Favorite Lotions and Moisturizers

First of all, I apologize for the poor quality of this image. My camera (for those of you who have asked I used the Canon Rebel T3i) was not cooperating and I could not quite get the lighting or edits right on my phone. Anyways, one thing for me that is always a guarantee with winter is dry skin. My hands, face and legs all get so dry and I find myself having to constantly reapply lotion and moisturizer during the cold months. Over the years I have experimented with so many different products and I think I finally have all of my favorites for all different purposes! 

+St. Ives Naturally Soothing Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Lotion 

I have been using this lotion for a long time and love it! Shea butter is one of my favorite scents and it is super moisturizing without being greasy and disgusting. I use this every night on my legs after I shower and it never fails to disappoint. The bottle is fairly large and I like the easiness of the pump. You can find this at your local drug store for around $5.

+Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

I use this cream every day and night after I wash my face. My dermatologist recommend this and it seems so work pretty well. I was always hesitant to use a cream on my face because I was afraid it would make my skin super oily and increase breakouts. However, it is actually very important to moisturize your face and actually helps to keep skin clear. You can also find this at your local drug store and it retails for about $10.

+Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter

I purchased this hand cream at a local store on Cape Cod, however I have seen it at other places. This is a smaller tube because it also came with a rollerball perfume, but I like the size because it is nice for travel. The smell reminds me of summer which is so nice during the dreary winter months. I use this on my hands every night before I go to bed. 

+Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

I picked this lotion up in the travel sized section at Target last year before I went on spring break. Self-tanner freaks me out, one of my biggest fears is having it not work and turn me orange. I do not use this cream every day, nor do I really use it in the winter. However, in early spring I like to apply a little bit to my legs to add a hit of color to my otherwise white as a snowman legs. I highly recommend this brand if you are looking for a self tanner that will look natural. 

What are your favorite lotions and moisturizers?

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Say Goodbye to Stress

This week started off extremely stressful for me and has continued to stay that way. I spent my entire weekend working on notes for my history research paper and when I went to print it the formatting got all messed up and the printer broke. Long story short it took forever to fix and then I still had lots of other assignments to complete. Although this situation was the opposite of ideal, I (barely) managed to stay calm and it all worked out. As we are coming up on half way through or third term, I have noticed a significant increase in the work load, but at the same time I have a lot more motivation. With this, I have seen some positive results. The key to success is to eliminate stress. Hey, that kind of rhymes... my thoughts as I type this at 10:30. 

+Take a deep breath

I know this sounds so cliché and you may think that it is stupid, but honestly I think that it works. Take a second and really think, you may be overwhelmed and near tears but in the long run it will all work out. Tell yourself if will be fine and it will be.

+Plan Ahead

It may seem strenuous to take on small steps of a long term project each night, however you will thank yourself the night before it is due. When all of your friends are up until midnight and you get 8+ hours of sleep you will be able to have a more positive outlook on the rest of the week and not be too tired to be productive the next day. 

+Drink Tea

Tea is so calming. Chamomile is one of my favorites, but honestly I enjoy almost any kind. Try to drink decaf if it is at night so it does not effect your sleeping schedule. 

+Watch a show or have a conversation

Taking your mind completely away from the cause of the stress is probably one of the easiest ways to relax. If you are stressed by something school related watch a show, I suggest a quick and funny one like Friends. This way you can relax but also not get too side tracked. Sometimes when I am over my head I just like to go down to the kitchen and talk to my mom, whether it is about school or just random thoughts it is a nice way to take a break. If you are in college or boarding school, calling home or a friend is a nice way to stay connected and calm. 

+Work out 

Working out is such a great way to clear your head. I remember during cross country season my friends and I would alway talk about how by the end of practice we were able to totally forget about everything for a little while when running. Not only will you be able to relax, but you are also getting some good exercise and your body will thank you! 

How do you eliminate stress?

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Bright Blooms

*via pinterest*

This weekend my mom came home from the grocery store with a beautiful bouquet of tulips in a mason jar with an adorable bow! When I went downstairs for lunch I was so excited to see the colorful blooms and was reminded of what we have to look forward to un the upcoming season. As the March cover page says in my Lilly Pulitzer agenda, "Despite the forecast live like it's spring!" As a New Englander just starting off the month of March I will most definitely be following this saying for a while! It may be snowing outside, but adding little hints of spring to your week is the best way to start transitioning. I have been loving pinning pictures of flowers and all things spring related recently from peonies to sunflower and lilacs. The first flowers blossoming is my favorite thing about the Spring time and I can't wait to be surrounded by the bright colors! What are you most looking forward to about Spring?

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Stripes & Cashmere

Is it just me or did February absolutely fly by? I can't believe that it is already March- one month closer to warmer weather! This weekend I decided to venture over to the beach to snap a few blog pictures, thus bringing back the sea in Preppy by the Sea! This winter I have been loving the turtleneck trend and hope it decides to stick around for a while. Julianna and I both picked up this gray and white striped one on the clearance rack at J. Crew for less than $20! They are great to layer or simply wear on their own. I also think that a solid cashmere sweater is a great classic piece to have in your wardrobe. This black one is so cozy and can be worn so many different ways. What are some of your winter wardrobe staples?

I love my green Hunter boots, they are great for any season and match way more than I ever expected!

I love this Loren Hope bangle from my latest Rocksbox set- use the code 'preppybytheseaxoxo' to get your first month for free!

I love this skinny leopard belt, it adds such a simple pop to any look!

sweater- Ann Taylor (old) similar | turtleneck- J. Crew | jeans- Nordstrom | boots- Hunter | bag- Old Navy | bracelet- Loren Hope via Rocksbox c/o | earrings- Urban Gem via Rocksbox c/o | belt- Old Navy (old) similar

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

Friday Favorites

I am so happy that it is finally Friday, the week after break always seems to drag on and this was no exception. However, I am still shocked that this is the last week of February. This month was the month of snow storms and completely flew by! Because of this, I have had my mind of spring. I made quite a few purchases online that I can't wait to wear once the snow starts to melt! Balancing school and blogging this week has unfortunately been kind of a struggle, so sorry that there was no post up on Thursday. Anyways, here is what I have been loving this week!

One: Mindy Kaling's Book

Over break and this past week, I have really tried to read. My life is so crazy that I never really have the time to just sit down and read and when I do have the time, I would rather watch Netflix or write blog posts. Honestly, I am not that into reading which is bad and something I would like to work on this year.  Mindy's book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns) is freaking hysterical. If you have ever watched the Mindy Project or happen to follow her on Twitter, than I am sure you are well aware of her great sense of humor. If you are looking for a light and super funny read I highly suggest checking this out!

Two: New Sneakers

I am very particular about my sneakers. Before starting cross country, I really went more for comfort than style, as I knew support and stability would be important for long distance. I ended up buying the Women's GEL-Cumulus 16 Running Shoe. These were the perfect sneaker for me and I would highly recommend them for anyone who does a lot of running. Before purchasing these Nike Free Run 5.0 sneakers, I knew that I wanted a light pair to wear mostly for lazy day outfits, running errands or for golf (if I am not wearing golf shoes). I fell in love with this color combination and they were on sale! I have had this style of sneaker in the past and they are great for everyday use, but personally I do not like them for running. I got my first pair for lacrosse in seventh or eighth grade and they hurt my ankles really badly. Anyways, this pair is great and I recommend them, but definitely try them on first to get a feel for them on you. Everyone has different preferences and may like sneakers for different reasons! 

Three: My Second Roxbox Set 

I loved everything about my first box, however my second set is AMAZING! I love this Loren Hope bangle, along with the fun statement studs! My favorite piece was a dainty gold tube necklace from Gorjana that I purchased and can't wait to style! Use the code 'preppybytheseaxoxo' to get your first month for free! 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea