Dear Readers,

I apologize profusely for my lack of posting, but, for whatever reason, I am suddenly lacking inspiration. Please excuse me as I take a bit of a blogging hiatus. Never fear, though, I'll continue to check in on your lovely blogs over my absence.

Life is good.

xoxo,

Bee 

Service Saturday

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take part in a really neat thing that my youth group does every Saturday. I served on Saturday as a part of a "Service Saturday" and I had the greatest time.

We went to a farm about fourty-five minutes away that grow organic vegetables to give to people in our area who aren't, for whatever reason, able to get nutritious food on a regular basis. I'm not quite sure if they sell it to those people or if they give it away, but I'm sure it is such a blessing to people who aren't used to having access to fresh produce.

After our group of about thirty middle and high schoolers got there (a few of us got a bit lost...) the guy in charge, Steve, explained to us what we were going to be doing. My group of seven was assigned a row of vegetation about 100 yards long. We were told that these were collard greens and that we were supposed to pick off the good leaves and put them into one of the big blue buckets that were lying around.

As we were picking, everyone was conversing and lots of new friends were made. It was such a fantastic experience and I feel so blessed to have been lucky enough to be a part of it.

Giving back to a community that you're a part of is such a great feeling and I can't wait until we get to go back to help them distribute the vegetables to the people who need them.

After that ended (about 1:00), I went to get a much-needed haircut and then I babysat for hBh and wBg. They were so adorable and I can't believe how big they're getting!

How was your Saturday spent? I hope it was doing something you love.

Have a great Sunday! I'm off to church in the AM, then I have a Youth Vestry meeting with pretty much my favorite group of people in the world, then confirmation class, lunch, hopefully a play with Na and AlPal, and then Youth Group. Whew! It's going to be a busy day, but those are the kind I love.

xoxo,

Bee

Friday Five

The Friday Five is making a comeback! Back in November, I did a Friday Five about my five favorite things about November. Since it's the beginning of March, I thought I'd share my top five favorite things about this month.

1.) March Madness! I'm so excited to see my Tar Heels play in the tourney.

2.) St. Patrick's Day. For me, Saint Patty's Day signals the beginning of spring.

3.) The earth is waking up! I feel like March is when everything starts to turn green.

4.) Only one more month until my birthday! And this year, it's a super sweet sixteenth.

5.) Spring sports. I love spring track, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball and lacrosse. It's such a fun time in the life of the school because lots of people come out for the sporting events and the weather is really nice. Our Girl's Tennis team (above) has been #1 in the state for 4 years and counting!

What are your favorite things about March?

Happy Friday!!

xoxo,

Bee

I did it.

I broke down and finally bought the VV skirt I posted about here.

It should arrive in 2-5 days and I couldn't be more excited. Thank you all so much for your input, your enthusiastic yeses (or whatever is the plural of yes) were definitely the strongest deciding factor.

Y'all are the best.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Bee

March Madness

Well, y'all, we're officially into March, which means it's almost time to start gearing up for March Madness. Who's excited?

In my family, you never need an excuse to wear Carolina blue, but this month gives us an excuse to go all out.

I've picked out some of my favorite things to help you show your team spirit all month long. Enjoy!

The Gameday Girls always has adorable ways to display team pride. From earrings to bracelets to headbands, they have it all! And even if they don't offer your school's specific colors, they'll custom make your piece with the colors you want.

Adorable, right?

Go Tar Heels!

xoxo,

Bee

Happy March!

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! Happy March, everyone!

Have a great Tuesday!

xoxo,

Bee

Complaining Again

I hate to keep whining, but I just cannot wait for warm weather!

My favorite things about summer vacation? Hmm...

Cute shorts

Bright sundresses

Lemonade stands

The beach

What are your favorite things about summer?

xoxo,

Bee

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tumblr

http://beemyselfandi.tumblr.com/

http://beemyselfandi.tumblr.com/

http://beemyselfandi.tumblr.com/

Not sure if it was a good idea or a bad one, but I finally made a Tumblr. It's a lot of fun, however, highly addicting. 

Have a great Sunday!

xoxo,

Bee

Sincerest Apologies

Hello there! So sorry for my lack of posts towards the end of this week, I had a crazy couple of days at school, so blogging had to take a backseat. 

However, I made it through my INSANE week, and don't have nearly any homework to do over the weekend, so I'll definitely be queuing up some posts for the coming week.

Just a few little going-ons:

-Spring track starts Monday! Whoo-hoo! I am so excited to be reunited with my teammates and I can't wait to finally don a red and white uniform. Plus, if it's spring track time, that means it's almost time for XC!


-I'm going to be a busy babysitting bee this weekend, but I'm so excited. Call me a homebody, a loser with no social life, whatever you wish, but I love spending time with these little boys.


-I drove the speed limit on Wednesday! I know, I know, not really a big deal, but it was for me. I still haven't driven on a road with real cars, but I'm working my way up there. Apparently I'm a natural at five-speed, though!


Happy Saturday! I'm hitting the gym early for some Pilates this morning, then going for a little run. The rest of the day will be spent at the library, researching for my research paper on genocide. Hooray... Until I get to go babysit at 5:30.


What are you up to today?


xoxo,
Bee

5 Things

Mallory over at This is the Story of a Girl tagged me to do a "Five Things I Can't Live Without Post."

So, here goes nothing. These are the five things I can't live without.

1.) My family and friends. They are my support and encouragement and I have no idea what I would do without them all.

2.) My cell phone... Sad, but true.

3.) Mama's Sweet Tea. The absolute best ever.

4.) My laptop. Again, sad, but true. It's necessary for all my educational endeavors, but also for personal things as well.

And 5.) A good book! Right now, I'm re-reading the "classics", so I just finished The Secret Garden and have moved onto A Little Princess.

Thanks so much, Mal, for the tag!

I now tag... Anyone who wants to take part! This was so much fun!

Have a great Wednesday!

xoxo,

Bee

I heart PDF's

It's true. I hate them when I have to use them for school, but when it comes to blogging, je les adore.

Example A:

One of my new favorite Tumblrs, which you can find here, created these adorable printable agendas and I'm obsessed. (Download your own to print and use here. Click>Freebies>Download PDF)

Example B:

Another new favorite of mine, Matchbook Magazine, which is "a monthly digital lifestyle publication" and absolutely fantastic, included this wonderful checklist in their first issue.

I'm obsessed with all of their graphics, look!

This is the "Matchbook Girl"... who you can read about here.

I just love love love Matchbook Magazine.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo,

Bee

P.S. Does anyone know what PDF actually stands for?

A Cry for Help

Dear Readers,

I need your help. I've been lusting after this VV skirt for quite some time now and it's finally on sale. The color I want and the size I need are both available and it's discounted for only $38.99. That's almost 60% off!

My plea to you, lovely followers, is for your opinion. To give in or not? What would you do? Do you think it'll be reduced even further? How long do you think I have to make up my mind before it sells out? Please help me!

Any and all feedback would be GREATLY appreciated. Y'all are the best!

xoxo,

Bee

Silly Cowboy...

Can't wait to put this on the truck! (Once BB's safely off at college, of course...)

Happy Sunday!

xoxo,

Bee

Back and Better Than Ever

Hello there!

So sorry for my lack of a post yesterday, it was my first day back at school after being home sick for most of the week, so I didn't have a lot of time or energy to schedule a post.

But, as the title of this post suggests, I'm back, renewed, refreshed and better than ever! 

Today, reallllly early, Mama and Daddy went over to our local Toyota dealership and they're bringing home this bad boy:

SO FREAKING EXCITED.

Even though I won't legally be able to drive it until August 9th, and BB, what with his recent mishaps on the road, won't be allowed to drive it until at least Easter, its presence in our driveway will still be a heck of a thrill.

The only downside? Two words: stick shift. Blarrrggghhh. But hey, I'll get used to it. Right?

But wait, there's more! In the way of exciting news, I've been cleared to dig these puppies out of the depths of my gym bag and take them chasing pavement:

 And just in time, too! Spring Track "try-outs" (we use that term loosely) start next Monday!

Oh oh oh! And, Monday is President's Day so there's no school for me, BB, LB, or Mama. That's right, she gets the day off, too.

It's all so exciting, I'm grinning ear-to-ear just writing this post. 

Anyone else have super-exciting good news to share as well? I'd love to hear what's got you smiling!

Have a fantastic Saturday!

xoxo,

Bee

Old Navy for Spring

I was perusing the Old Navy website yesterday when I was home sick... Yuck. But not yuck to what I found. Take a look:

I'm totally loving all the bright, fun colors! Also, they have their Perfect Khaki Collection, which are the best pants, shorts and capris you could ask for. Some of these things will have to find their way into my spring wardrobe!

What are your thoughts?

Have a great Thursday!

xoxo,

Bee

Blame It on the Rain

Just a quick little post with one of my favorite songs. My friend mBe turned me onto He Is We this summer and I can't get enough. You should definitely check them out! I don't think their stuff is on iTunes, but you can find listen here. It's definitely worth it!

Have a great Wednesday!

xoxo,

Bee

For the moments I feel faint

I hope everyone had a fantabulous Valentine's day!

Yesterday, while being full of pink, red and yummy treats was also full of homework, tests, quizzes and projects for me. It wasn't long before I got to feeling a bit bogged down, and I looked to my iPod for a bit of a pick-me-up.

Shuffle read my mind. The collection of songs it dreamed up, which I almost immediately turned into a playlist, was the perfect combination of uplifting, remember-what's-really-important songs and fast, upbeat songs. Perfection.

Here are a few highlights:

Teenage Dream, Katy Perry

For the Moments I Feel Faint, Relient k

Activate, Stellar Kart

and

Don't Stop Believin', Glee Cast

Any suggestions for additions? I'd love to hear 'em!

Have a great Tuesday!

xoxo,

Bee

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's Valentine's Day! 

Now, I can't say that I'm today's biggest fan, but I do love the fact that I get to dress head-to-toe in pink and eat lots of sugar without anyone passing judgment. It's great.

Speaking of sugar, yesterday, Mama and I got busy in the kitchen making chocolate-covered pretzels for me to give away today... Yum-O!

Pictures? Of course!

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

Bee

Book (sort-of) Reviews

For whatever reason, I've been reading A LOT lately. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

Safe Haven, by Nicholas Sparks-- Now, I can't say I'm Mr. Sparks' biggest fan, but this was a good read; exciting, albeit a bit heavy, with the happy ending that is uncommon in his work. 3/5

Commencement, by J. Courtney Sullivan-- I thought it was very interesting; definitely eye-opening in many ways, but much heavier than I thought it would be. All in all, it was a touching story of friendship, and I'd recommend it. Sally was, by far, by favorite character, as I could totally relate to her neat-freak tendencies. Just sayin'. 3.5/5

Cum Laude, by Cecily von Ziegesar-- The author of the bestselling Gossip Girl series strikes again, this time with a charming story about life on a small, private, liberal arts college campus in the fictional town of Home, Maine. It follows four freshman through their first semester of college, and I thought it was again, very interesting. A bit strange. Okay, very strange at times, but overall, pretty good. 4/5

And, I'm currently reading:

One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell-- It's good, so far, but I'll try to remember to follow-up and let you know how I like it when I'm done.

Also in my stack of books to read is:

Shopaholic and Baby, by Sophie Kinsella-- LOVE LOVE LOVE this series. And this author. If you haven't read any of her stuff, you definitely should! It's perfect for poolside and laugh-out-loud funny.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett-- I know, I know, a little late to the game on this one, but I want to be able to do it justice! I'll probably get it to read over spring break, when I can concentrate and not be interrupted.

The Summer We Read Gatsby, by Danielle Ganek-- Read a review of this somewhere (can't remember now!), and have wanted to read it since!

What are you reading? Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? Are there any other books I should definitely read?

-----------

Today, I'm going to see The King's Speech with AlPal and Na, and I'm so excited! I've been wanting to see it since the Academy Awards, so I hope it's as good as they say. Considering my obsession with British royalty, I'm sure I'll love it.

Have you seen it yet? What did you think?

Happy Saturday!

xoxo,

Bee

My Closet in Sketches

Recently I came across this really neat website called My Closet in Sketches.

Essentially, it's this girl who sketches her outfits each morning and her artwork is spectacular. Each of the outfits get a special name and her style is fabulous. You should definitely go take a look!

Isn't that just the coolest?

Have a great Friday!

xoxo,

Bee

Texas Prep Giveaway!

The lovely Ashley, over at Texas Prep, is doing a wonderful, fabulous, oh-so-exciting giveaway. Can you tell I'm excited??

She's giving away this Kate Spade bangle!

Isn't it so simple and pretty? I've been wanting this one for the longest time, so I definitely hope I get lucky...

What's that? Oh, you want to enter, too?

Well, go check it out here!

Have a great Thursday! (And a very happy 11th birthday to my little brother!)

xoxo,

Bee