orange crush; the life and loves of a clemson girl

Okay, so it’s 2012 and apparently I am just really, really bad at blogging. We’re talking terribad here. I usually end up engrossed in something else and all my grandiose plans go out the window.

I haven’t forgotten about you, dear readers. In fact, I have quite an important bit of news to share with you. Here goes…

2012 is going to be the year of the brand new me.

For starters, I’ve kicked it into high gear with weight loss. I’m ridiculously overweight, I know, but I’m at a point where I’m tired of it and I actually want to change. I’ve lost 30lbs in two months by cutting out 99% of sugar and carbs. I’m eating less, hitting calorie goals, and working out almost every night. I’m fitting into clothes I haven’t worn for years — totes glad I didn’t donate them, otherwise I’d be under arrest by Clemson’s fashion police.

Secondly, and most excitingly, I’m rushing a new sorority on campus. Alpha Phi has been invited to colonize here at Clemson, and being part of a colony is something new and exciting. I’ve read that only 1% of Greeks ended up being founding members of their GLOs, and it’s a really special opportunity. I think I can bring a lot to the table, particularly with my eye for design. (Dibs on t-shirt chair or webmaster, y’all.) Granted, I have to make it through rush, ace the interview, and manage to not get cut. Greek life here at Clemson is pretty competitive, but the only way I definitely won’t make it is if I decide not to rush. Anyway, what’s the worst that could happen? Oh no, I might make friends with the other PNMs. Gasp! Horror!

Finally, I’m going to switch from food science to packaging science. Why, you might ask? I want to go into packaging design.

“But what’s that, jen dee?”

It’s the designing of packages, silly. No, actually it’s more than just building boxes and bottles. Think of the time that goes into designing perfume bottles. Think of the new lines of cosmetics, the boxes and packaging and wrapper that makes a statement for the brand. That is packaging design. Some great examples of amazing design are available on the dieline.

Alright readers, that’s all for today. Expect updates regarding recruitment and weight loss goals! Love you all!

love from

jen dee

Please go away. You’re not bringing any snow, just cold and brisk days that make me lose my inspiration to go jogging, bike riding, or do anything involving me being outside. Bring back some 70 degree weather so I can finally ditch the coats and bring out the cute tees again.

Love,

jen dee.

Now that I’m no longer responsible for the website for my sorority, I should have plenty of time to be here and blog. Incentive for you to read? My 25-reader giveaway! I already have some special prizes in store, and I really want to give them away!

Since summer for me usually means beach, I’m thinking about painting a cooler. Normally coolers get painted by sorority girls for their dates for formal, semiformal, or mountain weekend, but there’s no reason why I can’t have a cute cooler painted for me.

If you haven’t seen the cooler paintings, you should definitely check out The Cooler Connection on Facebook. These girls are seriously talented, and there are tons of ideas for painting coolers for your own purpose, be it beach trips, mountain weekends, or just wanting something really cute in which drinks are stored.

In addition to the cooler painting, I’m on the hunt for a really good set of pearls. Every girl needs a nice necklace for sorority composites, as well as making a cardigan and jeans looking classy. Readers, any tips for finding a nice necklace?

Be on the lookout for some snazzy Polyvore collections, especially since I’m really feeling the nautical look right now.

lots of love,

jen dee

Dear reader,

I have neglected this blog for far too long. I had reached the point in the semester where everything happens at once, and blogging had to take a back seat. However, as the school gears up for Thanksgiving break, students receive the calm before the storm. By storm, obviously, I mean finals. And by finals, I mean horribly nasty and exhausting tests which break students forever.

Or until Christmas, when we get presents and try to hide our grades from our inquisitive parents.

ANYWAY.

I’m back now, and I’m significantly less busy, so expect more updates from me.

Southern girls love monograms. We monogram anything, from backpacks to purses to cases for flat irons. I’m not sure why we do it – maybe the trend started out of a desire to show off our belongings, or prevent them from being stolen. What I do know is these days, Southern girls monogram anything that sits still long enough.

I wasn’t a monogram fan initially (haha, initially), but I think the look has grown on me. Here’s my favorite shops for monogrammed items – feel free to share yours in the comments!

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean is a purveyor of fine outdoor goods, and almost every luggage item can be monogrammed for a small fee ($6 as of the writing of this post). The most common item to be monogrammed is the standard L.L. Bean backpack, seen on the shoulders of students from elementary to graduate school. These are, without a doubt, the greatest backpacks on earth. There are several monogram styles – full name, block initial, or the most common three-initial monogram. Regrettably, L.L. Bean does not use Greek letters for monogramming. Fear not, sorority sisters! Check your local Greek shop or purveyor of monogrammed goodies and see if they will monogram your L.L. Bean tote with your sorority’s letters!

Thirty-One

Thirty-One is a relatively new company with a slightly different business model. Consultants throw parties where the merchandise is available to view, then orders are placed through the consultant for delightfully adorable monogram merchandise. (This is similar to Tupperware parties, but purses are cuter, sorry.) Thirty-One sells so many adorable items, from purses to totes that fit in the trunk of the car, and fold flat when stored. They also sell aprons and stationery, and the patterns are absolutely adorable. I’m not sure if Thirty-One does Greek monogramming; once I get that information, I’ll update this post.

Marley Lilly

Marley Lilly is a local company founded by a Clemson alum who creates the most adorable monogrammed items, from koozies to croakers (the sunglass straps!) to duffle bags. I only just found out about Marley Lilly through Clemson Girl (http://www.clemsongirl.com), but I’m already in love. I know where part of my paycheck’s going this week! If you’re a sorority girl looking for something cute for you — or for that fraternity gentleman in your life — check out the croakers. They’re a gameday necessity, especially during noon games.

These are my three favorite places for monogrammed items (though Swoozies and Handpicked round out my top five). Where do you go for monogramming? Is it a big deal outside of the South? Let me know!

I can say this because it felt pleasant this morning — a balmy 78, as opposed to the 88 I started the semester off with. Soon, the trees will change color and the days will get a little shorter. This means it’s time to transition from the summer uniform of shorts and tanks to longer sleeves and thicker fabrics. I’ve compiled a short list of five must-haves for fall.

1. A good cardigan

Summer dresses and tops get an instant update for fall with this cardigan, which keeps a girl warm on her way across the library bridge without looking frumpy — sweatshirts, I’m looking at you. (Old Navy, $36.50)

2. Slouchy boots

Perfect for skinny jeans or knee-length skirts and dresses, these boots won’t see the inside of a closet until May. Guaranteed. If you live in a rainy climate, or want to dodge the puddles on the library bridge, try waterproofing the boots with beeswax.

3. Fur! (Faux, of course)

Designers this year are bringing out the faux fur for everything, from high-heeled boots to purses to vests, such as this cute little number from Old Navy ($36.50). Normally I don’t like faux fur, but most of the pieces I’ve seen this fall (with the exception of the heeled boots) are really cute.

4. Red, red wine (lipstick)

This fall, soft, muted makeup is going to be complemented by red, brown, and wine-colored lipstick. The idea is to look elegant and feminine, but draw attention to those pretty little lips of ours. My choice for fall is MAC’s The Prowl lipstick, which is more of a chocolate than a wine but looks absolutely gorgeous.

5. Edgy looks

Two of the hottest looks this fall are inspired by military fashion and motorcycle chic. Leather jackets are big, as are military coats with tons of buttons. These looks also inspire the tall boots of the season, as well as the lack of big, bold makeup. Two ways to get the looks? Jackets. (They’re everything this year!)

Add a leather jacket to your wardrobe, but don’t pick one that looks too chunky or oversized. Find one that fits the frame and comes to just above the waist.

If you’d rather go for military fashion, pick a jacket with plenty of buttons and embellishments. Try this one, from Anna Scholz, or check out what’s in stock at Macy’s – INC has a particularly lovely military jacket, but I was unable to find a picture of it.

The Macy’s jacket can be found here.

What are your fall trends, readers? Let me know in the comments!

I was tagged by Wendy to do an 8-question meme, so I figured I’d post my responses here. I don’t have enough people to tag, but if anyone wants to link their responses in the comments, that would be awesome. Wendy’s questions are bolded, and my responses follow.

1. If your bags were packed by the door right now for a vacation, where would you choose to go?

I think I’d like to take a week off and go back to the Adirondacks. Jeremy’s uncle has a cottage by Cranberry Lake, and it’s got to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. It’s the best place to go and fully relax.

2. What is one TV show that you can watch over and over?

I never get tired of watching Top Gear. BBCAmerica is great to begin with, especially with Gordon Ramsay’s numerous programs, but I love watching the “Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car” segment. Also, lots and lots of super-fast cars – perfect for a speed demon like me!

3. What is one song that you absolutely cannot stand right now?

Miley Cyrus – “The Climb.” I really hate Miley Cyrus anyway, but this song is just awful.

4. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Kirsten Vangsness from Criminal Minds. She is amazing and adorable! I think we could be style twins or something.

5. What is one thing that people rave on about that you thought was actually horrible?

Lost. I was never able to get into the show, no matter how many times I tried to watch. And I never understood the deal with the polar bear.

6. What color would you never paint your bedroom?

Anything obnoxiously bright, particularly red. I don’t live in a bordello, and I don’t want it to look like I work in the best little whorehouse in Clemson.

7. What is one article of clothing that you wouldn’t be caught dead in?

Christmas sweaters – actually, any holiday sweaters. They are ugly and atrocious, and should only be worn by people who want to announce to the world that they have no sense of fashion. That, and parents and grandparents get a pass on them.

8. What is your favorite book?

Angel by Anita Mason is my absolute favorite book, particularly because of the way it was written. Its dialogue and sentence construction has been the biggest single influence on my writing, and its imagery is the most vivid I’ve ever read.

As many Clemson fans know, it’s rare to have a completely dry football season. Last year in particular was a soaker, especially the Boston College game. (How many rain delays did we have? 3?) Getting wet is inevitable in many of the seats in Death Valley, but with a little planning, Clemson girls can stay mostly dry and look cute to boot!

I’m not having one, but Marley over at Deeply Superficial is having a HUGE giveaway! Her blog is really awesome anyway, so you should be there and follow her, but the giveaway’s a great incentive to get yer butts over there, right?

As for my own giveaways, those will start around the time I hit 50 followers, so if you’re lurking, don’t be afraid to sign up and say hello!