Letting Go

I apologize in advanced for the string of depressing blog posts. Last post was certainly one of the more down posts I've ever done and this one is likely not to be super uplifting either, however I felt as if it needed to be addressed.

Breakups. My most favorite subject at the moment.

Yes I realize my post a couple of weeks ago is sort of ironic at the moment but I don't want to take it down. I can't seem to bring myself to do it. Maybe eventually I will, but not right now.

Either way, breakups are probably the hardest thing we will go through in our young lives. There is nothing that feels quite like having the person who you were in love with tell you that they don't want to be with you anymore. If you have never felt this pain, I envy you, because it is probably one of the worst pains you can ever go through. It's not like a paper cut that will sting for a while but eventually the pain will dull down. This is a constant ache in your heart that no matter how much you want to just reach inside and rip your heart out for relief, you can't. It's not something that by eating a pint of ben and jerry's ice cream with your girlfriends while watching a sappy chick flick will help either. Only time can heal a broken heart.

I'm not saying I'm an expert by any means, I'm fortunate enough for this to be my first and only heart break of my life. But I do think I am handling it the best that I can and maybe by writing this I can help at least one person out there that my be thinking their life is ending because this person doesn't want to be with them. So here goes - my list of ways to 'get over' a break up.

1) Cry. Go ahead and do it. Because it hurts. It hurts like a bitch (excuse my french). Now this really doesn't do anything else except let you get your emotions out but I think it's an important first step. To be in touch with your emotions is important and the fact that you feel this way clearly means you felt very strongly for that person, so it's okay to cry. Just make sure you are not sulking in your room for days at a time but a good long cry here and there will suffice.

2) Get off social media. This is important especially if your relationship was public on Facebook and suddenly you were victim of the dreaded 'in a relationship' to 'single'. Your true friends will see it and call or text you to see if you are alright, you do not need to deal with everyone and their brother commenting or liking your change in relationship status. This will only make you feel worse and cause you dwell on the break up for longer. It is also very important because we are all guilty of the post-breakup stalk. Yes, I know you have, don't deny it. It may not even be the persons page it could just be a picture you two were tagged in together. This will bring up old emotions and make you feel worse, just get rid of it. I can't tell you how much easier my breakup would have been if I had taken this advice. Note: This also goes for Instagram and Twitter. Twitter especially! Because we all at some point have posted this semi-depressing tweet with lyrics to a song you don't really know that well, but felt related perfectly to the situation you are going through. I'm telling you right now, no one wants to see that. So spare yourself and others from that popping up on their feeds.

3) Get out of your house. I don't care if it is taking a drive to the grocery store with your mom, get out. This was crucial for me. I didn't have to work for a full week after my break up. I didn't plan it that way, it seriously just worked out like that. You are prone to sulk in your bed after a situation like that happening but if you force yourself to get out of your house then you do not have the option anymore to go lurk back into bed for the rest of the day. This also helps to get your mind off of the person. I started my internship that Friday after it happened and I honestly can say I don't think I thought of him once in that whole time I was working. Granted it was only two hours and once I got out of there he once again consumed my mind, but it was a step!

4) Talk to someone. While I know not everyone feels comfortable talking about this kind of thing to others, I promise you it will do a world of wonders. As a general rule, you should have that one person you can go to with anything. For me it is my best friend. I know I can tell her anything and she will not judge me for it. Now this can be just about anyone - a friend, a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a therapist, even a pet! (Although I would recommend getting someone who can actually speak back to you, but a pet works for the time being). You need to be able to confide in someone and explain to them why you are hurting. Hopefully that person knows you well enough to give you advice to how to handle the situation and how to move on from it. Talking it out can also release a lot of the emotions that you may have been bottling inside. You could even tell that person everything you wanted to tell your Ex if you think that will help. Just talk and keep talking. You won't even realize how much of a world of a difference it will make.

5) Pamper yourself. Whether it is a massage, mani/pedis, or even a hair cut. Do something that will make you feel beautiful. With all the negativity going around, having a positive change in your life will really make you feel so much better. Because after a break up, at least for girls, we always feel ugly and unwanted. Doing something that makes you feel beautiful even if it is only for a minute will brighten your day and hopefully help you realize, you are just as beautiful as you were pre-break up. For me this was a big help. It probably doesn't help that I have a shopping problem, but when I got my paycheck last Friday I went crazy. I probably spend over $250 on new clothing. Ridiculous? Maybe. Did it make me feel better? Hell yeah! Now it is not the most healthy way to deal with things because it ultimately makes you pretty broke, but the way I think about it is if you buy something that is pretty, it makes you feel pretty. And this is exactly the point I was making! I bought this one dress and I wore it the other day and someone told me I looked "Hot". Did that help my self-confidence? Hell yeah! That's all it takes is a little pick-me-up. If shopping helps, like me, then go ahead and do it. I wouldn't recommend spending $250+, but just a nail polish color or new bright lipstick can do wonders! Trust me.

6) Lastly, Pray. I realize not everyone is religious, so for this maybe there is some substitution out there? If not and prayer isn't your style, just ignore this, but this really helped me. Prayer has always been a weird thing for me. I cry every single time I do it, I'm not kidding. Even if it is happy things! I still cry, not entirely sure why but I do. Maybe that's why I don't do it as much as I should. Either way when I was feeling at my lowest throughout this whole process I prayed. I asked God to heal my broken heart. I prayed for my husband. And I prayed for my Ex. It was amazing how much better I felt after that, even if I was crying the whole way through it. I'm not saying this is for everyone, because I know it's not. I'm just letting you know that if you are Christian and don't have the best relationship with God, try this. It sounds crazy but it seriously helps. Now I didn't get automatic answers but after I was done I felt a wave of relief come over me. Take this as you wish and handle it in your own way, but I think it's worth a shot.

So there you go, the 6 ways to get over a break up. I'm not saying that if you follow these 6 steps then you will be over that person, but it is a good starting point. I am not over him yet, in fact I will probably never be fully over him. If they really meant that much to you then they will always carry a piece of your heart. You will just need to learn how too forgive them and accept the fact that they were in your life for a reason. It may have been a lesson. If that is the case you need to learn from that and move on because people are constantly coming in and out of our lives. It is our job to figure out what their purpose was, to learn from it, and to apply that to our future endeavors.

Because at the end of the day...

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Farewell Old Friend

I'm back! I'm sorry I missed Sunday's post. I was having kind of a rough night because of what happened today, I will explain later. But I didn't really have anything I knew I wanted to talk about and I also didn't really feel in the spirit to write. Anyways, onto today's post.

Today marks the end of a life for someone in my family. It was my dog, Rosey. We are all going to miss her so much. She seriously was the best dog anyone could ever ask for. Rosey was 13 years old and her health was failing her. There wasn't ever a big incident that let us make the decision easy. It was basically up to my dad. Her health had been failing for a while now. The Vet even told us that there was nothing else we could do for her. So, it came down to my dad making the decision. And since my whole family was going to be out of town this upcoming weekend, he decided that today was the day.

My whole family came to say goodbye to her. Going into the office was so hard because I just look over and I see my father crying. That led me to start to cry. We all went in and they let us have a couple more minutes with her to day goodbye. My dad, mom and I were all crying while my older brother tried to make light of the situation, cracking jokes.

Time was up and they brought her to the back room. They told us they would bring us back when she was sedated right before they euthanized her. Once everything was all set up, the technician led us to the back room. And there she was. Laying on a towel calmly breathing. They told us she would still be conscious at that point, but it wasn't the same. While she was still alive in that moment, I knew she wasn't truly there. If she had been she would be the lively, loving lab that she had always been. She would be scratching up a storm because her allergies were off the chart, she wasn't Rosey.

We got to pet her and kiss her one last time and then the vet came in. They inserted the needle in her leg slowly. At one moment she shook, like something I had never seen. It's like her soul was just torn out of her body. I knew at that point she was gone. But even still, seeing her lay there it didn't seem real. It seemed like she was just asleep and that she would wake up at any moment. But she didn't. She was gone.

Going home I cried the whole way back. I walked through the front door to my house and my first reaction was to call out to Rosey to greet her. I saw her bed, it was empty. I went upstairs to see the spot that she would lay in all day was empty as well. And that's when it really hit, she was never coming home. Sure she will always be there in spirit. But the flesh of the dog I had for more than half of my life was gone forever. 

I will miss her so much. She has taught me so much about love and loyalty that I will never forget. She was my best friend as a little girl. Any time I was upset I would just go and cry to her. I told her everything. She will always hold a special place in my heart that will never be filled.

Love you Rosey. I can't wait to see you again someday.

xoxo,

Casey Rose

First Day of Summer

Happy Friday everyone! As you may or may not know today, June 21st, was the first day of summer. It's, finally, officially socially acceptable to lounge around in your swim suit all day and do absolutely nothing, score.

If you are a Lilly lover such as I am you may or may not know that the first day of summer is 'Wear your Lilly' day. Now this isn't a national holiday or anything but it is a cute idea and as I was looking on Instagram today (mine is @caseyrosexo, follow me if you'd like), I noticed a lot of girls decided to hop on the bandwagon and wear their Lilly today. So for today's Fashion Friday's I decided I was going to show you my outfit of the day with the Lilly item I decided to wear to celebrate the first day of summer. Because everyone can use an excuse to wear Lilly.

Now the Lilly piece in this outfit is actually the jeans! I was selling my clothing to a local consinement shop and while I waited for them I shopped around a bit. I found these jeans, in my size, for only $14! So of course I decided that I needed them. I do not know where they can be found anymore because the style looks like something they haven't had for a couple of seasons at least. The most similar I found was here on the Lilly site. It's a much lighter pink but the cropped style is the most similar.

Now this it's not a very exciting outfit by any means, but I thought it was cute and comfortable enough for work (And also a little secret, I didn't shave my legs so I needed something that covered that area). But the shirt is from Forever 21, I got it a long time ago but I think anything Navy and White striped would look super adorable with this. I found something I liked on the Forever 21 website that I think would pair nicely with these pants here. And lastly, the flats are from Steve Madden which I showed you guys on my Workin' Lady post. I seriously can't wear these enough, in fact I've worn them so much that I probably need a new pair because these puppies have seen much better days. Here they are again on the DSW website.

http://www.lillypulitzer.com

Hope you enjoyed today's Fashion Friday's. Leave me a comment letting me know which Lilly pieces you are loving for summer!

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Arrow Obsession

When joining a sorority becoming a little bit obsessed with everything your organization stands for kind of comes with the territory. If you know anyone that is in Chi Omega, I guarantee they have tons of Owl paraphernalia in their life. Delta Gamma - Anchor. Zeta Tau Alpha - Crown. You get the jist.

On my last Sorority Sunday I talked a lot about my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and their background. I also talked about our symbol - the arrow. Now being that it is one of our symbols, I have become a little bit obsessed. Pretty much anything and everything that has an arrow on it, I've got to have it. Seriously though...it's kind of a problem.

That's why for this Sorority Sunday I've decided I was going to insert a list of arrow-related things I am currently obsessing over. Enjoy!

I first saw this pillow when I was actually in Target and I immediately sent it to our Vice President of Housing and told her - we need this pillow. Except we don't, but she agreed it was just as cute.

This Gray Threshold Embroidery Linen Arrow Decorative Pillow can be found at Target for $23.74

This next pillow I may have also slightly fell in love with as well. I mean for one - arrows, duh. Secondly, it is magenta. Which might as well be wine. Which is one of our colors. Perfection!

This Bright Magenta Love Arrow Pillow can be found on Dormify.com for $39

Lastly, I had to include this. I was looking on JC Penny's website and saw that Jonathan Adler had made line just for Penny's! Now I for one love Jonathan Adler. If you may not be familiar with him, think of his things as a more urban Lilly Pulitzer. They tend to design kind of the same small items - agendas, iPhone cases, etc. It may not be your style but I love him. So naturally I was beyond excited to see his JC Penny's line. It is mainly filled with home decor which is great because any chance I get I will redecorate my room. If you haven't seen any of his stuff before, I would recommend going on the Penny's website and checking out his line. There is some super cute stuff on there.

Anyways, back to this bookend. Now if you know me at all, I don't read. Don't get me wrong its not like I hate to read or anything but I simply never do it. During the school year I don't like to clutter my mind with yet another book when I should be reading my History book, which rarely gets open. Now to many people's dismay I actually did start, and finish, an entire book today while sitting at my brother's baseball games. Granted it was Style by Lauren Conrad, but Hey! Give me some credit here, I'm trying! And you can laugh, but the only reason I bought the book in the first place was so that I could have some books for my bookends (I know, I'm literally the dumbest person ever). Either way, I have fallen in love with these bookends because, of course, they are arrows. So you can guarantee they will be mine when I get my next paycheck.

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Katie Set of 2 Arrow Bookends can be found at JC Penny for $42

What do you think? Pretty silly, huh? Well I can't help it, I'm in love.

Let me know what decor items you are loving this summer, I'd love to see it!

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Workin' Lady

This past Monday I had my first interview for an internship! So today for Fashion Friday's I decided to show you exactly how I styled my professional attire.

Good news is they are all still available!

La Dee Dot's top in Ivory from Francesca's for $38

Factory Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton in Brilliant Cobalt from J. Crew Factory for $44.50

Steve Madden Heaven Patent Flat in Taupe from Steve Madden found at DSW for $39.95 

The top pictured is kind of sheer, so I put a nude cami underneath and tucked it all into the pencil skirt (which is so comfortable by the way). The flats can absolutely be substituted with a heel, however I just didn't feel completely comfortable in the heels that I had.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Fashion Fridays!

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Love, Always

Today, June 10th, marks the 1 year anniversary of my boyfriend and I. Now I normally wouldn't post something so sappy and personal on here but it's something that I wanted to share.

Its amazing to think that it's only been one year. It seems like a lifetime for all we've gone through together. The ups and the downs. The laughs and the cries. You've been there with me through it all.

Its funny how much someone can effect your life. You think another person couldn't possibly impact your life in such a way as you have. Even though it's been only a year I can't imagine my life without you. It actually scares me to imagine a life like that. 

Who would think that such a relationship could come from two stupid college kids. I mean let's admit, we're both pretty dumb. From the way that we could barely form coherent sentences with each other when we first met. To when you first told me you loved me at that fraternity house (romantic I know), you had to have a little too much to drink in order to get the courage to tell me. And that night was the first night you opened up to me about your family. I feel so honored to be apart of your life. And I can't wait to see where this crazy journey leads us next.

I love you babe.

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Arrow Minded

Since we like to make cheesy alliterations on this blog, let's go ahead and start another one!

"Sorority Sundays"

*Gags*

So as you may or may not know I am in Pi Beta Phi sorority at my university. I posted a couple of days ago about crafting for my little and the Big/Little process but what I failed to talk about was my sorority in general!

I absolutely love Pi Phi (shortened name), ever since bid day I have fallen head over heels in love with everyone in this organization and everything about it. I am so blessed with the opportunities that it has given me thus far.

Let's start from the beginning, we were founded on April 28, 1867 as the first national secret society for women. We were originally named I.C. Sorosis but then later changed our name to Pi Beta Phi. Our colors are Wine and Silver Blue. Our symbol is the Arrow and our mascot is the angel.

Now you may understand why this blog is called "Bows and Arrows". Bows - just for the girly side of it all and Arrows - for my sorority.

"But how did you choose to become part of this organization?" - Good question! ;)

I decided to participate in rush last fall at my school. We have 9 Panhellenic sororities on campus that I 'rushed' (I can go through the whole recruitment process at a later time). Each day of rush you go to less and less houses until you are down to two houses at Pref Night. After going to both houses on Pref Night I knew which one I belonged to. There were pros and cons to each but the biggest reason that I chose Pi Phi was because I was a legacy.

A legacy is defined as someone who's mother, grandmother, or sister is affiliated with that organization. My grandmother is a Pi Phi, which I didn't learn until the summer before I decided to rush! Having her to talk with about everything related to Pi Phi has really made the experience that much more special to me and has brought us closer than we have ever been. I am so glad I get the opportunity to share this experience with her.

Now onto present times. It has been a whole school year since I rushed, so where am I now?

In January I was slated to be the Vice President of Membership for my chapter. I was beyond shocked that they slated me for this position because it is not normally a position you give to a new girl. The VPM (for short) is in charge of the biggest event for any sorority - Recruitment. That's right. I'm in charge of it all. I just went through it last year and now I am leading it. It was extremely overwhelming at first, but I have some great people on Exec who I can turn to for help. They have really been my life savers and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done.

So this summer will be filled with planning for recruitment. However, I do get the opportunity to go to San Diego for the 69th Biennial Convention where I get to meet Pi Phi's from all across the country. I was chosen as the alternate delegate and our President is our chapter delegate. I am so excited to travel to San Diego with her and I will absolutely keep this blog updated with everything from that trip!

I hope you enjoyed the first edition of 'Sorority Sunday'! Keep checking back during the week for more posts and maybe even more themed days?

Until next time,

Casey Rose