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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Wednesday Pinsday: NYE Edition

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!
Tomorrow we will be closer to 2030 than we will 2000, a little scary right? Although I am not hosting a New Year's Eve party, I have been pinning some adorable New Year's Eve pins because...why not?

These decorations are all adorable. I love the glitter mason jars with the black and white striped straws. The balloons with pictures from the year is such a nice touch.  It would be neat to have a picture of everyone attending the party. 
 What's New Year's Eve without any beverages? Champagne is a must have, whether it is throughout the night or just for the countdown.  The milk and cookies for children makes the countdown a little special for them too. 
 You can't have a party without food.  These sweets are all so festive.
I love this quote about coming into a new year. It is all about living life to the fullest and taking every opportunity you can to do great things. 


You can find all of these pins on my Ring in 2015 board.

Be sure to checkout this video.  A couple turned all of the hits of 2014 into a 2.5 minute song. It is pretty entertaining. They are so talented.

Have a wonderful day!

I'll see you in 2015.
xoxo
-mQs-

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

2014 blogging review

This past year has been quite busy for me and it has taken quite the toll on the number of posts I've published.  My blogging decreased by nearly 50% from this year to last.  I'd rather post quality than quantity.  This year that's what happened.  I am excited to renew my energy for blogging and get back into it during 2015.  While I didn't post as frequently, I still had some popular posts.  Below are my top posts of 2014


I'm looking forward to 2015 and all the blogging opportunities it holds.

xoxo
-mQs-

Monday, December 29, 2014

Ring in 2015 with style

Whether you've solidified how you will be welcoming  the new year or are still figuring out your plans, there is still the big question of what to wear? Depending on the event you are attending, the appropriate attire changes.  Below are a few of my favorite looks to ring in 2015. 

Once you have figured out your NYE plans, checkout these looks and more on my Ring in 2015 Pinterest board. 


Xoxo
-mQs-

Monday, December 22, 2014

Weekend Roundup

What better way to get back into blogging than to begin the week with a Weekend Roundup.  Last week I spent some time catching up on the blogging world by browsing some of my favorite blogs as well as discovering new ones too!  During my browsing I came across an adorable blog called Bows and Sequins, which is where my inspiration for today's post came from.


  • I ordered the last of my holiday gifts this weekend. So thankful for stores that will have gifts shipped by Wednesday without charging and arm and a leg for the upgrade.
  • Watched A Best of Saturday Night Live's Christmas episodes special. Including a segment featuring Justin Timberlake and Wrappingville.
  • I finally was reunited with my best friend! Another perk to a long winter break is having the opportunity spending time with long lost friends.
  • Took this quiz about Gossip Girl characters. Surprise surprise my result was that Blair Waldorf would be my best friend.  
  • Read a great article on measuring success
  • As one year ends and another one begins it is a great opportunity to become the most compelling person you know.
  • This weekend a new holiday tradition was created with family and friends. My mom bought gingerbread house kits for my brother and I to make with our significant others.  We had a competition to see who could create the best house in two hours.  It was a lot of fun and a little stressful too, being the perfectionist I am the time limit was not my favorite thing. Saturday night was a lot of fun and helped me get into the Christmas spirit a little more. Check out our houses on instagram
  • Started playing Trivia Crack and realized how little I really know about the world I live in and its history. 
  • This morning I woke up to a notification that I was featured on a blogger friend's post today.  She mentioned missing my regular posts, which just fuels me to become a better blogger again. 


Until tomorrow!
xoxo
-mQs-


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

I survived the Fall 2014 Semester

Hello Winter Break!

This semester flew by!  I really feel like it was just Labor Day weekend and I had just finished my first four days of the semester.  This semester was definitely one of the best ones I have had yet.  I accomplished several goals, made some new friends, strengthened previous friendships , created some new goals, and made lots of memories along the way.

Today's post is about what I could not have survived this semester without.

One: Agenda
This semester was incredibly busy.  If it weren't for my planner I would have be lost!  This year I went with Lily Pulitzer's jumbo agenda.  At first I regretted it because of how large it is, but now I am so grateful for how large it is.  I loved being able to write my daily to do lists, meetings, and assignments in it.  I color coded it to help keep everything as organized as possible. If something isn't written in my agenda, then I won't remember it.

Two: Family and Friends
These are the people who kept me sane the past few months.   When school and life got challenging they were the ones to give me advice and encourage me to keep going.  They also were the ones to remind me to make time for myself and to have fun.  I take my grades very seriously and sometimes I forget to have fun.  This semester definitely allowed for a lot of fun times.  I am thankful for the people I was able to spend time with when I wasn't busy with sorority functions or school work.  

As I mentioned above, this semester I strengthened some friendships.  These friendships I'm referring to are the ones I have with my sorority sisters.  I knew some of these women for the past year, but it wasn't until this past semester that I truly got to know them.   They were always there for me and allowed me to crash at their apartments whenever I needed to (Commuter Problems!).  

I also formed new friendships too.   This semester I met a great group of women who are in my major, we had just about every class together. It was refreshing to meet some people who had similar values and a strong work ethic like I do.  I would not have survived the numerous group projects, this semester entailed, if it weren't for these ladies. 

Three: Caffeine 
Sometimes I didn't get as much sleep as I needed, so on those days I was quite dependent on caffeinated beverages.  They helped me get through some very busy days! I still don't know how to make my own coffee with a coffee pot, but I do know how I like my coffee- lots of cream and sugar!

Four: Music
This semester, like the previous two, was filled with lots of driving.  I had two field placements, each were a little less than an hour away, so I spent a lot of time driving to those and school.  I enjoy driving, but listening to good music makes the ride much more enjoyable.  Pandora and Spotify definitely came to my rescue. 

Five: Blogging
Blogging..I did not publish my own posts that often this semester.  My blogging took the back burner for a little bit, but I continued to read some of my favorite bloggers' posts.  I frequently seen my study breaks checking out what everyone else had been publishing.  I love to write my own posts, but I also LOVE reading what other people have to say as well.  It definitely gave me a lot of inspiration and ideas for when I finally would get the time to write again.

During Winter Break I plan to make blogging a priority again!

xoxo
-mQs-

Monday, December 1, 2014

Deck the Halls December

Happy Monday and first day of December! Can you believe that the last month of the year has arrived?  It's hard to believe how fast 2014 has gone by.  I am excited to embark on this lovely month.  December is filled with traditions, family, friends, gifts, food, Christmas music, trimming the tree, celebrating the year, finishing out the Fall semester, staying warm by the fire, and appreciating life. 

December Goals:

One: Continue to follow my half marathon training schedule 

Two:Finish out the semester strong.

Three: Write at least 20 blog posts.

Four: Read a book.

Five: visit a museum.


I love this month and all of the festivities that come with it.  For me December will be the month that I bring my blog back to life.  With just ten days left in the semester, I can taste the freedom that is near.  
Enjoy your day!
xoxo
-mQs-

Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday Five: November's Almost Over


Friday Five... I haven't done one of these in months.  Life has gotten the best of my time lately, and my blogging world has clearly suffered. My free time has been quite limited, hence the fact that this is only my second post this month.  I have no idea where this month has gone. The other day one of my professors was reviewing upcoming dates and included that list were dates in December. December- cannot believe I am saying that.  In light of my lack presence on the blog scene, today's Friday Five goes out to what I've been up to lately.

One: Sorority Life
As you all know I am incredibly involved with my sorority.  We are approaching our chapter's one year anniversary, which is incredibly exciting.  I am finishing up my term in one leadership position and preparing to begin a term in a new one.  This past week I was elected to be my chapter's next President.  I am incredibly excited and honored to serve my chapter in this role.  We are still creating our brand, getting to know each other, and are creating new traditions.  I am so excited to be able to work so hands on with this group of women as we continue to define these things for our chapter.  

Two: Teaching
I have finally been able to spend some quality time in several different classrooms this semester, and I have loved every minute of it.  I've had several opportunities to plan and teach my own lessons to a variety of grade levels.  Being able to get up and teach in front of a class is so rewarding to me.  It is these experiences that motivate me to continue to work hard and get good grades in my classes. I am so thankful to have a major that allows me to continually get a glimpse at what my future career will be like. I could not imagine having a major where I just take classes without seeing what I'm working toward. 

Three: Netflix
I've been getting home fairly late and haven't been able to go to sleep right away.  I need some down time to unwind before I'm able to fall asleep.  Recently, I've been looking to netflix to provide me with this down time. So you're probably wondering what I am watching.  I've beeb watching One Tree Hill.  I had started the series this summer but I wasn't into it.  I gave it a second chance about a month ago and have loved it ever since.  I highly recommend it to those who haven't already seen it. 

Four: Running
My half marathon training began last week, needless to say I've been really sore. Running in the cold weather has been tough but I am adjusting.  I've been enjoying running, it has provided with a great stress reliever.

Five: Studying
There are only 8 days left in the semester before finals week.  This is crunch time for the semester.  I have lots of papers, presentations, and exams to study for. I've been working hard to stay on top of my assignments.  This semester is the one filled with group projects.  I currently have at least one group project in every single one of my classes.


Enjoy the weekend!
xoxo
-mQs-

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Because I'm Not Perfect


I know this is not the first time I have gone MIA from the blogging world in the past six months, but what can I say I am far from flawless.  This semester is just flying by and my time has gone with it.  I may not have been posting a lot lately, but blogging sure has been on my mind.  I love this little blog of mine and I have full intentions to stop neglecting it.  

Here's to me becoming a better blogger again.

xoxo
-mQs-


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

TED Talk- 10 Item Wardrobe

Over the past few years my mom and I have started to collect Parisian "coffee table books".  Since taking french in high school, I have developed a minor obsession with anything related to the French culture.  About a year ago, my mom showed me a book that a blogger wrote about her study abroad experience in France.  Lessons From Madame Chic is about the french lifestyles she observed and adapted while abroad. You can catch up with The Daily Connoisseur on a daily basis. She has a ton of great fashion posts!

TED talks are commonly big ideas that are worth sharing with other people.  I had always hear about them, but I never watched them until recently.  I think they are very interesting and oftentimes provide a fresh perspective on such a wide range of topics.  This year, in my classes, several professors have shown them to supplement one of their lessons.

Recently The Daily Connoisseur was featured on a TED talk.  She talked about her concept of the 10 item wardrobe.  With the changing of the seasons, I thought the timing couldn't be more perfect to share this.
xoxo
-mQ-

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Let's Go Picking


Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons. It is one of my favorite seasons: the fashion, pumpkin spice everything, the beautiful colors that leaves change to, the food, field hockey, mums, pumpkins, and so much more.  September and October are also considered to be apple picking season.  One of the perks to living in the middle of nowhere is the mass amount of farmland that is near by.  30 minutes from my house in different directions are several apple orchards.  

On Sunday afternoon Todd and I went to a local orchard. While we were there we picked apples, walked around and looked at the fall decorations, and of course got apple cider doughnuts because what is a trip to an orchard without cider doughnuts.  It was a beautiful day, which made the orchard incredibly crowded.  


Going to an orchard is a great Fall date. It's cheap, you can spend as much time there as you want, it's something fun to do, and in the North East region there are tons of orchards so you don't have to travel very far. 

What to do with your hand picked apples?

I realized once I got home that I should have picked more apples because I didn't have enough to make pie or dumplings.  If I had more apples below are some things I would have made.


Xoxo
-mQs-

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Deep In My Heart, I Love My ADPi

As I mentioned yesterday I've been quite busy with sorority activities. In the past month my calendar has been jam packed with sorority events.  Chapters who have recruitment in the fall are really busy at the beginning of the school year. Recruitment takes a lot of hard work: memorizing songs and chants, learning about having quality conversations in just few minute increments, purchasing the perfect outfits, and just really getting back into the whole school and not being in summer mode anymore. 

A year ago, last month, I came home to Alpha Delta Pi and became a founding sister, of the ADPi chapter on my campus.  Over the past year my chapter has faced many ups and downs, it's like a roller coaster being a founding member.  I hold a leadership position, in my chapter, which has many pros and cons. It has definitely taught me a lot about my leadership styles, weaknesses and strengths I hold, how to communicate more effectively, and has taught me how to find balance in my life.  

Joining a sorority has truly given a place to call home at school.  I have met so many awesome people both inside and out of my chapter from becoming Greek. My organization has an incredible amount of alumnae involvement, which has brought some inspirational role models into my life. I've met women who I know will be my lifelong friends.

Open House Round

Several weeks ago we completed our very first formal recruitment. Recruitment is actually one of the most bizarre things ever, but yet we sorority women pretend like it is completely normal.  Let me tell you it is not normal. I would compare it to a sports tryout, but it is so far from that between the matching outfits, chanting and singing, ratings, spending hours in shoes that hurt your feet, "getting to know" a women in the matter of a 5 minute conversation, adorable PR videos, and just the insane amount of time it takes to get your new members.   I like to refer to recruitment as a cheerleading competition meets sports tryouts and a beauty pageant. As crazy as the process is, it all works out.  Somehow women end up finding their home away from home in a chapter that best suits them.  After all, it is because of this process that I have met the wonderful women I have.

Philanthropy Night

It was very neat being on the "other side" of recruitment.  It's so different being on the recruiting side of things as opposed to the potential new member side.  It's nice to have more control and have a better understanding of how the process works.  It was nice to see my chapter's weeks worth of hard work and recruitment practices pay off. I wouldn't say it was flawless, but we definitely did an awesome job for it being our first time through.  The whole process served as a nice bonding experience my sisters and myself.

Preference Night

We had our very first official Bid Day where we welcomed home 45 new members, Alphas.  Our chapter size almost doubled, which is very exciting.  





I got a Little Diamond Sister, otherwise known as a "little" in other sororities. 

We held our first chapter retreat. 

It is safe to say that I have just survived the busiest month of my life. I am very excited to see what the rest of the year brings for my chapter!

If you enjoyed these recruitment pictures, then be sure to checkout Instagram (@shorelifeofmqs) for more!
xoxo
-mQs-

Monday, October 6, 2014

Why, hello...


My one week hiatus turned into an almost three week break from blogging.  I feel bad for leaving my little blog empty the past few weeks, but writing posts was just about  impossible with my crazy hectic schedule. Sorority recruitment, Bid Day, Chapter Retreat, first round of exams for the semester,  coaching field hockey, and being sick all took up my time.

This past weekend and the next few days are what is considered to be my "Fall Break".  I'm incredibly grateful to be attending a university that gives their students time off mid semester, this year especially.  It has been great being able to sleep in the past few days and just take a small break from everything.  Over the course of my break I've been able to draft a few posts in order to get back on track with blogging again. I'm excited to be back to writing, it's something that I've really missed the past few weeks. 


I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!
xoxo
-mQs-

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Be Back Soon


As you know, I started my Junior year of college four weeks ago.  September is flying by and I cannot believe that next week is our last full week of September.  I'm enjoying school so much more this semester than I have in the past few semesters.  I have gotten involved in several organizations on campus, which has been great. The past few weeks and this week are prime sorority recruitment weeks where I go to school.  I came home to Alpha Delta Pi last September and since then I've gotten incredibly involved with my sorority.  I will be too busy the rest of the week with recruitment, studying, and coaching to write any posts.  This makes me really sad, but I would rather not post than write a short low quality post.

In the mean time I thought I would leave y'all with a few words of wisdom to get you through the week and a few pictures from recruitment day one!

Have a fantastic week, and I'll be back in the blog world in one week!

xoxo
-mQs-

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

10 Things I Love at J.Crew Right Now

J.Crew continues to kill it season after season, as far as I'm concerned.  They always have a variety of looks from dressy to casual that can fit into anyone's wardrobe.  Many of their pieces can be worn multiple ways to give each of them a different look.  Like many seasons before, I am loving their Fall 2014 collection.  There are so many wonderful pieces, but today I'm only going to share my top ten.










xoxo
-mQs-



Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Recruitment Tips


Deciding to go greek has taken my college experience in a different direction than I imagined it going.  Choosing to go greek was not an easy choice for me. I was actually against it for awhile.  I only chose to go through the recruitment process because I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and get more involved. The recruitment process can be very overwhelming, especially if you don't know anyone else going through it.  Last year I did a ton of research to know what to expect, what to wear, and to just understand some of the terminology used during the whole process.  Below are some links to websites with tips. Most of the websites I used, or would reference if I was going through recruitment this Fall.  
I hope you enjoy the websites as much as I did!

The Dos and Don'ts

Recruitment Tips

Good luck to everyone who is going through the recruitment process this Fall!
xoxo
-mQs-






Monday, September 8, 2014

Daily Affirmation

Mondays can be tough, especially after having a few days off even if it's just the usual weekend days.  Mondays always mean back to reality whether it's a job or school, most people have a reason for disliking Mondays.  My reason is usually because I didn't get everything done that I had hoped to the previous two days.  

During the summer I stumbled across a video titled "Jessica's Daily Affirmation".  While this video is absolutely adorable, I think there is definitely a message that everyone can take away from the clip.  More times than not we look at ourselves in the mirror and have a negative remark more than we do a positive one... by no means is this okay.  
For some reason on Mondays I just need an extra reminder of why I'm up and about to conquer the day.  No matter what day of the week it is take the time to look yourself in the mirror and say three positive things about yourself.

Xoxo
-mQs-



Friday, September 5, 2014

Friday Five: Weekend Inspiration

Today marks the conclusion of my second week of classes.  I have a feeling this semester is going to fly by!  Today's friday five is a little inspiration to pick your spirits up this weekend.  I'll be spending my weekend attending recruitment prep workshops with my chapter.





Have a great weekend!
xoxo
-mQs-

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Transfer Diaries: Change for the Better

This time last year I was in a completely different state of happiness than the one I have to this day.  A year ago, I was in the midst of my first week of classes, at the university I transferred to, feeling a whole mixed bag of emotions. I was pretty miserable and I'm so appreciative to those who are close to me for helping me through this little rough patch.  I was feeling overwhelmed going from a school with 1,500 students to 15,000.  I felt very lonely like I didn't belong anywhere.  I did not love the school nor my classes. I was not playing field hockey for the first time in eight years.  I was missing my friends and team at my previous college.  I was watching all of my friends have a blast at all of their colleges and was feeling frustrated that I just didn't share that same feeling. Overall it just was not a good time for me.  I guess you could say I don't deal well with change.

My mom knew how I was feeling and encouraged me to attend my school's involvement fair.  Taking her advice I walked to "the quad" and was overwhelmed by the number of people and clubs that were all there.  I quickly walked through but didn't find anything of interest, my anxiety was at a high.
Later on in the semester I joined a few clubs, got more involved, and met more people.  

Fast forward one year, I'm happy, have lots of friends, I'm involved, and I'm loving my classes this semester.  Today we had the involvement fair.  I actually spent several hours there- one walking around checking out all the opportunities that were there and the second hour I worked my sorority's table.  This year I felt confident walking through the crowded sidewalks. It's amazing how much a difference one year can make.  

This semester I feel much better than I did one year ago. I still don't love the school I'm at, but I'm definitely more accepting.  I feel like I belong there. I am excite to see what this year has in store for me. Transferring has definitely brought on period of change for me but I've finally accepted it and I'm ready to take on whatever comes my way.
To those of you who have transferred, I'm sure you can relate to the experiences I've had in the past year.

xoxo
-mQs-

Monday, September 1, 2014

Soundtrack to Summer 2014


Although I've already completed one week of classes, I feel as if today is truly the last day of the summer season.  This three- four day weekend is the last time that most people go to the beach, have a BBQ, etc. Music often times reminds us of a memory. This summer I made lots of memories and this playlist reflects the melodies that went along with them ... or that I just enjoyed listening to throughout the summer of 2014.

Beachin- Jake Owen
Burnin' It Down- Jason Aldean
Bad- David Geuetta
American Kids- Kenny Chesney
Latch- Disclosure
A Sky Full of Stars- Coldplay
Drunk on a Plane- Dierks Bentley
Am I Wrong- Nico and Vinz
Trumpets- Jason Derulo
Play It Again- Luke Bryan
Come With Me Now- KONGOS
Girls Chase Boys- Ingrid Michaelson
Riptide- Vance Joy
Drunk On You- Luke Bryan
Stolen Dance- Milky Chance
Summer- Calvin Harris
Roller Coaster- Luke Bryan
Flawless- Beyonce
Wasted- Tiesto
Classic- MKTO
She Looks So Perfect- 5 Seconds to Summer
XO-Beyonce



What were your favorite songs this summer?
Xoxo
-mQs-

Friday, August 29, 2014

A Day in The Life of a Sorority Woman {Link Up}

Happy Friday! Today definitely is a happy Friday because the first week of classes is almost over, it's a three day weekend, and I'm hours away from heading to the beach for the weekend.

Welcome to the A Day in the Life of a Sorority Woman Link Up! I am so excited to be co-hosting this with a sister and blogging friend of mine Lindsey who blogs over at Lindsey's Thoughts.
Everybody has a different opinion on Greeks and Greek Life, much of which comes from the stereotypes created in the media.  While some depictions of Greek Life shown on Greek or Legally Blond may be accurate, there's also a lot to Greek Life that is left out.  Greek Life and sorority women are frequently given a bad rep, so Lindsey and I here to take a positive spin on sorority life.

Since I am almost finished with my first week of classes, I thought I would give you a little glimpse into what my week has consisted of.

 First day of Junior year!
9:00-10:00: class (chem)
10:00-11:00: Go to the Learning center and wait in line to sign up for a tutor for chem.
11:00-12:00: class (Math)
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-2:00: class (Math)
2:00-3:00: Break- I spent some time blogging
3:0-4:15: Class (Teaching Literacy)
4:30-6:30: Met with fellow executive board members
6:30-7:15: Drive home because I commute
8:30: Starbucks date with Todd


8:00-9:15: class (Education class)
9:15-1:00: Send emails, blog, eat lunch, and begin do prefab for chem
1:00-3:00: Chem Lab
3:00-5:00: organize syllabi and create google calendar
5:00-7:30: Sorority committee meeting and dinner
7:30-9:30: Chapter
9:30-10:15: Drive home

9:00-10:00: Class (Chem)
10:00-11:00: Complete an assigned homework reading
11:00-12:00: Class (Math)
12:00-1:00: Meeting with the Health and Wellness chair of another sorority to plan a workshop
1:00-2:00: Class (Math)
2:00-3:00: eat lunch
3:00-4:15: Class (Teaching Literacy)
4:15-6:00: Starbucks with a friend
6:00-7:00:Panhellenic Recruitment meeting
7:00-7:30: Drive home
At night I had dinner with my family, got caught up on Bachelor in Paradise, and ordered all of my textbooks.


8:00-9:15: Class (Education class)
9:15-11:15: Head home and run some errands on the way
11:15-12:00: Workout
12:00-3:00: Clean room, study, do laundry, and eat lunch
3:00-5:00: Coach field hockey
5:00-7:00: Finish laundry, run errands, and eat dinner with my family
The rest of the night I studied and packed my bag for the weekend.


9:00-10:00: Class (Chem)
10:00-11:00: Officer training ( a new officer was added to my committee so we met to go over some things)
11:00-12:00: Class (Math)
12:00-1:00: Blog
1:00-2:00: Class


This weekend is a three day weekend, so I'm heading to the beach with some friends.

What does an average day/week look like for you?
Be sure to join our link up party by adding your link!