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

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Once again, I'm linking up with Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

So here's what I'm loving this Wednesday:

1.) I'm loving my new Minnetonka moccasins.

2.) I'm loving that Glee's back!

3.) I'm loving gumdrops.

4.) I'm loving that the weather's getting nicer... We're supposed to get up into to the 60's this week!

What are you loving this Wednesday?


xoxo,
Bee

VV Spring Favorites

***Oops, this was supposed to post yesterday, please excuse my mistake!

This weekend I finally got my Vineyard Vines Spring/Summer 2011 catalog, and I was ecstatic. Not only are the clothes beautiful, but I love the way their catalogs are formatted more like a magazine, and the shots were phenomenal.

I loved most of the collection, but three pieces really stood out to me... Stood out meaning I wanted to hop in the car, drive up to Georgetown and try them on as soon as I saw them. (However, it's a long drive, I'm technically not allowed to drive without a licensed driver in the front seat, there was no way I was convincing one of my parents to go with me, and I was already comfy in my pajamas, so that didn't really happen. Oh, that and the fact that I don't have $260 to spare...)

But anyway, my favorites were:

 Rainbow Row Skirt

Pineapple Tropical Patchwork Shorts

Classic Twill Shorts in Lemon Drop

Did you have any favorites?

Happy Monday, and congrats to all you Green Bay fans out there! What a great game!

xoxo,

Bee

Who's it gonna be?

OR

Enjoy the game!

xoxo,

Bee

Pantry Re-haul and 2nd Semester Update

So I know I mentioned in my 7 Facts Award post that I'm definitely an organizer. And also that LB and I re-organized the pantry the other day... Well, I just thought I'd share some pictures.

LB and I had the day off from school on Monday because it was a teacher workday for the end of the semester. Mama had left a list of things around the house that she wanted done, and we got those done in no time. But as I was going to get the bread out of the pantry to make some grilled cheeses for lunch, I cried out in frustration as a pile of things fell on me when I opened up the pantry door.

So, we decided to do something about it.

Before.

During.

After.

It was, most definitely, quite an undertaking, as you can see from the middle photo above, but the look on Mama's face when she opened up the door and saw the results made it all worth it.

----------------

I feel like I haven't given an update in awhile, so I'll attempt one now.

This week was crazy. I didn't have a lot of homework or anything, but I started a new class (Driver's Ed, whoop!), so I was a bit out-of-whack all week. I did get a lot of work assigned to do over the weekend, so I'm going to have to really focus in order to get it all done.

Also this week, I was cleared to start working out! (Just biking, swimming and elliptical, though.) I only made it to the gym once, but hope to get back maybe a few times this weekend and next week, for sure.

Last night, Mama and I watched The Young Victoria and I was struck again by how much I love that movie. After it was over, we proceeded to research the history and lineage of the British monarchy for about an hour... We're such dorks.

Today, I'm off to babysit all day for wBg, my favorite 2-year-old in the world. 10:30-5:30. I'm definitely going to get a workout! But he's going to take a nap at some point, so maybe I can get a couple of minutes on the elliptical in while he's sleeping. I'll just have to be really quiet because their gym is in the room next door to W's. 

Tomorrow, I'm just going to be finishing up all the homework I have (blech) and then we're heading to a friend's annual Superbowl party. (However, I'm still not sure who I'm rooting for... Better figure that one out.)

Who do you want to win the big game?

Have a great Saturday!

xoxo,

Bee

A New Favorite

A couple weekends ago, I watched The Young Victoria and I've been obsessed with it ever since. If you read my post from Monday, you know that I have a bit of an affinity for British monarchs, so this may come as no surprise.

I read a lot about Queen Victoria when I was in elementary school, but hadn't really read anything about her since. I borrowed this movie from my aunt to watch while we were in New Bern and forgot to give it back (oops...). So, needless to say, I've been watching it over and over again ever since. It's getting to be a problem.

It stars Emily Blunt, of The Devil Wears Prada fame, and Rupert Friend, who played Mr. Wickham in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice (another favorite). They are wonderful and their on-screen chemistry is unbelievable.

The story starts a few months before she becomes queen and follows her through the early years of her marriage to Prince Albert. The costumes are gorgeous (they won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Costume Design!) and the cinematography is really outstanding. There aren't enough good things to say about this movie!

The only grievance I have is that it's not exactly historically accurate... For the most part, it is, but there are little things that most definitely aren't. But that doesn't affect the quality of the acting or the strength of the story, so forget I said anything...

Okay, I'll shut up, now go watch it!

xoxo,

Bee