Saturday, August 31, 2013

Gearing Up for September

Hey y'all,

I am in denial that September starts TOMORROW! While a lot of you are probably off enjoying the beach, today I am currently cleaning and organizing my room! I just opened my last box! 

So, I thought I would tell y'all all about the exciting things happening around this little blog and my life....


Blogtember
So many of you remember the challenge to blog every day in May and Jenni of Story of My Life created a new challenge for the month of September. I love the various ideas and have already started to plan some. So my goal is to follow the schedule and then add some extra blog posts about my place and various things.

September 3's post begins with a question I would love to hear from some of my favorite bloggers. Post Monday with"Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are."

Good Morning Girls study Loving Like Jesus
So the study begins on Monday so all of you who want to join in, subscribe to the GMG blog and you will get all the various materials at the end of every email. I am not sure if you can still join a group on the forum or enroll but you still have time! My group just got the verse of the week so I am really excited!

Sweatember/Dietbets
I am participating in two dietbets and you can read more about them here. I am starting half marathon training and since work is back to a more regular schedule I am feeling better. I love organization and schedules so I have been adding in more workouts which is great!

What are you doing/goals for September?

Friday, August 30, 2013

Book Club Friday {August 30}

Hey y'all,

I have to start this post off with the trailer of the upcoming adaptation of Divergent. I am obsessed with the series and can't wait for the next book to come out this October but in the mean time I am going to drool over Four. There is even a Buzzfeed Article called "12 Things In The Divergent Footage That Will Make You Freak Out." You can read my Book Club Friday on Divergent and Insurgent here.




Now that I am done fangirling over a book let's get to what I read this week.
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Ella and Micha have survived tragedy and heartbreak. When they're together, anything seems possible. But now they are thousands of miles apart, and managing their long distance relationship will put their love to the test.
Ella is back at school, trying hard not worry so much about her future. But with her father in and out of rehab, she's having a hard time making it through the days. All she wants is Micha by her side, but she refuses to let her problems get in the way of his dreams.
Micha spends his days touring the country with his band, but deep down he knows something is missing. Being away from Ella is harder than he thought it would be. He wants her closer to him-needs her with him. But he won't ask her to leave college, just to be with him.
The few moments they do spend together are intense and passionate, but it only makes it more difficult when they have to part. They know they want to be together, but is wanting something enough to get them to their forever?
A sequel the Secret of Ella and Micha I loved hearing more of their story. These are not your typical romance novels but stories of broken, dark people and the power and connection of love.


Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.
In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.
With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.
Even if it costs her eternity.
This was not my favorite of the Goddess Test series. It felt like it dragged on for a long time and unfortunately I was not as hooked as I had been with the others.

I am hoping to read these books over the long weekend. I have no big plans besides cleaning and a possible Disney movie day with some sorority sisters.
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What are you reading this weekend?


Thursday, August 29, 2013

GAME DAY!

Hey y'all,

It is the day most of us in the South have been waiting for, the first football game of the season! While I am a fan of Saturday games, the coveted Thursday night game means tonight's showing between the Carolinas will be very interesting. I know we are not predicted to win but I am excited to see the new players and cheer on my alma mater. While I am not at the game, I thought I would put together a look I would love to rock if I was in Columbia.
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Who are you cheering for? Are you excited for College Football to start?

Also, you should check out this poem about the Carolina posted today on the Daily Tar Heel.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

WILW & OHP {August 28}

Hey y'all,

There's a lot to love this week so let's get started. 

I'm loving...

...that next week I have a three day work week! Between Labor Day on Monday and my friend flying in on Friday from CT I will only be in the office Tuesday-Thursday!

...Carolina football starts TOMORROW! I was offered tickets to the game this week but the drive down would have made it impossible so I am jealous of everyone going down to see the game between the Carolinas (UNC vs. South Carolina).
Coach Fedora is excited!
...dinner plans with the baby sister, kDi, on Friday. I still can't believe that K is a Senior at NC State and I am trying to get in a lot of time with her since who knows where she will be living post May. 
My gorgeous baby sister.
...motivating myself to get healthy by joining some DietBets. The site is meant to have you bet that you will lose 4% of your body weight in typically 4 weeks or 1% a week. If you lose the weight you gain part of the pot. Therefore, if you are 150lbs for example your goal would be 6lbs or 1.5 a week. Come join me with blogger SkinnyMeg's bet (you can read her take on DietBets here) or the Blogilates Sweatember bet

...the Longchamp "Plantes" Large Tote. I love my Longchamp Le Pilage bag and I have had it for over three years. I used it all the time in college and it is starting to fray at the seams and tiny holes at the seams on the bottom. I have been looking into getting a new one since it is the perfect bag to carry everything for work, the gym and lunch. So I am loving the gunmetal color but I am such a black bag girl. Low and behold, a leather version of the classic style. Since I love my Kate Spade flicker Sophie which is a leather bag, I am going to try to hold off until my birthday in January.
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...it is almost FALL! This week it has been cool in the mornings so the scarves and cardigans have been put to good use. I can't wait to start rocking my riding boots again.


...RECRUITMENT! My chapter's recruitment process begins next week and I am so excited to meet everyone. Recruitment was one of my favorite things while in PBX and now that I serve as an advisor I am excited to be a part of the process and meet the future of my chapter. UNC Panhellenic recruitment kicks off this weekend with Bid day on Tuesday so good luck to all the PNMs. 

Now onto some beautiful pins I have been loving!

What are you loving and pinning?

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Childhood Dance Party...

Hey y'all,

So after celebrating tPr's engagement tonight with dinner at the cheesecake factory, me and the rooms are currently rocking out to our childhood favorites and having a dance party. What would your middle school self request at the winter formal?


Yes it is okay to be jealous if your roomie is not as cool but crank up those really old CDs and mix tapes....

Monday, August 26, 2013

Motivation Monday: Favorite Youtube Workout Channels.

Hey y'all,

It's Monday and I had a nice but relaxing weekend and I finally found a dress to the "casual semi-formal" wedding I am attending in two weeks. So besides my normal Sunday school and babysitting I spent time working on getting my room together, lots of cooking and trips to the gym. Since it is Monday and we all need a little motivation to work-out throughout the week I thought I would share some of my favorite Youtube channel gurus for when I need some healthy motivation or when I don't want to run over to the gym.

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As well as youtube, there are lots of inspiration/workouts on Pinterest which is how I found the "Absolute Beginners Running Program" which I start today! If I keep it up I will be able to run a half-marathon on New Year's Eve!
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Who are your favorite youtube motivators/workouts?
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Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday Sayings....

Hey y'all,

I saw this print on Pinterest this past week and of course had to share. Too often we are caught up in being busy we forget to stick our heads up and view the world around us.
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Have a wonderful start to your week!

Friday, August 23, 2013

Book Club Friday

Hey y'all,

I know the past two months I have barely written anything on this little blog besides What I'm Loving Wednesday, Book Club Friday and Sunday Sayings posts but after this weekend my apartment will be mostly done so stay tuned to those posts and I have consistent working internet at my place so we are all set for lots of adventures including recipes, life as a chapter advisor, home decor and more. So thanks for waiting around as I get my life together. IT IS FRIDAY! Seriously, y'all don't know how I am excited that it is the end of the week. I have now finished one of the busiest weeks of the year for my job. Classes started back at UNC on Tuesday so this week my job has been constant but next week we are back in the normal swing of things and I am excited the students are back but that I have a real schedule. Now onto all the books I have been reading  (or not reading since Goodreads keeps telling me that I am 8 books behind my goal pace) since my last Book Club Friday post....

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Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.
But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.
If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die
This is the third and I believe final novel in the Abandon series. It ends on a good note but it took me a while to get into it. I loved the characters from the beginning of the series and this was the necessary drama and fight between good and evil to end a series. 

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An innocent lady’s education could be a gentleman’s wicked seduction.
Lysandra Keates is running out of options. Her father is dead, her mother is ill, and her efforts to find respectable employment have ended in failure. With her small savings bleeding away, she swallows her pride—and her terror—and turns to Vivien Manning, an infamous courtesan, to match her with a wealthy protector.For years, Viscount Andrew Callis has lived a monastic existence at his country estate, hardening his body against the snobbish, lazy young man he once was, hardening his heart against grief over the deaths of his wife and infant son. When Vivien asks him to spend one month training a young woman in the ways of a mistress, his mind resists…but his body responds with an ache he thought long dead.
As Andrew begins his gentle tutelage, he finds himself falling under the spell of Lysandra’s innocent charms. And as they give in to the powerful hunger, the last thing Andrew ever expected, or wanted, forms between them. An emotional connection that could carry them well past the training period—if only Andrew can open his heart to the possibility of love. 

I got this book as an Amazon free Kindle novel for my computer and it is more steamy then I expected. I thought it would be more of the love story between Lysandra and Andrew as they navigated between mistress and teacher but it was good nonetheless.

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Julie Greene loves flings. Loves steamy first dates, sizzling first kisses, and every now and then, that first sexy romp between the sheets. Comfy pants, sleepy Sundays, movie nights on the couch? Shudder. But when Julie gets assigned the hardest story of her career—a first-person account of that magical shift between dating and “I do”—she’ll need a man brave enough to give a total commitment-phobe a chance at more.
Normally, Mitchell Forbes would be exactly that man. A devastatingly hot workaholic who tends to stay in relationships for far too long, he should be the perfect subject for Julie’s “research.” But what Julie doesn’t know is that Mitchell is looking to cut loose for once in his life. And the leggy journalist notorious for avoiding love is exactly the type of no-strings fling he’s looking for. In other words, Mitchell is the polar opposite of what Julie needs right now. And, at the same time, he’s exactly what she wants


I thought this book was adorable and reminded me a bit of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days which I love. The story and heartbreak were very well written and as usual I was a bill ball of tears at one point but all ends well.

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What happens when the masks come off?When one of the supersexy Gage brothers blows Molly Devaney away with a scorching kiss at a masquerade ball, she thinks she's met her soul mate. But why does her masked seducer act as if she doesn't exist the next day? To win him over, she'll make him jealous, so she turns to his brother Julian Gage, who offers to play the role of her lover.
But Julian is playing for keeps. There's nothing fake about the way this woman makes him feel, and now he's going to show her just which Gage brother is right for her.

I love short romances during the summer if you can't tell and this Harleguin book's description caught my eye on NetGallery. I loved the drama between the Gage brothers and Molly and can't wait to continue the story line (I have to back track a book).

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When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. 
Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

I wanted to grab this book before the movie came out and I am glad I did. There were some big surprises at the end and I am looking forward to seeing the movie as well as reading the rest of the series.

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Ms. Davidson has her own brand of wit and shocking surprises that make her vampire series on of a kind" (Darque Reviews). And heroine Betsy Taylor has problems that only a suburban vampire-queen housewife could possibly understand, such as...FIFTY THOUSAND ANGRY WEREWOLVES.
That's what Betsy is facing when she takes her werewolf friend Antonia's body to Cape Cod, where the Pack resides at Wyndham Manor. Because Antonia died in her service, Betsy is alive and well—and wracked with guilt. She has no idea if the Wyndham werewolves will greet her with fangs or friendship.
While Betsy and her husband, Sinclair, try to make nice, their legal ward, BabyJon, freaks out every werewolf he meets. Meanwhile, Betsy's posse back at the St. Paul mansion is not LOLing. Increasingly frantic e-mails alert Betsy to her half sister's increasingly erratic behavior. Looks like the devil's daughter is coming into her own—and raising hell. All in the name of making Betsy's life easier, of course.

I have always loved the Betsy series but while I was in college it went on the backburner and I am finally getting around to grabbing the past four books I have missed. I love the wit and banter in the books and this one did not disappoint.

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In this pulse-pounding Immortals After Dark tale, #1 New York Timesbestselling author Kresley Cole delves into the darkest mysteries and deepest passions of Clan MacRieve. . .A Beast In Torment
Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.
A Beauty In Chains
Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.
A Full Moon On The Rise 
With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe . . . from himself?


I love Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series and I was worried about Macrieve's story. I shouldn't have been but the past few were not my favorites (apart from Lothaire). I was not as surprised by Chloe's creature as some other GoodReads reviewers but I am excited to see where the series continues to head!

What have you been reading?

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

WILW {August 21}

Hey y'all,

Now that the students are back at Carolina I guess I am officially at the start of my sophomore year in the "real world." I am beginning to feel comfortable in the world after working full time the past nine-months and I can't wait to see what this new year brings. Today I am loving...

...my newest Lilly purchases. I know a lot of people lost faith in Lilly during the Endless Summer Sale. I agree that it was a bit insane to refresh a page for 3 hours then spend another hour trying to check out and realizing no order number meant it didn't go through. However, I am a patient bargain hunter and was able to snag three Cassie dresses since after I bought it in the New Year's Cheer Sale I am obsessed as well as a Murfee & Murfette. It was pretty much buy two items get three free when you break down my savings. I am still eyeing the NC Murfee and it is still online so here's hoping that I can grab it for a splurge on my one year at UNC full time.
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.....worms and dirt. Last night I made my Mom's worms and dirt recipe since every year, my family celebrates the start of school with worms and dirt. It is the only time of year we have the treat and it is one of those random traditions that I still uphold even as a postgrad.

....the Good Morning Girls Fall study Loving Like Jesus just opened. GMG is an online community, like She Reads Truth but they send out their study materials through email and then connect with three blog posts a week. I am excited to dig deep into Luke and you can enroll for the study now, it starts September 2nd!
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....tonight was my first night of chapter as a faculty adviser. I am so excited to help my chapter continue to grow and I love my co-adviser. It is going to be a great year with Phi Beta Chi!

...speaking of PBX, I was able to spend some time with my fam this week before they started school so we all grabbed some frozen yogurt at Sweet Frog Sunday afternoon and it was great to catch up.

...my new planner. I took the plunge and ordered the striped Kate Spade planner from Lifeguard Press and it arrived this afternoon. I have yet to add anything to it since I am in the middle of debating getting new pens or sticking with my trusty Sharpie system but I will post a full review next week.


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What are you loving?

Monday, August 19, 2013

Weekend Shenanigans...

Hey y'all,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! My weekend was a lot of relaxing and getting ready for this crazy week at work since the students are back and classes start Tuesday at UNC so I have been mentally preparing myself for their return after a summer of busy but quiet. So let's get started...


Friday.
Friday at work was pretty busy with some first years moving in and I was blessed to have one of my friends from college drop by. DanBob and I worked together and hasn't been to
UNC in over two years so it was great to see him and catch up. However, upon leaving work I kind of face-planted in the Pit. It was not pretty and I have the bruise to prove it, also it was in front of quiet a few people. However, the night ended well with having roomie time chatting over a glass of wine and pretty much just venting.

Where I tripped....


Saturday
After sleeping in, it was time to watch some Gilmore Girls season 7 and clean up my room. I also ventured out to Target to meet up with a sorority sister so she could borrow my tool kit and I was reminded how much I hate Target on move-in weekend. After browsing through Homegoods I grabbed some Chick-fil-A and then went home to finish Macrieve. 3:30 meant time to go teach Sunday School and with promotion weekend I had a lot of new faces in my Pre-K class. Saturday ended with movie night with my co-worker eCs watching Crazy Stupid Love and Easy A (it was an Emma Stone marathon), painting nails and eating pizza.



Sunday
Morning was not babysitting but instead church since I had the hangout Saturday night, looking for a dress for the wedding I am attending in September, watching Gilmore Girls again and then fro-yo with my sorority family. 
Love these girls
The rest of the night equaled cleaning, planning for the next week, making dinner and then wine night with Ever After on.
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All in all I had a wonderful wine/movie filled relaxing weekend. How was yours? Are you ready for the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale today? I'm hoping for a Murfee scarf and a Cassie dress!

Sami's Shenanigans

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sunday Sayings....

Hey y'all,

This verse really spoke to my heart this week so I thought I should share it in case it is the exact verse God wants you to hear too. 

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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Devo Search....

Hey y'all,

This summer has been very interesting for me spiritually. My small group decided to take a break over the summer since a lot of members were in a place of transition from college to postgraduate plans and I have kind of been in a spiritual standstill since May. While I have been regularly attending church and praying I have not been maintaining a daily devotional and really growing in my faith. So, since I currently do not have parking on campus anymore and will be riding the bus I have a built-in time every morning to read and reflect so I am on the hunt for a devotional. Here are some I have found but would love some suggestions! It is just so hard to find a women's devo that doesn't focus on marriage and kids but here are some I am considering:
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What is your favorite devotional?