Nook Books

Recently, one of my co-workers asked me about my favorite Christmas gift. I was SO excited about my Christmas Nook! I have a MacBook and an iPhone, so I did not want a tablet. All I was looking for was an e-reader with a primary focus on books.

Ultimately I settled on the Nook SimpleTouch with Glowlight. I could not have been happier with my decision! I LOVE my Nook and I have already read and finished 3 books since getting it for Christmas.  I have a protective turquoise cover on it. Between New Years and heading back to school, I enjoyed wrapping myself up and snuggling with my Nook Books.

I love reading and I'm usually carting around books, especially when we go on vacation (I'm known for having 3-5 books on every vacation. Who really wants to carry those around with you on flights and when traveling?!). I clearly have gotten on the e-reader trend pretty late. I always just liked the feel of a book and knowing how far I had read and still had to go. Silly me just needed to try out an e-reader to know that you get BOTH of those with an e-reader! Needless to say, I'm absolutely a convert!

One day I was snuggled up in my National Aquarium Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarf. I get questions about this scarf all the time! It is chock full of sea animals and was specially designed for the National Aquarium in Baltimore. (If you go to the Aquarium's gift website, you can actually still order them. Look for the PDF link in the bottom right corner!) In comments I was reading on Instagram, a few of y'all out there have this scarf too!

Who out there has a Nook too? Don't you just LOVE it?!

xxKatie

Book Review: Girls in White Dresses

Girls In White Dresses was the second book I downloaded on my Nook!

After seeing it on a pin of "20 Books for 20-somethings" I decided to download it.

It has been one of the best books I've ever read! I LOVED IT! I want to read it over already. GIWD is about a group of 20-somethings that have graduated college, look for jobs, move, find relationships, fail at relationships, don't find relationships, get fired, find other jobs, get married, don't get married, have families, get dogs, everything. It follows a cute group of friends, but features short side stories of other friends that the girls have from work, college, or through their boyfriends even. It is realistically written and I liked (although as I'm typing it, I sound so morbid) that things didn't always work out for them. The girls often struggled, one was out of a job for months and couldn't find anything (I found her particular story endearing), one could never find a guy she liked enough to be serious with, and some struggled in many other ways. There were also major success stories including finding "the one", moving apartments, and even having children for some of the characters.

If you're a 20-something, which I know many of you are, Girls in White Dresses is worth a read or download. I truly felt like I was a member of this group of girls living in New York City and I even found myself laughing out loud at times when the girls were in crazy situations. I also appreciated that the girls in this book were all SMART. They were driven and realistic and not going on crazy shopping sprees in New York City like you read in so many other 20-something books.

Amazon's review had a line that I loved, "Through it all--through drunken nights and hungover mornings, evil bosses, cancelled engagements, and that time Mary lost her mind and named her newborn baby Gertrude for three days--their friendships remain a constant."

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I hope you'll find that you enjoy it too!

xxKatie

Book Review: Georgia Bottoms

I had seen this book reviewed on Amazon awhile ago and pinned it to my "Books"board on Pinterest after it got my interest. Over a year later, I have finally been able to read it and I was a BIG fan!

It's a sassy and steamy book about Miss Georgia Bottoms of Six Points, Alabama. She has quite the love life and "rotation". I don't want to give too much of it away for those of you who will want to read it, but I definitely recommend it. 

Not a major literary work, but a fun, easy, light read--perfect for vacation! It's among the first for-pleasure books I've read in awhile (read: spring break-ish) and I really liked it. I actually read it during the flight home for Thanksgiving. It was a quick page-turner and had some big drama turning points in the story that were funny and wild. 

I'd put this book along the same lines as Dorothea Benton Frank books with a quirky Southern flair about a woman who you can't help but like! I want to look into reading some of Mark Childress' other books after picking up Georgia Bottoms now for sure!

xxKatie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Book Review

Mom and I went on a Mother-Daughter-Date the other day to go see "Beasts of the Southern Wild" (whatever you do, DON'T SEE IT!) and as a preview, we saw snippets of a movie coming out soon called "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". 

The trailer looks adorable and the preview indicated that it was based on a book. Since the trailer made us want to see it, I decided I would try to read the book before I saw it.

The next day I got it, interestingly enough from the high school "summer reading" table in Barnes & Noble. It's 210 pages and I read it all in 3 hours. Not because it's written poorly (it's actually written well from the point of view of a high school freshman) or anything like that, but I got sucked in and what else do you do at the beach when it's cloudy?

It's definitely a good read. I completely understand why a school would indicate it as a "summer reading" book. It's very similar to "Go Ask Alice" (which I am EXTREMELY familiar with--I wrote a HUGE paper on it last semester for a literature class I took!) since the book is a compilation of letters. I did enjoy the book but I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone other than high school/college students. I know it's a book my mom wouldn't really like and I wouldn't give it to anyone younger than college. 

Has anyone else read it? Did you school require it as summer reading? Are you excited to see the movie?

xxKatie

Spring Break Reads

As you all know, I love reading. I love relaxed reading. I read anything from fun reads to beach reads to more scholastic reads. What do you like to read? Have any good suggestions to read over spring break?

Here are a few of the books I'd like to think about reading:

The Hunger Games is book number one on my list! I know I know I know--why haven't I read it yet!!!! I'm SO excited and will probably start reading it ON my flight home!

The Social Organization is a book my dad read recently and is definitely one I want to add to my list!

Shucked is a book I've heard a lot of good things about!

Georgia Bottoms is one I've had on my short list for awhile! Unfortunate last time I went book shopping it was out of stock!

What's on your list for spring break? I'd LOVE suggestions!

Weekly Gratitude

1. I am so thankful my parents were willing to send my little sis down South for a few days and we could indulge in a sisterly weekend in South Carolina!

2. I am thankful that the weather is starting to cool off! It's dare I say it, chilly in the morning! That's the thing with South Carolina weather; even though it starts oh-so cold in the morning, it'll end up being a PICTURE PERFECT day just like yesterday!

3. I am thankful that it is FINALLY OCTOBER! Welcome to the month of birthdays!!!!! So many of my favorite people have birthdays in October. Speaking of birthdays...I just ordered two gifts last night! Buying birthday presents for other people is one of my favorite things! I LOVE the feeling of knowing when you got the perfect gift for someone!

4. I am thankful that one of my best friends told me to read, "He's Just Not That Into You". It really is eye opening. I've been tweeting and writing down some of the better quotes in it as I'm sure y'all have seen. It's an eye-opening book and I'd recommend it to get a very interesting perspective on dating and relationships and boys and girls.

5. I am thankful for my cowboy boots. Those little suckers are pretty much the perfect shoes for this in-between weather and look SO fabulous with skirts and dresses and pants.

6. I am thankful for Luke Bryan! I get to his is Tailgates and Tanlines concert October 15th and it is getting me through all this crazy schoolwork and tough projects. (Read: I'm in the middle of the world's longest research proposal...)

7. I am thankful for Sharpie Mark It markers. They are making my life colorful one saying at a time. They are also helping me color code my month. Here's to trying my best to keep my life organized.

8. I am thankful for Etsy. It is so much fun to look for all my friends' gifts that way! Plus I know the vendors are excited to get the orders and I look forward to shopping for friends and family that way!

9. I am thankful for the advice of my peers and mentors. I ask for advice a lot from my friends, co-workers and long-distance ladies (you know who you are) and I ask often. I appreciate all the help that y'all are able to give me.

10. I am thankful for the days I feel healthy. I tend to take those for granted, and I feel like I'm on the cusp of getting sick unfortunately. I'm trying my best to drink water and tea and stay on the healthy side of things!

xxKatie

Books Books Books

I wish I had (more) time during the school year to read books for fun. Actually, I wish I had more time during the school year period. I have many a-to-do-list item that could be checked off if only the day were a mere 4 hours longer. Namely sleep, but I'd have so much more time to get ahead instead of play catch up with assignments and reading.

Here are a few books I wish I could be reading:

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I haven't read a Nicky Sparks novel recently, and this one come with decent reviews. Not to mention, the main character's name is Katie, so I was pretty much sold.

The Price of Everything by Eduardo Porter

I try to keep a business book on my shelf to stay "current" with business reading. I've read Nudge and Predictably Irrational over the summer so I think this is next on my list. I also think it'll be a good combination of the two that I read this summer!

How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal

I think this may end up being one of those silly ladies' novels, but I'm still interested in reading it nonetheless. I just like the title mostly...is there a rule of not judging a book by it's title? I don't think so...

Has anyone read these? Can you make any recommendations in general of books you've loved recently?

xxKatie

P.S.: Be sure to enter the Gybe-ho giveaway! Only a few more days!!

One Day

I am dying to see "One Day"! It's been out in theaters for awhile and I bought the book to (hopefully) read before I see it, but I'm so curious if anyone's seen it yet??

What did you think about it? Have you "scene" it? ...ha-ha-ha! Did you like the characters? Is it worth reading before seeing? LET ME KNOW! As soon as I saw the preview for the movie I knew I had to check it out!!

And be sure to enter the Stadium Stompers giveaway before midnight tonight!!!

xxKatie

"You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important."

I LOVED THE HELP!

I read The Help during spring break of 2010 and absolutely loved it! My Momma read it at the beginning of last year and recommended it to me and everyone she knew. It spread like wildfire at school, within our family and everyone else who heard about it! The whole time we were reading, we all agreed how great of a movie it would make!

Needless to say, when I saw it about a week and a half ago, I LOVED IT! It was so well cast, with amazing costumes and of course a DE-LISH caramel cake! Anyone remember Caroline's Cakes that I've written about? Well it makes one BIG cameo in the film! 

We cried, we laughed, and enjoyed every minute of this movie! It lives up to the book (I did like the book more!) and I'd happily see it again! Have you seen it yet? If not, go now!!!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

Yet another week I hardly remember...this next coming week is my last full one at home! CAROLINA BOUND SO SOON! I can't wait for what the rest of the summer has in store for me!



1. Thanks to rain. I think you're coming around and fingers-crossed with knock out alllllll this INSANE heat. I would prefer the state of Maryland to not be "white hot" on Weather.com.
2. Thanks to the Market House for FINALLY OPENING. Woo, it's sure taken a long time but these vendors are pretty yummy and I hope they stay!!
3. Thanks to the South Carolina State Fair for posting their performers!!!! It's like I can FEEL being back at school already!!!!
4. Thanks to everyone's patience last week with all the emails--I PROMISE I will get back to you as soon as I can!!
5. Thanks to knocking another book off of the book list! #anotheronebitesthedust
6. Thanks to my floor for being such a great shelf for stuff. With all of our family in town, we "joked" (as in said in a joking tone but really meant) that no one wanted to stay in my room. Well, humph, my room wasn't looking for any new tenants! Take that y'all!
7. Thanks to ALL the packing I've done for school. Not.
8. Thanks to my job, internships and getting ready for the next few weeks for keeping me busy. A friend of mine from school, (Timmy, I'm not sure if you read LBP but here's your shoutout) and I were talking that we've just about hit the ready-to-go-back point. Both of us were glad to have been home for the summer, more than thankful, but we're both ready to see everyone!!
9. Thanks to my fabulous friend for being able to talk me down this week! It's been one of the most hectic I've had all summer--and I'm not even in school ANYMORE!
10. Thanks to everyone who participated in my boots poll! I'm excited to post more--kinda a fun reader input option on facebook! Feel free to let your opinion be known! Not a facebook fan yet--JOIN THE CLUB!

xxKatie

Dorothea Benton Frank

Y'all, I love to read. I've said this before a million times, but this summer I've been able to really get into a few books and have most recently (meaning in the last 6-ish days) found such a fun writer: Dorothea "Dot" Benton Frank! On my second to last day at the beach I finished this book, Lowcountry Summer and definitely recommend it! Sweetly southern, fun, and a quick read, this book had everything I wanted to read about during the summer...AND made me majorly crave fresh biscuits and be back at Carolina!

I connected so much with the characters, most of which hail from Charleston, and some even go to USC! Dot often writes about Columbia, Charleston, Folly Beach and a few other South Carolina hot sports! All the titles are different places in South Carolina or topics related to SC. Everytime I would read about USC I'd flat out squeal on the beach. This writing reads just like she's talking to you with funny asides and comments about characters.

Two days ago I started Bulls Island and I'm about 90 pages in. This one is far more dramatic but still has a lot of the charm and wit that Lowcountry Summer had too! Momma found it hardcover for just $7 while we were at the beach and I wasn't about to let it go! We also picked up another book, but it immediately took the backseat to Dot book #2! 

Ever read a DBF book? I'm a new fan but can't WAIT to read more!!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

It's been one heckova week in my life. Major up's and down, and I have a lot to be thankful for.

1. I am thankful for all of my friends. We were all reunited in a big event this week and it was great to see the high turnout. High school guys and gals I'm really proud of the class of '09, showing up in big numbers and with a lot of pride. Rally, and rally we will.

2. I am thankful for the lady at the Clinique counter at Macy's for being so efficient with helping me in my major foundation confusion. I've never been a face makeup girl, but in a pinch needed some for Monday. She was so helpful and kind and understood exactly what I was looking for. A great shopping experience indeed!

3. I am thankful for meaningful work that I enjoy. I have a great job that I love with people that rule. Does it get better than that?

4. I am thankful for a new Sally Hansen nail polis color that I bought over the weekend. It's exactly the same as OPI's Strawberry Marg for about 1/4 of the price...yes that's $1.99 a bottle!

5.  I am thankful for all of the small moments I get to spend with my parents. Just the past few nights my dad and I have watched some TV shows together and it's times like these I have to learn not to take for granted.

6. I am thankful for the Econ take home test we get tonight. I'll be able to take it at my own pace on my day off on Saturday which will be nice. In the meantime, I had another test yesterday in my second class! Eight weeks is sure to fly by at this pace...

7. I am thankful that gas at the beach was $0.20 cheaper per gallon than gas at home. This girl is ridin' dirty (any Chamillionaire fans out there? Throwback tunes party of 1.) with a full tank.

8. I am thankful that my new facecare routine is starting to show signs of changed. Sistagirl here has been super broken out (and since diagnosed with "adult acne"...gulp.) and I'm finally seeing some facial progress!

9. I am thankful to get the chance to start my new book! LOVING all the South Carolina bits!

10. I am thankful for 2 friends who have a ONE YEAR anniversary coming up SO soon! I like to think of myself as a 3rd member of that relationship. Man, this is the week of anniversaries! I LOVE it!So happy for y'all...xoxo

xxKatie

Beach Bound: Books, Nooks, and Everything in Between!

Books are an absolute must have for me while I'm at the beach! Like I said a few days ago, I tend to get a little bored along the coastline because I'm not a good beach napper. There is decent people watching and I always laugh when the lifeguards signal each other from stand to stand. A million years ago when I was a little kid, we joked around that they were all putting in their lunch orders!

"I'll take a cheesburger, no mustard!"

Anyway since I like to hang out on the beach and manage my tan, I enjoy bringing books with me on my trips! I currently am reading 2 books (which is rare. I always read one and go onto the next one after I finish completely!) but they're very different. One is all about economics and why people make some of the decisions they make while the other is about a woman in South Carolina beginning to re-evaluate her life upon the arrival of her 46th birthday.

Nudge is my economics book that I mentioned. I'm about halfway through, but the information is pretty dense so it's not exactly pleasure reading. I'm learning SO much from it and I really enjoy econ. If you're interested in business/economics/reading as an undergrad, my professor from the spring semester made sure to tell us to check it out!

Lowcountry Summer is the second book I talked about! I knew I was going like this book when they said that the son in the novel went to the University of South Carolina along with his cousin! Obviously it's going to be a good read. I'm only twenty-some pages into this guy, but I'm excited to see what other SC references are in it!

Now I haven't quite jumped on the bandwagon of e-readers, but I'd definitely suggest these two books for download as well as The Art of Racing in the Rain, which I read earlier this summer. That was an easy read and would make a good beach book for sure! 

What summer reading have you done? Anything I have to add to my lists? Do you like to read on the beach or are you a napper? Let me know!

xxKatie

A Week in the Life of: Let's Be Preppy

I got this question on tumblr and decided to answer it in a real post. I want to turn it into a profile for a bunch of bloggers out there! Keep your eyes peeled (and your emails refreshed!)! My weeks are anything but typical. I've been lucky to have some kind of schedule this summer, but that is very rare for me. This is how my typical summer weeks have been running for the past month (which has FLOWN by if I do say so myself!). Click the days to check out an OOTD to accompany the day!

Monday: Get up around 8:30. Lounge until 9:00. Start getting ready for work. Depending on my dad's schedule sometimes he drives me, sometimes I drive myself. Work at the store from 10-5:15. Run to pick up really fast dinner and get to class by 6:00. With tourist traffic, this is sometimes difficult! Classes until 8:30-9 depending on how tired my Econ professor is. Get home between 9:00-9:30. Finish homework, answer emails. Tweet and tumble a little if time permits. Go "up" (which means to my room to lounge, read blogs, and answer more emails) around 11:00, asleep by about midnight.

Tuesday: Same as Monday!

Wednesday: Day off! Lounge until 10. Leisurely walk downstairs, eat brunch (this can vary from day to day) around 11:00. Watch TV, blog, do more homework. Lay out for about an hour and read Nudge while sunning if weather permits. Turn on SoapNet at 1:00 for The O.C. and watch One Tree Hill (as long as it's NOT the Nanny Carrie episodes. See this tweet.) until about 4. That is my absolute guilty pleasure of summer. Gluttonous, silly, fake TV shows. This 3 hour block I love. Start gathering things for school. Shower and change before class. Class from 6-9 again (I'm taking 2 classes, 12 hours a week!). Come home, do personal emails. Favorites include my chain with Holly! Play around on Pinterest for Bayside Bride or for myself.

Thursday: Wake up early, do tweeting and video uploading for internship #2. Check internet to see if website is working. Continue uploads and start getting ready for work. Work from 10-5:15 at the store! (Note: this Thursday I'm off to the Lilly Warehouse sale!!!!!) Go to school until 9ish again (you're really starting to get the idea huh? ...Yeah me too.). Blog, email, book summer plans. STAY ORGANIZED.

Friday: This is my day that tends to change all the time. Sometimes it's a day off. Sometimes I'll work the later shift at the store. This weekend, I'm working from like 2-7 then heading to a friend's Pink and Green birthday! Thinking about wearing that to the birthday since it's a little more formal and fun BUT if I find a gem at the sale I'm gonna rock that!! I usually have to clean and do more homework on my days off. Laundry is supposed to fit in there somewhere too, right?

Saturday: Bask in the glory of not doing anything school related! I usually work the late shift again and enjoy dinner with the fam. I get picked up by the knight in shining armor (my dad) and we all eat until late. Saturday nights we tend to on-demand movies and "go up" early.

Sunday: Church at 9:00. I work some Sundays from 11-6 or run errands all day. That includes but is not limited to, laundry, supply shopping, Target runs, blogging, shopping, Robek's, etc. You get the idea. They're leisurely. Then we all grill out and have a quiet night. I download a lot of music on Sundays and gear up for the week ahead. Another special event to this week is sCe's 21st! Love her--such a sophisticated celebration!

You can say I've been busy for the summer! School and work take up my time, but I'm SO SO SO lucky (as I type this, I realize I haven't done a Weekly Gratitude yet...!!!!) to have all these opportunities this summer! I have loved every minute of being home and think of all my fabulous friends in Columbia 24/7 y'all! (Miss you like CRAZY!)

We're in the midst of one of the crazy weeks, but I love it! What are your summer weeks like? Insanity? Fun? All relaxing? Anything like mine? Let me know!!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

This week has BLOWN by! I have a lot of thanking to do!

1. Thanks to Maryland for being my home. You've welcomed me with open arms despite all my trash talking and MD-hatin' I did last summer. For that I am sorry and thanks for taking me back. I look forward to repairing our relashe as soon as possible.

2. Thanks to the man in Barnes and Noble for judging me in the business section. While yes I may not look like your traditional business student, nor am I typically in the Economics section of any bookstore, but putting you in your place when I told you I was looking for "Nudge" made me extremely happy. As a worker in a bookstore, "You should never judge a book by its cover." #owned #sins

3. Thanks to Lilly Pulitzer for making clothes that do not fit me. If it weren't for your too tight pants, my bank account would be drained. For the first time, I love that you fit models are not my dimensions. This is the best problem to have as a broke college student.

4. Thank you to some rando country song I heard on the radio (now I know it's called 1,000 Faces by Randy Montana) for mentioning us wedding obsessed girls, "There’s debutantes, drama queens, glued-to bride magazines..."

5. Actually thank you to country music in general. It's like you're reading my mind. Props.

6. Thanks to my planner for being 18 months. We have been on a roller coaster together for this whole year. Let's make the last 7 months the best ever! BRING IT 2011.

7. Thanks to everyone in SC who has put up with me at home. My name is Katie and I miss y'all like CRAZY. Hit a sista up!

8. For anyone that knows me personally, they know I sleep with a frog. I've had him since 3rd grade. He is the best travel companion a girl could ask for. He's lumpy, and used to be covered in fleece, and smells like us. Thanks frog. (He, it's a boy, but he doesn't have a name. Nothing has stuck all these years.)

9. Thanks to my BlackBerry for finally updating. There must be something (besides rain) in the air here. And I love it! It's seriously like having a new phone! Anyone with a Curve 9330 has most likely had this for 4 months and it's old new but I am one happy girl!

10. Thanks to my iPod (hmm electronics trend much?) for almost being full. You come so close to capacity and yet I can still squeeze that perfect country song (or 5 or 6) on to you!

xxKatie

Summer Reading: The Art of Racing in the Rain

I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein on Friday. I bought it on Friday as well. Spending the better part of the day reading this book I couldn't put it down. To preface this review, TAORITR is easily in my top 3 books ever. I'm not a pet owner (however I plan on getting a Westie eventually) but this book made me understand so much about owning a dog.

I don't want to give too much away because I want everyone to go out and read this! A very brief summary, but this novel is about a man named Denny who adopts a mix-breed dog named Enzo (named after a famous race car driver, there is a big racing theme) and their life together. The beginning is rocky but it goes through their entire shared life from bachelorhood to old age. 

Never in my life have I cried as much in a book as in The Art of Racing in the Rain, but I also couldn't put it down. The last 15 pages were straight tears as were other parts of the story. It was a WONDERFUL book whether you're a dog owner/lover/anything or not. I absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone so please go out and snag this book or download it on your kindles and nooks ASAP! There is no question in my mind why this is a NYT Bestseller! 

xxKatie

PS: This book is the first book I've read this summer. Keep an eye out for other book reviews. I have 4 more books currently on the shelf ready and willing--it's just the beginning!

Vacation Book Reviews!

So over spring break I ended up reading 3 books and knocking out a lot of my Economics homework!

The first one I read was The Secret Lives of Dresses. I would TOTALLY recommend this book, 5 out of 5 stars. I even made my Momma read it and she liked it. It was SO cute and I think you all should go out and buy it/download it/ebook it! This was such a cute, quick, light-hearted read that it's so worth it and you'll want to pass it onto your friends!

Next I read There's Cake in My Future. 5 out of 5 stars...not so much. This book is why books like He's Just Not That Into You were written. It was too "ladies novel" and cheesy. I do like the idea behind the cake pulls and it really had a lot of potential, but the characters were pretty silly and boy-obsessed. Wouldn't necessarily recommend this one, but I did finish it.

Finally I ended up buying House Rules right before I left from our school bookstore. This is the 10th Jodi Picoult book I've read and definitely one of the best. For the first time I saw the end coming because you get a "preview" about halfway though. This book has a longer lasting trial portion than most of her books, but if you're an avid Jodi reader, this is definitely a good one.

Anyone have any suggestions for my next reads? I'm not planning any trips soon, but I'm certainly up for any recommendations!!

xxKatie

Spring Break: Books

Little known fact: I LOVE to read. I read tons of books over the summer and I hate that I can't really read during the school year. I take complete advantage of any break and extra time that I get apart from school to read a bunch, this spring break isn't any different. The Target book section isn't huge, so I was a little bit nervous about my prospects when I went shopping there a few days ago. I browsed and browsed and was lucky enough to find two books that sound SO me:

1. The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean

I know you're never supposed to judge a book by its cover...but come on! Just the title drew me in! It sounds so cute, and takes place in North Carolina! Even on the cover it says, "Never underestimate the power of vintage...", naturally I was sold!

2. There's Cake in My Future by Kim Gruenefelder

Anyone remember Southern Weddings Week? I did a post all about the southern tradition of cake pulls, and that's what this story is all about. A bride carefully organizes all the cake pulls to go to certain people for specific reasons, but somehow it gets all mixed up! I'm really looking forward to this beach read! 

Anyone read either of these? I can't wait to dive in! Both have 4.5 star ratings on Amazon so I'm pretty excited! Less than a week until SB2011!

xxKatie

No School for South Carolina!

Best post-birthday news ever: Because of winter weather conditions, the University of South Carolina Columbia campus will be closed Monday, Jan. 10. Please monitor this site for updates.


No school for me for a snow day! I wasn't even taking the "threat" of a wintry mix seriously because it wasn't like freezing yesterday. It's going to be a great little day before the semester starts!! Now I get to prepare my room, try to meet with teachers, and look up my future Westie all day long! I'm quite the lucky girl (along with 28,000 of my good ole' Gamecock friends) aren't I?!

xxKatie

P.S.: I was a big Peter Rabbit fan (thanks Dad!) when I was little, so I couldn't pass up this picture!

A New Gatsby?

If the new Nick Carraway looks anything like this guy, sign me up. So attractive. I originally saw the Robert Redford version of TGG in 11th grade and just about fell in love with him. Whether he's like that in person or not, I have no idea, but Nick Carraway a la RR, you're delightful.

I feel like this movie will be very hard to top. Scenes like this will be very hard to replace and they'll have to do one STELLAR job to convince me.

Rumor is that Leo DiCaprio (speaking of him...did anyone catch Titanic over the weekend...? I always get sucked into it and it starts SO late on TNT.) is set to play the new Nick. Personally I think Brad Pitt should be the leading man...RR and BP look so much alike! Agree?

I just think it's a very risky endeavor (that I will more than willingly go see several times) to take on such a classic movie. It was made in 1974, and that's nearly 40 years later and movie making has certainly changed. I wonder what it'll be like. 

Whew...he's so good looking. I have absolutely no idea how old he is now though (oops!). I'm very interested in any more rumors of a new Great Gatsby movie. This will probably call for reading the book again. It's definitely one of my favorites from high school! I am very much pumped about this new Gatsby! I can't wait to find out the cast and preorder my tickets!!

xxKatie