click and watch-everyone needs to see this.

http://www.viddler.com/embed/70d1d214/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=48017121&disablebranding=0

 

sometimes it is more than just a game. 

small actions create big movements.

take the time to care. 

kindness matters. 

SIMPLY flawless

Jessica Chastain at The Oscars on Sunday

Last years awards.



There is nothing better than someone who dresses their body and understands how beautiful simplicity and happiness is. Jessica radiates both last year and this year. Kudos to her for keeping it classy, beautiful, and lovely. Hollywood take note.

Fashion Friday: Pregnancy Style Done Right

Pregnancy style is not universal. AT ALL. You may be the girl who is super skinny and just has a bump- aka Kate Middleton. You may be curvy- aka Kim Kardashian. You may be an in between. If you are the teeny pregnant woman (lucky you) feel free to wear tight clothes, cutely exposing your adorable bump. If you are more curvy, tight on the bottom, loose on top is the way to go. Tight clothes just hug you and make you look horrible. Most of all- keep it classy! Kate Middleton is the perfect example, but Kim Kardashian fails. Not only does she look huge in her attempt to try to squeeze into clothes and try to remain "fashionable" but she looks trashy (although that is not much of a change).

That does not look good Kim. You just look slightly fat. Embrace your pregnancy and stop trying to fit into your normally tight and trashy clothes.

Hello gorgeous! How classy and refreshing that young "celebrity" dresses appropriately and does it with style and grace. Some more favorites include:

Reese does pregnancy right.. classy, sophisticated, and stylish!

All these celebrities embracing the new bodies-- covering up and still looking oober adorable!

No Kim.. just no. Not on person on earth wants to see through your dress, look at your boobs, or see your expanding stomach through cutouts in your dress. Wise up and get classy.

Thoughts on pregnancy style? I think we can all agree keeping it classy is the best way to go!

xoxo
Caroline

Some exciting news.

So two days ago I found out I was accepted to the study abroad program which means I will be spending my entire junior year abroad(yup-you read that right). Most people say spending a year is too long and crazy, but second semester is significantly shorter than the first and it is set up so travel is super easy during the weeks of April and May. Everyone I talk to says that they wish they had spent a year. To say I have lived a year in Europe will undeniably be the coolest thing ever! I have many fears. For one, I am a homebody and have always attended school near my parents, but I have no doubt that I will enjoy every minute of this new experience. It is enthralling, exciting, new, and filled with opportunities like : seeing every country in Europe(something I plan to do), meeting tons of new people (other abroad students and locals), taking classes from a European perspective, having tons of photos that make me look worldly and experienced, and finally, all the cool souvenirs I will venture home with. In essence, when will I ever get the opportunity to travel like this again and with everything laid out and planned by someone else. The potential benefits far outweigh the risks... so why not!

Now of course many of you are chomping at the bit to see where I will be studying next year.... drum roll please.....I will be spending the year in Galway Ireland.

Galway is right on the water so breathtaking views are in store for anyone who visits!

literally.. everything boarders the ocean.

It is a city known for its quaint atmosphere, friendly people, and smaller size. Although small, students there now assure me there is always plenty to do and explore. Never a dull moment.

nighttime is breathtaking, as seen here.

The country side is filled with open green and beautiful cottages.

Lots of Irish castles are scattered and will surely be visited for many tours and photos (perhaps a love story with a prince... a girl can dream).

Lastly, my college campus will look like this- not too shabby huh? Rich with history, buzzing with youth, and access to travel makes this destination just perfect for a year abroad. Now what are you waiting for... go book your flight for a visit!!

xoxo
Galway Girl

Wednesday Whereabouts- Valentines Party!

This weekend I (well, my mother) hosted a Valentines party. It was supposed to be before Valentines day, but Nemo changed those plans. It was so nice to get away from campus and escape all the craziness of school to enjoy some fun, no hassle, time with friends. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast- waffles, heart-shaped bacon, chocolate covered strawberries, fruit, and hot cocoa. Kudos to my mom who whipped it all together and made it look effortless!

We then proceeded to decorate all sorts of Valentines cookies--each putting out own flare to our cookies. 

All the ladies working hard!

The cookies are an awesome recipe... easy to make (no mess), and bake (so yummy)!

The frosting is my mom's specialty. Pink and white were the perfect combo!

Note: We are decked out in Valentines aprons... no shame.

mastering the art of the frosting bag is much more difficult than one would think!

Holding up our prized pieces. I was pretty impressed with my writing so I chose this one!

Maggie holding up her wonderful heart!

Emma's motto for the day was quality over quantity... thus, she ended up with about six cookies total.

Sarah (the roommate)!

My mom made some delicious drink that will be posted soon. It was such a hit! So light and fresh and perfect because it was pink! Note all the different cookies.. they all came out great!

Holding our goodie bags! Nail files, themed socks, hand sanitizers, pens, and chocolate&decorated marshmallows. Not to mention a full bag of Cupids Crunch (aka, reindeer food, white trash--whatever you call it in your house... the mix is so delicious!).


The loot in the back of the car. All the cookies, boxes, and bags. It was so fun and lighthearted to be with friends enjoying time in my home. Thanks so much mom for preparing everything and being such a wonderful hostess... oh and for doing my laundry(#collegeproblems). I love you!

Obsessions

Current obsessions:

1. Hunter Boots- I am hoping to snag a pair soon (especially when I go abroad to rainy Ireland!). They have so many great colors and look great with all outfits!

2. Chevron- Some people think this print has gone out of style, but I think it is relatively timeless. Its my generations version of the stripes.

3. LuLu Lemon Yoga Pants- I know people say they are overpriced, but I used my first paycheck to buy a pair. I haven't taken them off since. Totally worth it! The material, way they hug your curves, and comfort make these the best yet. I am consciously choosing another pair because mine are so worn already!

4. Lilly Pultizer stationary- I love the prints and it is inspiration to stay organized and write lots of cute reminders.

5. Brita Water Bottles- These are so helpful in college when your most valued commodity (aka water bottles) run out and you need to trust the water you are drinking. They come in cute colors and are super durable.  The cap unscrews to reveal the filter.

Those are my current obsessions. What are you obsessing over lately?

xoxo
Caroline

Movie Monday- a quick pleaser!

Sometimes you want to watch a movie, but you don't want to be up half the night.. right? Well that happens to me a lot since my indecisiveness often times leaves me little time to actually watch a movie. I have the cure! Disney movies are crowd pleasers no matter what age you are. They have humor for adults, but the animation and story please kids. Seriously-- you don't even need a little kid around as an excuse to pop a Disney flick in. The best part? They are short! Most don't run over 1.5 hours and animation these days is phenomenal. My roommate and I both agree everyone needs to go out and see Tangled. Disney's new take on Rapunzel is hilarious, cute, and has some great songs!

Mandy Moore plays the lead. It couldn't be a more perfect fit.. you'll fall in love with her! Her voice is that of an angel in all of the songs.

These two are a dynamic duo and I trust they will entertain you! So go rent or buy it! Totally worth it.. even for adults. Who doesn't love to watch carefree cuteness?! Happy Watching!!

Trashy TV- The Real Housewives

Do you guys watch the Real Housewives franchise? I know it is a lot of peoples dirty pleasure. I have to say I am one of them! I watch all of them (except Atlanta and Miami.. got to draw the line somewhere!) The current rotation lands on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

I

I love all these women because their drama is hilarious and honestly, if they think they are fooling anyone as to their intentions for the show, that is even funnier! They all have some sort of fashion, jewelry, or restaurant that they are trying to promote. Despite the petty ridiculous behavior... I am hooked!!

Kyle has always been my favorite. I actually find her kind of real (ironic I know!). I adore her relationship with her husband (though I question a man who would agree to appear on a reality show) and the way she loves her kids. However, I must admit, her actions this season have made me think she is a little sneaky. BUT if my girl Bethenny Frankel loves her then she is still good in my book. I adore Bethenny!

I will be tuning in weekly to see all the drama hash out. Do you all have dirty pleasures or trashy TV shows you simply cannot tear your eyes from? If you are shaking your head... your lying. Everyone does. I leave you with this simple predicament... team Brandi or team Leann?

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines day lovelies! I hope your day is full of love, hugs, and kisses!

I received a pretty awesome care package in the mail today... just in time for the special day of love! Nothing a college gal or guy loves more than receiving some love from someone else. This package included some awesome goodies!

Lilly Pulitzer notepad and sticky pad...you can do no wrong when it comes to Lilly and organization. Both are extremely awesome. Loving the print too!

A sports bra... pink no less. Every gal needs more of these. You can never have enough!

Some awesome cards from my Mom and Dad... My dad's was witty as always. Not to mention some awesome smelling sachet packets which are always much needed in a stuffy dorm room!

These gloves match a scarf and hat that I got from my grandmother for Christmas. They are so cute and match everything!

This is the real jackpot!! I have been lusting after this Talbots vest for so long, but originally the price was too much to justify. When it went on sale they all got snatched up (clearly everyone was loving it too!) and I thought my chances were gone. However, my mother is the absolute best, most awesome, amazing person for snagging one (and repeatedly lying saying she couldn't find it). I am currently styling it around school and I couldn't be more happy. It is so darn cute and comfy! Thanks Mom and Dad for making my day extra exciting and special!

I leave you with one of the cutest pictures ever. My family is dog-sitting for Tucker, the beautiful (and sassy) dog of one of my teacher/coaches in high school. We sent her a pic of the lovebirds and she appropriately captioned it and posted it on instagram. Melt my heart! Hope you enjoy all the love today! muahh!!

Be the diva- don't act like one.

The queen diva of music is obviously Beyonce. There is no denying she has talent and beauty. I mean that girls skin is ridiculously amazing. She killed the halftime show, which was refreshing since in the past half time shows have been washed up singers hoping to get one last leg of their career or publicity for a new album.

Gorgeous...we would all die to look like that on a daily, even annual basis.

Clutch move bringing Destiny's Child up on stage for a reunion. Besides it being good publicity for their reunion album, squeaks and squeals from girls around the country could be heard as their favorite divas took the stage in typical leather kick butt style. We will ignore the fact that you couldn't actually hear them since their microphones were too low.

I am choosing to ignore the fact that she named her daughter Blue Ivy. I have no idea why celebrities think naming their child Apple and Blue is appealing. Trust me, your child will stick out enough when you, the celebrity, shows up to school to pick them up and paparazzi are following you. You don't need a ridiculous name to set your child apart. Your existence covered that category.

This brings me to my overall point.... why Beyonce? With all you have for talent and beauty would you lip synch!! There is no justyfing what she did because you know what? Kelly Clarkson did it! She showed up and despite the cold and frigid weather, she sang live. She used her talent. If you are truly talented and passionate, you surely can belt it out wherever whenever. I am pulling out my diva card on this one. Being a diva and acting like one are two different things and you do not want to act like a diva. Beyonce claimed that she wanted to keep the day sacred and not take away from the Presidents historic moment... well FAIL on that one. All anyone could talk about was the lip synching scandal that tarnished her perfect image up until that point.

While Beyonce is still the worlds reigning diva- she notched herself down a little bit in an unforgivable way.  Kudos to Kelly Clarkson for keeping it real.

-Caroline