To my chosen few

What does being in a sorority really mean?  Some might think its pillow fights and parties.  Beer bongs and skipping class.  Frat guys and secret stuff.  If you ask me, being a part of greek life means sisterhood.  The Alpha Gamma Delta Purpose reads, "To cherish friendships with but a chosen few, and to study the perfecting of those friendships." Sisterhood is the basis of greek life.  It is the glue that holds us together.  It is what most seek when rushing a sorority.

We sometimes get caught up in life.  I get it.  Adulting is hard stuff.  But, when we loose sight of what makes us greek women, we become unbalanced.  Sisterhood is the one thing that binds us as sisters.  No badge, song, ceremony, or white dress can deem you a sister if you are not all of the things sisterhood entails. 

Sisterhood means going to lunch dates.  Picking her up at 2 am off the side of the road because her friend left her at the bar.  Surprising her with ice cream when she's had a bad day.  Reminding her to pay her dues.  Borrowing her clothes.  Always having someone to take countless pics with.  Late night group message convos.  Supporting her when she is fighting with her roommate.  Making her show up to events so she won't get fined.  Being able to tell her your deepest darkest secrets.  Always having a date to the date party. 

To be honest, sisterhood means more than I can type.  The only word that comes close to describing what sisterhood truly means is the purest and truest love. 

I realize now, as I write this that only Alpha Gams may fully understand what I am saying but I hope that everyone will learn something from this.   Being in a sorority isn't the stereotypical experience for everyone.  I have felt nothing but unconditional love and support from my sisters.  I am thankful everyday that I am lucky enough to be a part of this amazing sisterhood.  

My Recruitment Story

So it all began my fall semester of freshman year.  I was living with my sister in an off campus apartment and knew one girl.  I had one friend.  That is so not me.  I have always had an amazing core group of friends so this was a huge shock to me.  I lacked a lot of the typical socializing that dorms provide.

Needless to say, I HATED school.  After sleepless nights and countless calls to my mom, I wanted to transfer and never look back.  I picked my schools to apply too and had it all figured out.  I was set on leaving.

But I stayed.  I told myself that I had to stick it out one more semester and then I could transfer. So, I signed up for sorority recruitment in the fall.  I didn't really have any expectations or predispositions like many girls do.  I was walking in blind. (which turned out to be the best thing ever)

First day of recruitment rolls around and I walked in alone. (story of my life)  But to my surprise, I met some amazing girls who are just as nervous as me!  We lined up for our first party.  Me, still clueless as to what is going on.  I didn't gel with the girls in my first party but thought that was normal.  You know the drill, smile and wave.

Time to line up for our second party.  By this time, me and the girl in front of me are buddies.  We walked into the party and immediately loved it.  There was red, yellow, and green decor and adorable pictures on the walls.  I talked to some amazing girls, all in the same family.  We talked about netflix and gossip girl and chili and full house.  It just felt normal.  The entire rest of the day, I kept saying "Dang.  I really liked that rasta sorority!"

So, day two and three rolls around, yup, still loved that rasta sorority!

Flash forward to bid day.  I had two sororities left.  My favorite, and my least favorite.  (of course)  I was so nervous to open my bid.  I was blowing up my friends phone who I had met through recruitment freaking out.  I barely knew the girl yet she was talking me down from a nervous rampage.

I open my bid, and guess what colors I see.  Red, Yellow, and Green.  I was offered a bid from my favorite sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.

In the following weeks, I went through the initiation process and was given a big and joined my family.  Remember that girl whose phone I was blowing up?  Yup, she is now my cousin. I immediately fell into a huge group of girls who became my best friends.  Now I have events, socials, meetings, and parties to attend with my best friends.  I am so busy and I love it.

Going greek has opened so many doors for me that I am forever grateful for.  I have met so many amazing people and been a part of amazing things.  I am so thankful that I stayed at Towson and signed up for recruitment because I wouldn't change this for the world.

As recruitment steadily approaches this semester, I can not wait to be apart of other girls' recruitment stories.  So, if you haven't already, consider going greek.  You will find your forever home.  I promise, you won't regret it.

Best drugstore finds

Some of my favorite and most used products are from the drugstore.  Even though I love Sephora and want to buy the whole store, doesn't mean that I can or would.  If you know what to look for, you can score products that are better than high end products!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

This is my most used foundation because of it's full coverage and blendability.  I have this in three different shades to match my skin tone year round.  I use the foundation brush in my Top Slurge Makeup post.  I have uneven skin with red patches and one layer of this covers it all up!  

available at CVS

Essence Silky Touch Blush

If you want bang for your buck,  this is the blush for you!  It costs a whopping $ 2.99! It is the silkiest, most pigmented blush that I own.  I have multiple shades in my collection an use them daily.  The only downside is that they are VERY soft so they will break easily.  But, they are so cheap so it is so worth it!

available at Ulta

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

I change my mascara all the time.  I have a love hate relationship with this mascara.  I love it only when it is about a month old a little dried up.  When it is brand new, it is too watery and doesn't give my nice thick, long lashes.   But, when it is old, it is perfect and gives me full, dramatic lashes that I love!

Insider secret : L'Oreal is owned by the same people who own Lancome and Saint Laurent.  A lot of their formulations are very similar, so you get the same results with L'Oreal products but at a lower cost.

available at CVS

e.l.f. High Definition Powder 

I have just recently started using this product but I am obsessed.  I use this powder to set my undereye concealer.  It is a very thin white powder that appears colorless on the skin.  It sets your makeup and matifies the skin.  e.l.f. is starting to be carried in stores like Target and CVS which is awesome because e.l.f.'s cosmetics are very cheap and good quality!

Available at elf cosmetics

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes 

These are the best makeup remover wipes I have tried.  They are oil free and lightly scented so they work well with my sensitive skin.  They are moisturizing so I do not wash my face after using them.  After using one, I have absolutely no makeup left of my face, including waterproof mascara. Yeah, they are pricey at $ 8 for 30 wipes, but they are so worth it. 

available at CVS

Maybeline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer

I have used this concealer for about two years now without fail.  It is full coverage without looking cakey and gross.  The applicator tip is a squishy sponge-like circle that applies the product evenly.  I then use an elf concealer brush to blend it in.  

available at ulta

Top splurge makeup

Being pretty isn't cheap. 

I am on a broke college girl budget but I still splurge on a few beauty products.  It kills me sometimes spending 30 bucks on one item but for some things, you just need too.  I am a very big advocate for smart shopping at the drugstore for makeup but some things are worth the price tag. Here are a few of my favorite splurge items that I will continue to repurchase!

Lorac Pro Palette

This is my most used and favorite palette ever!  It has 8 matte shades (top row) and 8 shimmery shades (bottom row).  They are all very neutral shades that are easy to wear day to night. It is the most versatile palette that I found, and it is on the less expensive side.
Available at Ulta

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

This is a brush tip liquid eyeliner that is opaque black.  I use this on my top lash line for a very clean, precise line.  I have tried many different liquid and pencil liners from the drugstore and none come close to this one!  My last one lasted at least six months!  Definitely worth $ 19!  

Available at Sephora

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer

This bronzer is made with real cocoa powder. 'nuff said. 

I use this to contour my face because it is very blendable to create a natural, slim look.  Some bronzers can look orange or muddy on light skin but this shade is perfect to fair complexions.  

Available at Sephora

Sephora Collection Classic Multitasker Powder Brush

I have used this brush for three years straight.  I know it says it is for powder, but I use it for liquid foundation. You could use it for powder, bronzer, or blush.  It has super soft bristles in a dome shape that distributes product evenly.  Buff foundation in with circular swirling motions to create a natural look.

Available at Sephora

Stila Eye Shadow

The shade "kitten" is by far my most used eyeshadow ever.  It is a light, nude, shimmery shade that looks good on every skin tone.  I use this shade almost everyday as a base.  It pairs well with matte or shimmery shades and can go day to night.  It blends well to create a flawless eye look. 

Available at Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen

Everyone wants eyebrows on fleek, right?  I use this brow pen to shape and fill in my brows in a natural way.  It comes in two universal shades; light and deep.  It is very blendable and looks like natural brow hair.

Available at Sephora

Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot 

I use this product everyday.  Even when I'm not wearing a full face of makeup, this product is my go-to.  I apply this with my ring finger, all over my eyelids.  It primes the eyes and corrects discoloration. I have very veiny eyelids that make me look tired.  It is an immediate pick me up!

Available at Mac

pumpkins

going greek

I was never told the benefits of joining greek life in college.  You see the movies about the stereotypical sorority girl.  She is a thin, blonde girl who has the best wardrobe and makeup.  She is the popular girl on campus but is failing a few classes.  Her only goal is to be popular and go to parties.  She gets black out drunk every weekend and has first pick of the frat boys.

 

Even though there may be a girl in a sorority somewhere that fits that criteria, there is SO much more to greek life than booze and boys.  So here is what greek life means to me:

always having someone to go to Chipotle with

being proud of wearing letters

having amazing photo-shoots

attending meeting every week to see my sisters

having 100 advocates

branching out and trying new things

having a tutor 

late night dance sessions 

sharing my love of country music

stealing each others clothes

being the mother duck 

crafting, crafting, and more crafting

always having something to do 

finding my people

growing into myself 

finding other crazy cat ladies

smizing

support in anything i do

a no judgement zone 

Greek life means so much more than the stereotypes so next time you go to say something bad about sorority girls, think twice

Why white girls love fall

All of sudden, everyone and their dog has become white girl obsessed with fall.  Yeah, I am one of those coffee craving, flannel wearing, pumpkin carving white girls who drool over October.  And all for good reason!  Fall is hands down the best season.  

Why you ask? 

Well for one, fall fashion is the cutest, warmest, comfiest, and most versatile of all the seasons.  Sweaters and vests and scarves and boots and flannels and cardigans.  Layering is my favorite fall trend because here in Maryland, weather is bipolar.  In the morning, it can be 40 degrees but by lunch  time it is 75 degrees.  I like to pair vests or cardigans with my outfits to add warmth and when it gets warmer, you can take it off without ruining your outfit.  

Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL if you are super white, comes back to Starbucks and Starbucks wanna-bes every fall and all the white girls HAVE to get one.  Sorry to disappoint, but I think it tastes like a Bath and Body Works Candle (which are also a fall essential).  No thanks.  I prefer the cinnamon dulce latte from Starbucks.  But anyways, PSL.  

Another reason why fall is bae...pumpkins.  Everyone loves a pumpkin patch with overpriced pumpkins and snotty nosed children running in and out of the corn fields.  Even if you go just for an adorable photo shoot and the apple cider, (cough cough.  me.) everyone is obligated to go to a pumpkin patch at least once every fall.  Its only American. 

Happy Fall Y'all 

7 Steps to be a bomb BFF

We have three types of friends in life: friends for a reason, friends for a season, and friends for a lifetime.
True, genuine friends are hard to come by these days so when you find one, hold onto her with all you have and never let go because who else is going to put up with your crap.  

How to be a bomb best friend:

1.  be there for her even if you're hundreds of miles away

It totally sucks being seperated from your bff for a long time.  But, let's be honest... your friendship will stay the same.  

2.  pick up starbucks for the both of you on the way to pick her up for a girls day

You already know what she wants plus you're a gold member so rack up those stars girl!

3.  buy her crap she doesn't need

You know her weaknesses.  Maybe it's cats or mugs or coffee (or all three).  When you are wandering aimlessly through Michaels on tuesday night because you want to avoid adulting for a second and you see a cat mug and the first thing that comes to your mind is her, get it.  Doesn't matter if she has 50 other mugs.  Get it. 

4.  keep her updated

Constantly text and call her.  She wants to know what your life is about and you bet your booty that you wanna know what she's up too!  Send her OOTD pics and let her help you pick out your outfit for a date in real time.

5.  go on dates

Go out to dinner or to the movies or to the grocery.  Who cares.  Just go somewhere with her and have an awesome time.  You know when you are best friends when you can make picking out cat litter the highlight of your weekend.  

6.  always keep it even

You are going to buy her Starbucks.  Then she will tip at the restaurant.  Then you will drive.  Then she will buy you that shirt at Goodwill.  Then you send her a package.  It's a cycle.  You never have to worry about paying her back because you know you will in ways that mean more.  

7.  be too honest with her

Tell her all your dirty little secrets and she will tell you hers.  And you know that neither of you will ever peep of it again, without even saying it.  Tell her when that shirt looks icky or she's got pesto stuck in her teeth.  It's never an insult coming from you.  She isn't going to get mad so chill. 

Hurricane Chic

So if you don't live under a rock, you know that the east coast was hit by Hurricane Joaquin last weekend.  Here in Maryland, we just got some rain and wind.  And we all know what happens when it rains... white girls whip out their rain boots.  If you are super basic like mwah, you whip out your Hunters, a flannel, a scarf, and call it a day.  So, thats exactly what me and Danielle (Imperfect Waitress) did!   

We trekked to Annapolis in the rain and hit as many consignment and thrift stores as we could.  Several cups of coffee and a bowl of pasta later, we scored some awesome finds.    I scored two striped shirts, a flask that I am going to DIY, a redneck wine glass.  Danielle managed to pick up some amazing winter finds including sweaters, tops, and a piece for her halloween costume!  

Being two bloggers in a beautiful city, we HAD to have a photo shoot so, we found a covered brick wall to snap some pics without getting soaked.  We don't let no hurricane rain on our parade! We have an amazing friendship full of thrifting, Mac Miller, cats, starbucks, venting, and booties.  Days like this remind me how fortunate I am to have amazing friends and family.  Stop every once in a while and realize how thankful you are.  Life can slip through your fingers at any minute. 

OOTD

scarf - old navy

flannel - thrifted club room

jeggings - american eagle

boots - hunters

watch - target

lippie - Bite's Gavi

Freshman Survival Guide

As a sophomore college student, I'd like to think that I am an expert on freshman awkwardness and struggles.  Fear not youngins,  I will bestow my great knowledge onto you so you can be half the snazzy freshman I was.

1.  live on campus with someone you can trust
I managed to accomplish half of this task but it was not enough.  I chose to live in an off campus apartment with my older sister, Taylor.  Don't get me wrong, I am SO thankful that I was able to live in such a nice place my freshman year but it definitely did damper my social life. It is very hard to meet people when you do not live on campus.  I felt very secluded and alone.

2.  get involved
I know everyone says this but it is so true.  No matter what your interests are, there is a club or organization on campus that you will love.  Go to campus events no matter how "lame" they might     sound.

3.  be yourself
Yes, another very cliche thing to say but really think about this one.  College is your time to figure out who you, what you want to do, and how you want to live your life.  It is the first time that you are on your own.  You are in charge of you.  You do what YOU want to do.  With that being said, don't try to be someone you're not.

4.  don't look like a freshman
You can tell you is a freshman and you isn't by watching body language and apparel.  The "freshman look" is a lanyard, backpack (overstuffed), free t shirt, and your id firmly attached to your body.  Freshman boys travel in packs and girls travel in twos.  Freshman are perpetually nervous and walking very fast.  Put your shoulders back, and put a swing in your step.  You will instantly feel more at home.  Guaranteed.

5.  follow up with plans
Don't let plans fall through.  Dinner dates, tailgates, movie nights, coffee runs, do it.  Don't cancel because you don't feel like wearing pants.  Put on your big girl pants and go get you some grub. You are going to regret not going.  I promise.  Any chance that you have to be social and have fun, jump on it and enjoy it.

To the Person who Loves Me Next

Alright folks, we are about to get sappy.  My best friend Danielle from Beautiful Disaster has inspired me to write this post. Love is some powerful stuff.

I'm not going to preface this much more because I think it speaks for itself.  So here we go. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the person who loves me next,

You are in for the ride of your life.  After all this, you are never going to forget me.  But before it gets too serious, there's a few things you should know.   

When I fall, I fall hard.  in love, on the floor, off a horse, out of bed.  HARD.  So be ready to catch me when I fall no matter what.  

You don't have to be a world class athlete or the prom king.  I'd rather you not quite frankly.  I don't want you to think that you are anything less than my kinda perfect.  I will love you no matter how much you like cheese dip or hate the sport volleyball.  You are my perfect.  So shut up.  

I say y'all a lot and sleep is on the top of my priorities list.  I will drop anything to help my friends so you're gonna have to learn to love them too.

So you might have noticed that I'm a bit quirky.  Embrace it.  Because it ain't goin away.  Let me do my thing.  Let me color code my closet and have full discussions with my cat.  Watch me buy christmas decorations in September and spend hours on pinterest looking at recipes I will never make.  

I am going to critic your driving because it's important to me.  If you text and drive or drink and drive, leave now.  

I don't need grand gestures like expensive gifts and five star dinners.  All I ask of you is to show me how much you love me.  Leave a note on my car or make me dinner.  Surprise me at work just to hug me and tell me I smell like hair dye.  Anything is everything to me. 

Oh and I hate beef, boiled eggs, and green beans.  

So, Buckle your seatbelt sir.  It's going to be a bumpy ride.  I hope you're ready.  

Love, 

Joanna 

How To: Sesame Snow Peas

Being a bust college student, it is hard to eat healthy, quick snacks.  Sesame snow peas are one of my favorite healthy snacks to make, and it is super cheap!  It takes a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to make.  

All you need is:

Soy Sauce

Sesame Oil

Sesame Seeds

Garlic salt or powder

Snow Peas

Coconut oil or Olive oil

* I do not use measurements.  I eyeball it and add to taste *

1.  In a saute pan on medium heat, add a splash of coconut oil, 2 spoonfuls of sesame oil, and the snowpeas.  

2.  Let cook for about 5 mins, occasionally stirring and flipping the mixture. 

3.  Add sesame seeds and garlic powder (as much as you want to taste)

4.  Continue cooking until the peas begin to look see through or until they are less crunchy and more fluid.

5.  Add soy sauce to taste and serve!