Guess Whose Back…Back Again! {Special Monday Musts}

Guess whose back….tell a friend!

Well, it’s not Eminem, readers – it’s me!

Now that recruitment is over and I have 49 beautiful new sisters, I’m able to get back down into the wonderful word of blogging!

I’ve missed blogging so much recently and was reminded about how much I love it during a recent trip out with my best friend.

After breaking my iPhone (whoops), my best friend and I went to the local Apple store to get it fixed. While out, we decided to get Shake Shack and skip the usual cafe food. While ordering, I was asked if I was Sami from “Sparkle and Shine” – I was so surprised!

Julia and I both starred with our mouths dropped. I felt like a mini celebrity; like Paris Hilton before the “Simple Life” gig or Bieber before the YouTube discovery. It turned out to be Emma from The World According to Emma, another college blogger. It was by far one of the coolest moments of my life!

Besides being a mini-celebrity, I’ve been super busy.

I’ve been working on my broadcasting skills. This past week I was the entertainment anchor for my school’s TV station, Q30, and did a package for one of our entertainment segments, #That. Check them out –

Plus, I’ve been getting down and derby with my sisters.

As an Executive Board Member of my sorority, I plan events for our sisters. This past weekend, I executed our first ever Bowties and ADPis event, a Kentucky Derby themed Grab-a-Date on our quad. Sisters and their dates dressed in their floppiest hats and brightest bowties and spent the day playing croquet and other yard games. I brought my best friend, Ben, because there is no one I know who is willing to get fratty and dress preppy! Here’s one of the many pictures of us-

But readers, I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to finally be back!

Recruitment is over and I am finally back into my blogging groove. I have so many posts planned, so get set…get ready…because Sparkle and Shine is about to really shine.

But, make sure you shine, too, readers! Have a great week and keep sparkling!

9Sep2014

Office Depot: My Go to Place for School Supplies

by sparkleandshinesami

This is a post on behalf of my contractual membership with “Seventeen Magazine” for the Seventeen Magazine Social Club.

One of my favorite parts of Fall, besides Halloween, Uggs, and hot chocolate, is getting new school supplies for the school year!

Thanks to my partnership with Seventeen Magazine, I was able to get my new school supplies at Office Depot. Let me tell you readers, they had super cute supplies!

I’m now able to tackle junior year of college with super cute Teen Vogue folders and my all purpose four color pen.

I’m very anal about my planner – each item has a specific color. Blue is for sorority events, black is for blogging, black with yellow highlighter is Resident Life work, red pen is important dates, red pen highlighted in pink is important class days – like tests, quizzes, and paper due dates, and green is anything else. Instead of having to switch up my pens, I now have one pen to write it all in!

Whenever I am doing work, the fun patterns of the folders instantly add a pop of color to whatever room I’m in. One of my residents, Taylar, caught me doing work before with my folders out. She couldn’t help but to give me a compliment!

After going to Office Depot with my credit from Seventeen Magazine, I don’t think I will ever shop at any other office supply store again. They had so many super cute supplies that my sorority girl self could indulge in. I didn’t have to get just plain folders for all my work, I could get ones that allowed me to express myself.

Next time you need some school or office supplies, head on over to Office Depot! You can also order online and get free shipping on orders of $50 or more OR receive one hour free in store pick up.

Happy shopping!

9Jun2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Hope you all had a sparkling and shining week! I know I say every week is crazy and hectic, but this past week seemed to have take the cake for busiest week of summer yet.

I spent Monday in Pennsylvania with some of my college best friends. We went hiking to a water fall, stuffed our faces in Chinese food, and caught up on what we’ve missed in each other’s lives for the month we’ve been apart. Though we use the GroupMe app everyday to stay in touch, it was so nice to finally get to be together!

This past week held a lot of exciting opportunities for Sparkle and Shine. Two of them will be explained in this week’s Monday Musts. Before we jump into them, I just want to remind you about my partnership with The Collegiate Standard! Use coupon code SAMI10 to get 10% off your purchase! Plus, money from your purchase will go towards whatever Greek organization you made your purchase for. You can read more about it in yesterday’s blog post.

Now that you’ve read about The Collegiate Standard – and made a purchase – it’s time for you to read what made it onto this week’s Monday Musts!

1. I’m now a Makeoverly Expert!

Makeoverly is first EVER online Q&A magazine for beauty and fashion. Ask your question and fashion and beauty bloggers, make up artists, journalists, and others experts answer your questions. After checking out Sparkle and Shine, Makeoverly decided that I would make for a good expert. Head on over to the site and ask any fashion or beauty question you may have, then have it answered by myself and other experts!

2. I’m now a member of 20 Something Bloggers

Have you noticed that new badge on the side saying “I’m a Member of 20 Something Bloggers” yet? Well, go check it out because I am now a member! The application based blogging network accepted me this week to connect with other 20 something year old bloggers from around the web. I’ve only been in this network for a few days, but I’ve already learned that there are so many great opportunities! I can’t wait to see what else 20SB will bring for Sparkle and Shine!

3. “Toxic” By Sara Shephard

This past week Sara Shephard release the 15th novel in the “Pretty Little Liars” novel series, which happens to be the second to last novel in the series! It’s summertime in Rosewood and the police believe that it’s been weeks since they put to end murderous A’s reign of terror. However, the Liars know that the real A is still out there and that nothing in Rosewood will ever be the same while A is still on the loose. While dealing with A, Hannah is offered the role of a lifetime in a movie about her own life. Aria’s artwork goes viral. Spencer starts an antibullying blog, but things don’t seem to go as positive for her as Sparkle and Shine has been doing for me. Finally, Emily ends up doing whatever it takes to reconnect with her one true love – even if that means ending up behind bars. While all the girls are all wrapped up in their own lives, they must remember A will stop at nothing to bring them down. I’m so excited to start the novel and continue on with my PLL obsession!

And that Pretty Little Liars obsession of mine can continue – with the start of the newest season on ABC Family premiering tomorrow! ABC Family, Seventeen Magazine, and Sparkle and Shine has partnered up to host a Pretty Little Liars viewing party. Nine of my friends and I will be celebrating the premiere of the newest season at my house tomorrow night with fun goodies from ABC Family – just another perk of the Seventeen Magazine Social Club!

Tune into Pretty Little Liars tomorrow night, have an amazing week, and keep sparkling!

23May2014

Add Festivity to Your Memorial Day BBQs

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Not only is the season for white jeans and pool parties, but it’s the weekend to show off your American pride! How better to do so then by bringing some festive desserts to your Memorial Day Weekend barbecues?

Patriotic Cake | Red, White, and Blue Strawberries | Memorial Day Pretzel Sticks | Cheesecake Stars | American Flag Cookie Platter

Don’t they all look supper yummy?

Happy baking and enjoy the weekend!

8Apr2014

Versatile Blogger Award

by sparkleandshinesami

One of my fellow Her Campus Blogging Network gals, Charlotte, from Velvet and Vinyls nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award!!

Rules
• If you are nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award, you have been awarded the award.
• Thank the person who awarded you and include the link to their blog.
• Nominate 15 bloggers who you think deserve the award, whom you’ve recently discovered or read their blogs regularly. (You must include a link to their site).
• Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself in your blog post.

I would like to nominate:
1) Jacqueline at Pretti Please

2) Caroline at The Caro Diaries

3) Ashliegh at The Darling Prepster

4) Marisa at Love Always

5) Taylor at Pinstripes&Lipgloss

6) Kriselle at Livin’ and Lovin’

7) Nasya at Turquoise and Tortoiseshells

8) Colie at The Curse of Gluten

9) Emma at It’s Emma Elise

10) The College Girl at That College Girl’s Guide

11) Raphaela at Tiny Girl, Big Dreams

12) Lindsey at Lindsey’s Thoughts

13) Briannah at Briannah

14) Hannah at The Daily Diabetic

15) Brittany at Oh Hey, Brittany

7 Things About Me

1) In high school, I was competitive swimmer. I competed not only on my high school swim team, but on my local YMCA’s competition team. My favorite strokes is breast stroke and I often competed in the 100 meter breast stroke and 500 meter free style.
2) I know every word to Taylor Swift’s “Thug Story” rap and will proudly rap it for you.
3) I’ve seen Taylor Swift twice in concert. The first time I saw her, she hugged me. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.
4) Next semester, I’m not going to have class on Tuesdays or Fridays and I’m so excited. AKA look forward to blog posts on those days, for sure!!
5) I recently became a Starbucks/Dunkin iced coffee addict.
6) The sound of people “cracking their bones” freaks me out. It’s my biggest pet peeve. Even though I go to the chiropractor, I am still completely scared of that sound and cringe. Oh, and occasionally have a freak out on him when it’s really loud or when he “adjusts my neck,” (which I refer to as cracking my head – don’t ever refer to it as that to your chiropractor, FYI).
7) I HAVE to listen to classical for studying music when doing homework or whenever I need to focus to do work. I listen to it so much though, that I now enjoy it and will occasionally listen to it whenever I need to relax or when I clean my room.

I’m looking forward to seeing all your posts regarding The Versatile Blogger Award! Don’t forget to link me in when you post it!

To all the bloggers, keep up blogging!

To all our readers, keep on reading!

4Apr2014

$100 Nordstrom Shopping Spree On Myself, Caro, and Other Bloggers!

by sparkleandshinesami

Yes, you read that right! I’m giving away a $100 Nordstrom giftcard!

In honor of my real life best friend and blogging buddy’s one year blog-aversary, Caro, myself, and a few other of our closest blogging friends partnered together to give away a $100 Nordstrom giftcard! If you haven’t met Caro yet, head over to her blog here.

But back to the giftcard. Imagine what you could do without $100 to Nordstrom….my shopping spree list is pilling up quickly in my head. A new purse and wallet, new brown boots, and all the summer essentials I can think of. However, it’ll be your shopping spree, not mine. All you have to do is enter and WIN!

Enter the giveaway HERE.
Best of luck to all who enter! Comment below with what you would do if you win the gift card!

12Feb2014

[Guest Post]: Meet my Newest Sponsor, Jacqueline!

by sparkleandshinesami

Hello, my fabulous readers!

I wanted for you all to meet my newest sponsor, who you will see featured on my sidebar for quite a long time – Jacqueline from Pretti Please.

What’s more awesome than having Jacqueline as a sponsor, but she’s only a blogging friend of mine AND my sister!

We had originally been in contact when I reviewed my Alpha Delta Pi hair bow from her Etsy shop. Then, we started discussing how we were both sisters from the same sorority, Alpha Delta Pi! It was so awesome to meet a sister from completely across the country – I go to school in Connecticut and Jacqueline goes to school in California! Talk about such a major difference – I’m planning on having a snow day tomorrow and Jacqueline sure isn’t in sunny Cali. I have never met a sister that was from a different state, so it was such an incredible experience for me!

After having so much success from her shop, Jacqueline decided to start a blog. She reached out to me and soon we began discussing the blogging world. We lean on each other for different aspects of blogging – such as doing ad swaps, asking questions, and getting opinions. It’s so awesome to have a blogging friend who I know I can always count on. Whenever I’m on Facebook, I almost always have a conversation with Jacqueline popped up on my screen.

Now it’s your chance to get to know her!

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Hello! My name is Jacqueline Bridgford and I am a 21-year-old daughter, sister, student, girlfriend, small business owner, sorority girl, fashionista, and (more recently) the author of a blog called Pretti Please! I am a sister of Alpha Delta Pi. I spend most of my time in Los Angeles, where I am a junior at the University of Southern California, or with my family in Newport Coast, my hometown. I am interested in a little bit of everything – I am very creative and hope to have a wildly successful career in the fashion industry after I graduate from USC in 2015. As of right now, I keep busy with my blog and my small business that I operate through Etsy. I personally design, produce, and ship my one-of-a-kind gifts. Most of my items are aimed at college girls, mainly sorority girls! I started my shop because I had an excessive amount of crafts that I originally made for my wonderful little sis, Lissa. Since crafting is one of my favorite hobbies, I was accumulating hair bows and canvases left & right! My mom suggested that I sell some things online, so I set up a little shop and called it Bowtique By Jacqueline. The shop turned into my biggest project – I made more sales in the first month than I would have ever expected. It turned out that girls really liked my stuff and my shop grew faster than I could have imagined! I now offer a variety of products, including: sweatshirts & t-shirts with super cute glittery monograms, personalized vinyl decals, hair bows, soft hair ties, wall décor, canvases, and special orders. I love being able to make money while also getting the satisfaction out of designing and producing the items! After starting Bowtique By Jacqueline, I really delved into my creative side and started focusing on what I wanted to do in life after graduating. I started applying for internships (in fashion!) and decided in early February that I am going to spend this summer taking Fashion Design courses at Parsons! Studying fashion has always been a dream of mine, and the fact that I will be going to NYC makes it even better! I will return to USC this upcoming fall and finish up my last year of undergraduate studies. I can’t wait to see where Bowtique By Jacqueline, Pretti Please, and my fashion industry dreams take me! Thanks for reading!

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Have a great Wednesday, readers! Keep reaching for your dreams, just like Jacqueline does!!

14Jan2014

Liebster Award

by sparkleandshinesami

Jen from From One Journey to the Next nominated me for the Liebster award, which is an award for up-and-c0ming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. I am so honored that Jen selected me. Her blog is awesome and I recommend you going to check it out ASAP.

So, here are the rules:
– 11 Random Facts about yourself
– Answer the 11 questions the awarding blogger has posted for you
– Nominate 11 bloggers (with less than 200 followers)
– Let the bloggers you have nominated, know you nominated them!
– No tag backs

Random Facts:
1. I once hugged Taylor Swift. Yes, THE Taylor Swift. My friend and I had floor seats for the “Speak Now” tour. When she came down the aisle, she hugged us. It was AWESOME.
2. I own every episode of “Duck Dynasty,” “Full House,” and “The Big Bang Theory” on DVD.
3. My initials spell my name, SAM. As you know my first name is Sami, my middle name starts with an A, and my last name starts with an M!
4. I was a varsity swimmer in high school. I competed in the 500 meter free style and 100 breast stroke. I also did YMCA competition swimming and a recreational summer league.
5. A few years ago I was on the background of Kathy Lee & Hoda’s segment of “The Today Show.”
6. I am a VERY picky eater. I pretty much only eat a few certain foods and whenever I go to a restaurant, I almost always get the EXACT same thing.
7. In elementary school, I won two essay contests, two math bees, and two spelling bees.
8. I don’t know how to ski or snowboard, but I really want to learn how to ski!
9. The only country I have visited has been Canada. However, I really want to travel the world.
10. My favorite color is pink – however, my bedroom at home is purple and my comforter at school is purple (well, purple cheetah print!).
11. I LOVE Disney. I have the autograph of every single character there is. I also have my Cinderella wedding all planned out and own every Disney movie.

My Questions from Jen:

1. Why did you start blogging? I’ve always loved writing. I remember being a little girl and writing – everything from in a diary to books to my own magazines. Last March, I attended a journalism conference and they talked all about the benefits of having a blog. I thought that hearing that a writing hobby could benefit my future was a sign I should make one. So ta-dah! I did.

2. Who do you look up to? Why? I look up to my mother, hands down. She is my role model and my inspiration. She has taught me to overcome any obstacles I face because I am strong enough to do so and that she will always be by my side doing so. The song “I Learned From You” by Miley Cyrus describes how I feel about her perfectly. Listen to the song and you can see EXACTLY why I look up to her.

3. What’s one food you could never live without? CHICKEN FINGERS WITH TOOOOOOOOONS OF KETCHUP. I have the same food tastes as a 5 year old.

4. What was your favorite toy growing up? I was such a stereotypical little girl who loved Barbies. I had so many Barbies and would always dress them up. Whatever career Barbie took on, I would have her be that part. I was lucky enough that my parents and family were able to bless me with so much that Barbie was able to have everything from her dream house to dream car to dream boyfriend.

5. What’s one song I should be listening to? One bad I LOVE that most people don’t know about is Mariana’s Trench! I recommend “Cross My Heart.” It’s also one of my fave music videos EVER.

6. What are your top 3 favorite TV shows? DUCK DYNASTY, Big Brother, The Millers

7. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I very much want to travel the world. One place I want to go to is Australia!

8. What is one beauty product you cannot do without? My mascara! I can’t leave without putting mascara on. I love to play up my blue eyes and long eyelashes with mascara. I’m currently using “Lash Blash” by Maybelline.

9. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and song? My favorite Christmas Movie is the old school claymation “The Year Without A Santa Clause” and my favorite Christmas Song is “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

10. If you could only have one candy for the rest of your life, what would it be? Reeces Peanut Butter Cups!

11. What’s your favorite scent? My favorite perfume is Viva La Juicy. I’m actually really bad at answering scent questions for some reason because I never really know. LOL

I nominate:

1. Hannah @ The Fro-Yo Diaries

2. Adriana Renee @ With Love, Adriana Renee

3. Jess @ Busy Being Jess

4. Alyssa @ My Life’s a Cup of Cake

5. Dylan @ Sartorial Spice

6. Trina @ Tales of a Fluorescent Adolescent

7. Olivia @ Liv, Love, Laugh

8. Kriselle @ Livin’ and Lovin’

9. Shannah & Tara @ The Students’ Lifestyle

10. Kristine @ The Glitter Diaries

11. Devin @ Run Like a Girl

My questions for them:

1. If you were stuck on an island and could only have three items with you – what would you bring?

2. What was the last show you binge watched on Netflix?

3. What’s the last thing you bought?

4. Who is your favorite Disney character?

5. Backstreet Boys or NSync?

6. What was your favorite show as a kid?

7. What’s your favorite book?

8. What is your dream job?

9. If you could eat dinner with anyone – dead or alive – who would you pick? Why?

10. What’s your favorite restaurant?

11. What are your blogging goals?

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!

4Nov2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers! I hope you all enjoyed your Halloweens (but more importantly, your Hallo-weekends!) This year, I dressed up as Tom Cruise from Risky Business and a construction worker. If you are already planning your costumes for next year, I would definitely recommend these two! Both were very easy to do and cheap.

Now it is November – time for on sale Halloween candy and counting down the days til Christmas (50 days!) For me, this week is completely crazy – I already took an exam today and have papers and projects due almost everyday. I do, however, have super positives this week – my sorority has one of our big philanthropy events tomorrow night and our Great Gatsby themed semi formal is on Friday! My schedule is jammed packed this week, so I am going to jump right into this week’s Monday Musts!

1. I am now a member of the Her Campus Bloggers Network!

I have reached one of my blogging goals, readers – I am now a member of the Her Campus Bloggers Network! I write for my school’s chapter of Her Campus (check out my articles here). I knew that they also had a special, application based network for women, and a few men, between the ages of 13 – 30 with their own blog. I have waited months for the e-mail saying if I have been accepted into the HCBN, and I finally received it. My application was accepted! I am so excited to join other bloggers discussing fashion, beauty, Greek life, lifestyle, and so much more. I look forward to reaping the benefits of this incredible opportunity with you all! As a member of the Her Campus Bloggers Network, I get to rep the special badge that is now on the right hand side of “Sparkle and Shine”!

2. I Won A Giveaway!

One of my fellow Her Campus Bloggers Network sisters, Brittany from Oh Hey Brittany, recently hosted a giveaway on her blog. I have been a fan of Brittany’s blog even before we were HCBN sisters. When I saw that she did a giveaway a few weeks ago, I immediately entered. I am normally not a very lucky person when it comes to winning contests. However, my luck turned around because I won my first ever giveaway! Brittany had e-mailed me a few days ago saying that I had won a Dillo shirt. It just arrived and I am so excited!

3. I am now a member of the Northeast Bloggers Network!

As I’ve mentioned many times on here, I am a proud Jersey girl who goes to school in Connecticut. Because of this, I have joined up with other bloggers from the Northeastern United States as a member of the Northeast Bloggers Network. Yay! “Sparkle and Shine” is now listed on their directory under “General Life” bloggers. Just like with HCBN, I will be recieving special opportunities because I am now apart of this network. Just like I stated above about the Her Campus Blogger Network, I can’t wait to share the benefits of this network with you, as well. Right underneath my Her Campus Blogger Network badge is my Northeast Bloggers Network badge!

I can’t believe in the 5 short months of “Sparkle and Shine,” I have been able to accomplish so much. I wouldn’t be where I am without you readers, so thank you!!

Enjoy the rest of your week, my fabulous readers!