My Monday Musts

Happy Monday, readers!

I am so ecstatic to say that I am officially home in good ‘ole Jersey for winter break! As much as I love QU, my sisters, and my friends – there is nothing better than spending the holiday season with family. We are now in single digits til Christmas – and I still have so much to do!

Another reason I am ecstatic is that final’s week is over! Living in the library, making note cards til my hand was ready to fall off, and constantly listening to “classic music for studying” Pandora is officially over. Now, it’s just the constant wait for teacher’s to put their grades up. But in the meantime, I will relax with some “Duck Dynasty,” online shopping, and of course, this week’s Monday Musts!

1. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

So let’s be real here, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show is like the women’s version of the Super Bowl. This year, I refrained myself from scarfing down a pint of Ben & Jerry’s as I watched with some of my closest friends and sisters. What the excitement is, to put it plainly into words, I really don’t know. This year’s show’s excitement went past the elaborate costumes. Highlights include Adam Levine’s reaction to fiance Behati Prinsloo on the runway and Taylor Swift being on stage with VS Angel BFF Lily Adridge. More importantly, I think all girls need to remember is to not let the Victoria Secret Fashion show ruin their expectations of themselves. If you don’t like going to the gym, don’t pledge to go everyday for the next week after watching the Fashion show, if you want to eat pizza – eat it. Everyone is built differently, girls, so enjoy the Fashion Show and don’t let it effect your self esteem.

And to follow up with my last sentence, here is tweet that made me LOL for days after the show:

2. WestJet Christmas Surprise

In the word’s of Home Alone – “it is Christmas, the season of perpetual hope!” (Yes, I did know that off the top of my head – words really can’t describe my Christmas obsession). I recently came across this WestJet ad on my Facebook newsfeed and I don’t think it could describe that Home Alone quote better. I don’t want to ruin what happens, but this is a selfless reminder during the Christmas season that it’s more than just about what YOU receive. I recommend everyone watch the video – it may even bring some tears of happiness to your eyes! It did for me!

3. The “Duck Dynasty” Christmas Episode

So at this point, everyone knows I loooove “Duck Dynasty.” My heaven on Earth occurred on Wednesday night when my love of “Duck Dynasty” and Christmas combined for a 1 hour Christmas episode! The episode delve more into the Robertson family’s traditions and life. If you check out my Twitter feed since A&E announced the episode, all I did was discuss my excitement for this episode. I even had it scheduled as a reminder in my phone and written in my planner. I made my closest guy friends watch it with me, since it had become a tradition to watch the show in their room. Two my other best friends joined us, too. Since the episode premiered, I have watched it at least three times….and I’m not even sorry about it.

And to celebrate the Christmas episode, my best friend, Connor, and I dressed up in our Duck Dynasty attire!

After this, there is only one more Monday Must until Christmas! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, “Sparkle and Shine” will continue to bring you a bunch of exciting posts this week.

Have a good week, readers!

11Dec2013

Christmas Dessert Ideas 2

by sparkleandshinesami

I recently shared with you, readers, the first round of holiday desserts, but here are some more fun Pinterest desserts to try and make!

Clause Cupcakes / Melting Snowman Cookies / Peppermint Crumble Bars

Let me know if you end up making them. I would love to hear about it! Just comment below.

Happy baking!

And remember to check out the site The Collegiate Standard for sorority and fraternity jewelry! PLUS use coupon code SAMI10 to receive 10% off! A post on their products will be coming soon!!

9Dec2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Well, not so happy Monday for me because it’s finals week. Here’s a current selfie of me….

Okay, so not really a selfie, but I mean if I could wear a pink tutu and roll around on the floor, I totally would. I have been spending all my time in the library reviewing, eating M&Ms to stay awake, getting hand cramps from writing so many note cards, and using all my self control to not watch “Duck Dynasty” on Hulu.

The only good thing about this is Christmas is just so close, and so is going home. I absolutely love school, but my anticipation to go home, spend time with my family, and hang out with Julia with no worries in the world besides work is at an all time high. We spend any of our study breaks talking about everything we want to do once we get back home. First stop on the list – SHOPPING.

But, even in the mix of studying and actually taking my finals, I couldn’t leave you readers without this week’s Monday Musts!

1. “Move” by Little Mix

One of my sisters had shared with all this Little Mix song, entitled “Move,” and I have been obsessed ever since I heard it. It’s perfect to do cardio to, blast with your girlfriends, and just listen to whenever. I am so excited to blast it in my car when I go home! The song is so addictive, I don’t think I can count the amount of times I find myself casually singing “feeling like it’s my birthday, like Christmas day came early.” Plus, one of my roommates and I are trying to learn the dance moves from the music video (which is apparently funny for whoever else is there, since they only seem to laugh…)

2. Luvabull Proposal Video

I’ve seen the link to a “Luvabull Proposal” all over my Facebook news feed. I finally took a study break to watch it – and I ended up in tears. The video is about Chicago Bulls Luvabull Ariana getting a surprise proposal from her boyfriend mid-performance during the December 5 Bulls game verses the Miami Heat. I don’t want to spill anymore details, but it was definitely worth the study break to watch!

3. Elle Woods Inspiration

If I can be anyone, Elle Woods would be at the top of my list. For some reason this week, it seems like that fun fact about myself has been coming up often. She’s sorority, she’s smart, and she’s confident. As I recently re-tweeted from Total Sorority Move, “Elle Woods is my spirit animal.” One of my favorite Elle quotes (and there are plenty) is “you must always have faith in yourself.” As I said before, I am in the midst of finals week. I am working my butt off everyday for not only finals but about everything I put any effort into – the gym, my blog, my extra curriculars. At times when I may not feel as confident in something I produced,I just always remember these Elle Woods quote to get me through. Hopefully you can use it as a little reminder, too!

And on that note, I am back to studying! This time next week I will be writing these from New Jersey. Enjoy your week, readers!

And remember to check out the site The Collegiate Standard for sorority and fraternity jewelry! PLUS use coupon code SAMI10 to receive 10% off! A post on their products will be coming soon!!

7Dec2013

DIY Bejeweled Photo Collage Letters

by sparkleandshinesami

For my big diamond, Katherine, and little diamond, Amber, I had searched for hours on Pinterest to find the perfect Christmas present for them. I wanted to craft them something personal to show all the memories we had shared together. I had finally found the perfect gift for them, bejeweled photo collage letters!

Christmas is right around the corner, but you still have time to make these! You can complete a letter in a matter of a day.

First, you need to prepare to do the craft. I went to my local Jo-Ann craft store and got a cardboard letter. I then printed out pictures, right from my computer, of my favorite black and white photos of me and the gift’s recipient.

I didn’t want the letter to just be plain cardboard, so I used white acrylic paint to paint it.

The paint was super quick to dry. Make sure to paint every side!

I’ll be honest with you, readers, I am a perfectionist. So instead of just gluing the photos down with mod podge, I laid out the photos on the letter. I pieced everything together like a little puzzle to see how it would all fit.

Once everything was how I wanted it to be, I took a picture to remember. I then took the photos off the letter and began to glue it down! To do so, you need a sponge brush and mod podge. Both can be purchased at a local craft store. I bought mine at Michael’s.

To glue the photos down, I would first use the sponge brush to put glue down on the letter. I would then stick the photo onto it, trying to avoid allowing air bubbles pop up. Once the photo is on, I put the mod podge over it. The mod podge was put on top of the photo for a glossy feel.

Continue on by gluing down each photo with mod podge and put the mod podge on top of the photo, as well.

Once you have every photo glued down, run one last layer of mod podge over the entire thing. Make sure it is all even.

If you can see the white glue on the photo, it’s okay. That’s what makes the photo appear to have a glossy finish once it dries.

Before doing anything else, you need to let the mod podge dry!

You can always leave the letter just like this, but I decided to bejewel the letter with adhesive jewel stickers.

Once you finish adding the jewels onto the letter, it’s all done!

Amber and Katherine loved them. I am so happy with how they came out!

If you decide to make these bejeweled photo collage letters, drop me a message in the comments below and me know!

And remember to check out the site The Collegiate Standard for sorority and fraternity jewelry! PLUS use coupon code SAMI10 to receive 10% off! A post on their products will be coming soon!!

4Dec2013

Christmas Dessert Ideas

by sparkleandshinesami

There is nothing I love more than baking during the holiday season! I let the Christmas music blast as I transform into a mini – Betty Crocker, baking up different desserts in my kitchen.

This holiday season, I have decided to run different dessert posts, that I started with this Thanksgiving dessert post!

Check out these desert ideas I found on Pinterest that I am super excited to try!

Santa Cookie’s / Non-Alcoholic Snowman Shots / Holiday Pretzel Bites / Rudolph Cupcakes

If you try making any of these, make sure you tell me about it below in the comments!

And remember to check out the site The Collegiate Standard for sorority and fraternity jewelry! PLUS use coupon code SAMI10 to receive 10% off! A post on their products will be coming soon!!

2Dec2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

For this week’s edition of My Monday Musts, I am going to do a throwback to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade is one of my favorite parts about the holiday and something I look forward to every year. In 2009, my mom and I even went to the parade. It was by far one of the most exciting events of my life. Ever since that Thanksgiving, I always dream of going back.

I decided to share with you, readers, my three favorite parts of this year’s parade. Here they are!

1. Duck Dynasty

Anyone who knows me, knows how in love I am with the A&E Show, “Duck Dynasty.” As I type this, I am even wearing a “Duck Dynasty” sweatshirt. I spent a majority of my Thanksgiving break watching reruns of the show. So when on Thanksgiving Day, it was announced that the Robertson clan was going to be in the parade, I was ecstatic! My love for the parade just skyrocketed when they came on the screen. I only wish they were on there for longer than 5 seconds. Maybe next year, Uncle Si can host because that would make me happy, happy, happy!

2. The “Elf of the Shelf” float

My six year old cousin, Mikey, has an elf on the shelf to look over him this year to report back to Santa that Mikey is being a good boy and belongs on the nice list. Mikey’s elf, named ZipZap, has become a family hit. Everyday we are curious as to where ZipZap was when Mikey woke up. As an only child, I hadn’t really had a connection for “Elf on the Shelf,” since it is a fairly new concept. After learning about it through Mikey, I was so excited to see the “Elf on the Shelf” balloon because I knew he was coming to Mikey’s house that night.

3. Santa

Santaaaaa….I know him! Sorry readers, I just couldn’t resist quoting “Elf” for a second. Ever since that movie came out, I swear I hear that quote in my head, in Buddy’s voice, whenever someone says the word “Santa.” Santa, the traditional end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, always makes the entire parade. To me, it is a true kickoff to the holiday season (even though my family’s Christmas tree has been up since the Saturday before Thanksgiving). The joy that Santa represents is something that still, and always will be, in my heart.

Now, I have some fun news to share, besides these Monday Musts.

First off, I wrote my first ever guest post on my favorite novel, “The Fault in Our Stars.” Check it out on my fellow Her Campus Blogger Network sister, Kayla’s blog, “Caught Between the Pages.”

Also, readers, make sure to check out the site The Collegiate Standard and use coupon code SAMI10 to receive 10% off! A post on their products will be coming soon, but I just wanted to get this information out to you now – more time to shop til you drop before Christmas!

Now, I have plenty of scheduled posts coming up! While I am in the craziness of finals season, I have plenty of posts written to share with you all to get you in the holiday spirit!

Until then, it’s back to the library, eating M&Ms like it’s my job, to prepare for final papers and exams.

Enjoy your Monday, readers!

27Nov2013

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with Some Sorority Spirit!

by sparkleandshinesami

This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions are my own.

This is my first Christmas season as an Alpha Delta Pi sister and I don’t think I could be more excited. My wish list for Santa includes plenty of ADPi gear because just as much as Christmas needs green and red, it needs some azure blue and white.

FMH Collectibles was able to bring my sorority spirit to my Christmas tree with a beautiful Alpha Delta Pi ornament!

The clear ornament features the Alpha Delta Pi symbols, along with my sorority’s name, on one side. On the other side, it features my name..:

…my school’s chapter – Theta Theta – in Greek letters…:

..and the year I joined – spring of 2013!:

You can buy your own sorority or fraternity ornament from FMH Collectibles for only $10 or $20! The price is very cheap for the excellent hand-crafted designs that will last for years and years. I know that years from now, I will have this ornament on my Christmas tree representing my Alpha Delta Pi sisterhood. Compared to other ornament sites and their designs, nothing could compare to the beauty of this ornament for the price. You can purchase an ornament just like this, for yourself, on the website using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or PayPal. You can also check out their Etsy site!

FMH Collectibles features not ornaments only Alpha Delta Pi, but Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Kappa Delta Phi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Phi Lambda, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Sigma Signa Sigma, Tau Beta Sigma, and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Don’t you worry, boys! FMH Collectibles features an ornament for Kappa Kappa Psi!

If you aren’t involved in Greek life, FMH Collectibles features ornaments with a lighthouse design, a peace and goodwill design, a sisterhood design, and a seashell design. Frances will also

I still can’t believe how incredible the Alpha Delta Pi ornament looks on my Christmas tree. Make sure you get your own ornament for your tree from FMH Collectibles!

25Nov2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Instead of typing this from my normal cubby at my college’s library, I am typing this from the comfort of my own bed in Jersey! Quinnipiac University gives us 10 days home for Thanksgiving break. As much as I miss my sisters and friends at school, it is so great to be home with my family, sleep in, and not wear flip flops in the shower. More importantly, it is now the Christmas season in my household! My mom and I have already put up our Christmas tree, some inside Christmas decorations, and set up our traditional village. There is nothing I love more than Christmas time.

Now for the Scrooges out there who believe that Christmastime does not start until after Thanksgiving, I am refraining from doing a Christmas themed My Monday Musts and do the usual My Monday Musts with no specific theme.

Without further ado, here are this week’s Monday Musts!

1. ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Countdown

Okay, okay, I know I said it wasn’t going to be Christmas themed, but I never said I wasn’t going to include something Christmas related. My television has been stuck on ABC Family’s Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas. They have been playing classic Christmas movies already, like one of my personal favorites “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause.” They also feature classic Disney movies, such as “Mulan,” for getting excited for the Christmas season. With only a few days left in November, the actual 25 Days of Christmas will be starting. I love spending Saturday mornings watch the Christmas cartoons I grew up watching, like “The Year Without a Santa Claus.”

2. Bride’s Special Dance Vimeo Video

This past week, I saw the most tear – jerking video and decided to share it with you all. The bride in the video is facing a tragedy many girls, such as myself, will have to face on their wedding day – not having their father with them because he passed away. The bride’s brother decided to do something very special for the bride – something she will never forget for her dance. I don’t want to ruin the video, so you can all watch it. Just keep your tissues close by, be prepared to have a smile on your face, and open up your heart to the beauty of this video.

3. “The Extra Mile”

I went with another heart warming video for my third Monday Must, except this one will leave you giggling, instead of in tears. After watching the video above, you will definitely now need a smile on your face. My obsession with Total Sorority Move columns has led to me finding this video entitled “The Extra Mile.” In the video, a young boy, named Cole, teaches college boys how to go the extra mile to landing a girls’ hearts – just by being nice. The cute little boy can put such a smile on your face and brighten your day! And as a college girl, I agree with Cole – if college boys don’t get their act together, they may end up like Bruno Mars regretting to buy flowers. Until I find that boy who will make George Clooney proud, I may just be waiting for a little boy in a tux to give me a red rose.

Now even though I am on break, I still have to write a ton of papers and start studying for finals. These videos were a great little study break. I hope they brighten your day, just like they brightened mine!

Enjoy your Monday, Thanksgiving & Black Friday, readers!

21Nov2013

Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

by sparkleandshinesami

Thanksgiving is a week away! In just a few days, our plates will be overflowing with a classic Thanksgiving meal – turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc – as you sit around your loved ones.

After you eat the delicious dinner, it’s time for dessert. Instead of the traditional apple pie and “Happy Thanksgiving” cake, check out one of these fun Thanksgiving desserts!

Turkey Cupcake / Turkey Cookie / Turkey Pudding Cups

If you decide to create them, make sure to share about it in the comment box below!

P.S. Be on the lookout for many more holiday dessert ideas as the holiday season is now in full swing!

18Nov2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers! I don’t think I have ever been more excited to say that it is Monday – because this is my last week of classes before going home for a week long Thanksgiving break. I am so excited to go home to see my family, my friends, sleep in my own bed, and shower without flip flops on in my own shower. However, in classic college life, this week is so stressful – exams, papers, projects, and nonstop craziness! It’s only Monday and I’m counting down the hours til I can go home.

Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love college. This weekend alone really proved it – I was able to spend time with some of my favorite people because it was initiation weekend for my sorority. We held our day initiation starting on Thursday. Finally, on Saturday my little diamond went through the official initiation ceremony to become an initiated Delta of Alpha Delta Pi. I am so proud of Amber and am so excited that my little diamond now gets to know all of our secrets and our ritual. Since it was initiation weekend, I spent so much time with my little diamond & big diamond – between a sleepover, late night talks, and baking cookies.

Now, enough about my love for Alpha Delta Pi and my big diamond & little diamond – here is this week’s Monday Musts!

1. Miley Cyrus’ cover of Lana Del Ray’s “Summertime Sadness”

A recent Buzzfeed title caught my eye – it was about how Miley Cyrus performed a cover of Lana Del Ray’s “Summertime Sadness.” Miley and Lana are both two of my favorite female performers, so to hear that Miley did a cover of one of Lana’s best songs, I was ecstatic. As soon as I listened to it, I immediately became obsessed. It’s been on repeat nonstop and is even playing as I type this post. Here’s the video for you to check it out for yourself! If you ever doubted Miley’s talent, after listening to this cover – you never will doubt it again!

2. 21 & Over

One of the rules of initiation weekend is that it is dry weekend – which means we are unable to go out. One night, a bunch of my sisters and I sat around watching movie marathons on Netflix. We ended up watching the recently released movie “21 and Over.” “21 and Over” is about three childhood friends, one who just turned 21. The friends take on a crazy night of legal drinking, until the birthday boy becomes so intoxicated he can’t give the boys his address to get home. He has to be ready by 7 am for his medical school interview, according to his super strict father. As Miller and Casey try to get Jeff Chang home, they realize how much college has interfered in their friendship. The movie takes on many plot twists that left all my sisters and I laughing until we were crying. This movie is a MUST for any college student!

3. QuizUp

During a study session with my friend Megan for our nutrition exam last night, she kept taking a break to play QuizUp, an app on her iPhone. At first, I had no idea why she was so addicted – until I downloaded the game myself. The trivia app lets you play against your Facebook friends, or other opponents that it matches you up with, in different categories – ranging from Spelling to Boy Bands, Beyonce to Dogs. As you play, you get points in the different categories that increase your levels in each category. I haven’t been addicted to app since Candy Crush – but I think I have found what my next one will be!

And as usual, now that I am finished sharing My Monday Musts with you – I must get back to my crazy schedule – a project, meetings, homework, and so much more.

Enjoy the rest of your week, readers! Remember, it’s almost Thanksgiving break!