Nothin' Sweeter Than Georgia Peaches: My Big/Little Story

Running home to Bralin aka the best Big
in all Xi land

My Big and I have a very unique relationship bonded by something very close to our hearts. Our home. Not just our "home away from home", Alpha Xi Delta, but our home state of Georgia. Bralin and I both shared similar stories so naturally, when we met on Preference Night during Fall Recruitment at the University of Central Florida in 2013, the fact that we were both from Georgia came up. I immediately felt a connection with her because not only was she from Georgia, but she also came to UCF from out of state to a completely different world. She had experienced everything I was currently experiencing: homesickness, being away from friends and family, and just the general lonely feeling. I could really connect with her, and hearing her slight southern twang made me feel at home.

That night after Preference Rounds, I had no hesitation when writing Alpha Xi Delta as my #1 choice and I was completely sure that the next day I would be running home to them, and I did. After all the chaotic Bid Day activities died down, we went inside the house to Bralin's room. A huge group of us went back and we got our special Bid Day bags with tons of goodies and Bralin gave me something special... I had no idea what it was when I saw the grocery bag. I looked inside and saw a peach. A Georgia Peach. I wanted to cry; it was such a simple gesture and she had no idea how much it meant to me. 

I was completely and utterly ecstatic with everything that was going on. Being a new member was one of the best times of my collegiate career (NMs- don't take it for granted!), but one of the weeks - Big/Little week - will always be a strong memory. The week leading up to Big/Little week all of the New Members went on "dates" with sisters who were potentially taking a Little. Unfortunately, Bralin and I were never paired up, but my choice never wavered. When the time came to create our Big/Little lists, Bralin was #1.

Bralin gets her paddle!

That night after our lists were made, the Bigs and Littles were paired and all Littles were surprised with treats the same exact night! I was in no way prepared for everything that was going to happen during that week! Bralin gave me all sorts of clues and treats throughout the week to make me think that she wasn't my Big. She gave me clues like "I grew up in Florida", "Curly hair runs in my family", and other things that didn't seem like Bralin at all! All week I was freaking out because I thought that on Friday when we ran home and found our Bigs, I wouldn't find Bralin.

The day of Big/Little Reveal, I went to a grocery store and got a fresh peach, just in case Bralin WAS my Big. I knew if she was, it would mean just as much to her as it did when she gave it to me.
After all the searching on that Friday, I finally ran home into my Big's arms... Bralin! You can see the video here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201120670672034&l=7597589781169387337.

I gave her the peach and ever since then it's sort of been our thing. My Big's paddle was even in the shape of a peach!

Big, Twin, and Sibling

Big/Little Reveal

Our relationship has definitely grown throughout the past year and I can't wait to see it blossom even more. My entire lineage is so amazing and are all inspirational women; I love every single one of them more than they know! I know that whenever there is a problem, something is bothering me or I just need someone to go grab Sunday brunch with, I can count on any of these ladies. It's not just four years, it's for life! TFJ, XiLAM, and all that jazz <3=

Book Review: Maybe Someday

I have always been an avid reader. I've read every book series you can imagine, every teenage fiction book, everything...or so I thought. A friend who is just as avid a reader recommended Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover. I never thought I would read a book that would touch me in so many ways. This book made me laugh and cry and about a 100 other emotions all at the same time. The characters, the plot, everything about this book is so perfect. The next few paragraphs contain information that may ruin the book for you depending on what you may get from it, so be warned.

“Words can sometimes have a far greater effect on a heart than a kiss."

The main characters, Ridge and Sydney, share the main point of view throughout the book. Their stories alternate between chapters, which helped to show how different, and sometimes alike, their thoughts were. The characters have secrets just like any other, but Ridge's is definitely a game changer, and not in a bad way. The connection between Ridge and Sydney is unsurpassed by any other novel relationship I've ever read. There is a a very unique love triangle. I usually don't really care for love triangles, but this one really is an important factor within the plot and how it affects the characters.

"Having her so close feels as though we’ve created our own personal space and nothing from outside our world can make its way in, and nothing from inside our world can make its way out."

Unlike other books I have read, the relationship between Ridge and Sydney built day by day. It all didn't just happen at once; they didn't just kiss and fall in love. I'm not going to reveal the true ending because I would hate to spoil it for anyone that hasn't read it yet, but just know you will be blown away by this novel! It's not just an everyday teenage novel filled with sexual frustration or teen angst, it is so much more than that. These words I've written about this book truly don't do it any justice.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

You can immediately sense the connection between both Ridge and Sydney, but nothing is taken seriously because Ridge has a long-term girlfriend. Hence the love triangle. Like I said, I normally don't like love triangles, but this one was really important to the novel. I typically don't side with the "other woman" when it comes to characters cheating, but Ridge and Sydney's connection is undeniable. It broke my heart because I didn't want Ridge to leave Maggie, his long-term girlfriend, since they were perfect for each other (or so I thought), but Ridge and Sydney just made more sense. It wasn't necessarily sexual either, you could practically feel the tension between them as the reader. It was crazy and I've never experienced any feeling such as that while reading a book.

"Our souls aren't just compatible–they’re perfectly attuned. I feel everything she feels. I understand everything she never even has to say. I know that what she needs is exactly what I could give her, and what she’s wishing she could give me is something I never even knew I needed."

My heart was torn between both Maggie and Sydney at first because it seemed like no one would win no matter the decision. From the outside looking in on Ridge and Maggie's relationship, Sydney was obviously a threat since she seemed to be sticking a wedge in between the two. But Ridge and Sydney's friendship and working relationship was just as beautiful. As much as you may go back and forth, you can't hate Sydney. You can't hate Ridge. You can't hate Maggie. You can only respect the decision that each one chooses. A decision that may or may not knock you off your feet.

"Nothing in my life has ever felt so good, yet hurt so achingly bad."

I learned from this book that you can't help who you fall in love with. Everything happens for a reason and though you may not put together the pieces quite yet, they will eventually fall in line. This book had some more truth behind it- like it could maybe even happen. It's not a typical chick-lit book that you see on the shelves and I will most likely compare this book to every other book I will read again. That's how life-changing it is. Don't just take my word for it, rent it, buy it, get it on your Nook TODAY!

P.S: Along with the book, the novel even has an interactive soundtrack. You can listen to the songs here: http://www.maybesomedaysoundtrack.com/listen.php

XOXi & LILP,

Kelsey <3

Summer 2014... A Summer To Remember! Part 2

Finding activities to do during the summer can be difficult. If you've lived in the same area for awhile, chances are you've done everything it has to offer. That's where this summer to do-list comes in handy! Sometimes, you just need a fresh perspective on things. I have 10 more ideas that may spare you some money and help make this summer one to remember.

Bowling. I know what you're thinking: bowling is for old people. Surprisingly, if you get the right group of people together, it can be lots of fun. The local bowling alley in my city has a special discount days and many others do, too. Lots of chain bowling alleys don't really promote these things, so do some calling around and see what specials your own bowling alley has to offer!

Game night. Invite your friends over and tell everyone to bring a board game, cards, or game for a gaming system like Wii or Xbox. Any sort of game will do. Add some snack food and beverage and you're good to go! One of my personal favorite games is Cards Against Humanity. If you or a friend owns the game, you should definitely play it!

Make pizza. This is a bonding activity that my family tries to do every other week. It is actually a really good time, plus who doesn't love to bond over food? If you don't want to make your own dough, you can buy pre-made dough that comes in a tube (usually near the cookie dough in grocery stores) that works just as well! Then all you need is the pizza sauce, your choice of cheese and toppings. Homemade pizzas taste good, if not better, than an over processed or frozen one!

Dollar theatre. Not everyone has a dollar theatre in their city but for those that do, take advantage! You can't beat a $1.50 movie, especially when two months ago it would've cost you $10. The movies that they play may be a little old but honestly, it's the same sort of atmosphere to go see a movie at a much better price. How can you beat that?

Visit a flea market. I could spend hours upon hours in flea markets just rummaging through the piles of things that people don't use anymore. It's always interesting to see who can find the weirdest stuff while there. My family and I actually turn it into a game! We typically don't buy things (unless we stumble upon some interesting treasure) but it is the bonding that makes the visit worth it.

Wake up early enough to see the sunrise. Then DON'T go back to sleep after. It's probably one of the most rewarding things to watch the sunrise because not many people are up early enough to watch it. I understand summer is all about sleeping in and staying up late, but why can't it be the opposite for a change? Wake up early and see how rejuvenated you feel. I promise the feeling is much better than staying up all night then feeling groggy when you wake up the next morning.

Try something different. You want to get a tattoo? Go for it. Bungee jump? Do it. Never tried sushi? Eat at a Japanese restaurant! Now's the time when we're young and have the time and ability to try and do something we've never done before. Go do it before time runs out.

DIY High Waisted Shorts. You know you want too. Grab a pair of mom jeans from Goodwill (or just raid your moms closet) and start snippin'!

Jolly Rancher Vodka. If you're lucky enough to be of legal drinking age, this little project is one to remember. It's where your adulthood and childhood collide in a way that you and your girlfriends will always be able to reminisce on. Get everyone together and have a girls night with this delicious fruity shot! All you need is vodka (think cheap but smooth), a bag of jolly ranchers, and containers to keep the vodka in once it's all mixed.

Visit a local museum. There are always tons of random museums in neighborhoods that people don't normally take advantage of. If you live near a military base, they usually have days where civilians can get on base to see the different museums that are located there. They can range anywhere from a history museum to a naval museum! It is really awesome to see where our country actually came from.

Summer is about making memories that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Stay up late, eat whatever you want whenever you want (pshh, summer body?, hang out with good friends and get tan! Don't forget to take lots of pictures and just live in the moment, that's what summer is all about.

XOXO,

Kelsey

WE'RE BAAAAACK!

Hi all!

So we've taken a bit of a hiatus, but we're back in full force! We have some fabulous new bloggers and a jam packed calendar of articles for you. If you didn't already know, Little Problems has undergone a total relaunch in the last couple of weeks. We have new merchandise and a whole new look. We have added stadium cups, sunglasses and a new koozie to our collection. We all need these goodies for our summer fun! For the entire month of June, you will get a FREE gift with every $15 purchase you make, so now is the time to stock up for Big/Little!

Since we have so many fabulous new campus representatives and bloggers, you'll be hearing from a different lady each day for the next few days. She'll share a little bit about herself and have a great new article for you to read! We have representatives from all over the country who are in all sorts of different sororities. We range from girls in their first year of college or Greek life who have their Bigs and are anxiously awaiting their chance to get a Little, to girls who are alum and have GGGLittles. We've formed a sort of family here are Little Problems and we want to share that love and the products that have grown from that with you!

Be sure to check out all of our forms of social media and keep up to date with all things Little Problems!

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xoxo Melissa