Traveling, the Freedom Trail, and Louisville Basketball

Hello readers,

I am back from visiting my family in Louisville. I had such a good time!!

My Dad, sister Caroline, me, and my husband

It was snowing as I was boarding my plane (with a certain Kentucky United States Senator two rows in front of me) to Baltimore. Yesterday, my husband and I went to downtown Boston to finish the Freedom Trail that we had started, but not finished in September. Since I am an American History junkie, I couldn't wait to head over to the Paul Revere house.

It was snowing as we were leaving the Paul Revere House!!

The Paul Revere House is the remaining house in downtown Boston from the American Revolution era. I was astonished at how big the house was from the inside. Alas, I couldn't take pictures from the inside, but the museum house exhibited many of Paul Revere's personal items that I thought were pretty cool.

Since the University of Louisville played the University of Kentucky in basketball yesterday, my husband and I decided to find a bar off Quincy Market to watch the game. (We also enjoy the farmers market downtown.) On the way there, we stopped at Faneuil Hall, which was a sight.

Fun Fact: Sen. Kerry conceded from the 2004 Presidential Election here. 

Faneuil Hall was a marketplace and meeting hall before the American Revolution where the whistlers of American independence started. Many prominent Revolutionaries, such as Samuel Adams, spoke there when it was used as a meeting hall until the British occupation of Boston during the War for Independence when the British converted it into a theater.

Statue of Samuel Adams in front of Faneuil Hall

The husband and I watched my Louisville Cardinals defeat the Kentucky Wildcats off Quincy Market right before the snow headed in, but I woke up to snow in Marblehead before going to work this morning.

Until next time,

Merry Christmas!!

I'm sorry, my lovely readers!! The last two weeks have been incredibly busy. The hubby and I had company in town and have been getting to fly back to Louisville for the Holidays. We got in town on Friday and I immediately felt sick. (A sick baby was two rows in front of us.) I met up with some of my grade school friends, including my best friend from Insane Drivel, at my favorite Mexican Restaurant El Nopal. I got visit all my old coworkers at Blairwood on Saturday and even open the pool on Sunday. On Sunday afternoon, my Mom, husband, and I went up to Cincy to visit my sister and go outlet shopping to pick up any remaining gift, which also included my new Birthday Kate Spade purse.

The hubby and I visited with my family on Christmas Eve and morning. I had a very J.Crew and Madewell Christmas from my sister and parents. I was so excited to get the short J.Crew Booker boots (currently sold out) and the Madewell Sweatshirt Dress.

We did Christmas in halves and celebrated with my husband's family in the afternoon. I made out like a bandit there too. I have been wanting to get my own TRX for a while so I can do some workouts at home. I received some comfortable Tory Burch sneaker flats from Santa as well, but the one of the best gifts I received was the book Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. I can't wait to dive into this book!!

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday filled with love and joy!!

#workingonmyfitness

Hello my lovely readers,

Isn't there one part of the day that everyone looks forward to?? It could be reading a book, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, or watching your favorite T.V. shows. My favorite part of the day is when I exercise. I try to do something active every single day whether it be as intense as a Spinning class or relaxing as yoga/Pilates. Today, my workout will start with Spinning. I looooooove Spinning. I began Spinning my junior year of high school and have been doing it at least four times a week since. I have recently become an instructor and recommend it for people who want a low impact form of cardio that will not put a lot of stress on the knees.

 

The next part of my workout is weights. I tend to do upper body and lower body on separate days. In order  of keep my metabolism revved up, it's important for me to lift on a regular basis, but also, take rest days so my muscles can recover. My favorite workout clothes come from lululemon. Lululemon makes stylish workout clothes that accentuate one's figure instead of hiding in baggy sweatpants and shirts. Also, if a seam comes loose on the article of clothing or their pants need to be hemmed, lululemon will replace or hem free of charge.

My Favorite Workout Clothes from Lululemon by theconservativeprep featuring yoga tanks

Tomorrow, I will be trying a Masters swim workout with my swimmer husband. I have been teaching swim lessons for years and am excited to try this new workout. I wish I had been a swimmer growing up, but I choose to play volleyball instead. What do you all like to do to workout and be active??

Congrats to Prince William and Duchess Kate!!

I think a congratulations is in order to Prince William and his wife Duchess Kate as they go into the next phase of their marriage as expecting parents. Kate Middleton has become a role model to women around the world that hold themselves to a higher standard. In a world where Kardashian misbehavior is celebrated, Kate Middleton shows a new level of poise and class. If she were going Greek, we all know she would exemplify the Kappa Delta open motto by striving for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest!! Again, congratulations to the royal couple.

I hope they have a girl who will the future Queen of the United Kingdom one day!!

Alls Well That Is Madewell

My sister got a job at Madewell and I've recently become obsessed with the brand. Madewell is like the cool, younger version of J.Crew, who also owns the brand. Madewell specializes in denim, which I have always had problem wearing. I am so tall that jeans can fit short on me, but Madewell and J.Crew offer shorter and longer lengths for pants and denim.

Alls Well That Is Madewell by theconservativeprep 
lace up boots / Madewell vintage denim shirt / Madewell skinny ankle pants / Madewell lace up boots / Madewell / Michael Kors watch / Madewell vintage jewelry / Madewell

The Conservative Prep's Gift Guide

The Conservative Prep's Gift Guide by theconservativeprep

Here is my gift guide for the Holidays. While some items are bigger presents, I made sure to add some stocking stuffers or small gifts for friends.

1. Lilly Pulitzer Sorority: I am an alum of Kappa Delta Sorority and still buy the Lilly Pulitzer Sorority items because I will be a proud member of my sorority forever. Lilly added some new great stocking stuffers with the bracelet, dry erase board (perfect for undergrads), and iPhone cover.

2. OPI Nail Polish: OPI makes my favorite nail polish. I have never had any problems with it as I do not like transparent colors, which OPI does not produce very often. I am obsessed with the dark tones of the new Skyfall Collection for the holidays.

3: Kate Spade Jewelry: Kate Spade jewelry is a classic gift for a preppy girl who needs to add some glamour to their wardrobe. The bow pearl earrings above are my favorite earrings to wear on a Saturday night date with my husband. Kate Spade makes holiday-inspired jewelry that doesn't look like it should matched an ugly Christmas sweater.

4. Anything from Vineyard Vines: Vineyard Vines makes quality clothes. When I buy their tote bags, they last for years. I used one throughout my sophomore year of college as my book bag. Now, the company has started to make sorority products, Tumbler glasses, and other small stocking stuffers, but leave the Shep Shirts for your main list for Santa. Use the coupon code "jingle" for free shipping!!

5. Patagonia Vest: Since I now live on the North Shore, the wind coming the coast really bites through clothes regardless of how many layers I wear. The Patagonia Women's Retro-X Vest is on my Christmas List because once the weather turns extreme on the coast, I can't wait to cut down the wind with this vest.

6. Smathers and Branson needlepoint for the guys: my husband loves his Smathers and Branson SEC needlepoint belt. He refuses to get the new one with the teams that the SEC added. Smathers and Branson makes a variety of gifts for your guys from belts to key fobs to flasks. 


But this pin from Pinterest describes my Christmas List:

University of Louisville to the ACC!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!! The University of Louisville, my Alma mater, has accepted an invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. I am soooooooo excited for this move from the Big East Conference as the Louisville Cardinals will finally be in a great basketball conference. I love college basketball and think this is an amazing move for the Cards!! My husband went to the University of Alabama and is a big fan of the SEC (He wears the Smathers and Branson old SEC needlepoint belt before Mizzou and Texas A&M got added and refuses to buy the new one.), so we are already feeling a slight bit of ACC/SEC rivalry going on.

http://www.theacc.com/genrel/112812aaa.html

Stack of the Day: Louisville to the ACC. All Hail.

Fossil Gold Watch // J.Crew bangles

Stack of the Day

Michele Watch, J.Crew bracelet, and David Yurman pearl bangle

Lets All Jump Off The Fiscal Cliff Together

I'll be perfectly honest: I have not been reading up on the oncoming fiscal cliff situation. Yes, I'm a bad political junkie, but hey, I have been working. I feel like working is an honorable excuse, but today, as I was doing a light workout in my apartment, I got distracted by an article published on Politico on Sunday discussing the current status of Congress and the Fiscal Cliff it will face. The article states that Republicans are in a very difficult position during this situation. As the fiscal cliff looms in the distance and the order of sequestration begins, Democrats want to ensure that taxes rise on the wealthy and that there are no cuts to welfare programs. Republicans want lower taxes on the wealthy, so they can spend their money to boost their economy.  I think we all know my opinion on welfare programs as it is better to "give a man a fishing pole, than a fish." Federal government spending has gotten ridiculous on both sides with both the Pentagon and social programs not being able to use a checkbook properly. The Democrats want an agreement on the fiscal cliff on their terms and are willing to wait until the start of a new Congress in January to get their agreement. I am starting to think any attempt at bipartisanship cannot happen if the agreement has to be completely on either party's terms, but Republicans will have to "play nice" as they will be the ultimate losers of the situation as Democrats recently won in the last elections and still retained their majority in the Senate.  While Congress squabbles over things they do not understand or even research, (Come on, politicians do not read bills before they vote on them. They do not have the time.) the American people suffer and make even worse divides down party lines. 

Here is the article I read and referenced by Politico Reporter Seung Min Kim:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/84207.html?hp=t1

Another article about the looming fiscal cliff's effect on holiday consumers by the Associated Press 

on Fox News:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/26/white-house-tax-hike-threat-could-hurt-retailers/

In other news, the looming fiscal cliff did nothing to stop me from single-handily boosting the economy during my outlet mall extravaganza on Sunday. I am proud of my haul. Shoes, a new makeup bag, and a new clutch...I already know I am getting an iPad for Christmas and can't wait to put it in it's Tory Burch case!!

Safe in the Sun for Coastal Living

Since I was in high school, I have always been ridiculous about slathering on the sunblock. My Mom is from sunny, humid Louisiana, but also suffers from vitiligo. Her condition causes a loss of pigmentation in certain areas of her body, which means she has to stay out of sun and wear sunblock religiously. While I will not say her age, my Mom's skin looks as youthful as a late 30-year-old's due to her diligence of wearing sunblock. I was a lifeguard when I lived in Louisville and wore sun hats, sun shirts, and religiously wore sunblock everyday during the summer. During the year, I typically wear sunblock on exposed areas of my body. 

     

I live near the coast of the North Shore in Massachusetts now and love coastal living, but living near water makes wearing sunblock even more important now...and I don't want premature wrinkles. (Sunblock should be worn everyday all year regardless of season.)

Here is the sunblock products I use:

Safe in the Sun by theconservativeprep

1. bareMinerals SPF 15 Original Foundation: I looooooooove this foundation. The sunblock is natural and the powder does not cake up or make my face super greasy. I like light makeup because I do not like wearing it, but this foundation does the trick for me.

2. Baseball hats: I wear a baseball hat when I am dressed down to help cover my face for added protection. This one is by Southern Proper.

3. Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 32: I wear this eye cream under my eye makeup. I have read reviews of it saying that the eye cream is drying, but it isn't for me. I liked this eye cream because the sunblock ingredients are natural.

4. Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36: I am obsessed with this lip treatment. Most sunblock lip treatments turn lips white, but this one doesn't. I put lip gloss over it when I am out and about.

5. bareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20: Okay, I admit it. I am not perfect and get the occasional blemish. When I do, I use this concealer because it contains sunblock, but also lemon peel extract to conceal dark spots over time after use.

5.  Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40: I use this moisturizer everyday because It serves two purposes as it moisturizes and protects. I have noticed that any fine lines that I am starting to get are going away since I began using this product.

Stay safe in the sun all year-round,

OOTD: Outlet Shopping

Shirt: Sacred Heart Academy Rugby Shirt
Denim: LC Lauren Conrad Red Cropped Denim
Boots: Tory Burch Sienna riding boots
Watch: Fossil gold watch
Bracelets: David Yurman cable bangles
Ring: David Yurman pearl

Thanksgiving in New England

This is the outfit I wore on Thanksgiving!! My husband, Dad, and I went to the Marblehead/Swampscott high school rivalry football game to see if it compares to St. Xavier/Trinity. (It doesn't.) I hope everyone had a great holiday!!

Thanksgiving in New England by theconservativeprep featuring h&m

J.Crew cotton shirt / J.Crew mini skirt / H&M , $13 / Ankle booties / Post earrings, $230 / Michael Kors chunky jewelry / Miso bangle bracelet, $13 / J.Crew patent leather belt / Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Outfit of the Day: Exploring Marblehead

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Sport
Skirt: J.Crew Denim Skirt
Leggings: Cuddl Duds
Socks: Navy Tommy Hilfiger Knee High
Boots: L.L. Bean 100th Anniversary Maine Hunting Boots
Jewelry: Gold Fossil Watch, Tan Leather Bow Bracelet, David Yurman bangle, David Yurman Pearl ring

My Review of Tieks by Gavrieli

I have been wanting to buy these flats for a long time. As a girl that has been cursed with being super tall at 5'11", I am on the constant lookout for comfortable flats as I think look funny and awkward in heels. At 6'1", my husband is only two inches taller than me. Now, before anyone moans and groans how I am "complaining" about my statuesque height, why don't you ask yourself how it feels like to be constantly asked to get things down from a tall height? But so it goes...

My husband ordered these flats for me as a gift. Tieks come in a variety of color, but I chose the Metallic Pewter ones to match my daily jewelry choices. The flats are made out of high-grade, durable Italian leather with two "Tiek" blue rubber pad on the bottom of the shoe. Therefore, the flat can be folded up and stored in the provided small nylon pouch to be carries until use. Tieks by Gavrieli gives pant clips to clip up pant hems after the wearer changes out of heels and a bag to store the heels.

The main feature that I love about these shoes even though I have only worn them a small amount of time is that they mold to your feet. I find that most flats are way too stiff, so I end up getting blisters, but not with Tieks. I have been wearing them in by wearing socks, but they form to your feet quickly. I recommend them for people who want a versatile flat that you can wear day-to-night and change into them when their feet hurt after wearing heels. I can't wait to get another pair for birthday soon as I want them in every color!!

Outfit of the Day: #workingonmyfitness

Headband: lululemon
Workout top: lululemon No Limits Tank
Workout leggings: lululemon Run: Inspire Crop II
Running Shoes: Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 12

#workingonmyfitness: Spinning, upper body weights, and TRX core routine

Autumn in Massachusetts

I love autumn in New England. The leaves change to such beautiful vibrant colors here compared to Kentucky. As I live in a state that heavily protects historic places, I really want to drive down to Plymouth around this time, but alas, I have returned to my workaholic ways and am working a lot. The Polyvore creation below is a sample of something I would wear. Thank the Lord, my Mom got me a pair of red leather Isotoner gloves. I have the J.Crew Tartan City Mini from last year and its amazing!! I do suggest wearing it with the Tippi sweater for extra warmth. If you ever have the chance to explore the New England coast in autumn, don't hesitate!! It's gorgeous.

Autumn in Massachusetts by theconservativeprep featuring a tartan mini skirt

J.Crew j crew sweater / Burberry trench coat / J.Crew tartan mini skirt / Silk socks, $33 / Ankle booties / J.Crew rhinestone bow earrings / GRANDOE glove

We will be having a guest blog next week from my best friend!! Until next time,

Outfit of the Day

Dress: J.Crew shirtdress
Leggings: Cuddl Duds
Socks: Tommy Hilfiger
Boots: L.L. Bean 100th Anniversary Maine Hunting Boots
Watch: Fossil
Bracelet: leather bow from Blush Boutique in Louisville, KY

In Health and Secession...

I am sorry I haven't written a post in awhile. My husband and I have been down with a nasty head cold. It has been weird because I don't get sick very often other than the freak corneal ulcer I had two weeks after our wedding, but so it goes.

In the political world since the re-election of President Obama, the administration will have to face many issues, such as unemployment due to Obama-care (many companies are already threatening layoffs due the taxes imposed by Obama-care) and the fiscal cliff, but one issue that seems to me to be more of a trend than anything else is secession. Someone posted a Facebook status about states's petitioning to secede from the Union on President Obama's We the People website. I immediately started researching and found this article on Politico.

http://www.politico.com/politico44/2012/11/secession-petitions-flood-white-house-website-149291.html

Wow...okay, Conservatives, we lost...That doesn't mean we pull an 1860 and secede from the Union. I am from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our flag states our motto: "United We Stand, Divided We Fall", yet, some citizens of my home state has applied to secede from the Union. 

I think this secession trend will die down. In its state constitution, the state of Texas only hold itself accountable to the Constitution of the United States, but not the President and Congress. Governor Rick Perry does not even support the petition. President Obama's reaction to the petitions will be interesting to hear. Personally, I think secession is an immature reaction to losing and is proving that our Great Experiment in government is failing if we are going to go as far as breaking up the Union due to one loss in a presidential election.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/83751.html?hp=r6

Until next time,

For the Love of Headband Headaches

Growing up, I had the most ridiculous looking bangs in the history of anyone's childhood. They were thick, blunt, and gross. I wasn't allowed to grow them out until I asked for it as gift for my ninth birthday.

Yes, that's me...in camo...hunting with my sister in the hat...when I was in the second grade. I look like a dork, but I am not above laughing at myself.  :)  I used to be a major tomboy with very long hair and very thick bangs. When I played sports, I used athletic headbands to keep my bangs out of my face. From then on, my love of headbands began. I have a large collection of headbands that I have amassed over the years. I wore them almost everyday in high school and college.

My favorite headbands are the thicker ones than can keep my long hair back and out of my face. The ones shown below are my favorite thick headbands from Southern Proper, Kiel James Patrick, an old silk tie one from J.Crew (from what I call J.Crew's headband glory days from 2006-2008), and a Burberry Nova check  thick headband. I just got the Kiel James Patrick Dagny Taggart Vickers Leeds headband a few days ago and can't wait to wear it all weekend.

I tend to wear the thinner headbands when I go out or to events because I do not want the headband to be the main fixture of my outfit as much as I want to keep my hair out of my face. J.Crew makes the best tortiouse headbands although I hear people sometimes complain that they stretch out. My solution: take a loose rubber band and put it around the widest part of the headband to tighten its shape.

Although I do not have a cure for headband headaches (taking them off for a few minutes helps), I love them so much!! Until next time, xoxo