December 18, 2017

Gift Guide: Under $25



With just one week left until Christmas, I am finally starting to finalize my shopping. Being a college student on a budget, I think that the $25 and under gift guide is my favorite to write and to read on other blogs. Despite the low budget, I was able to find so many fun gifts, many of which look more than $25. Whether you have a beauty guru on your hands, a jewelry lover, or want to give something cozy, this gift guide has something for everyone! Also, if you have a yankee swap or secret Santa coming up that is on a budget, hopefully this will help you brainstorm!

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

December 10, 2017

Holidays at Elon






It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at Elon and I have absolutely no complaints! In going to college in North Carolina, I never thought I would see snow this time of year, but the flurries came just in time for the holidays. Despite being in the midst of exams, Elon has done such a good job of keeping students in the holiday spirit. On Wednesday, the President hosted his annual Christmas party at a country club near campus which was such fun change of pace from always being on campus. I happened to stand right behind Renee from Gimme Glamour in line for the shuttle to the party, so we were able to catch up and snap a few pictures at the party which was so fun! On thursday night, Elon had a lights festival where all the students gathered to drink hot chocolate and sing Christmas songs while they turned on all the Christmas lights on campus. I absolutely love walking around campus at night and seeing all the lights, its such a therapeutic way to destress after spending the day studying in the library. Just a few more days and I'll be finished with my first semester of college and home to really get into the Christmas spirit :)

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

December 04, 2017

Gift Guide: College Student



Happy Monday! Now that we are officially into December, I am excited to be making lots of gift guides for the 2017 holiday season. Seeing as I am writing this post from my dorm, it only seems fitting to kick off these posts with my picks for college students. Although a lot of these items are catered towards girls, I think that most guys would be excited to receive a Patagonia pullover, yeti cup, slippers, a speaker, or new headphones. However, if none of these gifts seem like a good fit for the college student in your life, trust me, money is always appreciated by broke college kids :) 

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

December 01, 2017

Book Review: You Are a Badass


Over the past couple of year I have really gotten back into reading. As much as I love getting in bed and watching Netflix, there is something so much more relaxing about putting away your technology and cracking open a book. Unfortunately, I have been a little bit lazy on the book front since getting to college, however over Thanksgiving break I decided to start You Are a Basass by Jen Sincero. One of my friends had recommended this book to me over fall break, so I picked up a copy before break. Having to fly home from college can be somewhat of a pain, but it provides ample time to read.

Naturally, the flashy yellow cover and bold title makes this book catch your attention before reading a single chapter. You Are a Badass was the first "self-help" book I have ever read so I have nothing to compare it to, despite this I found it funny, motivating, and well written. In addition to being an author, Jen Sincero works as a success coach and speaker, so she has a great deal of experience with strategizing ways to identify goals and pursue them in successful ways to develop a life you love. She covers everything from combatting negativity, to identifying the roots of beliefs, both good and bad, to making money, and everything in-between. The book is a quick read that will leave you wanting to set goals and make changes to the way you live your life. I would highly recommend this book for any new college student, or frankly anyone going though a transitional period in life, along with anyone who feels they are just stuck in some sort of rut, unable to identify the root of their problems. I think everyone could take something away from You Are a Badass, so if you are looking for an easy Christmas gift this would be great! Although it is not in a genre I would typically go for,  I really enjoyed Sincero's book and think it was a great book to read on the road. Have you read You Are a Badass?

xoxo,
Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea