Bid Day

One of the reasons I haven't been posting much is because I've been going through sorority recruitment (as a junior...yep, go ahead, ask me why I joined so late, everybody has!)

I didn't want to post about it here because I didn't know if it would work out or not. We had over 300 girls rush this year at my school, which is definitely a record. I didn't know if I would even get a bid. But here I am, alive at the end of it all, and I am proud to tell you...

(Can you spot me?)

...that I received a bid for ALPHA CHI OMEGA!

You can't imagine how excited I am. Not only is one of my roommates already a member, but my other roommate received a bid for it as well. I'll do the math for you...3/4 of us living together are now in AXO!

My only regret is that I didn't join a sorority sooner. Already I feel comfortable with all the girls in my chapter, like I've known them for years. I had a preconception of what sorority women were like when I entered college, but after meeting so many Greek girls in Rome this summer I knew that I needed to become one myself.

I have a couple of interesting posts ready to go live this week, including a review of the amazing Etsy shop The Angelorian Tradition. As a teaser, here's the Lucky Penny I received last week from the shop owner, Crystal, that I kept with me during all recruitment activities. I feel like this special penny helped me throughout this whole (stressful!) process. Go check out Jakira's shop so you can get your own!

(It says Lucky Becky on it, in case you can't see)

Have a great week everybody!
--Becky

Thinking About Studying Abroad?

...then check out my article in the LUChameleon!

I wrote a short blurb for my university's alternative magazine about how everyone should study abroad and what a great experience I had in Rome this past summer. A good friend of mine is the editor of the magazine and also spent the summer in Italy with me. We'd love it if the LuChameleon became HUGE, at least at our university.

Check out my article on page 7, as well as some of the other articles about studying abroad in this issue. Thanks!

Magic Cards (please play along!)

We're going to play a game today! This is something I learned to amuse the 9th graders that I tutor, but I'm sure you'll all love it as well.

Here's what you have to do:

• Pick a number between 1 and 63.

• Tell me what cards below your number appears on (for example, if you select 21 as your number, you would say it's on cards A, D and E)

• I'll respond to your comment and tell you what your number is! (don't forget it!)

Via

Next week I'll reveal the trick to this game, so stay tuned. Good luck, and try to stump me!

Sunday Confessions

Lots of exciting stuff has been happening these past few weeks and I can't wait to share it all with you! But for now, it's time for Sunday Confessions!

1. I've been horrible replying to comments and checking people's blogs. HORRIBLE. Which brings me to my question: what do you all prefer better, people who reply to their comments right on their blog or do it through email? I know people do both ways, but I'm just wondering which you would prefer.

Via

2. I made a girl cry during tutoring. I didn't mean to and I feel really bad now. I tutor at the Writing Center, so I help people with their papers. I was going over this girl's thesis and how she can make it flow with the rest of her paper better when all of a sudden she started crying.

Via

3. This has not been a healthy week. Cookies, pizza, french fries, you name it--I'm not proud of myself. I blame it on the changing weather. My instincts are telling me I need to fatten up for the winter.

Via

4. Is it November yet? I'm so sick of this election and all the mudslinging that's been going around.

Via

5. Honey Boo Boo basically has my shoes. See the evidence here. I honestly don't want to think about what this means.

LOOK! I have those Nike shoes! They're in a Women's Size 9, but still...I don't know how to feel about this.

Have a great week everybody!
--Becky

Tortoise-Shell Print Items

I think tortoise shell print look great when used to make accessories. I had no idea that the print is actually vintage--that makes me love it even better! Tortoise-print is great for  fall, so here are a few accessories I found with the look.

Tortoise-Shell Accessories by preppypremed featuring case-mate

Earbuds: Nixon's The Wire In-Ear Headphones

Wallet: GUCCI Patent Tortoise Wallet

Shoes: J. Crew Factory Tortoise Ballet Flats

Cell Phone Case: Tortoiseshell Case for iPhone 4, 4S

Glasses: College Tortoise Shell Full Frames

Bracelet: Lulu Frost for J.Crew Resin and Marcasite Bracelet

Necklace: Style & Co. Necklace

Do you know any tortoise shell accessories I should be aware about?

College Studying Tips

Someone asked me if I could do a post on studying tips. I feel like a hypocrite telling you these tips because I haven't been following them at all this year. My classes haven't been too challenging yet, but I know they're all of a sudden going to creep up on me.

Here are some tips I followed last year that helped me survive organic chemistry and some tough upper-level biology classes. Hopefully they'll help!

1. Make studying your priority and mindset

This is a mindset you have to have in order to pass some harder classes. You have to make sure that studying prevails over all your other plans. This means not going to a party because you know you'll have to study for a test the next day (it sucks, I know). It means backing off on extra curriculars. You're paying a lot for college, and if your transcript gets a D or F you're not getting your full worth out of it. Studying HAS to be your number one priority.

Yep...I have to do this on my calendar sometimes to make sure I don't schedule anything else on that day. The woes of a college student.

2. Schedule hourly blocks to study

I always make sure there's time in my schedule where I don't plan anything so I can study. This year, right after my classes get out I have an hour or so where I can force myself to go to the library and study before dinner. Then I'll have extra-curriculars at night until about nine, when I can study some more. This idea works wonders--I'll always have time to study (but the question is, will I?)

My school schedule for this week. You can see that I have a huge block of time between class and my clubs on Monday and Tuesday. That's when you'll find me at the library (if I can force myself to go there...)

3. All nighters= horrible idea

Some people can get by on two hours of sleep...the other 95% of us can't. Even if I do well on a test after pulling an all-nighter, I'll be miserable for the next two or three days. It just isn't worth it. Don't get me wrong, sometimes we all have to pull all-nighters, but I try to be responsible and study a week or two ahead of time so I can spend a few hours the night before cramming--not six or seven.

4. Self Control app for Mac

I don't remember if I've posted about this before, but this computer program has saved my life. For Self Control, you type up a list of websites you want blocked, then set a timer for how long you won't be allowed to access them. This program is foolproof. I've tried changing my internet settings, turning the computer on and off, erasing my history--NOTHING will work and allow me to access these sites before the allotted time is up. Without Self Control, I don't think a lot of my English papers would ever get done. [And it's free! Even better.]

You put websites on your "blacklist" in the window on the right. On the left, you set a time for how long that site will be blocked.

5. List all the homework you have to do each night

You've probably heard this one before, but a simple checklist does wonders in motivating a person. Throughout the day I make a list of the things I need to accomplish that night, and I cross them off as soon as I complete them. Using the list prevents me from cramming for a test the night before, because I can delegate how long to study for a specific subject during every study session.

My to-do list for today...clearly I've accomplished a lot in the two hours I've been sitting here at the library.

I feel like I have some more tips up my sleeve, but hopefully these will work for now. Do you have any studying tips?

Weird News Wednesday

My sister and I have an ongoing Facebook thread where we share with each other all the strange articles we find online. We consider it bonding time, since we're now 6 hours away from each other and both busy with classes. Here are a few of our recent "weird news" discoveries I want to share with you. Maybe they'll make you smile!

Cat arrives at Disneyworld after 10 hours in suitcase

Okay, I have trouble believing this one. How did the baggage handlers not hear the cat meowing while? Better yet, how did the OWNERS not hear the cat screeching when they were putting their luggage in the car to drive to the airport? This is one sneaky cat, my friends, one sneaky cat...

Librarian claims she lost nearly 80 pounds on a "Starbucks Diet"

It's gotta be the world's most expensive diet. And it can't be healthy for you at all. Okay, so Starbucks does sell items other than coffee, but they can't be that good for you. The article says she sometimes ate only around 800 calories a day, so basically the Starbucks had nothing to do with it: she just limited the amount of food she ate. 

Tootsie's Secret Empire

Guys, Willy Wonka's factory really exists--it just makes Tootsie Rolls instead of Wonka bars. And it's in Chicago! Which means my goal in life is to find it and learn how many licks it does take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop.

Cat has been mayor of Alaska town for 15 years

Come on, people. I don't care if he's bringing in money from all the tourists wanting to see him, this is just too weird. What happens when he dies? Will  you choose another cat, or will you try for a more diverse candidate and vote in a canine instead?

Fashion Week's Oldest Runway Model

This is actually really cool. This woman is in her 80s and still doing runway shows. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to look that good when I'm 80, let alone doing fashion shows. I'll be watching reruns on TV and knitting sweaters.
Do you have any weird news to report?

College-Friendly Desserts

I had to go to a party this weekend and, being the nice friend I am, thought I should bring some food to share. The problem is, what do you make when you're on a college budget and your kitchen cupboards only contain ramen noodles?

The answer (courtesy of Pinterest) is Oreo Truffles.

Source: chef-in-training.com via Becky on Pinterest

I take no credit whatsoever for this genius idea--that goes to Nikki at Chef-In-Training. Honestly, a desert that requires no baking, three ingredients and makes enough for everyone at the party? I'm there.

For about 25 truffles I used:

--1 package Double Stuf Oreos
--1 8oz package of Cream Cheese
--1 package Hershey's Bliss White Chocolate

Crushing up the Oreos turned out to be a problem without a rolling pin, but a wooden spoon and about fifteen minutes of mashing them gave me this.

I added the whole 8oz of creme cheese to the Oreo crumbs mixture and rolled them into 1" balls. Some crumbs should be leftover. Then I froze the balls for 15 min.

While the TIPs (truffles-in-progress) were waiting, I unwrapped the white chocolates and melted them for about 1 minute in the microwave. 

After the balls were frozen, I dunked them in the melted white chocolate and, before the truffles could set, garnished them with the leftover Oreo crumbs (it kind of worked)...When dipping the truffles, using a spoon instead of just your fingers helps you cover all the surface, in my experience.

[yes, I wasn't just eating these by myself..I just did some amazing cropping for this picture!]

Volia! Me at the party holding one of my delicious truffles. They're so sweet you can't eat more than one at a sitting. 

The whole "cooking" process took about forty-five minutes, but if I had a food processor or a rolling pin I could've crushed the Oreos much quicker. 

Super short on time? Grab a tube of pre-made cookie dough and bake some cookies. They turn out good every time.

Any suggestions on the next easy dessert I should try?

New Music Releases: September 2012

There are so many good albums coming out this month, from bands that I've been following for years. I don't even consider myself that into music, so I'm very excited for these new releases.

The Killers: Battle Born, September 18th

I haven't been out west since I was a kid, but listening to The Killers always makes me want to go on a road trip across the country. A lot of their songs are about small towns in the Midwest, so they strike home for me. And their lyrics? Oh my god, they're amazing. You can already stream this album for free on iTunes, so you should definitely look into that before buying the album!

P!nk: The Truth About Love, September 18th

Okay, I still don't get why there's an exclamation point in her name, but that's beside the point. I've been listening to her since elementary school ("Get the Party Started" anyone? I'll refresh everyone's memories below). Her songs keep up with the changing trends in music and are so powerful. I feel like every girl can relate to them.

Mumford & Sons: Babel, September 24th

Oh, god! Mumford & Sons. Their last album came out three years ago and I'm still listening to it almost every other week. It's one of those albums where you love every single song on it.  I hope my expectations aren't too high for Babel, but I'm sure it'll be great.

Muse: The 2nd Law, October 2nd

I'm not as familiar with Muse as the other artists on this page, but all I know is that I loved their last album, The Resistance. And look at that album art! I don't know what it's a picture of, but it's super cool.

What new releases are you looking forward to this season?

Sunday Confessions

Yay, I'm back! And with my return some confessions:

Via

1. I had a dream about Essie's Fall 2012 collection, which is a little sad. But look at this amazingness...now I just have to wait for my local CVS to get the collection and I'll be set.

2. I have nothing to wear as the temperatures cool off. I thought I'd be going home sometime in September so I could pick up all my sweaters then, but it turns out I can't. Guess I'll be the only one on campus still wearing a mini skirt at the beginning of October. Gonna be outfits like this for the next couple weeks, just with jeans.

Via

3. My roommates are now all obsessed with Downton Abbey! And we pretty much want to live there--if anything, for the clothes and for people to cook all our meals for us. Apparently Season 3 premieres in the UK tonight, but the US doesn't get it until January.

Via

4. J.K. Rowling's new book is coming out soon, and I don't know how I feel about it. On the one hand, even though it's not Harry Potter, I think she's a great writer and I want to read something else from her. On the other hand--what if it's bad?

Via

5. I cleaned up the beach next to my apartment on Saturday for Ecology class extra credit. My favorite items found? A planter, full cans of beer and an iPod Nano (that still works!) Guys, the rocks are not your personal garbage, just so you know (but thanks for the iPod)...

Any of you have any Sunday confessions? Cheers to a new week!

Fizz Candy Giveaway Extended!

So it's been a crazy week and I haven't had any time at all to do any blog-related stuff. Since I was at the retreat all weekend long, I didn't do any homework or plan any posts...so now it's catch-up time! Please forgive me while I get back into the groove of things.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Just wanted to let you all know that I've EXTENDED the Fizz Candy Giveaway to next Friday (the 21st of September). So make sure you enter! You know you want to--the bracelet is adorable!

I'll be back ASAP, but in the meantime enjoy the cooler fall weather!

--Becky

P.S. The winner of the Prichett Prints giveaway is Marija! Marija, I'll be contacting you shortly :)

Retreat Time

Hey everyone,

I've been spending the weekend in Woodstock, IL at Loyola's Retreat and Ecology Center for a Catholic student retreat. My roommate is one of the leaders on the retreat, so after hearing from her how fun it was going to be I just had to sign up.

LUREC: Loyola University Chicago's Retreat and Ecology Center

I'll respond to all of your comments and emails by Monday evening, and new posts will hopefully be up by Tuesday or Wednesday. Hope you're all having a great weekend!

--Becky

Giveaway: Fizz Candy Jewelry

And the giveaways continue! I love hosting these giveaways from independent, Etsy shop owners because then they are able to gain some exposure and more people learn about their products.

Take this week's giveaway, FizzCandy. I was amazed when I heard that the jewelry in the store is created by Payton, a middle school student. I think it's great that Payton already has started her own business. Even better, the jewelry she creates is outstanding!

All of my followers know how obsessed I am when it comes to jewelry. However, I struggle to find jewelry appropriate for a college student--some pieces seem too young for me, while some seem too old.

Payton has managed to create classic, elegant pieces that are appropriate for any age group. I haven't seen any Etsy jewelry store yet that appeals to all demographics--hers is a first! She has colorful pieces as well as ones that are more muted.

Payton says that her signature pieces are her stackable bracelets.  I can see adding a few of these to my stack! The bracelets pictured above are (starting from the top left and going down):
--Watermelon Tourmaline Slices bracelet
--Signature Multistrand Pearl bracelet
--Tin Cup Silver Chain and Freshwater Pearl Double Bracelet

The green bracelet in the middle is the Green Watermelon Tourmaline Slice bracelet and the other is the  Starfish Charm bracelet.

She also creates unique necklaces, like this Robin's Egg Blue Teardrop necklace. What I found so unique about this piece is that Payton mixed materials--Chrysoprase and pearls--to create something I've never seen before. The drop necklace would look great with any fall sweater or turtleneck.

Above are a few other necklaces that I love. They are, starting from the lower lefthand corner and going clockwise:
--Smoky Brown Quartz Pendant Necklace
--Freshwater Pondslime Baroque Pearl Necklace
--Orange Sardonyx Firestone Necklace
--Focal Angelskin Coral Necklace

Finally, Payton also sells earrings. For anyone wanting to venture from their worn-out pearl studs, Payton's earrings would be perfect for you! I love these Kasumi-style Pearl Earrings--they remind me of Japan for some reason, even though I've never been there! Maybe it's the gorgeous black and red beads attached to the pearls, which resemble the colors of the Japanese flag to me.

I also like these orange coral teardrop earrings. The colors are gorgeous and perfect for fall. The shades of orange, brown and beige remind me of falling leaves.

Payton has been kind enough to offer one of my readers a signature bracelet of hers, this "Crazy Lampwork Bead Bracelet. I just love the variety of beads used in this bracelet. And look at the cute packaging the bracelet comes in! The fizzy candy adds a nice touch, and goes great with the theme of the shop.

Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway ends a week from today (September 14th) at 12:01 A.M. As always, I will contact the randomly-drawn winner, who has seven days to get back to me before I choose a different winner. The giveaway is also open to only US residents only (sorry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Fizz Candy currently offers free shipping on everything. So what are you waiting for? Enter the giveaway contest and go to Fizz Candy right away to see all of the jewelry this inspiring entrepreneur (and artist!) has created!

Also, Fizz Candy is offering Preppy Premed readers 15% off for the month of September. Just enter the code "preppy" at checkout! 

Preppy Premed Playlist #1: Kickin' At Shadows

I don't know about you, but I love making playlists on my iPod. Every season I seem to make on: one for Fall 2011, then Spring 2012, and so on and so on.

Lately I've discovered that you can make music playlists quite easily on Youtube, so I made one based on how I'm feeling at the moment. I'm sure if you listen to all the songs you'll notice the theme (you can even tell it based on the song titles, probably!). Consider this just a little taste of my music collection--I included some lesser-known, indie songs that I just love and want to share it with others.

So, without further adieu, here is is, Preppy Premed Playlist #1: Kickin' at Shadows.

Listen at Youtube

--Becky