My Monday Musts

Happy Monday, “Sparkle and Shine” readers!

Hope you all had an exciting week! I had two snow days this week, which was exactly what I needed to relax! It has made my school schedule much more hectic – one of my classes I still have only had once this semester! But just like life goes, we have to adjust to the obstacles and go with it, which is exactly what I am doing!

Overall, this week had been SUPER positive. To be honest, I don’t think I have a single thing to complain about!

Plus, I had such an incredible weekend. I stayed in on Friday night to watch a scary movie with my best friend and then went out to Quinnipiac’s infamous club scene, Toads, for the first time of the semester and then had a sleepover with my best friend after!

So let’s keep the positive energy and good vibes rolling for this week! Here’s this week’s My Monday Musts!

1. Cookie Dough Doughnut from Dunkin Donuts

Yes, I know I JUST posted about eating healthy on a college budget, but hey, a girl needs a cheat meal every now and then! In every article I ever read about eating healthy, it says to allow yourself a cheat meal every once in a while not to restrict yourself. Well, ladies, I think I just found mine! My friends and I recently (and by recently I mean one of our multiple weekly trips) to Dunkin Donuts, I saw their new “cookie dough doughnut.” I’m a total sucker for cookie dough products, so I just had to try this new doughnut. When I tell you it was the best thing I have ever eaten…it was the best thing I have ever eaten! The regular doughnut has chocolate frosting and sprinkles on top, but inside it has warm, melted cookie dough! YUM!! Next time you feel like splurging, go on over to Dunkin Donuts and try their seasonal cookie dough doughnut! But hurry! It’s only out for a short amount of time!

2. “The Fault in Our Stars” Trailer

Every TFIOS fan has been freaking out since the trailer has been released – I now I have! You know I’m a huge fan based on this post. My Facebook and Twitter feeds were filled with people sharing the link to the best selling novel turned movie that will come out in the summer. “The Fault in Our Stars” is by far the best book I have ever read in my life and I honestly believe that no book will ever be able to top it. Ever. So now that it’s coming onto the big screen, any book nerd, would be freaking out about if the movie is going to not play up the how incredible the book was. Based on the trailer, I absolutely think that it will. I keep watching the trailer on repeat, even though it makes me cry every single time. The book made me bawl hysterically, so I think I will have to bring two boxes of tissues to the movies. No matter how many tears I plan on shedding, this movie is just another reason I am even more excited for summer!

3. Seventeen Magazine Social Club

Readers, I have recently received news about the greatest thing to ever, ever, ever happen to me. I am now officially a member of the Seventeen Magazine Social Club!! Yes, the Seventeen Magazine that I grew up on read as my own person Bible. As a member of the Seventeen Social Club, I will receive some awesome freebies from the company to blog about and share on my other social media sites, get access to awesome VIP events, get the inside scoop on special deals and discounts, AND have the possibility to appear in the pages of Seventeen itself! Receiving an e-mail from Seventeen, and having it signed XOXO, Your Friends at Seventeen Magazine, was the most incredible moment to ever happen to me. Of course, I received it when I was at the gym and started bawling my eyes out on the elliptical. But hey, it’s okay because my Carrie Bradshaw dreams are slowly coming true!!

By the way have you entered my giveaway yet?! Calling all sorority girls – get on it ASAP, if you have not already!! It’s for this awesome app which you can get for FREE if you win!! I’m loving it, so check it out!

Plus, check out my awesome sponsors! Head over to my sidebar and see where it says “Check out these Sparkling bloggers who are reading “Sparkle and Shine” ??? They’re some pretty awesome bloggers and are sponsoring me this month, so make sure you go and check them out!!!

Have a great week, readers! Keep sparkling!

3Feb2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, “Sparkle and Shine” readers!

So this week has been one full of some pretty high highs and a few low lows. However, this is life. What was able to get me through this crazy week was my best friends. So I just wanted to give an incredible shout out to them and remind you readers that your friends can help you get through anything. Pick people to be friends with who will only lift you higher.

So if you are having one of those roller coaster weeks, remember this is a new week. Thanks to Pinterest, I have a new motivational quote to help me get through the week, thanks to the ultra-fabulous Lilly Pulitzer.

And on that happy note, here are this week’s Monday Musts:

1. “Pretty Wild”

So I’ve previously shared with you readers about how I read the biography on “The Bling Ring” and watched the movie, so now I am continuing on my slight obsession with the Burglary Bunch by watching E!’s one season show “Pretty Wild” starring Tess and Alexis, who were members of “The Bling Ring.” The show has a Kardashian like spin on young Hollywood. Except…not exactly. I watch the show on my phone thanks to the Netflix app when I’m at the gym, so it gives me something to do while I’m on the elliptical (since I save “The Carrie Diaries” for when I’m all snuggled up in my bed). The show isn’t on air anymore, but if you are interested in more on “The Bling Ring,” like myself, you must check out “Pretty Wild” on Netflix!

2. Call me “Weather Girl Sami”

I have more exciting news to share with you, readers! Last week, I told you about how I was appointed Director of Social Enrichment for my sorority. This week, I received more great news! I was selected to be one of the three weather girl’s for my school’s TV station, Q30! This is just the first step in my dreams of being a broadcaster coming true! I am so excited to continue to be taking on the Quinnipiac campus by storm (get it, storm, weather….) And look out, readers, because I will be sharing my weather reports with you in My Monday Musts.

3. A New “Sparkle and Shine” Tradition!

Some of us didn’t get to partake in some Sunday Funday for Superbowl Sunday and were stuck doing work in the library. I took a little break from all my legal research and business law homework (#lawminorproblems) to write a post yesterday! One of my my blogging goals of this year is to let you, my fabulous “Sparkle and Shine” readers, get to know me a little bit more. What better way then through social media?! At the start of each month, I will be posting my top 3 Instagram pictures of each month! Those will be determined based on the number of likes they receive. In case you got caught up in a little something called the Superbowl, here are my Top 3 Instagrams of January 2014! Look for this new monthly tradition at the start of each month. If you can’t wait each month to see my Instagram posts, you can follow me!

If you want to read more of my work, check out this week’s Quinnipiac University’s Her Campus Celebrity interview with the newest President of Quinnipiac’s Panhellenic Council! All you sorority girls can check it out here.

Remember that Lilly quote, readers, and have a great week! Keep sparkling!

28Jan2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Hope you had a fabulous week! I survived my first week of classes of my second semester of sophomore year – YAY! Granted it consisted of some snow, much early than expected library trips, and stress, I made it through! From here, it is now back into school mode for me as I tackle this semester. More importantly, I will be blogging my way through it, of course.

This weekend, readers, I came to realize that even at 19 years old sweet sixteens are still my thing. I celebrated one of my best friend’s little sisters sweet sixteen’s this weekend.

So special shout in this week’s Monday Musts goes to you Anna! I’m so glad that you had such a great sweet sixteen, baby hlush!

And now, without further ado, this week’s Monday Musts!

1. “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane”

So Julia and I decided to stay home this weekend and relax by ordering in phone (hellllo cheat day!) and watching a movie in sweats. We haven’t watched a scary movie in a while together and were both in the mood for one. We browsed through Netflix, waiting for one to catch out eye. We ended up hitting play on “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane.” Any college or high school kids looking for a horror movie to just veg out to with your best friends, this is it. If you’re looking for a scary movie to watch with your fam, this isn’t the one I would pick. Julia and I laughed at the stereotypical horror scenes, but then would get engrossed at the plot twists (what you’re thinking is the end, I can promise you, is not it.) Soon we found ourselves putting ourselves as characters into the film, which was about high schoolers who go to a ranch miles away from civilization for the weekend. Next time you and your BFF are bored and want to watch a scary movie without being legitimately scared, pop on “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane” on Netflix.

2. “The Carrie Diaries”

Ask me who some of my role models are in life, I’ll name my mom/grandma/aunts, Marilyn Monroe, Khloe Kardashian, and Carrie Bradshaw. I love “Sex and The City” and all the life lessons and fabulous quotes that can from Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte living in the fabulous NYC. I’ve read “The Carrie Diaries” to learn about young Carrie, but I have yet to watch the show. So I have finally decided that I will watch it on Netflix! Since I am being a good blogger and writing this in advance, I unfortunately haven’t gotten to start the series yet. However, my excitement to begin it (and see the beautiful Austin Butler on camera) is through the roof.

3. Alpha Delta Pi’s Theta Theta Chapter’s Newest Director of Social Enrichment

I would love to share with you all some very exciting news I have recently received: I am now an appointed member of my sorority’s Executive Board as the Director of Social Enrichment. It is now my honor, and my privileged, to put together the best semi-formal and formal my fabulous sisters could ever ask for. As you’ve seen in many posts, Alpha Delta Pi means so much to me. Being able to be a member of E-Board, holding a position I dreamed of having leaves me speechless. One of my loves is party planning. Planning my sweet sixteen, helping plan friends’ sweet sixteens, and many others has left me with a favorite past time. However, unlike blogging or watching Netflix, party planning isn’t something I always get to do. Ever since I first help my family plan my aunt’s bridal shower & baby shower, I have loved event planning. Being able to do event planning for ADPi is incredible. Deep in my heart, I love my ADPi.

And here’s a little something new I’ll be adding to each Monday Musts! So, besides being a sister of Alpha Delta Pi, I am a member of my school’s newspaper and my school’s chapter of Her Campus. At the bottom of each Monday Musts, I’ll be linking up my articles from the previous week!

For the school paper, I most often write Culture Shock, which is some celeb dirt for this week! Check that out here.

And for Her Campus, I interview different Campus Celebs at QU! Check out this week’s interview here.

Have a great week, readers! Keep sparkling!

21Jan2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

Guess what?! I’m back at school! Yaaaaaay! After being reunited with my best friends and sisters, I am just so excited to be back at Quinnipiac and to start the second semester of my sophomore year! My classes start tomorrow and I’m ready to get back into the swing of things at school with all my classes, extracurriculars, gym sessions, library trips, and some socializing.

Here I am last night taking on Quinnipiac with some of my best friends!

1. Shallac Manicure

Once you go shellac, you are never, ever going back! I just couldn’t go back to school without getting a manicure, so Julia and I got our nails done on Friday. I hate when I just get my nails done, and they are chipped within a few days – or worse, a few hours! Since I was getting them done on Friday and needed them to still look for classes on Tuesday, I just needed something that would last longer! I have heard amazing reviews on getting a shellac manicure, so I decided to get it. I absolutely love it! My nails just look so good and it doesn’t chip. It was so worth the extra money!

2. iOS 7

So, I finally got myself up to date in the technology world by downloading iOS 7. Yes, I know…I’m a few months later. But, my phone always told me I didn’t have enough store to download the new version. Then, a sister told me that you can download it by plugging your phone into your laptop and connecting it to iTunes. Fun fact – it worked!! Now, I finally have iOS 7 and all the awesome features it offers iPhone users. I’m still getting use to how it all works, especially since I get very used to how something is and struggle with change. So far I’m loving it!

3. The premiere of “Duck Dynasty”

Come on now, readers. If you didn’t see this one coming, I would say you need to get yourself more up to date on “Sparkle and Shine.” If you do want to do so, check out the buttons on the side under “Follow me on Social Media.” BUT, since I am a huge fan on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” the season premiere, to me, was like Christmas Eve, jack! The two episode premiere introduced the world to two new Robertson family members – who I immediately followed on Twitter. #sorrynotsorry I can’t wait for the rest of the season and to see what else the Robertson clan has in store for it’s viewers. I know it’ll make me happy, happy, happy!

Time for me to go prepare for my first day of classes by packing my backpack up, printing out some more syllabuses, and deciding what to wear tomorrow!

Happy Monday, readers! Good luck this semester!

14Jan2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

I can’t believe that this is my last Monday being home for winter break. I made sure to do all my last minute errands today – like the essential last eye brow wax – before I head back to school on Saturday! I’ve been packing… and over packing…. all my new clothes (sorry mom!) for my second semester of sophomore year. I just can’t wait to be back with my friends and sisters. However, I am very much going to miss my family.

But before school even comes, I am excited for my big to come home from Trinidad tomorrow, so she has wifi again so we can text non-stop! Because as you may not know, we do….

Another reason I’m excited for this week, “Duck Dynasty” comes back this week for a new season!!! I love how so many people are relating the show to me – I received a snapchat today of a Walmart’s “Duck Dynasty” section from my friend Bailey saying how it madde me think of her and a sister of mine Tweeted “Duck Dynasty” tee shirts she found to me because it made her think of me. Quack, quack!

But here we go, readers, this week’s Monday Musts!

1. “The Millers” on CBS

CBS has a new show this season called just “The Millers.” I watched it one night after “The Big Bang Theory” and became obsessed. I binge watched every single episode On Demand in the matter of 48 hours because I became so obsessed. The hilarious show follows the Miller family after the parents, Tom and Carol, separate after 43 years. After their son, Nathan, tells his parents of his divorce, Tom promptly leaves Carol. Carol them moves in with Nathan, who is 43 years old. Tom moves in with daughter Debbie, and her husband and son. The show has me laughing every single time for the full 30 minutes! I haven’t binge watched a show like this in forever because I’m just so hooked! Catch it Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.

2. “The Bling Ring” Novel by Nancy Jo Sales

In an old My Monday Musts, I talked about how I watched “The Bling Ring” movie and became obsessed. I decided to read “Vanity Fair” writer Nancy Jo Sale’s biography on the crime spree. It was such an interesting read because Sales was in contact with the lawyers of the defendants, the defendants themselves, such as Nick Prugo, and offered an interesting insider facts and statistics. For anyone else who is as interested in the Burglar Bunch and their celebrity stealing spree, I absolutely recommend this book. Just be forewarned – it is written very much like a magazine article.

3. I got my third hole pierced in each ear!

Yay! I got another piercing, readers! I got my third hole in each ear pierced this past week when Julia and I went on a (much-needed) shopping spree at the mall! Ever since I got my cartilage pierced, I had wanted to get my third hole pierced – and I finally did! Seven piercings in total in both ears and now I’m official done! Yay!

Yay! Now time to go watch the season premiere of “The Fosters” and Juan Pablo on “The Bachelor.”

Happy Monday, readers! Keep sparkling!

6Jan2014

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, “Sparkle and Shine” readers!

First off, I wanted to say thank you so much for liking “Sparkle and Shine” on Facebook. I created the page less than a week ago and already have over 160 likes. If you haven’t already liked the page, you can like it here! If you want to stay up-to-date on all things Sami and “Sparkle and Shine” you can check out my social media buttons (those purple buttons below “Meet Sami” that say “Follow Me on Social Media). The F is for the “Sparkle and Shine” Facebook page, the T is for my personal Twitter account, the P is for Pinterest, the envelope is to send me an e-mail, the bl is for “Sparkle and Shine’s” Bloglovin page, and the camera is for my personal Instagram account!

So after all the incredible feedback from you through social media, I am going to jump right into your favorite thing about Monday…My Monday Musts!

1. “The Bachelor” Premiere

Hellllllo Juan Pablo! So, I will be honest – I have never watched a season of “The Bachelor” before. When most girls my age started to get into it, the episodes always aired during my YMCA swim team practices, so I never got to watch. My little, Amber, persuaded me to watch this season with her. So after last nights introduction episode, I am already hooked! We spent the commercial breaks on the phone with each other, discussing our opinions on everything. I can’t wait for tonight’s episode!! Tonight, Amber and I are going to start making our favorites list of the girls. I can’t wait for my newest TV addiction to take full swing!

2. “The Internship”

Ask any college student what they’re doing over winter break and it may sound similar to the Honey Boo quote that goes “I’m relaxin’…eatin’…havin’ a great time.” The easiest way to relax over this break was through vegging out on the couch watching movies. One night I was looking for a comedy to watch and came across “The Internship.” Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson starred in it – and I figured it would be like a “Wedding Crashers” mixed with Google. The movie was much more light hearted and inspiring then I thought it was going to be, which, in my opinion, made the movie about two grown men interning for Google much better than I ever anticipated. No matter your age, or your mood, if you’re looking for a good movie to watch, check out “The Internship.”

3. Dream Moods App

One thing I have always been interested in has been the meaning behind my dreams. I think the subconscious is such a fascinating concept and can really help reveal a lot about ourselves. This past week I had been having some really crazy dreams and decided to get to the bottom of their meanings myself. This is 2014 so, of course, there is an app for that! I downloaded the Dream Moods app and each morning I search my dreams. I type in the word and BOOM a huge description comes up. The app even keeps a journal of my dreams via the history of what I have searched! Interested in the app? It’s free!

I hope the rest of your Monday is relaxin’ (still using that Honey Boo Boo reference)! Mine will be – a little facial and reading some “Seventeen” magazine before “The Bachelor.”

Happy Monday, readers!!

30Dec2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, “Sparkle and Shine” readers!

I can’t believe this year is already over. Thank you so much for following me in my blogging journey thus far this year. I am happier than I could have ever imagined with my blog and couldn’t be anywhere without you readers!

I hope you all had a great 2013 and have great plans for 2014. I know I sure had an incredible 2013, and will be sharing with you all memories from it during the week.

More importantly, I hope you all had a great Christmas and that Santa brought you all that you had dreamed for. I know that underneath my Cinderella topped Christmas tree I had everything I could possibly ask for – Uggs, clothes, jewelry, gift cards, ADPi gear, and more! I finally got the Vineyard Vines cap and white vest I have been wanting! I am so thankful and blessed for not only the gifts I received, but the time I got to spend with my family. My whole family went down to my grandparent’s house to celebrate the holiday together. There is nothing more magical than being together with the family for Christmas.

Because of the craziness of finishing up my Christmas shopping and completing holiday traditions last week, I did not get to post My Monday Musts. Since I’m sure you were all so upset about it, I’m going to jump right into this week’s Monday Musts!

1. “Duck Dynasty” WILL be back – and with the whole family!

I’m sure for any of those who know me, you absolutely could have guessed that this was going to be on the list. We all know I looove “Duck Dynasty.” If you couldn’t tell from all of my posts about the show, you can always tell by my sweatshirts and tumblr (from my big. Thanks Katherine!). So, I was completely horrified when I heard that Phil was being suspended, and then that the show might be over because the family would not continue on without feel. I threatened that I would wear black 24/7, even to work, because I was in mourning. Since the controversy regarding what Phil Robertson said to GQ is now over, I will not share my opinions with you all. All I can say is that I am happy, happy, happy that there will be a new season premiering on January 15th that will feature the whole Robertson family!

2. Liebster Award

I recieved some awesome news from fellow blogger Jen that she nominated me for the “Liebster Award,” an award for bloggers with less than 200 followers. It was such honor that she had selected me and it was so much fun reading all of the answers to her questions from her nominee. Be on the look out for when I post my own Liebster Award nominees, as well as some fun facts about me and answer the questions Jen asked me in her nomination post.

3. “Who’s Got Your Money” by Tina Parol

So during finals week, my friends Bailey, Jacqueline, Jen and I got a little cabin-feverish while trying to study for our Friday exam. We took enough study breaks to take online quizzes that I can tell you what my spirit animal is, what Friends character I am, what Harry Potter house I would belong to, and more (a wolf, Rachel, and Gryffindor – in that order). During another study break, Bailey started singing (side note: she’s an incredible singer!), “Who’s Got Your Money.” Though the lyrics are slightly funny (it’s about a girl spending her ex’s money), the beat is extremely catchy and gives you a little pump up when at the gym. I can’t wait for the summer to blast this with the sunroof open. It’s a great girl power song. Thanks, Bailey!

2014 may not hold only great things in your lives, because you are all fabulous, but great things for “Sparkle and Shine.”

BUT WAIT! Before I end this post, I have two last things to share with you all!

1. I just made a Facebook page for Sparkle and Shine!! Like it here to stay up to date with all the posts!

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

Happy New Year!

16Dec2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

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

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

1. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

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

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

2. WestJet Christmas Surprise

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

3. The “Duck Dynasty” Christmas Episode

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

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

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

Have a good week, readers!

9Dec2013

My Monday Musts

by sparkleandshinesami

Happy Monday, readers!

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

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

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

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

1. “Move” by Little Mix

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

2. Luvabull Proposal Video

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

3. Elle Woods Inspiration

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

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

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

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!