Wordless Wednesday {Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge}

xoxo Gwen

I'm Leaving Blogger

On December 11, 2013 I wrote my first official post. It featured yummy Candy Bar Pretzel Bites. Since that time I have written about a variety of things. Other recipes, yoga, theatre, my sorority stories, DIY ideas and everything in between have been featured within these pages. I can't exactly say why I started this blog other than I read other blogs, enjoy writing and figured why not.....
During my trip home to visit my parents at the beginning of the month my dad and I sat down and chatted about my blog and taking it to the next level. He suggested that we buy my very own URL and change things up a bit. At first I was very nervous, but after thinking about it and realizing I do want to take things further I decided to make the leap.
The content is the same, although I do have some ideas that I hope to be doing this Fall. The blog name is the same, all my old posts have been exported and I have been dressing it up a bit over the last few days. The only difference is the URL which I hope is easier to remember. Take a trip over to the new blog and subscribe.

Check me out at gbshortcake.com

Add me to your favorites, leave some comments, suggests, etc. I'd love to hear from you!

xoxo Gwen

6 Fall Shows I'm Excited For

1. Gotham

2. Utopia

3. Wayward Pines

4. The Whispers

5. Red Band Society

6. GracePoint

**Bonus**

The Walking Dead - Season 5

Thinking about my schedule for the months of September through December is already causing a bit of anxiety. One thing I am excited for are these new shows. Hopefully none of them turn out to be flops, like Sleepy Hollow. I've read the first impression of Wayward Pines but I'm still excited for it. It reminds me slightly of Twin Peaks (which I still need to rent/buy/watch completely). And it has Juliette Lewis (OMG!!).

What Fall shows are you looking forward to?

xoxo Gwen

Clothing Upcycle

With bleach pens, a bit of lace, or a dab of paint it's easy to turn something old and tired into something new. While it's great to donate used clothing, it's even better to refashion it so you get more use out of it. Or if you're like me and love thrift stores keep your eyes open for treasures that you can use for some of these fun DIY projects.

**All of these projects were found on Pinterest**

Tops

Idea from Etsy shop lillienoradrygoods

Bottoms

Cutoffs

Extras

Boot socks from old sweaters

DIY American Flag Converse

xoxo Gwen

Wordless Wednesday {Follies}

xoxo Gwen

Sorority File: 12 Must See GrΣΣk Flicks

Animal House

The House on Sorority Row

Revenge of the Nerds

Confessions of a Sorority Girl

Dying to Belong

Legally Blonde

Black Christmas

Greek

Sydney White

House Bunny

Sorority Row

Sorority Wars

For more great GrΣΣk flicks check out the Total Sorority Move list.

xoxo Gwen

Road Trip Essentials & Tips

My summer semester is over and that means I finally get to go home and visit with my parents for a few days. Depending on construction, traffic, and how many stops we make along the way the trip can take from 4-6 hours by car. It would be such a luxury to fly or go by Amtrak but for our short stay a road trip is the most economical way to go. Sadly there are not too many fun pit stops to make, so when we stop it's to walk the dog or potty.

Every year I pack pretty much the same "Road Trip Essentials" that easily get us to our destination. Depending on the length of your trip, or if kids are along for the trip, I would definitely suggest adding some things to this list. This list is for 2 adults and one small dog:

Two Apps that you can download before your trip: iExit (FREE) and Roadside America ($2.99)

Carry less cash during the road trip: Top off your tank right before you hit the road and pick up a gas card or two. For tolls bring a roll or two or quarters and a few small bills. It's also a good idea to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you are going out of town.  Once you arrive at your destination you can stop at an ATM.

Food/Drink:  Water, water enhancers, sandwiches or wraps (without the spreads or sauces), travel size condiments (to go packets are perfect for this!), fruit snacks, crackers, peanut butter, veggies (pre-cut), chips, and a soda or 2.  **For a shorter trip save space and use a tote in place of a cooler, then when it is empty you can use it for souvenirs**

For the Car:  Fix-A-Flat, spare tire, flashlight

For the Dog:  small bed, favorite toy or ball, water, Ziploc baggie of food, water, leash, a few treats

Additional Items:  a trash bag, gum, music or an audio book, camera, sun block & sunglasses, maps, a pillow and blanket

Remember
Start early or leave late
Fill up your gas tank
Pack snacks
Stretch when you make pit stops

Happy Travels.

xoxo Gwen

July Hits & Misses

I don't exactly know where the month of July went....it came and went so fast, I didn't have time to really try a bunch of new products. I did however finish out my summer semester at college and got to spend some time with a couple of my sorority sisters. It was a fun month, but much of it was a whirlwind with all the time I spent at the theatre. I logged a total of 47 hours volunteering on the Follies production at the Little Theatre of VA Beach. I helped extensively with the set and very happily accepted a position as a stage hand for tech week and the opening weekend and 2nd weekend. Now I have time off to be at home with my parents. Next weekend I will back at the theatre to finally see the show.

Hit

Chia Bars

At just 100 calories per bar they were the perfect snack or follow up to my salads. I purchased my Chia Bars at Marshalls, but they seem to have quite a selection on their website.

Miss

Honey Maid Grahamfuls {S'mores}

One would think with a flavor such as s'mores there's no way it couldn't be delicious....one would be wrong......They were a disappointment.

xoxo Gwen