Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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.




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

Fossil Gold Watch // J.Crew bangles

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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!!



Monday, November 26, 2012

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

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,



Sunday, November 25, 2012

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

Saturday, November 24, 2012

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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!!



Friday, November 16, 2012

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



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,

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

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,


Friday, November 9, 2012

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



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Voting Outfit

Here is the outfit I voted in yesterday!! I was starting to get cold up here in Massachusetts, so I added a simple white scarf plus my Southern Proper Elephant Belle band. Did you all decide to "dress to impress" to do your civic duty to our country??

Voting Outfit


J Crew j crew
jcrew.com


J.Crew slim jeans
jcrew.com


Tory burch
toryburch.com


Louis Vuitton canvas satchel
bagborroworsteal.com



Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Oxford Shirt
$135 - seasonsclothing.co.uk

Last Night's Results

Today, when I woke up, Massachusetts was a bleak and cold place. Until this morning, the weather had reminded me of Kentucky since the climate remained temperate without a fair amount to shocking cold and cloudy skies, but today I woke up to it. Yes, there is another nor'easter supposed to come through (keep New Jersey and New York in your thoughts), but I feel uncertain about the future of the United States. Last night, my husband and I drove into Boston to go to the Boston Exhibition and Convention Center to support Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan. We had a lot of fun talking politics at the Westin Hotel next door and in the Center with various people that had hopes and dreams of balancing America's checkbooks under a new President. Here are some pictures from last night:




Unfortunately, the Romney/Ryan campaign did not succeed, but the campaign brought up questions that everyday Americans will have to answer for themselves. What is the price of "progress"? Is "progress" and  federal government dependency the best path to go and at what cost? What reason does anyone have to be successful anymore?


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Voting in Massachusetts: Unimpressed

When I got off work this morning, I went to go vote for the first time in the state of Massachusetts. Back in Kentucky, voter registration, finding out where you vote, and the act of voting is very easy and straightforward. I always brought two forms of identification, which wasn't an issue to me. I was very dissatisfied with my voting experience in Massachusetts for two reasons: I wasn't asked to show any form of identification at all and not one at my voting locations could answer directly any questions asked by voters. I understand the people volunteering at the voting locations not knowing any information, but I have a serious problem with not being asked for a form of identification. What if some Joe-Shmoe Illegal Alien decided he was going to assume the identity of a registered voter and voted in their place? I will talk about my views on immigration in another post, but now, I believe every registered voter should have to present some sort of official identification at the polls due to this experience. 

Despite my experience, please go out and vote today!! I proudly cast my vote for Mitt Romney today and can't for the outcome of this election.






Monday, November 5, 2012

The Eve of Election Day

On the eve before Americans to the polls to vote in the Presidential election, for various congressional seats, and state referendums, I am glad to announce my support for Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Right now, I am nervous for tomorrow. I will be voting in my second Presidential election. To me, voting is a sacred duty I am proud to do for the love of my country. I am not the type of person that votes against something or someone. In the last Presidential election, I voted for the McCain/Palin ticket because I liked Senator McCain's views on the economy and did not like the "share the wealth" mentality of the Obama/Biden campaign. Regardless of the financial crisis, we lived in an atmosphere hostile to success and wealth, which I perceived as jealously. 

I started forming my political views in the fifth grade. Yes, my political beliefs developed early in my life. I have always been interested in the study of history, but my political beliefs stem from life experiences. When I was growing up, I was probably the only kid in my class that knew what political parties my parents and grandparents were in. My grandparents were in different political parties. My grandmother was a Democrat while my grandfather was a Republican. In the days of Bill Clinton's Presidency, my grandmother fawned over the President while my grandfather grumbled over his policies, but one memory of my grandparents has stood out to me and helped form my political beliefs. My grandmother told me that those who make more should give back through taxes. I asked my grandfather about what my grandmother had said. He told me that no one should be forced to do anything they don't want to and especially not by the government. He pointed to my heart and said charity comes from there when you're ready to give it. Yes, I was in the fifth grade.

When I was seventeen, I got my first job as a lifeguard. I kept the job throughout my college years and before I moved to Massachusetts. I loved my job, but I didn't love paying so much of my money to taxes to support a system that funded a welfare state, bailouts, failed programs, and a national healthcare system that would suck the federal government dry. I work hard for my money and believe it should not be redistributed to those who do not work or make something of themselves. Since the inauguration of President Obama, the Senate has gone without a budget. A devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused Obama to impliment a moratorium on off-shore drilling, Obamacare was shoved through Congress right before Christmas 2009 with a small amount of bipartisanship. Also, the economy still hasn't turned around, which President Obama promised to do in three years or he would be a one-term President. I do not even want to start on the amount of national debt we have now that my children and I will have to see the consequences of. For these reasons, I am voting for Mitt Romney because I see a love and respect for his country that I don't see from President Obama. The United States of America deserves better than this. We deserve a President that understands the relationship between the government and the economy to help make our country a more business-friendly nation through some deregulation. A President that realizes universal healthcare is way too much a burden for a federal government to take on during a recession. We deserve a President that is willing to reach over party lines in the sake of bipartisanship. I believe in what Governor Romney has to say because he has the experience where our current President does not. Mitt Romney asked Americans to vote out of the vote of their country and I cannot wait to cast my vote for him tomorrow morning.


Please do not forget to vote tomorrow!! I will be in downtown Boston tomorrow night cheering on Romney at the Boston Exhibition and Convention Center. I hope I get to shake his hand or take a picture with him!!



Friday, November 2, 2012

Living a Colorful Life

Hello my amazing readers,

I am a collector of Lilly Pulitzer dresses...when I used to live with my parents, they would get tired of all the dresses I would buy off of eBay and Re-Lilly. The prints and styles make me happy when I wear them because I like classic, vintage styles. My husband now has an "appreciation" for Lilly since he buys a fair number of dresses from the website and The Peppermint Palm (my favorite Lilly signature store in Louisville). Since I rarely buy full-price for anything, here are a few tips for buying Lilly to start your own collections of dresses:



1. eBay and Re-Lilly: I have bought a lot of my collection off of eBay and Re-Lilly. There are a few sellers that sells Lilly with the tags, but I typically go for the vintage styles since I am obsessed with the classic shift style. Re-Lilly offers a lot of older dresses that have only been worn once. I have the eBay app of my iPhone and have saved the search "Lilly Pulitzer women's shift dress". A lot of the shifts I have bought come from the 2000-2008 years. My husband bought this maxi dress for me as a surprise since it's one of my favorite prints due to the nautilus (for Kappa Delta) on it.


2. Sales: I always go for a bargain. When I go to The Peppermint Palm, I typically shop the sale rack and can't walk out of that store without purchasing something. When the website has a sale, I'm patient. Lilly Pulitzer treats their customers very respectfully. Classy Lilly girls should be patient for beautiful dresses. I bought this dress around Christmas last year while I was still loosing weight for my summer wedding.


3. Splurge when something special comes around: while I am always for a bargain, I do splurge within reason when I find something special, which is what I found in these dresses. I'm not afraid of buying used dresses when the buyers assures you that the dress is in excellent condition and you inspect it when you get it. I return them if they are not in the right condition.

Millionaire's Row Print Shift
Aquamarine In the Slim
Millennium Patch Shift 

I hope my next Lilly is in the "In the Beginning" print. Maybe for Christmas!! Remember to vote on November 6th!! Until next time...