Mountain Weekend

Monday Morning and back to the grind. I wish Easter was a holiday, I could really use the long weekend right now, but at least I got away for a couple of days. It was nice to finally be over that last week and onto happier times, not that my schedule or to-do list are relaxing much, but I just have fewer deadlines.

Going away for the weekend was the perfect amount of time to get my head ready for the week ahead, something that we could all use every once in a while. One of the things with traveling to a place like Wintergreen is that mountain air, while refreshing, is definitely on the cooler side. When going to a mountain for the weekend, layers are key because the temperature can change quickly and the day to night temperature drop is fairly steep.

We spent Saturday morning hiking, which, while strenuous, was a great way to take in the gorgeous weather.

Then because I was so tired from my week, I elected to stay in for the afternoon and paint my nails while hanging out in my pajamas. There is just something about spending a day in your pajamas that can reset your internal clock and energy level! (or am I the only one that feels that way?...)

Anyways, before you go on your next mountain excursion, remember to bring layers and stay away from bears!

xoxo,

SSP

Digital Magazines

There is nothing better than having a good start to your day. A good breakfast or a lazy morning in bed is just what the doctor orders on a Sunday to unwind before the crazy week ahead. Recently, I decided to subscribe to a couple of magazines via Amazon because I was tired of spending $4.00 an issue at the grocery store when I wanted to read it. When I purchased Vogue and Glamour, I also got the iPad digital version of the magazine. I was hesitant to do this because there is just something that I really love about reading print editions of magazines and books, even though I do have some on my iPad. However, I am so glad that I elected to download the digital version of this magazine, too!

{via Instagram}

Digital magazines are becoming really popular, in fact Carly Heitlinger of The College Prepster helped to start Sweet Lemon Magazine a couple years ago, an exclusively digital magazine, and Net-A-Porter recently launched a digital magazine as well. Though I thought this was a cool concept, I didn't realize how many benefits there would be for magazines that I already read in print. The digital version of these magazine has offered more interaction and insight to the issue than ever before. There are great iPad exclusives including behind-the-scenes videos and more photos than are in the print edition, the magazine really comes to life on my iPad. Plus, you can instantly read what you want by just tapping on the various links on different pages.

Personally, I still like to flip through the whole thing because I love looking at ads for designer items that I can only afford in my dreams. Nothing can ever trump flipping through a magazine and hanging up the pictures on my wall. Did anyone else do this when they were younger? Like I had both sides of my closet doors covered in different fashion shots and ads from magazines that I would carefully tear out whenever I was done reading it.

And you know what, I can still do that because I get the print edition too. Although, now that I am older and there is really nowhere in my room that I want to hang up a bunch of magazine pages, I am thinking of making an inspiration folder to put these pages in.

What are your favorite magazines? Does anyone else get magazines delivered to their iPad, too?

xoxo,

SSP

Cat Lady Confessions...

...no, I am not a cat lady. I am 100% a dog person, let's just get that straight before we dive into this post.

However, recently I have been spending my evenings like a quintessential Cat Lady/Spinster. I love BBC Miniseries'. There, I said it. It is my total Netflix guilty pleasure. They're fabulous for the classic book lover like me. They take a book and, because it's over several episodes, actually tend to really embody the spirit of the novel.

My favorite BBC miniseries of all time actually doubles as one of my favorite cinematic events to watch. Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy might just be the greatest thing ever (see old post about my love for Darcy). Unfortunately it is not available on Netflix, but it is totally worth the investment if you ever get the chance.

Colin Firth as Darcy over everything

Don't worry, though, there are plenty of good options on Netflix just waiting for other classics nerds to have a relaxing night in, settling down for a couple of hours to watch one of these. Also, I have heard that a glass of wine and a homemade dinner is the best accompaniment for this ;)

North and South

Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell

 

I am not kidding. I am absolutely in love with this one. I wish I had read the book before I watched it because I just don't see how it could even compare...yeah, that's how good this was. There is definitely a certain Pride and Prejudice element here with their relationship, however the circumstances of the plot are quite different and the characters are amazing. The dynamic of this is far different than the gentry that are so often covered in Austen novels, adding a really refreshing labor element.

The Forsyte Saga

Based on the novels by John Galsworthy

Ohhhh, this series. This is a fabulous miniseries that will actually take a few weeks to watch. The character development is absolutely spectacular and you end up gaining a really personal attachment to some of them. All the women in my family have our various preferences for favorites because it really is that well developed! Watch this...just do it. It's shorter than a real TV series, but you can't watch it all in one sitting.

The Buccaneers

Based on the novel by Edith Wharton

A great story about four American women coming out in London society. Well worth the watch and seeing where the different women end up and how their values have shaped them and their lives.

Pride and Prejudice

Based on the novel by Jane Austen

I know, I know, I told you to watch Colin Firth. But if you just want one for now, this one is pretty good. I thought the actor was a bit stern, but overall very nicely played Darcy...a role I find has been historically hard to cast. Also, the actor who portrays Mr. Collins is absolutely great in this movie...just the sort of repulsive, yet harmless character I always imagined.

What is your Netflix guilty pleasure?

xoxo,

SSP

Fall Getaways

I am almost Blacksburg-bound people! I am so excited to spend a couple of days with amazing friends and my brothers and of course Hokie Football. Weekend getaways are the best, but I always struggle to pack for them. What if the weather changes? What if we go (insert activity here) and I don't have (crucial item)? There are endless struggles with packing and I certainly get my overpacking gene from my Momma. I'm not kidding the woman brought a full suitcase for Parents Formal last weekend.

My trip this weekend is less than 48 hours, but the list I am giving would be perfect for a Friday afternoon-Sunday evening trip. Also, I tried to include as many suggestions as I could from J. Crew Factory because again, it is 50% off today...yeah, crazy amazing. You would be hard pressed to find this quality at this price elsewhere. Enjoy!

The Packing List:
Good Overnight Bag: I absolutely love the Carry-On bag Lesportsac gave me. If anyone is looking for the perfect weekender, this is it! (Lesportsac)

Sweater: it might get chilly (especially in Blacksburg) (JCF sweater)

Button-Ups: regular and Chambray...they go with everything (JCF Camp Shirt)

Riding boots/Duck boots: Change this up based on the weather and what you're doing, but I can say that I have never regretted bringing my Duck Boots anywhere

Ponte Pants: I may never wear real pants again (JCF Gigi Pant)

Jeans or Cords: Real pants are always a good idea too

Skirt: It's the perfect item to dress up or down. Bring one in a neutral color and mix and match it with other items you bring for the perfect outfit for any activity (JCF accordion pleat mini)

Field Jacket: I am loving my new J. Crew coat, it is perfect for this weather and so cute. (JCF Field Jacket)

Vest: Puffer vests are one of my favorite things about fall that I left off of my list. I wear mine all the time, also, Eddie Bauer has them on sale sometimes for amazing prices so keep an eye out! (Eddie Bauer Vest)

Necklace and/or Scarf: Bring a fun piece of jewelry with you. Just one that can add a little flare to your outfits, shockingly enough my tortoise flower necklace is my neutral travel go-to ;) (JCF necklace)

Flats: This should go without saying. A neutral flat will get you far in life. (Steve Madden)

Comfy Stuff: Relax, wear something comfortable, I know you'll want to on the drive back!

Toiletries: self-explanatory...I hope
Game Day Attire: I will be rocking some serious Orange and Maroon tomorrow

What are your weekend getaway essentials this fall?

xoxo,
SSP

Rowdy Redneck and Sorority Socials

So I should be reading or doing my spanish homework right now...but I wanted to blog and decided that was more important, so, you're welcome ;)
First off...HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to (one of) my little(s), Emily. I adore you and I am so happy that I got you as a little! Who knew that my first owl pal would become one of my favorite Chi Omegas!
Anyways, back to blogging! This weekend was so much fun. Chi Omega had our first date function of the year...the infamous Rowdy Redneck! We kick off the year with this d-func every year and it was a blast. I took one of the Chi O transfers and we had so much fun. I loved everyone's costumes and it was great to get to see everyone. 
Having so much fun got me thinking about other date function themes so I went on a bit of a pinterest binge and here are some of my favorites that I think everyone should suggest as a mixer/dfunc theme in the future! Hope y'alls weeks are off to a great start!

 

other social/date function ideas:

woodstock!

 

"noah's ark" (left) "you are what you drink" (right)

"dynamic duos" (left) "nursery rhymes" (right)

What is the best social/date function theme you've been to?

xoxo,

SSP

Lesportsac Giveaway!

Is there any better feeling than finishing the work week and knowing it's Friday? Probably not, unless you get the chance to win something on top of that! Well, how about I help make this a great Friday and give you the chance to win a brand new Lesportsac rolling suitcase? Yes, we have teamed up to give one away and the giveaway will run from today through 12am next Friday, and the winner will be announced then.

Recently my cousin, and fellow chi omega, who is interning with Lesportsac in New York City (lucky duck!) sent me a couple of bags to try out. Guess what? I am in love. Seriously, I may never put my new signature tote down. They are such well made bags and their new prints are fun and sophisticated. I am so excited to test out my weekender and purse as well!
I know that at school I always want to be able to leave for the weekend to visit my friends, cousins, and now my brothers, at their schools. The problem had always been finding a bag that stored well in my dorm room, but was also practical for the amount of stuff I take on a typical weekend excursion. Lesportsac sent me the perfect weekender in their Lacey Lana print that I am planning on getting a lot of use out of this upcoming year.
Of course, I can't just keep all this great stuff to myself, so Lesportsac and I have teamed up to give you a 22" rolling suitcase in Aberdeen Stripe, one of their fall prints that has yet to be released! This suitcase is a great size and the nylon is so easy to clean. Plus, the soft exterior means there is plenty of room to cram all of your travel needs in it, with extra storage in the 3 exterior pockets! There is even a pouch that snaps into the bag which is perfect for toiletries you don't want to spill onto anything else. This perfect bag retails for $275, but one of you lucky readers is going to get it absolutely free! 
a Rafflecopter giveawayAlso, my Instagram followers can gain extra entries by following the directions on this post! Feel free to post it up to once a day to maximize your chance of winning!

good luck!

xoxo,
SSP