Polish Change: At First Sight

Let me preface this new color with a little mani-anecdote. Before spring break, I needed a manicure. Poor time management didn't allow me to get one in before I left, so I packed a few colors with me and a good shiny top coat and figured I could do it myself, covering the old color. I covered a light pink with red. It was not a good idea. I LOVE red nails (my Mom, not so much...which she reminded me...) and I love red nails especially in hot weather. My nails were just TOO long for red and by the time break was over, I felt VERY Ronald McDonald-y.

I decided on OPI's "At First Sight" after taking too long to choose at the salon. I needed something neutral to match my Cup dress and I was SO sick of the very vivacious red that I needed a break. By the time that the manicurist took off all the red, it looked like we BOTH committed murder. 

I am a HUGE fan of this color, and I'm definitely going to look into finding my own bottle of it. It's actually glittery too but you can't tell when there are multiple coats on your nails. Mine currently have two coats. I wanted them to look opaque once they were dry, and two coats did the trick!

xxKatie

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

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

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!

Happy Birthday Momma!

Happy Jubilee Birthday to the best Momma ever! 

YOU RULE!

I wish my summer classes were already over so we could be celebrating together, but come this weekend we'll rock your birthday in style! I can't wait to see you!! 

Love you Momma!

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: The Bag

I love packing, but for beach vacations, a good beach bag is essential. How else would you cart everything that you need AT the beach TO the beach? Carry it, I think not. I have a few bags that I consistently rely on as beach bags!

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, Open Top, XL

These bags are great. You really can't go wrong with any of the Boat and Totes from LLB. I have the XL and it's great for fitting towels, snacks, books, everything that you'd need for a quality day at the beach with you!

Victoria's Secret Leopard Tote

I got this tote for FREE! Using the FREESWIM coupon code I found online, I snagged this tote along with free shipping (now you can't combine codes...sorry). It's a canvas bag that's been treated with a plastic outside so it's great if you're plopping in the sand all day. All you need to do is brush it off and you're good to go!

Vineyard Vines 

I use one of my VV totes that's pretty old on vacations. It's almost 6 years old and is fraying where the straps hit the silk. The inside has all kinds of pen marks inside, and I don't feel bad lugging it around on the beach. If it was brand new, I certainly wouldn't waste it with the salty air and sandy surface!

I know I always bring a ton to the beach, so I have to be well prepared! Do you  have any good bags for the beach??

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: Extras

I always make a list of the "extras" I always seem to forget. The little things, the overlooked things.

1. Swim coverup:

I got this from Target the other night from the Juniors' department. It's the perfect length for throwing over a bathing suit to grab lunch or just stay out of the sun for a little while. It came in a multitude of colors to choose from too!

2. Hat

I'm not big on wearing hats, but they are a MUST on sunny vacation trips! I got this one at the beginning of the year from our school bookstore. I love it! It fits well and isn't too sporty for a girl!

3. A sweatshirt

Even in warm weather destinations, I always bring a cozy sweatshirt or fleece. You never know if it'll be cold one night or just for hanging out in the room before bed! 

4. PJ's

Because I tend to forget coverups, I always end up using my reserve of PJ t-shirts for beach shirts and then I'm left with no PJ's! Oh no! This time I'm going to beat it though!

5. Chargers

Even though I won't really be able to use my phone much, I'll still need my charger for when I return home! 

Are there any essentials you forget? Any god way to remember them all?

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

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