If you've been following me for a while, you know that in January, I decided to become a dedicated vegetarian. I've stuck to it, but now I've decided to take that lifestyle even further by becoming a vegan--someone who doesn't consume meat or any other animal by-products (milk, cheese, eggs, gelatin, etc). I was interested in becoming a vegan a while ago (Natalie, Stevie, Krystin, Alexis and I all tried it for a week, with Somer leading the way), but I failed miserably, probably due to the fact that I had no motivation for doing it other than just for kicks. In addition, I wasn't a vegetarian at the time, so my body went into complete shock when I cut out meat, dairy, and eggs all at once. Now, though, I have a reason.
After reading the book Skinny Bitch and doing some research on my own, I've found out that ALL animals are harmed in the process of making food containing animal by-products. Dairy cows are routinely injected with hormones and then killed 20 years earlier than their natural lifespans when their production rates decline. The hens who lay eggs can be stuck for years in small cages with floors the size of vynil record covers. Because chicks tend to peck each other, young hens often have their beaks seared off at birth. In addition, male chicks have no use to factory farmers, so they are killed by gassing, decapitation, suffocation, crushing, or, in some cases, farmers simply throw them in the garbage. Baby chickens are thrown into the garbage because of the egg industry. If that doesn't make you think twice the next time you go to take a bite of your scrambled eggs, I don't know what will.
I've only recently started a vegan diet--it's only been about 10 days now. But it feels longer; like I've been doing it forever. It's easier to do than it sounds. After about the first week your cravings for things like cheese and ice cream start to fade, and your body starts "detoxing" a lot, so prepare to feel a little sick!! But it's all for the good of the animals, and for your health too.
If you want to learn more about veganism, why it's good for you, how it helps animals, or factory farming, you can look at an older post about it or check out these resources:
Books:
Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
Vegan Freak by Bob and Jenna Torres (I haven't actually read this, but several people have recommended it to me)
Websites:
Vegan Action
Farm Sanctuary
PETA
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo,
Laura
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Stuff Sorority Girls Like #6: Philanthropy Projects.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again...there's absolutely nothing better than giving back to others.
Most of the time, we give back in fun ways, like Dance Marathon (a 24-hour dance party), tournaments involving any sport, bake sales, or pancake breakfasts. However, we don't just love philanthropy projects because of the fun stuff.
One of the four pillars of Greek life is service, which may explain why we sorority women love philanthropy projects so much. Not only are philanthropy projects a time to give back to the people in our community, but they also give us a chance to bond with our sisters over something really special, and help us to realize how lucky we are in so many ways that we may not think about every day. Some people are starving, don't have places to sleep, and have no one who cares about them. As much as you think you are helping others, the truth is, those less fortunate help you a lot more by teaching you a lot about your own life.
I have to give a shout-out to USC Greek Life for all the good it's been doing. We have countless philanthropy projects in the Greek community as a whole, and there's numbers to back that up. In Spring 2010:
$380,268 was raised for charity (that's about $99 for each sorority or fraternity member).
61,109 community service hours were performed (about 16 hours/member).
That is some serious giving back.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." --Ghandi
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo,
Laura
Most of the time, we give back in fun ways, like Dance Marathon (a 24-hour dance party), tournaments involving any sport, bake sales, or pancake breakfasts. However, we don't just love philanthropy projects because of the fun stuff.
One of the four pillars of Greek life is service, which may explain why we sorority women love philanthropy projects so much. Not only are philanthropy projects a time to give back to the people in our community, but they also give us a chance to bond with our sisters over something really special, and help us to realize how lucky we are in so many ways that we may not think about every day. Some people are starving, don't have places to sleep, and have no one who cares about them. As much as you think you are helping others, the truth is, those less fortunate help you a lot more by teaching you a lot about your own life.
I have to give a shout-out to USC Greek Life for all the good it's been doing. We have countless philanthropy projects in the Greek community as a whole, and there's numbers to back that up. In Spring 2010:
$380,268 was raised for charity (that's about $99 for each sorority or fraternity member).
61,109 community service hours were performed (about 16 hours/member).
That is some serious giving back.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." --Ghandi
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo,
Laura
Stuff Sorority Girls Like #5: Ugg Boots.
There's a reason they're called Ugg boots.
Most of the time, amongst the general population, Ugg boots generally recieve that reaction: "Ugh."
However, amongst us women who sport letters, Ugg boots are a must-have in the winter. They are easy to pull on over jeans, they go with everything, they're comfortable, and, most importantly, they keep you warm!
While Ugg boots are generally worn in the traditional caramel brown, others prefer to take a slightly different route, sporting our favorite fratastic footwear in black, patchwork, or, of course, the ever-popular pink.
I do, however, have a bone to pick with many of those who sport Ugg boots. Many sorority women seem to believe that Ugg boots look especially wonderful with an oversized sweatshirt or t-shirt (for the "boyfriend look," though most of the time these shirts bear the letters of one's own sorority) and LEGGING PANTS. Leggings are NOT pants, despite what many people seem to believe.
Ugg boots are wonderful to wear in the winter, however, LEGGING PANTS are not!!!!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
And don't wear legging pants with your cute Uggs.
xoxo,
Laura
P.S. The Daily Gamecock also agrees with me on this issue.
P.P.S. Ugg boots are also not acceptable footwear for a date, despite the number of people who seem to think so.
Most of the time, amongst the general population, Ugg boots generally recieve that reaction: "Ugh."
However, amongst us women who sport letters, Ugg boots are a must-have in the winter. They are easy to pull on over jeans, they go with everything, they're comfortable, and, most importantly, they keep you warm!
While Ugg boots are generally worn in the traditional caramel brown, others prefer to take a slightly different route, sporting our favorite fratastic footwear in black, patchwork, or, of course, the ever-popular pink.
I do, however, have a bone to pick with many of those who sport Ugg boots. Many sorority women seem to believe that Ugg boots look especially wonderful with an oversized sweatshirt or t-shirt (for the "boyfriend look," though most of the time these shirts bear the letters of one's own sorority) and LEGGING PANTS. Leggings are NOT pants, despite what many people seem to believe.
Ugg boots are wonderful to wear in the winter, however, LEGGING PANTS are not!!!!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
And don't wear legging pants with your cute Uggs.
xoxo,
Laura
P.S. The Daily Gamecock also agrees with me on this issue.
P.P.S. Ugg boots are also not acceptable footwear for a date, despite the number of people who seem to think so.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Stuff Sorority Girls Like #4: Southern Gentlemen.
He opens doors for you, pulls your chair out for you, and pays for dates.
He golfs with his dad and goes out on the boat with his family on the weekends.
He calls his mom "ma'am."
He got into every school he applied for, because he was on the football team, the basketball team, AND a member of National Honor Society in high school.
His fraternity throws the most kick-ass parties this side of the Mason-Dixon line.
And he wears bowties.
What is this wonderful, seemingly unreal creature I am referring to? The southern gentleman, of course. Southern gentlemen are few and far between. Many men claim to be southern gentlemen, but they don't actually fit the bill, 98% of the time because they're only trying to get in your pants or because they're just plain rude. A real southern gentleman exudes confidence and makes everyone around him feel comfortable.
The best example of a true southern gentleman was written in 1899 by John Walter Wayland for the Chicago Sun-Times (yes, I know this is the creed for SAE):
The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
- John Walter Wayland
Everyone loves southern gentlemen, but sorority girls love them the most.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo,
Laura
He golfs with his dad and goes out on the boat with his family on the weekends.
He calls his mom "ma'am."
He got into every school he applied for, because he was on the football team, the basketball team, AND a member of National Honor Society in high school.
His fraternity throws the most kick-ass parties this side of the Mason-Dixon line.
And he wears bowties.
What is this wonderful, seemingly unreal creature I am referring to? The southern gentleman, of course. Southern gentlemen are few and far between. Many men claim to be southern gentlemen, but they don't actually fit the bill, 98% of the time because they're only trying to get in your pants or because they're just plain rude. A real southern gentleman exudes confidence and makes everyone around him feel comfortable.
The best example of a true southern gentleman was written in 1899 by John Walter Wayland for the Chicago Sun-Times (yes, I know this is the creed for SAE):
The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
- John Walter Wayland
Everyone loves southern gentlemen, but sorority girls love them the most.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo,
Laura
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)