Workout Playlist

Here are 10 of my favorite songs that I usually listen to when going for a run or just doing a workout in my house/at the gym! I like them because they are super upbeat, motivational songs and help to distract me from how tired I am getting.

1. Girl On Fire (Inferno Version) - Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj

2. King Of Anything - Sara Bareilles

3. Blackout - Breathe Carolina

4. Don't Stop (Color On The Walls) - Foster The People

5. Electric Feel - MGMT

6. I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift

7. Let's Go - Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo

8. Heart Attack - Demi Lovato

9. On Top Of The World - Imagine Dragons

10. Run The World (Girls) - Beyonce

What do you like to work out to?

XX,

Vina

Getting the Best Out of Your Summer

Summer has finally arrived!! Two whole months of rest and relaxation. No homework to finish, tests to study for, or teachers to please. So what are you going to do with all of your time this summer? Don't let fall sneak up on you and end up feeling like you wasted your time away! Have a game plan, and make sure you stick to it. You will end up feeling much more productive and will absolutely have way more fun :) Here are some ideas of fun things to do this summer to keep busy:

Pick up a new hobby. Ever wanted to play guitar? Make your own jewelry? Paint with watercolors? Take swimming lessons? Summer is the perfect time to find a new hobby or activity that you never had the time to do over the school year! Don't be afraid to try new things, such as taking an art or music class, or going to a sports camp. This is an awesome way to make new friends and keep busy.

Volunteer your time. Summer isn't necessarily all about you. Take some time this summer to help out in your community, whether it's one hour a week or every single day. Ask your parents or other adults where your help is needed, you'll be surprised how many opportunities there are to help out and still have fun! For example, I volunteer every summer at a language camp, helping French students learn English. I always have a blast!

Stay active. Sometimes summer can get boring. You might feel like you've run out of ideas, or your friends are busy, or you don't have a ride anywhere. Instead of lounging on the couch watching TV and eating snacks, choose a more active option! If it's nice out, go running or for a bike ride. If the weather isn't in your favor, stay inside and do some yoga or look up exercise videos on YouTube. The Blogilates series is really fun, I would recommend that one.

Don't be a hermit. Netflix can be super addictive, that book you're reading can be so interesting you lose track of time, and your favorite artist might have just released a new album which you just have to listen to about a dozen times. I get it, summer is perfect for kicking back and not caring how much time you're spending up in your room. However, there is a limit. After a while, spending so much time by yourself isn't healthy! Try to get together with friends, and find exciting new activities to do every week. Make a bucket list if it helps!

However you choose to spend your summer, make sure you're staying safe, having fun, and making healthy choices!

XX,

Vina

Summer Hats

Summer is finally here and what does that mean? To the beach! Obviously we want to make sure our readers stay safe in the sun, the fashionable way! So in honor of summertime and beach trips I am talking about a favorite: Summer Hats.

I love the simplicity of throwing something on and heading out the door, c’mon.. who doesn’t? Floppy Hats I honestly love, love, love floppy {or derby} style hats. The thing is, I don’t like how they look on me. I have a short bob haircut and floppy hats hide all of my hair making me look bald. Marley Lilly has some adorable monogram options along with the J.Crew. If you have a fabulous never ending budget Kate Spade has an adorable coral bow striped hat! Fedoras I am in love with fedoras. They are not my “style” but I’m thinking of getting one anyways! I love that they can be dressed up or down & have no problem with my short hair.While I was at Nordstrom Rack a little while ago I tried on a fabulous straw fedora with pink grosgrain ribbon. At the time I didn’t like it enough to buy it and now I’m regretting it. Charlotte Russe has the fabulous bow fedora {on sale!} that I am considering ordering. A little bit pricier is the Juicy Coture fedora with a ombre yellow top and navy, white striped brim. It would be a fun pop of color but it wouldn’t match my style. Baseball caps Baseball caps are the traditional summer staple that will never really go out of style. There are adorable options such as Vineyard Vines {who recently did them in neon colors}, monogrammed options and ones meant for sports. The only downside to them is that they crease my hair leaving “hat hair” which is not pretty.

Do y’all wear “summer hats”?

XX,

Maggie

Party Planning

Who doesn't love a good party?! 

Well, I am going to give you five tips to throw the party of the summer. Come fall, everyone will still be talking about the beyond fabulous party you threw!

If you wanna know how, keep reading...

1. Invites - Invitations might be the most important part of throwing a party because they are the first impression. They are what will either make the person want to come or not. Make them cute and catchy! These Popsicle invitations are too cute and would be great for a backyard bash! 

2. Location & Activities - Don't get me wrong, it is great to just talk and catch up at parties, however, I always think it is fun to have games or other activities, especially in the summer! Location is important because it is what determines how the party will run and what activities you will choose to play. For example, if you are at the pool, lake, or beach - going in the water is an option. However, if your party is being hosted where there is no water present, you are going to have to figure out land games (i.e. croquet, soccer, bocce ball, etc.) to play. 

   

3. Table Arrangements - This may seem like a random one, but it is definitely crucial and something I feel most people overlook when planning a party! I have been to a few parties where the flower arrangements are just so overdone you need to lean around them to actually talk and hear the person across from you! I think this arrangement is perfect because it is simple but still catches the eye.

4. Food - I don't know about you guys, but for me personally, the food can make or break the party. In the summer I am all about the BBQ and I think burgers and hot dogs are definitely essentials at summer gatherings. For drinks, I think something cool and refreshing is the way to go - how adorable are these lemonades in mason jars?! Then, for dessert, I definitely would go with cupcakes, because they don't require plates or utensils, therefore, easy clean up! I think these cupcakes are beyond adorable. 

    

5. Goody Bags - These aren't required, but I feel like sending your guests off with a little treat for them to remember later is a great idea. You could fill this goody bag with anything, the options are infinite! 

Are you planning any summer parties?

XX, 

Grace

{ PHOTO CREDITS: Pinterest }

Summer Fashion Essentials

Today, I decided to share with you all some of my summer fashion essentials!

my summer fashion essentials. by preppyonthewestcoast 

1. Running Shorts - A pair of running shorts and a t-shirt is literally my summer uniform. They are so comfortable, lightweight and could easily be worn as a swimsuit coverup or to run errands. 

2. Bandeau Swim Tops - I love bandeaus because they don't give you tan lines and come in so many different colors and patterns! My favorite places to get bandeaus are Victoria's Secret and Target! 

3. Flip Flops (esp. Old Navy) - I wear flip flops all summer, whether I am going to the pool or beach. At Old Navy, you can get two pairs for $5 and come in a range of colors and patterns. How adorable are the star and stripe ones?!

4. J. Crew Chino Shorts - I bought my first pair of shorts this past weekend at J. Crew Factory and they are absolute perfection! I am obsessed and definitely intend to pick up one or two more pairs sometime this summer! 

5. Crossbody Purse - Crossbody purses are my go-to purse, especially in the summer because you can just slide your few key essential things in and are good to go! I have a great crossbody purse from Coach I received a year or so ago but you can find more inexpensive options at stores like Forever 21 or H&M!

6. Keds - I really like wearing Keds in the summer because they are so lightweight and very versatile. Whether it is shorts and a t-shirt or a cute and girly sundress! Also, if you aren't willing to spend the $40 on a pair of Keds, Target has a fabulous line of almost identical sneakers for only $14.99!

7. Aviators - If you spend a majority of your summer in the sun, sunglasses are a MUST. I prefer Aviators because they make me feel fabulous! #EnoughSaid

8. Nude Ballet Flats - When I'm not wearing my Keds or flip flops, I love wearing nude ballet flats. I wear these when I want a more dressed up look. I usually will pair them with a dress or skirt, but you could also style them with some jeans and a blouse or button up!

9. Polos - These are a definite must and great to pair with shorts or skirts! They are also very versatile and could be dressed up or down.

10. L.L. Bean Boat Bag - I love my boat bag and use it for everything due to it's durability. Whether I need it as a weekend bag or swim bag, I usually will have a boat bag by my side! They come in an assortment of colors, and the best part is, you can monogram it!

...the final thing I would definitely consider a must have are a a pair of Jack Rogers. I don't have a pair yet, just because they are a little pricier ($110) and I am not 100% certain on what color I want, however, they are definitely a summer essential!

What are some of your summer fashion essentials?

XX,
Grace

Summer Service

One of my favorite things about summer is seeing teens get involved in their community. When I was younger and went to art camps at the Arts Council I used to always want to be one of those teens that helped us little kiddos out. I have yet to do that this summer because I have just recently gotten a job. I rather volunteer but I do need money since I am getting my license and all that jazz.

But before I fully start my job, I am going to a service camp held in my town! It is so much fun! This is my third year doing it! We spend the night in a middle school and during the day we are divided into small groups and we go to various places around our county and help people to do stuff out of the goodness of our hearts. Some people build wheelchair ramps, paint school hallways, hang out with the elderly or be a part of the vacation bible school held for the kids in a neighborhood in my town. After the long hardworking day, it is so so so rewarding to see the smile on these people’s faces knowing that you helped them do something for them that they could not do for themselves.

If you haven’t volunteered before, go to your counselor at school or church because there are so many opportunities for you to help out others whether you realize it or not! Some schools even give awards to students who have a certain amount of volunteer hours. You might even need them to be in National Honor Society! Plus they look great when you apply for college!

Do you volunteer during the summer? What organizations have volunteered with?

XX,

Bailey

Snacks and Drinks

I love talking about food. If that makes me sound bad I don’t know but I don’t care #sorrynotsorry. So today my topic of discussion is summer snacks. Also since I’ve only talked about Unhealthy foods in the past I am going to attempt to talk about somewhat healthy summer snacks and drinks!

Gone Bananas

Chocolate covered bananas are one of my all-time favorite treats and just happen to be moderately healthy.  Bananas are filled with fiber so only four of them fills me completely up. Also the dark chocolate covering doesn’t hurt either!

Ice Pops

I think most people by now have a Roo Cup {for those that don’t it’s a refillable cup that you can refill for 25 cents}. Personally I don’t because I don’t believe in the sugary iced drinks they try to lure you with. But one thing I do love is filling up ice cube trays with fruit juice and having fruit pops {a personal favorite of mine is apple}!

Raspberry Lemonade

Lemonade is one of my all-time favorites and adding raspberry’s makes it healthier right? At least I hope so because it is so darn refreshing!

XX,

Maggie

Trending

I don't know about you, but I tend to be one of those people who don't follow trends, and the few times when I do, I make sure I can incorporate the piece into multiple outfits and isn't to, "I am a trend and will go out of style in the blink of an eye!"

I chose three trends which I think anyone could style due their versatility: Graphic, Monochrome, and Floral. 

Graphic - I don't know about you all, but where I live, nobody really wears graphic t-shirts. However, I think if you chose a simple black and white top, like the one pictured, it wouldn't scream, "GRAPHIC TEE!" but could just add a little bit more to an otherwise simple outfit!

Monochrome - I am IN LOVE with this trend! When I read about the black and white trend back in April, I was ecstatic, especially because I am not one who feeds into the whole neon highlighter colors! I think this trend you could easily style with a few key pieces and is definitely the most versatile of the three. 

Floral - Okay, can we just talk about how adorable this skirt is from J. Crew Factory? I saw this same pattern in a bathing suit top at J. Crew last summer and wanted it so badly, except it wasn't available in my size... #SoAnnoyed. Anyway, I love the floral trend because it can be so girly and put together and more casual, like the outfit above, but you could also put a floral dress with some high-heeled shoes for a fancier occasion! 

What trends have you been loving? 

XX,

Grace

Water Bottles

I don’t think at all I am the first to tell you that drinking water is important. Water is a huge part of our body so we have to keep it hydrated with all that it needs. When you don’t drink your daily need {which is around 8 cups} you can become dehydrated which leads to all sorts of problems. Also when your body doesn’t have all of the water it needs you can become more tired easily and there is a greater chance of acne. A couple months back I was insanely dehydrated and I was close to being in the hospital {I lost over 10 pounds, making my asthma worse}. Take it from someone who’s been there, it’s not at all fun.  

With that all being said I went out and got myself some fun water bottles which gives me motivation to actually drink the water.

I originally got this water bottle to keep in my locker but now that schools out I use it so much more. It makes me feel super sporty! I really want to put a monogram sticker on it soon!

For my mom’s birthday I gave her a tumbler and she brings it everywhere with her. Then for this summer I went out and got myself two of them. I have not put them down and I love my monogram on them!

A bunch of girls at my school have the Tervis water bottles and I am really curious about them! They are able to take off the lid piece and use it as a cup. I love the idea of monogramming them as well!

XX,

Maggie

Beach Towels

Now this seems like a super simple basic for your summer but one I feel gets left out in the “cute-ness” category. That’s a thing right? Beach Towels, you can’t live without them. I actually use mine as a cover up so it has a dual function! That’s why I preferably like the cute ones {I know I sound bad….}. But if it has a fun pattern or design I am so much more excited to use it!

I put them in order of price range with the one’s I find the most adorable! The first is from Kohl’s and is $10. I think that the price and pattern are just completely scream summer! Next is the second which I love the trendy geometric from Target. It is $15 so I would really have to love it to buy it. The third is an adorable navy with white sailboats towel. It is from Lands End and has free personalization. For $20 Lands End has superb quality and I love anything monogrammed. After that I threw in the Vera Bradley towel. It is $35 so I probably will never buy it but I just LOVE the colors! Lastly I have this adorable nautical anchor from J.Crew. As it is J.Crew it is $40 and I would never splurge on something that pricy, unless it was on sale! 

XX,
Maggie

Sunscreen

As I write this post in the middle of vacation, I can't help but truly realize how important sunscreen is. The sun is so harsh on your skin, with both UVA and UVB rays doing damage. Of course everyone wants gorgeous tan, sun kissed skin, but what you have to realize is that a tan is a mutation of your skin cells. A mutation that could potentially evolve into skin cancer. Anytime you stay out in the sun without sunscreen you are taking that risk. Now I'm not trying to scare you into never going outside, because the sun is also very important for your health (vitamin D, hello). However, you should take all steps to protect your skin health. When you are in your 40s, you will thank your younger self for taking those measures. Here are my three essential sunscreen commandments. 

{one} use a broad spectrum sunscreen. You need a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Both are harmful, so you definitely want to guard against them. 

{two} reapply. This may be the most important of the steps. You want to reapply every time you dry off from the pool or every hour and a half. (By the way, use a sport sunscreen if you're going to be sweating or swimming.) It's a hassle, but after drying off, you essentially have no sunscreen left on your body. 

{three} don't forget your face. Use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 30. The face is probably the most sunburn prone area, due to thin skin around your eyes and ears. 

I hope you'll keep these tips in mind, and don't forget to have fun!

XX,
Taylor

Sale Alert!

I don't know about you all, but with my babysitter budget being my primary way of indulging in my clothing, shoes, and accessories addiction, I am always on the lookout for a good deal! 

If you weren't able to hit up some of the fabulous discounts this weekend, like 50% off at J. Crew Factory stores, do not worry - because there are other if not better sales happening RIGHT NOW! 

Gap - Extra 25% off Men and Women's SALE Items - Code: MWDEAL - Ends 6/19

Honestly, how fabulous is this - ADDITIONAL 25% off already crazy discounted things?! Yes, please! 

Here are three things I'm currently eyeing... 

Eyelet Gathered Skirt - $29.99 

{If only this came in my size!}

Basketweave Striped Sweater - $39.99

{ Essential sweater. }

Cap-Sleeve Drawstring Dress - $39.99

{ Epitome of summer in a dress... }

J. Crew Factory - 30% off EVERYTHING - Code: SPREE - Ends 6/18

I was in J. Crew Factory yesterday, and boy, I wanted one of everything! 

Factory Bead and Crystal Necklace - $29.50

{ I love the crystal accent beads! }

Factory Ringspun Cotton Tank Dress - $39.50

{ Perfect for a swim coverup. }

Factory 3'' Seersucker Short - $49.50

{ I want... NOW. }

Kate Spade - Various - Not Necessary - Unknown 

Luckily these discounts are not a one time only thing, Kate Spade always has fabulous discounts in the 'Sale' section! 

Berry Street Lacey - $79 (Orig. $158)

{ I love the black and white pattern of this wallet! }

Day - $149 (Orig. $278)

{ If I actually had a reason to justify this purchase, I totally would! }

Skinny Mini Bow Studs - $33 (Orig. $48)

{ Can we just talk about how adorable these are? }

What sales have you spotted recently? 

XX,

Grace

Book Review :: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

I never actually thought I’d see the day when I appreciated school reading. It is probably the most tedious thing out there and it takes far too much of my time. Now after reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, my view on school books actually has shifted {not a lot though!}. While it was not the lightest read it was just so good! While some parts lagged in the action category, I am a huge history fan so it made up for it. The ending was so sad and had me in tears, which I interpret to mean that it was a really good book. 

The publisher describes it as:

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

The whole book revolves around an unlikely friendship {think Romeo and Juliet like} that is also full of history. There is also a movie of it but I am not sure if I’m ready to cry that much.

XX,

Maggie

Car Playlist

Attention! I get my license in about a month! I am so excited! EEEKKKK! Nothing is more fun than driving to music that you like! I made a playlist for you and your girls to jam out to!

What songs do you like to jam to in the car?

XX,

Bailey

Random Recipe :: Cream Cheese Frosting

I don't know about y'all, but I could eat frosting straight from the can. There's just something about a spoonful of frosting while you're baking. Even better than Betty Crocker is Chit-Chat reader made frosting. Cream cheese frosting is my favorite, so I'd like to share the absolute best recipe out there!

Ingredients

4 ounces unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Be careful, because the powdered sugar will go everywhere when you start to mix it in! It will be an off white color when you are done. You can add food coloring to make it fun!

Enjoy!

XX,

Taylor

Sundresses

Well it is finally summer for me! Thank goodness! I love wearing dresses in the summertime especially to cook outs and things of that sort. Here are some I am eyeing this summer. They all are from Francesca’s! I love Francesca’s because their clothes are pretty reasonable and very chic!

I love this little number! It looks so light weight and oh so adorable! You could even wear it to church!

It looks so lightweight as well which is good for backyard barbeques or just a night out with your friends! Aren’t the patterns to die for?!

I love love love this! I tend to be a more modest person and this just dress just looks modest but still in style! I love the print with the touch of lime green! Adding this to my wishlist!

What sundresses are you eyeing this summer!

Bailey

Summer Bucket List

Hey girlies! It's getting to be that time of year... The weather is getting warmer, school is coming to an end, and all you can think about is all of the fun and awesome things you are going to do this summer. You, your friends and your family have so many great ideas, but you have no idea how you will remember everything or get everything done in one summer! Here's a great idea: write a summer bucket list!! This list should be a compilation of whatever has come to mind that you would like to do this summer. Include the ideas of your friends and family members, because most likely they will be doing these things with you. Last summer my best friend and I wrote a bucket list with 100 things to do on it, and we never finished. Be realistic with your goals! Here is an example of the list my best friends and I have written so far for this coming summer:

Tie-dye crop tops
Go to a concert

Go hiking

Bake cupcakes

Go on a roller coaster (at least 2 actually!)

Spend a day at the beach

Go on a crazy shopping spree

Have a board game night

Go to brunch together in cute dresses

Go on at least one college road trip

Go on a picnic

Have a lemonade stand like the good old days

Go thrift shopping

Have a dance party

Go leisure biking

Spend a weekend in NYC 

Find our senior quotes for next year's yearbook

Have a photo-shoot

People watch (AKA be super creepy)

Go to the state fair!

Go camping in the Adirondacks for the weekend

Spend a full day at Barnes and Noble

Order one of every different beverage at Starbucks over the course of the summer

Play manhunt

Talk in British accents for one full day

We kept the list short and sweet at just 25 ideas, but if we finish this list before summer ends we will definitely add on to it!

What fun summer plans have you made so far?

XX,

Vina

Book Review :: The Great Gatsby

Ok, so hopefully everyone has at least heard of this book thanks to all the publicity it's gotten from the movie! (Which is fantastic by the way, but this is a book review not a movie review so I'll try not to discuss it much.) After reading it last month before I went to see the movie, this book shot straight up to third place in my list of all-time favorite classic novels. It is preceded only by Wuthering Heights (1st place) and Pride and Prejudice (2nd place)! It is simply fabulous, and if you haven't read it yet you absolutely need to :)

The Plot: Without giving much away, I will say that the plot is full of lies, secrets, and scandals. So if you like that sort of thing, this book is for you. The book centers (obviously) around Gatsby, an absurdly wealthy man living on Long Island in the 1920s. The lifestyle for men in this era was all about money, alcohol, women, and living fabulously large. Gatsby throws wild and ostentatious parties every weekend for anyone and everyone from New York City to attend. However, Gatsby is a troubled man with a mysterious past, which you learn about when you read the book. The narrator is not Gatsby, but his next door neighbor Nick Carraway. He tells the story from his point of view, and how one summer changed his whole life. The plot was very interesting, and for me this book actually went by quite fast. It was a quicker read as far as classics go.

The Characters: Nick Carraway, the narrator, is a hard-working man from out west who comes to New York after his Yale education to work in the bonds industry on Wall Street. He is struggling financially, and lives in a home that is a fraction of the size of Gatsby's palatial mansion. Jay Gatsby is a very mysterious person. No one at any of his parties have actually ever seen or met Gatsby, and even his house staff have no idea who he is. That's all I'm saying about Gatsby! Daisy Buchanan is Nick's cousin, and she is described as being stunningly beautiful. She is married to Tom Buchanan, and they live on the other end of Long Island across from Gatsby and Nick's homes. They are both from old money and are extremely wealthy themselves. Tom went to Yale with Nick. Jordan Baker is one of Daisy's best friends, and a famous golfer. Daisy tries to set Jordan up with Nick for the summer. Myrtle is a woman who is married to a mechanic and lives in a dismal area between Long Island and NYC. I can't really say much more about her without revealing part of the story!

The Fashion: Don't even get me started! This book seemed like an endless party filled with glamour and high fashion! I always say I wish I could live in the 1920s, everything back then seemed so fabulous and carefree. In reality, there was a lot of underlying tension and suffering which was covered up by the glitz and glam, but the way this era is described in the book makes you want to buy a mansion in the Hamptons, wear tea-length dresses, diamonds, and big hats with feathers, and lounge by your glittering pool all day sipping champagne. I adore 20's fashion, and this book did a great job describing the outfits of the characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and I think it has a very powerful message behind it.

XX

Vina

Hair Care

Hey ladies! I know you are always wondering what you can do to take care your hair. Everyone knows that heat is bad. But whatever…. You need it. Well at least for me that’s how it goes. I can spend so much time on pinterest just finding pins that take you to websites that give you hair care tips! I am going to share some of the websites I have discovered!

Hair Pedia Club | This website has natural recipes you can put on your hair! How neat!!!!

Swell Hair Products | I saw a ton of pins that had “Swell” products. I have never heard of them until then and they seem to be very popular and work well! Check out the site!

Aveda | I use Aveda for shampoo and conditioner! It is so awesome and it smells great! I know it is more on the pricey side but I think you get your money’s worth out of it. My mom has super thick hair and their products help her out a lot! I buy mine from my hair salon but I have seen actual Aveda stores in malls!

How do you take care of your hair? Have you used any of these products?

Have a great day!

XX,
 Bailey

Lightweight Pajamas

I don't know about you all, but I hate not being able to sleep when I am too hot - so once those nights drop down upon me, I pack away my flannels, sweatpants, and fleeces, and pull out my shorts and comfy ol' t-shirts! 

I was browsing around on various websites, and thought it would be fun to share with you all a couple of my favorite lightweight pajamas! 

For the Unlimited Budget

J. Crew - Liberty Vintage Short Pajama Set in Phoebe Floral - $158

Adorable! 

J. Crew - Vintage Pajama Set - $95

Classic. 

In the Middle 

J. Crew - Dreamy Cotton Pant in 'Stripe' - $49.50

The name alone, "dreamy cotton pant" makes me want them!

Etsy - Monogrammed Seersucker Pajamas - $25

#IWantNOW.

For the Budget Savvy 

Forever 21 - Starfish & Shells PJ Set - $12.80

Epitome of summer? I think so. 

Old Navy - Women's Printed Lounge Shorts (3-1/2'') - $9

Show that 'Merica pride! 

What are your favorite kind of pajamas to wear in the summer? 

XX,

Grace

Intro to Horse Racing

One of the lesser known sports in the country, but it is one of the most interesting and dynamic. Most sports leagues only have around 30 teams to root for, but there are around 30,000 different horses running that you can pull for! It is my favorite sport, stemming from my horsey background, and I want to give y'all an introduction to what all this sport has to offer!

{Side note: Most of my information is coming from a brochure from The Jockey Club, called Thoroughly Thoroughbred, which can be found here.}

The Horses

There are various forms of horse racing, most notably Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse. I know most about the Thoroughbred industry, and that is the biggest in America, so that is the one I'll be focusing on. A Thoroughbred is a breed of horse, like a beagle is a breed of dog. Thoroughbreds are typically tall and lanky, thin but well-muscled and they had their origins in the late 1600s. All modern racehorses trace their ancestry back to one of three foundation stallions: the Godolphin Arabian, the Byerly Turk, and the Darley Arabian. 80% of racehorses trace back to Eclipse, a grandson of the Godolphin Arabian. They can run upwards of 40 miles per hour and their heavily muscled hindquarters act as the engine of the horse, pushing it forward. 

Tiznow, a wonderful example of a Thoroughbred

The Names

Racehorses names are some of the most unique in the horse world. Some come from pop culture, some come based on pedigree. They can only have 18 characters, including spaces, so they are quite often smashed together. Some of my favorites are:

-Hoof Hearted (say it five times fast, watch this video, and you'll find out why)

-Sotally Tober (clever)

-Fuss Fuss Fuss (out of {meaning, his mother} Nag Nag Nag)

-Arrrrr

-Maythehorsebewithyou

-Fiftyshadesofhay

-Odor in the Court (by {his father} Judge Smells)

-Upset (he beat the great Man O'War to tarnish MOW's perfect race record - quite an appropriate name)

The Jockeys

Jockeys are the men and women who ride racehorses. They typically are smaller and weigh under 115 lbs. They wear silks in colors established by the owners to tell the horses apart while they are running. Silk are one of the most fun parts of racing, as they add vibrance and color to the scene.

The Races

The major spring championships - the American classics - are over now. The Kentucky Derby (the best known race in the US) was run, as it always is, on the first Saturday in may. The Preakness is run two Saturdays after the Derby and the Belmont is run three Saturdays after the Preakness. Those three races make up the Triple Crown. The last horse to win the TC was Affirmed, back in 1978. There have been 12 TC winners in history.

The summertime stakes races are great, though, as you get to see many of the horses who ran in the classics earlier in the year. They also serve as prep races for the Breeders' Cup World Championship races in early November. The BC caps off the year with 14 races of different divisions where the best world come together to run.

Some television providers have TVG, a racing station that televises live racing from around the country, so if you are interested check that out! Other channels featuring major races this year are:

-June 8 | The Belmont Stakes | NBC | 5:00

-July 27 | Jim Dandy Stakes | NBCSN

-August 3 | The Whitney Handicap| NBC

-August 10 | Four Star David Stakes | NBC

-August 11 | Saratoga Special | NBCSN

-August 17 | Alabama Stakes | NBCSN

-August 24 | Travers Stakes | NBC

-August 31 | Woodward Stakes | NBCSN

-November 1-2 | The Breeders' Cup World Championships | NBCSN / NBC

If you have any questions about horse racing or the Thoroughbred industry, please contact me!

XX,

Taylor

Movie Review :: Silver Linings Playbook

Hello, lovely readers! I'm talking movies today, and who doesn't love a good movie, right? The bf and I watched Silver Linings Playbook the other night and it was pretty good!

I knew nothing about it going in {although the book is on my to read list}, so I won't give any spoilers away in case you're in my situation. 

Here are the basics:

Rating: R {lots of f-bombs, so if that doesn't sit well with you, I wouldn't try it}

Run time: 2 hours 2 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Main Actors/Actresses: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro

The acting was terrific. I love Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper was great as well. The emotions were very well portrayed, I'll just say. The message was wonderful to, in that positive decisions can be made in the face of imperfection and desperation and that you can thrive off of it. It is an awkward love story, but one that fulfills the romantic comedy label in a fresh, dynamic way. The delicate subject matter was handled quite deftly, leading to a touching, raw, real film. It really was a wonderful watch and even my boyfriend, though deeming it a chick flick, enjoyed it! If you can handle strong language, definitely watch it!

XX, 

Taylor

Random Styling :: Sundress Day to Night

Something I have loved this past spring is sundresses. You know the simple kind that you throw on and you are out the door? As it is getting hot I don’t really like having to wear anything at all heavy or bulky and that is where sundresses come in. I love that I am able to wear them from the beach or pool, to lunch then they are functional for a night out! I put together two outfits featuring a CrewCuts sundress; it has phenomenal beading at the collar doubling as a statement.

This first outfit is a fun day outfit to wear out with friends. I would wear it anywhere to be honest. The dress is styled with a pink longchamp, classic pearl bracelet, & fun {surprisingly matching} Lilly Pulitzer tumbler. To me all of the bright colors scream summer! I wore a very very very similar outfit this past weekend when I helped my neighbor at her daughters baby shower. It was so lightweight, easy and effortless, perfect for running around on your toes!

This next outfit I would wear out to dinner with my family. I love how the Jack Rogers sparkle, adding a little extra flair to the outfit! It is styled with a unique pearl bracelet and C. Wonder Clutch {which I am currently swooning over!}. I am head over heels with the fun coral color.

 What outfits have you been wearing nonstop?

 XX,
 Maggie