Social or Not?

Since classes have started, I've struggled with this conflict of interests:

to study all the time or let it be and make friends?

Obviously there's got to be balance, but I'm having a hard time finding it. This past weekend I spent Friday night with friends just hanging out and watching movies. But, because of that I felt like I needed to stay in Saturday and study. While everyone went out, I put on my sweats, took out my contacts, and hit the books. Plus side to being a hermit? The hall is silent on Saturday nights- perfect for studying. 

You might think that this sounds balanced- one night out for one night in. But what's wrong is that whenever I'm out, all I can think about is all that needs to get done. I feel like I'm constantly going over my class materials in my head. Making sure I don't forget them and making lists of ways to study and make sure I know my stuff. It's to the point that I almost feel guilty when I'm not studying. I know there's no reason to feel guilty- one can't only sleep and go to class. But I worry that I won't be prepared for the exams and that I'll be mad about going out once it's too late. 

As you can tell, my weekends and inner thoughts are extremely conflicted right now.

Luckily, I've heard that this is the hardest semester of my major- the weeding out process that is so well known at Purdue. And with the competition to get into their Pharmacy program, I can see why they'd want those who aren't committed to change majors. But then there's all the other stuff, like clubs and organizations, that make a student well rounded. So not only am I adjusting to 17 hours of class (plus 3 hours outside of class studying for every hour in class) and the plethora of student organizations that students are urged to join. So much going on... it's almost hard to think that anybody has the energy to go out on weekends! 

Luckily, I'm able to be social between studying or at meal times. In class I get to be surrounded with 250-300 students, all of us under similar work loads. There's a sense of community and friendship in the fact that many of us do, like myself, chose to stay in on the weekends (or even during the week). So there's that- knowing I'm not alone. Also the fact that my parents are sacrificing so much to make sure I'm getting the education I want. It makes staying in and making the grades worth it. Forever.

So that brings me to the question- to be social or not?

I can't be the only one who has this problem. It's a worldwide epidemic- working long hours to "live a nice life" but never having time to live. So for myself and anyone else struggling with this, I'm telling you to balance. Take breaks throughout the day to have a lunch break with friends or go to the gym and see people. Get out, socialize. I think it'll help to focus more while I'm working. Also, being able to tell friends "I was with you guys at lunch so I need to stay in and study tonight" a better excuse/ reason that won't get you as much slack. I'm going to try to balance my studying and socializing more, while also making sure my grades aren't being sacrificed.

It is my future on the line, anyways!

Fall Accessories

Fall is coming!!

 Channelling Jackie Oh

...or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm dying for warm coffee and brisk morning walks. You've heard it before and you know just what I'm talking about. Since I'm still wearing summer clothes, I enjoy summer through online shopping (or browsing, since I'm trying not to buy much). I've been really excited about the animal prints that seem to be a fashion staple this fall. LEM would be so proud, since I used to tease her about her love of animal prints. I still don't understand the zebra phase, but cheetah and tortoise shell I've really become obsessed with.

I'm not a huge jewelry person. But I'm working on it (check out #11 in yesterday's post). I recently had my mom pick up not this exact bracelet, but a similar one from J. Crew and I'm so glad I had her do it because they're all sold out of this style of jewelry now. I think it'll look awesome with plaid or hunter green- one of my favorites for the fall. Of course, I'm a lover of all things Ray-Bans. I have almost every style they offer, but I'm still missing a pair of Jackie Ohh's... and this tortoise shell pair is perfection.

It wouldn't be fall without a patterned frat-hat. 

Southern Proper has the best hats and I'm loving this and the green one for fall. Not exactly animal print, but it channels fall nonetheless. Only a couple of weeks until it's officially fall, and I really can't wait!

What are you loving this fall?

21 Before 21

I've been inspired by Mackenzie's "1001 in 1001" and Carly's "25 before 25" lists.

Enough for me to make my own list of 21 things I want to do or see before I turn 21. Yes, I do realize that it's only two years. And yes, I understand that most of my life will be spent in school, working, or internships. That being said, I think having a deadline and a few major things to do will be really fun to do and see how it works out. 

So, before I turn 21 I'd like to...

1. attend the Kentucky Derby

2. Go on a vacation where I unplug and just read books on the beach

3. Attend the Macy's Day Parade in New York City

4. Run a Half Marathon... and maybe a Full?

5. Go on a legitimate blind date set up by a friend

6. Watch all 8 Harry Potter films in a 36 hour time span

7. Spend a ridiculous amount of money on concert tickets 

8. Give a 100% tip on a bill of $50 or more

9. Go to the CMA festival

10. Move in with some of my best friends

11. Learn how to accessorize with jewelry

12. Buy random gifts and give them out to the homeless on the street

13. Find an international pen pal

14. Take a class that I don't really need, but just want to take

15. Go a month without sweets (Sept 10 - Oct 10, 2013)

16. Pick a campaign, cause, event and dive into it whole-heartedly

17. Unplug in daily life (as much as possible) for two weeks

18. Go on a road trip with my best friend(s)

19. Spend a weekend with my Grandparents doing whatever they want to do

20. Apply for a study abroad program or to an international school

21. Become conversational in a foreign language (Francais?)

As you can tell, none of these items tempt fate or have me simply thinking wishfully. These are all things that I can and will accomplish by the time I turn 21. Why 21? Well I think that it's a good time frame for me to enjoy my youth and have fun. While I'm technically an adult, you're not really and adult until you're 21. So I'm taking these years of having some independence but still a kid to go and have fun. I'm also a planner, and I think that having a time frame and a bunch of random things to do is such a fun thing for someone who plans and works without much free time. In a way it's "forced fun", but it's necessary.

Because, let's face it
Life isn't life if you aren't living.

Dreaming of Burberry

Burberry is absolutely my favorite Designer.

From the classic trenches to the Check print to the scarves. I'd wear all of their looks if only I could afford them! I think it's the way that their fashion is 

so I took so long to get ready but I want to look tousled and rushed.  

I mean, look at this! So put-together but not overly polished or primped. 

I think it's a difference in culture, really. Burberry completely caters to the European lifestyle. The women want pieces that hardly go out of style but that are functional. I have a few of the Burberry scarves and, trust me, they are fashionable and functional- and over worn because I love them so much. The entire line, though, is challenging to wear because of the polished look of women in America. I'm not saying that Europeans aren't polished. They just are more accepting of the "edgy" look in the workplace and streets than in America. It's hard to explain, but it makes me want to badly to live in Amsterdam or London and be able to perfect the shabby-chic look.

For now, though, I'll keep with my scarves. I love them and hope that they'll continue to do me well.

How Do You Know?

How do you know if something is for you?

I don't have an answer to this question, though I wish I did. I have no idea how you can look at a call-out paper or a review and think "I'd love that" without any doubt. I don't know how you can sign up for skydiving and say "I'll be okay". There's no real for sure in this world. But what there are, are opportunities. Chances to go out and try something new. Chances to take an interest. Chances to not be judged. And that's my mindset as I went through recruitment.

I think the Greek community is awesome! It has produced some of America's - and the World's- most impressive leaders. The Greeks run many of America's campuses through their size, power, and heart. Yes, the Greek community scan be synonymous with words like hazing, exclusivity, and partying. But the Greeks were founded on philanthropy and altruism. The hard thing is that philanthropy, sisterhood, and leadership is what I want from my time spent in the Greek Community. What I found... wasn't so optimistic.

Purdue is a fantastic school with a fantastic reputation. They are part of the Big 10 and are a leading research university. I expected the same caliber out of the Greek system, and while those involved are smart and good looking, there weren't any that I really felt held up to my standards. Though they couldn't admit it, I wasn't their favorite when I said that partying big wasn't my thing... When I like chill nights in rather than crazy nights out that I can't remember.

...............................................................

I was upset when I dropped. I so badly wanted to be Greek. In fact, I still do want to be Greek! But I want to know for sure that my values and morals are not compromised. I want to know that they love and want the best for me- like a real sister would. I want to feel good about being a part of the Greek Community- wherever that may be- and not ashamed of the reputation with my letters.

Okay, so my expectations may be high. And as I see girls in their shirts after getting their bids, I can't help think about how badly I want to be them. But then I know that there are so many other amazing things I can be that don't involve being Greek...

Or maybe I still will be.

Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to all the hard workers out there!

Here's a gift from me to you :)

A Very Lilly Fall

September 1st.

Fall has officially arrived. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back. The last of the cookouts will occur tomorrow. And, designers have released the best of their fall collections. I'm always curious to see what Lilly does in the fall- the classic Lilly colors and prints just don't work with fall. I've been pleased with what I've seen so far, and am ready for sweater weather to wear all of this good stuff!

Indiana fall doesn't really lend itself well to dresses. Some can be pulled off, but typically pants are needed during the fall months. Unfortunate, yes. But luckily vests and sweaters are fun and fashionable. As Lilly Pulitzer has released most of the fall collection, I thought I'd hilight a few of my favorites.

As I said before, I love sweater weather.

I love Lilly sweaters because they're cute and dress while still keeping the fall breeze at bay. As per usual, my eye goes straight to the navy! I'm not sure why, but I'm a navy-aholic. Both of these sweaters have caught my eye.. and yes the peplum does come in navy... but for once I enjoy the look of the striking pink much better. I'm always for a little color blocking, so Debra Sweater is a winner. Peplums are always great, so I love the Aurora.

Navy lace must be a thing for me this year.

Both of these dresses have me lusting for a reason to wear a dress! I love the Remmy Dress because of its sleeves. Again, the crisp fall air calls for sleeves or a jacket. But, there's something about the Rhea Dress that makes me feel like going to a Gatsby party! I love that the lace isn't over-powering, but that it has a bit of 20's flapper inspiration while staying modern. You know me and functionality- it'd work for a Gatsby party perfectly, but it'd also work for so much more! Overall, I think I prefer the Remmy just because I think I could wear it alone with some tights and be just fine. The Rhea would take some thought into the right kind of sweater.

The Harris Coat.

I'm usually not the type to go crazy over outerwear. If it's cute, okay. But I often think that trying too hard with outerwear makes it look gaudy. This, though, is the epitome of function-fashion balance. It's gorgeous! Again, the navy and gold. I could cry it's so beautiful. I think its a good thing that I don't live close to a Lilly store, because I'm 99% sure I'd have to buy it if I saw it in person.

the Lilly fall collection makes the chilly weather seem a little more welcoming