Wishlist: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

As we all know, April 19th is the long-awaited debut of the Lilly Pulitzer for Target line and I absolutely cannot wait!  Ever since they announced the collaboration, it has been on my calendar.
Then, the lookbook came out and I have been trying to save my money because everything is so cute and so reasonably priced!  Now I'm wondering whether I'll need to set up camp outside Target...

One of the nice things about this line is that there is going to be a little bit of everything - and a little bit for everyone, except our men.  Sorry, boys.  It would have been nice if they had ties!
There are pieces for women, women's plus, girls, toddler girls, home and beauty.  The prints you see have been exclusively designed for this collaboration, so that makes these pieces even more special!
Here are some items that I have my eye on!

I am loving all of the new prints and ALL of the dresses are under $40!  I can definitely see myself wearing some of these when I go to the beach in July!

There are tons of home items, including plates, napkins and serving trays, that are absolutely adorable.  They even have a HAMMOCK.  Like, I have no place for a hammock, but of course it's adorable.

I'm sure these pieces aren't going to last long, so I would be sure and have an account ready on Target's website if you plan on shopping online!  Some of the pieces are online only so you won't be finding those in the store.  Also, don't forget you get 5% off when you use your Target RedCard :) You can check out the lookbook here! As Lilly would say, "Life is a party. Dress like it!"

Don't forget to visit my post from yesterday to win a wall print from Sweet Water Decor!

Catching Up with Thursday Thoughts

Greetings!
I am well aware of the fact that I haven't blogged in a while.  I definitely hit a blogging wall and just didn't feel very motivated.  However, I have decided that I want to try and continue posting for my own memory's sake.  My mom recently showed me a "memory book", of sorts, that she jots down important dates and memories so that when we say, "What did we do last Easter???", we can look back and see.  That is what I want my blog to be.  A memory book.  Not a collection of posts that I make up just to fit in with the rest of the blogging world, but posts that mean something to me.  And if no one reads them but me (and maybe my mom), that will be alright with me.
So, here goes my thoughts for this Thursday:

Ready for summer!

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for summer.  Saturday will be so glorious, I can hardly wait.

Visiting the reception site...holy hometown goodness <3

I don't think I have announced this on the blog yet but my BFSTG (BEST FRIEND SINCE THIRD GRADE) is getting MARRIED in October!!! To say that I am excited is an understatement.  This girl & I go way back to the days of roll-on body glitter & Hit Me Baby One More Time.  I am so honored to be her bridesmaid and support her through this exciting season - and beyond!

Her Bichpoo! via Katelyn James Blog

I have decided, thanks to stalking the amazing photographs of Katelyn James Photography, that a Bichpoo is the dog for me.  Now all I need is a full-time job and my puppy search will begin! Let me know if y'all know anywhere on the east coast to find one!

On Galveston Island

While I was away I visited Houston.  I have now been to Austin, TX & Houston, TX.  I can say that I like Austin a whole lot better than Houston, however I just love Texas in general! 

Lastly, today I am yet again wearing an outfit completely made up from LOFT.  Fact #32 about living in a small town: sometimes all of your clothing ends up from the same 2 or 3 stores (in my case that would be Target, Old Navy & LOFT...aka the only stores we have with clothing for my "age group", whatever that is.)


T.G.I.T., y'all!

Friday's Fancies :: HELLO SUMMER!

Happy Friday & Happy SUMMER! & Happy Birthday, Dad! & Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day!
There are lots of reasons to celebrate today, which is good because today we leave the beach -- WOMP WOMP. This past week has flown by and I seriously feel like I just got here.  I ain't tan enough to go back home yet!! (is it just me or does tanning feel so much more legit at the beach? I feel so lame in my backyard...)   I'm excited to be back in the Friday's Fancies groove & share my summer faves :)

|one| I absolutely love my monogrammed hat from Crystal Faye! Mine is navy blue with white thread. I wore it this past week to go to Bodie Island Lighthouse! Crystal is such a sweet girl to work with, too! Team #shopcrystalfaye all the way! |two| My vineyard vines hat is my all time fave! I don't know what it is about it. I think I've just worn it in and it is so comfy! I have the exact style shown - color is: slate. |three| Where would I be without colorful chino shorts? 4" or 5" are my go-to length because they're perfect for me to wear to work! I love J. Crew and Old Navy. I just got a hot pink pair from J. Crew on sale -- only $15! Holla! |four| I am trying to get better about wearing sunglasses. My eye doctor somewhat scolded me for not ;) Although I don't have these Ray Bans, I would love a pair! |five| Is there a time of year more American than summertime? I think not. I am absolutely stoked for the 4th of July which is my second favorite holiday! This bow must be in my hair. Another cute one from Devon Alana! |six| No better way to kick off summer and make your tan pop than with a fresh mani! |seven| Just like life in general, summer is always better in Lilly. I am loving the Dock Hopper print! |eight| Of course, my Jacks are my go-to summer shoe! My platinum pair literally go with everything. I am going to wear them down til they're nothing! |nine| Summer purse essentials? Phone, wallet, KOOZIE! I was the koozie queen at the beach! Lilly koozie found here :) Also love these!! |ten| Last but not least, I spend many days during the summer in my classic norts. No matter how cute I want my outfit to be, you can never go wrong with norts & a comfy t-shirt! I swear by it!

Celebrate summer today & join in on the FF fun here at {long distance loving}!
Onward to Virginia! Back to the real world! :/ Have a great start to your weekend!

Oh My Essie!

Nothing says summer like a fresh mani!
I have been loving Essie's spring, resort, neon & summer collections so much! I wish they weren't so darn expensive and I would buy them all. I've recently discovered that our Walgreens sells Essie...I thought only Target did! Score!
Here are 4 of my faves for summer:  

The "rock the boat" is actually a little more blue than it appears here.
I'm trying to branch out with my polish color. I'm very much a PINK girl, or I go with a classic french. I've done a lilac before and red, but I typically go for a bright pink/coral color. I need to just GO FOR IT and remember that if I hate it, that's why they made polish remover :)
What shade are you currently wearing? Please inspire me to branch out to blues/greens!

Summer Reads!

Althoughhhhhhh I'm in grad school this summer & have plenty to do for that (boo!), I'm still dreaming/hoping of getting in some FUN reading. I am getting to do a little bit of that at the beach this week...hey, that's what vacation is for, right!?

Here's what's on my list currently...

Read any of them? I love getting on goodreads and seeing what everyone is reading! Although, I'm bad at updating mine. I need to do that. However I love looking at what people rate books...that's how I find a lot of my reads! I heard from several 6th graders that suggested The Fault in Our Stars so hopefully they don't let me down ;)
Let me know what you're reading so I can add to my list!

Prepping for Travel!

I have two trips coming up in the next two weeks that I am so pumped about! This Thursday-Sunday I'll be heading to Richmond with Steven for a super fun weekend! Of course we'll be hitting up Short Pump, but also will make it to a Flying Squirrels game, Busch Gardens and...the first annual bacon festival! That should definitely be an experience ;) Then, next Friday, I'm headed to the BEACH! I'll be relaxing on the North Carolina shore for one week. I absolutely cannot wait!

 Got all the goods! Sunscreen, a good book, eye protection, Jacks and pretty nails are all essential!   My iPad will be nice to entertain me on rainy days, or when I run out of books I have one on there! Plus, I'll have to keep up with my school work...WOMP!   Starbucks is needed in the car. Always.
Running shoes are coming with me since I'm training this summer for two big races in the fall!
I just got a new striped beach tote that I lovvvve...I'll be sure to share a picture of it!     What are some of your summer travel essentials?

Wordless Wednesday: I'm Dreaming Of...

Fast-forward...to the BEACH!

I know many of my friends have exciting things coming up, whether it be a wedding, a new baby, graduation or a big trip. While I have graduation to look forward to, of course, my mind has recently been on one thing: the beach! My mom has booked a beach house in Avon for a week in June and - y'all I could NOT be more pumped.  I haven't spent a week at the beach in FAR too long! Last summer I didn't get to go anywhere near the beach! I am long overdue for some beach bummin'. Here are some pictures of the house we have rented -- it's called High Hopes. {And yes, Mom and I eliminated some of the houses just based on what they were called!}   Not sooooo cute on the front...

  But it has two decks! And those windows, yeah they face the ocean.

I can see myself sitting here, watching the waves, drinking a mimosa...

I'll be cookin' some grub in this kitchen! I love the breakfast bar. So beachy.

Call me a 5 year old but I kind of want dibs on a top bunk...I haven't slept in one since the 2nd grade, probably...

Okay, YES. Me. This deck. A beach read. A margarita. KTHANKSBYE!

I'll be heading for those stairs every day! So happy that we'll be so close to the ocean. Gonna be tannin' for dayyyys...

Another plus -- it's pet friendly! Which means Sadie girl gets to come :) I think we'll have some extended family there as well. It's going to be great! Is it weird that I've already thought about things I'm going to wear?
AHHHH can it be June already!? Plus this means ONE WEEK off from work! Besides the boo-boo to my paycheck, I could not be more excited.   Anyone else going to be in the OBX this June? I would lovvvve to see some friends!

Now, I return to the rainy, dreary day that is Blacksburg...I'll keep dreamin' :)

Recently I...

...watched the last games of summer ball...

 The mustangs made it to the playoffs this year, but unfortunately didn't make it out of the first round where they lost two to the #1 seed, the Edenton Steamers.

The returning players from last year...a great group of guys!
...enjoyed a day at the lake...

Although I don't live at the beach, which would be ideal, I do live about 20 minutes away from Claytor Lake State Park! They have a beach/swimming area, camping grounds, hiking and biking trails, pontoon/boat/jet ski rentals, etc. It's an awesome park and we love to go there for the day to swim! This time it was for our last field trip of the summer. My usual tan-then-swim routine was replaced with frolicking through the shallow end with my favorite kiddies! I had so much fun with them, and we had a cookout for lunch!
...caught a couple cat naps with Belle...

snoozin with steven

 This kitty cat likes to nap! She runs around constantly, chasing strings and Sadie's tail, but eventually she settles down -- usually on your lap or chest. I love kitten cuddles :)

Today is Belle's 2 month birthday!

...dodged rain drops & ate lots of food at Steppin' Out...

 Giant sicilian slice from PK's...yum! And for only $3!

 GOBBLE CAKES!! So excited for their grand opening!

We tried the "Old Faithful" (yellow cake, chocolate frosting) and the "Huckleberry" (cinnamon blueberry cake, cream cheese frosting) -- to. die. for.

It literally almost rained the ENTIRE weekend of Steppin' Out. It was such a bummer! Unfortunately it wasn't the rain that you could walk with an umbrella in comfortably and still look at booths. Most booths closed up until the rain left, which wasn't quickly. It was still a wonderful weekend downtown, though!

I got Sadie a new bandana that slips over her collar:

Picked one that she can wear anytime! Especially now during the Olympics!
...won an amazing giveaway from Chicago Prepster and Bridier Baubles...

How cute is this Cece Stack?? I wanted to share it with you all because I know I have some jewelry lovers out there, and this bracelet doesn't disappoint! It's one bracelet made to look like multiples. It goes on like a spiral. I love all of the colors in it! I wore it the other day with my LP Peel and Eat skort! It was perfect!
Today starts my week off! I'm going to be moving into my new apartment this Wednesday...pictures and updates to come on that! Hoping to have a super organized closet and a room with more of a theme.
Happy Monday!

Summer Reading & Giveaway Alerts!

Here is my confession: I tend to be a slow reader. I can't bring myself to read an entire book in one day. Mainly because I get so sleepy but I also get a little ADD...
However, the truth is: I love to read!My list of books I want to read is endless, but I thought I'd share a few that are on my mind.Hopefully y'all can give me good reviews on a couple (or all)!
Right now I'm finishing...

My mom is a huge James Patterson fan -- mostly his mystery films. I might try and get into those since the Cross series is going to be made into a movie. There's another fact: I love when books are made into movies! Especially when the movie lives up to the book. I love seeing what actors are chosen/how the setting is done in comparison to what was in my mind while I was reading.
Here's what's coming up on my Summer Reading list, in no particular order:

Have you read any of these? Any I should make a priority? Any I should take off?I would love recommendations :) *Lastly, go right now to Crystal's blog, Coffee at Nordstrom, and check out her Jack Rogers giveaway!

*Also go to Chicago Prepster to enter TWO giveaways! One from Bridier Baubles (the Cece Stack) and one from Southernly Stated!

 

  Happy Tuesday!