Currently...

Hey y'all,

I love the get to know me Monday theme I have going so even though this is a day late since it is really late on Monday now, I thought I would share. Also, if you want to catch up on Get to Know Me Monday posts I answered questions in the One Lovely Blog post as well as the 100 random questions post part one and two.

Here are some current things:

Feeling: Blah. I just got my Easter basket in the mail and the Easter Bunny told me it was ok to open it early. I have indulged in a bit to much candy. Whoops!

Reading: Tempting Donovan Ford. I need to pick up Hyperion for my book club book and today the newest Chronicles of Nick, Instinct, comes out so I need to go to the store and grab it.


Listening to: the Kinky Boots Soundtrack constantly. Whether going for a run or doing the dishes, ever since I saw the show I have been listening to the music constantly.
 
Thankful for: my small group. Seriously, I have the best women in my small group/bible study and Monday nights refresh me for the whole week. Last night was a lot of life updating and discussion on embracing the Lord fully.
 
Thinking about:upcoming blog posts. If y'all have any requests or specific questions you want to know, like a Q&A let me know and I can make next's week post random questions.
  
Eating: Dinner was lemon garlic pork tenderloin with saffron rice and green beans followed by the aforementioned Easter candy.

Watching: The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. My roommate and I started to binge watch this show on Sunday and we are already half way through. I am glad that Netflix has already decided to create a second season.
 

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Loving: The Best Yes by Lisa Terkeurst. It is such a great devotional book. I am just starting it but it really hits on the question of focus and understanding that yes and no are powerful words. This is one of my favorite quotes so far:

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Looking forward to: my trip to Atlanta in July! I just got my vacation approved but I'm excited to get away for a long weekend and see friends. If y'all have any recommendations/places to visit let me know!

What are you up to? 

Five on Friday {March 27}

Hey y'all,

Since it is Friday, and unfortunately my Heels lost last night I thought I would share a quick 5 on Friday post with everyone. This is really random but I hope y'all enjoy and link-up with April, Darci, Christina, and Natasha.


one. Method All Purpose Cleaner. I picked up the Method All Purpose cleaner Sunday when I ran to Target and let me tell you this stuff is amazing! I cleaned my bathroom and kitchen that afternoon and it really does an amazing job cleaning and leaves a wonderful scent. If you have tried Method cleaners do you have a favorite scent?

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two.99 days until the 4th of July. YEP! Summer is only 86 days away so for those of you who are still feeling the after effects of all that yummy comfort food, I thought I would tell you about the Work It Out 100 Challenge. It is a challenge to workout everyday for 100 days. I made myself a chart and started on Monday so yay for day 5! The challenge is completely free and if you want updates I think I might post my workouts on my blog's Facebook page.

My chart on Wednesday.

three. Lilly for Target Look book! I am sure almost all of you have seen the release of Target's collection for Lilly and I am impressed. I love all the dresses and the price point of under $40 a piece! I also really love the home goods especially these mugs. I can't wait to see the collection in person on April 19th!

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four. Happy (belated) Founders Day! Yesterday marked the 37th birthday of PBX! I am so blessed by this organization and can't believe our Nationals is celebrating another year!

five. These four articles:
-Miz Booshay on the Pioneer Woman blog posted this list called "The I-Miss-Downton-Abbey Viewer's Guide" For those of you missing the period drama.
-15 signs you are a picky eater. <--these are all true.
-18 Things We Did on the Computer Kids Today Will Never Understand. They will never know Clippy.
-As a Tar Heel I can't ignore this wonderful action by the late Dean Smith. Dean Smith Remembers Plays In Will.

 Happy Friday!

How to Catch a Prince {Thursday Night Writes}

Hey y'all,

I love to read and give reviews so I am hoping to get back to writing small reviews every Thursday or so. Now to play catch up with books I have read so far this year.

I recently finished up the newest book in the Royal Wedding series by Rachel Hauck. I discovered the author when I received Once Upon a Prince from Netgalley and I have been obsessed with her novels since. I have read a few from her series writing with country star Sarah Evans and her Beaufort series. Rachel Hauck writes beautiful Christian fiction love stories. The novels always evoke deep emotions for me but they also tie in troubles with reliance on the Lord. I have read the first two books, Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, as well as the novella, A March Bride, so I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of the newest book thanks to Netgalley.

 

How to Catch A Prince

Description:

Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever.
Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been.
But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife s appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever.

My Opinion:
I love a good fairy tale story and it was great to hear more about Prince Stephen and his story as a rugby player and soldier. To me, this story was better than the second novel when we find the long lost heir to the throne of Hessenberg. It was so heartbreaking a lot of the time since he obviously loved Corina but was staying away to protect her feelings and her relationships with her family. Yet again, another great story from Rachel Hauck. 

*I did receive an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley to read for review but yet again, I always provide honest feedback and only feature things I believe in.

What I Wore Wednesday {Early March}

Hey y'all,

I love looking at outfit posts for inspiration, but I thought I would start taking a few pics everyday to show you my different outfits and the occasions. I don't have a true full length mirror so for now you are getting headless shots. Sorry! I will try to link similar items if I can't find my exact item but not everything has an equivalent, so I'm sorry ahead of time.

 Bridesmaid Brunch

Dress: Cynthia Rowley (from T.J.Maxx)

Scarf: Lilly Pulitzer Murfee

Bag: C. Wonder

Coat: Calvin Klein from Macys

 

Work

Necklace: Carrie Grace

Watch: Anne Klein (old, similar/similar)

Scarf: A.C. Moore Pashmina

Top: Old Navy (old, similar)

Pants: LOFT Zoe Fit

Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren

Saturday Errands

Top: Phantom of the Opera tour

Scarf: Lilly Pulitzer Murfee: Jellies be Jamin'

Jeans: Old Navy

Babysitting

Yoga Pants: Marika from Marshalls

Top: Carolina T-shirt

Jacket: Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T

Sneakers: Saucony(old, similar)

Work: Spring Break

Top: Target

Scarf: Gift

Jacket: J. Crew

Jeans: Target

Sandals: Nordstrom Rack (old, other colors)

Bag: C. Wonder

Young Professionals Meeting at Church

Top: LOFT Outlet (recent)

Cardigan: Target (old, similar)

Jeans: Target

Flip Flops: Rainbows

Casual Friday/ACC Tournament

Top: Hanes Men's V-neck

Scarf: Peachroots

Jeans: Target

Flats: c/o Lillybee University (bow clips)

I hope this gives y'all a sense of my style and some inspiration.

What's your favorite item in your closet right now?

One Lovely Blog {Blog Award}

Hey y'all,

Sara from Sara Smiles, who I originally met via the internet way back when I was in college and had a Tumblr, was so sweet to nominate me for the One Lovely Blog Award. These posts are so fun to mix it up and you really get to know the person behind the blog.

How this whole thing works:  I answer the questions Sara left for me, then I nominate some of my favorite blogs. They then answer the questions I leave below!

1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Europe. I loved living there and there are so many places I still want to explore like Denmark, Rome, Portugal, etc. I have never really been an island person even though I love the beach, it must be my pale, sunburn prone skin but I love the cultures and history of the various nations of Europe.

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2. What is your favorite season?

Spring! Next favorite would have to be fall but except for a lot of rain and my allergies I think Spring is perfect. You get to wear your sandals and sundresses without the 100 degree heat!

3. If you had to be stranded on a deserted island with one person who would you want that one person to be?
Hmm, this one is pretty tough. As far as having people to hang out with until we are rescued I would probably say either my bestie, aMl, my best guy friend TS, or my Mom. If we are talking about surviving on the island hands down my Dad. He would be able to hunt and fish for food, perform medical procedures if we get hurt, and I am sure he could have us out of there in no time.

4. Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
I had a doll called "Special Dolly" that I took every where as a child. She was essentially my security blanket. Apart from that I loved my American Girl Doll Molly.

Special Dolly was a Fisher Price Puffalump

5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

Reading a book or cruising through my social media to check on everything.

6. What is your favorite book of all time?
It would probably be a tie between Mansfield Park and Ella Enchanted. I know they are so different but I read both of them almost every year and the stories never get old. I also love Acheron and Persuasion.

7.  If you could have any superpower what would you pick?
Not flying. I hate heights. I would probably want the invisibility cloak from Harry Potter. Sometimes you just want to disappear for a while.

8. What is one of your life goals?
To become a Mom.

9. What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
I love musicals so probably anything from the Wicked or Legally Blonde the Musical soundtracks. I also am currently loving the History of Wrong Guys from Kinky Boots. I also tend to belt out T.Swift, Spice Girls, and Disney music. I mean, we don't have to win Karaoke, right?

 10. Do you have any pet peeves?

I think some of my biggest pet peeves occur when I'm driving. I have a bit of road rage sometimes.

11. Why did you begin blogging?
I started blogging after creating a Tumblr. My first blog documented a lot of my senior year of college. I loved the creative outlet when I was writing so many papers and there is such a wonderful community you establish when you begin to blog.

I nominate:
A Little Seersucker Sass
Chelsea of Girl Growing Up
Ryann of Meet the McCalls
Lindsey of Prescription for Preppy
Allie of Alexandra Bee Blog
C of The Portuguese Prepster
Ashley of According to Ashley
Chesson of A Southern Twenty-Five
Emily of Emily's Bright Life

Here are my questions for you:

1. Who are your style inspirations?
2. Name 5 things in your bag apart from your keys, wallet and phone.
3. What is one book you recommend to friends?
4. If you could be an extra in a TV show or movie what show would you select?
5. Did you make a bracket this year for the NCAA tournament? If yes who are/were your Final Four?
6. What's your go to recipe when you have no idea what to make for dinner?
7. Favorite song of the moment?
8. Favorite item in your closet right now?
9. What are you looking forward to most this summer?
10. Favorite blog posts to write?

Sunday Sayings {Matthew 6:28}

Hey y'all,

I think we can often get wrapped up in our lives and forget who to turn to and place our burdens. I know personally if I think about the future and even small tasks I face I can become very anxious but if you read Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-34 you are promised a provider. I love that my sorority creed includes a reminder that we are the Lilies of the Field. God has so much love for us, more than the flowers in the field he constantly cares for. We need not worry about our futures but look at the treasures of our hearts.

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What is currently on your heart? Do you become anxious often?

Sunday Sayings {Psalm 55:22}

Hey y'all,

I have had a lot of unknows come up in my life recently and I thought I would share this verse with you. It is such a comfort to remember that no matter our situations, we have a Savior who is there to listen to us and support us. Life is scary and taking steps in faith are very hard but sometimes, it is going into the unknown and trusting God that will strengthen us in our walks as well as personally.

What have you been struggling with this week?

March Madness {Lillybee University}

Hey y'all,

For those of y'all that don't live in the Tar Heel State, March doesn't just mean nice weather, but in fact means lots and lots of basketball with March Madness. March always kicks off with the Duke/Carolina game followed by the ACC Tournament and Selection Sunday determines the NCAA tournament members on March 15th. I've been so proud of the way my Tar Heels have been playing in the ACC Tournament, but since it's called March Madness we all know the NCAA tournament always has some very interesting games.

While a preppy dress code of sundresses, sandals, and boots are expected for Southern Football games, I find it very hard to determine what to wear for basketball games while maintaining a preppy style. It can be especially tough when your school colors are so specific, like UNC's Carolina Blue. Lots of students wear Carolina t-shirts and basketball jerseys but that isn't necessarily my style and now that I don't make it to the Dean Dome often I look for Carolina items and accessories that I can incorporate into my entire wardrobe. 

Enter Lillybee University who reached out about their College and University line and I knew I had to share them with y'all. Some of y'all might have seen the photo I posted already on Instagram but I was sent the University of North Carolina Flats and I am in love. They are so comfortable and will work perfectly for going to the game or supporting my Heels from afar. I wore my pair to a friend's house to watch the Duke/Carolina game this past Saturday and I was so comfortable and got so many compliments on these flats. I know I will be wearing them to other Carolina games whether baseball, football, or basketball.

For those of you with a similar preppy style I thought I would share a few different outfits from casual to professional to showcase how versatile these flats are and how you can continue to show support for your school no matter if you have to be in the office or are front row at the Dean Dome.

 Game Day.

Top/Sweater/Jeans/Flats/Bow Clips/Bag

Since the Dome can get pretty warm I try to go with a cami and sweater combination. I love this Vineyard Vines tote that can fit in everything while still showing my support. I also love that you can add on bow clips to the Lillybee U flats so at the game everyone knows you cheer for UNC.

 Dressed to Impress

Dress/Necklace/Flats

I would probably rock this outfit for work or even Carolina Football games but I had to include it for those that like to be a little more dressed up at the game. 

Fan from Afar

Top/Pants/Scarf/Flats

For those of you not in the area or who work and still want to show off their love of the Tar Heels, I love pairing this Carolina Blue top with the flats for a subtle support look.

Casual Friday
T-shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Flats/Bow Clips

I am currently rocking this look for casual Friday since the ACC Tournament is going on and it's Spring Break on Campus.

Lillybee University has so many color options and styles so no matter if your school is listed I am sure you can find a style to fit your gameday look. I personally am eyeing the UNC wedges for the spring game and for early fall football games. I mean, how cute would they be with a little white sundress?

What do you wear to basketball games?

What do you find difficult in dressing to showcase your school spirit?

 (Mine is always finding Carolina Blue items)
Who are you rooting for in the upcoming NCAA tournament?

*This is not a sponsored post. I did receive the UNC flats for review but as always I only post items I am passionate about and will always share my opinions completely.*

Tuesday Topic {I'm a Bridesmaid}

Hey y'all,

This past weekend, one of my sorority sisters and best friends,lSc, asked me to join her bridal party! I'm so excited for her to become Mrs. R next June but until then there will be lots of planning and parties and I will of course bring y'all along the way. 

So quick background: I can't remember how I met lSc, seriously, it feels like we have been friends forever. I know she joined Phi Beta Chi the Fall of our sophomore year and we were pretty much inseparable that whole year. We share a love of monograms, Disney, weddings, and so much more. We had some rocky years but by Senior year we were back to normal. lSc is the one that forces me to Barre 3 classes, will totally drink a glass of wine with me whenever I need it, complain about my hometown and how there is nothing to do there(she went to high school in my town), or is there for a good laugh.I'm so excited for her and Mr. R and seriously might have screamed a little when I got the "We're ENGAGED" text.

 Now that you are all caught up, I thought I would share how I was asked to be a bridesmaid this past weekend. lSc sent us all invitations to meet at a building on UNC's campus and wait for all to arrive before meeting her at the Old Well. It was nice to catch up with friends as we headed her way, as well as meet her cousin AP. We excitedly made our way to the Old Well where lSc and her parents were waiting for us. After hugs, we all got monogramed boxes and were told to all open them at the same time. 

Inside the boxes were vintage handkerchiefs, a sweet card, pictures of us (mine included pictures of lSc and I at sorority functions, waiting in the cold for Carolina basketball, and a photo of when we climbed the Bell Tower), some idea of the dresses she likes, and then cards filled with information including the date of the wedding, information on our attire, our responsibilities, information on the groomsmen, and a sheet about us for those who don't know each other well. 

After taking some photos and lots of talking we made our way to TOPO (Top of the Hill) where we sipped on mimosas and had brunch, catching up and talking about the wedding. It was the perfect way to round out the celebrations. 

Since it was also the date of the Duke/Carolina game when we were leaving TOPO, we spotting the Travelocity Roaming Gnome on the elevator. Well, one of the bridesmaids, ES, talked about wanting to find him and take a picture so when we spotted him we went on a mini adventure around Franklin street to stop the Gnome and grab a picture. Here is a photo of all of us and the gnome.

After our impromptu adventure, we headed back towards campus and stopped in at the Yogurt Pump (aka YoPo) for a sweet treat before heading home.

It was a great Saturday (well until the Carolina-Duke game that night) but I loved spending it with some sweet friends. Now to plan a movie night to watch Bridesmaids together.

Have you ever been a bridesmaid?

If you are a bride, how did you ask your girls?

100 Random Questions {Part 2}

Hey y'all,

If you didn't get a chance to read the first half of this post, I am trying to share more with y'all. Weekend updates and lifestyle posts share a small part of my life however, these questions share a couple of random things I'm not sure you would know about me. I know I have quite a few more new faces around here and I found the 100 random questions tag and split them into two posts. Here are questions 51-100. You can read part one here.

Q:  Ever used a gun? 
A:  Nope.

Q:  Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? 
A:  A headshot for work in December, and then composites for PBX were just a few weeks. YAY advisor photo.

Q:  Do you think musicals are cheesy?
A:  NO! I love going to musicals. I actually have season tickets to the local theater so I have seen Dirty Dancing, Phantom of the Opera, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, Annie, Motown, and Wicked since August.

Q:  Is Christmas stressful?
A:  It can be. I try to focus on the main reason for the gifts and remember that my family and friends love me no matter the gifts.

Q:  Ever eat a pierogi?
A:  Not that I can think of. I'm a picky eater so I doubt I will ever eat one.

Q:  Favorite type of fruit pie?
A:  Apple!Its actually the only pie I like. I love apple pie at Thanksgiving with vanilla ice cream and cool whip.

Q:  Occupation you wanted to be when you were a kid?
A:  Teacher. I actually taught my baby sister, kDi, how to read before kindergarten by playing teacher on our little chalkboard.

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A:  Nope.

Q:  Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
A:  Yes.

Q:  Take a vitamin daily?
A:  Yes, women’s one a day gummy vitamin. I get really nauseous taking the pill form of vitamins.

Q:  Wear slippers?
A:  Occasionally. I tend to be barefoot around the house mostly. However, I love my Minnetonka slippers and sometimes even wear them out since they look like moccasins and have a nice hard rubber bottom.

Q:  Wear a bathrobe?
A:  Occasionally when I want to delay getting ready.

Q:  What do you wear to bed?
A:  Old Navy PJ pants (I'm currently loving the bumble bee ones) and a tank top or old t-shirt.

Q:  First concert?
A:  Tait. They were a Christian rock band that went on hiatus since Michael Tait is now the lead singer of Newsboys.

Q:  Wal-Mart or Target?
A:  Target of course.

Q:  Nike or Adidas?
A:  Nike. Although my current running shoes are Brooks.

Q:  Cheetos or Fritos?
A:  Cheetos crunchy.

Q:  Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
A:  Peanuts & Sunflower seeds both in trail mix.

Q:  Ever take dance lessons?
A:  Yes. I took ballet lessons from the age I was three until I moved to Germany and couldn't find a studio back in middle school.

Q:  Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
A:  I think he will be someone in the business field but who knows.

Q:  Can you curl your tongue?
A:  yes.

Q:  Ever won a spelling bee?
A:  Nope. I don't have the spelling gene but my baby sister has and my bestie, aMl, was in the national spelling bee so there's that.

Q:  Have you ever cried because you were happy?
A:  Yes.

Q:  Own a record album?
A:  Nope

Q:  Own a record player?
A:  Nope

Q:  Regularly burn incense?
A:  I burn candles!

Q:  Who would you like to see in concert?
A:  Hmmm. Pretty much any country music star. I would love to see Tim McGraw.

Q:  What was the latest concert you saw?
A:  Blake Shelton.

Q:  Hot tea or cold tea?
A:  Both. Cold in spring/summer. Hot in fall/winter.

Q:  Tea or coffee?
A:  Tea.I don't drink coffee.

Q:  Sugar or snickerdoodles?
A:  Neither. I am more of a chocolate chip cookie kind of person.

Q:  Can you swim well? 
A:  I can! I began swim lessons at the age of two and swam competitively in elementary and middle school I quit before high school though. I have had my lifeguard certification as well.

Q:  Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
A:  Yes

Q:  Are you patient? 
A:  I try to be. I can get impatient though, just like everyone else.

Q:  DJ or band at a wedding?
A:  I think it really depends on how the couple has created the atmosphere of their wedding I have gone to ones with bands and ones with DJs and had a great time at both.

Q:  Ever won a contest?
A:  A couple. Not for any huge item but a few through blogs and things. My baby sister won a Samantha American Girl doll from our local book store when the Samantha movie came out and I remembered thinking she had the best luck. I have won off of scratch off tickets and raffles.

Q:  Ever had plastic surgery?
A:  Nope

Q:  Which are better black or green olives? 
A:  Black.

Q:  Can you knit or crochet?
A:  I can crochet a tiny bit, it has been a really long time. I cannot knit though. I have been taught a lot of times but I have never got the knack of it. Most of the women in my family can knit but I don't have the hand eye coordination.

Q:  Best room for a fireplace?
A:  Living room. However, I am not the biggest fan of fires. I am more of a fire pit outside by the pool kind of gal. It might be because I live in the South and fireplaces in the home are not the most important. I also have had friends and family work with burn victims in the hospital so I am fearful of large scale fires.

Q:  Do you want to get married?
A:  Yes!

Q:  If married, how long have you been married?
A:  N/A

Q:  Who was your high school crush?

A:  I had a couple different crushes but they didn't go anywhere. #shygirlstatus

Q:  Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your way?
A:  No, as a 25 year old that would be embarrasing.

Q:  Do you have kids?

A:  No

Q:  Do you want kids?
A:  Yes I do, someday.

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A:  Pink

Q:  Do you miss anyone right now?
A:  Yes, I have a lot of friends and family all across the nation and would love to travel all over to see them and give them big hugs.

Which question in this series has been your favorite? 

Any other questions you want to ask me?