Out with the OLD, in with the NEW!

I did a post at the beginning of Fall semester about what was in my tote bag. I used that Lilly tote through September, but it's not exactly appropriate for fall or winter. I switched to my trusty Vineyard Vines tote, which I absolutely adore. The girls from my freshman dorm gave it to me for my birthday last year. Unfortunately, some IDIOT spilled their coffee on it during an econ lecture last semester. I tried to get as much off as I could, but the tote has gotten kinda grungy to begin with. [Not to mention that a new pair of jeans turned it blue on the back side!]

Anyways, I decided to retire the tote for now. I'll probably use it for regattas or sleepovers at Little V's!

Old, trusty Vineyard Vines tote. I'll miss you buddy.


Navy notebook and binder (for my Monday/Wednesday schedule; I have a gray notebook and binder for my Tuesday/Thursday)

Mints that I steal from the dining hall. Remember, NO GUM.



Lilly agenda, notebook, and Pocket Lilly Pad


I'm an obsessive list maker.


I always have a book for pleasure with me. I have this problem with being extremely early to class (I despise being late), so I mostly end up reading for the few minutes before class starts.


Lilly cosmetic case turned pencil pouch with Papermate Sharpwriters, Vineyard Vines pens, Lilly highlighters and pen, and the all important SHARPIE.

Can't forget the reading glasses!

And here is my new BEAUTIFUL backpack!!! I haven't used one since middle school (I had the cutest red and pink flowered one from Old Navy), but I thought it was time to make the switch from tote-to-backpack. I can fit a lot more books in, so trips to the library will be better.

It has three pockets. The big back pocket is perfect for a laptop and a binder and notebook. The middle pocket is a little smaller, but could easily fit a few notebooks or folders. And the front pocket is perfect for agendas, post-its, glasses, and pens/pencils.

I got the backpack from Monogram Chick. After I placed my order, I received an email that it was out of stock and they weren't sure if they were ordering more. I was SO bummed, but they were so nice and helpful and found another backpack! I felt like I won the lottery.

More than slightly obsessed with this monogram. The pink and green are very vibrant. I love the classic look of the script letters juxtaposed with the contemporary pink and green circle.

I'm actually EXCITED for class on Monday. Okay, at least excited to use my new backpack!

-College Prepster

Looking for a good book?

Please run, don't walk to your local bookstore/library and pick up a copy of this book!!!

California Funk gave it to me for Christmas and I read it in a few sittings. It is just absolutely phenomenal. LIFE CHANGING.

-College Prepster

FLANNEL

As you may recall in my 2009 Favorites blog post, I am really feeling the flannel. The freshmen boys on the team were really feeling the flannel during the winter training trip. They were always rocking the flannel shirts. I love them to death... they wanted to be on the blog, but I didn't get any good pictures unfortunately.

The trip to South Carolina was FRIGID. Oh my lord was it cold. The water would literally freeze on the oars while we were rowing. When we launched for our morning practices, everything was covered in ice! We (the coxswains) couldn't move the steering because it was frozen in place.

Of course, the last day of the trip was warmer than the other days. (Above freezing for once!) We had a sort of "race" in the afternoon with mixed lineups. All of the coxswains wore flannel shirts!!!

Me and Little V in our matching vests. Mine's from Vineyard Vines and V's is Patagonia. (I copied her....)

All the coxswains!!! We all look normal sized standing together haha... I look pretty tall!

Lastly, here is a video of the seniors jumping into the FREEZING water. They're crazy.



-College Prepster

PS I'm totally in denial about actually having homework to do. I keep thinking I'm still on break. But of course, I'm definitely not. Middle East history reading is calling my name. Blah.

PPS It doesn't look that the trip was that cold from these pictures (and especially the video). But I promise it was! Check out these pictures that the local newspaper took. I'm the puff. I'm not normally that big. I'm just wearing: under armor shirt, long sleeved shirt, vest, fleece, puffer jacket, nor'easter jacket, spandex tights, patagonia r1s, sweatpants, nor'easter pants. Yea, no big deal.

Baby Cookies

This summer I went on a bit of a baking adventure. I baked more cookies than I can count, and made more royal icing than anyone in one lifetime should.

I needed to take a break from the cookie world, but this winter break I picked it back up! A family that I babysit for adopted a baby girl right around New Year's. I loved babysitting for them. They are the sweetest family and I am so happy for their new addition. (I can't wait to meet her this summer!)

My mom has been making her famous "cutouts" for new babies. They are literally the best cookies EVER. Of course, I had to make sure I made some for the new baby.

Princess crown for the baby girl.

Big Brother can't be left out!!! I was incredibly jealous of my sister when she was born, so I know how it feels. Big Brother was so excited to get his own cookies!

Pink monograms!

The royal icing is my thing for cookies. My mom prefers a plain glaze with sugar. When she makes cookies for baby showers, she always makes little handprints and footprints. They're so adorable!


Wrap with cellophane and add a big bow! Viola!

-College Prepster

PS Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been particularly stressed about starting this semester... but I'll try to be more diligent!

I love giving gifts! PART 2

Hey y'all! I'm on my winter training trip for crew right now. I haven't had time to catch up on all of your blog posts, but don't worry, once I get back to school I'll spend an hour or so reading up.

I was planning on doing this post before I left home, but I was so busy running errands around town getting ready that I just completely ran out of time. It's so freezing here in South Carolina that it's refreshing to do a post on short sleeve t-shirts.

Okay, so last post was about the gifts I bought for my family and friends. (All gifts have been given and I've received only good remarks about them!) This post is about the gifts I made for my Florida friends. I miss them so much while I'm at school.

All the shirts together!

I started making fabric yo-yos, but I ended up switching to a different fabric flower.
Real Quick:

1. Take a strip of fabric. I started with 3" x 20" and then experimented with different lengths and widths. Longer strips make tighter folds, and shorter widths makes smaller flowers.
2. Fold the strip in half (hot dog way). I pressed a heavy book against the edge to make a crease. It might have even been easier if I had ironed the crease though.
3. Pick an embroidery floss in a similar color to the fabric. It won't show in your final product, but just in case you get a loose end, it looks nicer. I split the floss in half so I had three strings per flower.
4. Start sewing along the edge opposite the fold. Keep going until you get to the other end. Instead of knotting, pull the thread taut so the fabric scrunches down.
5. Find the other end and tack the two ends together. It took a couple of tries to figure out the way I liked it best, but fiddle around a bit and sew the two ends completely together to make a full circle of the flower.
6. Layer the fabric flowers and adorn with buttons

I'm thinking that they would look super cute on a headband!

For my Melly- Pink and green (this is my personal favorite. I mean, hello, PINK & GREEN!)

Mack Girl's Florida blue and orange.

Maddog is a Georgia Tech yellow jacket. I love the buttons!

Lefty is also a Florida Gator. I used a navy blue though instead of the royal blue. I think the grosgrain ribbon was a fun touch.

I didn't get a good picture of the other two, but if you click on the picture and expand it, you can get a good look at them. The first one is Les' (UF) and the next one is Bebe's (Auburn).

I had so much fun making all the shirts!!!

-College Prepster

PS I might not be back until next week!!!

PPS Here is what I got Little V: Dogeared Necklace

She checked my blog, so I'm really glad I didn't mention it in the last post!!!

I love giving gifts! PART 1

Picking out gifts is one of my favorite things to do. I love to put a lot of thought into finding the perfect gift. (I'm pretty good at picking out perfect gifts for myself too haha just kidding!)

I like to get stuff that I know the recipient will use. How many times have you gotten a nice present, but put it in a drawer because it 'wasn't you' or you know you would never use it??? I hate when that happens.

Sometimes the best gifts are small things or homemade things that don't even cost a lot a money. The value of a gift is NOT the price tag (people often forget this)!

Here's what I got everyone:

Mom: Georgetown snowy notecards (she LOVES birds) and a Georgetown metal ornament
Dad: Vineyard Vines tie (not the one pictured) Yellow with navy stripe and 18th hole


Sister: (Birthday and Christmas) Necklace and earrings


California Funk: Belt with rowing boat... my favorite gift!!!


Georgetown Boy: Tucker Blair polo


Fordham Prepster: Lolscat book. He's obsessed. Literally.

A rower friend: Pink Prewrap (he checks my blog once in a blue moon, so cross my fingers he doesn't check it yet because I haven't given him the present yet!) He uses prewrap and I knew the blue just wasn't cutting it. He NEEDS pink.

Wait until y'all see what I made for my Tampa friends!!!!!!!
(Coming Soon!)

-College Prepster

PS I got Little V something too, don't worry! I just can't post it because she's very likely to check this. Here's a hint though... I mentioned it in "My 2009 Favorites" post.