"Little" Bundle of Joy

Y'all, it's a teensy bit ridiculous that I'm only just blogging about my perfect little Phi Mu sister…

 I've been bragging on my own big since clue week of last year, so it baffles me how this post has been sitting in my drafts folder for so long! I honestly thought I published it last week!

The week leading up to the big reveal was so much less stressful for me this year. Last year, I spent the week worrying about who my big would be. Thoughts like "Will she like me?" "Did she even want me as her little?" filled my mind.

I had so much fun thinking of clues (and then accidentally giving myself away with unfortunately-timed Instagrams and our mutual love of Lilly Pulitzer).

I'm an only child in my family, so having two amazing "sisters" is practically a dream come true. 

I can't wait to see where these next few years take us! 

Recruitment Recap

Life's still as crazy as ever, but I've been wanting to share this video with y'all for a while.

This is Phi Mu's official 2014 Recruitment Video! I spent most of my free time this summer working on it, and then most of August stressing over the finishing details. Even though it's a little different than how I imagined it, I'm still super proud of it! I couldn't have done it without the help of our amazing chapter advisor. 

The first half is basically the last year summed up and then after the chant is what we did this past summer! 

In case you're curious about the Mardi Gras scenes, we had a big dance party to celebrate our last recruitment practice :) 

This was the video we showed at our Slideshow Night parties! (Remember my "what to wear" post?)

I'm super excited because our big/little week is next week! I can't wait to be a big sister!  ;)

That's What's Up

I was browsing through Spotify the other day when I ran into this song called "That's What's Up" by Lennon and Maisy (originally by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros). I must have listened to it at least 50 times since last week. 

My favorite verse: 

"While I was feeling such a mess, I thought you'd leave me behind. 

While I was being such a wreck, I thought you'd treat me unkind.

But you helped me change my mind."

via Instagram

Now that life's calmed down a little, I've had enough time to think back to the beginning of last semester. I was trying to figure out exactly what was going on last year so I searched through my tumblr archive. Turns out I was crying a lot over how happy I was to be a part of something like Phi Mu. I couldn't believe that so many girls would accept me the way just the way I was, broken and all, and actually wanted to be my friend. (Side note: not much has changed, still just as dumbfounded they still like me. #ConfessionsOfAGirlWithLowSelfEsteem)

But a little more digging reminded me that I was falling into a scary place, even though I was feeling so happy. I know I've mentioned my "eating issues," but I never went into much detail about it. 

It was about this time last year when I realized that my occasional binging and purging was becoming more than occasional. I have Phi Mu to thank for one of my best friends. One morning we got to talking over breakfast in the cafeteria (she was only a new sister and still very much a stranger back then). We were still getting to know each other and she said something like "Fun fact: I'm really big into eating disorder awareness stuff."(obvious paraphrasing). Of course I nearly choked on my scrambled eggs. The thoughts started running through my head: "How does she know? Can she tell? I thought I was being careful. No one knows." 

Well it turns out she had no idea that I was struggling (at least that's what she told me when I eventually told the rest of our sisters at retreat last year). I hadn't kept down a full meal in months, and it was becoming so bad really quickly. It sort of snuck up on me; I would be studying and find myself eating until I couldn't anymore and then would try to undo it. Luckily, I was able to talk with her and stop (for the most part) before it got worse. My poor roommate begged me to see a counselor, but I'm stubborn. Even a year later, I'm still just making progress. I don't know if I'll ever be able to deal with stress in a healthy way. Some days are worse than others, and when I'm really stressed out (read: right now), things start getting dark again.  

I guess the point of this post is to remind everyone that when stress is piling on and big changes are happening (like starting college), these things can creep up.

My biggest problem was thinking "Oh, I'm fine. I'm not that bad." 

Newsflash: If you are having eating issues, chances are, you are definitely not fine. There's nothing "normal" about an eating disorder or disordered eating. It is that bad. If you think you might be in trouble, don't wait until it gets worse.  

So today I'm thankful. For the friendships I've made in the last year, for the steps that I've taken to become healthier, and for the sisters who stick by my sides in the good times and the bad. It's easy to get distracted by the stress and excitement that comes with the start of a new school year, but I'm trying to keep things in perspective this time around, and that's what's up.

Bid Day 2014: Welcome to Wonderland!

Waking up this morning, slowly but without needing the snooze button (although still rushing around to make it to church on time), I finally felt relaxed after an exhausting two weeks.

Being off of social media for the week meant that all the sorority girls here at Nicholls State blew up Facebook and Instagram with pictures from Bid Day yesterday (myself included). Of course, I had to share some of my favorite pictures from the day on the blog, as well!

It was such an amazing day, full of excitement, smiles, and loads of confetti! (See the video at the end of this post for an idea of just how much confetti)

How adorable are my sisters?!?

I thought the theme of Wonderland was so fitting, especially since we're all a bit mad here ;)

Check out this amazing video our advisor KT put together! 

Recruitment Week

My life has been revolving around sorority recruitment for the last month, and the week is finally here! (I blogged about it last month, too!). I'm so looking forward to my first time as an active member of Phi Mu, and especially meeting the new girls! It feels like I was just in their shoes, anxious and excited like I hope they are, too!

I love words so much, but putting into words how amazing this sisterhood has been to me? It's proving to be pretty challenging. 

Most of my pledge class on our bid day last year! 

I'm risking major cliches with this post, but the girls in Phi Mu are so much more than friends; they're my sisters. 

There aren't enough pictures I could post that would ever show all that Phi Mu really is. My sisters are, without a doubt, the most genuine, classy, kind-hearted, loving ladies. They know me better than I know myself sometimes, and love me even though I'm sure that's not so easy some days.

I'm praying that all of the girls going through recruitment this week (or in the near future) have a great experience (I made so many friends before I even received my bid).

My biggest piece of advice for all Potential New Members? Listen to your heart. You'll meet a lot of girls and hear so many facts about each sorority. You'll be asked your hometown, hobbies and major a thousand times, and there will probably be a few awkward moments.  But most importantly, you'll find a group of girls that makes you feel like you belong. Phi Mu felt like home to me, and I hope you find your own home, too.

Recruitment here at Nicholls means a social media-free week for all sorority gals and new members. I'll be back, happy as a clam, on Saturday after bid day! 

Sorority Recruitment Style

I can't believe sorority recruitment at Nicholls is only a little over a month away! It feels like just yesterday I was stressing out (for no good reason) about what to wear to each party! I bought all of my dresses so far in advance that I was worried I'd jinx myself! Ha!

I knew going into recruitment that I wanted/had to be a Phi Mu (I don't recommend setting your sights on one sorority; it only adds to your stress levels).

Because Nicholls is such a small school (6,000ish students?), there are only three NPC sororities to choose from. This makes our recruitment process a million times simpler than LSU or other big schools in the Southeastern Conference (not to be confused with the Southland Conference, home of our fighting Colonels).

Instead of running around to different sorority houses (sadly, we don't have those) for a week, there are three nights set up for potential new members (PNMs) to get to know the sororities.

I don't have many pictures from my own recruitment (there was a rule about no phones and social networking), so I put together new outfits that I'd wear if I could go through it again!

outfit details here! 

The first night is Philanthropy night, the most casual night. PNMs will visit all three rooms, learn a bit about each group's philanthropic activities, and do a craft that goes along with it. 

outfit details here!

Slideshow night is the second night. This is when PNMs watch slideshows that show what each sisterhood is all about. At Nicholls, this is business-chic night. I wore flats because heels make me nervous, but either are acceptable. (I'm in LOVE with this dress from J.Crew Factory!)

outfit details here!

The final night, preference night, is the most formal night when PNMs and the sororities make their decision. It's a mutual selection process, and girls receive their bid cards are on the next day, Bid Day. It's a good idea for PNMs to stay away from solid black or white dresses on this night because that's what most of the sororities will be wearing.

If you're planning to go through recruitment this fall and are having outfit concerns, check out this guide from Sorority Sugar! Every school is different, and what works for Nicholls may not be the norm at your school. I suggest checking your school's NPC website or talking to someone in a sorority there just to be sure. 

Is anyone planning on joining a sorority this fall?

Little Problems

If you're a regular visitor of this site, first of all, you rock!
Secondly, you may have noticed that neat "Little Problems" button to the right of your screen.

"Why is it there?" you may have asked yourself?

That's because I'm the newest campus representative for Little Problems!

Little Problems started out as a twitter account (@LittleProblems) in May of 2012, but has grown into an actual company, selling things like koozies with adorable sayings like "Like Big Like Little" or "Big Knows Best" and giving back to philanthropies.

My main reason for sending in an application was to get experience working with social media. Since I started this blog, I've become more and more interested in that field of business and this little "internship" is giving me a chance to dapple in it.

It's been fun getting to know the company, and I can't wait to get to know the other representatives and team members!

You should all go like/follow/check out their blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and store! And check this out, I've got my own little write-up in the campus-rep section! ;)

And now, because the brand is centered around the relationships between big and little sisters, I'm sharing some pictures of me and my own fabulous big!

She had a really important class and couldn't make it to to big/lil reveal, so she sent #KardboardKatie 

Of course, I had my grand-big (aka Katie's own big) Raleigh there to comfort me in her absence. 

Katie's and Raleigh's fall schedules were pretty busy, but Raleigh's new little Lauren quickly became one of my best friends. 

When spring semester rolled around, Katie went off to Disney World for the college program. When I went to visit her for spring break, I finally realized that her friends were all right; we really are the same person. 

Who else is excited for school to start again so that they can see their bigs/littles on a daily basis?

P.S. Don't even get me started on how excited I am to get my own little and spoil her with Little Problems goodies! 

Put Your $$$ Where The Miracles Are

I'm so jazzed about volunteering in New Orleans tomorrow at the 31st Annual Children's Hospital's Telethon! 

Children's is a not-for-profit hospital in New Orleans, and fundraisers like this telethon are what ensure that no child is turned away because of a family's inability to pay. It's a Children's Miracle Network Hospital, which happens to be Phi Mu's national philanthropy. 

I was lucky enough to volunteer at a telethon at Children's last fall, where we helped raise over $32,000! It was so great! 

Our philanthropy is one of my favorite parts of Phi Mu, and I know my sisters love it as much as I do. 

If you're in the New Orleans/South Louisiana area and tune in to WDSU tomorrow afternoon, you may see some of my sisters on TV. Who knows, I might even answer when you call to donate! 

But the beautiful thing about this digital age and internet? You don't even need to be from around here to donate! 

It's so easy to donate online! 

After all, it's all for the children! 

Back from Disney

Y'all, spring break was absolutely perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better time.

I was able to check off another item from my 20 Before 20:

15. Go on a trip with friends. 

I flew to Disney World with two friends to meet my big sis who is working there in the college program for the semester. We spent the whole week with her and had so much fun! We visited all the parks (for free because Katie rocks), did a ton of walking & eating, and had quite a few laughs.

As excited as I am to be back in my dorm and have my bed to myself, I'm practically drowning in all the school work and newspaper writing I've got to do.

Since I should really be writing a speech and two news articles right now, I'll leave y'all with some pictures from the trip!

Big/Little pictures in front of the castle! :)

Dole Pineapple Whips are my #1 Disney must-have!

There were plenty of breaks to "recharge" (both ourselves and our iPhones!) and rehydrate. 

I can't believe I'd never gotten a pair of sunglasses croakies before this trip. These from Lilly Pulitzer were so handy, since I hate wearing sunglasses on my head and stretching them out. (Mine are from Dillard's but it looks like they're sold out. I can only find them in this online boutique, now.)

Typical blogger picture with macarons… They're just so tasty and pretty (except for this banana flavored one… Not the tastiest of the box.) 

Have y'all seen the Instagram account YouDidNotEatThat? Sooo funny. Except I really did eat this whole box of macs… in one sitting. 

And when I got home, my new Eno hammock was waiting for me! 

Check out my Chaco tan lines…lol.

Think Happy Thoughts

How do you keep your spirits up? 

Do you listen to happy music? Focus on the beauty in nature? Dress up? Surround yourself with friends? Read good books? Do whatever it is that you love? All of the above?

Me too! In fact, that's what I've been up to for the past few days and I'm proud to announce the following:
I've checked off another number from my 20 before 20 list! 

20. Actually dance like no one's watching at socials. 

I was really excited to check this one off since it was one that I thought I would just put off until never "forget about it."

I've already mentioned how I've had anxiety at socials. I'm not one to dance in front of people. Ever.
(Sorry for making you spend five years of our lives bringing me to dance class, Mom.)

Well, last night was different, in the perfect kind of way. I had absolutely zero cares about what I looked like or who was or wasn't watching. It turned out to be such a great night with friends.

I really think that it's because I went into it with the mindset that I was just going to have fun.

Ever since I wrote that 'Banish Negativity' post, I've been in such a great mood. I'm not taking credit for that all by myself, though.
While I do believe that you control your own emotions, the Lord's hand has definitely been in this.

Also, my friends have been absolute rock stars this week. They help me see the good in the world. It's in all of them. Every. Single. One.

It's because of my amazing sorority sisters that I was finally able to relax and just have fun. 

They're also the reasons I've really noticed this week just how beautiful nature is. I joked that I'll have more pictures of sunsets, rainbows, and blue skies on my phone than pictures of people if this mood is here to stay.

Here's to another fabulous week full of more sunshine, blue skies, and good company.

Now for for photo-highlights from last week! 

Therapeutic painting.

Sunrise...

...Sunset

Just hanging out...

Cheesy selfies on an absolutely gorgeous Friday afternoon. Clover crowns optional.  

And my only photo evidence of the above-mentioned social! #DropItLikeItsYacht

Songfest 2014

I've finally caught up on my sleep from the crazy, exciting, and stressful extravaganza that was my first Greek Week. 

Besides falling in the middle of most people's Midterm Season (we don't officially have midterms at Nicholls), the late night Songfest practices leading up to the big performance had taken a toll on me. 

Songfest is a big competition between all the Greeks on campus. The National Panhellenic Conference. or NPC sororities compete against each other and the same goes for the IFC fraternities. 

We put together a skit complete with singing, awesome dance numbers, and clever dialogue. Of course my opinion is biased, but I think Phi Mu's was the best (even if the judges didn't quite agree). 

We had these rockin glitter stars on our faces! 

Our story went like this:

Disney wants to branch out and create a new genre, College Princesses! Mickey Mouse invites some of the original princesses back to Nicholls and asks them to share some of their favorite memories from college. 

Belle was the studious type, Cinderella was the party girl, Ariel loved spring break, and Snow White hated how small the dorm rooms were for eight people. 

Throw in some fun dance numbers, combining a little bit of jazz with hip hop and you'll have our songfest! 

Also, I'm still washing the glitter off two days later… But I had such a great time!!

They other sweet Sydney/Cydney/Cindi 's in my pledge class!

Phi Mu Songfest: 2014!

You can see the video here^^

A Year in Review!

I know, we're already a week into 2014, but a review of last year seemed appropriate. 2013 was a year full of excitement and change! It will definitely go down in my record book as one of the best years of my young life. 

High School Graduation

I finally graduated! High school was definitely a journey, and I couldn't be happier to be starting another chapter in my life. And after spending 14 years (counting pre-k and kindergarden) in Catholic school wearing pressed white shirts and plaid skirts, college has been quite a change!

Theater

I discovered my love of theater in 2013, specifically musicals. 

I had the time of my life in my school play, Annie. I also got to see two spectacular Broadway musicals in New York this summer, Annie and Wicked. I can't say enough good. If you ever have the opportunity to see a broadway show, JUMP AT IT! You won't regret it. 

I also saw the The Book of Mormon when it came to New Orleans! Such a fun time! 

New York City

With my adorable little cousin.

On my trip there this June, I had an absolutely amazing time! I could do a whole post on my love of New York City and another on my trip, so for brevity's sake, I'll make this quick:

I LOVE NEW YORK. I know I need to live there sometime in the future. The city has a sort of pulse that you can feel as you're walking down those crowded streets. It's like it has a beating heart and the scurrying people are like the blood in it's street-veins. 

I've spent most of winter break obsessing over exploring NYU and Columbia Law. Why must they be sooo expensive?

College

Soooo excited on move-in day!

I'm having such a great time in college! I definitely wasn't one of the girls who peaked in middle or high school (still don't think I'm actually peaking yet? That sounds silly...), so being able to have a fresh start with college has been great! I honestly think I'm learning to come out of my shell (I was such a shy and quiet kid) and have made some new friends as a result. Finishing the semester with a 4.0 was icing on the cake of a lovely first semester.

PHI MU

As an only child, the opportunity to gain over a hundred amazing sisters really appealed to me. I knew from the first day of recruitment week that I needed to be a Phi Mu lady, and I love so much about Greek life. My school is small compared to most, but having a family group makes it much cozier and certainly puts me at ease. You're never going to be able to like all of your sisters, but I can really feel the bond between us. Any Phi Mu readers out there? LIOB!

I'm excited to see what 2014 has in store for me! I love January because it's like a new beginning. Life starts over a little bit every time the seasons change. Although I'm absolutely loving this cold weather, before we know it, the snow will have melted (figuratively in Louisiana) and spring will have sprung! 

Will 2014 be your year?