February 27, 2016

February Beach Day






coat | scarf | jeans | boots

Compared to last year, this year's winter has been pretty uneventful in Massachusetts. We've had about 2 medium sized snow storms, the occasional sprinkle, and that's just about it. I never realized until this year when I found myself missing the snow that I really am a winter person. I like the coziness of the cold weather and how beautiful the outdoors looks right after it snows. That being said, every year around this time I long for the summer months and Cape Cod. Over February break this year, we drove down to the Cape for a mini day trip. During the school year, I rarely make the trip to Cape Cod with everything so busy at home, so it was a nice break to get to see the beach and just drive around. Sure it was 10 degrees out, but I'm a sucker for the beach any time of year.

xoxo,
Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

February 26, 2016

Spring Wish List

 
Before I dive into this post, I just wanted to quickly apologize for my absence from the internet this past week. After coming in on a red-eye monday morning and having an overwhelming amount of tests, quizzes, and projects, I needed to take brief blogging hiatus and put school first. Despite all the stress that this week has encompassed, I have been thinking a lot about spring, particularly spring break. Our spring break is not until April (counting down the days until I am sitting on the beach), but I know most schools have theirs in March. Stores have slowly been releasing their spring collections, so I have rounded up a few of my favorite items. I have a lot of bright patterned spring and summer clothes, so this year I want to add a few more basics to my wardrobe. I am a white jeans fanatic, and want to add a distressed pair to my closet for a little bit of change. This pair from Zara is super inexpensive, and their denim is really good quality. My Ray-Ban aviators have been my go-to sunglasses since I got them the summer before freshman year, however these trendy blue lens tortoise frames are so adorable, and why not try out a trend when they're under $10? What is on your spring wish list this year?

xoxo,
Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea

February 22, 2016

Colorado Recap






On Thursday I made the trek from Vermont to Colorado for a long weekend with my two best friends from camp. One of my goals for Preppy by the Sea is to give you a glimpse into my non-blogging life, so I thought I would share a little bit about my trip! My friend Mary Clare who flew in from D.C. and I arrived in Denver around 9 on Thursday night and then went to Chick-fil-a. Fun fact, I am a chick-fil-a fanatic but we don't have them in Massachusetts, so naturally this was our first stop. Needless to say I was quite content with my chicken nuggets, fries, and milkshake #noregrets.

On Friday morning we woke up early and headed to Vail for two days. We were so lucky to have incredible weather.. I may or may not have even gotten a sun burn. The back bowls were seriously so incredible and the conditions were a nice change from cold and icy Vermont. I felt like I was in Europe wondering through Vail Village, the buildings are all so intricate.

We started off our last day devouring berry and nutella crepes at an adorable restaurant in Denver. After Emily gave us the tour of the city, we went to University of Denver and walked around. Although I don't think I want to go to school in Colorado, the campus was gorgeous and I would definitely recommend checking it out! Finally, we went to Red Rocks. The huge rocks, and views of the mountains and Denver skyline are breathtaking. I went to a concert here the last time I visited, but going during the day to look at the views, or workout (if you are able to brave the altitude) is such a great experience. Skiing was definitely the highlight of the trip, however just driving around with my friends laughing and belting out all of our favorite songs was a very close second. I am so happy that we were able to squeeze in a quick trip together and catch up during this crazy year!

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

P.S. Thanks MC and Em for helping me cross off #67 on my 101 in 1001 days list :)

February 19, 2016

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! I spent majority of this week in Vermont with my family skiing and I am spending the rest out in Colorado with my best friends from camp! As you are reading this, we are probably on our way to Vail to go skiing for the weekend. Having the past week off has been wonderful, I got to catch up on sleep, watch some movies, and be with my family.  

One: Breakfast
Breakfast is my favorite meal and of course during break I both made a bunch of yummy things, and went out to brunch a few times. This one restaurant had the cutest little coffee set up that went perfectly with the rest of the ski theme.

Last weekend was insanely cold, at one point it hit -45. Due to this, I lived in my sorels for majority of the week. These boots are seriously the warmest things ever and will keep your feet warm not matter what. In the land of snow boots, they are pretty cute and can be worn to dinner with a cute sweater and jeans. 

Three: Travel
This weekend I am going to be spending a lot of time at airports. I flew out of Burlington, VT to get to Denver and had a layover in NYC. Although I hate not having direct flights, I really can't complain about this view! 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 18, 2016

Colorado


As you are reading this I am most likely on a plane to Denver. My friend from camp and I decided to book a trip to Colorado to visit our other friend who lives there a few months ago. After a long wait, the eagerly anticipated adventure is finally here! It really sucks living plane rides away from your best friends, however it makes each visit that much more special. Despite the fact that we only see each other a few times a year, we talk all the time and always pick up right where we left off. Over the past few years we have been lucky enough to see each other fairly frequently and go to tons of fun places. This trip is only four days, but we are determined to pack in as much as possible. We are going to Vail for a couple of days to go skiing and then will be in Denver for the rest of the time. The last time I was in Colorado was over the summer, so I am excited to actually get to ski this time around! Make sure to follow us on Instagram and add us on snapchat {preppybythesea} for a sneak peek into this trip!

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 16, 2016

Carry On Essentials

Over the next two weeks I am going to be at the airport a lot. On Thursday I am flying out to Colorado to go skiing with friends and when we get back from break, my mom and I are going to North and South Carolina to look at colleges. Perfecting the art of packing a carry on is an essential skill, and having the right things with you during the flight can make or break the experience. The bag I bring usually depends on where I am going and if I need to bring a lot of homework with me. If I am not bringing my backpack, I typically carry a tote, my favorite being this Mark and Graham monogrammed suede boho bag!

Technology // Laptop, iPhone, camera, headphones, and portable charger
I always keep all of my technology in my carry on, regardless of if I plan to use it on the actual flight. Bags get lost all the time, especially if you have connecting flights, so keeping all your valuables with you is always a good idea- same goes for any nice jewelry! Many planes now have wifi on them, so I try to use the flight to be productive and get caught up on emails, schedule posts, or work on any homework I have. 

Entertainment // Book and magazine
Watching movies and listening to music is always great, however sometimes I need a little change of pace. I always bring a book with me (I'm currently reading Opening Belle and love it) and pick up a magazine at the airport to flip through during the flight. 

Beauty// Glasses, contact case & solution, perfume, and chapstick 
For some reason I find that majority of the time I fly at weird hours of the day. Red eyes, and very early morning flights can be draining and it is nice to have a few beauty products with you to freshen up. I wear contacts and can't fall asleep with them in so having my case and some solution with me is a must. Also, my lips are always getting chapped on the plane, so I always have chapstick with me. 

Other// Wallet and snack
Bringing your wallet with you is pretty self explanatory, but I also highly recommend packing an additional snack in your bag. Let's be real, airplane food is awful, and on short flight might not even be an option. Toss a granola bar or some pretzels in your carry on and you should be fine! 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 15, 2016

Favorite Instagram Accounts

Instagram is by far and away my favorite platform of social media, and from a blogger's perspective, it just got better. I think I can speak for anyone managing multiple instagrams that finally being able switch between accounts without constantly signing out is pretty great. Anyways, I am constantly exploring Instagram and finding new accounts to add to my feed and thought I would share a few of my favorites. Having a balance of bloggers, celebrities, news, and food accounts keeps your feed fresh and interesting. I follow a ton of bloggers, so I only included a few of my favorite to keep this post concise. 

@taza // Over the past few months, Naomi's instagram has quickly become one of my favorites. She lives in New York City with her husband and adorable three kids #familygoals. They have been on a ton of amazing trips recently (think Australia, Peru, and California), so the account also satisfies my obsession with travel. 

@emilyshuman // Ahh the infamous Cupcakes & Cashmere. Not only am I obsessed with Emily's blog, but her daughter, Sloan, might be the cutest little thing ever. Her simplistic style, fun L.A. lifestyle, and delicious food posts make her one of the best well rounded instagrammers. 

@juliahengel // Julia is a San Francisco based blogger and seriously has the most amazing outfits. I love all the the light pink hues she wears, and her hair and make up are always so put together. The photography on her account is absolutely stunning. 

@graymalin // This is by far and away the best photography account I have found on Instagram. I first discovered Gray Malin last summer before I went to Italy. He has done tons of shoots on the Amalfi coast, especially the beaches of Positano. His recent ski collections have also caught my eye!

@reesewitherspoon // Reese Witherspoon is my favorite actress and her instagram is no exceptions. She recently started a clothing company called Draper James, which features a classic collection with a southern influence. If you are looking for book recommendations, fashion advice, and lifestyle posts, add Reese to your following. 

@peoplemag //  Like many girls out there, celebrity gossip is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. I like to think that People Magazine is the most reliable source out there. They post all the latest news, with a brief description under the photo. If you want to read more, the direct link to the article is linked in their bio. Following this type of account is a quick and easy way to stay up to date with pop culture.

What are your current favorite Instagram accounts?

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 13, 2016

Links I'm Loving

One of my goals for the 101 in 1001 days is to read 10 books for pleasure. I am always super busy and this article offers some great tips on how to make time to read.

I have switched gears to thinking about spring shopping and these denim shorts are on the top of my list!

Did you see the trailer for Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

On the snow day my friends and I made slutty brownies. Definitely a 10/10

No plans for Valentine's Day? Check out Caroline's treat yourself post!

Iconic models recall their fashion week experiences 

Looking for a light hearted and hilarious show? New Girl is the answer.

The perfect white dress, under $20 (insert heart eyes emoji) 

I leave for Colorado on Thursday and I'm loving this guide to light packing for a ski trip!

The best celebrity airport style round up

#blogged delicious and festive Valentine's day cookie recipe.

I just got this royal blue bathing suit and the back is to die for! 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 10, 2016

Valentine's Day Cookies





My favorite thing about Valentine's Day is by far and away all the sweets. Last Friday we had an unexpected snow day so I decided to do a little baking to stay warm inside. I used this Martha Stewart recipe for double chocolate chunk cookies and replaced the chocolate chunks with Valentine's Day m&m's. As much as I love the traditional chocolate chip cookie, it's nice to mix it up sometimes, plus these will definitely satisfy a chocolate craving. The cookies are pretty easy to make, however if you were in a rush you could always opt for a chocolate cookie mix. If you are having a girls night in, or going to a small Valentine's Day party, these would be perfect to bring as the recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies! 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

P.S. Today we're participating in the Valentine's Day #galpallinkup make sure to check out all the posts for other recipes, outfits, and date night ideas! 

February 09, 2016

Snow Day Essentials


There's something so magical about a snow day. Is there really anything better than waking up to fresh snow and relaxing in cozy pajamas all day? Recently we were hit with two different storms and had a snow day last Friday and this Monday #fourdayweekend. It takes a lot of snow to get a snow day in the Boston area, so when we have them you can be guaranteed an abundance of snow and great sledding and snowman making weather. I thought I would share a few of my snow day essentials and favorite activities after spending a lot of time in a winter wonderland recently. 

Cozy PJ's // No matter if you are the adventurous type on a snow day or prefer to stay inside all day by the fire, having a cozy pair of pajamas is a must. Personally, I go back and forth between wanting to wear a cute matching set and wearing huge sweatpants.

Pullover // Whether you are out shoveling or sledding, layering a cozy pullover under your jacket will keep you warm in the storm. Also, they are great for lots of Netflix watching :)

Snow Boots // In big storms, sometimes bean boots just don't cut it. My Sorels keep my feet warm all day and are high enough that snow does not get in. 

Go Sledding // We had a ton of snow days last winter, yet somehow I never went sledding. This year my friends and I went to the golf course and had so much fun! 

Build a Snowman // This is actually one of the things on both of our 101 in 1001 list. I haven't made a snowman in a really long time and think it should definitely be a priority for my next snow day!

Movie Marathon // If it is super chilly outside, there is really nothing better than staying inside all day and binge watching your favorite movies. Invite your friends over, bake some cookies and settle in for the storm! 

xoxo,
Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea

February 08, 2016

Bedside Table





My bedside table is probably one of the most used pieces of furniture in my room. Having a place to store everything I might use in bed or in the middle of the night is so much more convenient than having to constantly get up. I have had this bedside table for a long time and really like the design. Despite the low Ikea price tag, the quality is great. Having the bottom shelf to store books and magazines in the open is great, but I also like having a drawer that I don't have to keep as tidy all the time. I keep a small dish to hold my earrings when I go to bed, a book, water, and a few beauty essentials on the top. What do you keep on your bedside table?

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 05, 2016

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! This week has been pretty light school wise, so it was nice to catch up on some sleep and relax. We only have one week left before our February break and I am so excited for my upcoming trip (more to come next week)! I have a crazy weekend ahead of me, do you have any big plans?

One: Weather
I am a self proclaimed weather junkie. The Weather Channel is by far and away my most used app... This week we had a really weird heat wave and it was in the 60's all week, needless to say I am so excited for Spring! However, we are supposed to get 8" of snow today :(

Two: ACT Prep
This was not really a favorite but I spent a lot of time with my ACT book this past week. Julianna and I are nothing taking it tomorrow morning, wish us luck! I am looking forward to having one test under my belt and seeing where I stand compared to the SAT. 

Tomorrow night is our school's winter dance. We have never had one before, but this year my class organized it so I am super excited to see how it all turns out! Look for pictures and a recap next week. I ordered these heels to wear with this dress and love the combo... hopefully I can walk in them in the snow #justnewenglandthings 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 04, 2016

Future

Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I hate surprises. I am a planner and like to know what to expect. Over the past six months I have come to realize the flaws in these qualities. You simply can't plan every aspect of your life and sometimes you need to take the unexpected and make the most of it. The next year of my life is seriously going to test me. I don't have a ton of control over what will happen and honestly, it's terrifying. This weekend I take the ACT for the first time and at the end of the month my mom and I are going on our first trip to look at colleges. I have been thinking about college for a little bit now and think I have a general idea about what I want, but only in the past few weeks has the reality of the whole process hit me. 

Everyone always says that everything will work out in the end, but it's difficult to accept that. I have seen people apply ED and get into their top school, and I have also heard nightmares about rejection letter after rejection letter. Some people spend their entire four years of high school trying to get involved with virtually everything because it will "look good for college". Yes, this resumé padding may help you, but I think it is more important to find a few things you are truly passionate about and expand upon them. 

Personally, I tried a bunch of new things my freshman year and by sophomore year narrowed it down to the things I participate in today. I have learned so much about myself in the past two years. If I told my 14 year old self that I would end up quitting lacrosse and ski team, my two favorite things, and take up cross country and golf, I would have thought I was insane. Nor did I ever imagine being part of student council and taking on a leadership position. 

The future is incredibly exciting, but also quite scary at the same time. It is going to be an emotional roller coaster and I need to learn to embrace both the ups and the downs. Life is so much more than your GPA and test scores. So, for the next year and a half of high school I have left, I am going to put my best foot forward, try my hardest, and have some fun along the way. The best is yet to come.

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 02, 2016

Blush Pink







Recently, blush pink has become one of my favorite colors. Now that we are getting a little bit closer to spring, I am trying to slowly transition some bold colors back into my daily outfits. As much I love wearing navy, black, and olive, the color pink will always have my heart. Blush is such a pretty feminine color, but its muted tone makes it absolutely perfect for this time of year. I received this sweater back in November for my birthday and have been wearing it all the time with ripped jeans. This spring I am hoping to incorporate some new blush pieces into my wardrobe to pair with lots of white. Also, a blush dress or cashmere sweater with nice pants would look so adorable for Valentine's Day! 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

February 01, 2016

Valentines Day {For Her}

heels | sweater | candle | wallet | lipstick | vest | key chain | earrings | pencils | water bottle | fitbit | mug

I don't know about you but I seriously cannot believe that it is February 1st! This month I have a ton of exciting things planned, including a couple of trips. In addition to that, Valentine's Day is just around the corner! I am pretty neutral on the day itself. I don't love it, but I am not one of those girls that sulks around on February 14th. Although I don't have a boyfriend and most likely will not have any plans, how could I not get excited about a day filled with pink and chocolate hearts?!

These gifts would be great for any of your closest friends, mom, or sister. Also, you could take the treat yoself route and have a little excuse to buy yourself something that you have had your eye on for a while. Let's be real, the middle of winter is most likely not your favorite time of the year. Spice up your February with a little pop of color and get excited for spring! 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea