New York, The City of Dreams

Recently, my six (yes six) roommates and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit New York! It was the trip of a lifetime and I can't wait to go back with them again soon. As college students on a budget, we found tons of ways to keep costs down as we adventured within the city. In this post I will outline the must see places we went, what to do at each of the sites, and some places we can't wait to go next time we visit. 

            

Central Park. The iconic Central Park is a hidden sanctuary in the midst of The City that Never Sleeps. You could spend days just exploring the park, but some of the highlights that we were able to visit during our morning here were the merry-go-round, Infinity's Song under the bridge, and lunch at The Boathouse. The Boathouse was our splurge meal, it was good food with a fantastic view of the park.

9/11 Memorial. You cannot visit New York without visiting the 9/11 Memorial. It is important to remember the lives that were lost in the act of terrorism against our country that has shaped the path of so many. God Bless America is our humble prayer.

               

Broadway. Of course, you MUST go to a Broadway show! We went to Matilda and Finding Neverland, but you really can't go wrong. Oh, and Matthew Morrison took a selfie with us - no big deal. **We were able to get 2nd and 3rd row tickets for $38 by standing in line at 9 am the day of the show we were going to. Theaters will open their doors at 10 am and offer whatever available seats they have for that low price. It is hit or miss, but we hit big time!

               

NBC Studios. Months before our trip we stalked the NBC Website for the chance to go to the Jimmy Fallonshow. Even though we weren't thrilled about the political candidate he interviewed, it was still a great experience! We had such a good time that, after going to the live taping, we decided we had to try to get into SNL too. And we did! Even better, both were free!

    

    

Chelsea Market and The High Line. This area of NY was very young and artsy. We had a lot of fun shopping around and even found some cute maps of NY to take home as souvenirs. The High Line is an old railway that has been turned into an urban garden and it was a great place to walk around.

  

The MET. At the very least you have to take a Gossip Girl pic on the stairs! **We were able to get in for less than general admission by explaining to the information desk that we were college students.

     

Chinatown and Little Italy. When you ask a kind Chinese man where to go eat and he tells you Ferrara, you go eat at Ferrara. Lol at us thinking it would be a Chinese restaurant! It did end up being delicious though! This authentic little dessert store is MIND BLOWING.

  

Somewhere around Little Italy. We also really enjoyed walking around and finding different art pieces. None of us have any idea where exactly this was, but the entire area was really quaint. There were tons of cafe's and great photography opportunities to be had.

That was our NY experience, and man it was a great one! There are a few things we wished we would have known about and will be sure to do next time we visit. So, without further ado, here's the list:

• Serendipity 3 (Frozen hot chocolate, make a reservation before!)
• The Bagel Store
• Melissa's Cupcakes
• Hamilton on Broadway
• Black Tap NYC (dessert)

And as we left it started snowing. It was the perfect ending to the perfect trip. 

Tips Asics Shoe

Tennis shoes are an essential for every college student, especially on a big campus!! You want shoes that are going to be comfortable, but also don't want something that looks like plain, boring, old people shoes! My go to place when I'm searching for a new pair of runners?

Ebay or Sierra Trading Post

Both offer super cute shoes at amazing prices. (Perfect for a college budget!) Plus they have a variety of brands, styles, colors, and sizes. My personal favorite brand of running shoes are Asics shoes - they give me the support I need and are really durable. Here is the newest addition to my closet!  ------>

Aren't they soo cute! I love the turquoise and pink accents. Because they are dark in color they won't show dirt and I will be able to enjoy them for a really long time. My mom has a similar pair, but she went all out and got the multicolored ones. Asics offers so many fun bright colors it makes it hard to choose. Next time you're looking for a new pair of running shoes be sure to check ebay or sierra trading post for their selection of Asics shoes!

Double Trouble - The Ultimate Big / Little Gift Guide

Being a Big is one of the most fulfilling parts of being in a sorority! I am a member of the Delta chapter of Omega Phi Alpha and recently had the opportunity to get not one, but two new Littles!! I know some Bigs struggle with the financial burden of becoming a Big, but do not fear. For I am here to show you how to do it for $100 or less. Here is my Big/Little gift giving guide to success: 

                  1. HOBBY LOBBY COUPONS. It is best if you have two weeks between finding out who your Little is and having the reveal. Why is this you might ask? Hobby Lobby coupons! If something is not on sale one week it is GOING to be on sale the next. Just be patient. We were given our Littles on a Friday night, which meant we had that Saturday to shop. Then on Sunday all the sale items changed so we could shop different discounted items the week leading up to reveal! 

Some items can be made ahead of time too! Don't procrastinate like I did! Here are some examples of things that can be made ahead of time:

                     2.  FILLERS! Big Items like the ones above are great to add to gift baskets because they take up space and make it look like your Little is getting TONS. T-shirts are always handy for this too! I wrapped mine with flower headbands that my Littles could wear to reveal + it looked super cute. Here are some other items I used as fillers:

                                                               

                     3. Little things your Little will love! Make your little feel extra special by adding unique things you know she will like. Some examples are lotion, a key chain, maybe you know she likes headbands, or an initial decal/ one with the name of your sorority. The possibilities here are endless. I hit up local stores and got some real deals.

We did a puzzle piece scavenger hunt reveal. I wanted my clues to bond the twins so each one of them had a part that went together.

I could not be happier with the finished product! ....and my Littles!!

XOXO

Big / Little Gift Guide Coming Soon!

Look forward to a Big / Little Sorority gift guide coming soon! I just got my perfect little and I am so excited to share with you how I spoiled her for around $100!! I know what you're thinking...that sounds way to good to be true, but get ready because I'm about to tell you how!

I will be sharing everything, from my shopping lists to step-by-step instructions, to how to make each piece sparkle. Get ready because it is going to be all you need and more for the perfect Big Little Reveal!

Look how far we've come!

Road trippin'

Lots of traveling going on out there as it is spring break!!! What's your favorite driving snack?

This is mine, good ol' ICEE and some peanut butter crackers! Have a fun/safe Spring Break everyone!    ...I know, I know, thanks mom. 

Winter Favs

So cute! Check out how to get your own flannel or puffer vest monogrammed in the shop! This is one of my favorite fall outfits. Throw on a pair of jeans and riding boots and you're all set to go.

<Side Comment- Dang! My hair looks so red in this lighting! Promise it is not that harsh in person.>