Designer Shoe D.I.Y

Today I was stumbling across Fashion Blogs (I get so many great ideas!) and I came across:

http://missvinylahoy.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/diy-jeffrey-campbell-tick-shoes/

She had done an incredible D.I.Y of the Jeffrey Campbell Tick Shoes (I love Jeffrey Campbell so I was immediately very interested!).

On the post she lays out exactly how to make them, apparently creating these fabulous shoes yourself should cost you under $50.00! How great is that for college students who want to stay fabulous on a budget?

This is the finished product (how great do they look and for under $50.00!):

*click image to enlarge!

The beginning shoe she started with:

The actual Jeffrey Campbell shoe (costs around $160.00):

Photo credits

I think I will be most definitely trying to make these shoes for myself in the very near future, they are fabulous and won't break the bank!

All around if you made the shoe instead of buying it you would save about $100.00 depending on the type of wedge you bought and how many brads you needed! For directions visit her page listed above!

lovelove.

Jordan

couldn't be prouder to be a GAMECOCK!

So interesting.

A woman showed this video at Convention during a Social Media information session. I think it is absolutely fascinating.

lovelove.

Jordan

GENIUS.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/22/warren-buffett-world-cup-bet_n_621322.html

I can't put Convention into words.

But...I do have a Kappa rap to be rapped to the tune of baby got back.

"I like K K G's and I cannot lie

You other girls can't deny

When a girl walks in with that

Classy taste and that golden key

in your face you get

CONVENTION"

Yeah, I think that sums it up pretty well.

love love.

Jordan

Rest in Peace MJ

Best Billy Jean Cover & I think the King of Pop would enjoy it:

Aloe Blacc&The Grand Scheme's youtube vid cover:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DptqlP9PYXc&feature=player_embedded

Haha I got called out: my natural "bitch" sitting face.

Dear everyone who encounters me,

I am sorry for my seemingly rude looks or angry facial expressions as you pass by me, talk to me, sit near me, whatever. I can't help it, it is how my face is during the down time in between laughing,crying (haha, people seem to think that's my second job.), sleeping, eating, gazing. Maybe the woman at A&A Nails waxed my eyebrows perfectly into a "bitch arch" or maybe my post-teenage years angst or maybe it's because subconsciously I have an uber elitist attitude and pride myself on being an intellectual (that last one...is most definatly a joke...well actually it was once suggested to me that that was the way I was by a former TRUE elitist ex-boyfriend....pffffft if I had to hear "harvard of the south" 934869374 more times i'd shoot myself, and that's all I have to say about him.) Anyway, I got called out today for it by a coworker who I love to pieces but when we were sitting chatting and I was listening to her story about her lacrosse coach and trying to set her up with another friend she stopped mid conversation to say: "what why are you looking at me with that bitch stare." and I was like: "wait what? girl I'm just listening to the juicccyyyyy deetssss." and then she was all: "then stop looking at me like that." Well, if I didn't know I was doing it...should I now put a paper bag on my head? I don't know. So if you see me on the streets or are friends with me or family or dating me if I start to look at you like I'm going to eat you, "Z" snap at you, or yell at you and we are talking about nothing please just say-"oh bitch plz" to me. I'll get the hint and turn that snotty sitting face into a most pleasant smile.

Sincerely the H.B.I.C.,

ali.

I just want to say, I love being a Kappa.

"So here's to Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Here's to great women.

May we know them.

May we be them.

May we raise them."

-Denise Rugani

2006-2010 National Fraternity President

Convention is amazing. I don't have the words to put down the feeling it gives me to be here, surrounded by so many Kappas. I have learned and am learning so much and cannot wait to share it with the rest of the Zeta Mu chapter. It's official, I am in love with Kappa Kappa Gamma.

lovelovelove!

Jordan

Funny Moment from Convention.

*I am sorry if in the retelling of this story it loses its hilarity. It was absolutely hilarious.

Maggie, Shannon and, PJ and I were in Maggie and Shannon's room hanging out talking and giggling, you know, girl things. I guess we were pretty loud because after five minutes the phone rings. I answer and on the other end is the woman from the front desk sounding very frantic.

She says:

"Ms. Hinson, is everything alright, I heard screaming coming from your room and I wanted to make sure everything is fine."

I guess girl time got a little too crazy.

Stressed.

I'm going to get a stomach ulcer from being at home. There is so much that is being balanced on a very thin string in this house and that little string is about to snap in half. I hate how much stress I have and how I have to worry about problems that are not in my control.

ali

airports.

I really think an airport is one of the few truly acceptable places to be seen alone in public. I love it, I naturally enjoy being able to do things on my own. In American society if one is alone in most public places (restaurants, movies, bars, theme parks etc.) it is often seen as being kind of sad/pathetic/depressing.I like that I can just sit in the airport alone with other people sitting alone and not have people think I'm a newly initiated member of the old maids club (which I was asked join ... I hope in jest but that's a story for another time.)

cheers!

Jordan

THE OWL, THE KEY, THE FLUER DE LIS

I've officially landed in Phoenix, Arizona for Kappa Kappa Gamma's National Convention! I am so excited to join in all the activities and meet other Kappas from all over the country. I have been looking forward to this all summer and cannot wait for what the next few days will bring!

Tonight's Activities.

Tonight's Activities can best be described as follows:

"Parker brothers doesn't care if a demon possesses you, or if you come under some type of attack from something you know nothing about."

Just saying, Quija boards legitimately freak me out. Let's hope the gates of hell don't open up tonight.

Ice Cream Paint Job.

I just finished painting three frames and two tiny canvases, they look beautiful. I think all recipients will be delighted with them. I'll post some pictures once I put the finishing touches on all of them.

I wish it was yesterday at this time.

Ali

Young Love.

Overheard at little sister's graduation party:

"Wrong! I was in love with her,

she was in love with HORSES!"

Baby Sister's Graduation Party :)

Things

Just a couple things... I feel so scatter brained lately so I think this post will be all over the place.

1. I overheard one of the funniest conversations in the bathroom today as I was cleaning. Three girls, no older than nine, were in the bathroom discussing what they thought Tampons (yikes just used the T-word...groan) were used for. The answer they came up with was:

"I think they are used to put up your butt so you don't poop while you're dancing"

...I'm sorry, what? I had to try so hard not to burst out in laughter. God love little girls.

2. I decided that it is a sad part of life to demote someone from "best friend" status. People change and that's okay. I've made peace with just being friends and keeping them at arms length. Maybe in the future this will change but for now, it's pretty much set in cement. Sad.

3. In my opinion, crew neck sweatshirts are a more formal version of a hooded sweatshirt. I feel like they are a step up. I could just be biased though as I love crew necks.

4. Tonight was Youth Night at the pool where I work. It was fun except for the fact that I saw one to many girls under the age of ten doing "sexy MTV dance moves." It was a little disturbing, Sister Mary Jordan does not approve!

lovelove.

Jordan

playlist #3457

Social Distortion: ball and chain

Sonic Youth: kool thing

Streetlight Manifesto:

-here's to life

-point/counterpoint

-a better place, a better time

(and let's face it, their remake of catch 22's Keasby Nights album is...well pretty boss. I'm not saying it's better BUT it's boss.)

Catch 22:

-wine stained lips

-9mm and a three piece suit

-1234,1234

Less Than Jake:

-plastic cup politics

-the ghost of me and you

-she's gonna break soon

No Doubt:

-spider webs

-just a girl

-sunday morning

Reel Big Fish:

-she has a girlfriend now

-good thing

-sell out

-drunk again

RX Bandits:

-get

-overcome

-sell you beautiful

Rancid:

-dope sick girl

-ruby soho

-fall back down

Pepper:

-sitting on the curb

Mad Caddies:

-drinking for 11

-good intentions

-last breath

Big D and the Kids Table:LAX

& some rebelution, some marley, some sublime, some more pepper.

aaaaaliiii.

Things I love: Baggy Clothing and Jeffery Campbell shoes

I'm just going to put it out there: baggy clothing and Jeffery Campbell shoes are fabulous.

1.Baggy Clothing
Lately I have been obsessed with wearing baggy/oversized clothes.
It's wonderful that the wearing your boyfriends clothes look is "hip" now, making it perfectly acceptable for me to wear baggy jeans and a loose t-shirt.
I don't know what it is about this look that I love so much. I think it is that I must be comfortable in what I am wearing and also be able to move around. I hate hate hate tight clothes to the point where I actually begin to feel annoyed, they are too constricting and often times, unflattering.

*My love of baggy clothing does not mean I think it is acceptable to just wear clothes that don't fit or are overly huge. I think one should try the baggy look within reason choosing making sure every piece has a purpose and is flattering in some way! No jeans that expose your underwear, yikes!

Best Baggy Boyfriend Jean I have found:

American Eagle Boy Fit Crops Jeans

*They are baggy while still being flattering on a girl's body. They truly are the best of both worlds.

2. Jeffery Campbell shoes

I am a shoe girl. I adore them. I truly believe shoes can make or break an outfit; they can pull it together or make it look disjointed.

As someone who is always on the prowl for new and interesting shoes, when I came across Jeffery Campbell shoes I was in love. His shoe designs are practical yet often contain a unique twist. They are also made with good quality materials, making them great to be worn day to day.

Places to Find Jeffery Campbell Shoes:

LuLu

Nasty Gal

Now there is no point to clean my room.

I thought I had lost my bank card ( go figure, I can never manage to keep anything worth keeping. Responsibility is an aspect of learning I seem to have missed.) So I began cleaning my room, and what a horrible task it is- so many clothes, pens, shoes- everywhere. Ugh. But I began with the mission that I would find this bank card so I could buy things for people (you know cards, birthday presents, graduation presents, brownie mix....the list trails on). So I turn on the Law and Order Marathon, pull out the hangers and get ready to hang and then color code my closet when(!) upon turning on my god forsaken television I find it. My stupid bank card had been stupidly placed next to the television. Figures....two worthless things next to each other. Well, one truly worthless (the television) and one not so worthless cause money is what makes a large percent of the world go around. THEREFORE, I need to find a new reason to clean this messy room. Maybe i'll dedicate my cleaning to the blind, or to a shirt that I determined long ago was never going to be seen again, OR maybe i'll clean it so when my boyfriend comes Sunday I don't feel shame when he looks at my room and thinks- ew what a mess. Who knows, but I'll clean it....right this instant.Personally, I find it easier to see things laid out. So if I pull out five dresses to try and figure out whether to wear black or red, a skirt or a dress, ect and then they end up on the floor...eh..oh well.
Merry Cleaning!

I don't understand some friendships. Friendships I thought I would have forever have now changed and as a consequence the friendship is slowly drifting apart. I know this happens and I shouldn't be surprised because somethings just aren't meant to stay forever.

However, this particular friendship surprises me. Part of the reason for the decline is my fault, I wasn't always around or available and I know that, I own that part. The other part belongs to her. There are two huge things that have happened on her part in this friendship for which I have forgiven but I can't forget and as a result I look at her differently. I know I should move past it, but these two things go against the biggest traits I look for in a friend, loyalty and support.

Although this one friendship is drifting slowly out of my reach, other friendships are growing stronger. My relationships in these friendships make me inspired to be a better friend and a better person. I am thankful for them.

cheers.

Jordan

More South Carolina :)

After a 10 hour car ride I am finally home! The trip was wonderful, I loved getting to see Blaire's school (it looks like a resort, it's beautiful) and listen to all of the orientation leaders talk about how much they loved it, I LOVE hearing about school spirit. In my own college search, school spirit was high on my list and if schools were lacking they were crossed off ( at one school I visited the tour guide openly told me there wasn't that much to do and that the school was "okay"..yuck!). I think school spirit was one of the major reasons I chose Tech. School spirit is fanatical at Virginia Tech, you cannot cross the Drillfield or go to class without seeing at least 20 people in something VT. To hear the Coastal Orientation Leaders talk about their school spirit and how much they loved their school made me so happy and excited for Blaire that she gets to start her college adventure there in the fall.

This has nothing to do with what was just talked about above but, I think it's cool. Today as we were checking out I walked to the car to pack my things in the trunk and when I got there I spied a moth, a pink and yellow moth. I had never seen one before and it was so beautiful, I stopped and watched it for a couple of minutes (I like to think I did this because I am a young scientist but I know it's because I'm girly and love pretty things). When I got home I looked up the name and it's scientific name is Dryocampa rubicunda but it's commonly known as the rosy maple moth. How cute!

lovelove.

Jordan

After a serious discussion tonight:

This is the cause of my anger management problem:

Post Beach

I came home at 10pm with the intention of going back out and hanging with everyone, but sadly just woke up at 2:45-only to find my bed very sandy, my face very burnt, and my hair very salty. Haha, all in all a highly successful day at the beach.

While on the drive home though, I think we listened t0 every sad song ever recorded by Brand New, Something Corporate, and Dashboard Confessional.And it was raining. And then I was sensitive, haha story of my life. So I decided i'd make a sensitive playlist & I did and I will post that tomorrow, because this tired little beach babe needs to go back to sleep.

Below the Mason Dixon Line

Today on a spur of the moment decision I decided to join my little sister and mother on a trip to South Carolina for Blaire's orientation at Coastal Carolina. The trip is eight hours from Maryland, but we're finally here!

Things of Note: Day One

-A mustang painted with Iron Man that had the license plate "BIT CHIN." Probably one of the coolest cars I've ever seen.

-We took the back roads instead of 95 and got to see a real country lighting storm. It was beautiful the way the streaks lit up the whole sky is something I miss living in the suburbs close to Baltimore.

-We found a great radio station that played 90's music. I loved it!

-Ten Virginia Tech car bumper stickers, I love when I see Hokie pride up and down the East Coast!

-Blaire, Mom, and I had an intense discussion about the vast difference between the decor of McDonalds that we seen. The bottom line that we reached is that even though some may look nice (the one we drove by today had a 1950's diner theme) they still serve you food that will kill you. I think I summed it up pretty well, "you can put lipstick on a pig but...it's still a pig."

-Our hotel is questionable, there are bite marks on the television remote and mirrors as backboards of the beds.....I'm just not going to put to much thought into it as my skin might start to itch.

I'm excited to see Blaire's campus tomorrow and learn about the school. Also, I'm hoping to make it to the ocean tomorrow since Coastal is a mere 9 miles from Myrtle beach!

lovelove.

Jordan

A list for personal use:

Cancelled my lessons for tomorrow for a brief trip to the beach

Things I need to remember for the beach:

-a towel- the orange one with white and pink flowers

-sunglasses- black knockrounds

-my ipod

-coke zero

-money

-beach cover up

-vince's 6 bucks

-my cellphone

-sunscreen

A piece of a advice:

actions speak louder than words, even if you think no one can see them!

So don't take comprising pictures of you "blacked out" in bathrooms with girls or you kissing girls.It just makes people think you're sketchy, especially here is the kicker- if it's a long-distance relationship. Am I right? Sloppiness, Sketchiness and so forth ARE NOT qualities in someone that are respectable. So next time you want to pick up that beer that will get you drunk enough to be carried out from somewhere- put it down and wait an hour. I don't know I thought that this was simple. I try not to ask for too much from anyone. I try not to be controlling or put limits on anything or anyone, but this is something that actually pisses me off is that people can say anything, it's what you do that really counts. So all I can say is grow up, handle yourself, and if you want to act like you're in high school THEN GO FOR IT(!), but I can't say i'll be down.

This is just a general piece of advice....I lyke..don't mean to vent about anyone in particular.

End of the Week

I want to start an end of the week rose of the week and thorn of the week. I think this will continue on with my finding things to be thankful for and things to work on and just observations. I want to work on being positively introspective instead of just forgetting about blessings and getting down about the negative things. Basically, I want to acknowledge the good and be thankful for it and acknowledge the bad and work past it.

Rose of the Week (there are a few!):

-Taylor and Blaire have both successfully completed high school and gotten their diplomas. I really am just so proud of them!

-My knee hasn't acted up all week at the gym

-I'm reading a great book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It is absolutely fantastic it's a mix of modern day applicable philosophy and beautiful imagery of the open road.

-My big came to visit!

Thorn of the Week:

-Well... I'll put it this way I don't exactly have buyers remorse but at the same time I'm not completely happy with my purchase.

-I need to check off more things on my to-do list.

lovelove.

Jordan

Congratulations Little Seesstors!

Both of my little sisters are graduated from high school! Taylor had her graduation today and Blaire's was last week! I am so proud of them, I cannot believe they are so grown up! Love them!

lovelove.

Jordan

Luke Says....

Text from Luke:

"I just found out snooki is repub. Thank God."

Who knew? Thanks, Captain Republican, for alerting me.

C.S Lewis

one more thing before I get on with my day:

I love this quote, it's so true.

Writing is a socially acceptable form of getting naked in public.
-Paulo Coelho

So when you're writing today, just think you're completely naked in Time Square & just go for it. Because you see, if you find yourself naked in Time Square, you're just going to have to go for it-even if at first you're completely aware of that cellulite on the back of your legs or that one awful scar you have or how one boob is slight bigger than the other or whatever insecurity you seem to pick at day in and day out. So just write and write it all and get over the fears you may have about expressing yourself, because if you don't go for it-well, you're just going to end up feeling a little awkward I think.

Ali

I suppose this goes with what I last said

Plus I'm rereading Candid, not that this came from that...but Voltaire...he lyke...wrote it.

OH and I have a joke, from my high school Humanities days:
What is Voltaire's favorite food?
Answer: Candid Yams.
^haha, that still cracks me up.

rocky road.

I hope people think I have a heart of ice cream, because I really do


Don't you hate when you can just feel someone isn't saying something to you? It drives me crazy, it makes me completely out-of-breath over a million less-than-rational scenarios. Maybe things are fine? Maybe things aren't? Maybe when you say you love someone and mean it you say it? Or maybe you don't? Who has the answers to these questions? I know who does, the one who keeps it all to himself (or herself).
And by not giving some sort of comment on how this certain someone feels (& I mean, I'm not saying people need a state of the relationship or state of his/her emotions or state of the friendship address, but sometimes a little reassurance would be nice.) it just puts the other person in the uncomfortable corner of:
well if I don't know how they feel what am I to do?
And they said I love you first....but then never said it...so did they mean it....do I say it?
&a million other questions you could draw out of the giant hat that is your head.
Who knows.
I don't know and as you can see this creates some sort of vicious cycle.
So please, everyone once in a while just say- hey, i love you (if you haven't in awhile because, once you say I love you....you can't take it back. So if you haven't WAIT till you need to say it or else you'll combust and then once you say it you know you won't be able to stop cause you want to say it.) or maybe- hey you're doing a good job, or some other positive statement. Cause there are some people in this world that are insecure.

So thats my advice for the day, Enjoy!
Ali

ps, this picture is not formatting right, ugh. Here is the link:http://www.asofterworld.com/clean/swing.jpg

So Proud of these fellow Hokies, had to share!

Some of Virginia Tech's Pi Kappa Alpha brothers preformed on America's Got Talent tonight! They were great and now they get to go on to Vegas! Go Hokies!

cheers!

Jordan

A Few Things from the Desk of Ali:

1) As far as political rock goes, I hate Greenday. As far as 90s punk-pop goes, I love Greenday. So quit singing about politics and start playing me some Brain Stew and Nice Guys Finish Last.

2) Ever since the day before New Year's Eve when I was stuck in NYC driving around lost with Jahan, I have HATED Jay-Z's song New York, BUT the Sex and The City trailer actually makes it seem cool again.

3)I'm going to Barcalona next summer to finish up my Spanish major, hooray Europe!

4)I'm paid, but it all has to go 100 directions...so realistically I'm broke. Curse my parents for not being wealthy!

5) Did anyone else find the MTV movie awards offensive? How many f-bombs, twilight references, blinking hearts near X-tina's vjay, prancing asian man in a tiger costume do we need on a SUNDAY evening. Although, I will say this- madd respek to Tom Cruise.

6) Here are some songs I have been listening to:

1. One Drop: Little Black Dress

2. 86 the Effort: Miss October & Let's Go Out

3. John Butler Trio: Zebra

4. Rebelution: Lazy Afternoon

5. The Decemberists: O Valencia

6. Jose Gonzalez: Heartbeats

7. Jenny Suk: OMG

8.Nina Gordon: Straight Out Of Compton

9. Johnny Cash: Hurt

10.New Found Glory: King of Wishful Thinking

This makes me laugh.

Cheers.

Jordan

Unbelievable.

I know Ali addressed this in the post before mine, but, I feel like I need to let out my anger.

I just want to know when it became other people's right to leak private information to the public media? How cruel do you have to be to think "hmmm let me take something that I know is damning and release it to the media so everyone can see." I just don't understand the maliciousness of it all, it is unbelievable that someone would get a joy out of doing something like this. How unhappy do you have to be with your life that you have to try to ruin someone else's. It is just so cruel, ridiculous, and above all childish.

The worst thing is, the person who wrote the article and the person who gave the information (a coward) will never know the impact that they have had. They won't ever know how many tears, how much anger, and how much sadness came from this. I suppose they don't care, as long as they sell papers right? It's just when did selling paper's become so important that you are willing to publish an article that is in such poor taste. I hope their "story" was worth it.

I just don't even know what say, I am so disappointed and upset. The people who did this and wrote this are so low. Disgusting.

When private matters become public knowledge.

For anyone who gets a quiet joy in their heart when bad things happen,I just hope you take into consideration how damaging it is to the families that it happens to. And whoever feels it is their right to give bad news to the media, you're incredibly low.

Ali

Recently, a friend asked me:

"So when are you going to start dating again?!"

...Dating? This question perplexed me, to be honest dating someone has not even been on my radar. I gave her a simple "Eh no time soon I guess." While my answer to her question was simple the introspection that it caused me to have was not.

Truthfully, I am still working on getting over the last relationship I was in, and it isn't easy. We were together for almost four years. That's a long time and I am realizing that you can't just shut it out. People might not understand why I feel this way I mean, I'm the one that broke it off shouldn't I be fine with everything? I mean I guess if you look at it that way I should be, but I can't just easily forget everything and pretend it didn't happen and that all those years didn't mean something when they did. I'm finding that it's a tight rope to walk, it's a daily struggle that I have to deal with. Sometimes it is hard to compartmentalize it all, I mean it's weird putting things that have feelings attached to them in a little cardboard box under my bed and replacing old pictures with new ones, it is just strange and sad to me.

I don't understand how some people can move on so quickly, how they can just turn the page and forget. I don't think about trying to find or date someone new, honestly I don't want that in my life right now. Realistically I don't want to think about dating again for a long time, I'm just not ready. I didn't break things off just so I could find someone new, that was not my intention at all. I understand that some people use finding someone new to get over their last relationship but, that is not what I want or need in my life. I needed and still need time to myself to find myself and really look into what I want to do with the rest of my life.

I'm not 16 anymore, in two years I'll be graduated Virginia Tech and hopefully I will have a direction in my life that I want to follow. As many people know I am extremely indecisive and that is why I feel I need time to explore different paths that I can take. I don't know what I want for my future, it changes with the winds, that is why this time to find out is so crucial. For once, I just want to be sure.

Jordan

my head right now:

music to my ears

Has a song ever come on and instantly it reminds you of someone? I just had that happen to me and I burst out laughing because with each passing verse and beat I was reminded of a bad quality in this certain person but in a funny sort of way.

the song-

Sara Bareilles: King of Anything,

this song is

f-a-n-tastic.

I'm sure most people can guess who it is, but for those who can not- I'm sorry that's my secret to keep.

mantra.

lovelove.

Jordan