Spice Up Your Life

My childhood (along with Britney Spears) in a nutshell:

Needless to say I was PUMPED last night during the closing ceremony!

They haven't lost their girl power at all.     I'm thinking World Tour 2013, with a stop in Virginia? :)   p.s. On another excited note, Happy Shark Week!!

Friday's Fancies: Gingham Gorg!

Gingham has really grown on me. At first I didn't like it, but now I want one of everything gingham!   This week's Friday's Fancies with {long distance loving} has me going gaga for gingham!   Here is my girly gingham outfit of choice:

  I love the gingham choices that J. Crew has! (And their chinos that go with everything.) This pink button down is too cute!  The mini mongram and flower pearl studs from Baublebar and Fossil wrap watch and clutch are the perfect accessories - making a statement, but in a neutral way. Of course, Jack Rogers Hamptons Navajo sandals complete any summer outfit! Incorporate some gingham into your outfit today!
--------------------------------------   I've been so busy the last couple of days moving into my new apartment! It is going to take some getting used to...very different than my townhouse from the past two years! I'll be posting pictures at some point :) Until then...send some "small closet organization" magic my way!   Have a wonderful weekend!

Snail Mail Central

One thing I absolutely love is writing and receiving letters! Emails and texts can be deleted and lost forever, whereas letters can be kept in a safe place to be re-read and cherished.

Need a reason to write a letter? Here are some:
*Any holiday/occasion! I've heard December 7th is Letter Writing Day.
*Say hello!
*Say thank you for a gift or kind gesture
*Notify someone of your new address
*Send a favorite photo from a recent trip and a summary of what you did
*Send a family member or friend clips of their favorite comic strip
*Invite friends over for a girl's night/weekend
*Write to your friends at other colleges. Let them know what you've been up to all semester!

I am definitely a stationery hoarder. I pick up cute notecards whenever I see them.
Here are some favorites -- only one of which I own!

one//two//three//four//five//six//seven//eight

  Of course I'm partial to Sweet Tea Paperie (six-eight) but the ones I own are the Lilly ones! I love the box that they come in, as well as the color coordinating envelopes :)   Happy letter writing!

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!

Sunday Social

I know this post is a little late in the day, but better late than never, right?  

  Here are this week's questions...all about Fall!
1. What is your favorite Fall activity? Definitely football games and going to the pumpkin patch!!

2. Do you follow a football team? If so which one and why? Of course, my Virginia Tech Hokies are #1!!

I don't watch too much NFL, but I follow the Eagles (Steven's team) and the Steelers (Dad and James' team)...gotta make everyone happy! I guess I'm also a Giants fan, now that they have David Wilson!
3. What is something fun about fall in your area? We are a small, college football town, so gamedays are very fun! Sun is shining, breeze blowing, everyone has on maroon and orange, (traffic is crazy)...there is Hokie energy in the air! I love it.
4. What are your favorite fall outfit staples? BOOTS, skinny jeans, cardigans and scarves. The essentials.
5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season? Being done with my last fall semester. My last football season as a student! I'm not really looking forward to it, but it is exciting. Also hoping Steven comes to a game! Although the biggest thing is James coming HOME in October!!
6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Traditions? Thanksgiving is my favorite! I like Halloween, but it isn't as fun now that I'm getting older. Thanksgiving is great...cool temperatures outside, warm fires inside, delicious food, leftovers galore, friends, families all together, football games, black Friday shopping...I love it! But mostly the food. Turkey, 'taters, cranberry sauce, rolls...nomz. The past couple of Thanksgivings, I've spent with Steven and his family in PA. I am so thankful for that!