Girl’s Trip Must-Haves

Hey Cats!

Apologies for getting this up a day late! As per usual, my procrastination got the best of me, and Sunday night I was so exhausted and went to sleep at 10 pm instead of blogging. But! I’m planning on posting my regular three posts this week, so stay tuned!

Last week in my vacation recap, I promised a post detailing my Girl’s Trip Must-Haves. Miami was probably my favorite three days of the year, and going with my besties made it even better. After this, I am a firm believer in girl’s trips and am already saving for next year’s trip (or trips!). And I’m basically a girl’s trip professional. After 72 hours. Because of this, I’m going to tell you everything you need to have a fun, easy, and smooth vacation.

1. Friends

Okay, I mean obviously, but at least read the whole paragraph before you decide this is a stupid list. Truth is, the right friends are paramount to a good girl’s trip. I have a rule: never take trips with anyone you do not love. A couple of terrible weekends in college led me to this discovery, so since then I’ve been wary to just pack my bags and go. Make sure you’re not going to have to hold people’s hair back every night. Make sure you’re all on the same page about how much money you want to spend. Make sure you’re all okay with either having a plan or not having a plan for the trip. And most of all, make sure you’re able to stand the people for extended periods of time- because once you’re there, you’re stuck!

2. A Selfie Stick

I used to make fun of selfie sticks, but we brought one on our trip and they are SO FUN. Plus, everyone can be in every picture! We used it at the beach, on our balcony, and yes, even on the airboat tour. Like true millennials. HASHTAG SELFIE.

3. Groupon

Full disclosure: we were on a budget. A tight one. But! That definitely didn’t stop us from having an awesome time. We did everything we wanted to, and spent a reasonable amount of money. For every activity, we searched high and low for the best prices, using Groupon and other coupons to find the best deals. I probably spent a little over $500 for the whole trip (not including clothes HAHA), which is so great for a trip to Miami!

4. Cluster

Thanks to the selfie stick, we took an abundance of photos. Then we all liked each other’s photos better than our own, but sending mass amounts of pictures is annoying and takes so long. My friend Catherine told us about an app called Cluster, where you can just upload your photos to a private group, and everyone can have access to them! Now, we each have all of the photos from the trip to frame or ‘Gram at our discretion. Everyone wins!

5. Your sense of adventure! 

You may get lost in your rent car on the way to the Everglades. You may have to rearrange all of your plans at the last minute. You may get to do everything you want to do, and you may not! You may have to run through the Atlanta airport with moments to spare and eat box sandwiches at 10 pm. But it’s all part of the fun! I will always have wonderful memories from this trip, and it’s mostly because we went with the flow and kept our sense of adventure about us!

These are just a few things I’m glad we had on our trip! What are your girl’s trip must-haves? Let me know!

That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Fri-Yay! This week has been so busy that I don’t even know where it went. But it’s been fun! Last night, I drove downtown to have dinner with my mom, who’s in town for training, so it was great to see her! After work today, I’m going into full-on vacation mode, with pedicures at 6, then finishing up shopping, packing, and getting to sleep early for our 5 am flight Sunday morning. It will be here before I know it! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

1.College Station’s Best

So I found this list  of the 45 Best Places to Eat in College Station and it made me want to return to Aggieland for the sole reason of eating. I’m proud to say that I’ve eaten at most of those places (if I could choose my last meal, it would def be from Napa Flats), but there’s a few that are new! And some that I’ve missed. Just another reason to go back! If you live there, try some for me!

2. Lyon and Post

I’ve been seeing other bloggers talk about Lyon + Post for a while now, but I didn’t really know what it was so I just ignored it until I saw that one of my favorite bloggers (Brenna from Chic Street Style) scored a mega deal on an adorable dress, and was intrigued. After perusing the site, I discovered that it’s a site that sends you clothing to try on but doesn’t charge you for any of it unless you keep it! Which is great for those of us who are short and are sometimes scared to buy things online. They have great brands like Elizabeth and James, BB Dakota, Vince, and more!  There’s no subscription fee, and you get to try before you buy, just like a brick and mortar store! It vaguely reminds me of “About the Fit”, the fictional company that Anne Hathaway’s character runs in The Intern (which is a fabulous movie, by the way. It motivates me to no end to be the ultimate girlboss, and I watched it with my ex-boyfriend and he hated it and that’s part of the reason he’s not my boyfriend anymore. Bye). I’m waiting until I return from vacation to send for my first batch of clothes, but I’ve already got my eyes on a few things! If you’re interested, register here to get a $30 credit for your first purchase!

3. White Queso

White queso is my latest obsession. Actually, any queso, but I’ve been on a particular quest for queso blanco since Cinco de Mayo. The clinical staff in my office had fajitas catered on Cinco de Mayo from a local Mexican food restaurant, and they had white queso. One of my coworkers was telling me how delish it was, so obviously I had to go sneak some. Then I kept finding reasons to go up to the front, but I would actually just stop by the break room and sneak a chip loaded with queso. I’m not proud, but I’m also not sorry about it. Anyways, right after the queso-swiping incident, I came across this recipe for white queso from The Baking Fairy, so obviously I pinned it. Some of my friends and I are planning on grilling dinner one night soon, and I’m definitely making this!

4. GIF of the Week

This is how I feel that VACATION IS HERE!!!!! I literally cannot control myself. P.S., still trying to decide how I feel about Real Housewives of Dallas. I think Real Housewives of Houston would have been better, but Andy didn’t ask me. But considering the above, maybe he should have. ALSO: speaking of vacation: I will not be posting next week…sorry! I think it’s just time for a break from everything. But! Check back the following week, because I will have plenty of beach content!!

That’s all for meow- see you in a week!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

We made it!! This has been the longest week. I honestly started thinking that it was Friday on like Tuesday. So that was sad. But it’s finally Friday for real, and I’m headed to see my family this weekend! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

1. Healthy Recipe

I found this recipe for bell pepper pizzas from Peas & Crayons on Pinterest a while back, and it looks so yummy! I love pizza, but I also love healthy versions of my favorites. However, I will most likely omit the broccoli. I mean whoa, it’s pizza, not a salad.

2. Dress

I know I featured this dress on my Beach Packing List post, but I can’t get over it. I love the print, Lite Bright Bull from MUMU, and I think I may have to get it. I’ll wear it on my birthday! Also, it’s May and my birthday is in August and I’ve already bought two rompers “to wear on my birthday”. I need help. Or a social life that requires something fancier than Nike shorts & a t-shirt. But probably both.

3. GIF of the week

This is how I felt when I thought it was Thursday but it was actually Tuesday.

Short and sweet this week- Have a great weekend!

That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Friday! I feel like this week has flown by- it has been incredibly busy! Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’m looking forward to the weekend, with dinner and beach trip planning with my friends tonight, and finally getting to sleep in on Saturday! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

1.Upcoming Menu Item

Doesn’t this Mexican Street Corn Salad from Camille Styles just look delicious? Confession: corn is one of my favorite vegetables, even though my mom says it’s not really that great for you because it’s basically just cellulose. But whatever, I love it. Another confession: I’ve always wanted to try Mexican Street Corn, but I can’t eat corn on the cob because my front teeth are super loose due to a golf cart accident and a cheerleading accident in my youth. That is so sad and I can’t believe I just told everyone that. But that’s why I have to make this, so I can finally experience the glory that is Mexican street corn. Thank you.

2. Rompin’ Around

I found this  Runaway The Label romper at Marshall’s a week or two ago, and I’m obsessed. It’s definitely not something I would typically buy, but I think that may be why I liked it so much! Unfortunately, I can’t find this one online anymore, but I did find a few that are similar! Here’s one with navy and white stripes, one with stripes and a plunging neckline, a similar shape, and this one that isn’t similar at all but I love it. I can’t wait to wear this on vacation! I’m planning on pairing it with my Vince Camuto Roux heels (P.S., they’re on sale!) and simple gold jewelry!

3.Giveaway

If you’re not following along on my Blogstagram, you should be! I posted this awesome giveaway last night for a Kate Spade tote bag, Kate Spade laptop sleeve, and a MacBook Air to go inside! Don’t worry, there’s still time to enter- the giveaway runs until 10 pm EST, Saturday April 10. Good luck!

4.New Lilly

Lilly Pulitzer’s new arrivals hit my inbox this week, and I’m having to restrain myself. This Ryder shift is definitely a favorite, along with these laser-cut shorts, this romper, and this top that would go with absolutely everything this summer. Lilly, keep doing what you’re doing.

5.Bethenny

Enjoy your weekend. I sure will.

That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Friday- we made it! After a busy week, I’m so ready for the weekend. Tonight and most of tomorrow, I will be volunteering with the Junior League at an event that gives Houston-area high school girls an incredible experience of finding a prom dress and accessories, along with self-esteem classes that empower them to be confident young women, all for free! I’m so excited! Also on Saturday night, my bestie Robyn is staying with me after her career fair, and it will be great to see her! Anyways, it’s been a jam-packed week, so here’s what I’m loving:

1. Cat Clutch from ASOS

GUYSSSSSS. I need this. I saw it on Pinterest and lost my mind. I mean, can you imagine the conversation starters with this? “Cat’s out of the bag!” “Cat got your tongue?”. I’m sorry, this bag is just the cat’s meow. I’m sorry again. If I keep making cat jokes you may have to kick meowt. DONE I PROMISE. But really, how adorable is this straw clutch? It would be so cute for a night out, or for a trip to the beach! I need it. Right meow, not kitten.

2. Brussels Sprouts Pizza

It happened. I found someone more obsessed with Brussels Sprouts than I am. This woman put them on a pizza. And it’s genius. I had to try this for myself this past weekend, and it was just the best. The sprouts with the onions and the creamy ricotta…ugh I loved it. Try this Brussels Sprouts and Ricotta Pizza from Recipe Runner if you’re brave enough! You will not regret it.

3. Jacks & JL

Two of my favorite things combined! Jack Rogers has created a special pair of sandals for the Junior League, with 10% of the proceeds being donated back to the Association of Junior Leagues International to help women continue to make a difference in their communities. How great is that? Thanks Jack! P.S., a pair of Jacks are on my shopping list for this summer. If I don’t get these, I’m thinking about getting them in bone, cork, or Caribbean blue!

4. Taste of Streep

Who does not love Miranda Priestly Meryl Streep? I stumbled upon this incredible Instagram account while creeping hard. No shame. You should follow it, because it consistently makes my day.

5. Bethenny is Back

I forgot that the new season of RHONY premiered on Wednesday night until I turned my TV on. YAAS. Bethenny is back, and she knows it all.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! That’s all for meow!

 

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Monday’s Musings

Hey Cats!

Happy Monday! I have a busy week ahead, and I’m going home this weekend to celebrate my birthday with my family! It’s next Monday, and I’m having a really hard time coming to terms with the fact that I actually have to go to work on my birthday, because since it’s in the summer, I’ve always been off of school. So that should be an interesting experience.

Anyways, this weekend was absolutely wonderful because I did absolutely nothing. It made me think of this quote that I found on Pinterest maybe a million years ago:

I personally require an unusually large amount of “me time”, which I’ve been getting a lot of since I’ve been living by myself. But for the past few weekends, I’ve had stuff to do, and while it’s all been fun and great, I’ve been dying to just spend a weekend by myself relaxing. So that’s what I did, and it was fantastic. I mean, I did actually leave my apartment…I went shopping, to the pool, to the grocery store etc., but I was just by myself doing anything I wanted to do and nothing that I didn’t. It was a much needed weekend of rest and refueling! I definitely couldn’t do it every weekend, but every now and then, it’s necessary. Now I’m ready for my busy week at work/with friends! What’s your favorite way to relax on the weekends? Let me know!

That’s all for meow!

 

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Friday’s Five

Hey Cats!

Yayay Friday! I’m so exited for the weekend! I don’t have a lot planned, but I’m excited to have some time to rest, clean, and get caught up on thank-you notes from graduation. I did have some of what would usually be “weekend fun” on Pre-Friday yesterday, but more on that in a minute. As much as I definitely needed and enjoyed being by myself these past few weeks, the “new” is starting to wear off and I’m ready to make some new friends here. I started visiting churches a few weeks ago, so hopefully I will find a group of people to hang out with soon! But until then, it looks like it will be gourmet pizzas on Friday nights. I mean, hey, life could be worse. Here’s what I’m loving this week:

1. Burd Jewelry

Last week, I received an invitation from Natasha, the creator of Burd Jewelry, to attend her second trunk show in Rice Village! I was excited because it was my first trunk show as a blogger, Rice Village is one of my favorite parts of Houston, and her jewelry is so beautiful and surprisingly affordable! I will be writing an entire post on Burd next week, but until then, check it out for yourself!

2. Holy Crepes

After the trunk show, my bestie Ashley and I headed over to Sweet Paris Creperie for dinner. We’ve been here quite a few times, because it’s the best. This time, I tried something new and ordered the Ham & Gruyere crepe and I almost DIED it was so good. We also had a lemon dessert crepe, which was the perfect crisp finish to our meal. If you’re in Houston, be sure to stop by, even if it’s just for dessert! It’s also incredibly adorable inside.

3. The Skimm

As you all know, I cannot start my mornings without The Skimm. It’s a quick little email that gives you the rundown on current events in an easy-to-read, easy to understand format with fun little subject lines (possibly my favorite part) such as “Whoomp there it is”, etc. Want to know what’s going on in Washington, the Middle East, and even in cyberspace? Then Skimm it. That way when someone brings up the FIFA corruption in conversation, you can at least say, “you know, I have heard a bit about that”. BOOM. Adulthood made easy.

4. Cookie Butter Iced Coffee

THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT, NOT A DRILL. Lauren from DC Girl in Pearls, God bless her. She is a saint for sharing this with us all. I found her recipe for Cookie Butter Iced Coffee the other day, and after that I couldn’t really focus on anything else. I mean, it’s cookie butter and coffee. What a time to be alive. I still have to find a lazy girl’s method for iced coffee for this to work well, though. I think that’s going to be my weekend project. Maybe it can be yours too!

5. Milania Guidice

Miss her. She’s going to be that friend you can count on to say what everyone’s thinking, but nobody really wants to say out loud. And somebody needed to tell Tre, if we’re being real.

That’s all I’ve got. Have a great weekend!

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Friday’s Five

Hey Cats!

Yay for Friday! I’m super excited for this weekend, because I get to see my sister and the rest of my family! I only got to see my sister a couple of times the week I was at home before I moved, so I can’t wait to see her and show her my new apartment! She and her husband have a wedding in Houston, so I will see them before, and then I’m riding with them to my dad’s side of the family’s family reunion, where I will see my parents!

It’s been a great first full week of work! Here’s what else I’ve been loving this week:

1. The Pioneer Woman’s Crunchy French Toast

Well, she’s done it again. Ree Drummond, my culinary hero and fellow Aggie basketball lover posted a picture of this DIVINE-looking French Toast on her Instagram page last week, and I had to know what made it crunchy. GUYS. She breaded her French Toast in Panko bread crumbs and then cooked it in butter. I’m dead. I need it. I don’t know when I’ll use the rest of a loaf of bread, but I have to try it. Maybe Saturday morning? Yes.

2. Monogrammed Wrapping Paper

Just when I thought we had run out of objects to monogram, they found another one. This monogrammed gift wrap from Ann Page is the only way I will accept gifts from this day forward. Just kidding, I accept gifts in any form. Always. But really, how adorable is this? Just so Southern. Except I do have one question…do you get it with your monogram, or the monogram of the person you’re giving the gift to? If you have any clarification, please share.

3. JCrew Chino Shorts

Since it’s warm now, I will inevitably buy a new color of JCrew chino shorts. They’re just the best, and they’re always such a good deal during the summer! This year, I have my eye on this vibrant flame pair. How cute would these be with a white eyelet tank? Too cute.

4. What’s Gaby Cooking Instagram

One of my favorite ways to waste time is by scrolling through the Discover page of Instagram. Mine is typically filled with pictures of food, and I’m not even sorry about it, because this has led to my discovery of multiple delicious Instagram accounts, and blogs too! My latest unearthed treasure? What’s Gaby Cooking. Just look at those delicious burgers, fresh produce, and yummy desserts! She also has a pretty cool blog where she tells you how to make all of these treats. Check it out!

5. Weekend Inspiration

Eat more tacos. Duh.

I hope you all have a great weekend! That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Five

Hey Cats!

Well, we made it. The week after spring break is always a tough one, because you’ve had a little taste of summer, the weather is getting warmer, and all that’s left of school is the big projects that no one really wants to do. I didn’t have any tests or anything which was good, but I have a lot of things coming up, so I really need to get ahead if possible. (hahahahahaha jokes). Or at least plan out when I’m going to do everything.

But enough about school, let’s talk about how I think I broke my toe yesterday. I was sitting on my bed doing homework, when I decided I could not continue reading about communicable diseases without a package of fruit snacks (tip- do not save mandatory health classes until your last semester, you will hate it- trust.). So I sprung off my bed too quickly and landed on my toes rather than the ball of my foot. They kind of curled under, causing all of my weight to land on my little phalanges. I definitely heard a pop, but it didn’t really hurt so I just continued downstairs for my study snack. Then later, I was putting on my shoes, and tightening the laces HURT. Upon further inspection, I observed that my toe was bruised and hurt when I moved it. Just in time for sandal season, so that’s cool. I will get back to you after I walk to work this morning- that should be fun. So the moral of the story is, don’t get too excited about your fruit snacks- you could hurt yourself. I digress.

Here’s this week’s five:

1. What I’m Eating

I know, I know. It’s either quinoa or brussels sprouts with me. Honestly, I have no defense for the brussels sprouts, there’s only so many ways you can make them. But quinoa is a very versatile grain, and sometimes I get bored with sprinkling parmesan cheese on top and calling it a side. I found this great recipe for Spring Herb Quinoa Patties on Two Tarts, and it’s by far my favorite quinoa cake recipe that I’ve tried. I halved the recipe, left out mint and green onion (only because I didn’t have any- but it sounds like it would make them even better!), and added dill. What I like most about this recipe is the fact that the cakes hold together really well- I think it’s the breadcrumbs. A half recipe made about 8, and I ate 1 while I was waiting for the rest of my dinner to finish, 3 with my chicken and brussels sprouts (duh), and the other 4 by themselves for dinner the next night. It was a personal patty party. And you should have one, too.

2. What I’m Raving About

As someone who frequently walks through rain puddles on campus, My Hunter boots are a life-saver. They’re durable, comfortable, and a chic addition to my typically distraught rainy-day ensembles. They’re an investment, but definitely worth it. However, since they’re real rubber, they develop a white powdery film after a while, which I honestly wasn’t too fond of. My sister has a matching pair, and hers were “blooming” as well, so we decided to split a bottle of Hunter Boot Buffer and shine our boots over spring break. I was super pleased with the results- they are as good as new! Also, the bottle is only $12, and both my sister and I used it and there is plenty left! You can see the before and after pictures above! Shiny boots just in time for April showers.

3. What I’m Wanting

I’m mildly obsessed with this Gold Pulse Cuff from Baublebar. It’s simple enough to be great on its own or as part of a nice stack.  You may or may not know my story about my heart problems, but I think that’s why I love this so much!

4. What I’m Working On

Building my blog’s Instagram page. I have a really big vision for this little blog, most of which I don’t have time to get serious about until after graduation, but Instagram doesn’t require that much effort- I just have to live my life and remember to take pictures. Which is actually kind of hard for me. But anyways, I’m working on posting fresh content every day, and I would love for you to follow along with me at @sweetcatsblog!

5. Sass Queen of the Week

Abby Lee Miller, Dance Instructor and One-Liner Extraordinaire. She scares the crap out of me and I wouldn’t have lasted five minutes in her studio as a child, but as a young adult, she lights a fire under my butt and makes me want to make it to the top of the pyramid. Also I’m currently having Dance Moms withdrawals. Abby will most likely be back on this list soon.

That’s all I have for you this week. Enjoy your weekend, and figure out how to be the best.

That’s all for meow!

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Monday’s Musings

Hey Cats!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend- I sure did! I traveled to Houston on Thursday to go to the Backstreet Boys concert with my bestie Ashley, then home to East Texas on Friday. I went shopping for work clothes with my mom on Saturday, and yesterday my family and I went to the lake- so you can say it’s been a busy but fun weekend.

I’m still at home today, because I have my annual checkup with my cardiologist this morning. I’ve talked about my heart defect before on the blog (you can read about it here), because it’s a big part of my life. I’ve recently done some research on Congenital Heart Defects, and I came across this interesting infographic on Pinterest that I’d like to share with you!

I was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (also known as Pulmonary Atresia), and had all three of my surgeries at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, which I wasn’t aware was one of the top 20 pediatric cardiology hospitals! Congenital Heart Defects affect many children across America, and I’m thankful that my case has turned out so well. Every year when I have my checkup, I am reminded of God’s grace, provision, and how He has done great things in my life. Hopefully I’ll get another good report today! This week, I would encourage you all to be thankful for your health and proud of the things you’ve overcome- I know I will!

That’s all for meow!

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