Thursday, March 15, 2012

Work, Fun, Sun, and Other Adventures... Plus, Could Green Be the New Black?



Hey KD Ladies!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful time on Spring Break! Whether you’re cruising high-class overseas to tropical destinations or simply working to earn a little spending money this week, enjoy yourselves! 


Spring Rejuvenation
Spring Break is a wonderful time to re-evaluate ourselves, make some adjustments, and focus on our personal wants and needs. Focusing on yourself for a marginal period of time provides more time for you to evaluate your relationships and be a better friend, not only to your sisters within Kappa Delta but to those in other sororities and outside of Greek Life at Appalachian. Re-evaluating your priorities allows you to better focus on ways you can serve KD as an active member. So, my beautiful sisters, I’m challenging you to personalize these suggestions in order to continue on your path to being your best. There are many ways by which this can be accomplished. All you need to do is take some time to yourself and jot down a few personal goals, along with a few ways you’re willing to achieve them. There are only a few days left over Spring Break, but I strongly encourage everyone to try to do this! I know y’all can! Here are mine in case you need a few ideas:

Rejuvenation (transitive verb)
  1. To make youthful again: to give new vigor to
  2. To restore to an original or permanent state
(Definition provided by Mirriam Webster Online Dictionary)
My personal rejuvenation goals:

  1. Build inner-confidence by taking care of personal needs. Okay, let’s be honest. I need a haircut and a spa day. I chopped off my lengthy, below-the-chest-length, flat, boring mane to  an Anna Wintour-inspired, shoulder length bob with thick bangs to help me gain outer-confidence. While outward manifestations of confidence are usually not a proper route to inner-confidence, this type of “upkeep” is certainly necessary in order to motivate me to make changes in other areas, which brings me to #2…
  2. Be more positive. The changes I have made to my outward appearance is excellent motivation to take on a new outlook: instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I’ll begin to focus on what I CAN do. Somewhere along the way since entering college, I’ve developed a habit of giving up or not trying when I feel stressed or unmotivated. Positivity will certainly help me nip this unproductive tendency and assist in equipping me with tools for improved academic performance and with those to better serve Kappa Delta in all aspects.
  3. Do more for others. As humans, we tend to perform what I like to call “random acts of kindness” for others expecting something in return. I’m personally guilty of this at times; perhaps my thoughts  of “what am I getting in return?” prevent me from all the benefits that performing a RAK (random act of kindness) gives as a result of doing “good deeds” for others like community service. So, perhaps I will participate in a few extra PPPs (like Delta Zeta’s annual Turtle Trot) if time permits my participation.
  4.   Focus on personal health. Of course, none of these goals can be fully achieved if I do not maintain a healthy diet, manage illnesses and related health issues, try to fit in a little bit of extra exercise, and communicate effectively with others to maintain proper emotional health. I need to remember that the key to functioning independently as a college student is BALANCE: a steady equilibrium of all aspects in my life.
Hopefully some of my personal post-Spring Break goals will help some of you instill some changes you consider vital in your own personal lives! Remember the aspects that epitomize Kappa Delta as a whole and focus on those ideals if you need some extra help!


Fashion Update: London Fashion Students Hail Green as the New Black

Photo (c) The Montreal Gazette, 2012.

Smarticle! Do you agree? As a more Baroque/classic fashion enthusiast, I’m on the fence. However, fashion, like most art, must evolve in order to suit the changing times… And on that note, the rise of sustainable fashion has inspired this idea among London fashion students. Plus, the active Kappa Delta member in me is hooting and hollering at the prospect of more green clothes, so I simply must share this with everyone! 


Since I’m in Los Angeles for break, I’m going to see what I can do to make a pit stop at the Ecouture show tomorrow, March 16th. Obviously, I won't be seated front row or anything but if there's even the slightest possibility that I'll be able to leer around and get a good glimpse at the clothes, I'll be super pumped and I'll be sure to take some good notes (Event details HERE if you're interested). I think this trend could be huge at App, especially for the reigning queens of olive green in Kappa Delta! 

Keep it Klassy (and safe) KDs!
<3AOT

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Just Call Me "Becky Home-ecky"

Resident craftstar Chelsea Kiser and I got down to some serious business recently with some pretty nifty crafts.

These glasses are SO CUTE and SUPER easy/fun to make. All you need is ribbon, a bow, and  a hot glue gun. (A cup might help too!)

My little creation. Hey, maybe I'm not so bad at this after alll!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Flippin' Pancakes!


It's March... Which means it's time to eat some flippin' PANCAKES!


"Flipping Pancakes"
by C. Richard Miles

Now that Pancake Day has come, 
Flipping pancakes is such fun.

First crack eggs into a bowl; 
Whisk them briskly for us all.

Sprinkle flour nice and white; 
Add some milk to make it right.

Make the batter thick not runny; 
Tasty pancakes for my tummy.

Cook it in a frying pan; 
Flip and catch it if you can.

Flipping pancakes on the floor; 
Oops I missed: I'll make some more.

Flipping pancakes, I have found
More fun, second time around.

Never mind, let's flip once more; 
Flipping heck - it's on the floor.

Third time lucky - hope it works; 
Still that sinking feeling lurks.

Flip that pancake; yes- you've guessed: 
On the floor with all the rest!

- - -

There's my shameless plug everyone :D
Get selling those tickets for Shamrock Pancake Dinner, March 23rd from 5-9pm in the upstairs level of Central Dining Hall!

Also, Happy Birthday to our sisters born in March!

Keep it Klassy Ladies!!!
AOT



Carolina Cup Trends!

CAROLINA CUP!

The Carolina Cup is an annual steeplechase horse race held at the Springdale Race Course in Camden, South Carolina.The race holds the National Steeplechase Association attendance record of 71,000 people (Wikipedia.com).



For those of you planning on attending Carolina Cup this year....

TRENDING:
The 2012 Lilly Pullitzer White Collection!
1. Whites.
You don't necessarily have to purchase a brand new Lilly to play off of this trend. Pair with any of the following trends (or a few of your favorite classic pieces- i.e. Jack Rogers, tennis bracelets, cuffs, etc.) to pack the perfect outfit!

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Derby Hats!
2. Monogramming. A timeless trend, whether applied to accessories, dresses, etc... But especially derby hats! Love, love, love the derby monogrammed hats from Marley Lilly- check out the website and add on Facebook! All types of monogrammed gifts available.

3. Big, bold florals. Perfect for Springtime! This trend totally agrees with traditional derby attire.

4. Candy colors!

Keep in mind that you can still be a responsible, conservative spender and stay on top of seasonal trends! There are plenty of stores unique to Boone that will have exactly what you're looking for this Carolina Cup season for reasonable prices. Try Gladiola Girls or Celeste's in Blowing Rock!

Some of our very own EE KDs at Carolina Cup 2011! Look how beautiful they are!
Photo courtesy of sister Hannah Suskovic.
And remember, never forget your pearls! ;)
Keep it Klassy KDs!


AOT

Monday, February 27, 2012

Dance Marathon


Thanks to all of the Kappa Delts who danced the night away at Dance Marathon this weekend! Remember, the proceeds from all 15 hours of dancing benefit three amazing charities!

Our Epsilon Epsilon girls Keepin' it Klassy at Dance Marathon!
February 25, 2011: Photo courtesy of Jordan Dollard.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Gettin' Crafty...


As sorority girls, I think I can safely draw the assumption that most of us enjoy getting crafty... At least on occasion! Also, whether you're living in a residence hall, the APH, or your own place, having organizational pieces is crucial when it comes to keeping your living quarters tidy.
These next two crafts focus in on one of my favorite accessory pieces: the headband!


Photo credit: theribbontretreat.com!
Thanks to Tiffany Tyler for the idea!

So our first craft of the week is...
A HEADBAND HOLDER.

What you need:
  • Oatmeal container
  • Wrapping paper, or paint (to cover it with)
  • Glue (to hold the wrapping paper down)
  • Modge Podge (optional)


Directions:

  1. Take the wrapper off the oatmeal container.
  2. Lay the container on its side and put a strip of glue on the seam.
  3. Place the wrapping paper on the glue and gently roll around the container.
  4. Put another strip of glue on top of the wrapping paper (in the same place as the seam).


Decorate with ribbon if you so choose, or leave it plain with the wrapping paper! So now that you've made a beautiful headband holder (see above), let's make our very own...

Kappa Delta headband!

Found this on Etsy.com. So cute!


What you need:

  • Foam pieces
  • A headband (any type will work)
  • A glue gun
  • Accent accessories (jewels, rhinestones, etc.)


Directions:

  1. Glue together KD foam pieces and let dry
  2. Glue prior attached KD foam pieces
  3. Again, let dry!
  4. Add on accent acccessories (optional)
  5. Let dry!
Both of the above crafts will make great gifts for next year's Beta Lambdas! If you're like me, and you may or may not already have a "little" collection going, these will be so cute! It will make a great family activity for those of you who want to make both!

Stay Klassy KDs!
AOT



PS: For those of you going to SAE's Risk Management event tonight, see y'all there!!!!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Updates, Chapter Fashion Feature, and a Special Shamrock Announcement!

Hey everyone!

Thanks to those of you who came out to represent KD at Duck Pond for Polar Plunge! I had class and unfortunately was not able to attend, but I've heard from many of you that it was an absolute blast! Also, our VP of Operations, Haley Fulford, kicked off Adventure Fridays today! Superb timing, considering how beautiful and sunny it is today!

So let's get down to business and talk chapter attire.

This month is insanely busy for all of us. That being said, it's amazing I found time to pull together a respectable outfit for chapter. My mantra for getting dressed quickly is "keep it simple," so with that said, I laid out with a white, ruffled oxford and paired it with a camel blazer. A black bandeau skirt and patterned black tights rounded out the look, along with a color block flats. This combination is simple, classy, and easy to put together.

The Classic: Baroque

Chapter Attire- Baroque


The Modern: Color-Blocking


Mod Color Block Tunic Dress, Fanaberie.com. Such a great investment piece.

Emily Smith looked effortlessly gorgeous in a very mod, color block tunic dress. Color blocking is a great trend that has been popular for a few years now, though the particular styles and cuts vary seasonally. I love this tunic dress in particular for a few reasons; first and foremost because the tie at the waistline is compatible with any body type. Secondly, it is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down according to season and/or occasion.



Braids were, yet again, a huge trend at NY Fashion Week.



The Hair: Braiding
Across the room, I noticed Grace Adams, donning a fabulous Dutch crown braid. If you follow fashion trends at all, you have probably already noticed that the loose braid trend has been especially popular. Braids are an awesome way to compliment or dress up trendy, comfortable, and even formal outfits. 


The Lilly Pullitzer Murfette Scarf. Love it! 



The KD Enthusiast: Lilly Pullitzer
As you can probably tell, I'm obsessed with the KD Lilly print. Though I don't currently own any of it myself, it's a great addition to the wardrobe of any KD... I might possibly have to invest in the Lilly Pullitzer "Murfette" scarf (a la Grace Barringer). It's perfect to wear with white chapter attire with my BDF (our family's name!) out to dinner afterwards; additionally, it's the perfect way to represent Kappa Delta around Boone. Wrap over a crisp blazer and basic tee for a quick, put-together, everyday outfit. Check out more KD Lilly Print at the Kappa Delta Boutique.


Speaking of Grace Barringer...


SHE SAVED SHAMROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As previously announced, the Broyhill Inn, the previous site of our chapter's annual Pancake Dinner, has been closed, leaving us without a location for the pancake dinner this year. Grace came up with a fantastic theme... But without a location to hold the event, we were doomed.

Fortunately, Grace got in contact with Appalachian State University Food Services, who agreed to provide a venue for our little shindig (and by "little" I mean about 2000 people...)!

So officially, Kappa Delta Epsilon Epsilon will be hosting our annual Shamrock Pancake Dinner on March 23, 2012 from 5-9pm in the upstairs of Central Dining Hall. All my KayDee ladies, remember to gather addresses so we can send out formal invitations! Also, informal promotion and invitation via Facebook is encouraged!!!! Tell everyone about the event and let everyone know you're a Kappa Delta and that you're selling tickets!




From the Shamrock Facebook Event Page:

This is our 20th year of the All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Dinner benefiting Prevent Child Abuse of America and the Watauga Children's Council! 

Buy a ticket for $5.00 and come eat as many pancakes as your heart desires! All for a good cause!

http://thechildrenscouncil.org/
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.shtml

All donations can be sent to:
Shamrock
ASU Box 8969
Boone, NC 28608


That's all for today!

Keep it Klassy, Kappa Delts!
AOT<3