12 Classic Sorority Girl Photos

You probably predicted some of the photos you were going to see on here. And you probably have photos just like them. That just means you are rocking some classic sorority girl poses.

1. The skinny arm.
If you don't know this pose, then you're not a girl. You can usually spot this on girls at the end of group shots and in solo shots of girls showing off some attitude. Intended to make the arm and therefore the body appear thinner, the skinny arm has become a phenomenon amongst sorority girls everywhere. But sometimes we genuinely just don't know what else to do with our arms. Is the peace sign still cool?

2. Mirror selfie.
You know when you think you look so cute and your outfit is on point that you need to share it right away? This shot comes in handy when you're too embarrassed to ask someone to take a picture of you but you want to make sure your look is acknowledged that day.

3. Hugging photo.
Aw! This photo always looks adorable. It just screams cuteness and works for groups of all sizes (of at least two).

4. Hand sign.
On the beach, in a foreign country, or at bid day, you will find a plethora of these. No matter where you are, you want the world to know that a [insert sorority name] was here.

5. Selfie.
This had to be on the list and you know it. Whether it is of just you or with multiple friends, you have a lot of these photos. Some were funny Snapchats that your friends screenshotted, and some were intentionally attractive. And then there are those of you that upgraded to the selfie stick. Because that was a necessary addition to the world.

6. Candid.
The jig is up: your candid is carefully planned. In fact, you probably discussed it with your friends before you handed over your iPhone. But that's okay, because "candid" shots are always the cutest. Your laughter is usually coming from absolutely nothing but your impressive acting skills and your desire for likes on Instagram. But if your candid is genuine, then you've hit photography gold.

7. All facing one way (sometimes holding hands).
You're over the prom pics but not quite. This photo is perfect for groups of friends with the same good side. But honestly, this pose takes some skill. You can see I have not mastered it yet:

8. Entire sorority (especially all matching).
When an entire group of busy sorority women are together, you cannot pass up that photo opportunity. The best times for these photos range from big philanthropy events to formal recruitment week. How can you not want a photo with all of your beautiful sisters in matching outfits?

9. Big and little pose.
Cue the tears. The best love you can have is the love for your little. And that is why we all have this next photo. The descending height photo shows off your lineage so you can brag about how perfect your offspring is.

10. Laying on the ground in a circle.
Whether you're fake laughing (see: candid) or just smiling, the circle picture is a common sorority shot. It shows off some sisterhood in a unique style.

11. Duckface.
The infamous kiss-in-the-air shot is another classic. This pose has multiple purposes. We use it to show adoration for a fellow member of the photo or the viewer, to look cute, fierce, or goofy, and occasionally to go along with a frat point. The intent impacts the level of puckered-ness.

12. Sorority squat.
And finally, the srattiest of them all. The sorority squat is the instinctual pose for sorority girls in the front or middle of group photos (note the skinny arm as well).

No matter the pose, the memory is captured forever. Next time a camera points at you, give it your all and own that moment, girl!

Preparing For Your Big's Graduation

One of the greatest things about joining a sorority is getting a big. I remember ecstatically waiting to see who my big would be ( I can assure you, I was not disappointed). Your big is your role model, your friend, the person who will help guide you as you enter this new and exciting world of Greek Life and, even more importantly life. So naturally, it is a difficult transition as your big's graduation date approaches.   With spring semester starting, many little's are now facing that daunting realization that there big is graduating into the big girl world.  To help ease some of the sadness, here is a list of tips to help make your last semester with your big the best one yet!

1) Hang out as much as you can. This may seem obvious but the the hustle and bustle of school it is easy to forget.

2) Start creating traditions that can go on after your big graduates.  Weather it is a weekly movie night or a monthly coffee date, have a scheduled time to be together allows you to plan ahead.

3) Take a ton of pictures. Every event, or trip to the bar, or just casual hang out sessions, document the moment. Being able to look back and be reminded of your time together, it will help easy the feeling of lost after you go from seeing them everyday to every few weeks. 

4) Speaking of pictures, plan something special to give your big for graduation, For example, with all those pictures, a scrapbook is a great graduation present! I made one for my big and she loved it!

5) Have the younger members of your sorority, especially if they are in your tree, get to know your big too. Long after your graduated your big and you will still be part of the chapter, it is important to leave some sort of impact or legacy.

So as you prepare to enter your spring semester, remember to use the opportunity to spend as much time with your big as possible, cause before you know it, you will be the big graduating and leaving her little for the many opportunities that the world has to offer.

Things to Consider when Buying Holday Gifts for Bigs and Littles

It is that time a year again. The air is cold, snow is sticking to the ground, holiday decor is everywhere, so what time is it? It is shopping time!

In my personal opinion, my favorite part of the holiday season is gift buying, I enjoy the challenge of finding the perfect gift for someone, including my big and littles.

Here is what I learned while shopping for my sorority "family"

1. Always aim to get something that fits their personality: Gifts should always make sense to who they are as person.

2. Practical isn't aways boring: sometimes the best gifts are the ones you know they will use.

3. DIY gifts are always fun: I usually buy something and make something, sometimes the hand made things are worth the most because of the time, dedication, and love that went into making it.

4. Consider the things you know they like: For example, one of my littles love to paint, so new watercolors or canvases would make a great gift.

5. Always be equal: One thing that was alway important to me was making sure everything was equal between my three littles. From initiation, to birthdays, to holidays my goal was always to get separate gifts for their personalities but of equal value.

6. Always check Pintrest, sometimes if you have an idea of what you want to make or get Pintrest is a great tool.

So with the holidays approaching, hopefully you will consider these things while shopping for you "Sorority Family".

The Odd Girl Out

Every girl has their big, right? That's what I thought too until I didn't...

I received my bid for my chapter in Spring 2012 and a week after receiving my bid, I found out who my big was. We were perfect for one another but sadly, this story didn't have a storybook ending.

When a girl first receives her big, it should be one of the best days of her life! Mine was! At first, my big and I did everything together! We would spend countless hours with one another talking about anything and everything in the world. Within eighteen months, that all went south. Sadly, what I thought was going to be the best relationship of my life suddenly turned poisonous.

It's been a year since the disaffiliation of my former big and it's been somewhat difficult on me. To say that I miss having a role model and mentor is an understatement. I was never the girl who had her big as her biggest fan and that's what truly upsets me.

Every time we get a new member class and bigs reveal themselves to their little, I want to stress the importance of the big/little relationship.

For most people, it's far too late to decide if they want a little but if you do COB (continuous open bidding) then you may find yourself with the option to take a little or not.

If you're going to take a little, take the time to think about the responsibility that comes with the relationship that you're wanting to form. Are you prepared to take on a little? Are you ready to become a role model and help them succeed within your chapter? Are you ready to help a little with their problems both inside and out of your chapter?

If you said no to any of these questions then by all means, please don't take one if you aren't ready. If you are ready, then good luck to you!

Recruitment Videos

     I think it is safe to say that we all have fun making our own sorority videos with our sisters, but lets admit it although they are completely adorable they are quite cheesy.  I am obsessed with the one we made for our recruitment but I am pretty sure every sorority on my campus did the whole "lets build a pyramid then fall out of it" as well as dancing and celebrating with sisters. 
     On the other hand is being a part of a sorority isn't all about the looks and all of the great pictures we take? I myself am a picture fanatic but lets be real, as sorority women we pride ourselves on our philanthropy, our history, GPA, our sisterhood, and maybe Greek Week. Yes yes yes we know that may seem a tad dull walking through that in a video but I think these boys of Phi Kappa Psi have a great way of proving what our video may look like to people on the outside of Greek Life. What do you think? 

Hoping to take twins

There has been so much on my head and heart lately. Big/Little selection is approaching and I would really love to take twins however, I am not currently employed. I have 2 interviews approaching on Friday and I'm really hoping one works out. I don't want to take twins and not be able to give them both everything they want in their baskets, my goal is to spoil them rotten.
I've also been having to make some sacrifices when it comes to my social life in order to improve my grades and no longer be on academic probation. Last spring was hard for me due to my grandfather being ill. I'm doing much better in my classes so far, I need to make good grades for myself and to be a role model to my future little(s). This semester is presenting itself as challenging, but I hope the outcome will be worth it. Hard work pays off, and I pray that I am able to welcome two perfect little's into the Animal Cracker family.