Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat

I almost postponed writing this post for another day because I'm not sure I can find the words to truly express all the emotions I've been feeling for the past few days. I guess I should just start at the beginning.

I grew up a Villanova Wildcat. As the daughter of two Villanova graduates (not the mention the niece and cousin and sister to a few more), I have known the Villanova fight song for as long as I can remember. When it came time to select a college, I looked at a few different schools but there was never a doubt in my mind that I would spend my undergraduate days at Villanova. When most people go to college they're young and don't really know who they are. I truly see Villanova as the place where I figured out who I was, what I stood for, and where I really grew into myself.

Now, you can't talk about Villanova without talking about basketball. Even though they had not won a National Championship since 1985 (that was before I was even born!), every basketball season I can remember has always been exciting. People talk about that championship game in 1985 as if it happened yesterday and now I can say that I witnessed a Villanova victory, and I could not be more proud to be a Wildcat.

In case you live under a rock, on Monday, April 4th 2016, the Villanova Wildcats became the NCAA National Champions. Not only did they win, but they won on an amazing buzzer beating basket. It was truly a game I will never forget. I completely understand now why the Villanova fans that witnessed that game in 1985 talk about it the way they do. It's unlike anything else to see your team you've been with through good and bad make history, defy all odds, and win a national title.

The only thing I regret is that my Dad is not here with us to witness this historic victory. He was always so proud of his Villanova education and I can just imagine him cheering on the Wildcats in a Villanova button-down shirt (he wasn't one to be casual).

Obviously I'm a big Villanova fan, so, of course we had to have a watch party Monday night!! Here are just a few Villanova touches you could find around our house:

Artichokeiacono Dip and Jay Wright Bean Turkey Chili named after one of the start players this year, Ryan Arcidiacono and the best coach ever, Jay Wright. 

Yeah, these banners are going to stay up for a while.

Wore

If the weather never got any colder I would be a happy camper. I could wear a great pair of boots, a chunky sweater, and a cozy scarf every day.

I took advantage of being on the beautiful Villanova University campus to take these pictures! I'm so glad I did. Villanova in the Fall is absolutely gorgeous.

Sweater: Old Navy (similar) / Scarf: Stitch Fix / Shirt: c/o Our World Boutique (similar)

Linking with: The Pleated Poppy

Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat

It's hard to believe that this Spring will mark five years since I graduated from Villanova University. Five years. What?! Where has the time gone!!

This past weekend, I took Jeremy up to Pennsylvania to go to Villanova's Homecoming. This was the first Homecoming that I have attended since I graduated and we had lots of fun! We met my Mom (who is also a graduate) and my brother (who is currently a student) and enjoyed the events around campus.

I love going back. I love seeing the changes that have taken place over the past five years to the campus and reminiscing about all the fun times and memories I have from my years at Villanova.

Since brother is currently a Junior, I also enjoy going to see him and hearing about all the fun he's having. He's having a completely different Villanova experience but I know he'll have just as many fond memories when he graduates.

He actually works for the Football team so, of course, we went to the game... quite possibly my first Villanova Football game.

That's him looking all important.


Already I'm looking forward to the next event I'll be attending at Villanova..... my five year reunion this Spring.



PS. Special shout out to Mrs. Esposito and everyone else I met this weekend at Villanova who are now new readers of my blog!!

Visiting Villanova

In addition to picking out my wedding dress this weekend, I had the chance to visit my brother at Villanova, my alma mater. It's only been a little over 3 years since I graduated, yet so much has changed. At the same time, everything felt the same. There are new buildings and renovations, things are very different, yet I still get the same feeling when walking through campus. So many memories come rushing back. My time at Villanova was truly something special.

I'm so happy my brother is there. It thrills me that he's making his time at Villanova completely his own. Years from now, we'll walk through campus remembering all the fun we both had there.


Does visiting your alma mater tug at your heart strings, too? (hah I hope it's not just me!!)

Flash Mob

There was a flash mob today at Villanova. I'm so sad I missed it! I graduated a little over a year ago and haven't really missed college. I enjoyed the four years I was there and think I had a great college experience. I was never the person who wanted more time there and I am extremely happy with where life has taken me and where I am now. However, seeing this flash mob made me kinda sad I wasn't there for the first day of classes. It's kinda funny how silly things like this make you feel certain ways. Anyways, doesn't this look so fun? Oh and yes, those are priests and the president of the University dancing hah!

UPDATE: This video is better :)