Sorority Girl Dorm Packing List

No amount of Bed, Bath and Beyond dorm checklists could prepare me for the craziness that is dorm room shopping... especially as a sorority girl. I think it is a given that sorority girls can craft (or in my case, attempt to craft), so it is assumed that we all have cute rooms. I wish that were true for me. Nevertheless, there are a few things that we as Greek women (or future Greek women) could really use in our rooms to help tackle our daily tasks and make it feel more like a home. Some of these essentials being:

Monogram letters. Monogram letters are the perfect addition to any dorm room! You can order them online through Etsy in a variety of sizes. All you have to do is order the wood and paint to match your color scheme. They're easy to buy, easy to paint can spice up the look of your room. If you're looking for a more squared style, you can also get a variety of letters from any local craft store.

A crafting box. Fill it with paints, paintbrushes, and of course ModPodge. A crafting box is perfect for when you are making things for Big/Little, Big appreciation week, or just a random gift for a sister! It's also a great way to keep things organized and optimize space in a small area. You can purchase a carrier (like this one from Michael's) or just use a Rubbermaid container.

Shower shoes. These are a must if you're unlucky enough to have a community bathroom. Invest in a pair that is nice and durable. My favorites are from J. Crew, but Old Navy and Walmart always have reliable flip flops. This route is nice because, since you're not spending much, you can throw them out and get a new pair every few months.

Dorm bedding. This is a must since most dorm beds are shaped differently than most mattresses and require special sizing. Luckily, there are tons of places that have XL twin comforter sets that come with a pillow case, sheets, and comforter. Some of these places including Pbteen.com, Target, and Walmart! They are affordable and are specially made to fit the XL mattresses that are in most dorms.

A planner. Many would say a Lilly Planner would be the "sorority girl" thing to own, but there are many options out there that have great detailing and plenty of space for all of your notes. My favorite planner is by PlumPaperDesign on Etsy! If you can't tell, I buy practically everything online. My favorite planner design is pictured below, and you can even personalize the colors and name featured on it. It is perfect for the busy life of a sorority girl and has plenty of room to write everyday activities in.

Decor, decor, decor. Besides the monogram letters, you're going to want to personalize your dorm room. Whether it be picture frame collages, lights, a string with clothespins to hang pictures on, and more. There's so many different things you can add to your room to make it your own. My favorite thing that I put up in my dorm last year is my picture frame collage. When you're homesick and missing your friends, they'll always be there! It's a great place to show off your memories. 

Trash cans. These are easily overlooked and forgotten. Where else are you going to put your trash? I found the image below online and it comes complete with a DIY guide on how to decorate your own designer trashcan (to view the guide click here!). You can buy one super cheap and customize it to your liking!

I have learned along the way what is worth it to bring to college and what's not and I love hearing other people's college dorm packing lists! I hope this helped a bit in your adventure to college. Let us know what  your must-haves for your dorm are!

LILP & XOXi,

Kelsey

Health and Fitness

Our girl Elle said it best

A Food Journal:

It may seem like a far fetched idea, or something that will take up way to much time, but it's not! I just went to Target and picked up a really cute small journal. Inside on each page I have written the date, calories, carbs, protein, fat, and sugar at the top. Now here's the hardest part: write down everything you eat. Everything. This isn't to say you need to have X amount of calorie intake a day, it's just to keep you aware of what you're putting into your body. The first day I did this I nearly cried at the end of the day. I was eating and drinking so much I swear I could have fed an army.

Measure Your Food:

I know it doesn't sound like fun, but it really will help. Serving sizes tend to be a lot smaller than the actual amount we eat and that's a problem. If you measure your food, not only will it be easier to log, but it will also continue to keep you aware of what, and how much is really being consumed.

Don't Be Cardio-Exclusive:

I am so tired of seeing girls in the gym spending hours upon hours on cardio machines. Yes, cardio is great for you and you should do at least 30 minutes a few times a week, but cardio alone is not going to make you lose dress sizes quickly. Think about adding in two to three strength training sessions a week. It's a proven fact that you will lose inches faster through strength training than cardio alone. This is because strength training promotes muscle growth and muscle burns more calories than fat. So, grab some dumbbells and get to stepping!

Don't Over Exert Yourself:

The biggest concern when starting a new weight loss program is going too hard, too fast. I remember when I first started running cross country in high school, my first day I tried to keep up with my friends. Those friends had been running for years and did races on the regular, none the less. My advice is to slow your roll at first. You only have to focus on yourself and what your body can handle. If that means starting from the bottom, so what?! You have to start somewhere and, lets be real, at least you're doing something. 

Also, don't forget to stretch. Not only is it important to keep your muscles flexible so they can recuperate faster, it will also give you a leg up in yoga and other trendy exercise routines.

Be Realistic:

If you're trying to lose weight you need to remember that you didn't gain that weight in a day, so you won't loose it in a day either. Give your body time to adjust to the changes you're making and keep in mind that you are perfect the way you are. Love yourself. If you do it will be easier to do this for yourself. The realistic weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week. Remember that. The same goes for if you're just trying to be healthier. Any result takes time, so be patient and keep pushing.

Now go eat a celery stick!

XOXO

-Ashely Wewers 

Staying Close With Your Big After Graduation

Going through recruitment as a potential new member, you meet a lot of girls. In my case, there was one girl who I effortlessly clicked with. She was the very first girl I met going through recruitment and is one of the biggest reasons that I accepted my bid. Being that I am a legacy, for as long as I can remember I had wanted to go Greek and get a Big. I spent a lot of time my freshman year of college going back and forth between wanting to transfer to a university with more Greek options and wanting to bite the bullet to go Greek. I went to a few recruitment events for my legacy sorority, but never seriously committed to anything. During the second semester of my sophomore year, I made the choice to go Greek and thus began my journey of a lifetime. 

As I mentioned, my Big, was the first girl I met at Kappa Tau Epsilon’s recruitment event. I was low-key obsessed with this girl and, to this day, I could not explain it to you. During the course of the week I met a ton of girls, but my mind always drifted back to Kappa Tau Epsilon and the women I met at their events. After being extended a bid from KTE I immediately accepted it. On the day of our Big/Little reveal, my Big knew I was her Little but I had absolutely no idea yet and I remember her asking me, “So, who do you think your big is? I wish I could have taken a little this semester it would have been so much fun!” I had a hard time telling if she was kidding or if she was being serious. During our reveal, my heart was racing in anticipation because we clicked so well that I just could not fathom having another person as my Big. When I opened my eyes to see who my Big was, I was overwhelmed with joy and it was honestly one of the happiest moments of my life. My Big and I were inseparable from the beginning. 

My first semester as a sister and the start of my junior year was the start of her senior year. Lucky for me, it took her an extra semester to graduate. We did everything together. We even won “best big/little” duo! Life was a field of sunshine and daisies until the day came when I got a phone call from Rebecca telling me she was on track for graduation and would be graduating the following semester. Summer came and went faster than a tornado in the mid-west and the fall semester did the same. My big is a huge part of my life and it was extremely difficult for me to cope with her graduating. A lot happened to me emotionally during her last semester making it even harder to deal with her leaving me. 

I was dealing with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from proud to sad to excited for her future and it was hard to find a common ground to stand on. Our relationship evolved from being together all the time no questions asked to having to make time to see each other. It was a change that neither of us prepared for. To say that our relationship is not different now would be a lie but the key is finding ways to make sure the relationship never fades away. I can’t tell you we haven’t hit a rough patch or two and I can’t say it was easy, but nothing that’s worth it is ever easy. It’s especially difficult because we both lead very busy lives, but I’m lucky enough that my Big relocated about an hour away from where I live and not half way across the country. 

The most important thing to remember is that life will go on and your relationship with your Big will change, but change isn't always a bad thing. Instead of being down the hall, in the same house, or in the same city you'll be a phone call, a car ride, or a flight away. She will always be your number one fan and your biggest supporter and you'll always be her Little. You'll probably even end up color coordinating on accident, just like old times. 

Here are my tips for staying connected with your big after graduation.

1. Make date plans:  Go out just you and your Big - have a drink, grab lunch, go shopping; things all girls love to do. Yes, this is a lot different than just barging into her room and eating macaroni and cheese in bed with her while watching Netflix, but so is the dynamic of your relationship.

2. Plan a vacation together: Go see your Grandbig, go to a lake house, or get a hotel in a hot spot city and just explore some place new together.

3. FaceTime or Skype: Take 20 minutes out of your day once or twice a week to catch up, sometimes it really helps just seeing the other person.

4. Invite her to sorority events: As an alumni of your organization she still cares about what’s going on and would love to be invited to events that alumni are able to go to.

5. Send her small gifts: Little things make a big difference – sometimes you both just    need a reminder that you’re inseparable even though there’s distance between you.

“Together forever never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.”  

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

Fostering Animals

One of my mom's fosters; Atticus

Animals are one of the world's greatest treasures. They're cuddly, fun, loving and have a way of brightening your day in an instant. Most of us college students have a dog, cat, or other pet we left at home when we moved and we miss them dearly. If you're anything like me, you frequent stores like PetSmart on adoption weekends, stop on the sidewalk to pet every dog you pass, or feed the stray cats in your neighborhood all while wishing you could adopt each of them. Despite the best intentions, as a college student, owning a pet can be difficult. Many of us don't have the money, a living arrangement that allows animals, or the funds to take care of pet.

Fostering an animal can be a great alternative to ownership and summer is the perfect time to test it out! Most people have extra time during the summer months so they can be more committed. Fostering works differently for different shelters or cities, but the bottom line is usually the same: you sign up with the organization (which usually includes paper work and/or a background check) and when an animal comes available for foster that meets your criteria, you'll be contacted and asked if you're up for it. Length of time varies based on each animal, but you can take them back anytime if something comes up, it's too much work, or things just don't work out. Even one day helps because each day an animal is with you is a day they're not in a cage without companionship. Most shelters give you everything you need to care for the animal and you don't have to pay for anything.

My foster kittens; Beyonce and Jay-Z

My mom's foster fail; Gus

This summer, my mother and I coincidentally fostered for the first time and both became hooked. We have always been animal lovers and had some extra time. I realized that fostering involves a lot more than just playing with and cuddling kittens. I had to share my bathroom, clean up after them daily and get up at 7 a.m. when they decided to meow for attention at the top of their lungs. Every minute of sleep lost was worth it! It was fun and rewarding for me and it made a great difference in the lives of the cats. Even the best shelters only have so much room and they can save many more lives with the help of those who foster. It also helps the animals to be better socialized so their chances of finding a forever home are better. You may even end up like my mother and have what they call a 'foster fail' where you end up falling in love with your foster pet and adopting them yourself.  If you're looking for some company or a new adventure this summer, give fostering a try! If you have any experience fostering or adopting, leave a comment and tell me about it! If you have any questions please email me at melissa.litprobs@gmail.com.

xoxo Melissa

My Big Little Story - KateLynn

I went into my freshman year of college absolutely dying to join a sorority. I didn't know which one, but I was going to get in one way or another. I go to a small school with less than 8,000 people that has a small greek community. I already knew one of the Greeks, Sammie Jo, and she was an Omega Chi (greek counselor). I loved her to death and felt a special connection to her that I didn't with the others. Prior to our freshman orientation, Sammie Jo talked to one of her sorority sisters (my Big, Lauren) about me a lot. I met my Big to-be at an orientation function, and as it turns out, she was one of the leaders in my group!

First pic as temp Big/Temp Little

When we met we hit it off immediately. We both loved music and band, the color purple, and just talking in general. On the last day of orientation I found out that she was a founding member of the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter on campus. I didn't let that sway me on choosing the sorority I wanted, but it made me all the more excited to go though recruitment!

Snow-pacalypse 2013 

On bid day, I found out that Sammie Jo was an AOΠ and that I had gotten a Bid from them! I was so excited I cried my eyes out. Then, something even more exciting happened: Lauren became my Rose Bud! Rose Bud is a term we use for a temporary Big or special sister. She had me convinced that she didn't get me as a Little and made me cry for an hour previous to the reveal. Of course she was tricking me and we became Big and Little! I can't explain all the emotions I was going through that night. The rest, as they say, is history.

First post-initiation picture

When we won best Big/Little pair at formal

All in all, my Big is my best friend. We've been attached at the hip since we met. She's been with me through my extreme downs and my extreme ups, boy troubles, school trouble and just plain trouble. I wouldn't trade her for the world. I love you Biggie, with all my panda heart. 

Stay Beautiful, xoxo 

-KateLynn 

Crafty Corner

What do sorority girls love more than just about anything else? That's right...crafting! As an art minor, I spend countless hours finding new things to craft and I've compiled a few projects I have been working on lately.

Gripper Socks:

            What you'll need:

                     -Socks (whatever kind your precious heart desires)

                     -Puffy Paint

Step 1:

Lay out the sock bottom up. Think about the designs you want to do. I was thinking school and sorority spirit!



Step 2:

Get creative! The main thing to remember is just to have fun; that's what crafting is all about.

Step 3: 

Let them dry and then put them through a wash and dry, then they are ready to wear!



 Make-Up Brush Holder:

                 What You'll Need:

                          - Aquarium rocks/beads/sand

                                   - Spray Paint (I used gold and gold glitter)

                                   - Glass bowl or container 

       

Step 1:

 Empty the aquarium rocks into a box. I slipped a shopping bag over my box so that when I spray painted the rocks they wouldn't stick to the box.

 

Step 2:

Spray paint rocks and let them dry. Then shake and repeat until rocks are covered with desired color.

Step 3:

Once they dry, they may stick together. If this happens, just put your hand between the bag and the box and crumple until they are loose again.

Step 4:

Pour the rocks into a glass container of your choice. I got one at Walmart that is deep and has a square top. It goes with the theme of my other bathroom things.

When you're done, stick your make-up brushes in and place on the counter! This is a super cute way to keep your brushes separate so you don't have to constantly dig for them, and it doubles as a cute decoration.



These are simple but fun crafts to do this summer and the best part is, the materials used are usually bought in multiples giving you more reason to craft for your Bigs or Littles!

Hope you enjoy!

XOXO

-Ashely W.











Sorority Recruitment Do's and Dont's

Last year in August, I went through sorority recruitment as a potential new member. This year, I will be on the inside as a sister of one of the chapters. Some girls (myself included) go through rush with no idea what to wear, what to say, or what is going on. Sure, the Panhellenic council makes a website, but that only helps so much. I've compiled a little list of do's and don'ts that may help!

DO: Get recommendation letters, if possible. Ask any Greek alumni you or your family and friends may know who belong to chapters at the school you are rushing at to send a letter. These letters can be especially helpful with schools that have massive Greek life (think SEC/ACC), but never really hurt your chances. If push comes to shove and you don't know anyone Greek, post on this page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/270665629731083/
There are helpful people who would be willing to write you a letter if you send them a resume and provide some background information!

DON'T: Come into rush with the mindset of "I'm only rushing chapter XYZ" or "I'm NOT rushing chapter XYZ" because that mindset will get you let down quickly. Many girls who go through the recruitment process thinking those things are crushed when XYZ doesn't invite them back for the next round. Some even drop recruitment altogether. Don't let that be you because, as the rounds go on, you learn more about each chapter and there may be something that causes you to fall in love with a chapter you didn't like all that much in the beginning. Be completely open to all of the chapters; each one has something special to offer you!

DO: Talk to your group leader (Rho Gamma, Pi Chi, etc.) about your thoughts throughout the whole recruitment process. Many group leaders hand out little notebooks where you can write your thoughts in after you visit each house. These are especially handy when you are going back and forth between house and things get confusing. They're especially fun to read through after the process is finished! Write out a Pro's and Con's between each sorority and be realistic. 

DON'T: Be afraid to ask questions. You want to know if they have a payment plan? Ask! Asking questions makes you look like you are genuinely interested in the sorority. The sisters will definitely remember that during the final days when they are torn in their own selection process. I remember when I went through recruitment, I would ask a question during a dead conversation. It helped to avoid awkward pauses.

DO: Dress for the weather and bring makeup and a comb for touchups throughout the day. Comfort is very important because if you are comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, that's going to show! During recruitment, my outfits got progressively dressier. Throughout the week I wore a romper, cute shorts and tank, two sundresses, and a cocktail dress for preference night. I went through rush at the University of Central Florida in the middle of summer!

Throughout the whole process, there will be times when you will question if the whole thing is for you. If you are having any doubts, speak to your group leaders (that's what they're there for). I think everyone can make the most out of going Greek and recruitment was honestly one of the best experiences of my collegiate career so far. When you're running home after opening your bid card... that's when you'll know. GO GREEK! RUSH! LILP <3

Kelsey

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

Summer Beauty

Summer is all about being carefree and having fun, about trying new things and seeing where life takes you, about experimenting with colors, styles, and products...most importantly, summer is about owning you! This summer, trends are very noticeable, easy to try and easy to make your own. Here's to hoping you find something new in this blog post that's worth a try!

*To the left I am sporting the Pop of Color and to the right mom is sporting the Peek-A-Boo. Also modeled is a version of the beachy waves featured in this article.


Make Up:

Seeing as I work at a makeup store, I am constantly seeing "this season's hottest trends" and learning new color combinations that are always a sure hit. This season's color to try for eyes is blue. My favorite thus far in my search for the perfect blue is Glacier by Merle Norman.

There are always so many different ways to apply eye shadow, especially with such a vibrant color. Here are a few tutorials for you to try:

The All Over Color
          The colors used here are Glacier and Cloud 9 by Merle Norman, but any brand in similar shades can be used. Apply Cloud 9 to the under part of the eye almost as an eyeliner, along the brow bone to highlight, and fading from the inner part of your eye to the middle. Next, apply Glacier by blending through the crease and outer corner of the eye into the middle, opposite of what was done with the Cloud 9. To finish, apply black eyeliner to only the upper lid (another popular trend right now) and two coats of black mascara.

Peek-A-Boo Color
                The colors used are Glacier, Ebony and Ivory, and Oyster. Start by highlighting the brow bone with Oyster. Next, pack on the color by covering 3/4th's of your lid below the crease with Glacier. Blend Ebony and Ivory in your crease, be sure to blend well between the three colors until you reach the desired effect. Complete this look with black eyeliner and two coats of black mascara.

Pop of Color
           This is my personal favorite, and what I wear most of the time. The colors used are Oyster, Glacier, and Ebony and Ivory. Start by highlighting the brow bone with Oyster, then blend Oyster from the inner corner of your eye to the middle. Next, blend Ebony and Ivory into your crease and from the outer corner in toward the middle. Finally, for a pop of color, blend Glacier right above the crease toward the brow bone. I complete this look with Teal Soft Touch eyeliner by Merle Norman, but you can use any color you like. Follow through with two coats of your favorite mascara!

*If blue eye shadow is to far out of your comfort zone, you can always opt for a blue eyeliner or mascara for a more mild and subdued pop of color.

Eye make up is just the tip of the ice burg this season. To continue any of these looks, follow through with bright and colorful lip color. Some of my favorites include A Flare To Remember, Romance, and Bistro Berry by Merle Norman, and Diva by MAC.

Hair:

For summer, I tend to keep my hair light and flowy with beachy waves. The best part about light and loose beachy waves is that they can easily be dressed up with a headband or a little tease at the crown of your head. The best way I have found to obtain these high demand beachy waves are as follows:

1. Wash hair the day or night before you want to style it. If this is not possible, be sure to "dirty" your hair and give it texture with a mouse or dry shampoo.
2. Section hair into three layers.
3. Lightly hairspray each layer.
4. WRAP HAIR AROUND CURLING IRON BARREL. This step is crucial! By wrapping your hair around the curling iron you are getting more of a wave vs. a ringlet.
5. Only hold your hair around the curling iron for 10 seconds as anything longer is just burning your hair.
6. Brush out with finger tips and hairspray all over.
7. Complete the look by adding a head band or any other accessories if your heart desires.

For a different effect (such as what I sported in the picture at the top), make the bottom two layers bigger, and don't curl the top. The key is to just have fun with it and see what works best for you!

Good Luck My Lovelies!
Ashley

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

Apply to be a Little Problems Campus Representative!

Little Problems is seeking new campus representatives at this very moment. If you would like to join the ranks of these sorority women all across the country that are coming together to do amazing things come on and join us.

Campus Representatives come from all of the US. We are at different stages of our sorority careers, and we love Little Problems! Little Problems is a non-profit organization that seeks to spread the word about the bond that bigs/littles have as well as to help our chosen philanthropy the Wounded Warrior Project. WWP holds a special place in our heart.

If you want to join the ranks of this amazing organization check out the application here.

Need a little more convincing? Little Problems Blog has spotlighted many of our amazing campus reps over time, and we have many more spotlights to come. Check out those spotlights here.

We hope that many of you all decide to apply to be a Little Problems Campus Rep! We would love to expand on to your campus!

Little Problems Giveaway

Hey ladies, exciting news! Today marks the start of our LP giveaway, which comes at a perfect time for big little reveal or if you want to get a head start on some Christmas presents for your big or little! Whats even better is that we are not only giving away 1 package full of Little Problems gear but 2, which means 2 of you lucky ladies will be winners!  All you have to do is enter the giveaway below and then browse through and enjoy the LP blog!

XOXO- The LP Ladies

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Big/Little for CHEAP

When you were getting your presents from your big, did you walk by all of the big baskets of canvases,  candies, wine glasses, and so one and think "Holy Cow! How am I going to be able to afford this stuff for me little???" I did! I had no idea how I was going to be able to give my little so much stuff just like my big did for me!

Well, ladies, I figured it out. As with everything you do, start early!!! Be on the lookout for things you may need like paints, brushes, glitter, and little things. Over the summer, Michael's had a sale going that was 3 acrylic paints for $1. Usually those are about $1 a piece. Needless to say, I bought a ton!

Get on Hobby Lobby and Michael's email lists. They send out great coupons every week! Start stocking up if you haven't already. I can promise you, you will need so much more than you think you do. Hobby Lobby has a web address just for their weekly coupons. Michael's has one too!! Download their apps as well. You can show the coupon straight from there without the worry of printing a coupon out. 

Don't be afraid to check out the $1 aisle at Target, Walmart, or anywhere else. They have all sorts of stuff to give your little that they will love! I found owl Post Its, which were perfect seeing as it is one of Kappa's symbols. I loved when my big gave me glow sticks and bubbles. If you're lucky like I was, Big/Little week was around Halloween. Can we say Halloween candy???? Baked good go a long way too, and that is not expensive at all!

The first day of gifts for my amazing little. Shout Out to Lindsey Hopewell for at least pretending to like everything I gave you. ;)

My Greek Life Experience: Christine Cassimus

Going Greek wasn't much of a decision for me. It was something I had wanted to do ever since I saw my brothers join Fraternities at the University of Georgia. I've never actually admitted this but I immediately ruled out schools that didn't have any kind of Greek life at all. At Queens, sorority recruitment is usually in September so the potential new members (PNMs) have quite awhile to wait. 

For me, it was pretty easy to go through recruitment because both my roommate and the two girls who lived next to us were also doing it. I had someone to rush around and get ready with. You know that old saying that you “shouldn't talk about what house you’re prefing”. Well we didn't keep to that. Every night after the parties we would talk and gossip about the different houses. All four of us had different opinions about the four sororities on campus. Preference night came and went and we were told that Bid Day would start at noon the next morning. We were also told that if someone didn't receive a bid, that girl would get a phone call early in the morning so she wouldn't have to show up. Of course this made my mind race about in fear; I thought I was going to be that one girl who didn't get a bid. My nervousness woke me up at 7AM the next morning and for the life of me I couldn't go back to sleep. So what did I do instead? What any good sorority girl would do instead: shower, shave, and make myself look perfect for bid day. I was the very last girl in my Pi Chi (rho chi for some schools) group to get my bid and when I did it was the happiest moment of my life. 

As fate would have it, I went KD, my roommate went Chi Omega, and our next door neighbors went ADPi and Phi Mu. We were still the best of friends but that didn't mean we were destined to be sisters. You can’t fight fate after all. If you are on the fence about going Greek, do it. I can promise that you won’t regret it.

Missed Your Big or Little All Summer?

Trust me, so did I.  That's why I've texted my big asking for a big/little date!  Now that we're heading back to school, that's the best way to catch up with your big or little.  I've come up with three big/little date ideas that I think you'll love!  Feel free to borrow these ideas, or contact us and let us know about your favorite big/little dates.

1. Lunch or dinner is always a great way to catch up.  My Kappa fam and I always go to a delicious Mexican restaurant by our campus.  Go to your favorite restaurant, or maybe try something new!  You could even buy groceries and cook with each other at home!  Find a fun Pinterest recipe and show off your inner chef.

2. Now that you're heading back to school, you could always go shopping for back-to-school outfits or supplies with your big or little.  Grab a "first day of class" outfit and a cute notebook!  Or maybe you could reinvent an old outfit.  There are plenty of possibilities!

3. Go get a mani and pedi!  After a long summer, this is the best way to relax before an even longer semester.  Plus, recruitment is just around the corner and this will be a wonderful way to be sure that you're looking great.  If you would rather, you can always stay in and paint your nails.  Bring snacks and a movie, and enjoy!

Little Problems would love to hear from you! What are your favorite big/little dates?

An Interview with the Creator of Little Problems

Ask anyone who works on the Little Problems team and they will say it's amazing. One of the main reasons being a Campus Representative is great is because of the amazing woman that oversees our nonprofit organization. Little Problems started in May of 2012 as a Twitter account, and now we sell amazing products and have over 50 campus representatives. I did a small interview with the creator of Little Problems, check it out below:

Q: Why did you decide to create Little Problems?

A: I created the Twitter account after searching for one of my own. It was during the summer and I was away from my Big. We always tweeted each other funny things and I wanted to find an account about Big and Littles that I could tweet at her. I looked for a few days and I couldn't find one, so I decided to make one myself.

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Q: When choosing a charity to support why did you chose the Wounded Warrior Project?

A: When I decided to begin the business side of LP, I had decided to do so because my boyfriend was getting ready to deploy overseas and I simply wanted something to keep me busy. Since I was given the opportunity to benefit myself with finding something to bide my time with, I wanted to pay it forward and hopefully give someone else a positive opportunity, which is why I decided to be a non-profit organization. I thought long and hard about what to support, because clearly there are A LOT of amazing philanthropies and charities out there. But I kept going back to the Wounded Warrior Project because it related directly to my boyfriend’s job. I figured that as a thank you to all of the men and women who've been injured doing the same thing he was getting ready to do, I could donate to WWP.

Little Problems is proud to support the Wounded Warrior Project

While he was deployed, unfortunately one of the men on his team was hurt and the Wounded Warrior Project was able to step in and give him a prosthetic leg. After they got back, I got the chance to meet him. It was an amazing experience getting to meet someone that WWP has been able to help, which very well could've been money from one of the LP donations. It was extremely humbling.

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Q: What is the best part about overseeing Little Problems?

A: There are a lot of things that I love about what I do with LP. I’ve been blessed to meet some amazing women through the Campus Rep program, some of whom are my absolute best friends now. Like the kind of friends that will be in my wedding some day. It’s also been wonderful watching LP grow from just me sitting in my room emailing every sorority woman I knew to a team of over 50 people working together to better LP. Being able to make donations to WWP over time has been wonderful too. The ability to donate to them is an awesome feeling to know that we’re truly helping someone who deserves it.

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Q: Where do you see Little Problems in a year?

A: To be honest, a year ago, this is not where I saw LP at all. I never imagined for it to grow as much and as quickly as it has. There are now so many more products than I started with and so many more people involved. In a year, I’d love to see our line expanded even more to include other products as well as having a larger team to help push us forward.  

One of the products added this summer!

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Q: What advice do you have for a girl wanting to start her own small non-profit organization?

A: Be ready for anything, stay with it, and most importantly, believe in what you do. There were so many times that I felt LP was going nowhere and wanted to quit. I actually almost stopped all together not too long ago because I wasn’t sure if it could get any bigger. Thankfully, the girls on my team and my boyfriend changed my mind (not that it took much convincing though!). So even when things are lagging a bit, stay with it because it is worth it. And as far as being ready for anything, be ready for people to want to help you in any way they can because they support what you do. But also be ready for people to bash it. I still get tweets from people making fun of LP and, unfortunately, WWP. Why people would be negative towards things that are just trying to help others, I don’t know. Then again, I’m a firm believer in karma. But you just have to ignore all that and know that what you’re doing is absolutely, 110% worth it.

I hope you loved this interview as much as I did. We are seriously blessed with the best team supervisor, don't you think?