Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Back in My Day, We had Syllabus Week

Hey Preps!

Swamped already!  Seriously.  I just added up all the reading I have to do by Friday, 301 pages.  Are you kidding me?  What happened to "Syllabus Week" where professors told you not to plagiarize, come to class, and do your homework; then sent you on your merry way?

Every single class I have had kept me until the time limit was up, gave me readings, homework, and I have tests next week already?  COME ON PROFESSORS! They are just way too excited to be teaching again. I don't like it.  Nope.

You wanna know something else?

THREE of my books have zero pictures.  Just text, no pictures that my ADHD can look at for a moment to keep me reading my marathon of pages due.

Oh, and yes, today in my Biochem lab...I broke a beaker.  Great first impression.  Fabulous. Wonderful. He was not very happy.  Plus, I had to stay late to re-do the lab...

"Hi, My name is Kalyn...and I break things a lot.  Oh, and yeah I'm a senior, and Biochem is my major...
...no I'm not joking...I actually have spent the last three years in lab after lab."


(Vintage Lacoste Polo from Momma, Ralph Lauren D-Ring Belt,
 Tommy Hilfiger Chino Pants, Sailor Knot Bracelet, ALFANI Flats)


My pants made me happy today though.
Nantucket Red Chinos from Tommy Hilfiger.
My philosophy professor told me I looked like an American flag.
I cracked a joke...at least one of my professors doesn't think I am a clumsy kid...

How's everyone else's week going?

Monday, August 29, 2011

But I Don't Wanna Be a Growed Up!

Hey Preps!

Today, is my last, first, day of undergraduate college.  Whoah.  I truly cannot believe how fast three years have gone by.  Looking back at who I was my first, first day of college and comparing it to now; I can see how much I have grown and changed.  There were mistakes, tears, laughter, stress, fun, roommates, love, finals, along the way....but Senior year is here whether I'm ready for it or not.

First class is with the professor who is not my favorite person.  Whatever.  I am going to take each pitch he throws as it comes.  My final piece of advice before I embark on the craziest day of the week, just let it go. Seriously.  Whatever you are dealing with right now, it won't be important in a week, month, or a year.  Live each day to the full...and for those collegiate followers of mine, enjoy every single second.

Even if it's with your least favorite professor; because I bet you can learn something...even from him.

So in honor of today, I thought I'd share a Polyvore I made last fall of a list of necessities I think every college girl should have.  Here it is:

College Girl

College Girl by pittsburghprep featuring tahitian pearl earrings

An explanation of all of these can be found by following this link, to my older post!

Enjoy!  Good luck to everyone starting classes today!  

Sunday, August 28, 2011

So Long Sweet Summer

Hey Preps!

Today is the last day of summer.  Ever.  In my whole schooling life.  Regardless of my future plans, I consider this my last summer of pure freedom.  Realizing so has left me a tad bit nostalgic, and I am going to live today to the fullest.

Last night, I had a sister date.  We went to the movies, shopped, ate too much, and it was great.  A great way to enjoy our last night of freedom.  Of course, being sisters, we decided to take pictures before we headed out on our rendezvous.

Meet my baby sis, Taryn.
Isn't she gorgeous?
I know, we look nothing like each other...let me explain from a scientific standpoint.
My sister gained my dad's dominant trait (Dd)for brown hair, and his and my mommy's recessive traits (rr) for light eyes.  Opposite of me.
Soooo, she looks just like the best dad ever....

And I look just like the best mommy in the world.

So what are we wearing?

  • We both are wearing Tommy Hilfiger Chino Shorts.  They came in so many fun colors, but we both decided on and bought navy and this light pink color.  They are fun, and can be worn with a great deal of different shirts depending on the look you are going for.  

  • ...and Polo Ralph Lauren Tops. Taryn has a V-neck T-shirt on.  I am wearing an Oxford Button-down Polo shirt (Classic Fit)...and the best part...the collar of the shirt when popped/upturned matches my pink chino shorts.  Yes...Polo Ralph Lauren encourages you to pop your collar by adding a fun color for the under-part of the collar.  I love it!

  • Accessory wise, Taryn has on a skinny belt on that matches her Original Sperrys perfectly.  I have on a sailor knot bracelet.  


Oh, and meet our little brother, Sir Maxwell Smart.  He had to get in on the picture taking.
Always the center of attention.  



Hope y'all are having a blessed Sunday!  Enjoy your last "Dog Days" of summer!  We sure are!
P.S. Just created a Facebook Page! Like me!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Dear College Freshman...Love Kalyn

Hey Preps!

Wow.  I really only have two nights left of summer.  I truly can't believe how fast it went.  Sure, I am ready to get back into the routine of school.  I'm ready for some great upcoming events with friends.  Am I completely ready to be a grown up after this year?  That is yet to be determined.

However, today I was thinking about my past three years of college...the good times, the bad times, and all the times between...and thought it would be nice to share with the younger generations of college students what I have learned so far in my college career.

My first two years were spent at a school down South.  10 hours away from home is far.  I didn't think it would be, but it was...and after a hard decision, I decided to transfer closer to home.

Transferring in itself gave me a hard fall semester last year.  There were days I would just drop all my books and cry.  I missed my friends, and warm weather.  I hated walking to class in the snow, and I hated people asking me why I transferred.

It was hard to make new friends.  My boyfriend Pat, had gone to the Air Force Academy in Colorado for a semester, so I hardly saw him...and I was just plain lonely.  However, looking back on last year, I am so happy I transferred.  Everything has fallen into place.  My parents get visited by me more than they would like now, I have a townhouse with two other girls, Pat is only a 3.5 hour drive instead of a 10 hour drive...I like my professors (except my Biology advisor whom I hope reads this).  Things just kind of fell into place regardless of my resistance to them.

Everything works out for a reason.  Yet, there are some things I definitely wish I knew before I started my freshman year of college.  So hopefully my list will help you newbies out.

1.  No, not all of your clothes will fit in your dorm room.  Under bed storage is awesome, but so is the mail.  You can always take your clothes home and switch them out during breaks depending on what time of year it is.  Or worse case scenario, have you family send you clothes when you need them.

2.  You will get annoyed with your roommate, and they will get annoyed with you.  Don't blow up at them.  Don't gossip about them.  Just discuss the issue, CALMLY.  This is extremely hard to do.

3.  It takes a while to develop strong friendships.  They don't happen over night.  Put yourself out there though, and you will make some great college friends.

4.  Facebook is not real life.  Sure, it's cool to check up on friends and post pictures...but it is not necessary to be on it 24/7.  Your peers are right across the hall, visit with them instead.  Don't live vicariously through a virtual reality.

5.  Furthermore, don't judge others based on their Facebooks.  My first roommate friended EVERYONE at my school before she got there.  I would bring up someone that I met...and she already had her opinions of them based on what she saw.

6.  Join groups.  I don't care what.  Join them.  It's the best way to get to know people.

7.  Time management is key.  College isn't harder than high school, the work load is.  In high school you have structure, your parents force you to do your homework, etc...just do your homework before you play.  That way you have a lot more playtime than you would if you're just procrastinating.  Time management is the only way I have time to write in my blog during the school year.

8.  Planners save lives.  My planner is already full this week and school hasn't started yet.  I have to do lists, lists of things I need, phone numbers.  I promise you will forget something if you don't write your assignments down.  Let me tell you, it is pretty embarrassing when you forget a paper is due and show up to class empty handed.

9.  You can eat healthy at the Cafeteria.  You want to know the thing I first noticed about the Caf at my school?  You can get ice cream anytime of the day.  I'm not kidding.  Is that not amazing?  I thought so.  I even mentioned to a few girls on the swim team how excited I was for my future ice cream breakfasts.  Well, coach nipped that one in the butt real quickly...and I see why now.  My freshman year, I went for comfort foods.  Pizza, fried food, dessert.  It was just great.  You know what?  I gained more than the Freshman 15.  More like Freshman 30.  I have worked hard and lost it since, but it is definitely embarrassing to not be able to squeeze in your jeans only four months after school starts...eat well...lots of protein, veggies, fruits, and whole grains...which leads me to...

10.   Exercise.  It doesn't have to be three hours a day, but get in a routine.  Take classes that are offered at your school, go for a run with friends...the benefits of this last a lifetime, and make you feel great.  Honestly, when I am stressed and grouchy, I know it's time to hit the gym (and I am pretty sure Pat knows when I need to as well...Sorry to my Bubs for being a grumpzilla this week)


11.  Actually read your textbooks.  I know, I know, a very revolutionary thought, but so many college students never understand this concept.  Please, for your sake, try to do so.  Your professors will think your a genius.  I'm not kidding.


12.  Walk your little legs to death.  Depending on what school you go to, you will or will not be allowed cars your freshman year.  I don't care.  Walk everywhere.  It saves you money, gives you a little exercise and breather time, and it's just nice.  I like walking.  You have some great conversations with people that way.  


13.  It's okay to miss home.  Oh my gosh, boy did I miss my family when I was far away.  Talk about annoying phone calls to home daily.  It makes you appreciate your life, and the people in it.  I used to love just coming home and driving.  I would just drive to my favorite places.  Moments like those where you truly appreciate your life are just the greatest.  


14.  Just go to class.  One day, I was super bored in some pointless class I don't even remember the name of.  I was there.  It was 8am, and there was five of us out of 20 students who made it.  Boy, did my professor feel like a dweeb.  The way I see it, what else do you have to do at 8am?  OK, sleep, eat, watch Good Morning America, I get it.  I hated my early classes.  Anyways, so this dweeb of a professor asked me to calculate what a one hour class costs per class based on the average student tuition.  You want to know how much?  $365.  That's a lot of mula you are wasting by not going to class.  Now I am sounding like my parents.  


15.  Stay classy.  College is about testing the waters, but you can do so in two different fashions.  One, you can be the trashed girl everyone is laughing at as she makes a fool of herself by doing things that I'm sure you all have experienced...or Two, you can be the fun one that has a few drinks but not to the point where she's drunk, and is the life of the party.  Make sure you know your limits.  Sure, we all have our days...but make sure you are in a safe environment when testing those limits.  


16.  Fashionista v. Weather and First Impressions.  Okay, so you wanna look good for those upperclassmen right?  Trust me, they will notice you regardless of what you are wearing.  Yet, what do you want them to notice?  Do you want them to think you are pretty, smart, fun?  Or for them to notice your skirt riding up?  Present yourself in a way that brings honor to your name.  For example, my first day of class outfit is always simple.  An oxford button-down shirt, chino pants, and my glasses.  In case you haven't noticed, I am a blonde biology major.  It's sad to say this, but I have had many science professors who are shocked when I get A's on my first tests in their classes.  People really do still judge by outer appearance, so I try to look the part now.  I don't try to make a standout fashion statement.  Those can be saved for after my first test.

17.  Be a huge fan.  No matter how big or small your school is, attend sporting events.  Get involved.  Be enthusiastic.  You'd be incredibly surprised how much the cheering helps the teams, and makes your school that much more fun to be around.  

18.  The library is cool.  How lame does that sound?  I like the library.  I only bring my homework, put my phone on silent in my bag, and grab a coffee and a pen.  If you want to get your homework done fast, find your study place; a coffee shop, computer lab...whatever.  It will help you so much, and will help allow you to do the fun things you want to do as well.

19.  Be a good listener.  College is a selfish time.  Daily I have someone ask me my major, my plans for the future, what I want to do with my degree, or after I graduate.  Me, me, I, I.  We can all get so self-consumed going about our daily lives.  We have our lists, the things we find important...but what about the other people around us?  Do you ever stop to think what makes your roommate stressed or lonely?  Take some time just to let them vent some days.  One of my roommates my sophomore year was great at this, and you know what, we are both a different schools and haven't seen each other in over a year...and are still the best of friends.  Why?  Because we truly cared about each other.

20.  It's okay to be vulnerable sometimes.  I truly am the worst at letting myself be vulnerable.  I consider myself strong and independent.  I never fully put my heart into past relationships for fear out of getting hurt.  Nothing hurts more than a broken heart or rejection.  However, when you least expect it, something truly great comes along.  You have to sometimes just take the risk.  I never did until I met Pat,    I never fully got involved.  Pat came out of nowhere, and I am so glad he did.  Who knows what the future holds for us.  Yet, one thing is for certain, I will not regret any of my actions in our relationship; for I know I have done this full-heartedly and have always put him first, and loved him as best as I can.  The way I see it, if we aren't meant to be, there is someone even better out there for us, and given that I cannot fathom that...I would say I am a very blessed girl for the time I've had with Pat.  


21.  Pickiness pays off.  This applies to a lot of areas of life.  Schoolwork, relationships, clothes...be picky.  Put effort into your work, make your papers, projects, assignments as detailed and polished as you can; don't just slap something together last minute. This also goes for relationships; don't just get in a relationship because you are lonely. It won't work out... Finally, your clothes reflect who you are.  Pick out your outfit the night before, make sure it's wrinkle free, you want to always have a good appearance. Why?  For starters, then you have less worries about how you feel throughout the day.  You will feel good about yourself when you feel put together, therefor, you will spend less time thinking about that, and more time on actually living your life to the fullest.  Plus, when you look put together, it presents more opportunities, I promise.  I am not saying curl your hair and pound on the makeup before class;  I only wear a little makeup, and my hair is usually in a bun, braid, or naturally down...but just look neat.  


22.  It goes by too fast. I still cannot believe it's my senior year.  Live college days to the fullest, because they are only a short chunk of your life, and it's the most freedom (financially, from family, from work)  that you will ever have.  Don't regret not doing something you wish you had.  Study abroad, take a challenging class, go out.  Live it up.


23.  Nobody knows what you want except you.  Write down your goals, desires, and wants.  Go after them.  Don't stop until you achieve them.  Base your major on what you love, not what your parents what you to do.  It pays off.


To the Undergraduate class of 2015...Best of luck this year!  Enjoy every second!  

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Cheese Fries and Apple Dumplings: OOTD

Hey Preps!

Last night I went to a county fair.  Very eventful.  I ate junk, pet lambs (my favorite!), and went on a few rides...that made me regret the food I ate.  The past few nights it has been chilly in Pittsburgh, so I whipped out my J. Crew madras button-down and a pair of skinny jeans to cover both my weather and country themed areas.


One of my last hoorahs before school starts on Monday.
Yes. School.
My very last, first day of college.  Senior year.  The finale.  
22 hours this semester.
I am completely terrified. 

Stay tuned, I have been working on a few posts today, since it seems to be the only free day of the week!
Hope y'all are having great weeks...and to those of you who have started/are starting college the next few weeks, I wish you the best of luck!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Fall Trend: Bright Colors...Old News In the Prep World

Hey Preps!

Today I was browsing through some magazines my momma had around, and saw a common fall theme trending...bright colors.  I scanned a few pictures of this trend, and was indifferent with what I saw.  Sure, fuchsia heels are every girl's dream, yet in my opinion, preps rock the colors better.

Especially when it comes to fall apparel.  From reds like burgundy corduroys to the classic Nantucket red chinos, I absolutely love preps in the fall.  They look like leaves.  Ok, perhaps that's a tacky comparison.  However, when I think fall classic wardrobe, I think reds, blues, yellows, and greens.  I am not talking about canary yellow...I am talking camel and mustard.  Greens can be hunter or perhaps a military green.

Here are a few examples of what I am talking about:

"Meet the Hilfigers" in Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2010 Ad Campaign has the perfect combination of the Nantucket/burgundy reds, camel, and navy.  No one does it better than Tommy when it comes to fall brights...matter of fact, I just bought a pair of Nantucket red chinos from Tommy.


Once again, "Meet the Hilfigers" by Tommy Hilfiger, but a year later for his Fall/Winter 2011 ad campaign.  In this ad we see a little more greens and navy...but he still sticks to his classic ways by keeping slight amounts of his bright reds and camel...and a dash of bright yellow to twist things up a bit.

Lands End Canvas is a brand I highly recommend.  I absolutely love all of their pants. I have a pair of every shown above.  Yes, obsessed...I know.  In this ad the greens are worn perfectly.  I love the combination of the military green wrap sweater combined with the straight chinos.  The shoes in the third picture are a perfect hint of the military green added to the bright red skinny belt, and gray chinos.  Finally, the slouch chinos are perfect in military green!
For the gentlemen, Lands End Canvas has some great colors in the chino pants.  I especially like the blue and green ones shown above.

Below are a few examples of my own for fall brights:
Pat wearing Nantucket red chino pants combined with a navy sailboat tie from Vineyard Vines

Combining caramel cords, a navy blazer, and a red and navy plaid button down.


So...who is ready to whip out the fall brights?




Friday, August 19, 2011

Sweaty Made Preppy?

Hey Preps!

Do you ever have those days where the hairs on your head are just not agreeing with you?  I do.  Daily.  During the school year I usually throw those feisty hairs into a braid or tease them into a big bun.  It all stems from the fact that with everything going on in my life, I sometimes just don't have time to flat iron my hair.

In the summer I tend to let my hair air dry.  It has a pretty neat wave to it and it I put a little of shaping gel in it, I'm good to go.  However, in the colder months I tend to shower the night before and when I wake up...my hair is a nappy mess...regardless of what I did to prevent so.

My dad and sister are currently in Cincinnati watching my dad's favorite tennis player, Roger Federer take on the Cincinnati Masters...and my sister sends me a text: "Google Sweaty Bands".  Okay.  Sounds a little weird, but I did it...and this is what I found:

"We’ve turned perspiration into a fashion sensation! Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sports and fitness headband, uniquely designed for women and girls who want to show their style, even when they sweat a while! Slip into one today and become a Sweaty Bands believer."
-Sweaty Bands Website


Cute, comfortable, headbands that keep your disagreeing hairs out of your face.  I am a little bit obsessed.  


Here are a few of my favorites:


Nautical themed, this would be fun to wear with a simple navy and red color scheme

Pink, Green, Navy...my favorite colors...and argyle?  I die!

This was inspired after my puppy, Max.  I know it.

What East Coast Preppy could pass this one up?

Pink and Green Lobsters

American themed...perhaps a good accessory for a Navy Game?

I think I prefer the blue over the red of the Nautical themed Sweaty Band

Aren't these just the greatest?

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Shoes for the Collegiate Girl

Hey Preps!

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and in between organizing my life for the upcoming semester, and saying goodbye to friends as they depart for their last year of college...I think it is important to also take inventory of my closet, and prepare it for the upcoming school year.  One thing I have become over my past three years of college is a "OCD note-taking, planner living, overly organized freak".  Everything in my closet is organized by style and color...everything is ironed...and you bet I make my bed every morning.

For a college student, this is not normal.  Not at all.  Unless you go to Navy and are an even bigger weirdo than myself like Pat.  Who is currently not speaking to me because he just loves school so much.  I'm not even kidding.

So today on the agenda of my organizing fun has been my shoes.  Fact is, I have way too many.  So, I went through, got rid of a few pairs of beloved flats (that I have been in denial that they have had their time to shine for about a year too long), polished my loafers, waterproofed a few pairs, and came up with a list I thought I would share with you...

Every college girl is busy.  Regardless of where you go to school there will be times where you have to dress up, dress down...and especially for the northern college ladies, there are sadly too many times where weather is a factor in what you must where on your feet.

I don't even want to think about snow...yuck.  I seriously just got sick to my stomach.  (Does anyone else think their campus is a constant wind tunnel that funnels the cold directly to you?  I swear my school's weather hates me)

So, as the days get shorter and fall is on it's way...I made a Polyvore of the shoes I find the classiest, sassiest, and most convenient for every college girl with explanations of each below:

Fall Shoes For The Collegiate Preppy

Fall Shoes For The Collegiate Preppy by pittsburghprep featuring leather shoes


  1. First on the list are Sperry Top-Sider Anglefish Loafers.  Last fall, my sister told me that my classic boat shoes looked like man shoes.  Great.  Thanks sissy.  I still love my traditional boat shoes, but the Angelfish Loafers are a tad bit more feminine, not to mention they have great support and traction.  I wear mine several times a week.
  2. Penny Loafers.  Boy did I hate them when I was little.  I went to a private school, and every morning before school, it was a fight with my mom.  She practically would choke me as she rolled down the top of my turtleneck, and she insisted I wear Penny Loafers instead of Mary Janes like all the other girls were wearing.  To this day, I still hate when anyone touches my neck thanks to those dreaded turtlenecks...however, my mom is so pleased that I now am in love with Penny Loafers.  They look good dressed up or dressed down.  I wear them with casual skirts, jeans, chino pants...you name it.  I'm hooked.
  3. Hunter Boots saved me last winter.  They have great traction, and also have great wool inserts you can buy to keep your feet toasty.  I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I wear my Hunter Boots daily...just around the house in gym shorts.  They are just so convenient and look great with a preppy wardrobe.  I just feel so adventurous in them.  Just call me nature girl.
  4. Before I start, these are my favorite shoes. Ever.  Sperry knows how to do things right when it comes to their Shearwater Boot.  It is waterproof, has great traction, comfy, and has fleece inside! Perfect for winter weather!  I love the plaid pattern of them too, you wouldn't believe how many compliments I get from these suckers.
  5. Sperry Top-Sider "A/O" 2-Eye Lace Leather Boat Shoes.  That's a mouth full.  But I love mine.  Some people have shared their mixed opinions with the white soles of these shoes, but I like them.  They are something a little out of the ordinary and look great with fall colors.  
  6. This style of Sperry is a more classic color.  These are the man shoes my sister refers to.  They are the 75th Anniversary inspired boat shoe, and I wear these more than any other shoe.  
  7. Ugg Moccasins.  SO WARM.  I am one who tends to get cold very easily, like right now...These are a lifesaver.  It's like sitting by a fireplace the whole time you are wearing them.  Wish I had mine on right now.
  8. Tory Burch Leather Boots are my splurge.  I baby them.  Only wear them when they won't get wet.  It's terrible.  But they are such a classic boot, and great to wear with an oxford button down, a blazer, and skinny jeans.
  9. L.L. Bean Boots.  Duck boots also have been something I have grown up in.  They are great for facing any element of weather, and are a classic staple in every wardrobe.  Just check out Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2010 Ad Campaign.  The obsession is not mine alone.  
  10. Oxford Ballet Flats are a trend that I have fallen for.  J. Crew and Lands End Canvas offer great options for these.  Flats are a great way to make a casual outfit girly, and can be a great way for a preppy girl to add some differentiation to her outfit.
  11. Okay, please seriously take my recommendation on these shoes.  L.L. Bean Coastal Skimmers are fabulous.  They are every prep's dream.  Waterproof, feminine, classic...I am so glad I have a pair, truly great for any type of weather, and I wear mine with anything from dresses, to jeans.
  12. The new "ballet" Ballet flat trend has really caught my eye.  Last spring I was browsing around Gap, and found a pair of these that you can stick in your purse on a night out.  They literally fold up and get fit in very small spaces...and if any of you are like me, I can only do heels for so long, so these types of flats are great to have on a night out.  
  13. My new favorite shoe? The Sebago Spinnaker Boat Shoe.  Complete tradition with a twist.  I just bought these, and have been sporting them everywhere.
  14. Remember how I was jealous of those Mary Jane wearers in grade school? Not anymore.  These heels remind me of the Mary Jane days, but still keep to the classic basics.  I really struggle with finding heels, I don't like mine super high...I have narrow feet so a lot of heels fall off of my feet, so the straps on these heels are great at making sure I don't have any huge falls (even though I tend to trip regardless).
  15. Once again...you can never have too many ballet flats.
  16. Did any of you wear saddle shoes back in the day? I sure did.  Learned to tie my shoes on them.  The new oxford shoes remind me of them in some ways.  However, I'm not sure if I can pull of the oxford shoes in the flat version...so I am gonna see if I can pull them off in a heel... my only issue is I am not sure what I will wear with them yet...
So there you have it...my shoes are ready to go for this upcoming school year...regardless of whether I am or not.  Do you guys have any fall shoes you are dying to sport?

P.S. Like me on Facebook!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

College Football Season: Brooks Brothers Finest Fifteen

Hey Preps!

This summer, it was brought to my attention that Brooks Brothers would be releasing a collegiate line of clothing.  They strategically picked fifteen schools:

University of Alabama
Auburn University
Boston College
Colombia University
Cornell University
Georgetown University
United States Naval Academy
New York University
University of Notre Dame
Ohio State University
Princeton University
Stanford University
Vanderbilt University
University of Virginia
Yale University


Given that Navy is on the list, I excitedly posted about the anticipation of this great collection...which you can find here.  I am happy to say that the collection has been released, and just in time for the start of one of America's favorite past times.  COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

(Photo courtesy of Brooks Brothers)

So who will you be rooting for this upcoming season?

So what could Navy Midshipmen be sporting during away games (Second and First Class only)?

United States Naval Academy Chevron Tie

United States Naval Academy Guard Stripe Tie

United States Naval Academy All-Over Logo Tie

Perhaps one of these fine ties?


Or maybe your choice of a wool Crewneck or V-neck Sweater for a colder game?

Or maybe a button down with the Academy's insignia on the sleeve?

As my senior year of college begins...and football season starts...Brooks Brothers once again raises the bar.  Who's ready to play ball?

Celebrating All Year Long

Hey Preps!

Finally my computer is fixed! I have been carrying it around so tenderly like it's a newborn.  It feels so good to be back!  So, as I am now punching out post after post, I thought I'd take a break to do a quick post on what I was doing last weekend...

Pat is a big boy now! A whopping 21 years old! So you bet we all celebrated!

I also got him some pretty dandy gifts, and thought I'd share in case anyone else is on the lookout for a great gift to give a 21 year old guy:

Every guy needs a koozie to keep his brew cold.  I found this one appropriate for Pat since he is a Midshipman.  Anchored Style is a great company, and I love supporting them.

An original beer mug I found on Etsy perfect for his special birthday

A flask to hold several shots that is pocket sized...American themed of course.


Vineyard Vines tie with Beer Mugs on it.  

Smathers and Branson Beer Cans Needlepoint Belt


Do you like what you see?  
Hope y'all are having a great week!


Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sunday Quotes

Hey Preps!


My laptop is still in the shop.  It is expected to be back Wednesday, so I will finally be able write a legitimate post then.  As of right now, I am currently trying to figure out how to use my Dad's computer, given that it isn't a Mac.  I keep clicking on things and it just is turning out to be an epic fail.  Grrrrr just clicked. 


So, given that my tolerance of using this computer is currently at a minimum, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite quotes with you.


Switchfoot:
[Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
...
And today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
This is your life, are you who you want to be?]

C.S. Lewis (The Four Loves):
[To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, and irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.]

Colossians 3:12-14:
[Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.]

1 Peter 3:3-4
[Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.]

Emily Giffin, Love the One You're With:
[But maybe that's what it all comes down to. Love, not as a surge of passion, but as a choice to commit to something, someone, no matter what obstacles or temptations stand in the way. And maybe making that choice, again and again, day in and day out, year after year, says more about love than never having a choice to make at all.]

Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue:
[In the end, it’s worked out because we both want it to. As long as you two have that, you’ll be able to make it through anything.]

Mike Yaconelli:
[Give me a Jesus who meets me in the rushing, crashing waters of my questions. Let me stand precariously close to the dark menacing skies of doubt, so I can hear the fierce and gentle loving voice of my Jesus who drowns out my fears and stands just beyond my questions with open arms]

Tuesdays with Morrie:
[So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things that are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.]

Wendall Berry:
[Be joyful-though you have considered all the facts]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower:
[There's nothing like the deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for the right reasons.]

Friday Night Lights:
[Maybe the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts.]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower:
[I think the idea is that every person has to live for his or her own life and then make the choice to share it with other people.]

Helen Keller:
[So much has been given to me, I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.]

Mother Theresa:
[Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.]

Fireproof:
[Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it.]

Ralph Lauren:
[I've never wanted to be in fashion, because if you're in fashion...you're out of fashion]

Anthony Robins:
[Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something. They’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.]

Rule No.8 of Being a Lady:
[Keep your heels, head, and standards high]

AGAPE

Thanks for hanging in there with me guys as I haven't been writing due to my computer, and haven't been able to check up on all of y'alls lovely lives!  Have a blessed Sunday!  So thankful for you!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

My Computer...Strike Three

Hey Preps!

So it's been a week...and let me tell you why...

My computer likes to break a lot.  Especially when I am doing something important...perhaps writing a lab or organizing files I must keep.

So she's currently in the shop...and I am currently computer-less.  It's kinda nice except for the fact that I have some great blog post ideas that I can't write currently.

Anyways, check these out:
These are the Spinnaker Boat Shoes 
from Sebago

I am buying them.  Right now.  On Ebay.
Retail Therapy due to my separation anxiety from my computer.
It happens. 

Hang tight, I will be officially back asap!
Hope y'all have a blessed week!