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 

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=

Summer Fashion Part 2

Each season new trends appear and, this summer, I've seen quite a few pieces on the trend train. Some clothing trends may only be around for a few weeks, but others last months or even years (I'm looking at you 1970s extreme flared bell bottom jeans). I spend most of my free time browsing Pinterest, looking at fashionistas' closets on Instagram (check out SarahBell93x), and online shopping for clothes I truly need but because “I’ll wear it one day with that one thing”. My personal style ranges from sophisticated/casual prep to leggings and a t-shirt, but I’m always on the lookout for new pieces that will push me out of my comfort zone and ultimately to add them to my overwhelming closet.

Here’s my list of must-haves (or at least must tries) for Summer 2014:

Parachute/Linen Pants

Best paired with a relaxed crop top for a comfy, yet put together look or a tight fitting tank/tee

Skater Skirts 

Best paired with a crop top or a light weight tank top

Crop Tops

 Best paired with maxi skirts, high-waist bottoms, or a lightweight cardigan/kimono

High Neck Tanks

Best paired with skinny jeans or cuffed shorts 

*try it tucked in for a less casual look*

Strappy Dresses

Best paired with your favorite statement necklace, wedges/sandals – it’s completely yours to dress up or down making it versatile and a great piece for summer

Bold Printed Pieces

Best paired with a simple statement accessory such as a large clutch or subtle jewelry

Two Piece Sets

Best paired with booties/wedges, arm cuff, or statement accessory

T-strap Metallic Sandals

Can be paired with literally anything! These sandals are basic, yet add just the right amount of flare to any outfit

Statement Earrings

Can be paired with anything to create a unique outfit - HOT TREND this  summer!

Arm Cuffs

Be best paired with strappy tanks or dresses that show off your arms

Colors to lookout for: 

If you’re ballin’ on a budget like most college students, be sure to check out places like Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, or Target for dupes of high-end merchandise and, of course, always be on the lookout for sales! Flash Sale Sites such as RueLaLa and HauteLook always have designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. 

XOX & LP,

Kaitlyn 

Summertime Sadness: Coping with Missing Your Sorority Sisters

Let’s face it, summer is definitely the best time of the year! However, like everything else, it has a few downsides like awkward tan lines, the bratty children you’re babysitting, and the humidity that makes your hair frizz. The worst part of summer is being separated from all of you sisters.  It’s so hard to go from seeing sisters every day in the fall, spring, and winter to not seeing everyone all summer long.  Here are some tips to staying in touch with all of your favorite girls during the summer season!

1.       Plan a road trip. There’s nothing like a little bit of summer adventure! If you have a free couple of days, search around to see if there are any fairs or attractions nearby sisters and take a trip to visit them and attend. You can also look to see if there are any beaches, lakes, or rivers around to hang out at if the weather is nice. Maybe even hit the mall or find an outdoor mall to check out.

Campus Rep, Kelsey, and her chapter's beach day!

Campus Rep, Kelsey, and some of her sisters at Disney!

Campus Rep, Ashley, and some sisters at the beach!

2.       Send a care-package. I bought some little souvenirs for my Little and made a bunch of different cards to send to her since she’s at an internship three states away. You can even hit up the dollar store and find some cute little things or use your crafty side to make some cute little gifts that you can send. The point is just to show that you’re still thinking of them. However, make sure you don’t leave your gifts sitting in your room like I did! (sorry Little, you’ll get your care package soon, I promise!) This is also a really great tip to surprise a sister who is abroad for the summer!

Box of Sunshine Idea: get a box and fill it with all yellow objects.

3.       Send a tweet or post on their Facebook wall. I love when I get a notification that one of my sisters tweeted at me or posted on my wall. It's even better when it's a funny picture or something that reminds me of an inside joke we have between us.

4.       Start up a book club. Last summer, one of our alumni contacted our chapter to see if we would be interested in setting up a book swap. Since it's summer, you might have more time to lay out and read a good book. Once you’ve finished it, why not send it on to a sister who you might think will like it too? 

5.       Plan a crafting night. Find a sister who lives somewhere that's a centralized location and host a sleepover and crafting night. Big/Little season is right around the corner and crafting with your sisters is always a win. Add some pizza and a few movies like Bridesmaids or Mean Girls, and you’re golden! Bonus: find a sister or two to road-trip there with.

6.       Sports! Find out if there is a major or minor league team near you. Many ticket offices have a group discount and a night at the ballpark is never a bad time. Being from Michigan, I know that Comerica Park (Home of the Detroit Tigers) has a lot of fun promotional nights, and they have fireworks after every night game on the weekend! Though the NFL season hasn't started yet, many cities have arena football leagues. The games are just as fun, but without the big ticket prices!

It’s also really important to remember that sisters are always only one text, one facetime, or one call away and it’s only a little over a month until it’s time to head back to school where you’ll be surrounded by your sisters again! So make the most of your summer and don't be afraid to take some personal you time to relax! Leave a comment below and let us know what you've done with sisters over the summer.

Xoxo

-Lucie

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.”