Magic.

This past weekend my boyfriend of four and a half years became my fiancé. Below are images of the gorgeous ring he picked out for me. Follow my wedding planning progress and inspiration on my design blog: http://www.mydesignology.blogspot.com/

September was the month of reunions. First, a weekend in Kentucky, then a Sunday in Muncie, and finally a weekend at the campground. After the dinner at the campground we went for a walk down by the water. Sitting on some large rocks, Kyle told me that he had gotten something for me. He pulled out a ring box, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He apologized for the moment not being more romantic but it was absolutely perfect. Of course, I said yes. He had completely surprised me and that was exactly what I wanted.

Fun Finds: ban.do

I am insanely in love with headbands. I came across ban.do in Rue Magazine and couldn't believe I have lived my life without it for this long. Here are some images of my favorites; most from their heart collection.

and for the bride...

All images from shopbando.com

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Latest Read

I just finished reading the first book in a series by Suzanne Collins titled "The Hunger Games". The story takes place in the future, after the world as we know it has been destroyed and the existing North America has geographically changed into thirteen districts and a Capitol which rules over all. After the thirteenth district rebels and is defeated by the Capitol, the president creates the Hunger Games. Twenty-four children, 12-18, are selected to battle each other to the death in an unknown land. There will be one winner who has defeated and outlasted the others who is then rewarded with safety and comfort for the rest of his or her life.
Katniss, our main character, volunteers to replace her younger sister after her name is drawn. Katniss has provided for her sister and mother since her father passed. She travels to the capitol with her male counterpart, Peeta; a now-drunk-former-winner-mentor; and a District Representitive to train and prepare for the games. The games are broadcast for the nation to see.
I'm not going to give any more away but I competely loved this story. It is definitely a different kind of story than what I am used to reading. There is a lot of suspense and action along with romance.
I am very anxious to read the second and third book!

Impressions

Yesterday on my way to work I drove through campus because it is quicker in the morning. As I drove by my sorority house on Riverside, I noticed a girl getting out of her car with her book bag. She wore an old Homecoming shirt that was as tight as a second skin and sweat pants that could have fit us both. Her hair was dripping wet and she didn't have any makeup on. I tried very hard not to be judgmental, but all I could think about was the fact she was wearing our letters and representing our sorority.

It got me thinking about an article that was released earlier this year, or maybe a little before. A letter from a sorority president or rush chair was leaked and people went crazy over it. The letter was a six-page list of accepted and restricted clothing, accessories, and make-up for rush week. The list was extrememly detailed and clearly was not written for many others to see. I agree, the list was pretty intense and a little harsh. But when you peal back to the basis of what she was saying, her standards were pretty... well, standard. She was trying to make sure that her sorority made a good impression on the girls who were rushing. When you are representing an organization, you should hold yourself to their standards. And this was a week where impressions mattered.

If you were interviewing for a job at a high-profile firm, you wouldn't want to see your potential boss wearing sweats and a t-shirt. This is the same kind of situation. A sorority is an organization that can really change your life. Your connections could get you a job and your sisters will always be your backbone. Just watch Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde. As silly as it may seem, Elle was able to connect to the grouchy congresswoman because they were both Delta Nu's. She passed a bill because of the support of her sisters. Ok, I know it's just a movie but still, the idea is real.

While I do not think the letter that was leaked was well written or polite, I do appreciate that she is looking out for the reputation of her sorority and really, looking out for her sisters.

I, on the other hand, will try to be less judgemental. Here are some images of some lovely Phi Mu's :)

Phi Mu Headquarters, Peachtree City, Georgia. www.phimu.org

Phi Mu Headquarters. Peachtree City, Georgia. www.phimu.org

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