New Year's Eve

New Years Eve, a night of parties, TV specials, fireworks, loud music, kisses, sparkles, and resolutions. My NYE plans are to go to church tonight, where we're having a Liturgy and then a cake, then I'm coming home and hanging out with my friend Beth. We're going to watch movies (New Year's Eve is what I'm thinking), wear some of my many tiaras, watch the ball drop, drink sparkling apple cider out of my mom's fancy champagne glasses, and dance around my room to ridiculous music. And of course, make resolutions. 

My New Year's Resolutions:

1) Get Healthy We're talking working out 4 times a week, dessert only once a week, and basically just treating myself better. I'm going to break this up into subgoals tonight (i.e. run a 5K by this date, have my mile time by this, swim this much per week). 

2) Get a 4.0 GPA for spring semester Crucial

3) Volunteer more I'm applying for a position at Texas Children's Hospital, the obstetrics and gynecology wing

4) Purchase an iPad Mini I'm using my workout "tips" (See this amazing Pinterest idea: http://pinterest.com/pin/562738915908586385/ ) and Christmas money to buy myself an iPad for school and work. 

5) Stop Being So Stressed. This is very important, as I tend to get physically ill when I'm stressed. I need to make sure that I'm taking a step back, reassessing the situation, taking breaks, and making sure I make time for myself to recover. 

What are your NYE plans and resolutions? 

Lots of Love,

sCa

2012 Favorites

So, some pretty awesome things happened/came out in 2012. Let's go over just a few of those:

1. We Survived the Mayan Apocalypse Okay, so very few sane people actually thought this was going to happen. But you had better believe I am at least going to try to convince my future children that the movie 2012 happened and I survived. 
2. One Direction From the bottom of the stairs to the top of the world! This is the year that I ruined my life got interested in One Direction. 
3. New Taylor Swift C.D. We nearly died in anticipation waiting for this, because as someone on tumblr so eloquently put it "Taylor Swift albums are like Bibles for white girls." And who doesn't love guessing which song goes with which boyfriend?
4. Avengers The amount of times I tried to see this movie but it was sold out....sigh. Seriously, three weeks after it came out every show was still selling out. In my opinion, best movie this year.
5. The Election Romney/Ryan vs. Obama/Biden. Let's just say I walked around with a scowl on my face the whole next day. 
6. The London Olympics If you didn't have plans to marry and have beautiful children with at least 1 athlete from this year's Olympics, you're lying. Who doesn't love Tom Daley's reaction to getting bronze, or McKayla Maroney's infamous silver medal face? Also, Phelps vs. Lochte
7. I started college! I originally wasn't pleased when I sent in my deposit to Houston Baptist. But ever since orientation in June, I've loved it. I can't imagine myself anywhere else. I've made great friends, learned so much, had some fabulous experiences, and I can't wait to do it again next semester. 
8. Starbucks For me, this was the year I became addicted to coffee. Starbucks probably possesses what seems like half of my life savings, thanks to the brilliance that is white mocha frapps and lattes. Oh, and the peppermint mocha EVERYTHING. Ahhhh now I need to go Starbucks. 

So, what major events am I missing? I know there are more.....

Lots of Love and blessings for the New Year,

sCa

Travel Inspiration: New York City

I really, really, want to go to New York City. In the winter I tend to go more prepster than Southern prep, and I think this has to do with all the amazing pictures of NYC that show up on tumblr. For instance:

Plus, there's all these amazing books that take place in New York, like:

The Great Gatsby

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist

The Devil Wears Prada

The Nanny Diaries

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

The Princess Diaries

Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Gossip Girl

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

and so many more.

There are even (gasp!) movies and TV shows set in New York, if you need some more inspiration. Among these are:

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Gossip Girl

An Affair to Remember

Sleepless in Seattle

Two Weeks Notice (one of the greatest movies ever made. If you haven't seen it, go watch it right this very minute.)

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days

New York Minute (with Mary Kate and Ashley)

The Devil Wears Prada

Confessions of a Shopaholic (It made me very mad that this movie was set in NYC, instead of London like it is in the books. It ruined the potential for a sequel, since the whole point of the second book is that Becky goes to New York with Luke. Cause she's British. Ugh. I hate it when scriptwriters ruin plotlines. But enough of this tangent.)

Enchanted

27 Dresses

New Year's Eve

Avengers

And just about every disaster movie.

Oh, and what post about New York would be complete without some NYC inspired music (or, music that I would listen to if I was lucky enough to be in New York but doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it)?

New York, New York by Frank Sinatra-a classic

Holy Ground-Taylor Swift

Empire State of Mind-The Cast of Glee

It's Time-Imagine Dragons

The City-Ed Sheeran

All the Pretty Girls-Fun

Some Nights-Fun

We are Young-Fun

Marry You-Bruno Mars (although I think the Glee version is just as good)

Half of My Heart-John Mayer (and yes, I find it ironic that I have Taylor Swift and John Mayer on the same playlist)

1983-Neon Trees

One More Night-Maroon 5

Secrets-OneRepublic

Just Say Yes-Snow Patrol

22-Taylor Swift

Starlight-Taylor Swift

Drops of Jupiter-Train

A-Punk-Vampire Weekend

Now that you also have wanderlust for NYC, 

Lots of Love,

sCa

Sparkles Galore!

One of the best things about the holiday season (i.e. Christmas and New Year's) in my opinion is the huge amount of glitter, sequins, and sparkles that are socially acceptable at this time of year. With this in mind, I bring you this post dedicated to all things that glitter (but may or may not be gold). 

Item details can be found on my polyvore (http://texasbelle17.polyvore.com). None of the images are mine!

Lots of Love,

sCa

Self-Promo of my Pinterest

So, since I deleted my old Pinterest, I've been having severe confidence issues. It is very difficult to go from over 900 followers to less than 30. Therefore, for my mental health's sake, would you mind terribly following me? If you leave a comment telling me your username, you're guaranteed a follow back! 

http://pinterest.com/thepreppypremed/

http://pinterest.com/thepreppypremed/

http://pinterest.com/thepreppypremed/

http://pinterest.com/thepreppypremed/

http://pinterest.com/thepreppypremed/

Lots of Love,

sCa

Favorite Christmas Movies

Elf
Love Actually
The Santa Clause
Die Hard
Miracle on 34th Street
Blackadder's A Christmas Carol
A Charlie Brown Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon)
A Christmas Story
Jingle All the Way
Fred Clause
Eloise at Christmastime

Everyone knows that the only proper way for a college student to spend Christmas vacation is lying on the sofa and not moving for a month. I'd like to do a scientific study on this, but I can't move from my couch. And what better to do on said couch than to watch some classic Christmas films? Here are some of my favorites (all images courtesy of Google Images).

Okay, so you probably don't want to watch this in front of your elementary school cousins. This is one best watched in the privacy of your own room. It's rated R for a very good reason (nudity and profanity). However, this truly is one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made. It features just about every British actor ever, from Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson to Alan Rickman and Rowan Atkinson. My favorite movie, ever, actually. 

I'm a fan of the original myself. It's sweet. 

Arnold Swarchengger's greatest film in my opinion. 

I'm Eloise and I'm six! 

I am literally answering my phone with "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" :)

For the action fans in the house. Many things blow up. Bruce Willis shoots up a bunch of terrorists. Oh, and it's Christmas Eve. 

Hehe. A reverse on Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol. If you've never seen Blackadder, go. Watch them all. Right now. (You can skip season 1 as they hadn't figured out what they were doing and it's simply awful. But other than that.) Features a young Hugh Laurie (pre-House days), Rowan Atkinson, and most of the other British comedy greats. 

My family usually kicks of the Christmas season with this one. 

I hate the live action, sorry. But the cartoon is amazing. 

If your mother never told you you'll shoot your eye out, you didn't ask for the right things for Christmas. 

Santa's brother needs therapy. 

I really can't believe this movie is as old as I am....love it so much!

Lots of Love and Merry Christmas!

sCa

Christmas Party Outfits 2: Casual

Did your latest invitation call for casual wear? Planning a bonfire sing a long with s'mores and hot chocolate? These are the perfect outfits for your casual Christmas party.

Sweaters, casual skirts, skinny jeans, sweater dresses galore! Pair with boots or flats, and if it's actually cold where you live, tights.  All items are from J.Crew, and the details can be accessed on my polyvore (http://texasbelle17.polyvore.com)

Lots of Love,

sCa

Christmas Party Outfits 1: Cocktail Party

Got a glamorous soiree to attend this holiday season? Whether you're heading out to a fancy dinner with your friends, or dancing the night away at your office's cocktail party, these dresses will put you on the spot as being the most stylish lady in the room. 

All of these dresses are from modcloth.com and information can be accessed through my polyvore (http://texasbelle17.polyvore.com)

Stay tuned for more outfits in the Christmas series!

Lots of Love,

sCa

Favorite Blog List

Hey guys! Here's a list of my some of my favorite fashion/preppy blogs (in no particular order):

1) The College Prepster

www.thecollegeprepster.com

2) The Pink and Green Prep

http://thepinkandgreenprep.blogspot.com

3) The Zesty Digest

http://sweetlemonmag.blogspot.com

4) Classy Girls Wear Pearls

http://www.classygirlswearpearls.com

5) Kennedys Amongst Kardashians

http://kennedysamongstkardashians.blogspot.com

6) The Preppy Student

http://thepreppystudent.blogspot.com

7) My Life as a Young Southern Prep

http://www.youngsouthernprep.com

8) Prep in Your Step

http://prepinyourstep.blogspot.com

Versatile Blogger Award!

Thanks so much to Belle at http://thelifeandtimesofbelleh.blogspot.co.uk for nominating me for the versatile blogger award!

So here's how it goes:

If you are nominated, you've been awarded the Versatile Blogger award. Thank the person who gave you this award and include a link to their blog - check!

Answer the 15 questions the nominator left for you.

Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you've recently discovered or follow regularly.

Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award with a link to their blog.

Ask those bloggers 15 questions.

Belle's questions:

1. What's your favourite perfume/scent? I really love Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift, and Miss Dior Cherie. 

2. Christmas or birthdays? Hmmmm I'd have to say Christmas, because it's a universal feeling of excitement or happiness. 

3. What's your favourite fast food/take out to have? Chick-fil-a, I could eat there 7 times a day....

4. Do you want a tattoo? If so what would you have? Eh, no thanks. 

5. What is your favourite band? ONE DIRECTION are my babies. 

6. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? New York City, or go back to London. 

7. What's your fave Disney movie? Hmmmm maybe Hercules, cause I love the Muses. 

8. If you were granted three wishes - what would you wish for? I would wish for universal happiness and comfort (haha big wish, I know), to live on campus, and to meet One Direction *and by meet I mean marry. 

9. What is the radio station you automatically switch on when you get in the car? 100.3 KILT (country station)

10. If you could only wear one nail varnish for an entire year what would it be? Essies's Satin.

11. What is your all time favourite book? AHHHHHHH this is a loaded question. Cause I have different favorites for different moods and I just can't choose. I mean, the Bible, obviously, cause it's the inspired word of God, and that's just really cool. But fiction wise, we've got The Help, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and so so many more that I can't even think of right now. 

12. What is your mantra or a quote you try to live by? "Let no man look down on you because you are young, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in spirit, and in purity. " (1st Timothy 4:12)

13. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Both and neither, depending on how much caffeine I have, and what I have to do. 

14. If you could live in any era what would it be? (I'd go back to the 80s :P) Haha I'd probably live now, because I'm really fond of things like indoor plumbing and the Internet. But the 50's and the 20's seem really cool too!

15. Do you re-read books or just read them once? Reread. I probably read "From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs.Basil E. Frankwiler" every week for about 3 years when I was in elementary school....

My questions!
1. If money/education/expectations were not an issue, what would your dream job be?
2. What is your favorite kind of coffee?
3. Do you write things on your to-do lists that you've already done?
4. E-reader or physical book?
5. Do you have a tumblr? And if so, what is your url so I can follow you?
6. Backpack or tote bag?
7. Morning or afternoon?
8. Favorite sad song?
9. Can you have files on your computer desktop, or does it drive you crazy and you have to move them before you can work?
10. Would you rather go swimming or running?
11. What is your ideal vacation spot?
12. Favorite Thanksgiving memory.
13. Favorite Disney Princess.
14. What do you think is the biggest issue in America right now?
15. Are you an Anglophile?

I nominate:

Mallory at http://faithlifephotos.blogspot.com
Hannah at http://thepinkandgreenprep.blogspot.com
Nat at http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com
Taylor at http://pre-medprincess.blogspot.com

Travel Inspiration: London

I love London...and all things British in general. 

Lots of Love (and wishing for a cup of tea and some lovely fish and chips....),

sCa

Images courtesy of Google Images and Pinterest. I do not own. 

Bucket List

So here's my bucket list for life (in no order what so ever)!

1) Watch every episode of Dr.Who in a single weekend.

2) Do everything listed in the song "22" by Taylor Swift

3) Stay out all night

4) Become a doctor

5) Try every drink on the Starbucks menu

6) Be kissed at midnight New Year's Eve

7) Go to New York with my best friends

8) Have an amazing library

9) Become tumblr famous

10) Meet One Direction

11) Meet Taylor Swift

12) Go to London at Christmas time

I'm still adding things all the time. What are some of the things on your bucket list?

Lots of Love,

sCa

Comfy Fall Class Outfits

I don't know about y'all, but I am exhausted. This whole waking up at 6 am (okay, 6:30. Who needs to style their hair anyway?) is just not cool with me. Thankfully, next semester I won't have a 8am class every single day. Like I do now. Oh yes. 

This leads me to the topic of outfits. Now, I go to a pretty casual school. But we still don't wear our pajamas to class, and on most days, I do like to look cute. Problem is, I just want to stay in pajamas and sleep for the rest of my life. The solution? Comfy cute clothes. 

Start with a button down shirt. Solids and plaids are both great for fall. 

Assuming you live in a normal place (i.e. it's actually cold), grab a cute sweatshirt or pullover and put it on. Aren't these adorable? 

Pair with jeans or leggings. 

Add shoes you can comfortably walk in-just forget heels, okay? 

And, if it's really cold where you live, add a puffy vest and a scarf, like everyone's favorite, the Lilly Murfee scarf. An alternative to a sweatshirt/pullover is the classic Shep style shirt from Vineyard Vines. If it's raining, grab your handy dandy stow and go rain jacket from VV to keep you nice and dry.

How do y'all solve the I-want-to-look-cute-but-I'd-rather-sleep dilemma?

Lots of Love,

sCa

Apartment Decorating

So, two of my best friends and I have this plan that we're going to get ourselves an apartment, and decorate it in a style that Taylor Swift would approve of. It's legit. We have a Pinterest board for it and everything. Here are some of the pictures:

We want it to have a very retro, girly feel. 

A chalkboard wall for quotes for the end of a hallway or a kitchen wall. 

Typewriter! 

Beth's room :)

This is our dog. He's a pomsky. Pomerian+husky=the most adorable dog EVER!

This is a closet converted into a book nook!

My kind of room-polka dots, a few of the streets, flowers, pictures on my window, and looooottttssss of twinkly lights. 

What do y'all's dream apartments look like? 

Lots of Love,

sCa

Scripture Sunday

Here are a few verses to start your week off with!

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

(Matthew 6:33)

²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”^[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

(Ephesians 4:26-29)

¹⁰ 

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

(Isaiah 41:10)

Today's Epistle reading is Corinthians 4:6-15. The Gospel reading is Luke 10:25-37. A great praise and worship song for today is Courageous by Casting Crowns. 

I hope you all have a blessed and safe Sunday! I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so if you could keep me in your prayers, I would be very thankful!

Lots of Love,

sCa

Shopping Friday: J.Crew

Here's what I wish I could afford at J.Crew right now....

This sweater looks so soft...I could see myself wearing it with leggings or jeans to class, or with a pencil skirt to church. 

I have a slight addiction to stripes. A great top for class or hanging out on the weekend. 

A great dress either for church, dressed down for class, or for work. 

Please tell me I'm not the only one who wants to spend all weekend in her pajamas? Of course, if they were this cute, I probably would!

A great sweatshirt for the weekend. Cute enough for lunch and shopping out, comfy enough for tv and homework at home. 

I've been lusting after a chambray shirt for ages now. 

Party top! Polka dots+sequins=girly dream

What do y'all love at J.Crew right now?

Lots of Love,

sCa

P.S. Hope you start your weekend well! Stay safe :)