What's in my (Beach) Bag

I don't know about y'all, but when I get myself down to the beach for the day, I plan on staying at the beach for the day unless I need to help make lunch (PB&J for the entire family) or it appears that a hurricane is coming my way. Since I want to stay down there all day, I make sure to pack a bag with everything that I am going to need in order to stay down there!

Beach Bag: Getting a beach bag in the right size will make your life so much easier. It is far better to have a bag that is a tad too big rather than having one that is too small and you have to juggle the bag, chair, and stuff that won't fit. I know people have differing opinions about what bag they like best, but I am a big fan of a straw beach bag. I actually got one when we got down here that was on clearance for $10 (I believe due to the hideous pom poms that I had to cut off the side) and it is just the right size. 

Towel: Obviously you are going to need one of these! Make sure you wash it before you use it though because otherwise you'll end up covered in little pieces of fluff that it sheds. 

Sunscreen: I am the biggest wuss when it comes to putting on sunscreen at the beach but it needs to happen unless you want to fry out there. Ideally this will be done with a spray bottle, but if you can deal with the sandy sunscreen being rubbed on your body then more power to ya

Water and Pretzels: Keep yourself hydrated out there and if your family doesn't packed a stocked cooler, get your priorities straight....kidding, pack another drink or two for the day. Also, I believe that pretzels are the greatest beach snack so I highly recommend them, but just bring a little something to crunch on throughout the day. 

Sunglasses and a Hat: Sunglasses are going to be your saving grace on by hat bright beach, but please remember to wear a hat too if you can. You do not want to end up with a sunglasses tan and the hat will prevent you from getting too much sun on your face anyways!

Music and a Book: Getting some reading done at the beach is one of my favorite ways to relax. I brought The Goldfinch and Bitter is the New Black with me this week and fingers crossed I will get through them. As for music, I need to make a new tanning playlist after accidentally deleting mine...on that note, it should be more difficult to delete a playlist on your phone than to just have to sideswipe it...

PGF: I love my PFG and would recommend it 100 times over to anyone who loves the beach but can't necessarily stay in the sun the entire time. We bring two big canopies with us, but sometimes I need the coverage when I'm down by the water too. The PFG is so lightweight and on Amazon they are reasonably priced. 

What's in your beach bag?

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

Five Steps to Decorating a Bubba Keg

Good Morning from Myrtle Beach!!! I am here on Beach Week with what feels like all of UVA right now and so happy to be here! We got here on Sunday and don't leave until Thursday so there is plenty of time to tan and hang out with friends one last time before we all go our separate ways this summer.

This year, I decided to decorate my Bubba Keg for beach week so that no one picks it up thinking it's theirs and also because I love to craft! I actually didn't have time to finish decorating it before Beach Week because I was working on a Mother's Day project so I had to finish crafting it on our balcony in our suite! Nothing says "you're in a sorority" quite like monogramming a bubba keg on your balcony at beach week!

It was actually super easy to decorate the bubba keg, and while I didn't have time to do the original Lilly print I was planning to do, I love how it turned out!

What You Need:

Bubba Keg* (any size you want, but I have a 34oz and that is more than sufficient)

Painters Tape

Metal Primer

Spray Paint/Acrylic Paint

Paint Pen

Modge Podge

Waterproof Sealant

1) Line the Area in Painters Tape: Spray paint will speckle any area around the part that you are painting so make sure that everything you don't want painted is covered! (don't forget to cover the handle)

2) Apply A Coat of Metal Primer: One or two coats of this should do the trick. Also, when I say metal primer, you can use a multi-purpose primer, too! I just got one of those heavy white spray paint ones and I actually didn't even put white paint over it for the stripes because two coats was heavy enough.

3) Paint Design on a Cooler: You can really do any design you want based on time and artistic ability! I love the way a Lilly Print looks on these, but my basic stripe design took me no time at all, I just bought a little thing of spray paint and utilized more painter's tape to tape off the white area. Also, for monogramming, I would recommend a paint pen. I am pretty good at freehanding my monogram (that's what I did on my cooler) but that pen allows you to have a bit more control. I would also recommend using a monogram sticker or transfer paper to trace if you are less sure of your freehanding skills.

4) Seal the Cooler: You don't want the paint to chip! I actually didn't have modge podge with me so my cooler wasn't sealed this way, but the waterproofing did the trick for now...

5) Waterproof Your Cooler: This is a great sealant and it is perfect for the beach! The water isn't getting into my cooler which is ideal. I actually walked around in the water with my cooler yesterday and nothing happened to it so that is saying something!

6) Fill it and ENJOY! Whether it's a margarita or just water (stay hydrated, my friends), enjoy your beach beverage!

Have y'all decorated a bubba keg or cooler? I would love to see pics!

xoxo,

SSP

* I think they are cheapest at Walmart, but Amazon sells them too and they have a host of color options

Beach Week Bod and Finals

Guess where I am heading on May 11th? The Beach! I am so excited for Beach Week with my Chi O sisters and friends! A ton of people from UVA venture down to Myrtle Beach after finals for a few fun days and nights at the beach. It is the perfect way to unwind from finals, say goodbye for the summer (and to the fourth-years), and then come back and settle in for the summer. One thing that I am not super excited for is having to wear a bikini again. Let's be real, finals snacking and just generally not being on top of my workout routine is not boding well for me. Regardless, beach week is when it is, and there are a few ways to get ready in two weeks.

While my workout ethic has lacked a bit, I have been getting a workout in here and there, and finals is no excuse! I don't blame you if you're a bit skeptical, but for a super quick workout, I love the 8 Minute Abs and 8 Minute Arms workout videos on Youtube.

80s workout videos are so corny but they are effective. In fact, I discovered clips of the original "Buns Of Steel" workout video the other day on Youtube. I don't know if any of y'all have done that before but it is a great workout, complete with that fabulous aerobics attire.

To make a two week push for improving your beach week body, you also need a couple of other elements. Honestly, running is the best form of cardio that you can do. I know people don't like running, and to be honest, I used to be one of them. Then, I discovered a runner's high and I knew I was hooked...of course, if you are still skeptical, there are other ways to get your cardio in. 

As far as diet goes, try to stick with healthy snacks and meals (I say as I eat chocolate chips...). But seriously, there are so many ways to satisfy a craving without killing a diet. For example, I just discovered Dole Dippers and I am loving them.

Water is obviously incredibly important all the time and it will help to clear up your skin as well. If you throw some lemon, mint, and/or cucumber in the water, it will add some flavor and it also helps to make it a detox drink.

The bottom line is that with 2.5 weeks to the beach, you won't be in the best shape of your life, but you can tone and lose a couple of pounds before then. Plus, these are good habits to get in and exercising during finals will reduce stress (and maybe that will help curb that late-night Ben and Jerry's craving at the library)

Any other ideas for prepping for beach week?

xoxo,

SSP

Beach Body in One Week

So you are leaving for Florida on Saturday and that whole "beach body" routine you'd been planning on doing sort of fell off to the wayside thanks to Girl Scout cookie season and those winter blues? No worries. There are still ways to improve your body in the last couple of days before your big vacation for you to kick it into gear. No, I am not promising some sort of crazy weight loss pill or diet...that is unrealistic and unhealthy. If you want to lose 5lbs by Saturday, my only recommendation would be a stomach flu, kidding, but you get the idea.

These are some tips on how you can improve your beach body in the last couple of days before the big vacation. And if you still aren't happy? Wear a PFG and let's get in shape after Spring Break as we prepare for Beach Week (this is my plan...those Girl Scout cookies get me every time, whoops)

1) Drink More

Drink more: water, tea, detox water.

Drink Less: caffeine, carbonation, and alcohol.

Essentially keep yourself hydrated. Detox water can be as simple as adding any combination or one of the following things: mint, lemon, cucumber. It makes the water even more refreshing and will help flush out your system. You should always stay hydrated, but it will especially help this week. Oh, and as for the drink less section, if you think I am not going to drink my morning coffee just so that I look good at the beach, you're crazy.

2) Exercise

Well, this should be self-explanatory. Even if you aren't going to magically transform your body in less than a week, exercise will stimulate blood flow and help kickstart your metabolism. Plus, have you ever noticed that you look more fit after working out, like if you do a killer ab routine that you seem to have flat abs for a few hours? Well, that is because the blood is going to your muscle tissue during the workout and it will hang around for a bit. So, if you want to look like you're in better shape than you are, get a workout in before you head to the beach. (disclaimer: you will probably be sore if you do this after not regularly working out...)

3) Eat Right

Stick to those leafy green vegetables and stay away from the fast foods. There are dozens of lists of "detox" foods out there and basically those are the ones that are less likely to make you bloat and easier for your body to break down.

4) Spice Up Your Life

Add some cayenne or jalapeño peppers to your diet! There are so many studies that show how adding spices to your diet will jumpstart your metabolism so just throw them in with your normal food and you'll be good to go.

5) Stress Less

I realize this isn't totally possible. I mean, I am stressed about the exam I have today and the two papers I have due tomorrow. However, I need to plan it out and know that it is all going to get done...and be thankful that yesterday's snow day caused my Friday exam to get moved back. So on Thursday, I am going to do a personal at-home spa day, but I need to keep calm all week. Just use a motivational quote or a to-do list to remind yourself that you can do it!

Obviously, this plan isn't perfect, but there isn't any plan that will get you the perfect beach body in a few days. And anyways, you should love yourself and the way you look regardless...there is always room for improvement, but don't let that stop you from loving yourself and your life right now. 

xoxo,

SSP

SATC: Family is Forever

"The most important thing in your life is family. There are days you love them, and days you don't, but in the end they're the people you always come home to."

-Carrie

Well, it is back to reality for this blogger. At 3pm I will be starting my shift at Talbots and really closing out of my week of bliss and vacation. I had the most amazing week with my family. It was just a great week of relaxation and, of course, some friendly competition with Cards Against Humanity and volleyball. I am not really ready to go back to reality, but I am going to do it just the same because that's how the world works!
I am so blessed to be a part of the family I have. They really have made me into who I am today: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can be myself around them and know that they love me just the same.

xoxo,

SSP

Monogram Monday: Derby Hat

Happy Monday from the beach! I am so excited to be here...despite any sunburn that my Irish skin may have ;) Since I am at the beach, I decided to feature one of my favorite beach accessories.

I have 2 monogrammed derby hats...no, this is not excessive. These hats are perfect for keeping the sun off your face in a cute manner. Of course, you can always go for the monogrammed baseball hats or another preppy brand (like my VV hat), but these are perfect full coverage hats. I actually bought my second one during a Marley Lilly flash sale this spring, anticipation wearing it to Foxfield. Unfortulantely, I was running the half marathon that weekend, but my hat did make it to the event...just with someone else.
Anyways, I love this hat. Marley Lilly has a bunch of variations of these hats and cute sashes to go with them, they even have a monogrammed seersucker one! 
Also, with the 4th of July in mind, check out the Marley Lilly monogrammed Americana goodies...I know you won't get them in time for the holiday, but being patriotic is always in style!
Do any of y’all have monogrammed derby hats? What is your go-to sun covering at the beach?

xoxo,
SSP

Beach Bum Sunday

"I typically enjoy a beautiful beach destination, as I find the water and sand to be most replenishing."

-Elizabeth Berkley

I am at the beach this week, but don't worry...I already have some blog posts ready for the week. I hope everyone has an amazing end to their weekend as I start my week of much needed relaxation down here at beautiful Sunset Beach, NC.

xoxo,
SSP

50 Shades Of Orange

It is that time of year again: bikini season. Basically it is that time of the year where we all do some crazy diet and exercise plan that ends with us binge eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's on the couch watching Friday Bride Day on TLC. Now, while I don't have the perfect solution for that, I do have some solutions for the other problem with bikini season: paleness. I am Irish so, yeah, I know a thing or two about burning turning into a lobster. I am also 1/4 Italian so that does end up helping a bit, but tanning is a gradual process for me.
These past two summers I have been working all day so I don't have the luxury of laying out all day, every day. Plus, I cannot tan my face at all after a bad sunburn a couple of years ago. Seriously, my entire face peeled, it was horrific and now wear tinted moisturizer with SPF every day and wear a hat all day on the beach. Since I don't want to be pale and I really don't want resort to a tanning bed! I have tried spray tanning and I really liked it, but it gets expensive. So can you get tan without breaking the bank, hitting the bed, or laying out all day?

YES!

There are so many products out there today that are great ways to tan without damaging your skin or breaking the bank. Admittedly, I have not tried all of these, but I did my research and talked to people about what products they like. I reviewed a lotion, towelette, and spray on. I didn't include bronzers because I don't know them that well and I normally just go up a shade in my tinted moisturizer over the summer!

Jergen's Natural Glow: 

Price: $8.69

Quality of Tan: good; some people have natural coloring that favors this product

Speed of Tan: Slow

I love this product. Now, I have heard some people say it is too orange on their skin tone, but it works for mine. It takes a couple of days to show, but it has a natural sheen and goes on evenly with just a light application of the lotion. People comment on how tan I look and tend to be surprised when I say it came from a bottle! I just put it on after a shower in place of my normal lotion. It has about the same moisturizer as a normal lotion so it won't dry your skin out too much! There is both a light and dark skin tone tanner, as well as one made specifically for faces! Now keep in mind, this is not a heavy moisturizing lotion so don't treat it like one, it only takes a light coat to make an even tan.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes:

Price: $9.29 (6 towelettes)

Quality of Tan: good; again some people have better natural coloring for certain products

Speed of Tan: Medium

I have heard so many great things about this product, so many that I am thinking of trying it for myself. While you will have a bit of an instant glow, you really need to do it a couple of times the first week to build a tan and then just once or twice a week to maintain it from there. These wipes have quicker results than the Jergen's, but the ultimate tan still takes longer. The only other thing about these is that they do not moisturize and sometimes dry skin out so make sure you have a good lotion to go with it.

Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan:

Price: $8.10

Quality of Tan: good color, especially for instant, but not very dark

Speed of Tan: Instant

Some days we just need an instant tan. Whether it is a hot date or a family barbecue a tan can increase our confidence and happiness with an outfit. This is the best instant tanner I have heard about. While it does have the typical tanner smell, the color is more natural than the standard bottle orange color. This product can streak a bit if you don't use it correctly, but it is very easy to correct! This spray on is cheap and you don't lose any of the quality by saving the money.
What are your favorite summer tan solutions?

xoxo,
SSP

Book Worm: Summer Reading

I have loved to read all my life. I used to "read" books in my crib and sat in the corner of my kindergarten classroom with Magic Tree House books instead of Hooked on Phonics. Growing up, my Momma didn't filter what I read, her policy was simply that if I could understand it, I could read it, and if I couldn't understand it, I wouldn't want to read it anyways. Unfortunately, school tends to kill any reading for pleasure. Even if you are reading an amazing book, picking it apart in class is enough to give a book the death sentence. I read so much for classes these days that I never get to read anything I want to. Since I am so behind on my reading, I am taking this summer to finally catch up on it. I already whizzed through the second half of a book I had been reading on my kindle and now I am mapping out the rest of the books I want to read. 

I have been keeping a mental note of recommendations and took a look at the New York Times Best Seller List to compile some books that I want to pick up or download. 

Game of Thrones -George R. R. Martin 

I downloaded this in iBook form instead of Kindle accidentally and so regret it. I love still having my kindle so I can read it outside in the sun, something that is really hard to do on the iPad. These books are so well-known and I keep saying that I want to read them before I see the show.

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead -Sheryl Sandberg

I am dying to read this book. I have heard amazing things about it and I really want to see what all the hype is about. For those of you who don't know, Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and she was on the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. Tip: I just picked this book up at Costco for $13.99! They have great deals on books, perfect for the summer book worm!

The Bride Quartet (and others) - Nora Roberts

Everyone needs a romance book for the beach and tanning. When I am with my girlfriends chatting and not really paying attention to my book, I need reads like this series. My cousin and aunt recommended it and if my cousin actually read this series, you know it has to be worth it (she hates reading). I am headed to my favorite used book store later this week to stock up on a couple of other of Roberts' books that I will blow through while laying out.

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey - Lady Fiona Carnarvon

Downton Abbey fans, you have to pick this up. I came across this at Costco and got so excited. It is about the people who inspired the hit show, primarily Lady Almina, who Lady Cora is based off of. I am so excited to read this book! It is written by Lady Fiona who is married to the current Earl of Carnarvon and lives in Highclere Castle (the setting of the show)!

Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

This book has plagued me for years. I don't know why, but I just cannot seem to get through the unabridged version of it. I actually read the abridged version last year hoping it would help, so I am going to try it again. Tolstoy weaves such an incredible tale in this book and Anna's utter despair. I try to read at least 2 classics a summer, but with the struggle I have with this book and it's length, this may be the only new one I add. Plus, it is free on kindle! There are lots of other free classics on Kindle if you'd like to try one!

Other Books: No Higher Honor- Condoleezza Rice; When a Crocodile Eats The Sun- Peter Goodwin
Seriously I will read and/or re-read a dozen plus books this summer if I get the chance. Personally, I recommend all Nelson DeMille and Vince Flynn novels, especially DeMille for those of you who appreciate a lead character with a sarcastic side like his protagonist, John Corey. Summer is also a great time to re-read some of those books that you hated from High School, who knows, maybe you'll actually love Beowulf ;) 

If you want some other recommendations comment or email me, I'd love to help. As always, I want to know what your recommendations are too!

xoxo,

SSP

Toes in the Water

Hello from North Myrtle Beach, SC! I am sorry I didn't blog the last two days but I had a crazy weekend and now I am in Myrtle with basically all of UVA for Beach Week until Thursday!
I am writing this post from the Krispy Kreme I found while searching for a Starbucks. I just saw that "hot and fresh" sign and couldn't resist, plus they have free wifi (aka I never have to leave). I left the hotel because for some reason I really like to wake up early at the beach and 8:15am during beach week is so dead it's not even funny. Seriously, I sat on the balcony for a bit and saw 6 people on the beach, one of whom was a middle-aged man with a metal detector (I just don't get that hobby).
Anyways, I hope everyone is having a good week either home from college or finishing up finals! If you are at beach week, make good choices ;)
Since I didn't post a Monogram Monday, here is a preview of next week's post! Also, I will do a monogram post on Thursday night (Great Gatsby themed...it's gonna be epic)

Peace, Love, and SpeeGee on, Beach Week 2k13

xoxo,
SSP