Instagram + Life Recap

Happy Hump Day! I can't believe it's already Wednesday. It's going to be 77 degrees today and 80 degrees tomorrow - I'm so excited! I'm ready for warmer weather and to seriously break in my new pairs (yes, pairs!) of Jack Rogers! I've been on a bit of a shopping spree this past week. Three pairs of shoes, a Lilly dress (that I'll share on my Instagram when I receive it!), and a monogrammed necklace... Not complaining! ;)

Aside from my small splurge this week, I've been crazy busy with school. This quarter is kicking me in the butt! My lack of posts is sadly due to my over abundance of daily homework. I have a midterm next week (I can't believe semester schools are done/in the middle of dead week) for my Roman Literature class and find myself stressing out over Ovid, The Aeneid, and Augustus' life. Fingers crossed that my midterm goes well! Once school relaxes a bit, I'll be able to sit down and write some quality posts I've been meaning to get out and read all the posts from my favorite bloggers that I've missed. #summercomesooner

Today I'm sharing a few photos from my new Instagram account (make sure to follow me!). It's so nice having an account dedicated to my blog and to following other bloggers that I love and who inspire me. Leave your Instagram below and I'll take a look!

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Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

Cheers!

Tulip Festival Photographs!

Every April, Tulip fields everywhere open up to the public and display endless rows of beautiful flowers. You know spring is truly here when tulips bloom! This year has only been the second year I've gone - the last time was 4 years ago! I went with two of my close friends at school and took a ridiculous amount of photographs that I'm excited to share with you!

Are there any tulip fields near you?

Cheers!

Friday Fives

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Happy Friday everyone! I am so thankful it's the weekend again. I plan on spending the new few days with old friends, my boyfriend, and doing a little bit of exploration. Fingers crossed that the weather forecast is wrong and the infamous Washington rain will go away! Can you tell I'm ready for summer? Here are a few links I've loved this week:

Tommy Hilfiger is always a yes, especially these summer sandals. Plus, they're under $75!

The Glitter Guide shared 10 Health Benefits of Lemons this week. I'm always a sucker for learning new ways to use natural or organic items in my health and beauty routines!

I've been especially into Pinterest lately (more so than usual). Make sure to follow me and leave your link below - I'm always looking for new people to follow!

This week was a "big" spending week for me - I ordered two pairs of Jack Rogers (two for a total of $40!) from Last Call. They should be getting here this week. Look forward to some posts featuring them ;)

Mother's Day is right around the corner (yay!). If you have someone special to celebrate that day, check out these adorable gifts from Kikki.K especially for moms.

I hope that wherever you are, you have a great (and sunny!) weekend ahead of you! 

Cheers!

Ameera Noor Monogrammed Jewelry Sale!

Happy Thursday everyone! I can't believe it's almost Friday. I wanted to share with you this sale I found yesterday on Ameera Noor's monogrammed jewelry! I've been looking for a monogrammed necklace for a long time now - as a college student, I don't have the money to buy one for over $100 (I wish)! When I saw this sale, I couldn't believe it. I bought this necklace in gold for $31! Not only is it already $72 off, I found that if I used the coupon code NOOR20 I got 20% off my purchase!

Stack up on some really beautiful monogrammed pieces while you can! This necklace is next on my list.

Cheers!

6 Things You Can Do on Earth Day!

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Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is definitely one of my favorite holidays. When I picture Earth Day, I picture being outdoors, spending time in the garden, and doing what I can to help nourish the planet we live on! Here are six things you can do today (or everyday) to reduce your negative impact on our planet, save money, and save resources!

Plant something  ||  I love gardening. Being out in the garden and tending plants gives me a sense of pride, plus I enjoy it! Since I'm away at school, I can't this year, but I have a tradition of planting a few plants on Earth day: flowers, herbs, shrubs, vegetables, even trees! It's always a fun project to do with someone you love, and you end up with a lovely garden!

Be proactive in using re-usable items  ||  Many places, especially college campuses, are more than happy to serve drinks in re-usable mugs or tumblers! Some coffee shops (including Starbucks) are starting to offer drinks and food items in reusable mugs or plates/bowls instead of paper cups or bags. Re-usable shopping bags are great, too, when running to the store to pick up some snacks. Opt for these choices!

Recycle  ||  I'm a person who feels very guilty when I can't recycle. Recycling is so easy and takes no effort at all! Once you start, it becomes a habit and something you don't even think about. Make this an everyday thing - it can really help in the long run!

Reduce water use  ||  I'll be the first to say that sometimes, my showers are too long. Sometimes I get caught up in the hot water and forget I've spent 5 minutes standing there! Small things, like turning off the faucet or shower head when brushing your teeth or shaving your legs, can save water - without any effort!

Take the bus, walk, or bike  ||  I don't own a bike (I wish!) or have a car at school, so walking and the bus are my two main transportation options. Taking the bus can seem like a hassle, but once you've done it a bit, you realize how easy it is! Taking advantage of mass transportation truly does make a difference - plus there's no paying for gas!

Buy or eat local  ||  I live in a city where buying and eating local is huge. Everyone does it! Even our dining halls buy local foods. Buying local not only support local businesses and farmers, but reduces the time spent transporting goods and food, reduces transportation costs, and reduces the amount of preservatives in our foods! Plus, something about eating local just tastes better.

I hope you all have a very happy Earth Day!

Are you doing anything for Earth Day today?

Cheers!

Easter

Old Navy Top  ||  Hollister Cardigan (old, similar)  ||  Hollister Skirt (similar)  ||  Sandals (old, similar)  ||  Forever21 Necklace (similar)

I hope everyone experienced a great Easter! I attended church with my boyfriend and his mom for the first time and had no idea what to wear! I wasn't planning on attending a service so I didn't bring an outfit home for the purpose of church. I decided to wear this maxi skirt I bought from Hollister last week with this old cardigan and random Old Navy t-shirt. I don't think it looked too bad!

Have a great week!

Cheers!

Friday Fives

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Phew! This week has flown by. I am so thankful that it's already Friday (again) and that Easter weekend is here. My plans for this weekend consist of visiting with my family, spending quality time with long time friends, and doing lots of reading for my Ancient Rome Literature course. Fingers crossed that the rain that has recently re-introduced itself to Washington doesn't prolong its stay and the sun comes back out! 

1  ||  Lorde has been playing on my Spotify playlist non-stop this week. Ribs and Glory and Gore are currently my top two favorites! I love listening to them with headphones in - the experience is so different! 

2  ||  This easy but stunning hairstyle from once wed is the perfect way to look put together under 10 minutes (when you take out the blow drying). Who know looking flawless could be so effortless? 

3  ||  Did you hear that I made a new Instagram? Now that I (finally) got a new phone, I decided to make an account for Prep Northwest - make sure to follow me here!

4  ||  Every once in awhile (let's be honest - every couple of years) I like to go back and read the history and meaning of my name. It's so fun and interesting! Behind the Name gives you a quick and easy definition of your name, and even shares what your name is in different languages! How fun?!

5  ||  Little illustrations are some of my favorite things to come across on Tumblr and Pinterest. Nanna Prieler has some of the cutest illustrations! This pineapple, for example - how cute?!

I hope everyone has a fun, safe, and sunny weekend!

P.S. Please share links to easy and fun hairstyles for collarbone-length locks! ;)

Cheers!

Chopped!

I cut my hair! This was a decision I've been debating for months (remember this post?) and finally did it! With all my dry, dead ends cut off, my hair is now extremely soft, doesn't get very tangled, and is so easy to work with. I'm so happy with it! It's going to take some getting used to - I've never had short hair like this! I'm excited to work with it and discover fun ways to style it, without looking like a mom (ha!). Short hair seems to be really "in" right now - I'm so in love with it!

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Where do you go for hair inspiration? Send links my way!

Cheers!

The Pixie

Old Navy satin shirt (similar)  ||  J.Crew Pixie pants (on sale now!)  ||  Coach cross-body bag (similar)  ||  AE Sandals (old, similar)  ||  Sunglasses (old, similar)

Happy Tuesday! It's a very happy Tuesday - I'm sharing my new Pixie pants today! I bought this amazing J.Crew Pixie pants over the weekend at my local J.Crew and couldn't wait to wear them. I snagged them for only $55! With the sale price and my student discount, I couldn't pass them up. They're incredibly comfortable, are appropriate for my internship this summer, and have a fun strip of leather down each leg. I'm in love!

Have you purchased any new pieces you can't wait to share?

Cheers!

Friday Fives

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I'm so glad this week is over! It's only the second week of the quarter yet I'm already exhausted. Thankfully this weekend will be full of relaxation, family, a baseball game (yay!), and a new haircut. I'm so excited! Hopefully this weekend doesn't feel as short as it is. Here are a few links I'm loving.

1  ||  Anyone remember me mentioning cooler painting in this post? This Facebook group is the perfect place to ask for advice, share tips, and post photos of (your own) coolers! It's so fun to look at!

2  ||  I found this great workout routine on Pinterest (are you following me?). Getting fit and being healthy is on my radar and this easy(ish) routine is a great way to start!

3  ||  Who can resist a Bath and Body Works sale? All their 3-wick candles are 2 for $22! There are so many amazing scents: Caribbean Escape (my #1), Limoncello, Pineapple Mango, Watermelon Lemonade, Sundress... I could go on forever (or for all 78). They're the perfect way to maintain relaxed when stuck inside studying.

4  ||  Have you read any Levo League articles? They're amazing. They feature anything from amazing career advice (including how to write the perfect resume!), to articles featuring different influential women, to fashion advice from iconic women in fashion!

5  ||  I'm considering splurging on a pair of Jack Rogers for this summer. My problem: do I want the Lauren sandal or the monogrammed ones?

I hope everyone has an amazing and sunny weekend!

Cheers!

Homemade Iced Tea!

Iced tea is the drink of spring and summer. Nothing else compares to sitting in the sun with a fun dress on sipping on a cup of sweet, iced tea! Instead of buying a bottle of iced tea each time you're craving a glass, making your own is cost effective, delicious, and so easy. Here's just how easy it is:

What do you Need?

-Tea of choice

-A cup of ice

-Sugar, to taste

-A cute glass ;)

What tea you choose is important when it comes to iced tea. Herbal and fruity teas are my personal favorites when it comes to any cold tea! Blueberry Superfruit from Stash (a PNW local brand!) is absolutely delicious when a little sugar and a handful of ice is added.

How Easy is Iced Tea?

-Brew tea to taste, usually between 3-5 minutes

-Add sugar (if any) to taste while tea is still hot

-Pour hot tea over a cup of ice

These Lilly Pulitzer cups I bought last summer are perfect for the spring and summer months. They're so bright, cheery, and hold just the right amount of tea (or lemonade!). Hope you enjoyed this ridiculously easy "recipe" I've shared!

Do you have a favorite spring or summer drink?

Cheers!

Double Navy

Sweater - Old Navy  ||  Button Up - JCPenny (similar)  ||  Skirt - H&M  ||  Tights  ||  Boots - Steve Madden (old, similar)  ||  Watch - Gruen II (similar)

Washington weather is treating us well today! The sun was out today and put everyone in a great mood. There's nothing like sunshine after so many days of rain and overcast. I have an early morning class which gets me walking to breakfast at 8 am every morning, so I put on some tights to keep my legs warm until the sun came out.

Next week I'm cutting my hair! I've been so bored with it lately and need a change. It's been long since I was in 5th grade (that's been over 8 years!). I know I'll be in shock for awhile after, but I also believe I'll really fall in love. I keep putting it up in a (not-the-cutest) pony just to keep it out of my way. Short hair will be perfect for this summer!

What do you think about short hair?

Cheers!