Hey there friends

I swear, I really have been blogging up a storm. But it's over at PGActive, where I am interning this summer. I will be posting every day on there until Aug 1 and then it's back over here 24/7 (an internship blogging has taught me a TON about blogging everyday)

xo

Cornelia

Repost from PGActive: Freebie! July Playlist

Who doesn't love freebies? I know I do! That's why I made freebie for PGActive--a playlist. Finding workout music can be a challenge. Songs getting played too much? Next. Too slow? Next. 

I've spent time and here it is my July Playlist!

Bounce over to PGActive to hear it!

Why We Need #WIP

Yeah! You know me!

In case you don't know what #WIP is, let me bring you up to speed

#WIP stands for Women In Politics

and believe me we all need that

If you're a man, a woman, transgender, somewhere on the gender spectrum

whatever.

We all need #WIP

And here is why you should be down with #WIP

Women are one of the most underrepresented groups in America.

Women only represent 18.5% of US Congress

Did you know:

According to American University, women are much less likely than men to think they are qualified to run for office and women are less likely than men to receive the suggestion to run for office – from anyone.

Even though we may be underrepresented, we still contribute a ton

including how men vote. According to the sibling gender effect, boys who have sisters are more likely to be republicans than boys who don’t have sisters.

Women, on average, value economic security over all other things; this is something that can be determined by politics, yet women don't seem to participate.

So now let me ask you:

Is there any reason you aren't down with #WIP?

Tweet: "I'm down with #WIP" so we can start a movement and show that we want and need more #WIP in our lives

Off the Map: Exploring Uncharted Areas of Life

I've been trying a lot of new things this weekend: running outside, a new church (probably not going back) and a new-ish way to get to New York. And while trying all of these experiences, I kept calling back to my past, and how much I miss it. 

I miss running on the high-tech Curve treadmills at the gym at school; I miss going to my campus ministry for spiritual guidance. I even miss the PATH train, which was the bane of my existence last summer. I missed it all.

I'll be the first person to tell you I am a creature of habit. I seek comfort in the same, the everyday and new experiences aren't always that fun for me. And I know some of you feel the same.

Despite all my wishing to be back at school, at student ministry or on the PATH, I know that some of the best things happen in unfamiliar territory. That's where I found my amazing study abroad experiences and got to meet people that I still know and love. At one point even the things I know as familiar (treadmill, ministry, PATH) were scary and new and unfamiliar. 

So as I navigate this summer and the upcoming fall, dealing with exploring all kinds of uncharted territories, I have to remember that just because it's new, doesn't mean it's bad, and just because it's an uncharted area of life, doesn't mean I can't explore.

Attention Seekers: Natalia Kills

via MTV

via poponandon 

Okay in my absence I've totally become obsessed with Natalia Kills. I know Iggy Azalea is so hot right now but Natalia Kills is next. Mixing pop with elements of rock and rap, Natalia Kills is a double threat--her songs and her style. At first I was put off by her intense bangs and overall pension for black clothes  (I love me some black too but her's borders on gothic) but after listening to some tracks all I have to say is that she is got my attention. 

Listen to some of her songs while perusing her killer fashion choices:

Update on 1001 in 100: Summer Plans

Now don't think I forgot about my 1001 in 100

I've got updates on update for y'all, but I'll start at the top

I've gotten an internship!

Well I got an internship back on Spring Break when I was in California with the company I had been interviewing with for ages. I will be writing and running their marketing all summer which is going to be so great. I get class credit for it, plus I got an internship scholarship so I'm basically getting paid to get credit, how cool is that?

I start work on Tuesday, so I'll find out then if I can talk about where I'm working. Last summer with the campaigns I couldn't say where I was working, what I was doing or who I was working for....maybe this summer it can be less secretive.

But for the rest of the summer I expect to be plugged in, on that social medial grind. I can't wait to tell y'all how my first day goes! Cheers to accomplishing a goal!

Bring it All Back Now

Well hey there friends!

I'm bringing back Pearls & Political Science

Since I've been gone

I've:

Completed Junior year 

Rocked my finals (4 As and 1 A- ain't bad)

Got an internship in marketing

Started Running

Met some amazing people

And the world:

Has been through a lot.

I'm so excited to come back to y'all and share what's going on in my world

For the rest of 2014, here is the motto for Pearls & Political Science

via charityhested.blogspot.com

How to Keep Your Head Above Water

Life is hard. It's this well known secret that just isn't shared with you until you get there. When you're in junior high or high school, you think college and life is going to be great, sure some stress here and there, but mostly great. I can't disagree with that. College (especially where I go) is amazing. But when it rains it pours when it comes to stress, and if you aren't paying enough attention, it's easy to feel like you're drowning. 

With tests, papers, journals, projects, reports, extra credit assignments, speakers, work, recruitment workshops, family visits, it's easy to get caught up in all of it and drown. It's tempting. Just like Meredith did in an early season of Grey's, it's easy to just give up and let the waves cover you. 

But here's why you shouldn't. 

Nothing worth having has ever come easy

Whatever you are facing will end.

We can do anything for a little while.

So here is what you do: get some sleep (even if you are too busy, you need sleep, make time). Spend time organizing and planning out your days, hour by hour, step by step. It makes things so much easier. Be sure to drink a ton of water (especially if you are downing Red Bulls like it is your job). Talk to a friend. Do something you love.

And realize that when this week, two weeks, month is over, you will have survived, fought against the tide and prevailed. 

I'm currently getting through my stressful time right now, but I'm trying to take my own advice and do something I love. 

How do y'all keep your heads above water?

I'll get back when the seas of my life calm down a little

xoxo

Peace Out California!

Well, it's been real Cali. I've gotten tan, stocked up on Lululemon and Nike (post to come) and just relaxed. Not bad for 4 days. 

Time to head back to the real world full of work, projects, lacrosse games and just things to do....but not before a little reflection on how great this trip has been

   

Well, let's first talk about the Palm Springs airport. It's outside. All outside. Like all outside. For this Jersey girl, that's just plain weird. Here's a second pic

  

The view from the hotel? To die for. Every morning I would wake up and see those beautiful mountains...sometimes covered in snow!

Just some pretty cool sights I saw at Joshua Tree!

 

Lessons From the Hiking Trail

Greetings from Palms Spring! Wow. What an amazing place it is here! From the beautiful pools to the gorgeous mountains, this place is unreal. 

My parents and I went up to Joshua Tree National Park the other day to see the rocks, experience the sun and just take in the immense desert beauty. Through hiking on trails and driving through the park I began to realize how much better off we'd all be if we could act like we were on hiking trails. 

Hiking trails are such a microcosm of a semi-perfect world. People are polite, don't litter and enjoy nature for what it is without ruining it. All in one little (or not so little) space. After thinking it over, here are some lessons I think we can take off the trail and into the city

1. Smile more.

On hiking trails, everyone smiles at each other. People say hello, like you're old friends. At first it was weird, like "What the hell?" but after a while I got used to it. It's important to remember to do this in the real world, to say hello and to even talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to. We all are walking through life--why not do it together?

2. Keep it clean.

National parks are spotless (it's a federal offense to litter)...like Disney World clean. Everywhere else could be just as clean, we just have to try. Seriously, like who litters? I hope none of y'all.

3. Stop. Breathe. Take it all in.

Only at National Parks do we really stop to take in all the wonder that is around us. To absorb how amazing nature is. Why don't we do it elsewhere? Life is beautiful if you stop to look around every once and a while, plus that deep breathing is good for you!

Well, that was certainly sappy. But still, extremely true. Life on a hiking trail is easy, and we can take some things back to civilization to make our busy days a little easier too.

Quiz Time

No, don't worry, not for y'all for me. I saw the cutest Cosmo-like quiz floating around online and I had to take a crack at it. You can find the original quiz here at Two Thirds Hazel and I hope y'all enjoy learning a little more about me!

The Importance of Seeing Just How Far You've Come

When you are living your life it's hard to see just how much progress you have made, how much you have grown as a person and how different things are than a year before. Sometimes though, we get to see the progress and the result is (typically) amazing. 

Early last winter I was hired to be a Youth Girls Lacrosse Coach. Bringing a sport like Lacrosse to a state like Texas is the ultimate challenge. This state is all about club soccer and it's hard to find your fitting as a club. I've spent the last year teaching girls about a sport that I love and trying to help them become better athletes (and in general people). We've had a lot of losses. A lot of mistakes, fouls and all around embarrassing moments.

I didn't think anything had really changed during that year.

Until this weekend. This weekend we played a tournament all day Saturday and today and my girls killed it. 9 wins, 1 loss and 2 ties. To teams that are more "planted" and to girls with more experience.  My girls showed me just how hard we've worked over this year and the results were amazing. 

It's easy to get caught up in life, to run around, getting jobs done, fulfilling commitments, but I want y'all to remember to sit once and a while and take it all in; see how far you've come. The results may surprise you.

Photo Catch Up

I'm working a lacrosse tournament all weekend (Yay!) but that doesn't leave a ton of time for blogging-- it does leave a lot of time for getting sunburnt (oops). I've decided today that I'm gonna catch you up on what I have been doing over my little blog-break through some Instagram pictures--Hope you enjoy!

This is a recent picture from work. Gotta love that indoor life while it's still cold out. It's amazing to see how fast kids can really pick up a sport and it's been amazing to watch them grow over the past year. I hope I have good news to tell y'all once the tournament is over! 

I was having a hard day not too long ago. Internship interviews weren't going as planned, school was getting to be too much and we were rapidly approaching Valentine's day (I'm single and I'm enjoying it, but being single on Valentine's day is still #rough). I decided to visit Brewed coffee shop at it was absolutely amazing. Great mood (totally tumblr-esq), delicious drinks (pictured here is the grasshopper) and just completely relaxing. I sat back and read some C.S. Lewis and cleared my mind and I cannot wait to go back--I hear the food is to die for.

This is me and my friend Courtney hanging with one of the members of our homeless family on Valentines day. Fort Worth has a huge homeless problem and it has been such a joy meeting underserved members of my community and really getting to know them for who they are, not for who we see when they are on the side of the road.

And lastly, this is my friend Julie and I on a recent night out. Growing older definitely has its downsides (hello working all weekend), but I do love that as a Junior in college, life is less of stressfully running around trying to meet everyone, do everything and more about just having a good time with your friends. 

Well, that's all I've really been up to while over my blogging break: working, dealing with school, chilling with homeless friends and going out on occasion. Wish me luck tomorrow! We've won 4 games...hopefully we can win more! 

What have y'all been up to lately?

xo

Be Where You Are, and Help Where You Aren't

Remember (all those years ago) when iPhones, Smart phones, even cell phones weren't part of our daily lives? You actually spent time with those you love, ate meals without checking Insta and just decided to be where you were, in the present, enjoying the company of your friends? I don't know about y'all, but there are times when I wish I didn't have my phone. 

via http://paigeeventually.com/2012/12/18/be-where-you-are-free-printable/

From phone stacking to just basic self-dicipline, I've tried to get better about "being where you are", but sometimes I need an incentive. Now through UNICEF, at tap.unicefusa.org (on your mobile device) for every 10 minutes you don't touch your device, 1 days worth of water is donated to a child in need. How cool is that? You can be where you are, and help someone where you aren't all at the same time, without much stress or hassle. 

Check it out today!

There's Something Wrong in the Ukraine

The situation in the Ukraine is reaching a fever pitch with the EU imposing sanctions and the U.S. considering it. The Ukraine has been on the precipice of all-out chaos for the past several months, and to understand what all is happening now, we have to look back to then.

This is the Ukraine, it gained it's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. They have a President and a Prime Minister, but the former is the official head of state.

The BBC reports that the reason behind the current conflict in the Eastern European country is due to President Viktor Yanukovych rejecting a deal with the European Union in favor of receiving money and strengthing ties with Russia. Official protests started in November of 2013, with the most violent flare starting on February 18th.

Here are some pictures from the protests and the resulting violence from Talking Points Memo.

Also, here is a video that shows more of what Kiev is like on the ground with the protesters. It is called  "I Am a Ukrainian"

With the death toll climbing and civil life deteriorating, what is America supposed to do? As a foreign actor, we tend to "police" other countries, but this isn't a small squabble and if the protests continue the way they are going, we may be seeing a government change.

The European Union has decided to implement sanctions against Ukrainian officials by freezing assets and imposing travel bans. Sanctions have always been a sticky situation for countries because they tend to not impact the way they are meant to (they are much more likely to impact a farmer than a government official); however, the EU seems confident that these sanctions will encourage change in Ukraine.

After all of these developments, and a failed attempt at peace, President Obama is considering imposing sanctions. Whether they will be sanctions on goods, or be more like the EU sanctions, we don't know. 

What do y'all think we should do?

Impose sanctions? 

Military aid? 

Sit back and wait?

What do you think?

The Value of Being Uncool

Let's face it. From the day we understand the social hierarchy we are born into, we want to be cool. Think back to middle school (I know, its cringe worthy). If you were anything like most people I knew, myself included, you just wanted to be cool. From having the "right friends" to having the "right stuff", that's the stuff that completely suffocated most of us through middle and even high school.

When I finally got to college, and after I survived sorority recruitment, I just wanted to be me. I didn't want to spend all the time wondering if I had the right friends or stuff or ideas. I wanted to be me. While I love my friends from middle and high school (and I would never change our friendships), I especially love my friends that I've made here, simply because none of us care about being "cool". Staying in because we are tired? Tumbling and sharing the weirdest jokes? All fair game with my friends. We love each other for who we are, not who we are trying to be and I urge each and every one of y'all to find these relationships. 

I think Phillip Seymour Hoffman said it best in Almost Famous, "The only true currency we have in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool". 

Attention Seekers February 18th: The Good, Bad and Beautiful

Long time no see y'all!

So...it took a lot longer than I anticipated getting back into my "school" routine. The days have been flying by and I still don't really feel like I know what I'm doing. I do know enough though that it's time for me to get back to doing what I love: blogging on Pearls & Political Science. I've missed y'all so much and I am just so happy I am back and I really hope that y'all will get excited for what I have in store for the rest of the year.

To get back into the swing of things, I want to show you what have been my "Attention Seekers" for the past several weeks. Sit back, relax and get ready for "Attention Seekers": The Good, Bad and Beautiful Edition

1. Dale Partridge

Dale Partridge is founder of Sevenly.org and all around great guy. He writes blog posts daily about living life the way it should be lived, and how to get the most out of life experiences (from the large to the seemingly insignificant. Recently he's discussed topics that include, 5 Timeless Secrets to a Perfect Life, 3 Hard Truths About Liars and 3 Acts of Bravery That Could Change Your 2014.

Partridge's blog is the electronic equivalent to a cup of tea. It warms you, energizes you and comforts you all at the same time.

For this next one, what I mean by "bad" is that it is bad how many times I've listened to the same song.

Drunk in Love by Beyoncé

This track slays on its own. Easy. But then everyone and their mom decided they needed to make it better by making a remix. I'm talking everyone. Kanye, The Weeknd, T.I., Diplo. You name them, they remixed it. But I don't care. They are all amazing and I could listen for days on end. I think someone wise once said, "We accept the Drunk in Love remixes we think we deserve" and I couldn't agree more. I think we deserve all of them, so I accept all of them. Check'em out!

Finally, The Beautiful.

I was ULTA the other day and a something blue caught my eye....well Hello Sailor!

Y'all must think that I've lost my mind, but Hello Sailor by Lipstick Queen is really a God-send. Recently in fashion, My Lips But Better has been so popular and I never really knew what to do, how to figure out how to get it. This bad boy knows exactly what to do. Extremely sheer, Hello Sailor is all you need to wear day or night lips-wise to feel glamorous and while style hydrating your pout.

Check it out for yourself. This is what Hello Sailor looks like on!

From: shefinds.com

So there it is, the Good, Bad and Beautiful and I am again so, so, so happy to back with y'all to talk what about what really matters: Lifestyle and the Politics that enable us to life that lifestyle.

xoxo

Learning to Love Something New

Hey there!

Well, I am back at school, and I've finally gotten in to the swing of things. It has taken longer than I thought, but it has finally happened. I'm in a new department this semester (I've essentially finished my Political Science degree #crazy) and now I'm working on my second major, Writing. I'm taking 4 English classes, and this is the first time I'm not in a Poli Sci class since my freshmen year.

I've been working on getting to know my professors, their teaching styles, expectations as well as my classmates. This semester is definitely stretching my comfort zone, especially in my poetry writing workshop (not my forte). I know working on honing my writing skills will help me in the future, especially with all the writing I'll be doing, but it doesn't mean I'm loving it.

It's too early to say I dislike my classes, but they certainly aren't what I'm used to. No longer are my classes filled with current events, statistics and theories; they are now filled with literature, primary source documents and insightful discussions. I miss the familiarity of my Political Science classes, but I think this semester will be a great lesson in learning how to love something new.

Keep Calm and Carry On

So, here I am blogging from the airport #weird and I have to confess, this J.McLaughlin Sail-Cloth duffle bag, I got for Christmas, is everything I could have ever dreamed of. The perfect carry-on and super sturdy. Now I just have to figure out how to pack less....

We Interupt this blog for a message

Hey y'all

Sorry for the lack of posts! I'm headed back to school today!

Will write tomorrow

xoxo

Why This Isn't the Final Nail in the Christie Coffin

img from Bloomberg

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, has been caught up in some unflattering headlines, concerning the closures of several lanes of the  George Washington Bridge and the less-than-legal reasons behind their closures. Facing a class-action lawsuit as well as a media circus, many are wondering about what this means for Christie's political aspirations (Public Policy Polling reported that Christie had a pretty good chance of holding his own against Hillary Clinton, if she chooses to run). 

So what does this scandal mean for Christie?

How do Americans feel about one scandal in one state?

And how will they feel about it in two years?

Many are saying Christie is done, finished, and destined to live out his life as a typical, disgraced New Jersey politician. I however, do not see this as the final (and really only) nail in his coffin. Popular with as many Democrats as he is Republicans, Christie gained a ton of notoriety during Hurricane Sandy, and it's aftermath. His gruff manner has been a matter of discussion across media outlets, but American's seem to like his attitude. Never afraid to stand by his beliefs, rather than spew party line, Christie has been willing to make friends across the aisle, notably President Obama.

Christie's political aspirations will be decided by the press, that much is true-- it's the nature of political primaries puts the onus on the media to help the public differentiate between candidates. If Christie can survive this scandal, create a positive media cycle, I see hope. If his camp is only defensive, only tripping over themselves to apologize, creating a "spiral of silence" in the media and for political supporters, I think we may see his political aspirations wane and die.

Handled properly, this will make Christie stand out come primary season (the one time candidates want any type of press). His office needs to get in control now. Hire a strategic communications firm, find a real-life Olivia Pope. Who knows, if Christie really had a hands-off role in these closures, Dems may have an easier time forgiving him than Republicans will be for "forgiving" Hillary for Benghazi (but that my friends is for another day).

More Than Just Sweater Weather

So wow. Talk about cold. This weather is just...freezing. That's all I can say. One of those that raws you to the bone, makes you want to stay in bed, watch T.V. and drink cocoa. About a month back right before winter break, certain parts of Texas had this insane ice storm and I seemed like one of the few people actually prepared (who would've guessed?). So incase you encounter some nasty winter weather this year, I've provided my six winter essentials.

coldweather by pearlsandpolisci featuring over sized sweaters

BDG over sized sweater / Terry cloth pants / J Crew tube scarf / Glove / Victoria s Secret headband hair accessory

My Six Winter Essentials

1. Winter Leggings by American Apparel
These leggings are the absolute best. Not quite fleece, but not quite cotton (Terry-cloth to be exact), these leggings are super warm without getting that gross feeling some fleece pants give off. I bought one pair on a whim when they were on sale last spring...one word: yummy

2. BDG Oversized Sweater at Urban Outfitters
Cable Knit sweaters are back in a big way and it is so difficult to find one that isn't crazy expensive. I love luxury, but I'm not fixing to throw down a couple of hundred dollars on a sweater I'm going to wear when I'm looking shambly. This sweater is a perfect substitute. Great to wear over a t-shirt with leggings (oh hello #1), it's perfect to wear to class

3. Waffle Circle Scarf at J.Crew
Oh c'mon...do I really need a reason for this yummy thing?

4. VS Sport Headbands
Typically I'm a huge fan of Lululemon headbands but I'm really not feeling the color selection this season. VS Sport headbands are a wonderful substitute. There colors + doing just what I need= Perfection

5. REI Tech Compatible Gloves
Okay every girl in the cold needs these. Most people have a touch screen something (iPhone, iPad, Kindle whatever) and the hassle of taking your gloves off for a quick selfie or switching pages makes these gloves the best. Staying warm and staying in the loop? Win-win

6. Swivel Stick by Palmer's Cocoa Butter
I've seriously saved the best for last. This stuff looks like a glue stick, smells like cocoa and feels like the best moisturizer in the world. I use this for dry spots on my nose, my perpetually dry lips and even dry elbows. This is seriously the best stuff especially during harsh, dry, winter weather.

So there it is, my top 6 winter essentials. Everything you might need (other than a warm coat) to brave the elements, but I would just prefer to stay in bed all the same.

xo