Sweet Lemon Mag!

I know, you're probably thinking something is wrong, talking to you guys 3 times in a day! Things just keep popping up in my head and I have to share them!

I may or may not have mentioned Sweet Lemon magazine to you before. Regardless, it is an entirely online magazine that is written by a fellow blogger. 

One of my friends, Nicole is the PR director for the magazine and brings in some fabulous people to write for the magazine! The September/October issue just came out and as expected, I love it! There is a several page spread on bloggers across the boarders and the goals and aspirations each blogger has. I also admire the looks that the magazine puts together and the fact that you are told where you can buy each item. I am also in LOVE  with the needle point cuffs on page 67. The York Design Company, founded by Laura Dilibero, creates handmade cuffs with playful and preppy patterns. Also, some of the cuffs can be monogrammed! Any prepster should know that anything monogrammed is a preppy staple! 

Check out Sweet Lemon Magazine!

 It will be a great read if you're going to be trapped inside like me, waiting out this crazy storm!

This is the cover of the most current issue!

Here are some of the York Design Company's Needlepoint cuffs!

I love the navy cuff with the crab and polka dots!

Aren't they fun?! Definitely a statement!

Have fun reading up on Sweet Lemon!

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Picture blog of the wedding!

Hi again!

They say pictures speak 1,000 words right? Well here is about 13,000 words for ya (plus some of my commentary)! 

For the full effect, play Terry and Kerri's wedding song as you go through the pictures.

Here is my sister and I before the ceremony, which was held outside in a beautiful garden. 

Here is the beautiful bride, my new Aunt Kerri, walking down the isle with her dad.

My Aunt and Uncle exchanging vows!

This is a high up view of where the cocktail hour was held. It was outside by this beautiful pool where there were fire pits, beaches, covered lounges, tons of food stations and tons of cocktails!

My Uncle Ed, Aunt Christine and me during the cocktail hour, and yes, we had a few cocktails in us at this point! (Uncle Ed's face gives it away)!

Here is some of my family! My Aunt Christine, (new) Aunt Kerri, Uncle Terry, my mom and me!

My sister and I by the pool during cocktail hour! See that pool behind us, yeah thats the same pool that the bride and groom jumped into at the end of the night! Kerri was still in her gown when she took a dip! They're nuts!!

The first dance!

All of the food was delish!

Cake! Yum yum!

Cutting their beautiful cake!

The gorgeous center piece!

Aunt Kerri, my sister, Uncle Terry and me!

Me and my entire family had a wonderful time at the wedding. Every aspect of the wedding was beautifully done and will definitely be a night that the bride and groom won't forget! Best of wishes and lots of love to my Aunt Kerri and Uncle Terry as they embark on journey through married life together!

Preppily yours, 

The Practical Prepster

Find something colorful on this gray Tuesday!

Hi ya!

The weather by me is super crummy! In fact, we have a tornado watch along the coast (that's only a little scary)!  Whenever it's rainy usually my laptop, computer and the couch become my best friends! Currently I am in my pjs, blogging and watching my new obsession Breaking Amish! Have you guys seen the show on TLC? Its fascinating!

 Anyway, while on my laptop, I came across this amazing website called The Colorful Gator. The Colorful Gator is actually a retail store in Newberry, Florida. However, they have expanded their cliental by selling through their website!

This boutique has some unique pieces, including several Lilly Pulitzer items, many of which are currently on sale! Also, I love the bib style necklaces that they have. Although the bib style necklaces are "in" right now, they tend to be very expensive. The Colorful Gator sells them for $42 in all different colors. 

Although this isn't actually from The Colorful Gator, this is the bib style. Go to the website to see 

The Colorful Gator's bib necklaces!

Go check out The Colorful Gator and the fun, preppy and unique pieces they have!

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Thank goodness for Groupon!

Hey preps!

Since it's late and I haven't uploaded the pictures to my computer yet, I will update you on my Uncle's wedding later. As a heads up, it was a beautiful wedding, at a gorgeous venue! We all had a wonderful time dancing (and drinking) the night away! More details and pictures to come!

On another note, I have found an AMAZING deal on Groupon.com. 

For those of you who don't know what Groupon is, it's a website that posts deals in your local area on things such as frozen yogurt, massages, car washes, restaurants, work out class and so much more! They also have vacations that are offered at a significant discount, as well as material items. These items range from TVs to perfumes! 

While I was doing my daily browse through on Groupon today, I found a deal that stopped me dead in my tracks! Authentic Betsey Johnson sunglasses for $15! There are 12 different options all of which retail between 50 and 75 dollars so they're definitely a steal! With my upcoming trip to Florida in mind and the unbeatable price, how could I not invest!? It's not often that you come across designer sunglasses for $15! To top it all off, I had a $5 off coupon that brought the glasses down to $10! I was in the market for aviator style sunglasses but I wasn't looking to pay the price for Ray Bans. Luckily, one of the style options on Groupon is an aviator style that is offered in gold and silver! I opted for the gold although, it was tough deciding between the two! I am so excited and can't wait to get them!  Another great thing is that they're returnable. I know it seems silly to order sunglasses without trying them on but since they're returnable this was a deal I could not pass up! Many of the offered styles are preppy classics, including the aviator and wayfarer styles.  Some of the wayfarer options have that funky Betsey Johnson flare, making the preppy classics unique!

Take a look at some of the options! 

Hurry this deal is only offered until September 19th and styles are selling out!

What have you guys bought on Groupon?

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Forever in love Friday!

Hey there!

Last night I went to get froyo (frozen yogurt, for those of you who don't speak my language) and to see the new movie The Words with my friend Lauren. I love me some Bradley Cooper but to be honest, I can't say that I understood the movie. Regardless, it was a nice night with Lauren! Before that I had a relaxing afternoon class getting my nails done after class. I opted for the classic French manicure however, I had it done in shellac polish so that the manicure lasts for two weeks! I love the way it looks!

Today I have work from from 9-2 at VV and we are having a corporate visit! That means that we are going to have a cut throat day and that my manager will be particularly stressed. Although I am not looking forward to the pressure of the corporate visit, I am looking forward to meeting with company members whom are higher up the corporate ladder. I would love to one day follow the corporate path with Vineyard Vines! 

More excitingly, my Uncle Terry's wedding is tonight! Remember that bridal shower that I told you about a while back, yep, thats the Uncle I am talking about! I am super excited for the wedding because this is the first big family occasion my entire family will be at since my other uncle's wedding in 2000! After work my cousin in going to do my hair and I'll spend the afternoon running around getting ready. The wedding starts pretty late (7:45pm) so that means we will be partying the night, and I'm sure early morning hours, away! Aside from the dancing and family time, I am mostly looking forward to the open bar (but pretend you didn't hear that!).

To the wedding I'm wearing a navy Vineyard Vines dress that falls just above the knee, along with nude pumps, a pale blue shawl and pearl accessories. I will be sure to post pictures on Saturday! Well, lets hope I can post them by Saturday. I might be too busy recovering from the festivities! Wink wink!!

What plans do you guys have for the weekend? 

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

PS-Here is a Jason Mraz song that makes me desperate to find the love that he sings about! Plus, this puts me in the wedding spirit! 

Wishful Wednesday for the iPhone!

Hi again!

Sorry for the lapse in conversation. The first week of school was insanely busy and this week hasn't been much better! Although my life has been hectic lately, classes have been good, profs seem fair and so far there hasn't been too much work! All in all, I can't complain! I hope you guys had a fabulous first week back as well! 

Now, back to the study of being a prepster! Look how incredibly awesome this is! 

Personalized preppy Otterbox cases for the iPhone!! I am in love!

 For those of you who are klutzes like me, the Otterbox is essentially klutz proof protection for your phone! The Otterbox dulls the shock when you drop it and prevents the back and sides from scratches! Although the Otterbox is great at protecting, it isn't the most glamourous accessory for your phone...until now!!! 

Take a look at these adorably preppy cases that can be personalized to your liking! 

(Click on the case name, below each case, to be redirected to the site where you can buy these fantastic cases!)

Palmetto

Seahorse

Rugby Stripe

Tiffany Box

(This one is my personal favorite!)

Personalized from Me to You and The Polkadot Alley

With the upcoming release of the iPhone 5, what better way to protect your new phone than with a preppy, personalized Otterbox! Although these cases are rather expensive, Christmas and the holiday season is approaching! 

Perhaps add a personalized Otterbox to your Christmas wish list!

Do you guys have an Otterbox? What do you guys think of them?

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Weekend Where-abouts on this final weekend of summer!

Hi there!

Happy almost Labor Day! 

Tomorrow, while many will be BBQing away or resting on the beach with their toes in the sand, I will be of course laboring away at VV (after all wasn't the day intending for laboring?...kidding!) So far I have had a pretty eventful weekend! Friday I was working in the morning,  then after work I went out to diner at the yacht club that my family belongs to. I think I've explained this before but I can't recall... the "yacht" club we belong to is not for yacht owners. In fact, its basically for anyone but yacht owners. Its just a nice club that we belong to where we can take the boat to and enjoy the beach or pool and dinners by the water. While it is a luxury, its not as hoity toity as the name gives off! 

Saturday morning I tried something new, I went paddle boarding! It seems to be the latest water sport to do! It's funny, in celebrity gossip magazine you always see Jennifer Anniston up on the board looking gorgeous as always, making the paddling process seem completely effortless. Well, let me tell you, it's NOT! After getting strapped into the life jacket and being briefed on the basics of paddle boarding, I was given a paddle and thrown in the water to fend for myself. The attendant's parting words to me as I left the dock were, I can't do this to save my life but good luck! Granted, I did not stand up right away, the departure process was still nerve wracking! I kneeled for a good portion of the time because to find your balance on those boards is almost impossible! So for a while, I paddled around on my knees but once my knees started to hurt, there wasn't much else I could do other than to attempt to stand up! I paddled closer to shore so that if I had to get off I could stand and get back on. Although, I suppose attempting to stand on the board in shallow water wasn't the best idea because with my lack of coordination, I most definitely could've fallen and hit my head. But, by the miracle of some paddle boarding god, I was able to stand up on the board without falling in! Now, don't think I stood up in one shot! It took be about 10 minutes before I could actually find my center of balance and have enough courage and strength to stand up all the way! I'm sure the people on the beach loved the show I put on for them! Regardless, I finally stood up! Although my knees were shaking terribly because I was so afraid of moving a millimeter from my center of balance, I quickly got the hang of it and enjoyed the experience! Paddle boarding was always something I wanted to try and now that I've done it, I can say that I would definitely do it again. However, I have to admit, I did not plan on being as sore from it as I am today. At work I could hardly bend down because my legs were so tense from trying not to move while I was on the board! It just goes to show how even though you're standing on a board, you really are exercising! Definitely give it a try!

Today, I was at work all day. Since it is the holiday weekend, all of the stores, including Vineyard Vines, are having huge end of the seasons sales, and you know what that means...mayhem!! From the moment the doors opened up until the time I left, the store was packed with people taking advantage of the sales and getting their back to school shopping in. On top of dealing with the craziness, my coworkers and I were trying to get the store back in order since our manager, who has been on vacation for the past week, is back in tomorrow, and lucky me I get to open with her so anything out of order gets blamed on me! Lets see how tomorrow goes!

After work I went to my family friends house on the beach again. My family and I have been there several times this past summer because this is the first season that they have had the house. Tonight they were having a Labor Day BBQ with family, friends and some neighbors. It was nice to head to the beach straight from work to catch the sunset! The way my moms best friend has it decorated is like something out of a Pottery Barn magazine! The nautical and seaside elements don't let you forget you're beachside! It was definitely a great way to end the summer! Take a look at some pictures I took before we left!

Here is my mom helping out in the kitchen. I love the whicker dining set!

This is the living room. Again, there is the whicker furniture. Throughout the entire house the color scheme is blue and while, very nautical! Also, I love the surfboard hanging from the wall as well as the bench seating by the window so you can look out onto the ocean!

This is the media center that is built into the wall in the living room. There is also a fireplace under the TV, incase there's a cool summer night! 

Anyway, it's time for me to relax because I have to be at work by 9 tomorrow. After work I am going to try to catch a few last minute rays of sun before class starts again on Tuesday. It hasn't hit me that summer is over; it flew by! Anyway, lets enjoy the last day before reality sets in again!

Happy Labor Day! And if I don't get on here tomorrow, good luck with the first day of school!

Preppily yours, 

The Practical Prepster

Not so thrifty Thursday with Disney in mind...

Hi'ya!

So my best girlfriend, Amanda, asked me to accompany her on a trip to Disney World in January! With an offer like that, how could I say now? The last time I was in Disney, I was with Amanda and her entire family, was 3, almost 4 years ago, celebrating her sisters Sweet 16! I am super excited for a week away with my best girlfriend! But of course, my mind goes right to thinking about what I will wear! I think I got a little out of control when I was searching around for some stuff. But...I'm trying to justify my potential purchases with the fact that I can use them for school! While most of these items are completely out of my price range, I'll share them and my justifications with you before I present them to my mom! lol!

Embroidered Whale Corduroy Skirt

How cute is this corduroy skirt? Obviously, from the whale you can tell this is a Vineyard Vines skirt. I know you're probably thinking a skirt in January? But in January the weather in Florida is typically in the 70s (I've done my research). Plus, corduroy is a heavier material and will keep me warm. I thought I could wear this one night out to dinner in Epcot or a day out shopping. Now for the dual purpose reasoning, I can also weather this skirt to school with an oxford and flats, I can even throw tights or stockings on underneath. The extra bonus, since I have to obviously wear the brand to work, I can wear this while I'm on the sales floor! 

AE Knit Sweater

 I think this knit sweater from American Eagle is adorable. This is perhaps one of the more affordable items on my list. I love the anchor design. It keeps the nautical, preppy look going throughout the fall and winter. I thought this would be great for Florida in the morning and evening when it is cooler out. I could pair this with capris or shorts. During the school year, I could wear this around campus with one of my new pairs of cords or even a pair of jeans. 

Fox Netwok 2Fer Hoodie

Okay, so I know Fox Racing isn't a top contender on the list of preppy labels, but I own several pieces from Fox Racing because all of their clothes are super comfy and I like to wear the brand when I go upstate and do more, as my friends and family like to call it, bass@$$ things! Anyway, this is a vest and a sweatshirt. You can remove the vest piece from the sweatshirt and wear either the sweatshirt or vest alone. I thought this would be great while walking around Disney incase it is chilly so I can wear both and as the day get warmer I can wear one or the other. Plus, I love the coral color! Of course this can be worn during the school year throughout the fall. Usually in the morning it is chilly walking around campus and gets much warmer as the day goes on and especially inside the classroom. Since I can wear  the vest and sweatshirt as a whole, or one or the other, this is a versatile campus must have. 

Houndstooth Whale Lazy Pants

How cute are these? Even going to bed or lounging around I like to keep up with the preppy style! The pink whales on these navy lounge pants are adorable and aren't embarrassing to grab breakfast at the hotel while were in Disney. Also, I'll be the first to admit, that during the school year the snooze button is my best friend. With that in mind, although these Vineyard Vines pants are really PJ pants, I would run to class in these on those days when I wake up 15 minutes before class!

Patchwork Thermos

I know this is random but hear me out! I NEED my coffee in the morning. I know that I can't bring this through security at the airport but I thought I could pack this in my suitcase and use it in the mornings for my coffee on the go! Amanda and I plan to head to the parks super early for extra magic hours and I will be drained without my coffee! I can use this Vineyard Vines thermos on the shuttle bus to the parks and when I'm done, I can throw it in my backpack that I always carry around at amusement parks! Do I really need to explain how this can be used during the school year? lol! Coffee on the go pretty much sums up the life of a college student!

Beachcomber Pants

I know I already showed you some other adorable Vineyard Vines PJ pants but these are not actually PJ pants, these are VV sweatpants. I thought these would be great for the plane ride to and from Disney so I can be nice and comfy. I also thought that during the school year these would be great on a snowy day with Uggs or a rainy day with tall Hunter boots! The little whale embellishment by the hip isn't as loud as the other lounge pants, making these more practical to wear. 

Jill Moccasin

**ATTENTION ATTENTION, JACK ROGERS SHOE SALE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 4TH** 

Perhaps the hardest part of packing is planning what shoes to bring. Disney makes it even harder because I want to make sure my shoes are super comfortable and are easy to get on and off rides with. These cute gold metallic flats from Jack Roger could be perfect! I don't know that it will be warm enough for flip flops or cold enough for Uggs so these could be the perfect solution. On campus, I can wear these on a nice fall day with a pair of skinny jeans or cords and a sweater! I don't like wearing Uggs all the time, I like to throw a bunch of comfy flats in the mix. These would make a great addition to my shoe rotation haha!!

Now, let me remind you, most of these items are waaayyy out of my price range. I know I've been talking like I am purchasing them but I basically just rehearsed what I will say to my mom when I ask her about helping me buy them. Hopefully it will work and she will help me purchase a few of these for my trip (and of course the school year)! I know all of this is wishful thinking, but like I always say, a girl can dream!!

Help me out here, what do you think? Am I totally crazy?

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Fall in love with cords!

Hi there preps!

Yesterday I was strolling through Target and came to the conclusion that half of this practical prepster's fall wardrobe will be from Target! We all know that cords are the pants to have this fall season. However, cords can be expensive and can be difficult to find a fit that works. Fear no more! The Merona brand at target has great fitting cords that won't break the bank! They come in a bunch of fun colors including hunter green, navy, tan, this fun red/coral and many others! I recently bought a pair of cords from Vineyard Vines and not that I am bashing the company I work for by any means but, these cords from Target fit me much better and were much cheaper than the VV ones. The Merona cords also come in different fits so that you are sure to find one that is best for your body shape! Plus, who can beat the price of $24.99!! This season Target has tons of great finds at reasonable prices. Go see what you can find for your fall wardrobe at Target!

These are the cords I bought at Target!

I bought one in every color since inexpensive, great fitting cords are hard to come by!

What do you think? Have you found good cords anywhere yet?

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Weekend Where-Abouts...a little early!

Hey there!

I know the weekend is only half over but I wanted to update you guys on what I've spent my weekend doing so far. Don't get that excited, it's nothing crazy! Yesterday was kind of a sad day because I had to say goodbye to Chris. Chris and I are pretty much attached at the hip 24/7. Usually, my mom sets the dinner table for 5, anticipating Chris is joining us for dinner, as he does most nights! Anyway, Chris shuffled off to school early this morning. Luckily I had work today to keep my mind off his absence. Hopefully I will be visiting him in 2 weeks to go see the Jason Aldean concert with him! 

The good part of yesterday was having my mom's family over to celebrate her brother's (my Uncle Ed) birthday! We had my Nanny, my Aunt Claudia and my Uncle Ed over for a birthday BBQ and cake! It was a nice evening spent with family and delicious food. Although the main course was rather tasty, what really made my mouth water was the dessert, particularly the macarons from Macaron Cafe that my Aunt brought home from the city. Take a look at some of the pictures!

Here is my sister Jane, my Uncle Ed and Me. Uncle Ed was pretending that he was still blowing out the candles. I guess it would have helped if the candles were actually lit! lol

A glass of wine always calms family gatherings!

I felt to dainty eating these delicate macarons. We had unique flavors like rose, salty caramel and mocha. We also had vanilla, strawberry and lemon! They were all delicious! 

Check out the other macaron flavors from Macaron Cafe.

Here are a few other picture updates I've been meaning to post!

 Here is me and Chris on our road trip to DC to drop off his school necessities to his apartment.

This is what happens when a 4.5 hour car ride turns into a 6.5 hour car ride. What else would you do in traffic other than paint nails? And yes, that is me painting Chris's nails!

Me and Chris before heading to a party while we were at my house upstate!

 Here is me and the guy who has recently entered my life sitting on the dock at the lake by my house upstate! Chris took this candid shot of us!

Wanna see more of my pictures? 

Follow me on instagram! @evonglahn 

Well, thats all folks (at least for today)! Tomorrow I have to be at work in the morning. It has been crazy at the store since everyone is busy getting all of their back-to-school clothes! 

I hope you guys are enjoying your weekend so far! 

Any fun plans? Share them with us! 

Preppily yours, 

The Practical Prepster