Viva Las Alpha Delta Pi {Semi Formal 2015 pictures!}

Hey, readers!

Looking back at recent Sparkle and Shine posts, I realized how I shared how super excited I was for my semi formal. I told you how I asked my date and how I was fueling my excitement by wearing my new letters, but then I never told you about how the actual semi formal was!

And it was awesome!

Since I was my chapter’s previous social chair, I haven’t been to a semi that I haven’t planned in years. It was so nice to go to an event and just be able to enjoy it and not need to make sure everything is going smoothly. Plus, I went with my best friend in the entire world so I knew we were going to have a blast.

Plus, since my big is still here for grad school, she came to pictures, too! It was the first family photo with my big, me, my little, grand little, and great grand little.

Check out some of my favorite pictures from the night below:

And after a great night at my semi formal, Paul asked me to his fraternity’s Christmas party on Tuesday. Stay tuned to see more about his proposal in an upcoming post!

20Dec2014

Sami’s Holiday Guide: Craft Your Own Canvas

by sparkleandshinesami

So you waited until last minute to get all your Christmas gifts and it’s already the Saturday before – now what?

Well, this time, readers, is for you to break out your paint brush and craft gifts from the heart. Avoid the craziness of the malls and mile long lines by crafting. A personal favorite gift of mine to craft are canvases!

Here are some canvas ideas from myself, a fellow Alpha Delta Pi sister from Florida State University, and some Pinterest faves that are on my Crafting Queen Pinterest Board to make.

Here is the canvas I made for my little for Christmas:

Over the summer, I got in touch with Madie, a fellow ADPi sister who had an Etsy shop. She took a break from her Etsy shop recently, but by visiting the page, you can sign up to receive an e-mail for when she returns! Here are two of Madie’s canvases, that I have hanging in my dorm room at school:

And for more ideas, here are some of my favorite canvases that I have recently pinned:

Hope that these examples can help inspire you for any last minute gifts.

Happy crafting!

13Oct2014

My Monday Musts {Meet my Little Diamond’s Little Diamond}

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Hope you are all having a fabulous day. I know most of the day is over as I’m posting this, but it’s getting down to midterms week and I am stressed to the max like every other college students.

However, just because I’m stressed, it doesn’t mean I can’t share with you all the exciting events of my life from this week.

This week revolved around one of the greatest events to ever happen in my life… my little diamond got her own little diamond!

MEET LAUREN!

My little diamond, Amber, was unable to come to reveal since she had a prior obligation, so I got to surprise Lauren for Amber.

Last year, I was unable to surprise Amber at reveal. I had dislocated my knee and was home. There ended up being so much traffic that I was unable to get there on time – as I walked in, Katherine, my big diamond, was surprising Amber.

It seemed as though we got to continue the tradition because Amber had a prior obligation, so I got to surprise Lauren.

We put Amber’s face on a stick and I Facetimed her in – so it was just like she was there when I popped out of the decorated box to hug Lauren!

Out of all the events this week, getting Lauren as what most would consider a “g – little” was the greatest of them all.

Love you Lauren and can’t wait to have you in my life!

Hope you all have an amazing week readers and something happens as awesome as this to you this week. Keep sparkling!

15Jul2014

My Weekend Adventure with My Little Diamond

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Tuesday, readers!

So many people were tweeting at me and asking me where My Monday Musts were. I took the day off from My Monday Musts yesterday to catch up on some sleep (I slept for 16 hours and then took a 3 hour nap. Whoops.) and get some errands done because my weekend was very busy.

Why was my weekend super busy? Because my little diamond, Amber, came to New Jersey for the weekend!!

The first thing we did when Amber got here? Take a picture of the three of us reunited!

Want to know what’s really cool? Since my best friend from home goes to Quinnipiac with me, she knows Amber, too. Even better – they’re college BFFs and roommates, so we spent the entire weekend together!

On Friday, we took Amber around our town and surrounding towns showing her what our life here in the Dirty Jersey is like. We showed her our jobs, were we hang out, and gave her the tour of our houses. During middle school/the beginning of high school, going to the movies and then Fuddruckers was THE thing to do. Amber had never gone to Fuddrucker’s, known for it’s “World’s Greatest Hamburgers” so we took her there.

Afterwards, we went to Morristown to show Amber something very New Jersey. Plus, it was something I could cross off my bucket list! Just a few days ago I posted about how I have been a little side tracked in completing tasks on my bucket list and Amber coming to New Jersey was the perfect opportunity to do so. However, you’re just going to have to stay tuned to “Sparkle and Shine” to see what it is….

The following day, Saturday, was Julia’s mom’s 50th birthday party! Amber and I laughed the entire time as got ready, blasted our typical Saturday night Pandora station “Turn Down For What” – but instead of getting ready to go to a club, we were getting ready for a 50th birthday party!

We all put on our best maxi dresses and danced the night away to 80’s music. I absolutely loved dancing around to Madonna and Toni Basil’s “Hey Mickey.”

Julia, Amber, and Julia’s younger sister (and another one of my best friends) Jenna and I were killing it in our maxi dresses!

To round off the weekend, we shopped til we dropped at Jersey Garden’s – New Jersey’s largest outlet mall. With over 200 stores, we were in total heaven. As for our bank accounts, not so much.

As any True Jersey girls know, there are three things that really define NJ. Julia and I made sure to show Amber, who is from Connecticut, three core parts of Jersey:

1. Not pumping our gas

From Connecticut, Amber has to pump her own gas – YUCK! So of course, we had to have her say “$20 regular” and hand over a debit card.

2. The Garden State Parkway

Julia and I wanted to show Amber the Garden State Parkway. On Sunday, we were planning on going to Seaside. However, gross rainy weather ruined that plan. At least we got to show her a sign that was leading to the Parkway, right?

3. Taylor Ham

Ask anyone from New Jersey – there is NOTHING better than Taylor Ham. We couldn’t have had Amber leave without having it. We made sure to stop at our favorite diner and order her a Taylor Ham, eff, and cheese with salt, pepper, and ketchup. YUM!

It was such a great weekend getting to spend time with my little diamond. Of course, the weekend wasn’t complete without us throwing what we know!

Hope you had a great weekend, too, readers!

1Jun2014

Top 3 Instagrams of the Month: May 2014

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy June, readers!

Those April showers brought more than just May flowers, it brought you my monthly edition of Top 3 Instagrams of the month!

May wasn’t as busy for me – once I finished tackling finals, I came home for the summer and immediately started working 40 hour work weeks. Though I haven’t been having much time as I would have wanted to spend blogging so far, don’t worry, readers! Now that I have a handle on how my schedule is going to be, I’ve already been filling my Lilly planner with post ideas and publishing dates.

Now, enough about the blog, check out my May Instagrams with the top likes!

On May 15, 1851 Alpha Delta Pi became the first sorority on the scene! I celebrated my love for the first and finest sorority by posting a picture of my chapter by posting a picture of my beautiful Theta Theta sisters and I on May 15! The photo was taken outside on our lovely quad during our Diamond Dash philanthropy event. The greatest decision I have made while being in college has been joining a sorority. I couldn’t be more thankful for our founders who created ADPi 163 years ado and I couldn’t be more blessed to live out the ritual those women created as an Alpha Delta Pi sister.

The most exciting event that occurred during May was my trip to the New York City Makeup Show with my little diamond, Amber, courtesty of press for Seventeen Magazine! In the post, which you can read HERE, Amber and I traveled to New York City to learn about makeup from some of the best in the business! Going to the makeup show, and getting to experience it with my little diamond, is just one of the many perks having a contract with Seventeen Magazine has given me!

The Instagram with the third most likes for May was a collage of some of the highlights from my second semester of sophomore year at Quinnipiac. Second semester of sophomore year held many great achievements – I was appointed the Director of Social Enrichment for my sorority, became my school’s weather girl for our news station, gained a contract with Seventeen Magazine, officially became an adult by turning 20, completed my second ever Relay for Life in honor of my father, made Dean’s List for the fourth time in a row, and just so much more. The laughs, the memories, and the friendships made during this semester will live long in my heart. It was quite a semester for the books!!

I can’t wait to see what the month of June will have for me – and what Instagram pictures I will be flooding your feed with. You can check out my top Instagrams from January, February, March, and April or follow me on Instagram to stay up to date on my life.

Enjoy June!

21May2014

“Big May Know Best, but Little Always Gets What She Wants”

by sparkleandshinesami

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

One of the hardest parts about being home for summer from college is how much I miss my sorority sisters, especially my big diamond sister, Katherine, and my little diamond sister, Amber!

My big and little diamond sisters mean the world to me. They are my best friends, my biggest support system, and two of the girls who I know will be standing next to me, as bridesmaids, on my wedding day.

They are the two girls I always want to go out with on the weekends….

They are the two always supporting me – just like in this picture, right after I was announced as our chapter’s new social chair…

They are the two that I am with at every philanthropy event, like at our King of Diamond’s event…

They are my rocks and my biggest support system, as you can see here at Relay for Life….

I can always be silly with them….

Because at the end of the day, they are the greatest thing to happen to me since I came to Quinnipiac University…

For any of you sorority women who understand the bond between a big and little sister, you may be experience #LittleProblems.

Don’t worry, because there is just a store – and Twitter account – to help you!

Little Problems is all about promoting the incredible bond between a big and little sister / a big diamond and little diamond sister, being a proud Greek woman, and supporting your sisters, and supporting your letters.

The shop features decals, bows, and koozies, while the Twitter account, started in May 2012, offers a variety of tweets than any sorority woman can relate to.

When purchasing from the store, orders are processed within 24 hours of placement and then are shipped out on either Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Shipping, for all products, is $3.0o. All sales are final and the site will also design custom koozies! For more information, you can check out the FAQ page here.

Do you know what it’s like to be a proud sorority women with such a close bond? If so, then you have to check out Little Problems to show off your pride!

10Mar2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

So I’m currently on Spring Break! Instead of laying out on a Florida beach soaking up the sun or skiing the Vermont slopes (not that I know how to ski anyway, I’m too accident prone that no one ever will take me on the slopes….), I’m laying on my couch in good ole’ Dirty Jersey planning my sorority’s formal, while taking a few breaks to catch up on America’s family, the Kardashians.

So with my messy bun looking messier than ever, 10 tabs of Pinterest open to my formal board, and crafting supplies scattered all over my dining room table, I decided to take a break from creating Alpha Delta Pi’s own wonderland for our “Alice in Wonderland” themed formal to share with you all this week’s My Monday Musts!

1. My Big Diamond and I celebrated our One Year Anniversary this Week!

Remember before I mentioned how I’m not skiing on any slopes because I’m so accident prone – well, one year ago during big/little diamond reveal ceremony, I wasn’t there because I had broken my hand and had possibly tendon damage. So a few days after everyone else had their formal reveal, I came back to school, and within 10 minutes, Katherine took me and my sling out to froyo so we can do an impromptu reveal. The day I received Katherine as my big diamond was one of the biggest blessings Alpha Delta Pi has given me. Katherine has been there for me through every up, every down, and every weekend adventure. She is my best friend, my sister, and my big diamond. I can’t express how incredible she is in my life, so not only did I have to share with you all that we just celebrated one year together as being big/little diamond sisters, but hope that all of your sorority girls have bigs like her!

2. Adding Resident Assistant to my Resume

One of my biggest goals of my college career was to become a Resident Assistant for freshman on Quinnipiac’s campus. This past week was the interviewing processes. Finally, on Wednesday, I received the e-mail saying that out of 236 applications, 26 where chosen – and I was one of them. I don’t think I have been this happy and this proud of myself in such a long time. Having a bunch of freshman residents is all I could dream about – I want to stay up late with them eating Dominoes discussing boy problems and life, I want them to come to me for outfit approvals, and for me to ultimately be their shoulder to lean on as they get through their first year of college. I have already been looking on Pinterest for ideas for door decorations and program ideas. For the Quinnipiac Class of 2018 who will be living in Irma next year, get ready, because RA Sami is ready to create the best year you can imagine.

3. Jack Rogers & Chubbie’s Giveaway

Jennifer Taylor, the social media and PR associate of Jack Rogers, contacted me this week to help spread the word on their current giveaway! (Talk about total fan girling… someone from Jack Rogers contacted ME!). Jack Rogers and Chubbies partnered together to create a sorority woman and fraternity man’s dream giveaway – to give away a pair of Jack Rogers sandals for her and Chubbies shorts for him. I entered the giveaway! Have you? Whether you’re on your phone or computer, you can enter the giveaway here.

So as I get back to the craziness of planning a formal and the spring break of a 40 year old woman thanks to the over 100 e-mail I need to answer, I just wanted to share something fun with you all…..

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY WEEK! MY BIRTHDAY IS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 15, AND I WILL NO LONGER BE A TEEN! I’M TURNING 20!

And on that note, have a great week! Keep sparkling!

2Mar2014

Top 3 Instagrams of the Month: February 2014

by sparkleandshinesami

Hello, readers!

It’s officially March a.k.a. my birthday month! WOOHOO!

Last month, you may remember how I introduced the post saying I will be starting the monthly tradition of sharing my Instagram posts with the most likes. Well, if you don’t, you can check out January’s top Instagram posts here and keep reading to find out what February’s most liked photos were!

So my first Instagram with the most likes was in honor of my guardian angel, my father, on World Cancer Day. February 4 was World Cancer Day, as well as the 3 years and 8 months since my father passed away. I couldn’t help but to dedicate a post to my hero on this day explaining not only the importance of having him in my life, but the importance of finding a cure.

My second post with the most Instagram likes was during my Alpha Delta Pi District Leadership Conference. Alea, is currently our chapter’s president. Prior to becoming our sister prez, she was the Director of Social Enrichment, which is what I currently am. I am so honored to follow in Alea’s shoes as the Director of Social Enrichment for the Theta Theta chapter and plan on living up to those big shoes to fill in the next year, since she did such an incredible job.

My third Instagram post with the most likes was when I pinned my little diamond, Amber, with her own pin for the first time. It is Alpha Delta Pi tradition that little diamond’s wear their big diamond’s pin until they get their own. Two chapters ago, Amber finally got her own pin. I was honored to pin her with her own pin!

Don’t want to wait for the beginning of each month to see the Instagram pictures with the most likes, then follow me on Instagram!

Enjoy your Sunday readers!

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!

21Oct2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday! I know I sure am! Guess who got a 100 on her last nutrition exam after studying for over 8 hours?! Me! And nothing can put me in a better mood than knowing that all my hard work is paying off during my 8 a.m.

However, now I’m stuck back in reality though after the incredible weekend I had. It’s no more city streets, but back to my campus. There’s no more hole-in-wall dining, but a cafeteria. I’m just stuck with all the memories, tired legs, and a new Facebook profile picture.

But another part of my reality though, is bringing to you all my Monday Musts!

1. How I Met Your Mother

Once I returned home from New York City, my little diamond, Amber, began to tell me about her newest obsession, the television show “How I Met Your Mother.” I’ve heard so many people talk about, read so many tweets about it, but never had any interest in it. I always felt that it was in someway similar to “Friends,” and nothing could ever compete for my heart the way Chandler, Ross, Joey, Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe have. After a much needed few minutes of relaxing, I decided to give the show a chance and watch with her. I quickly became obsessed. We have watched so many episodes in just a short amount of time as we try to figure out who the mother is. It’s safe to say that I finally hopped onto the “How I Met Your Mother” bandwagon!

2. Quinnipiac got an Alex and Ani

I looooove Alex and Ani bracelets! My collection includes the anchor bangle, the Alpha Delta Pi bangle, and the daughter bangle. Quinnipiac’s campus was in uproar when Alex and Ani released the Quinnipiac University bangle, decked out with the Bobcat and our school’s name! I, like every other girl on campus, was in love and obsessed – and may have even stopped breathing for a few seconds. I can’t wait to hopefully add this to my collection, especially since Christmas is just around the corner( if you really want to know, I like it in silver)!

3. Ice Cream IS Happiness

By accident before, I opened up my Tumblr app, which hasn’t been open in forever thanks to Pinterest. The first photo that popped up said “…You cannot buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream (which is almost the same thing).” I instantly fell in love with the photo and had to screenshot it to save it and now share it all with you. Fun fact, one of my all time favorite foods is ice cream. Whenever I’m happy, whenever I am sad, or almost whenever in general, I could go for a big bowl of ice cream! Almost every Monday, my big diamond, Katherine, and I go to a local ice cream place, called Wentworths. We catch up on each other’s weekends and give each other a play-by-play of our nights. The only thing that gets me through the dreaded Monday is our weekly big diamond/little diamond ice cream dates! Seeing this photo made me realize how true it is- my true happiness from Mondays comes from ice cream dates with Katherine! If you’re stuck in those Monday blues today, grab yourself some Ben & Jerry’s! Yummy!