Back to School: School Supply Swap Link-Up

Hey y'all,

I am so excited to see what everyone got in their packages from my Back to School Swap! I want to thank all of you who participated and all of you that although were a little late in signing up, but wanted to support my first hosting of a swap! So let's get down to business. I was partnered up with Rebecca of Life in the Prep Lane and here is what she got me:

All of my presents and the adorable Vera Bradley Card.

An explosion of pens that write in different colored ink and a few highlighters

Post-It Labels, pencils, and a new to-do list pad 

A lengthy to-do list pad with to do now on one side and to do later on the other.
A small journal that I am still deciding what to write in it.

 Thank you so much Rebecca!
Here is a quick glimpse at one of her gifts since she loves Chevron:

A new tumbler!

Now if you participated please leave your link below so everyone can see the great gifts you received! 


Peace and Blessings,
jDl

WILW

Hey y'all,

So I figured I would do a quick little post about some things that I am currently loving this week....

I'm loving....

the two devotionals I am reading on YouVersion. They are both by Joyce Meyer. I am working through the Confident Woman Devotional and Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life: a Daily Devotional.

being crafty. This past weekend I made well over 100 elastic hair ties. I loved the end product and the very small price tag.

my bath mats. Y'all might think I am a little insane for loving my bath mats but they are great. This past weekend I ran to Walmart and picked up two brown bath mats to go with my bathroom here at my parent's house. I am slowly redecorating it since it has for the last year been my grandparent's space. With the same shower curtain as my apartment in college I knew I needed to keep a neutral-ish space. I grabbed the Cloud 9 by Mohawk Memory Foam mats and they are heaven to stand on and brush your teeth.

receiving my first Lilly Pulitzer pieces ever. Yes, you read that right, I finally took the plunge and bought some Lilly items during the summer sale. I have always loved Lilly, but this girl's shopping obsession on a college budget didn't work out. Instead I coped with Lilly stationery, tumblers, agendas, and more.  But I am now the proud owner of two Callie Skirts and a Blossom dress. 

Callie Skirt in Resort White Oh Bouy

I love the nautical touch.

Callie Skirt in Shorely Blue Lucky Seersucker.

I was hoping more for a Carolina Blue but this teal-ly blue is pretty as well.

Blossom Dress in Resort White Lavish Lilly's Placed

this mascara. It's pretty amazing.

that tomorrow (really in 20 minutes) I will finally get to post about my school supply swap goodies!

Also, this song has been stuck in my head all week...Thoughts?

Peace and Blessings,
jDl

Top 5 Tuesday

Hey y'all,

I am so excited to be linking up with Rachel again. Her blog is absolutely one of my favorites and I love the link up of Top 5 Tuesday. Filled with great themes it is always so difficult to narrow down my choices. You can see in the eye-candy one there were lots of honorable mentions on my list. But furthermore, this week was focused on our most worn items. I would have to say that currently my most worn items would be my work wardrobe for my retail job but apart from wearing that about 30 hours a week here are the items I have been wearing constantly this summer.

Top 5 Tuesday by janeaustenprepster featuring camisole tops

Typical Summer Outfit
Featuring: Hanes White V-neck, Aeropostale Grey Cami, Chinos from Target

1. V-necks. I love a great v-neck t-shirt to wear with anything from skirts to shorts to jeans. It's the perfect basic and easy to dress up with a pashmina or fun colorful skirt. I tend to get mine in a pack in the men's department by Hanes or grab more fitted ones from Old Navy and Forever 21.

2. Nike Tempo Shorts (Norts). No surprise, these are the most comfortable shorts to workout in, run errands, or just hang around the house. I also love Champion's running shorts as another option. I have a lot of options from prints to solid colors.

3. Camis. I wear camis under everything. I don't know about you but I love a more modest look so I put camis under most of my shirts to add length on the bottom as well as if I have a deep v-neck shirt on it is great to feel comfortable.

4. Chino Shorts. If I have to be a little more dressed up but still casual and comfy I grab a pair of chinos. My favorites are from J.Crew, Gap, and Target.

5. Sandals. I alternate between my platinum Jack Rogers and my Rainbow Flip Flops. I can say that I am usually wearing sandals though since North Carolina weather allows one to have nice weather for most of the year. 

Honorable Mentions: Flowy Skirts and Tops. During the Summer there is just something great about airflow in your pieces of clothing, flowy and Simple is really my moto for clothing in the summer.

The Webster Miami for Target Top

xhilaration for Target Skirt

What are your most worn items? Link up with Rachel!

Peace and Blessings,

jDl

Julep Maven

Julep

Hey y'all,

So last week I posted about Julep the nail polish company and their box service known as Julep Mavens. I received my box last week. YES, I ordered on the 22nd and had it in my hands on the 24th. That is some quick shipping if I do say so myself.

A quick explanation of Julep Mavens. Similar to services like Birchbox where you pay to receive samples every month, Julep sends at least two of their nail polishes each month to your door for $19.99 with a retail value of at least $40. You begin by taking a style quiz: it's 10 quick questions of things such as which red carpet look do you prefer. After that you are categorized as: It Girl, Boho Glam, American Beauty, Classic With A Twist, or Bombshell. I was categorized as Classic With A Twist but I know that I also identify with American Beauty. The categories correspond to the different boxes you receive and you are not limited to your box. As a Maven, each month you can see what the various boxes will contain and CHOOSE which one you would prefer or even skip the month. I am currently skipping September since I just received my colors and want to have some time to enjoy them, but I looked at the September colors for Trina Turk collection and they are gorgeous! You can read all about the colors on Julep's blog HERE.

So here are some pictures of my first Maven box. Sign up HERE and enter the code COLOR2012 to get your first Maven box for a penny and free shipping! Yes, I ordered with that code and paid a penny for all of the following:

The beautiful box and YAY for 1st class shipping. 

The really cute small reusable bag I got.
"Beauty is about connection. Not competition."
Sorry it is sideways.

I received along with the reusable bag, Emma, Renee and The Best Pedi Creme Ever.
Emma is a white pearl with lots of shimmer and Renee is a beautiful grey lavender color.

Without Flash.

Emma on my thumb nail. I have Essie's Turquoise & Caicos on the rest of my nails. 

I am so pleased with my purchase and the amazing customer service at Julep. With amazing shipping and great coupon codes you can't lose adding some Julep nails to your nail polish collection. I can't wait to see what the October polishes will be, yes I know it is only the end of August but today all of the September boxes were sent out, so if you still want to order, hurry up for Trina Turk's Collection.

Finding Joy in Everything

Hey y'all,

To say this has been a long month is an understatement. This past weekend, my grandmother passed away. Similar to her husband's death earlier this month it was expected as she had been in decline for about a month and in her late 80s. We are all glad that she is finally at peace. This month has brought to my eyes the need to celebrate little joys in everyday life so I figured I would share with you some of my recent joys.

1. Watching Fraggle Rock. My Mom found a DVD with some of the first episodes of Fraggle Rock so of course we watched it yesterday on my day off. We had a Mom/Daughter Day filled with errands, lunch, Fraggle Rock, and making dinner together. Did you love Fraggle Rock too?




2. Gaining a bathroom again. I have been using our half-bath near my room for most of my bathroom needs but have had to use my parent's master bath for showering since the only other full bath had been used for my grandparents. It's nice to regain my space and slowly decorate it.

3. Sales. I know I was going to stop shopping this month but we are going to put that on hold until September. This month I found some tights at Target for $3 perfect for skirts and boots in the upcoming fall and at T.J. Maxx found a J.P.K. Paris Nylon Bucket bag for under $80! I have been eyeing the bag on Nordstroms for a while and could never decide the color. When I walked in I saw it in orange and had to have it. When I was looking for a mirror, I saw the same bag in a light lavender. Since I never wear orange I decided on the lavender. I think it will be perfect for fall and winter with the gold and brown hardware going with my riding boots.

4. My School Supply Swap package came and I love it! I can't wait to show everything later this month. It was a great pick me up.

5. Ordering some elastics to make hair ties! I am so excited to try out this DIY and I will let all of y'all know how it goes. Yay for being crafty. Also, I ordered a Julep Maven box yesterday for a penny! Yes, one cent for beautiful nail polish. Everyone has been raving but I have yet to try out this brand and for $0.01 with free shipping there was nothing to lose. I took the style quiz and came out as Classic with a Twist but I decided for the American Beauty box as my order.  You can take the quiz and order your box by clicking HERE! Let me know what your style is in the comments below. Oh, and the promo code is COLOR2012.

The style profiles define me as "Classic with a Twist" meaning: This timeless, iconic look is marked by beautiful yet simple cuts and colors. You accent your neutral palette with carefully chosen textures, patterns and splashes of color. Whatever the trends, you're uninfluenced by short-lived fads and always remain confidently in style."  American Beauty is defined as "This look is the grown up version of the All-American girl-next-door. You can turn heads in a cocktail dress and heels, but also love relaxing in your favorite tee and jeans. Elegantly simple but unafraid of a little indulgence, your wardrobe glows with eye-catching hues."
There are also "It Girl," "Bombshell," and "Boho Glam" so it really fits everyone.

6. This pin has been really great.

Well, that is a small list of things I have found joy in these past few days. Now I wish everyone at Carolina a happy First Day of Classes! I wish I was there, well maybe not since I am glad not to have homework and exams anymore.

Roomies and I on the First Day of Classes last year. I can't believe a year has flown by.
kHm I hope you are loving your first day of grad school and jCm I hope you are soaking up your last first day at Carolina.

Peace and Blessings,

jDl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Little B

Hey y'all,

Today marks the 22nd Birthday of my first little, kBb! I am so blessed to have this girl in my life and can't wait to hear all about her adventures of Senior Year and RA Life.

Right before Graduation 2012

Formal 2012

Fall Bid Day 2012

Alumni Event Spring 2010

kBb's Activation Fall 2009 with my Big and I

Big/Little Reveal Fall 2009

I hope kBb has the best 22nd birthday ever and I can't wait to visit in September to celebrate and shower her with gifts. I mean, a Big should always spoil her Little!

GIVEAWAY WINNER

Hey y'all,

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway and for all of those 111(as of this morning) who have decided to press the magical SUBSCRIBE button to follow my blog. I did not imagine to have so many of you following along on my journey after such a small time (3 months, CRAZY!) Anyway I think it is time to get on with the winner. I wrote down all the entries and then used Random.org to select the winner. It seems old fashion but I am not a huge Rafflecopter person.

Congratulations to Sarah of Simply Sarah for winning my 100 followers giveaway! I will be sending you an email soon Sarah but I am unfortunately off to work for the afternoon/evening. I can't wait to finish up finding a few of my favorite things and ordering a coral hat with white monogram. It's going to be gorgeous.

simply sarah

Thanks to all of my followers, again!

Peace and Blessings,

jDl

Book Club Friday

Hey y'all,

It has been a while since I have done a Book Club link-up post so I figured I would post about the last three books I have finished reading. 

The Lady is a Vamp

I love the Argenau series by Lynsay Sands and if you love paranormal romance start this series right away. The basis of the first four books is a family and all of the sibling's love stories. It is great especially since the mother is HYSTERICAL! Think in your face matchmaker. This is the story of Jeanne Louise and she has been around since day one and finally in the 17th book of the series she has her chance at love. I was so excited for this book and as always Sands did not disappoint. Here is the synopsis from GoodReads:

Kidnapped When Jeanne Louise Argeneau left work, she never thought she'd end up tied down by a good-looking mortal. More attracted than annoyed, she quickly realizes there is more to her abductor than meets the eye.

One desperate act leads to . . .

Love? Paul Jones has need of a vampire, and only Jeanne Louise will do. He just has to convince this beauty of a Vamp to help him . . . never imagining that he would fall in love. But with the immortal world's answer to law enforcement hunting them, their time together is running out . . . and Paul and Jeanne Louise will need to risk everything to spend an eternity together.

An Offer You Can't Refuse

This was the second book I had picked up by Jill Mansell and I didn't love it like I did, Rumor Has It. This is the story of a second chance. The main character in an act to help her family breaks up with the boy she has been seeing right as he leaves for university. However, the story continues when they see each other years later. Here is the synopsis:

Lola has no intention of accepting when her boyfriend Dougie's snobbish mother offers her £10,000 to break up with him. Then she discovers a secret that makes her think again. Dougie would probably have broken up with her in the long run, and this way she can help one of the people she loves most in the world.

Ten years later, though, when Lola meets Dougie again, her feelings for him are as strong as ever. But she broke Dougie's heart – and he's about to discover that she was paid to do it. She can never tell him the truth, so can she get him back? Well, Lola's very attractive and very persuasive. But even she's got her work cut out this time…

L.A. Candy

I wanted to enjoy this book since I love Lauren Conrad and the story isn't horrible it just seemed to drag and the ending didn't have me looking up the second book so I think I will leave the series here. I know many people who enjoyed the book but it wasn't for me. 

In L.A. CANDY, nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts moves to L.A. and unexpectedly becomes the star of a reality T.V. show. With fame comes wealth, hot clothes and even hotter love interests -- and Jane′s lapping it all up with her eclectic entourage of pals who are always up for a wild night out and the chance to get a piece of her spotlight. But soon Jane realizes everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.

L.A. CANDY is a fast-paced, honest and entertaining fictional account of what it′s like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.

 What have you been reading? Remember you have until 11:59 EST TONIGHT to enter my 100 follower giveaway!!

Peace and Blessings,
jDl

OOTD and New Hair.

Hey y'all,

I have been working mid-shifts all week so I don't have a lot of time to blog in the morning between applying for other jobs. But here is as promised my new hair. I decided to let my hairstylist do whatever she wanted. She mainly just trimmed off the split-ends and shaped up my hair. I love it and love that she told my that my hair was looking good and healthy! Now I am currently bored with my shampoo and conditioner (this happens a lot) and I tried out a small bottle of Wen for a week but it wasn't for me. I guess I will use it as a deep conditioner. So please feel free to leave your favorite shampoo and conditioner in the comments!

OOTD

Shirt: Forever 21 V-neck

Belt and Skirt: Target

Watch: Target

Shoes (Not pictured): Platinum Jack Rogers

Ring: Square Monogram Ring

Necklace: Phi Beta Chi Letters

Bag: Black Large Le Pilage Longchamp with Pink Ribbon

BEFORE: Curly Mess...

AFTER!
YAY For a Blowout!

YAY for highlights instead of roots. It had been almost a year since I had colored my hair.

Long side-swept bang

One Happy Girl.

I feel like I would now be recruitment ready after hearing all about the SEC Recruitments currently going on and seeing all my sisters move into the house over the past week. 

Peace and Blessings,

jDl 

Guest Blogging at Loving Life and Lilly

Hey y'all,

I was so excited and blessed that Ashley asked me to guest blog for her while she was enjoying the beach. Of course I accepted and if you want to hear all some of my beach read picks head on over!

Loving Life and Lilly

A PREPPY LITTLE BLOG FILLED WITH EVERYTHING I LOVE

What are your favorite beach reads?

Peace and Blessings,
jDl

HAIR DAY!

Hey y'all,

I got a last minute appointment with my hair dresser for this afternoon and boy do I need it(as in I haven't gotten it cut since JANUARY!). I am finally getting my highlights touched up but other than that I have no idea. I am wanting to keep my hair on the longer side of things and get layers and bangs cut back in but here are some photos for inspiration. THOUGHTS?

Ignore the dirty mirror and bad lighting (it is after midnight) but you can obviously see my hair needs some love.

via

I love the loose waves here in Emma Stone's photo since my hair is naturally like that.

via

I will of course post some before and after photos!

Peace and Blessings,
jDl