Turks and Caicos: A Playlist

Although I won't get to see the golden boy of country music while he's on spring break, I know many people who will be! As a gift to myself, I'm making a great Turks and Caicos Playlist for my own spring break, and more likely, spring semester:

1. Cruise: Florida Georgia Line

2. You Shook Me All Night Long: AC/DC

3. One of Those Nights: Tim McGraw

4. Young Girls: Bruno Mars

5. Back Here: BBMak

6. If You Want Some: Joel Crouse

7. Don't Wake Me Up: Chris Brown

8. Dayum, Baby: Florida Georgia Line

9. Summer Back: Andy Gibson

10. Pirate Flag: Kenny Chesney

11. Shake the Sand: Luke Bryan

12. Back Around: Josh Thompson

13. Let Me: Pat Green

14. Everything But You: Kip Moore

15. Did It For the Girl: Greg Bates

Listen to my playlist on YouTube!

Plug in and play on!

xxKatie

Toes in the Water, Toes in the Sand

By the time you're reading this, I will be happily en route to Turks and Caicos with my fabulous family. I have been counting down the days to this wonderful vacation since we booked it before Christmas! We are so lucky that USC, Auburn, and my high school (where my mom works now), all AMAZINGLY had the same break. We almost couldn't believe it. After consulting with each other and deciding that a family vacation was very much what we all needed, we booked it! My mom and I are rendezvousing in Charlotte and my dad and sister are meeting in Atlanta. We will then all meet up in Turks and Caicos.

It's been just over two months since I've seen everyone and I am bursting at the seams. I was also officially diagnosed with strep throat on Thursday, so a lazy vacation under the sun is exactly what the doctor has ordered.

We also realized that there's a PRETTY GOOD chance that this is, very unfortunately, our last real opportunity for a family vacation. I actually really hate thinking about that. It's a weird feeling, but I guess, also exciting. More just weird. Anyway, I am THRILLED to be going on a big last hurrah with the Rudders!

Everyone be safe in your spring break adventures!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Meet Sessilee!

This Sessilee Dress is one I normally wouldn't have picked off the racks for myself. We were trying different things on at work so we could really get a feel for fit and true sizing, and I got to try on the Sessilee Dress. It comes in a few different patterns and color ways, but this blue and white one was my favorite! I LOVE this dress! From far away, I think it looks like a romper which is fun and whimsical and TOTALLY unexpected. The navy makes this dress so wearable and the white accent elevates the print and shape. 

We didn't get a chance to photograph the back, but it looks like two pieces from the back! So cool, right?! I also love that you can pair this with navy, white, metallics, and I'd even toss in hot pink! It's a little tough to see in the picture, but there's also a zipper and drawstring that really add to the dress.

I am a big Sessilee fan (and I would sure like to know where that name comes from!) and hope y'all get a chance to run into your local Lilly Pulitzer store to check it out!

xxKatie

OOTD: Snorkel Blue

Doesn't the name "Snorkel Blue" just make you think of a Caribbean vacation?

I immediately think of a beach with white sand, cool ocean and views and expanses that you can see left and right! I'm also obviously already dreaming of spring break, my family and I are headed to Turks and Caicos for what could be our last big family trip...SO weird to think about that!

Anyway, one day at work, Taylor and I decided that "Snorkel Blue" would be our scheme and had on the same print! I instantly fell in LOVE with those printed Lilly jeans. Since it's a print, it's actually called "Snorkel Blue Hold Your Horses" a little play on words with the sea creatures instead of the land animals. The little pops of orange really are too fun and show up great in person.

I have really debated these jeans and I think I'm gonna go for it, possibly as a birthday treat! At first I was at a bit of a loss for what to pair it with other than white, but navy blue would be a great option and really, the right shade of pink would make a great addition too. I had gold Tory Burch Reva flats on, but could just as easily pair them with platinum or white (or even glitter--I have my eye on those too!) Jacks once the time comes too.

After rationalizing these FABULOUS printed pants, I think I need them in at least one of the prints! They are simply too much fun and would easily make the transition to summer--wherever that may be for me!

xxKatie

Yardcocks!

I'm off to my very first Gamecock baseball game today and I couldn't be more excited!!

Your Carolina Gamecocks are FRESH off a win against the Florida Gators and tonight is the second game in the series! I've never even been to the stadium (how RIDICULOUS IS THAT? Sorry Dad...) and I'm beyond pumped to finally see the Yardcocks play!

I know it won't quite be the roar of Williams Brice Stadium, but I can't wait to see some more Gamecock sports action!

GO GAMECOCKS! Beat the Gators!

xxKatie

Bold Moves

Stripes are bold. Horizontal stripes are very bold. Horizontal stripes on a bathing suit are about as bold as you can get. All those fashion advising shows say to avoid horizontal stripes because they can make you look wide. I don't always believe this though!

I know it's pretty early to be looking at bathing suits, but I saw this one online at Target and LOVED IT! I thought it was fun and nautical and very summery! I love this color as well as the navy blue and I think that they would make great summer additions to anyone's wardrobe!

I love Target bathing suits! I love their fit, look, material, everything! I can't wait to see the rest of their bathing suits for this spring and summer!

Where do you rely on for swimwear? Do you have a favorite place or places?

xxKatie

Colored Chinos

Yesterday in Church, the girl next to me was wearing a GREAT pair of colored chinos. They were a salmon pink color, very loose fitting, but still looked totally appropriate and classy for mass. Her amazing pants got me thinking all about colored chinos for spring. They're certainly a favorite of mine, but I don't have any in my closet!

These are your basic chinos from J. Crew. Clean cut, straight, nice looking, basic color.

I love this look from Lands' End Canvas--they're only $16.99!! I might need to order these ASAP!

These are the Bennett Chino from J. Crew. They're a little skinnier than my ideal colored chino, but a fun style nonetheless!

Even Rock and Republic, famed for their jeans, is getting in on the action!

I'm really waiting to see all the different colors to come out once Spring is in full season swing. I would love a pair of light/Carolina (the other one) blue, light kelly green, and an awesome salmon pink/nantucket red pair! I gotta keep my eyes peeled!!

xxKatie

Home! Home! Home!

This is my hometown. It is crab pots, Old Bay, plebes, flip flops, American flags and hot dogs in the Summer. It is boat shows, the most magnificent trees turning, and Indian Summer, knee socks, Navy Football and colonial colors in the Fall. It is chilly, frozen anchors, quilted coats, Tall Jamaicans, heat all the way turned up and high school basketball in the Winter. It is shorts, boat shoes, the annual Sock Burning, .05K, and lacrosse in the Spring.

It is Annapolis, MD.

I am so unbelievably, ridiculously thankful to be home for a few weeks!

xxKatie

"Yes, Mom. You're Right, Mom. You Know Everything, Mom."

That was the mantra my mom made me learn and repeat as soon as I turned 13. Turns out, it's a good one. My mom usually is right. She knows a lot. She's very smart and she worries a lot. For me and my sister and my dad and everyone else. She's great. And could own your mom in a fight. Just kidding. Let's just say that I am beyond lucky to have my mom as my Momma. This is the first year I won't be home to celebrate Momma's Day. Here's to you Momma R, I miss you and love you so much and can't wait to see you! You have helped make me into the awesome kid I am now, and yes I'm still a kid. Without you I don't know where I would be. Thanks for putting up with me and letting me cry on the phone and thinking of me with all of your care packages and pink duck shoes. I can't wait to see you on Wednesday (and Dad and Grace...fam shoutout whattup!) and we can celebrate our own reunion! Remember: read the cards in order.


xxKatie

Spring Break: The Trip

From here to...

HERE!

I get to see my parents and my sister for the first time in TWO MONTHS! I AM SO EXCITED! Safe travels to everyone who's traveling this week to destinations close and far! Have a great spring break y'all!

xxKatie

Spring Break: The End of the Beginning

Today I'll be OUT of midterms at 3:15! Done. Done. Done. No more classes. My professor who teaches our Friday classes gave us our midterm on Wednesday and I'm FINISHED. It's FINALLY spring break for me as of 3:30! I just gotta work my bootay off until then! Just gotta cross that FINISH line to get to my START line of SB2011:

(c) 2007-2008 Daryl May, from http://mylongwalk.com

Let's. Go.

xxKatie

Spring Break: Photos

In my house photos are never in short supply. My mom's biggest hobby is taking pictures and I'm so thankful. Every big event, family trip, and school production have been recorded in photos. Spring Break is another place to snap as many photos as possible!

Arizona

My sister took the best picture of my dad and I after we climbed Cathedral Rock. I had a Rocky pose going on and he's just up there with me, but it's one of my favorite vacation photos:

Turks & Caicos

That Ellery dress is one of my faves and how cute does my sister look in Coral Me Crazy?!

Good ole' fam shot

This year we'll have to get a good family picture too! I love that all of our fun times are documented thanks to my mom, sister, and I all being shutterbugs! I'll have to add my camera to my list of things that I MUST remember!

xxKatie

Spring Break: Prep

First of all, please forgive the lack of posting this week! The wonderful folks over at Blogger HQ have been helping me update my blogger dashboard! I've been having muy problemos with logging on/posting/saving drafts/etc. so they were great! We're back up and running now! I will be spending all weekend with these few things:

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aka all day today I'm a busy bee and I'm ORGANIZING, ORGANIZING, ORGANIZING! I have a super busy week ahead of me (two midterm and two projects) and so I'm getting ready for break this weekend! Last night I headed over to Target to get some travel essentials: books (look for a post on my two books tomorrow), sunscreen, lotion for sunburns, a swim coverup, and a few other necessities! I can't wait to see my family and relax in Aruba!

xxKatie

10 Day Forecast: What Do I See?

Sun Sun Sun and SPRING BREAK!

I'm totally suffering from spring fever! I can't get over this weather, I had my first tour Tuesday and it's going to start to get even nicer out! Get me to vacation!!!

xxKatie

Spring Nails

With spring popping up pretty much as we speak for us South Carolinians, I have to make my nail color choices early. I'm a huge fan of bright tones for spring because all I'm looking towards is warm weather, hanging out outside, chilling by the pool, and rockin' through the end of school. Here are my choices for spring nail colors:

Pink Diamond

Fiesta

(this looks like the PERFECT pink to compliment my Lilly!!!)

Turquoise and Caicos

(I'll always think of T&C spring breaks!)

Aruba Blue

(although I'd never wear electric blue nail polish, we're heading to ARUBA for spring break 2011!)

Mango Bango

Bahama Mama

Carnival

(cruise anyone?!)

Carousel Coral

Clambake

(I always think of Elle Woods, "You know mixers, clambakes on the Cape?! That kinda stuff!")

Got any good color suggestions? I'll be giving myself a SB pedi soon!!!

xxKatie

Playlist Choices!

Spring is right around the corner and it's high time for a new playlist. This is a combo of old and new songs, ideal for me in spring! Here are some of my recent picks:

1. The One That Got Away: Jerrod Niemann
2. Erase Me: Kid Cudi
3. Just Passin' Through: Jason Aldean
4. I Hope You Ge What You Deserve: Jerrod Niemann
5. Hold it Against Me: Britney Spears
6. Whiskey's Gone: Zac Brown Band
7. Georgia Clay: Josh Kelley
8. La, La, La: Auburn feat. Iyaz
9. Quiet Your Mind: Zac Brown Band
10. A Little Bit Stronger: Leighton Meester
11. Ride: Ciara feat. Ludacris
12. Carolina Girls: Chairman of the Band (thank you shag practice!)
13. Mud on the Tires: Brad Paisley
14. Where the Boat Leaves From: Zac Brown Band
15. Farmer's Daughter: Rodney Atkins

Any spring songs that MUST be downloaded? Do I need to add any to my playlist--I'm ALWAYS open to new song suggestions!!

xxKatie

Lilly Spring Dress Arrivals

Here are my picks for my favorite Spring Lilly items! I have a corporate gift card from Christmas that I've tried my BEST to save, but it's DEFINITELY going towards one of these beauties:

Wyatt Dress Printed (the belt's included!)

Sandra Dress Printed (if this is like last year, it runs big!)

Dolly Dress Novelty Lace

Adelson Dress Printed Dobby

Chloe Dress Printed (Any UA readers...this could totally be my Spring Banquet dress possibly!)

Stephanie Shift Engineered

Kiki Dress Printed 

Del Mar Dress Printed

It's clear which styles of dress I like and in what color schemes, but I'm really loving the Spring Collection! I can't wait to see this all in person, and I'm sure it'll be just as good as the photos! What are y'all fans of? Anything I missed?!

xxKatie

Lilly Must Have!!

I saw these yesterday and almost died. How great are they?! Most of my Lilly items are pink and green, and so I usually opt for a metallic or white to match them with. I'm a HUGE ruffle fan, and can't get over these shoes. I saw them on Lilly's blog, to then check them out on the site and saw the second color:

They come in metallic too!! Not only are they metallic, but it's two-tone. I've really become a huge fan of two tone (watches, bracelets, you name it!) anything. These shoes would now literally match anything! I can totally imagine either pair of these Paige Sandals in my closet, happily sitting next to my Jack Rogers (expect a post on those VERY soon!) just wishing for consistently warm temps! Unfortunately these babies don't ship for a few more days, but check them out!

Anyone else lusting after the Paige Sandal Ruffle!?

xxKatie

Spring Cleaning: Favorite Products

Yesterday my roommate and I decided to do a lot of spring cleaning. We rearranged our living room layout so you can see out our window and access the TV easier. It looks so nice and we vacuumed and cleaned everything! We TOTALLY overhauled the kitchen, cleaning up everything we could touch including the counter surfaces, swiffering the floor and cleaning out the fridge. These are my favorite products to use around the house:

Lysol Neutra Air Fabric Mist in Clean Linen scent

We used this on our couch and it works great! Our apartment neighbors are heavy smokers and we accidently left our kitchen rugs outside and they smelled like smoke. We sprayed the rugs with this and it worked great!

Windex Multi-Surface Antibacterial Spray

This was what we used on our counters and it smelled so clean and left no residue. Our counters were so clean and shiny, I'd definitely recommend this for general cleaning!

Febreeze Sport Extreme Odor Eliminator Spray

This spray is great for shoes, couches, and other "high traffic" objects/areas. I use this on Uggs, Sperrys, couches, and rugs. It's pretty heavily scented, but it fades away with the smelly scent too! I LOVE this spray and have bought a few of these bottles during my college career.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray in the Clean Linen Scent 

I have this Lysol disinfectant spray in a few of the different scents and I think it works great. I always use this after taking out the trash (because who wants to scrub a trash can?!) and leave it outside to air dry. I think the clean linen scent is the best AND you can use this on soft surfaces. I used to spray my freshman year dorm room bed when I was changing the sheets so that I was getting in a really clean bed.

It was SO nice today and we had all of our windows open, doors open and all the clean, fresh air was blowing through. We were loving the temperatures (I've been wearing Jacks!!) and took advantage of a day where we could keep everything open and airy! Stay clean!!

xxKatie