Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Little Cutie

Hey Preps!

Can I have him?


That is all!

Monday, May 30, 2011

A Big Thank You

Hey Preps!

Hope y'all are having a great long weekend full of lots of food, family, and friends.  We are all so blessed to have such freedoms.  Freedoms to write what we wish as writers, and to make our own decisions on religion, careers, and hobbies.  We take so much for granted as Americans.  Our freedom is sometimes one of them.

Today is a special day, and one that we cannot take for granted...our American freedom; nor the heroes who have willingly sacrificed their time and lives...past, present, and future.  We have some very brave men and women in our military, and today is a day that we truly need to remember them.


Thank you to all those serving our country.  The sacrifices you have made for us can never be repaid or truly appreciated the way they deserve to be.

Also, a special thank you to my best friend.  Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.  Thank you for your service to your country....and thank you for being the best boyfriend in the entire world even with everything the Academy throws at you.  I know it'd be a lot easier to get through without a girlfriend, but thank you for deciding I was worth it all...and for making me the happiest girl.  I love you.



God Bless, and Happy Memorial Day!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Annapolis for Memorial Day

Hey Preps!

Last minute, and it looks like I'm heading to Annapolis for the weekend.  I am slightly torn because I love the Memorial Day Weekend traditions that are celebrated with my family and friends.  However, there is nothing more I could ever want than to spend the long weekend with my boyfriend, and the kiddo who deserves all of our support and special attention this weekend.

Love him...even though I'm salty at him for
making last minute plans.

Due to last minute decisions to change all of our decisions...I was packing late last night (and up at 5am this morning to go to work...eek!).  So I threw together some outfits that are classic, nautical, and go great with Memorial Day's celebration of American pride, and those who have served and our serving our country.  Here is what I'm bringing:


Memorial Day Style

Memorial Day Style by pittsburghprep featuring slip on shoes

The first outfit is a nautical themed dress (similar to this one) found at Forever 21 that I will be pairing with a pair of espadrilles.  The outfit I am wearing down to Annapolis today consists of a Polo Ralph Lauren crew-neck t-shirt in Navy combined with Polo Ralph Lauren chino shorts in Nantucket red.  A D-ring ribbon belt and Sperrys will tie this outfit together.  My favorite item I'm bringing?

These sailboat mini shorts from Lands End Canvas. 
I am absolutely obsessed!  How perfect for Annapolis are these?

Hope y'all have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend.  
So proud of everything our country stands for.  

Friday, May 27, 2011

Memorial Day Style by Ralph Lauren

Hey Preps!

Browsing around different blogs I came across Rugby by Ralph Lauren's newest post involving sketches of perfect Memorial day style (from Rugby's Summer Collection of course).  The sketches are that of artist Caroline Rogers'.  To check out all of the items on this fabulous "packing list" sketch check out: Rugby.

Hope y'all have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Remember to thank those who have served and are serving our country currently.  So proud to be an American.  So proud of everything it stands for.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Jimmy and Sook...Raising the Bar in Annapolis

Hey Preps!


Upon the completion of Ring Dance fun last Sunday, a few of us decided to peruse around Annapolis.  Much to my excitement, we decided to walk into a store...that was never on my list of "regulars".  The store's name is what first caught my eye.  Jimmy and Sook.  My education at a small private school gave me the opportunity to study and have a hands-on experience with a great deal of the Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.  Given that I am now a Biochemistry major, my basic knowledge of crustaceans lead me to remember that the word Sook can be defined as a female blue crab...yes I am a nerd.




This sparked my interest, and we entered the store, only to be more than pleasantly surprised!  From twill hats and visors (one of which I proudly purchased), twill button down oxfords, pique polos, and great casual tees and totes; this company is the classic but unique style that every prep strives for.  
Totes
Twill button-down
Twill hat (I bought one in pink)


There polo shirts are uniquely theirs with slim polos combined with a rugby stitched sleeve, giving the classic polo a modern feel...appealing the younger generations of men.  Not to mention their perfect logo of a stitched blue crab that exemplifies the Chesapeake and the exact roots of this company.


Let me further explain why I will proudly support this up and rising company:  As soon as we entered Jimmy and Sook, we were kindly greeted by Andy Smith, owner.  Mr. Smith is as genuine as it comes.  From truly taking time to get to know each of us individually, he also suggested items that we each might enjoy based on the information gathered.  He was kind, and never pushy.  A great businessman to say the least.  His personality alone is a great asset to this company, and makes me consider myself lucky to have met him.  


Here are a few things I learned about Jimmy and Sook while talking to Mr. Smith:


  • Sook can be defined as a female crab (only after she mates)
  • Jimmy can be defined as a male blue crab which is why the combination of Jimmy and Sook is a perfect "bay" company name.  Mr. Smith said he named the company Jimmy and Sook "for Jimmy is married to Sook" 
  • The first store was started in Irvington, Virginia; the Annapolis store is an expansion of their company (they also have a store in Michaels, Maryland)

They have a great story and saying as well that must be shared:





Jimmy and Sook®, those beautiful swimmers.



Up and down the Chesapeake, they are a source of employment for adults, entertainment for kids, and an epicurean delight for all. He has been called “the perfect husband” and she always has her “nails painted”.

Just like their crustacean namesakes, Jimmy and Sook®, the shop, will constantly be changing (molting) to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Enjoy.




I love how Mr. Smith incorporated the relationship of a male and female blue crab into his name.  Very unique and simplistic.  A true classic style, bay-area feel, with a breathe of fresh air, is how I will define this great company.  

Not anywhere close to their store locations?  No worries, they have a great website that you can explore by clicking this link:  Jimmy and Sook.

Hopefully this post will inspire you to checkout a truly praiseworthy up and coming company, in which I take great pride supporting and blogging about.  

Have a blessed day y'all!













Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Put a Ring On It

Hey Preps!

The anticipated Ring Dance has come and gone.  The Second Class (almost First Class eeek!) midshipmen can now officially wear their class rings, taking leadership as they are about to step into their final year at the Academy.

The weekend was great.  We stayed at a manor just off the Bay Bridge in Chestertown, Maryland.  It was secluded, spacious, and included horses.  Write up my alley.



The Manor with horses included

The space gave the boys the opportunity to set up a slip and slide in which we all had way too much fun with (so much fun that I still am recovering from the bruises that accompanied me after my first few runs).





A few of the house pictures...everyone was decked out
in Navy gear 

Ring Dance evening began with taking way too many pictures, a limo ride to the Academy, and champagne (or beer if you were really lucky...Ty if you read this...).  The dance itself involved lots of food...like chocolate fountains that I managed to get on my white dress.  As well as a dipping ceremony in which the Second Class midshipmen and their date for the evening string their ring with a ribbon, each holding an end, dip it into water from the seven seas.  There was dancing, fireworks, and was simply a beautiful tradition that I feel very fortunate to have attended.

So without further explanation, here are pictures from one of the best weekends:















Does Power Rangers come to mind?




Midshipmen and their dates



Front entrance of Ring Dance


My Dress: A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz


 Silly kids by the bay





Such a fun weekend!