My Monday Musts

Happy Monday, readers!

It’s my first Monday back at school after my second knee injury, and it’s going much smoother than I expected. During that week home I came up with a ton of ideas for “Sparkle and Shine,” so be excited readers – great things are coming your way!

But I don’t want to give away too much detail, so I’m just going to jump right into this week’s Monday Musts!

1. The Bling Ring

So let’s be honest, I spent my week home icing my knee and sitting in bed watching anything and everything I could On Demand. One of the movies that immediately caught my eye was called “The Bling Ring.” Based on real events, a group of fame obsessed L.A. teens broke into celebrity homes to steal their clothes, jewelry, money, any anything else that could get their hands on to try to try and live the lavish celeb lifestyle. Something about the plot had me drawn in immediately. Though I personally would have directed the movie differently, I still very much it. I felt dragged in “The Bling Ring” is also the next book on my reading list!

2. Duck Dynasty

So another one of the shows that I ended up addicted to while spending this week at home was Duck Dynasty. It’s one of my mom’s favorite shows (hi, mom!), so I figured I would finally give it a chance and watch it. It was so worth it. I don’t think I had laughed harder at any other television show, thanks to Uncle Si. The show, which revolves around the million-dollar Robertson family, known for the company “Duck Commander,” which is family’s duck calling business. The show, which follows the family through their everyday lives, provides good smiles and laughs for anyone. At this point, there is some days that I feel like I only stay sane from watching “Duck Dynasty” and hearing a “hey” from Uncle Si.

3. I got my Little Diamond Sister, Amber!

So I saved the best news for last! My school’s Alpha Delta Pi chapter had big diamond/little diamond reveal this past weekend, so I wanted to introduce you all to my little diamond – Amber! I drove three hours to surprise her for the reveal – and it worked! Yay! For only knowing each other for such a short amount of time, we are already sooo close. I’m so excited to continue making college memories with her as my little diamond! (And shout out to my amazing big diamond, Katherine, for standing in for me and helping me surprise her!) I am so thankful to have them both in my life – when I came back to school, I found a get well note with my favorite candy and a celebrity gossip mag on my bed from these two! Thanks for being the best ever, you two! (And I know you’re having a stressful day, Amber, so I hope this brightens your day a little!)

And now I’m off to my media history class to continue on with the craziness of my first day back to school! Enjoy the rest of your Monday, readers!

7Oct2013

There’s a little bit of heaven in those angel eyes…

by sparkleandshinesami

se….she’s a little bit of heaven with a wild side.

Yes, I’m sure that from just the title of this post you could tell what this post was going to be about – Love and Theft! (And if you didn’t know from that, you probably knew about it from this past Monday’s Monday Musts). After going through another knee injury, I had to put blogging this week on hold. Now that I am back at school, I am excited to get right back to “Sparkle and Shine.” What better way to get you all excited for all the upcoming posts, then telling you about seeing Love and Theft live and meeting them!

I’m going to jump right into the photos of my friends, Amber (who happens to my little diamond sister in Alpha Delta Pi!), Kelly, and I meeting Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson themselves because hey, it was one of the greatest moments of my life so I need to share it with you right away.

Annnnnd I’m also going to show you my signed phone case from Eric (as if I couldn’t love my J.Crew Cheetah phone case more – that happened):

but now about the concert itself, readers…

Two weekends ago, my school hosted a fall fest country concert, where Love and Theft came and performed. As a huge country fan, I couldn’t wait to see the country duo live. I have been loving their recent hit “If You Ever Get Lonely,” so I couldn’t wait to hear it!

The duo performed for about an hour – and it was just as amazing as I thought they would be! They really knew how to get into the college aged crowd, had a great line up of songs, invited a few students on stage, and even threw up the Alpha Delta Pi diamond’s hand sign (you know me, I’m a total sucker for anything ADPi related – so country cuties diamonding on stage was perfect!).

Another highlight of the concert – the two singing Uncle Kracker’s “Drift Away.” The group also did a mash up of “Born in the USA” by Jersey boy Brice Springsteen and Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down.” The two then had a little guys verse girls competition from the audience, having the two sexes belt out the lyrics. At the end of the set, the two ended with their hit “Angel Eyes” which had everyone in the crowd singing along.

The concert also included Canaan Smith, Sara Haze, and Eric Paisley. Though I hadn’t heard of these three prior to the event, they each were able to draw in the crowd with their talent and stage presences. Country 92.5’s radio personality, Broadway, introduced all of the performers to the crowd.

Besides meeting the boys of Love and Theft, I was also able to meet Canaan Smith with my little diamond sister, Amber! He decided to diamond with us (hello phone background for the next few months!):

So thankful for this awesome experience thanks to Quinnipiac!

1Oct2013

My Monday Musts – Celeb Edition!

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, everybody!

As I’m typing this, I’m not in the usual comfort of my dorm bed- but instead my bed at home. This weekend, my injured knee randomly gave out – and now I’m back on bed rest because I strained an already sprained MCL. However, everything happens for a reason and I’m trying to make the best of it (and of course, blogging is making me happy!)

Last week, I was just so busy with recruitment (We welcomed home 54 beautiful Alphas to my school’s chapter of Alpha Delta Pi), I didn’t get time to post about My Monday Musts! So I apologize readers, but hey, the Theta Theta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi is looking as awesome as ever! :

And while I post this week’s Monday Musts, I have to tell you all: I have celebrity life on the brain. This weekend, my school hosted a country concert – where I got to meet Love & Theft and Caanon Smith! It was seriously one of the greatest moments of my life. I’m not going to go into too much detail about that yet, because “Sparkle and Shine” post about the concert will be coming up this week (stay tuned!). But I will give you a little sneak peak by seeing the selfies of me with Love & Theft (say hey to my friends Kelly and Amber who are also in the picture!):

and Caanon Smith threw up the Alpha Delta Pi diamond with my sister, Amber, and I:

but as I move on from there, because I don’t want to give away too much detail, I figured I would share three other celebrities fixes I have been loving on this Monday:

1. Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere has recently been speaking out about being a role model for girls regarding their body. While reading how she wants to express to other girls about being proud of their bodies and how she wants to represent normal gives just made me so happy. So many females in today’s society look up to stick thin models and aspire to look like something they can never be without taking drastic measures. Kudos to Hayden for representing the everyday girl and for reminding us all to be proud of who we are!

2. Miley Cyrus

The ex – Disney Channel starlette may be twerking any chance she gets, but the Hannah Montana star will always have a place in my heart. No teenage girl can deny that she didn’t look up to Miley at some point in her life. Though she may be changing from the once long-haired Disney sweetheart, I am still intrigued by her, her life, and what goes through her mind anymore (though the selfies and crazy tweets can get me pretty close). This is why I am just SO, SO, SO excited that this Wednesday, October 2nd, an MTV documentary entitled Miley: The Movement will air.

3. Demi Lovato

Ever since I read the Demi Lovato issue of Cosmo this summer, I have absolutely loved her. If any celebrity can talk about getting through bad days, it is the “Heart Attack” singer. USA Today has announced that Demi is releasing a two part book deal. First, a book compiled of inspiration tweets, and then a memoir. I love reading and celebrity books are my guilty pleasure (the Kardashian ones are always the best!). To read about the struggle that Demi has gone through, where she has gone, and where she is now sounds like it will make a great book. I can’t wait to read the memoir of the strongest girl in Hollywood!

That sums it all up, readers! Enjoy the rest of your week and stay tuned in this week to “Sparkle and Shine” to read about the time I met Love & Theft and Caanon Smith, with tons of pics!

And if you have any bad days this week, remember what I am telling myself – everything happens for a reason!

26Sep2013

Top Pins of the Week

by sparkleandshinesami

Telling you readers that I am stressed and overtired is an understatement. My sorority went through recruitment and bid night this past weekend (aka Christmas in sorority world), so I think I received about a total of 10 hours of sleep for the entire weekend. Even though it is Thursday, my body is still trying to play catch up. Naps just aren’t cutting it anymore because I am just that tired! Plus, with two exams this week (on top of my classes, meetings, and overall hectic schedule) – I don’t feel like I have enough time to nap and study. This leads to me taking study, and mental, breaks on social media.

My first ever blog post was about how I finally got a Pinterest account. This week I have been giving myself my relaxation breaks on Pinterest. While I’ve been going through pin after pin, I have decided to share some of my favorites from this week with you all!

1. We all know that I love my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi (I mean, I mention it all the time on here, such as in this post or this post). Alpha Delta Pi pins are my favorite to pin! While going through pins for my sorority this week, I came across this take on a classic photo – with the girl being kissed being in Alpha Delta Pi letters. I find this pin to be so cute!! I mean, everyone loves an Alpha Delta Pi girl and this pin just shows that picking an Alpha Delta Pi girl is always the right choice.

2. On my “Words to Live By” board, I pin some phrases that I absolutely adore. I love quotes, especially inspirational ones. When I came cross this pin, I instantly fell in love. First off, as a Jersey Girl, anything beach related has my heart – so as soon as I saw the wave, I was intrigued. Then, looking at the phrase, I fell even more in love with the pin. I believe that life itself is a ride – you can’t help to flow with the tide and deal with any waves that are thrown your way. But overall, I believe that one’s happiness comes from learning to make the best of life – and learning to love the ride.

3. Three things I love all combined into one – cupcakes, pink ,and being a princess. This HerCampus pin combined all three into a beautiful, delicious treat! My Pinterest and Tumblr food photos are most often cupcakes that just look so cute and are perfect for a themed party (another fun fact about me, readers, I love to plan parties (like my sweet sixteen!) and I wish I could bake like Buddy from Cake Boss). Though I probably will never be creative enough to make them myself, they are just too perfect to not put them on my blog. Plus, if anyone ever decided to make them for me, I would love them forever.

4. I have been seeing HerCampus’ Procrastination Audrey memes all over Pinterest recently. Though I am not a procrastinator when it comes to school work, I still managed to laugh at each one and fall in love with the creativity behind each any every Procrastination Audrey. Out of all that I have seen, this pin may be my favorite. Since I am in nutrition this semester, I couldn’t help but to love the tie in between my class and the classic movie. Whoever made these clearly knows a thing or two about Audrey Hepburn fans. I’m obsessed!

5. So originally when I was planning this post, I decided I didn’t want to do another quote – but when going through my pins from this week, I couldn’t help but to share this one with you all. Any girl, unless for some reason you don’t like chocolate, understands the perfection of this pin. My biggest guilty pleasure food is chocolate – whenever I’m stressed, sad, or happy – chocolate (and my best friend) are always there. Nothing says happy stress eating like a big jar of chocolate icing. Yum!

Enjoy the rest of your week, readers! Hope it’s stressful and you have a great weekend to look forward to!

Happy pinning!

18Sep2013

Stop stressing about your safety, thanks to React Mobile!

by sparkleandshinesami

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

College can be an overwhelming time. So many different things are stressing you out – and the last thing you should be stressed about is your safety. It’s something that you should always just feel comfortable about. However, there still are times, such as that late night walk back from the library when you’re completely alone or even that scary moment when you end up lost in a neighboring town after a long Saturday night out – that you do become stressed about your safety. Those “what ifs” quickly overwhelm your brain and before you know it, you’re prepared for the worst.

This doesn’t have to happen. Now, thanks to React Mobile, it won’t!

For Robb Monkman, the CEO of React Mobile, this nightmare had become a reality. When Robb was a college student, he had been a victim of a hostage situation. With hopes to improve campus safety after his incident, Robb said, that he saw “the need for a product that could be used to silently and discreetly alert the authorities and your trusted contacts if you are in trouble.”

Colleges have installed blue light systems to try and help protect students. However, they are expensive to install and aren’t always there in real life situations when you need them. That’s where the React Mobile comes in – no matter where you are, the app, and all of its features, are going to help you.

The features of React Mobile are:

1. “Follow-Me” Feature

React Mobile provides users with a safety enhancement feature for everyday use. The premium “Follow-me” feature allows users to have friends and family track them in real-time. People frequently feel unsafe and uncomfortable but may not want to trigger an SOS alert. React Mobile gave examples of a solo or late night runner (or runner in the woods), a realtor meeting a new client for the first time in an unfamiliar place, a student walking home along a dark pathway, an online dater who is meeting a date for the first time. If an emergency situation occurs, a user can escalate to an SOS alert, however, if for some reason the user can’t issue an alert (i.e. they are attacked), their friends will know where they are if they go missing thanks to the last known GPS and will be able to alert the police. When a user is concerned for their safety but doesn’t want to escalate a potentially harmless situation, they can have their friends and family track them in real-time until they are safe.

2. International Support

Users also have the ability to choose which country they are visiting (or living in) from our settings tab and when they trigger an SOS alert they will be prompted to dial the appropriate emergency authority depending on where they are (ex: if they are in the UK the app will prompt a user to dial 112 not 911). This featured because available this summer and is available in 39 countries.

3. Social Network Integration

SOS alerts can be posted to Facebook and Twitter – In the event of an emergency we want users to have the capability to alert as many people as possible. We are differentiating ourselves from the competition by offering users the option to post their emergency alerts to Facebook and Twitter with a link to their location.

4. White Label/Custom Branding

React Mobile offers corporate and educational institutions with our custom branding opportunities. React Mobile’s Private Label service is a cost effective and easy to implement layer of protection that allows institutions to brand the application as their own. The private label opportunities allow schools and corporations to focus on delivering a powerful risk mitigation tool to employees without having to go spend the resources and time developing a comprehensive solution like React on their own. Unlike other personal safety products such as pepper spray, rape whistles, guns, tasers, etc., React Mobile, is a safety product that cannot be used against a victim. All that is required  is a Internet signal, WiFi, or cell coverage to work. The Private label product is a cost effective way to take advantage of the safety benefits that technology can provide. React Mobile is a solution that is affordable for people to pick up independently or for corporations to sell as a benefit to others which helps to drive brand loyalty and employee morale. You can find out more about React Mobile’s Custom Branding Opportunities by following this link: www.reactmobile.com/private-label. ·

5. React Mobile is Free

Unlike many of their competitors, React Mobile is a free app because the React Mobile team believe that it is a safety tool that everyone with a smartphone should have at their disposal. React Mobile continues to go against their competition by imposing no charge for the use of key features and doesn’t require a users’ emergency contacts to have installed the app.

6. Automatic 911 prompt

Because it is critical to alert the authorities when you are in trouble, the app automatically prompts users to dial 911 if an alert is activated.

The app is available for download for Apple and Android. I have downloaded it for my iPhone and now you should too! I now feel safer at all times. I would not feel secure at all times if it was not for React Mobile.

Stay safe, readers! Be smart and download this app today! You never know what situation you could be put in.

If you do download the app, tell me what you think about it by commenting on the post!

17Sep2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

So yesterday my overly tired self managed to hit save draft instead of publish, so of course a week wouldn’t be complete without my Monday Musts! Just a little late, but here is yesterday’s post –

Happy Monday, readers!

This Monday for me is a rather cranky, tired Monday after a long day yesterday. The 1 am – 3 am study session that I had to have for my 8 am was not exactly what I was planning for my first nutrition exam. However, since I was up so long from being with my sisters from 11 am – 1 am the next day, I think it was worth it. And now that the test is done and over with, I can continue on with the rest of my long day – classes, homework, yearbook meetings, and a sorority event and just hope that it can all get better from here!

Here it is, readers – this week’s Monday Musts!

1. “As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral”

If you take a peak into my closet, you can tell that I am definitely a Jersey Girl – glitter and animal print everywhere! Some of my college friends, who don’t understand a Jersey girl’s love for animal print, think it’s crazy how much I love it and wear it. While recently scrolling my Facebook feed this week, I saw someone posted a photo saying a quote from the J.Crew President, Jenna Lyons. The quote stated – “As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral.” I can’t tell you how much I fell in love with this quote. I believe that fashion is a great way to express yourself – even if that means just sweatpants to show your mood (aka me today.) But every part of your outfit manages to express something about you. When much of my closet is consisting of leopard – shirts, skirts, hair accessories, and animal prints as details on sweatshirts – I can’t help but have it become a basic – even a neutral. Thank you, to the fashion queen Jenna Lyons, for my new favorite quote!

2. Spirit Jersey

Obviously my sorority girl has been coming out recently (I mean have you checked out this post about my absolute love for being in a sorority?) and I am not sorry at all. Alpha Delta Pi is one of the biggest parts of my life. One of the best perks of being in a sorority is all of the awesome clothing. Over the summer, a bunch of girls in my chapter of ADPi ordered spirit jerseys. These are long sleeved tees in a plain color. Then, on the back, is the name of your sorority and the year it was established. These shirts are just so comfortable and look super cute with jeans or yoga pants (of course my tired self is rocking the spirit jersey with Victoria Secret PINK yogas). For any other sorority girl who doesn’t have a spirit jersey, I recommend checking into getting them ASAP.

I don’t have a photo of mine, so I am searching on Google an Alpha Delta Pi spirit jersey – my school’s chapter got our spirit jerseys in yellow.

3. AN EXCITING ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR ME! – ACCEPTED TO ATTEND THE ACP/CMA NATIONAL COLLEGE MEDIA CONVENTION

I saved the best news for last, readers! I have been selected to attend the ACP/CMA National College Media Convention in October!!!! Words can’t describe how excited I am to attend the conference in New Orleans. Yes, New Orleans! As a Jersey girl, I never would have expected to ever travel to New Orleans. So for me, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I attended the CMA conference this past spring in New York City, but I am much more excited to travel to a new state and experience the surrounding culture. At the same time, I’ll be learning all about my passion, journalism! The conference is a little over a month away, but I am already counting down the days! But for me – it continues to get even better! Yesterday, I was checking out all of the workshops and keynote speakers when my mouth dropped. My journalist idol, Hoda Kotb, will be one of the guest speakers. I’m sure my screams could be heard all the way in New Orleans from my Connecticut school. Hoda Kotb, one of the morning anchors from “The Today Show,” is my favorite anchor and one of my journalism idols. I aspire to have a career like hers – even ending with being an anchor on “The Today Show.” I can’t describe how excited I am for this opportunity!

So now time for my much needed nap before continuing on with the rest of my day. I couldn’t leave you all hanging without hearing what’s been going on in my life.

And if you any of you happen to be attending the National College Media Convention – shoot me a comment below!

Enjoy your week, readers! Don’t stress and keep smiling!

12Sep2013

WHY GO THROUGH RECRUITMENT?

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy recruitment season, ladies!

Here at Quinnipiac, recruitment season is underway! As the Theta Theta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi prepares for this exciting new time (I mean, bid day is like Christmas according to all the older members), I am refalling in love with my sorority each and everyday. I became a sister of Alpha Delta Pi about six months ago. Every single day, I am reminded that rushing and joining ADPi was the best decision of my life.

Are you thinking about going through recruitment at your school? If you have even the slightest interest in joining a sorority, I say to go for it! There are a bunch of reasons as to why you should going through recruitment, but here are my top ten!

1. You always always have someone to lean on, no matter the struggle.

Though the number varies from school to school, chapter to chapter, the fact stays the same: you will have a ton of sisters who you can always lean on. Whenever I am stressed, overwhelmed, sad, or just need a froyo date – I always have a sister I can go to . They’re willing to listen, to help, and do whatever they can to put a smile on your face. They are your support system, your rock. The bond that you share is so strong, that you will want to try and be there for every single sister.

Meet my sisters Crystal, Morgan, and Erin (the one we are picking up)! This was taken at our spring photo shoot of my freshman year.

2. You receive a big diamond sister/little diamond sister – the greatest bond you will ever have with someone.

I have featured my big diamond sister, Katherine, on here multiple times. Since I have yet to receive my little diamond, I decided I would also feature her big diamond, Katie. The relationship between a big diamond sister and a little diamond sister is the greatest bond there is, in my opinion. I tell Katherine absolutely everything – she is always the first to know my secrets, she is the person I go to whenever I need any form of advice, and she is the person I know I can always go to. Whether it’s bonding during our typical Dunkin dates or constantly snapchatting, I am so grateful each and everyday for this incredible bond I have with someone thanks to being in a sorority.

Meet two of my favorite sisters – my big diamond sister, Katherine, and her big diamond sister, Katie. This is one of my all time favorite photos, taken at my first Black Diamond Ball – spring semester of my freshman year.

3. Whenever you just need a hug, someone is there.

A day doesn’t go by that I am not hugging at least one sister – whether it be a hug just to say hi, a hug as a way of saying thank you, or just a hug to show how much I love them. As I said earlier, these girls are your rocks. In the photo below, I stepped out of my comfort zone and my incredible sister, Tammy, was hugging me to just show proud she was of me. You can see the emotion, the love, and the incredible bond between the two all through the photograph. There is nothing greater than a hug from your sister.

Meet Tammy! This was taken just earlier this week during spirit week (hence the interesting clothing choice and fake nerd glasses on my head – we were trying to channel Macklemore for a “Thrift Shop” look).

4. There are so many exciting events you get to do because of being in a sorority – like Formal or Spirit Week!

Sorority life fills your planner with a bunch of social events – and with them comes so much fun! Who doesn’t love getting dressed up?! whether it be in your nicest formal dress or craziest costume possible! Trust me, it’s even more fun with your sisters. Being in a sisterhood event makes one feel so comfortable, so you’re willing to get crazy and go all out for Spirit Week. For formal, it means looking your best because you have tons of helping hands to help with your hair and makeup. These events will become staples in your life and some of your favorite memories – memories that would not be possible if you aren’t in a sorority!

Meet my sisters Nicole, Alyssa, and Ali! We decided to get sleazy and had to look like Ke$ha for our Spirit Night last night! We pulled out all the stops – glittered face makeup, teased hair, and fishnets!

5. Sorority life is more than just about a social scene, it’s about being philanthropic.

One of the biggest aspects of being apart of a sorority is giving back to the community. Alpha Delta Pi’s philanthropy is Ronald McDonald House Charities. Besides just raising money, my sisters and I actually go to a local Ronald McDonald House. As a whole, your sorority will find otherwise to give back, besides just your philanthropy. Relay for Life is another event that means a lot to the Theta Theta chapter. Sorority life gives you so many opportunities to be selfish and give back to the community. You can help make a difference in this world. Best part of all, you have your sisters with you while you do it all!

Here are a bunch of my sisters and I at our school’s Relay for Life event last semester!

6. It means getting to throw what you know!

Each sorority has a different hand symbol that they make with their hands. When you do your sign, you’re throwing what you know! It’s so cool to have something like this, something that only you get to do that represents so many people and so many values. Just something so simple represents more than any stranger would realize. It’s more than just a hand sign – it’s a lifestyle.

Here my sisters Abby, Justine, and I are throwing up diamonds while our school was in the Frozen Four last semester.

7. It means endless dates with people that you will always love.

I don’t think it is possible for me to count the amount of sister dates I have gone on to Dunkin, for ice cream/froyo, and so much more. Dates with your sisters are just something small, but end up meaning so much. It’s during these dates when your bonds really form as you talk about your day, your secrets, and everything in between. They’re great opportunities to get to meet sisters, get to know others better, and to catch up with the ones you are super close to. In life, it’s more than just the big things – it’s the little things to. In sorority world, date nights with your sisters become one of those little things that mean so much.

Say hello to Katherine, Alyssa and Crystal again – and meet my violet sister, Steph! We love going to one of the local ice cream places to catch up over ice cream. Spring semester, when this photo was taken, was filled with many ice cream dates. Yum!

8. Your class will always be a consistency in your life.

When you join a sorority, the other girls joining at the same time with you will be your class. Those girls will be with you for every ride along the way – such as initiation and new member period. When you’re nervous for something new, odds are these girls will be too. It is so nice to have a bunch of girls who are also apart of your sorority who are in similar shoes as you. These girls are your instant best friends and you spend so much time with them. They’re a constant. They’re always your class. Accepting your bid and everything you do from there after will be with those fabulous girls in your class.

Here are some of the girls from my class – just being our fun selves! I can’t wait til we get the new class of girls who are just as fun!

9. Being in a sorority can benefit you after college.

Sororities are also great for connections. From your sisters, you are bound to meet others with your majors. Years down the road, when it comes to find a job or even getting an internship, a sister may be able to help you. Without being a sorority, you do not have this opportunity. For example, of my sisters, Nikki, and I are both very involved with our school’s student media organizations. Last March, we got to go into New York City together, representing our school, at the College Media Association’s spring conference. Together, we got to meet a bunch of people who will help us further our careers, like Willie Geist from NBC’s “The Today Show.” “Sparkle and Shine” has reaped benefits from me being in a sorority, such as being on Your Sorority Sister ‘Sorority Bloggers’ List.

Unfortunately, the photo is blurry. However, meet Nikki! Here we are with Willie Geist from NBC’s “Today Show.”

10. You get to become involved with something bigger than yourself.

First you become a part of it, then it becomes a part of you. Being a member of a sorority means more than anything I can ever sit here and try and explain to you. It means happiness, confidence, sisterhood, friendship, and so many more adjectives. It mean’s always having someone by your side. It means being the best you possible. Remember, your sisterhood is forever.

10Sep2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, everybody!

Sorry that this is my first post in a week, readers! I posted last week’s Monday Musts with positive hopes of a speedy recovery. Though it has been going speedy, it was not as speedy as I thought. However, now that I am back to college (with a very inconveniencing brace and crutches), I am excited to get back on Sparkle and Shine. I have some exciting posts planned readers, so get excited. I sure am!

But without wasting a single second of this Monday, seeing as it is after 10 p.m., here is this week’s Monday Musts!

1. Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus

With the premiere of Miley’s new music video, Wrecking Ball, premiering today, I just had to make this song this week’s number one Monday Musts. Though the music video is rather different for my taste, the song is absolutely addicting. Just ask my roommates – I have been playing this song nonstop for the past few days. Though I have no singing ability whatsoever, I still just have to belt this tune out whenever I listen to it. No matter how much gossip swirls around Miley and her antics, there is no way of denying how incredible her voice is. Wrecking Ball really shows off her musical talent and proves that I will always be a Miley fan.

2. Lamar Odom’s Upcoming Book

The Kardashian hubby has some new tricks up his sleeve – and that includes a tell all book. This week’s In Touch has reported that Odom has signed a $5 million dollar deal that will expose a bunch of Kardashian secrets. According to In Touch, Odom will be exposing “the identity of Khloe’s real father, what Kim has done for money and Kris [Jenner’s] flirtations with her daughter’s men.” As an avid Kardashian watcher, and yes I am willing to admit that, I am dying to read this book. And for any other other Kardashian fan, I am sure I just made YOUR day/night by sharing this info with you!

3. Now You See Me

I spent my week at home icing my knee and watching movies. My favorite was Now You See Me about a group of magicians. Instead of my normal female rom-coms or occasional scary movie, I went for something a little bit different. The movie was about a group of magicians who stole money from banks. The movie seemed like it was all flowing well, as you tried to make your guesses about what was going on and figure out the movie’s secrets, before you know it – huge plot twists came. I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone who is thinking about watching this, because it is absolutely a movie everyone should watch. Just take my word on it readers, it is worth it – no matter what type of movie you like!

There’s only a few more hours left in this Monday, but either way, I hope it was great for you all! As I continue with all of my homework and makeup work, I wish all of you a great rest of your week. Like I said, keep your eyes out for a bunch of more posts coming up this month.

Keep sparkling, readers!

3Sep2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

I hope all of you are having a happy Monday, unlike myself. I’m having a rather unhappy Monday. Over this past weekend, I managed to fall and damage my knee. My mom had to come, on her birthday, to pick me up at school and take me to the Emergency Room. I am now home in New Jersey, waiting for an orthopedist appointment to see if there is any further damage than what the hospital said. Meanwhile, I’m stuck in a rather unfashionable knee immobilizer and crutches.

Now, I’m two hours away, at home, from my school and friends that I love so much. The perfectionist in me is freaking out since I am already missing classes (it’s only the second week!) However, I’m trying to stay positive because I have so many good things coming up back at school – such as recruitment! So with some positive thoughts and good vibes, I’m hoping to make the best of my situation. In the meantime, I’ll be working on some blog posts, catching up on Big Brother, and doing as much homework off my syllabuses so I do not fall behind.

So, readers, send me your good thoughts and positive vibes as you check out this week’s Monday Musts!

1. The One Direction 3D Movie “This Is Us”

Ever since I heard that One Direction was having a movie come out, I had been counting down the days. So finally, on the first day that it was out, I went with some friends (and ended up seeing some sisters!). We sat closer to the screen than the 10 years who were in the theater. We sang along, we danced, we screamed, and we even shed a few tears. I’m not just saying this because I am a huge Directioner (and plan on marrying Niall), but the movie was incredible. It truly gave fans an inside look on the lives of Harry, Niall, Louis, Zayn, and Liam and showed off more than just the goofy image they portray on Instagram and in Youtube Videos. You learned behind the scenes secrets and looked deeper into their lives as actual people, but just performers. But of course, in true One Direction fashion, there were pranks, laughs, and lots of smiles that makes girls swoon! I already want to see this movie again and could watch it everyday. No matter how big of a fan you are, I recommend going to see the movie. Plus, there were a ton of concert scenes to sing along to as if you were right there in the live audience.

2. Lilly Pulitzer Letters

For my big diamond sister’s birthday, I ordered us matching Lilly Pulitzer letters. I hadn’t worn them since we gotten them because I was just so nervous I was going to ruin wear them before I got to school and wear them with Katherine. This past Wednesday, my college hosted it’s annual Involvement Fair. At the Involvement Fair, students meet members and heads of the different organizations on campus to see if they are interested in signing up. Though I had to work my school’s yearbook stand at the Involvement Fair, I still wore my letters all day and got to snap this picture with my big diamond sister! The letters look super cute, the shirts were so comfy, and we got so many compliments (and 50 likes on Instagram!). I know I will definitely be ordering more Lilly letters soon (plus they match the planner I wrote about in a previous edition of Monday Musts!)

Meet my incredible big diamond sister, Katherine!!

3. Good Vibes

As I mentioned above with my injury, I am trying to stay positive with positive thoughts and good vibes. The beach girl in me is coming out when I say that one of my favorite sayings is “Good Vibes.” My twitter background and phone background even used to say that. Good vibes comes more than just from yourself, but the people you surround yourself with. You can’t stay positive by yourself, you need the people around you. You need to think positive to be positive. Negative people cause negative vibes which will not help you in your life. That is why, whenever I get upset over anything, I remember to stay to positive so I have some good vibes to help me get farther in life. So no matter what you’re going through this week either, just remember to keep some good vibes & send me some while you’re at it!

Enjoy the rest of your week, readers. I hope I have some positive news next week when I write about my Monday Musts!

In the meantime, I’ll try and use my free time to come up with some exciting new story ideas for Sparkle and Shine! 🙂

27Aug2013

My Monday Musts: VMA Edition!

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Today was my first day of classes as a sophomore – and I’m already stressed! I had three of my five classes today and have some form of work in each class, plus newspaper articles, and this! My cute Lilly Pulitzer planner surely is coming in handy already as I am trying to figure out how I will be managing my time between classes, homework, sorority, newspaper, yearbook, blogging, and going to the gym. Just so much to do, but so little time! But I know that I will be able to get it all under control like I always do!

Enough about my stress -let’s talk about something more exciting, MTV’s Video Music Awards that aired last night. I am a total celebrity addict – so when they all gather in one place, dressed to the nines, receiving awards I am the happiest girl ever. Last night me and a bunch of my friends gathered around a television, ordered food, and talked about every movement that was made on the television screen.

So, here it is – My Monday Musts based on the Video Music Awards!

1. The N*Sync Reunion

When I tell you readers that I cried when N*Sync appeared on the television screen in front of me and I began to cry, I honestly mean that tears came streaming down my cheeks. One of my all-time dreams in life was for my favorite boy band would get back together -and for just a few short moments, they did. The 90’s girl who had N*Sync posters lined up on her walls, had every CD/biography made, and even had the N*Sync board game came busting out of me at full throttle. This, in my opinion, is one of the greatest moments in VMA history. I would have enjoyed it more if the group sang a few more songs, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers!

2. The Haylor Drama

My two favorite performers are Taylor Swift and One Direction. So when Taylor and One Direction heartthrob, Harry Styles, began dating (forming the couple name of Haylor) – I was ecstatic. Though the two have broken up since then, drama seems to follow them every where. For starters, for those of you who are not also celebrity obsessed, let me fill you in on a dirty little secret – Taylor Swift’s song, I Knew You Were Trouble, was written about Harry. When Swift accepted her Moon Man award for Best Female Video, she stated, “I also want to thank the person who inspired this song because he knows exactly who he is, because now I’ve got one of these.” The camera then panned over to Harry, who was awkwardly chewing his gum. It was clear that he did not know where to look, making any attempt possible to avoid eye contact with the camera. Next to him, his band mates, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, were smirking at Styles. Later on, when One Direction got on the stage to accept their award for Song of the Summer (for Best Song Ever), Taylor turned to pal, Selena Gomez, who was sitting next to her and dropped the f-bomb while stating Styles should “shut up” when Styles was speaking.

3. Deena from Jersey Shore‘s Dress

My Jersey Girl is coming out when I admit that I always stalk the Jersey Shore cast’s Instagrams – especially before award shows. I love to see their dresses, especially since many of the girl’s have matured from their young days of crazy, short dresses. My favorite dress of the night went to Deena – who looked so absolutely stunning and so classy. She showed off her new figure with a dress that fit her so perfectly. Her Instagram post today, showing off her transformation over the past 4 years made it even more clear, in my eyes, that she was best dressed of the night!