Sorority File: White Attire Part 3

The last post in this series covers the last bits you will need for your white attire (initiation wear). You can find the dress post here and the shoe post here if you missed those.

Make-up and jewelry may be worn, but must be minimal. This is not the time to experiment with your make-up or costume jewelry. Simple, natural, day-time make-up is acceptable. No dark red lips or eye shadows. For jewelry think simple. A pearl necklace and small diamond stud earrings are both classic options.

Necklace

This necklace is simple and classy, but won't break the bank.

Freshwater Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia via Target $69.99

Earrings

Whether you choose to wear real or faux diamonds remember.....keep it simple and tasteful.

Perfect

Clutch

For the actual ceremony you will not be hauling around your clutch. However, you will need a place to stash a few items: your key(s), ID, sorority pin, lip gloss, gum or mints, and cell phone. Again think white, but since you will not be "wearing" it at the ceremony it could have metallic or colored trim.

My dream clutch $1,500

Don't Forget

*Nude pantyhose

*Proper under garments (beige colored panties and bra - white shows in pictures!!)

*Camera (most people just use their cell phone cameras) #selfie #sororitygirl

xoxo Gwen

Happy, Healthy Freshman Year

We've all heard of the "Freshman 15". Sometimes it turns out to be the "Freshman 20". No one wants to gain extra pounds as they enter the next chapter of their life, but without knowing the causes or some tips to avoid it, it can happen.

First the Causes....
This is not an all inclusive list. Also I shouldn't have to mention it but, I am not a doctor. 

1. Over-eating- Indulging more often in high calorie foods such as pizza, fried food, and ice cream.

2. Malnutrition- Skipping meals is not a good thing!

3. Alcohol Consumption- Check the labels if you don't believe me. Alcohol has WAY more calories than I ever imagined.

4. Stress- This should be an obvious one. Starting your new life in a new place, professors, tests, finals, projects, papers, etc.

Now, the Tips!

1. Drink water- Invest in an acrylic tumbler and a reusable water bottle. The tumbler you can use when you're in your dorm room and the water bottle you can take with you to classes. If you're not a fan of water or just want to change it up try adding some Crystal Light On-The-Go Drink Mix, Mio Water Enhancer, or Vitamin Water Zero Drops. Lemons, cucumbers and other fruits can be cut up and tossed in water as well.

2. Starbucks has calories too! It's almost a staple to drink coffee in college. The groggy mornings, early morning classes, late night study sessions, and those cool Fall nights. Just remember that those calories add up. Choose low calorie versions with no whip cream. Use Starbucks as a treat after acing your Biology midterm!

3. Don't depend on the dining hall for all your meals. Plan ahead and get quick and healthy options you can prepare yourself in your dorm room. Bagels, oatmeal, and eggs for example are quick and healthy breakfast options. Don't forget you can change up your toppings too.

4. Exercise. It seems simple enough but many students complain they do not have time. Most campuses have a gym, use it. Use the gym as your study break! Other easy ways to get in some exercise are: wear running shoes and jog to your classes, invest in a yoga mat-easy toning in your dorm room, or take a physical education class.

5. De-Stress. Take mental breaks from studying cramming for that test. Visit local attractions, join a club, GO GREEK!, and attend socials. It helps meeting people that are feeling the same way you are about being away from home, struggling through a class, etc. Maybe you'll meet your new workout partner.

The Dorm Room Diet

Make your supporters proud and your haters jealous!

xoxo Gwen

Sorority File: White Attire Part 2

Just as important as the white dress is for ritual attire, shoes are equally important. They have to be comfortable, because you will be on your feet for an extended period of time. If you're anything like me you'll also want them to be fashionable. Flats are an option, however personally not for me. I never wear heels, but I wanted my initiation to be extra special so I went all out with the dress and heels. Just remember you will be wearing pantyhose as well so you might want to take a pair with you when you're shopping. If not, the pantyhose "socks" shoe stores provide when trying on new shoes should give you an idea how it will fit and feel.

The Shoes

Badgley Mischka 'Kat' Pump Now $150

BCBG Paris Gaminkha Patent Pump $49.95

Michael Antonio Love Me Bright Patent Platform Pump $39.95

Bandolino Courteous Pump $49.95

BCBGeneration Cielo Pumps Sale $59.99

Easy Street Passion Pumps $55

Again it's important to remember they should be white (not cream, ivory or off-white, etc). If you're not used to walking in heels there's no shame in practicing walking around your dorm room, the halls, your house, or apartment before the big day.

After you have your dress and your shoes you're one step closer to being ready.  Stay tuned next week for Part 3 to this series.

xoxo Gwen

Sorority File: White Attire Part 1

I think I can speak for every young woman out there when it comes to finding and deciding what to buy and wear for sorority recruitment and beyond. It's high on the list of questions asked of those who have been through the process already. You can search YouTube, Google, and blogs for what to wear for sorority recruitment and you will find tons of ideas.

What to wear {Sorority Sugar}

Sorority Rush Style Guide {Lauren Conrad}

Your Complete Guide to Sorority Rush {Her Campus}

Sorority Recruitment Outfit Ideas! {Caitlin Bea}

Sorority Recruitment Outfits! College 101 ep. 2 {MissTiffanyMa}

You get the idea there are tons and tons of outfit ideas.

To me that's the easy part because everyone will be wearing something they feel comfortable in and fits their personal style (or they should be)! The hard part is the ceremony attire. White attire can be either a dress, skirt, pants, and/or blouse that is all white and of proper length and coverage. I struggled finding my dress. You can read all about it here. Fall recruitment and Spring recruitment may vary on what you decide to wear (pants or a dress) but for the most part it's usually a dress.

You may not be thinking about it right now, but you absolutely should! Whether or not you decide to go Greek having a perfect white dress to add to your wardrobe is always a good thing! The key things to remember are: it has to be white, it should be in good taste (not casual), & no colored trim. Finding white (not cream, neutral, off white, ivory etc.) can be tricky that's why I suggest looking now.

The Dress

Lord & Taylor BCBGENERATION Draped-Pocket Dress SALE $69.99

Guess Short-Sleeve Scalloped Lace Dress Now $62.24

Modcloth Pitching Perfectly Dress $74.99

Modcloth Gift to be Graceful Dress $54.99

Lilly Pulitzer Alden Lace Tunic Dress $178

LULUS Exclusive Net Worth White Dress $45

Hopefully this gives you some ideas of dresses that can work for ceremony attire. Good luck finding the perfect dress and stay tuned for Part 2 coming later this week.

xoxo Gwen

Acting 101

I've been spending a lot of time at the theater lately. Last year I started volunteering as a way to get Daniel interested in auditioning. He originally went to college for theater and somehow along the way became a computer programmer. Needless to say I thought he needed a creative outlet and I saw volunteer opportunities for me and possible stage opportunities for him. Together we helped build the set for Black Tie and The Royal Family, did the opening night receptions for Black Tie, Good People, and last night I did the opening reception for The Royal Family. I have also ushered at several shows. Auditions came and went for Good People, but by the time The Royal Family auditions rolled around myself and several board members at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach convinced him to go for it. He landed a small role and has been rehearsing for the last several weeks. Last night was the opening show and it will continue Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm and Sundays 2:30 pm until their last show on June 8th.

My curiosity has peaked and I have read several articles about auditioning tips, auditioning tips, and even more auditioning tips.  Article after article I read I think this is something I want to try. The first step is to continue volunteering at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. I will also fill out volunteer forms at the Little Theatre of Norfolk and the newest theater in this area, Double Dog Theatre. I also reached out to the director of LTVB's next show, Follies, offering my services back stage, etc. Lastly, I am considering taking Acting 101 in the Fall. It allows me the summer to think about it, and continue volunteering, etc. I was happy to see that Tidewater Community College offers a fast track theater certification degree. No, I will not be dropping ASL Interpreting, but I think I will take the intro acting class and see how I feel after that. I am sure the first class will give me a good idea if I really want to pursue it.

Meanwhile I will enjoy The Royal Family (May 16-June 8) and Follies (July 18-August 10).

Check out what the LTVB has planned for the 2014-2015 season!

xoxo Gwen

Scatter Brain

This week has been a doozey! Finals week really got to me this year. I know I set my expectations for myself excessively high, but there's no changing it and I work hard to roll with the punches and power through the tough days. Yesterday was a complete disaster, and it all started with Tuesday classes, finals, ASL enrichment program, shopping for Mother's Day, going to rehearsal with Daniel, and getting home after 11:30 at night. Then the following day I worked bright and early, lost my favorite sunglasses, melted the coffee scoop, attempted to use lotion as nail polish remover (it does not work - in case you're wondering), and generally stressed out waiting to hear back from my math professor about yet another question I had on the take home portion of the final. I crashed hard last night.  This morning I had the in-class portion of my math final to complete and I know I made a couple of stupid mistakes. Of course, as always, I didn't think about them until it was too late to change the answers or rework them, but such is life I suppose.  Grades should be posted soon and I will be anxiously awaiting grades for the 4 classes I took this semester. It's been a tough road.

I decided to continue with my studies this summer, but I am only taking 2 classes. I do not plan to be nailed down in a classroom, in the library, at my computer, etc. the majority of this summer. I want to be able to actually enjoy my summer for a change. I have just 11 days until the summer semester starts and I work 3 of those days, so not a lot of time to do anything too exciting, but I do plan to relax and recharge the best I can.  At the end of my summer classes I think I get a full 2 weeks off. At least I hope that's how it works. I'd like to go home and see my parents. We'll see what happens.

via Pinterest

xoxo Gwen

My Journey with Yoga

I started taking yoga classes over 2 years ago.  It really is quite amazing the journey you take with your body, mind, and soul.  At least that's what it has been for me.  No, I haven't lost a ton of weight (or any weight that I know of), but to me it wasn't completely about losing weight.
Yes, I am overweight and could stand to lose a few pounds (OK more than a few), but I feel like I finally have my mind, body, and spirit headed down the path to wellness.  This semester we started studying Ayurveda and there is a ton of information.  I am absolutely loving it!

Through a series of tests I have determined that I am a Kapha (dosha) and with that comes a certain lifestyle and diet that will help keep me in balance.  It of course is a work in progress, and honestly for the first time I am OK with that.  I have been staying inspired via Instagram and the wonderful yogi community there.

I have also collected some more quotes to add to my yoga journal and worked on my Yoga Pinterest Board.  You should definitely check it out if you're interested in yoga at all or Ayurveda.

And then of course I have been adding things to my diet and trying to new recipes catered to my dosha.

Masala Tea {homemade}

Kapha Dinner {sauteed eggplant with sunflower seeds}

Beauty Recipe to balance my kidneys {Ginger Scrub}

Take care of yourself.  Remember all good things do not happen overnight.  It's a journey and you're suppose to enjoy it.

xoxo Gwen

Update

My life has been moving forward at a break neck speed.  After all the down time of the snow days my scheduled revved up to full speed ahead the moment the snow began to melt. School has been filled with assignment after assignment, projects, homework, late nights researching various things, yoga, math, interpreting classes....the list goes on and on.  Add to that my secretary duties of Phi Theta Kappa, regular work, volunteer work, trips to the dentist, time with friends and my fiance.  You can see I have not had a moment to spare.

Today I am leaving for my first official Alpha Sigma Alpha event and I am so excited. Hopefully I will find time to blog about all of it when I return.  

The other {more exciting} news is my sister had her baby!  She was born Jael Makayla on Feb 5th, 2014 at 8:43am.  She weighed 5 lbs 15 oz.  She was 17 1/4 inches in length.  I have been bugging my sister to send me any pictures she gets of her because unfortunately I have to be Aunt Gwen from a distance.  I do hope one day I get to snuggle her and tell her I love her.  I know I will do almost anything to make that happen.  I bless my sister and her boyfriend and my nephew Danzig and his new little sister Jael.

xoxo Gwen