Date Wear

Hey Everyone! 

I don't know about you, but whenever I think about spring, the two colors that pop into my head are: green and pink. I honestly have no idea why, they just do! 

Anyway, for today's post, I styled two outfits featuring my two go-to spring colors that I would definitely love to wear for a date with that special someone, or even a fun girls night! 

I hope you enjoy!

Date Outfit Ideas. by preppyonthewestcoast

1 - I first spotted these white scalloped shorts and I knew I wanted the outfit to be coordinated around them! I added a fun green and white vertical stripe chiffon blouse that ties at the waist with a gold "love" bangle that ties in with the gold buttons on the blouse. I finished the outfit off with a pair of bright pink ballet flats to add a little more color to the outfit! 

2 - This outfit, I LOVE! I have been loving skater skirts ever since they first came out this past winter and I thought this bubblegum pink one was too cute! Since it is high waisted, I added a white cropped tee (you could easily opt for any sort of white top) and a navy and white sweater to cover up if it gets a little cool out! I then added a pair of Vans sneakers (I would probably wear Keds or Tretorns), because I wanted this outfit to be comfy but still fun and girly! 

For both these outfits, to show the versatility, I added a small brown Coach crossbody purse, so you can fit all of your essentials!

What would you be wearing on a springtime date?

XX,
Grace

Workout Playlist

Hey Everyone! 

If you don't follow me on Twitter, @westcoastpreppy, you wouldn't know that I am a swimmer and a runner, therefore, I have quite a large workout playlist. I thought it would be fun to share with you all my top fifteen favorite songs (I couldn't narrow it down to just ten...) to listen to while exercising!

Generally, when I workout, I like to have upbeat, happy music playing that will make me enjoy the workout and keep my adrenaline pumping!

When it comes to choosing music, I tend to lean towards the "pop" genre, the One Direction, Ke$ha, Katy Perry and Beyonce songs, however, I do have a couple other artists thrown in there! I also love the One Direction and Victoria's Secret PINK station on Pandora, which I've previously mentioned before! 

{ Click HERE for my Spotify, 'Workout Playlist' }

What is on your workout playlist?!

XX

Grace

Book Review :: Lean In

Today I will be doing a review of my most recent read, titled Lean In. This book is written by Sheryl Sandberg. Who is Sheryl you might ask? She is a women's rights advocate and an inspirational speaker! She is also a Harvard graduate and the COO of Facebook, in addition to being a wife and a mother of two. Basically, she is a real-life, modern day superwoman! Sheryl is a big role model for me, so when her book came out recently, I was so eager to buy it.

Lean In is Sheryl's guide (and part memoir) of how to juggle being a competitive woman in the workforce while also being an involved family member/mother in today's society. I know that "work" and "mother" are words that don't necessarily apply to me just yet, but I still loved reading her accounts of how women face discrimination in the workplace and how she tackled the challenges put in her way with grace and confidence. I believe that if more women acted and behaved like Sheryl, women today would not only dominate the top-tier job positions, they would be doing amazingly well at their jobs! This book was hardly an outlet for Sheryl to brag about her successes though. She wrote plenty about her failures and embarrassing moments, and called out her own flaws on numerous occasions. I think that understanding and admitting your weaknesses in an internationally published best-selling book is a pretty courageous move!

All in all, I loved this book and I think that both men and women, young and old, should pick it up and read it :)

XX,

Vina

Car Playlist

In my family, we have extreme differences in music tastes. I don't prefer to listen to 80's music {my dad's favorite} for 12 hours in the car on a road trip, sorry; I don't. My family takes road trips oh-so frequently, as we are a "surfer family" {beach bums, to say the least}. Except the beach is 2 1/2 hours away and weekend trips are a regular occurrence.

I've developed a general, fairly random playlist for the Spring road trip season. In every basic road trip playlist, you need some indie, Taylor Swift, country, pop, some girl power and a throwback or two!

If you haven't heard of Alex Goot he is a MUST check out, plus who doesn't love the Jonas Brothers! Sara Bareilles is a current fave; her music ranges across the genres but in the end is girl power!

Any artists you've been loving?

XX,
Maggie

Movie Reviews

Hey y’all, today I am going to be sharing some of my favorite new movies that have recently been released into theaters and DVD! Just so you know, I hate scary movies because they are well…. Scary. I am not a big fan of action movies either. These movies I am talking about today are more kid like movies mainly because when I saw these in the theatre I was with my family. I really enjoyed these movies too. Judge me.

OZ | Okay, if you have grown up in love with the Wizard of Oz, go see this. It is so awesome! I didn’t see it in 3D but the colors in this movie were fantastic! I’ll admit it, I was on the edge of my seat for some parts. GO SEE IT.

The Croods | This prehistoric movie is priceless. It’s a completely fictional movie showing how things became what they are now. The bond between the dad and daughter is quite hilarious as well! This movie is also a love story. Who doesn’t want to watch that?

Parental Guidance | This cute film is about how two grandparents reconnect and try to get involved with their grandchildren. The parents leave and the grandparents take on the stress of the three kids. The parents learn to let their kids to live a little and the grandparents learn that their own kids aren’t exactly kids anymore. Too cute!

XX,
 Bailey

Study Tips

Hi Everyone! 

Today, I will be showing you my three GO-TO tips when it comes to preparing for an upcoming test! 

1. Be Prepared - I know, this sounds cliche. I mean, obviously when you have a test coming up you want to be prepared, but I mean even before the test is announced! Make sure all of your notes are easily readable, and if not, rewrite or type them up! This will help reinforce the information into your mind. Also, if it is a vocabulary or spelling test, make flashcards or a running list of the words as you are introduced to them so that you don't have to rush at the last minute! Also, study a little bit each night because you don't need any last minute all night cram sessions!

2. Color Code - I don't know about you, but I can definitely be OCD. When I am preparing for tests I like to have different things be different colors (especially when they are big unit tests). For example, on my last history test I took, I had green for people's names, blue for necessary terms, and purple for events that occurred. I just find this handy so that if there is one exact thing you are looking for, you can just focus on the color rather than wasting your time rifling through words that don't even pertain to what you need!

3. Do Your Homework - I know, this may sound naggy, but doing your homework actually really helps! On multiple math and history tests I have taken over the course of this year, questions that were on the homework were actually on the test! Additionally, the homework helps enlighten you on concepts you are set on and others that could use some help! (And it's easy points to boost your grade, too!!)

4. Get Lots of Sleep - Make sure the night before you get a lot of sleep. I even go to the extent of going two nights before to insure that I have just enough rest because nothing is worse than when you can barely keep your eyes open and your brain is in sleep mode during a test. 

5. Eat Healthy - Finally, make sure you eat a healthy meal before your test. I always opt for oatmeal with a glass of orange juice, because I always feel full and the orange juice makes me feel awake, therefore I will not be distracted while taking the test about my stomach growling! 

I know these tips are pretty generic, but maybe I added something in that could help you out when preparing for your next test! 

What are your go-to study tips? 

XX,
Grace

Random DIY

Hello! 

For today's post,  Random DIY, I thought a fun idea was actually courtesy of Ingrid or missglamorazzi on YouTube! 

I stumbled upon this DIY and thought it was definitely a very versatile craft, and the end result could be used for various different things, not just what she specifies it for, makeup brushes, but also, holding pens and pencils or containing random odds and ends on your bedside table! 

Additionally, the necessary items are inexpensive and very easy to get a hold of!

If you decide to try this DIY out, make sure to tweet a picture to @chitchatblog and/or me, @westcoastpreppy! 

XX,
Grace

Spring Break Essentials

Hello ladies! Today I will be sharing with you some of my spring break essentials!

1. A chambray button-up: For cooler evenings or to throw over a swimsuit top

2. Aviators and a sun hat: To keep harmful rays off of your face

3. A floral umbrella: To brighten up any rainy days

4. Colorful pair of shorts: Adds a pop of color to your springy outfits

5. Reading material: Such as a magazine or pleasure read, perfect for the poolside
6. Comfy/cute sneakers: For bike rides or walks on the beach

7. A flattering bikini: Victoria's Secret has great ones!

8. Camera: To capture all your memories

9. Pastel nail polish: Perfect for springtime

10. Pen and journal: So you can record your adventures

11. Sun block: For obvious reasons... Gotta keep your skin in pristine condition!

12. Bright cross body bag: Punchy colors like neon green are very in style right now for purses

13. Soft pink lips: Lip butters and bold pink lip stains should become your besties this break. Hydration and color are both equally important!

XX,
Vina

Closet Organization

Spring is the perfect time to start cleaning out your closets to make room for adorable new spring and summer clothes. Closet organization is essential if you want to keep track of all of your clothing and accessories!

1. Clothes: I usually keep my clothes in two closets: a fall/winter closet and a spring/summer closet. My fall/winter closet is the larger one, because where I live our cold season is much longer than our warm season! It is also the closet in my bedroom. My spring/summer closet is smaller and it is in our upstairs guest room which is conveniently located next door to my bedroom!

Fall/Winter Closet: This closet has two rungs. On the bottom rung are my pants, jeans, yoga pants, and sweatpants, as well as separate hangers for my scarves (I have a hanger for wool/heavier scarves and a hanger for silk/cotton/lighter scarves). My belt hanger goes on the bottom rung as well. On the top rung are my fall/winter tops, arranged by style of top. Sweatshirts hang on the far left, followed by thicker pullover sweaters, then buttoned cardigans, then long-sleeve tees, then collared button-ups, then three-quarter sleeve shirts, and then my short-sleeve tees.

Spring/Summer Closet: This closet has only one rung, and here is how I organize it left to right: Capris, shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, tank tops.

2. Shoes: I keep the ballet flats, sandals, sneakers, and boat shoes that I tend to wear the most hanging on a shoe rack on the door to my spring/summer closet. My collection of boots go on the floor of my fall/winter closet on a plastic sheet so they don't dirt, mud, water, etc. on my hardwood floors!

3. Bags: I keep a majority of my purses and tote bags hanging on hooks in my fall/winter closet. My dad bought the hooks at either Home Depot or Lowes, or some other home-improvement store like that and nailed them into the wall in my closet! Easy as that. I find that hooks are a very easy way to organize bags in your room. Also, I like that my bags are inside my closet so they don't take up space in my bedroom or make it look cluttered.

4. Laundry: I keep my laundry bin/hamper in my bedroom outside my fall/winter closet. I throw my dirty clothes in there whenever I am done wearing them, and after a few days when the bin fills up, I transfer it to our laundry room upstairs where my mom takes over the organization part! (My mom and I are very similar when it comes to order and cleanliness.) I also have hooks in my room outside of my closet where I hang my bathrobe, some baseball hats, and random clothes that I wore once for a very short period of time. This helps keep clothes off of my bedroom floor!

5. Decoration: I am obsessed with decorating my bedroom, and when I re-did my bedroom design a few years ago, I thought my closet doors looked very boring and drab. So I took a bunch of my old Vogue magazines, and cut out pages that I thought were cute! Also, when I was back in middle school, I had a bit of a Juicy Couture obsession, so I had lots of posters and cards from JC that I put up on the closet door. A fun task to do if you have free time is to clip out pages and pictures from your favorite magazines and tape them to your closet door to give you some fashion inspiration every time you go to pick out an outfit! Make sure you use tape, not glue though! You never know when your tastes will change and you will want those clippings off of your door...

I hope this post was helpful, and if you decide to re-organize your closet space, make sure to email a picture to us here at Chit-Chat, we would love to see your work!

XX,

Vina

Fun Friday Night

Who doesn't love a fun Friday night with their BFFs? If your closest friends are coming over you want to have a good time right?! All you need is pizza, snacks, and some good chick flicks! 

One of my friends and I love good pizza. It’s really weird but pizza is our favorite, we actually kind of bond over it. It doesn't really matter what kind it is, just as long as it is good. You can make your own (there are tons of recipes on pinterest!) or you can just order some delivery! Either works!

Being teenagers, you are constantly hungry. So snacks are a must have! Popcorn and cookies are great to have! Recently, I tried this trail mix recipe:

All you need you need is...

plain popcorn (1-2 bags depending on how much you want) 

1 bag of white chocolate chips 

corn pops cereal 

fritos 

M&Ms 

Here is how to make it...

Pop the popcorn 

Melt the white chocolate 

Put the popcorn, corn pops, fritos, and M&Ms on a pan evenly 

Drizzle the white chocolate all over the mix 

Once it sets, you can eat all you want! 

It is delish! I brought it to lunch one day and my friends and I ate it up!

Also, you need a great chick flick! She’s the Man and Pitch Perfect are great choices! I don’t know if you have heard of the movie Sleepover, it came out in 2004, but OMG it rocks! It’s pretty corny but my friends and I enjoy it!

XX,

Bailey

Favorite Spring Perfumes

Hi!

Today I will be talking about Spring Perfumes. I am not the type of girl with a designated "spring" perfume, they are typically light, calm and relaxed scents perfect for the change of weather. Also as teens we don't want to be wearing heavy super musky perfumes anymore! I put together perfumes based on current trends and I do admit, some are just too pricey for me!

Deal

In my gym bag I keep the travel size of Bath and Bodyworks "Country Chic". 

Which is described as "Spritz our refreshing Signature Collection Fragrance Mist lavishly on your body to lightly scent your skin with Country Chic, an effortlessly sexy blend of sparkling lemon, bright wildflowers, and spring woods inspired by the fresh air and natural beauty of America's countryside." I personally love both the simplicity of the scent and the price! $6.00 is amazing for a scent that I get so many compliments on! Also Bath and Body Works has a wide range of scents for any girl.

Trendy

I feel like everyone and their brother either has Taylor Swift's WonderStruck or Enchanted WonderStruck. The thing with it is that it varies on everyone who wears it. My best friend has the original as do I and it smells amazing, yet completely different from each other.

It is described as "Wonderstruck is an awe-inspiring feeling. It could be a connection with someone or a rush you get when you experience something magical. Wonderstruck is also a lyric in the song "Enchanted" on Taylor's album, Speak Now. In this fragrance, a charming and sparkling surprise of vibrant fruits kisses a bouquet of soft petals and a touch of sweet indulgence.".

Unexpected

A girl at my school wears this and sprays herself in the locker room, and oh my wow. She smells like grown up Easter Candy {not to be creepy or anything}. 

Something about Sofia from Benefit is really feminine and pretty but just makes me think of spring!

Described as "intriguing & mysterious oriental floral A poem to describe Sofia...she lives in a dream more dazzling than fiction imaginary yet real she defies all predication incredible girl Sofia draws you right into where the everyday ends"and magic begins..."Top notes: mango, freesia. Middle notes: sheer lily, jasmine sambac, peony petal Bottom notes: musk, white caramel, vanilla bean"

Also, places like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross {in that category}, normally have brand name perfumes. Plus perfumes smell different on different people, spend a day finding what you like and don't about certain scents!

XX,

Maggie

Styling The J. Crew Color Mix Necklace

Hi!

Today I am styling a trend I hope never goes out of style! Statement necklaces are just amazing, you can dress up any outfit with one and voila. Seriously though, the thought that I can dress up my (over worn) chambray shirt and turn it into a whole other outfit, is beyond me. As I mentioned in my Wishlist Post. I had J.Crew jewels, alas I didn't end up with any but, oh are they fun to look at!

Currently I have been crushing on the J.Crew Color Mix statement necklace which was described by J.Crew as:  

"A jumble of colors and textures comes together in an unexpected pattern that takes the statement necklace into a new realm. Impeccably designed and completely handcrafted, this piece mixes a brilliant candy-store color palette with an elevated layout—and looks amazing while doing it.". 

Either I am coming off my post Easter candy desire or something but it looks edible.

With my "crushing" comes outfit inspiration that I thought to share with y'all!

For a night out:

 

Lunch with friends:

What fashion pieces are you all loving?

XX,
Maggie

iPhone Cases

I don’t know about you, but it seems as if everyone and their mother have an iPhone. At least around where I live. A plain iPhone without a case is a true beauty. And yet so fragile! Luckily, there are so so so so so so so many case options!

Monogrammed Otterbox| You can just type in “monogrammed otterbox” into Google and so many websites will pop up! Certain websites may not have exactly what you want, but don’t give up, keep looking. It took me forever to find one I liked. I have had it for almost a year now; I use it more than any of my other cases, the case was a bit of a splurge but I’ve totally gotten my money’s worth out of it! It also protects very well!

Vineyard Vines Case| I have two from there. One I got for free and the other I bought. There isn’t much protection but they are both very preppy! I have one similar to the picture above and my other is the patchwork. It is very summery! They don’t have much protection and I am very OCD about it so I rarely use these.

Kate Spade Cases| Her cases are so unique! I love them! Very modern! I had trouble getting mine off (which I may be the only one or that case was defective) because all of my friends that have had them had no trouble. I seriously love the feel of the cases! They protect fairly well!

What case do you have for your phone? What cases do you like?

XX,

Bailey

Chocolate Cake In A Mug

As we are girls we know there are the things we want: new Lilly shift, Ryan Gosling to be single, our nails to never chip & chocolate.

We also know the things we need: food, water, family, shelter & chocolate {and maybe Taylor Swift dance parties}.

If you are anything like me you are a self diagnosed: shopaholic, monogramaholic and chocoholic. Well that’s a problem {not the shopping and monogramming. That’s NEVER a problem} with swimsuit season and eating healthy. Plus the “cravings” come at the WORST times and always we never have chocolate in the house.

Then I stumbled upon the genius idea on Pinterest. Cake in a mug, also brownie, cookie, French toast and cinnamon crumb cake all in a handy-dandy mug. But wait there’s more: I found a recipe of a chocolate cake in a mug for only 110 calories, {let the angel noises begin now}. It had the easiest, simplest ingredients and was said to take 35 seconds in the microwave.

Without further ado:

While I think I added too much milk to mine turning it into a mouse consistency it was delisicos and hit the spot! The actual recipe calls for coffee but I didn’t have any.

As soon as it came out of the microwave I dived in forgetting to take a picture… Sorry!

If you try it be sure to tell me how it goes! Original link to the recipe HERE

XX
Maggie

Spring Break Waxing

Hi!

Okay, I know... Waxing. Kind of an awkward topic, right? HOWEVER, if you want to have smooth, hairless skin that lasts for weeks, keep reading!

Now, I am here to give you all the 4-1-1 on the two waxes I definitely recommend if you are hitting the beach, and try to not make the overall topic not so awkward! 

Let's jump right in! 

Bikini - Pretty self explanatory. This is what is recommended to be rid of those little, awkward hairs located along the bikini line! It is said that it is obviously, uncomfortable when it is being done, but does work and if you are self-concious about this issue, go ahead, because it lasts a long time before you need to go back! Also, if you would like to get rid of more, you could try the brazilian. It has actually been revealed women prefer this waxing, however, the final decision is up to you! 

Legs/Arms/Back - I definitely am intrigued by the idea of waxing your legs. I am a swimmer and runner, so obviously I have to shave my legs... A LOT. I think this idea of waxing your legs is a fabulous alternative to having to shave every other night! Additionally, it is speculated that this will last 4-8 weeks, depending on the person! #DefinitelyGonnaCheckItOut

Well, I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe helped you out!

XX,

Grace

April Showers

Rainy days are my favorite days. Picture yourself in a warm bed, drinking a hot mug of tea, and reading a good romance novel while the raindrops pitter-patter on your rooftop... Now picture yourself outside your cozy home on one of these rainy days! Not as much fun. Unless of course, you are well prepared with these April rainy day must-haves:

1. A colorful pair of rain boots. My favorites are the Hunter Wellingtons. I have a pair in violet and I wear them whenever there's even a chance of rain! They can just brighten up any gloomy day.

2. A durable umbrella. This one from Vera Bradley is super cute, and super functional!

3. A water proof jacket. I like plainer raincoats in solid colors, so this Gap coat would be perfect for me! Bright and cheery, but keeps you dry.

Are you as excited for spring to come as I am??

XX,

Vina

The Proper Life

You know you love anon twitter accounts. Some can be utterly annoying and you have to unfollow them after an hour, but not this one. The Proper Life is a very new brand created by @ProperKidProbs . He tweets about the problems of classy and proper kids. He tweets noteworthy quotes and his own opinions. Also, he posts pictures of his classy looks. Last summer, he launched his very first “The Proper Life” t-shirt! Actually, it's a pocket tee! You can order it here on Etsy! 

I actually have the first shirt he released. I love it! As time progressed, more and more Proper Life items have been released. There are special t-shirts for men and women now, sunglasses straps, and a bowtie! Very classy if you ask me! The t-shirts only come in adult sizes: small, medium and large. I have the small and it was pretty big when I got it, and I have washed it a few times but it is still big. On the other hand, I have noticed big t-shirts being somewhat popular from where I am from so I guess I can be “in-style”! If you don’t have your own Proper Life shirt yet, I highly recommend getting yourself one! Mine is so comfortable, and I wear it more than any of my other t-shirts! 

Do you follow Proper Kid Probs on Twitter or Instagram? Do you own items from The Proper Life?

XX,

Bailey

Favorite Apps

Hello! 

Today's post will be showing eight apps I am currently loving right now! 

Some are pretty common and cliche (i.e. Instagram and Twitter), but I have a couple that are less talked about!

CocoPPA - The first app is actually how I made the apps look the way they do! I definitely suggest checking this app out, and what makes it that much better is it is FREE! 

Instagram - My FAVORITE app, I am constantly posting photos! I think this is such a fun outlet, and a great way to share photos with people all over! I love all the different filters and adding special effects via other apps as well! 

Pandora - I never buy music anymore because of this app. I also have discovered so many other songs because of this app! My favorite station of the moment is the VS Pink station because it plays all that fun "bubblegum" music I love! 

Picfx - This is my go-to app when it comes to editing my photos for Instagram! The downside of this app is that it's $1.99, but I definitely think it is worth it! 

Pinterest - OBSESSED. Honestly, I think I need to delete this app, because every spare minute I have I am repinning and skimming through my 'dashboard'. It's getting a little out of hand! In all honesty, I almost prefer the app in contrast to the regular version! #MustHave

Shazam - This app I do not hear about as often, just because I think it is an app people don't think is necessary, however, I love it! I recently have become more interested in music then before, and this app is a MUST HAVE. Sometimes I will be driving in the car and a song will come on, I will just whip out my phone and can have not only just the title, but the artist, album, and a "sample" of the song for future reference! 

Twitter - No explanation necessary. #Tweetaholic

Starbucks - If you love Starbucks as much as I do, you NEED this app. You can upload your gift cards, and pay/scan right from your phone and save your favorite drinks! #SoCool 

What are your favorite apps?

XX,

Grace

Favorite Beauty Products

Today I am going to tell you about my favorite beauty products! I am going to be straight up with you, I do not wear that much make-up. Because of that, I am sharing my usual daily routine. I do love spending hours upon hours in Ulta and Sephora with my mom.

1. Clinique Chubby Stick| I love this eye shadow! They also make a Chubby Stick for lips but I have Revlon’s lip stain stick which looks just like Clinique’s. Anyways, I use Bountiful Beige. I can wear this color with everything! I didn’t even wear eye shadow that much until I got this. It is so easy to use! If you aren’t a big make-up user or if you are always in a rush in the mornings, this is definitely an ideal product!

2. L’oreal Paris B.B. Cream| This stuff is awesome! I am awful at putting regular foundation on and this has pretty much solved my problem! It comes out white so you really just have to make sure you rub it in good. It is so light weight!

3. Maybelline Rocket Volum Mascara| I just got this awesome mascara two weeks ago. I have been using my mom’s sample Clinique mascara she got in their gift bags. This really adds volume! Although it doesn’t look like the model’s eyelashes on you like it does in the commercials, it is definitely one of my favorite mascaras so far!

Do you use any of these products? What are your favorite beauty products?

XX,

Bailey

Arm Candy

The trend that never ends! Arm Parties, Arm Candy, Stacks, Whatever you want to call it, it is a big trend. They are an easy way to show your style without "trying too hard". I also love how they can be worn with any style. All over Pinterest. I've seen everything from Preppy to Bohemian arm candy. While I don't wear large arm candy on a day to day basis, when I do I love having a simple watch, my bow cuff and pearl bracelets.On a day to day basis I wear my charm bracelet or a simple pearl bracelet.

In this Polyvore I took some crazy cute arm candy in a range of all styles and showed how I would wear it. But lets face it: As a teen I don't really think I can afford a Kate Spade watch or Tory Burch Bangle. 

The first Arm Candy stack I created was "Girly & Glam", I called it this because I could see it as a fun spring stack but it's still classic enough to be taken seriously! Plus I love the look of the colors with the strong gold accents. 

Secondly I created "Classic" because it is truly classic. Monogram: check, Pink: check, Sparkle: check: what else do you really need? Can we also take a second to fantasize over the monogrammed bracelet?! 

Lastly "Sassy & Simple", it isn't in your face but it still says I have spunk and creativity. The Kate Spade Watch is adorable and could work with anything. 

Do y'all have any Arm Candy favorites? 

XX,

Maggie

Scheduling Blog Posts

Hey everyone!

When Ashley approached me about a "free choice" post, I thought a fun post idea would be to show you all how I organize and plan my posts - which is a very simple two step process! 

1. Categorize Ideas. 

I keep a running legal pad of blog post ideas for each month. I created a "sample" of how I do this

I like to color coordinate when it comes to arranging the posts. 

Pink - Beauty. 

Red - Fashion.

Purple - Lifestyle.  

Obviously, since this month has just begun and this is more of a "sample" picture, I don't have as many blog ideas! #Whoops

2. Organize/Arrange posts. 

After I write all my posts down on the legal pad, I will print out a layout I made and saved on my computer. Since my post schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, I have it saved in that arrangement. I then put the exact date of the month when the post will actually be up. 

Then, once I write the post and have it "scheduled", I will highlight it, so I know I can move on and begin working on the next post! 

....

ANOTHER OPTION!

Another method I have been considering doing for quite some time is having a virtual calendar,  connected to your e-mail, where you can arrange posts. The reason I have been hesitant about this idea is because I like being able to highlight and cross things off easily, however, if you are one always on the go - this is definitely an idea to consider.

I hope you enjoyed this post and let me know, if you are a blogger - how do you plan/arrange your posts? 

Let me know in the comments! 

xo, 

Grace

Organizing My Desk

Hey y’all! Today I am going to be sharing with you guys how I organize my desk! Hopefully, this can help you organize your own desk!

So here is where I spend majority of my time during the school and yes even a good portion of the summer.

1. I don’t know if you can tell but the (1) is on a little box. I have had this since I got this desk in the third grade and have never figured out the use for it but now I have found something it is good for! Post its! They really come in handy. I really don’t use them that much but they are great to write down quotes and Bible verses I come across. They are great for little reminders, like blog posts! Here’s a look inside!

2. Here is my little chest of drawers. I just got this container around the beginning of the school year. You find these just about anywhere like Target or Wal- Mart. In the top drawer I put chalk (for my chalkboard attached to my desk!) The second drawer is full of wires! It has just about all of my headphones in there and two phone chargers. It isn’t all that organized but it’s better than having them all over my room. The third drawer is pretty random. It has extra erasers, binder clips, and my name labels. I have these labels for forever. I just recently found them again and now they are in an easy accessible spot.

3.  This drawer holds just about everything like notebooks, phone cases, paperclips, a dictionary and some stationary! I am constantly cleaning this drawer up because it can get so junky in such a short amount of time.

4. This bigger drawer doesn’t hold as much, but what it does hold is important. I keep my Bibles and devotion book in here. Along with that, I have a portfolio that holds the past units we have gone over in Civics class and some information I have gotten in the mail from colleges (you never know if you’ll need it later!) It also has notebooks and a clipboard!

5.       My desk has a keyboard drawer but since I obviously have a laptop I had to find another use for it. I keep my SAT prep book there, my kindle, and my Algebra 2 book there. I know why don’t I have my textbook in my backpack? My class doesn’t use it. It is great to have at home for reference!

6. I keep my Vera Bradley laptop bag close by so I can get my laptop out of the way and focus on my homework instead of surfing the web. Before I got this for Christmas, I just put it on my bed and sometimes would forget I did (I sleep on the other side) and hear it in the middle of the night falling off which always gave me a heart attack.

Well now that you’ve seen how I keep my desk in order, how do you keep yours organized?

Happy Tuesday!

XX,

Bailey

Snack Time

After a long and tiring day at school, I always look forward to a yummy snack as soon as I get home!

Here are some healthy and delicious options to try out:

1. Corn chips and hummus: This snack might be number one on my list of favorite after school snacks... I think I may have a little hummus addiction :) Corn chips are so much better for you than potato chips, and when dipped in hummus they can take care of your salt cravings without being unhealthy. My favorite corn chips are the Tostitos Hint of Lime. Hummus is also a great source of protein if you are a vegetarian.

2. Chobani yogurt: The Chobani company actually originated about an hour away from where I live! In my area, Chobani yogurts are literally everywhere, because we are big on supporting local produce. If you haven't tried these delicious Greek yogurts yet, you are seriously missing out! They come in many different flavors, and are very filling. My favorite flavor is pineapple! If one of the regular Chobani yogurts is too much for you, you can always try the smaller version of Chobani yogurts called Chobani Bites. Look for it at your local grocery store.

3. Vina's "special" cereal: I love cereal, especially for a snack! Here is a quick recipe of how to make my "special" cereal:

• Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds cereal
• Ocean Spray Craisins (dried cranberries)
• Crushed walnuts
• A small banana
• Fresh strawberries
• Skim milk

Put as much cereal as you want in a bowl, then add a handful of craisins. Cut the banana into thin slices and add to the cereal. I usually only use half a banana, but if you love bananas then add as much as you want! Wash and cut up about five strawberries into small pieces and toss into the cereal. Sprinkle some crushed walnuts on top, and then pour in the skim milk and you have a delicious cereal snack!

Bon apetit!

XX,

Vina

Hot Weather Essentials

It’s finally spring! I don’t know about you but I am so excited for the warm weather! It has been a cold winter here in North Carolina! I am ready to brighten up my wardrobe with new, fun clothes! Here’s what I have been eyeing as of late!

Factory Washed Silk Tee | I know, I know. This shirt from J. Crew looks so plain to be $65 and silk. But let’s be honest here this is such a pretty shade of blue! I had to post it!

Factory 3" Paisley Stretch Chino Short | I have been looking at these shorts at the J. Crew Factory Store since shortly after Christmas. I love the print. It is definitely something different and I like that. They also have hints of royal blue in them. So why not pair it with the previously mentioned silk tee!?

Women’s Mixed-Eyelet Dress | Doesn’t this dress just look so fun and flirty! It’s from Old Navy! Spring clothes there are my favorite! I love the material of the dress! Another bonus of the dress: There are a whopping seven colors available! All of them are perfect spring colors, the turquoise just happens to be one of my favs!

Women's Ruffled Bandeau-Tie Bikini | This bikini is so cute! I love the ruffle look to it. I know orange isn’t always the prettiest color but this looks great! I cannot wait to get my hands on it! I’m more excited for the pools to open up so I can wear it!

Hamptons Miss Navajo | Okay so what’s spring and summer without a great pair of Jacks?! I really want a new pair this year because mine are looking rough! These are only $80! If you don’t have a pair, it’s worth the splurge!

Happy Sunday everyone!

XX,

Bailey

Birthday Wishlist

Hi girlies!

In honor of tomorrow I decided to do a wishlist post. But wait, what’s tomorrow? My birthday of course!

For my birthday my mom is actually re-doing my room! She has so far painted my room a sophisticated gray with the “color theme” being navy blue and hot pink, my favorite colors. This is such a nice change compared what was my pale purple with bright green accents (very tweeny bopper-ish)!

None the less, we all have those random “wants” and these are definitely some of them!

Kate Spade Things We Love Book
I don’t think any other teen blogger doesn’t have this {or on their wishlist}. In honor of Kate Spade’s 20^th anniversary KS debuted a book of things they love. I haven’t seen it physically but it looks really, really cute!

J.Crew Jewels
J.Crew jewelry is always a lust for me. I saw this necklace on Instagram and I have been IN LOVE ever since!

Monogrammed Tortoise Sunnies
I have wanted Tortoise shell sunglasses for what seems ever. The fact that I found them monogrammed completes me entirely.

Lilly Pulitzer Croakies
If you get monogrammed sunnies you obviously need a croakie! I am in love with the Lilly P croakies but I never had a full “excuse” to buy one.

Platinum Jack Rogers
Jacks are so cute but they don’t seem “practical”. I don’t think most of you know this but I have a really severe condition in my knees. While they are adorable they don’t provide the best support for your feet or knees. But the platinum color would be absolutely divine for warm weathered months!

Can’t wait for tomorrow! I also wish for warmer weather? {Is that too much to ask?}

XX,
Maggie