My Wednesday

Yesterday morning was a typical day. The leaves were falling off of the trees, ready for the fall crispness to settle in. Homework was on my mind in a pressing way. I was giggling with my friends about stories from the past. I had enchiladas for lunch. The day was my oyster. I was soaking it all in. 

In the afternoon, my best friend and I decided to camp out in the library until dinner time. We both had things to study for, projects to work on, and online quizzes to take. We packed our planners and laptops and headed to campus from our sorority house. Campus was busy, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. It was Wednesday, nothing ever happens on Wednesdays.

My friend and I made it to the library, settled in near the front entrance, and opened up our laptops. Not five minutes after sitting down we received a text in a group message from our friend saying, “Is everyone in a safe place?! Potential active shooter at the UMC.” 

(The UMC is the most populated place on my campus. There’s a dining hall, a coffee shop, the bookstore, the spirit wear store, offices, there was a job fair going on there during this too.)

My friend and I got the message at the same time and looked at each other at the same time in a state of panic. 

We started to realize that everyone else around us was also getting messages, voices started rising from library level chatter to full force panicked conversations. People started running into the library from outside and other buildings. 

Time froze. Everything froze. Everything felt unreal. 

We hear about shootings way too often, which is absolutely disgusting. But we never expect that we’re going to be in that kind of situation, and when we are it’s terrifying and paralyzing and absolutely unreal. 

The library was put on lockdown, and my friend and I moved from the front entrance area to a fourth floor classroom to hide and stay out of the main chaos. We didn't really know what was going on, no one did. 

After they released us from the lockdown, my friend and I rushed back to our house. There were media crews, camera crews, and armed police everywhere. People were either absolutely silent or on the phones with loved ones. It was weird. I keep saying it was unreal, but it’s because we really felt like we were in a dream.

Later we found out that it was all a “hoax” (words used by the school) but it felt all too real to be a hoax. Everyone is still on edge, and no one knows what really happened. I am so lucky and thankful that nothing happened and that no one was harmed, but this situation shocked me — and my entire university — into realization that we’re not immune to this kind of thing. Obviously, you can’t live your life in fear of bad things happening, but it’s important to be aware of everything. 

My friend and I didn’t know what the right thing to do was. Should we have gone home before they put the library on lockdown? Should we have waited longer before going home? Should we have gone to the fourth floor classroom at all? There were a lot of unknowns which I think was the scariest thing. I’ve never felt more responsible for my own actions before.

I’m not trying to scare anyone by writing this post, I just want to spread awareness that these kinds of things happen and it’s important to understand what to do if they do happen. Don’t panic, be smart, and don’t put yourself in any situations that you can avoid. 

Most of all, trust your gut, I know you’re smart. 

If you want to read more about this specific event here is a link:

TheTab

Thanks for reading! 
xox
chloe

TAILGATE TEE DIY

It’s football season and you know what that means... TAILGATE SEASON!

I’m going to be so real with you, I’m not a big football person. I would apologize, but I’m really not sorry for not enjoying watching a sport that has more downtime than actual playtime. I’m not trynna knock the sport that keeps America united, but like, I think I’m more of a soccer fan than a football fan. It’s a personal preference, ok?

But just because I’m not a huge football fan doesn’t mean I don’t love a good tailgate. Soaking up the fall sunshine, enjoying good company, and forgetting about all homework and responsibilities? Um yes, count me in. 

My friends and I hit up the school bookstore this past week for some new spirit wear and decided to DIY some tees. I came home to one of my friends crafting it up in our front yard and I couldn’t help but snap some pictures so I could share her masterpiece with you all. It turned out so well and she got so many compliments throughout the day! Not to mention it was super simple to execute. Totally worth a try if you're a tailgate-er. 

DIRECTIONS:
Basically she bought an XXL shirt, cut the bottom off to make it a “normal” length, used a bottle to sprinkle some bleach on the shirt, and cut a triangle out of the top to make the collar of the shirt look like a choker. SO EASY (even I could do it). 

Here are some pictures to better help explain, but if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments! 

Thanks for reading! 
xox
chloe

Remembering The Little Things

In high school people always said that college would be the best four years of my life. Call me naive, but I didn’t believe that you could actually pinpoint the best four years of your life — shouldn’t every year be amazing? 

I’m not saying that I didn’t have an amazing life until college, because I totally did. I had experiences I’ll never forget and I got to spend those experiences with the most amazing family, however, so far, college has been the best part of my life.

I’m incredibly lucky to attend a university that offers exactly what I want to study, I’m beyond thankful to be surrounded by people with similar ideals (regarding life, and friends, and fun), and I’m so thankful to always have the best daily views of the Rocky Mountains. 

A few days ago six of my friends piled into a car that seats five and adventured up to the Flatirons. We blasted my Mountain Top playlist, our hair blowing in the wind, and our voices singing in unison; it was one of those moments that seem so fleeting but I know I’ll remember it forever. 

I’m so thankful to have friends that I can just go on random adventures with and be so utterly content. The same people who said college would be the four years of my life also told me to remember the little things, so in honor of those people, here’s me remembering the little things.

Thanks for reading!
xox
chloe  

Keurig Makes Life More Romantic

You know those pictures that show the contents of people’s bags organized in a perfect manner. The lines between each object are unbelievably straight, not one object looks out of place, and everything just flows? You know the ones, right? 

If not click here here or here. 

The way these pictures make me feel is the exact same way drinking coffee makes me feel. You know what I mean. Just like totally put together and with it. Obviously, I probably don’t look put together and with it, but they always said it’s what’s on the inside that counts the most. 

Coffee just has super powers, I swear. I don’t know what it is but there’s something about coffee that just makes me feel great. It’s probably the caffeine, but we’ll call it magic. 

Keurig sent me a ton of k-cups to sample, and lemme tell you, receiving the box made me weak in the knees.

Obviously, the first one I had to try was the Maple Cream one. With words on the box including “no milk or sugar needed” and “sweet and creamy” it was a no brainer. It’s a little too hot in Florida to drink hot coffee, so I decided to get minimally creative and freeze the coffee into ice cubes and then put the ice cubes into a cup of regular coffee.

I’m trying to stay humble, but this idea might be my breakthrough to finally becoming a member of Mensa. 

Basically, it’s like having two cups of coffee in one, iced, and no sugar or milk needed. 

When I go back to college, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to be filling my freezer with coffee filled ice cube trays. If you're going to college for the first time, going back to college, or living at all, you NEED a Keurig in your life. It makes life better, easier, and more romantic, honestly. 

Thanks for reading! 
xox
chloe 

how to survive a frat party

I just finished my first year of college and now that I have a lot of lazy days until my summer job starts, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. I went into college knowing absolutely nothing. I don’t have any older siblings and didn’t have that many older friends to ask about the whole thing. I was kind of thrown into the college deal, but honestly, going in blind was an absolute blast. I had to learn a few things the hard way, but, for the most part, I wouldn’t trade my first year for the world. 

I decided to start a little reflection series talking about what I learned from my first year. 

The first reflection that I want to write is about how to survive frat parties. I basically didn’t party at all in high school. I went to a few things here and there, but for the most part I was content staying busy with my school work, sports, and family. I didn't feel like (and still don’t think) I missed out. 

However, I attend a “party school.” I’m not really sure what that even means, but my family members always drop those words when they are reminded where I go. I mean there are definitely parties every weekend and for every occasion. Let’s just say it’s not possible to be bored on the weekends at my school. But I definitely learned a few things and want to share a few solid tips (at least I think they’re solid) in a few categories. If you wanna know more information or have any burning questions feel free to leave them in the comments below! 

CLOTHES 

+obviously you wanna feel cute / look cute but don’t worry too much about what you’re wearing. It’s usually too dark to notice plus the people are going to be too drunk to care. I usually wore a pair of jeans or leggings with a cute (but cheap, usually) top. just make sure you feel comfortable and confident, that’s all that matters! 
+wear shoes you don’t care about. I pretty much always wore my converse. they’re gross now, but I can easily wash them and they’re easily replaceable. 
+the floors are pretty much always disgusting so make sure you don’t wear something that drags on the floor. 
+don’t wear your favorite jewelry. if it falls of, there’s not way you’re going to find it (or even want to, the floors are GROSS).
+don’t cary a purse, it’ll get spilled on or lost or just be annoying. the only things I brought with me were my phone, my key card to swipe into my dorm and room, and sometimes I’d bring like $5 for pizza or something. that’s pretty much all you’ll ever need.
+if there’s a theme, dress to theme. it’s fun and makes for a cute photo. don’t care what other people are wearing at the party, you and your friends all dressed up will be super fun and memorable. do it. 

DRINKS 

+the most important thing you need to know is that you don’t have to drink. no one cares if you’re drinking, not drinking, etc. as long as you’re positive, nice, and fun to be around no one will care or even notice.
+if you do drink, do so responsibly. I usually drank in my dorm room before so I didn't have to drink at frat parties (not that you have to drink). 
+if you do drink at frat parties, drink from cans or bottles that you have to open yourself. don’t take a drink from someone else, even if they’re drinking it themselves. you don’t know what they’re drinking what they’re into, or where they got the drink from.
+if you feel awkward for not drinking, just put some water in a solo cup. you might feel confident sipping on something, plus there’s nothing wrong with staying hydrated. i’ve totally pulled this trick more times than you’d think. 

BOYS 

+boys are dumb, that’s the biggest thing. 
+talk to as many boys as you want, but don’t trust a thing they tell you. boys lie at parties, so do girls, but boys are the biggest liars. 
+they’re all mostly after one thing.
+at the beginning of the year I went out with a lot of boys, but they have a lot of trouble getting into frat parties if they’re not in it. I stuck with them at the beginning of the year, but towards the end of the year I knew that if my girl friends and I were going to a frat party, our guy friends probably couldn’t come. if you do want to go out with your guy friends find a house party or just do something else (house parties, in my opinion, are more fun anyway)

FRIENDS 

+stick. with. your. friends. 
+make sure you know what everyone’s motivations are for the night. if you’re going out with just one friend make sure you talk before the party about how you have to stick together the whole night. no woman left behind. if you’re going with a group, do the buddy system or whatever. just make sure no one is left alone. 
+if you’re not having a good night and want to leave early, that’s fine. just don’t walk alone and make sure you tell your friends where you’re going. uber or lyft back to your dorm and keep your friends posted all the way until you are tucked safely back in your bed. 
+parties are a great way to make friends and get to know people. I met so many people in my dorm at parties. I also met so many people in my classes at parties. sometimes a party conversation can lead absolutely no where, sometimes it leads to a familiar face that you just say hi to on campus, but sometimes it can lead to awesome friendships. don’t be shy, everyone loves to be chatty and get to know people at parties, that’s the point. 

I guess the moral of the story is have fun, but still be safe. It’s all common sense. Don’t be dumb, stick with your friends, have fun, don’t trust drunk boys, and get to know people. Sometimes the parties can be like the movies, and other times it’s just a low key kinda deal. Go where the night takes you. 

If you enjoyed this post, let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading! 
xoxo
chloe

stress relief

Finals week is quickly approaching and my stress levels are quickly rising. 

However, recently, Keurig reached out to me to see if we were interested in reviewing one of their brewers and I had to sit down when I read the email because the pure shock and happiness factor made me feel faint-y. 

Coffee in college is no joking matter. The dining hall constantly runs out because us college kids are addicted. Literally. Coffee is the gold of college campuses. 

Having my own supply of coffee in my dorm room sounded like a dream, and the fact that Keurig could make my dream a reality was just absolutely 100% amazing. Words literally can't do it justice. I'm actually sitting on cloud nine as I sip my coffee and write this post. 

The best part about the Keurig 2.0 is the fact that it fits in my dorm room, right on my desk. It's a cute, bright, little addition to my room that I couldn't imagine not having. If you're about to go to college or know someone that is, I HIGHLY recommend taking a Keurig with you. Not only will you be happier, but you will make friends just owning one of these things... especially during finals week. Take it from a pro. 

Check it out here! 

xox
chloe