers in Tiaras route, I did that last year and all you need is a tutu, tiara, and a sash...oh, and a binky if you want to be really official. Also, Duck Dynasty is an easy one for both ladies and gents, just make a fake beard with some felt and wear camo! You can also check out my DIY board on Pinterest for more inspiration!

What are you being for Halloween?

xoxo,

SSP

p.s. I am now a Lucky Mag Blog Contributer and this is one of my first posts to get published! Go check it out here and it can link you to my profile. Looking at this is a great way to discover other blogs to (but please keep reading mine!)

"Make This" Monday: Pots that Pop

"I think yellow pots would be cute out here." And just like that, I had my first crafting project of the summer. We are in the process of moving right now and we got new cushions for the patio furniture. There seems to be a general consensus at this new house to go with bright and happy colors everywhere and that extended to the outdoors. We went with lime, orange, and yellow for the patio and while we found an orange pot at Home Goods that we liked, we didn't have any yellow. I decided that instead of dropping a bunch of money on pots and searching for a bright yellow that we liked, I would do them instead.\
This project cost $16 for both pots and took hardly any time at all. It is so simple and a great way to spice up your outdoor space or indoor storage (small pots).
1) Supplies: I started with 2 terracotta pots from Home Depot and got white and yellow spray paint with primer built in. Most spray paints can be used indoors and outdoors, but make sure when you are buying it.
2) I primed the pots with white so that the yellow would really pop. Even if you think the color will cover the base, a white coat first will make the next layer extra bright!

3) Spray them with the yellow paint. At this point I was just planning to leave both as solid yellow, otherwise I would have taped off the pot that was going to be white and yellow stripes. 2-3 coats works best depending on how bright you want the paint. Don't forget to get the top rim of the pot when you flip it over!
4) Tape it off and spray stripes on. Taping on a pot is difficult since it is both tapered and round. The best advice I can give you is to get it as straight as you can and then correct it with small strips of tape afterwards or to just use paint and a brush.

5) Let them dry. You don't want to mess up the paint or get the chemicals in your plant!
6) Pot the flowers. Momma loves her bright pots and they are such a bright addition to our (under construction) patio!

xoxo,
SSP

Sock Bun Tutorial

Seriously, sock buns might be my favorite hairstyle ever! They are so convenient and they really take no time to do at all.  I made a tutorial vlog for those of you who don't know the secret to this super easy hairstyle. Sorry if it isn't the best, but honestly, I have never done one of these before. Also, sorry that I am rocking the no makeup and oversized frocket look today...what can I say, Mondays are rough!

Enjoy!

Hair Donuts:
Ulta Conair "Bun Maker" kit
Sally Hansen

xoxo,
SSP

Glitter Me Gold

Last night while I was working on my homework, my computer decided to shut down on me and I took that as a sign that I was done with homework for the night. Instead, I broke out my craft boxes and got to work on a bit of crafting for my future little! I have so much stuff for my little, not even including what has yet to be crafted! One of the projects that I did last night was to glitter a mason jar.  It is amazing how glittering one or two things can result in my room being absolutely covered in glitter...I mean, I will be wearing if for a week.  There are a few ways to glitter things that I have tried and this was the first time I had done it this way.

Glitter Techniques:

• glitter paint: this works best with glassware (i.e. wine glasses) and you dab it on using sponge brushes
• modgepodge glitter mix: mix about 2 parts glitter and 1 part modgepodge together and just paint on. the modgepodge dries clear so all you can see is the glitter, this is the technique I used on my iPhone case and picture frames.
• glitter on modgepodge: coat the surface in modgepodge and then pour glitter over it...this one needs a top coat because it is more likely to shed.

mason jar project: http://instagr.am/p/VJrYUJSAXv/

For this mason jar I used the third technique, except I glittered the inside because I want to be able to easily paint my little's monogram on one of the sides. I covered the inside of the jar in modgepodge, dumped glitter inside, covered it, shook it up, and then dumped out the extra. I am either going to put some fake flowers in it or use it as a pencil holder.

My basic, durable $20 Target case is now chic!

Also, if anyone has any suggestions for other crafts I can do for my little, I'd love to hear them! You can comment or email me at sugarsnappearls@gmail.com.

xoxo,
SSP