You’ve got a Friend in Me

Danielle Hall, Alpha Theta, University of Louisville

During my post-grad life I have learned many things: it is possible to get the recommended hours of sleep an evening during the week. There is no need for a t-shirt to commemorate every event. Most importantly, maintaining friendships requires an active effort.

I have been fortunate to have some of the most amazing best friends in my life. During a chapter visit to Western Kentucky University I got to see my oldest friend, Dorothy, who I became close with in 5^th grade after a tragic birthday party miscommunication. (That story goes something like this: my Mom lost the invitation to Dorothy’s birthday party and trusted me as a child to remember the date. My memory failed us and I showed up for the sleepover a day late. After quite some time of crying in the car, Dorothy’s family happily let me stay over anyways to celebrate with leftover cake. You can’t break that bond.) My most recent friendships have developed with the wonderful women I get to call my LC teammates. No amount of miles can separate the laughter, sarcasm and wisdom I share with these friends.

As an adult however, friendship has taken a new meaning for me. Up until this point I have developed friendships based on proximity, common interests and shared schedules. But maintaining a friendship is so much more than these things. My closest friends span across a dozen states and it has required effort to keep in contact and up to date on the lives of the people who I love. The true meaning of friendship is not in quantity but in quality.

This blog post is to say THANK YOU to all of my friends. The people in my life who answer when I call to tell pointless never ending stories, give me the same advice for the 10^th time as I struggle to make decisions and know exactly what to say when I need it most. I appreciate the extra effort it takes to keep in touch as I have had the opportunity to travel and the patience when I get caught up in whatever task is at hand and forget respond.

Please enjoy the inspiring friendship of Serena and Blair.

Until next time,

Danielle

Let’s Go to the Beach

Brianna McKay, Kappa Eta, Texas Christian University

Spring is finally upon us people! I could not be more excited for the sun to be shining and the weather to be warmer. Now that spring is here I am discovering the beautiful location of Mobile. There are a lot of great beaches within 1 to 2 hours of the city of Mobile. I hope to be able to explore some of them or help you find your next vacation spot.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach is only an hour away from Mobile, AL. Alabama isn’t normally seen as one of the popular states to go to the beach but it should be. Orange beach has white sand, clear water and deep sea fishing for those of you who don’t like tanning.

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola beach is only an hour and fifteen minutes from Mobile. This beach is in hot and sunny Florida. It’s family friendly, beautiful and has fun shopping. If you ever make your way to Pensacola beach make sure to grab some lunch at a restaurant called Red Fish Blue Fish.

Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores is also only an hour away from Mobile. You may have heard of Gulf Shores as it tends to be a hot spot for spring break. Once spring break season comes to an end, head to Gulf Shores for a relaxing day on a wonderful beach.

Destin, FL

Destin, FL is the furthest destination clocking in around two hours away from Mobile. This beach also sees a lot of traffic this time of year. But Florida is known for its beaches, and Destin will not disappoint you. Just look at that picture. The water is clear, the sand is white and good shopping is just around the corner.

I hope all of you can use this to find a fun new vacation spot for this summer. Happy spring to all!

Until next time,

Brianna

A Healthier Life for LK

Lauren Kelly, Alpha Chi, Georgetown College

I kicked a lot of bad habits when I graduated college. Like pizza for breakfast, 3 Coke’s a day, and walking to class being my only form of exercise. But over the last few month’s I have realized that getting in shape, losing weight and feeling better really is a life style change. Diet pills are bad for you, and so is starving yourself! So for some personal growth (thanks Sigma Kappa) I realized the changes I needed to make. Here are some of the baby steps I am making towards a healthier life.

1) Vitamins! I take coconut oil and biotin every day. Read the benefits of them below.

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

http://www.chatelaine.com/health/wellness/biotin-can-boost-your-health/

2) 10,000 steps a day keeps me on track. Walking or running- it doesn’t matter! I am doing my best to get in those 10,000 steps. Fun news: you don’t have to have a Fitbit to use the app! It will record your steps through your phone. You can also use the health app that’s already on your iPhone.

3) I stopped depriving myself of the foods I want. I love french fries, and milkshakes, and pizza, and cheese burgers, and I REALLY love chicken nuggets. But I found that by telling myself I could never eat these things I was craving them more! When I didn’t cut them completely out, it made me want them less and helped with the life style change instead of the crash dieting and tears shed due to a lack of nugs.

My beloved chocolate milkshake.

4) So. Much. Water. Just drink it. Get a cool water bottle- it makes it more fun. Jennifer Aniston said it’s the secret to her magically not aging… I don’t know if I buy this yet (she just looks too good) but you better believe I’m going to try!

Cool water bottle of choice. Thanks, Tervis.

5) Lastly, you have to stay mentally healthy to stay physically healthy! Being emotionally intelligent is huge. I like to check in with myself everyday and say, “Hey self! How are you feeling? What is going well in your life and what positive changes can you make? What causes you stress? What makes you happy?” Associate yourself with people who build you up- and who you build up in return! It’s a cruel world we are living in… So good vibes only.

Peace Sign= Automatic good vibe zone.

Stay Healthy. Stay Happy. And Keep it Real.

LK

Going Against the Grain

Taryn Mantta, Zeta Pi, Colorado School of Mines

Dear all of the ‘Frozen’ lovers out there,

Sorry, but I prefer the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies. I know for some people that’s tantamount to saying that I prefer baby snakes to puppies, but it’s the truth and now it’s out. It’s hard to even put into words why I love these movies, they’re just perfect in so many ways.

Oh hello Toothless!

I would probably describe my favorite parts of the movies as, “Everyone’s favorite dragon, Toothless, frolics around, being all cute and stuff, and then my heart melts.” I think that’s a pretty good overview of the cuteness. And then there is the budding romance between Hiccup and Astrid, how precious.

Daawwww!

Most movies that I like, when I find out there will be a sequel, I get excited. When I heard How to Train Your Dragon was getting a sequel, I was a bit ridiculous. Although I couldn’t go see it the day that it came out (plane rides got in the way), you better bet that my brother and I were there on the morning of the second day (I may have squeaked during the opening).

There is a song in the second movie that I need to share with you. Yes I know ‘Let it Go’ is a great song, I don’t disagree, but man, this song is my new favorite on planes, when flying through the clouds (I really like clouds for some reason). Go ahead, lay down, just close your eyes and relax.

Sincerely,

Someone who also thinks ‘Tangled’ was better 😉

Spring is in the Air

Madison Clark, Theta Xi, Auburn University

Well it’s officially spring and I couldn’t be happier! There are so many great things that springtime has to offer.

Warmer Weather: There’s nothing like that first pretty warm day after a harsh winter where the skies are clear and the sun is shining down on your face.

Beautiful Flowers: I just love the vibrant colors of blooming flowers everywhere!

Iced Coffee: The time has come to trade that delicious hot beverage for one with ice.

Bright Wardrobe: Yellows, aquas, mint greens, and light pinks are now the staple colors!

Sandals and pedicures: Two great combinations for spring.

And of course, knowing that summer is just around the corner!

Happy Spring,

Madison

Lions and Tigers, Not Bears…Oh My!

Julia Lapham, Kappa Xi, University of Nevada, Reno

This week my inspiration is stemming from a new Instagram account that I started to follow: blackjaguarwhitetiger. The account is a man who created the Black Jaguar-White Tiger foundation that posts frequent videos and pictures of the animals he rescues. This Foundation’s mission is “to rescue Big Cats from sad circumstances and provide them with the best lifestyle available.” I would highly suggest checking them out, you’ll love the videos and pictures of these big cats being playful popping up in your newsfeed!

Here’s a video to get you started:

Get fit stay fit!

Cossette Powley, Zeta Omicron, University of Arizona

Hello Readers,

This past week I was on a team call with my amazing Leadership Consultant team, and we take time in our calls to reflect on our current highs and lows. This weeks blog is devoted to my low and how I’ve been trying to change it into a high! My current low is that I am feeling a little down on my lack of sun-kissed skin and toned physique. These are all attainable goals to put effort towards that will fit into my very busy days! What has been a huge help are 30-Day Challenges. I break the challenges up during the morning, after lunch and after dinner, essentially any time that I can fit them in. I am happy to share my current challenges with all my readers! As for the tan, I have a few trips to Phoenix, Arizona coming up…which I can’t wait to share some stories from in future posts!

My Current Challenges:

                    

I am very driven to turing this low into a high.

xoxo,

Cossette