A Million Thank You's

This has been a crazy month! At the end of June, I considered stepping up my game and start writing about things. I love writing! I've been on tumblr for about 2 1/2-3 years where I've literally been surrounded by the most AMAZING community of people. (I'm still on tumblr, if you're ever bored and want to quirky things about me.) It's such a privilege. I've got a group to hang around with, and my little cozy corner coffee shop on the internet to tell the world my tales. This will always be something that I am forever thankful for because in many ways this has saved me from myself. I live a beautiful life, but you know, sometimes you just want more? I did. Then, I did it and it made me happy. It was the best leap of faith that I've ever taken!

Before August, I might be just over or shy of 1,000 views. I cannot fathom 1,000 people, or anyone coming to read about the things that I write but it makes me hopeful as I move toward old dreams, and as I accomplish them I'm creating new one's. You've helped me accomplish one, and I'm ready to go on this journey with you together.

One thing you'll learn about me, is that I'm super proud of where I come from but being Southern isn't about the accent, or the tea that I drink, it has a lot to do with hospitality. It is ingrained in the very fabric of my being to make people feel at home!  Unfortunately a downside to what's perceived of my culture, and the area in which I've grown up, is there isn't a lot of tolerance out there to anything different or people who are different. Luckily, I don't adhere to those rules! My first responsibility to you is to make you feel like we're close, and that this is a happy place. :)

I just wanted to post a quick thank you, and spread some love because there isn't enough of it going around. As always, be safe. Eat your veggies. Listen to your parents. Do not ride in cars with boys if you're under 18. Fall in love, and fall so hard that it hurts. Lastly, live you life! It's the only one you've got.

I love yer faces.

xo,

C

                 

Netflix Picks!

My favorite thing about Summer is catching up on all the tv and movies that I missed throughout the year, and tanning because the 90's girl in me still loves the smell of No-Ad Sunscreen. (Seriously, brings me right back to my childhood!)  Since I'm a full-time Mom, and right now I'm doing it all it makes it difficult to digest any pop culture besides articles on kids fashion trends, or how much arsenic is in our apple juice. Somewhere in the middle, we all need a little R&R and the good news is you can take Netflix anywhere. Thus I bring you my Netflix picks, for my Summer '14 mix!

T.V.

1. Orange is the New Black 

While everyone else was elbows, eyeballs, and everything else deep in to the first season I was avoiding the long term commit to a new series. I adore True Blood, Bob's Burgers, Adventure Time, The Walking Dead, and rerun's of vintage TMNT. (Ssshhh don't tell anyone I'm a closet super nerd because I swear it's starting to show!) However, I started watching OITNB and accepted a whole new set of characters that I've learned to embrace. I have to say, so far Red is my favorite. I love that she was running the kitchen, and her minions had their hands in every single business deal at Litchfield Correctional. I have no words, with the exception of obsessed!

2. The Carrie Diaries

I miss every single solitary syllable of all six seasons of Sex and the City. As I was coming of age, Carrie Bradshaw painted the tapestry that I dreamt of being my life in 10-15 years. Fate intervened luckily, and now I'm more of a Charlotte and then sometimes a raging Samantha but only on weekends. I totally missed the train on the The Carrie Diaries, but it's no surprise since it's on the CW. Not so suprinsingly they tackle a few above and beyond issues that the CW usually shys away from and with the backdrop of the greatest, juiciest, Big Apple behind them I'm amazed we've only got two seasons. I'm halfway through the first season, but I'm entrenched in the recreated 80s fashions all done up by none other than Eric Daman, (also the designer from Gossip Girl). Right now only the first season is available, but look out for season 2 which should be coming soon!

3. The Paradise

The Paradise, is the Austen-esque, Are You Being Served, of the new-age. It's absolute perfection! Small-town girl moves up to working in the late 1800s, in the first English Department Store. Oh did I mention Moray? He's like Colin Farrell's hot twin come once more. Look out for the notion's counter girl, she's hilarious and the relationships that develop within the store. It's like a constant comedy of errors as Denise finds her way up the career ladder.

Honorable Mentions; House of Cards, Sons of Anarchy, The IT Crowd, The Venture Brothers, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Louie.



Movies

1. Can't Buy Me Love

Remember McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy? I could literally wax poetic about my 80s dream guys, and this is because that's pretty much the only action saw in high school. Can't Buy Me Love, is yet another classic, from the dawn of an age where the Swatch Watch, and a pining, sensitive heart of a teenage boy in the Midwest was pop culture currency. (If you're new to the game, you'll notice the nod to this film in the final few shots of Easy A.) For me, it's without a doubt a classic!

2. The Immigrant 
I just saw this movie this morning, but it's definitely something you should see. I guess I missed it in theaters, but it's a very detailed look inside an early immigrants life as she makes her way from Poland to New York City via Ellis Island's horrific immigration procedures of the 1920s. Jeremy Renner plays my favorite character of all time, the romantic illusionist Emil, and Joaquin Phoenix is funny, dark, and cunning as Bruno. Marion Cotillard plays the immigrant Ewa, whose mysterious and  tragic tale lead her straight into the arms of a bourgeois pimp from Brooklyn. (Also, it's a pretty decent date night movie!) It was one of my favorites out of the new stuff that Netflix has released this round.

3. Drinking Buddies
I don't think I can rave enough about this one, after all Olivia Wilde is my girl crush but it's truly a fantastic look at the age old saying, "men and women can't be friends." The soundtrack is so good. It takes place in a craft brewery behind the backdrop of Chicago. They ride bikes, and talk about real grown up relationships that make you all cringy at times. Jake Johnson, who hails from New Girl territory is the perfect indie love interest dream team with Olivia Wilde, but then there's Anna Kendrick who comes in to destroy it all, (in a good way). Another great date night option, or for a girls night in.

What should I watch on Netflix next? Tell me! I love movies :)
xo,
C

100 Questions Tag

xo,

Caroline

Why Blake Lively Gets It

Screenshot of the new Perserve.

Preserve, which premiered just a few short hours ago is the new website brought to you by none other than Serena van der Woodsen herself, Blake Lively. I'll be honest, I feel like I've grown up with her! Also, are we all sufficiently annoyed with celebrity lifestyle sites yet? I can hear your groans, but take a closer look. 

C'mon, I'll hold your hand and I'll muddle you a secret cocktail!

Preserve is essentially everything I'm looking for in a lifestyle branded site. It makes me want to live that life! The rustic, beautiful, and intricate tastes of all American made goods, handmade for every appetite is what we deserve from a celebrity created brand. Beautiful clothes, guys with tattoos and bow ties, and delicious food ... how can you not like any of those things? Don't be fooled, the prose is as articulate and descriptive as ever. The articles are poignant, and yet they tell the stories of the issue, not just paid product placements.

Wait, you're still thinking about that other lifestyle branded site? Really? Make no comparisons here, or fault Ms. Lively for any of her good taste because Preserve is making it's definite first marks. The site is easy to navigate, not to mention meticulously curated, and the photographs are gorgeous. Be sure to check out the film in the Summer issue, and surrender to the ambiance. I'm so excited to see what the Fall issue looks like! Can you imagine Christmas?

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be keeping my eye on Preserve for many months to come.

What about you? Tell me in the comments what you're thinking.

xo,
Caroline

#BeYou

This is a difficult post to write, firstly because I hate admitting that I'm not a perfect person. If you're reading this thinking, "No Caroline, there's already enough sad panda, interwebz drama happening please don't make us sit through this." Hear me out!

I'm not a perfect Mom no matter how hard I try.

I most certainly don't have a perfect body. This is something I struggle with every day of my life.

I'm never all the way calm, cool, and collected but I'm excellent at faking it.

I get angry and stressed out super easily, but I've come A LONG way.

I'm selfish, and sometimes because of that I can be pretty mean even to people who love me.

I can list for you, all of these things I'm not but that doesn't tell you who I really am. I took that picture at the lake yesterday, partly in jest, because that huge white space where my one piece would easily conceal some of my imperfections wouldn't tell you the story of why this is my happy place. Why this is my body's happy place! Yes, it'a a lake house. Yes, I love to swim, and share it with Hunter. Yes, I automatically revert back to age 8 when I go there expecting my great-grandmother to come around the corner at any second and hug me with her skinny, wrinkly arms and where I mouth song lyrics to my Aunt as we do silly dances in plastic deck chairs.

In this place, in my safe space this is where I came to be who I was. I could sing along to the radio on the screen porch, or sit out listening to my family yammer on about old stories. I put on plays in the living room, and hid in the bathroom from the boy who I had a crush on when I was 5. I spent Christmases in that house, looking out across an empty lake bottom as lights twinkled in the distance. It was the most beautiful, precious untouched place where I truly felt in every way total freedom. I tanned. I swam. I ate. I grew. I did everything that I was supposed to and I was exactly who I was without question.

I come back now to relive a little. It also makes me aware that in this place where no judgement was passed, and where little could be done about the weather in which case we wore less clothes. I owe everything that I like about myself to this place, but I don't give it back. I owe myself the courage, and the generosity, to be nicer to myself. I'm not like so many things that I wish I was! However, what I am is a body, and a vehicle, for all my hopes and dreams which I can't achieve if I'm always afraid of what the world if going to think about the way I look. Skin is just merely armor, it doesn't tell the whole story and it certainty doesn't tell your story.

A two piece bathing suit was a start of a whole different journey, but we all owe it to ourselves to be kinder to ourselves. Just be kind. Be yourself, and love yourself just like you would love someone else. Also, I love my tattoo. I think I'm ready for another one.

Until then,  soak up the rest of that Summer sun in whatever you feel comfortable in.

xo,

Caroline

Back To School #sahweetstyle

Ever since they started restocking the school supplies in every major retail store around me I've been kind of in a school daze! I'm on the the weirdos whose eyes light up when the find a fresh, unopened box of crayons, or pencils. I just love it!

Anyway, I've started a little list of all things back to school style, and I hope you'll check them out. Of course, adhere to the dress code young one's, but there's always ways around it. Be comfortable, but never sacrifice your individuality. :)

AE Fireside Marled Sweater • American Eagle • $19.99

AE Real Soft Mixed Stitch Cardigan • American Eagle • $29.95

Collection icon trench • J.Crew • $298.00

FOREVER 21+ Au Revoir Tee • Forever 21 • $13.80

FOREVER 21+ Classic Fresh Sweater • Forever 21 • $22.80

FOREVER 21+ Embroidered Fit & Flare Dress • Forever 21 • $24.80

FOREVER 21+ Gingham Girl Plaid Shirt • Forever 21 • $19.80

FOREVER 21+ Talk Is Cheap Muscle Tee • Forever 21 • $14.80

FOREVER 21+ Delicate Bow Tank • Forever 21 • $17.80

FOREVER 21+ Floral Print Skater Dress • Forever 21 • $14.80

FOREVER 21+ California Muscle Tee • Forever 21 • $15.80

FOREVER 21+ Palm Springs Muscle Tee • Forever 21 • $14.80

FOREVER 21+ Love Life Tank • Forever 21 • $14.80

FOREVER 21+ Strapless Floral Print Romper • Forever 21 • $24.80

FOREVER 21 Mod Cat-Eye Sunglasses • Forever 21 • $5.80

FOREVER 21 Romantic Rose Cosmetic Brush Set • Forever 21 • $4.80

FOREVER 21+ Crisp Paneled Skater Dress • Forever 21 • $24.80

FOREVER 21+ V-Neck Tunic Cami • Forever 21 • $4.80

FOREVER 21+ City-Chic Faux Leather Jacket • Forever 21 • $39.80

FOREVER 21+ Simply Sophisticated Bodycon Dress • Forever 21 • $24.80

ASOS CURVE Ridley Skinny In Mid Wash With Ripped Knee • Asos • $60.97

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Playsuit In Floral Print • Asos • $41.92

As always, I love yer faces!

xo,

Summer Shower Essentials

Every season I inevitably change up my shower essentials, because smooth skin is a necessity in my life! I love taking baths and showers I think it's because I love water so much, but most of the time a shower is equal to spa time for me. Actually, I'm weirdly not a huge fan of going to actual spas but I do like a little pampering once in awhile. The word spa is just a tad overwhelming, like that's a thing girly girls do for bachelorette parties in the South and no one I know likes going either so it defiantly out of my comfort zone. 

I take short showers! I've managed to narrow down a typical one to 10 minutes or less on a good day. Sometimes I stay in longer, like if I'm really sleepy or if I'm grumpy when Aunt Flow rears her ugly head, but a very good dermatologist once told me to NEVER shower longer than 10 minutes. I believe that this tip is why I've never had major skin issues in my life except for inherited naturally super rosy cheeks, and I take really, really good care of my skin.

In addition to these products I always lather on SPF before I leave the house, and I like Nivea Smooth Sensation daily lotion for dry skin. I can't live without either of these, and you should stock some too to start taking care of your skin now instead of later!

As you can tell, I'm a huge Nivea fan. My Oma used their tins of body cream when I was kid and she always had the softest skin. When I was younger, too much moisture would break me out but now I need a little extra boost to maintain the elasticity of my skin since in the Summer months I'm outdoors so much more! I love Nivea Touch of Smoothness for this very reason. Unlike typical body washes it doesn't make me feel scaly, or irritate any stray dry patches on my skin. In fact, at the beginning of Summer I had horrible dry patches above both of my elbows from not applying enough SPF when I went for runs to train for a race I participated in, in May. When I switched to these body washes it took care of that really quickly, and I've been a convert ever since.

A lot of people can't use Garnier, because unfortunately the fruit extracts, perfumes, and such can overwhelm sensitive skin. I love 3 way cleansers because they shorten my shower time. (Neutrogena also makes a similar product, that I use in the Fall time as the temperature cools down.)  I alternate using this cleanser in my hands in the shower, or with my Olay Pro-X cleansing brush. I love the smell, and in the Summer I need a little less exfoliation, (even though I'm sweating more), because I'm in so many different environments in the Summer months and different types of water can wreck your skin. This 3 way, is a cleanser, scrub, and a mask. I use the mask about 10 minutes before I shower once a week, and then I get in and scrub it off. 

These next products are things I just discovered, because I like beauty on the cheap! Organix is my favorite line of hair care available in a regular store. Their shampoos, products, and conditioners make my hair happy! This Aqapuhi Ginger Instant Recovery Mask treats my wavy, curly tresses like the queen that she is. I adore this formula, and I sometimes even use this in place of my conditioner on a regular day when I feel like my hair is drying. (More on my hair care later.)

Bath and Body Works has such a lovely line of aromatherapy products for your tub time. This lavender-vanilla sugar scrub was on sale and I picked it up along with some bubble baths I'll mention later. I really like this scrub. It has like a body oil in it that is really nice to my skin. I only use this once a week. Exfoliating too much is also bad for your skin, but on days that I don't dry brush this does the trick. I slough it on my rough patches like knees, ankles, and elbows before a shower after I step in I usually do most of my body with the rest of it. This may not be a product for everyone, but it certainly hooked me and I love this line now because of it!

Lastly these beauties, are what I think Mother Nature intended for stressed out Mom's who need a stay-cation. These bubble baths are insanely delicious smelling, and amazing! Once your pour the bubble bath under hot running water waves of bubbles pool at the surface. I've never had a bubble bath that did that unless I poured a gallon in. Of course, you can tell they are well loved and a little bit does go a long way but they were such a bargain with some of the deals Bath and Body Works has had going on lately. Sleep is my personal favorite, but Stress Relief does relieve my stress! Once your in though, it's like soaking in a pool of cashmere, cotton candy, and soft puppies. I love it!

Hopefully you'll branch out and try some of these, and as always I'm looking for suggestions to add to my repitoire. Leave me a comment with your favorite Summer shower products or tips to take good care of your Summer skin!

xo,

****Ppppssttt... all my ya'll, stay tuned for a post about my hair care!

Also, I'm reshooting my beauty haul because frankly I wasn't happy with it.

It's coming, no worries just trying to make it quality for you all :)

I lurv yer faces!

My OTO!

What is OTO you may be asking yourself? Well, OTP is one true pairing, but OTO, (a term I coined) means one true obsession.

I'm not a fan of horror, or horror movies. In fact, I hate being scared. Suspense just makes me nervous and I don't enjoy that feeling at all. However, if I leave all the lights in the house on and sometimes watch it the following morning I have come to find that American Horror Story on FX is something I love. The story lines are so good, and last seasons episodes took place entirely in New Orleans. I visited Nola, and lived in Louisiana as a child, which made the history of that mysterious city exciting for me. There were witches, serial killers, half-human/half-beast beings and all sorts of stuff that made it exciting but this new season which centers around carnivals has just released it's first trailer.

The bigger social and societal issues that the creators have tackled within the different places and eras   have changed my entire views on the horror genre. In the words of Tate Langdon, season one's resident teenage psychopathic killer, "The world is a filthy place. It's a filthy goddamn horror show." I was not a fan of Tate in the first season, and if you haven't watched I wouldn't ruin it for you. I'll say this much though, it was lovely not being the only girl on tumblr who agreed with me. Converse, sweaters, and shrugging does not a boyfriend make!

Anyway, since I'll be talking about it and raving as soon after the season premieres I thought I'd share the trailer with you. Y'know, in case you want to fan girl with me?!?

As always, be safe and remember I love yer faces off.

xo,

Summer Playlist

I'm a huge music nerd. I used to go to shows on tour in living rooms all over my hometown as we have a big scene there, and those bands have gone on to do HUGE things. I listen to a little bit of everything, and I'm constantly making playlists because we all know how we get when we're in that mood! It used to be my little secret, but I figured I would share with you all.

Here's things I've been listening to this Summer. Some are old, some are new, but they're some of my favorites.

If you want to keep up with my findings, follow me on Spotify. It's one of my favorite music discovering apps, and they literally have everything. (Except The Vamps! Why does no one here have The Vamps yet?)

xo,

Episode 1: Moving Out ?!?!?!?

First episode of #TQL is out, and I'm so proud of it. :)

xo,

The Sick Girls Guide to Blogging

Alas.... we've hit a major road block. My first sick day!

Since this blogging world, is now my office and my oyster, it's definitely a hard hit to my psyche taking a sick day. All my creativeness, every cough, every tissue is literally feels like its sucking the creativity right out of me! 

So I've figured I'd write a blog post about my sick day essentials, or at least the one's that I can reach from my bedside stand. First up as always, are good tissues. Puff's are my favorites, one of their newer options has Vick's woven right into the tissue, and the other has lotion built in since post nasal drip can take a toll on the delicate skin around your nose.

My next essentials include vitamins D3, and a Super Complex Vitamin C. These are both made by Spring Valley. It's one of my favorite brands, since you can usually get doubles of the D3 on sale. I always take these in addition to my other cold meds, especially during the times that I feel the worst. I feel like they make the world of difference in my recovery.

You can never go wrong with a little Vick's vapor rub, my significant other picked me up some with lemon scent that I'm loving right now. It definitely doesn't carry the old folks smell that the regular stuff does, and scents tend to bother him a bit which makes this one a must have since it's not so overwhelming.

I stock Burt's Bee's products in our house year round. I love their products! I am a huge fan of their beeswax lip balm, and also their hand salve. I just can't get enough. Absolutely none of their products are tested on animals, and they're 100% natural. This is one of the best skin care companies out there in my opinion, and they're also from my home state, North Carolina. The beeswax lip balm has vitamin E and peppermint, but it also features yummy things like coconut oil, lanolin, and rosemary leaf extract to keep your lips moisturized long-term.

Honorable mentions? Of course! I always need my Macbook, and things to do while I'm stuck in bed. Reading! Today I chose my Cosmo since it just came in the mail, (a.k.a. The Girl Bible).  I'm also loving my lacy stretch headband from Forever21. That place has been a hit for me lately, and I can't wait to do my next haul to prove it! I took a shower earlier and I love doing my no heat necessary waves. I use Organix Sea Salt spray religiously when I want to achieve that. Then I simply rope my hair around the elastic part of the headband, (trust me it stays in place), and then just let it sit until it's moderately dry. Let it go, and then scrunch! The Organix line is a personal favorite of mine because of the lack of chemicals since I'm a wavy haired girl, and I hate having crunchy hair. It's the worst!

If you're out of the office like me, sit back and relax. Enjoy your soup and sleep!

You'll be back on your feet in no time.

xo,

Visine for Seasonal Itching + Redness Relief, and Essie Nail Polish in Play Date.

Cosmo (a.k.a. The Girl Bible), and my tea mug with the British flag from Christmas Tree Shops.


P.S. Forgot to mention the July 4th vlog is live!

The Quarter Life #TQL

xo,

Updates

So many updates this week! 

If you haven't already, go check out my youtube channel. That's where I'll be posting the first episode of #TQL (The Quarter Life), and also where my July 4th vlog will be. I am so excited about so many things that are coming, and gaining readers, and followers alike, because it's exciting to find people out there who like the same things as me! I've always just sort of hung around, but now I feel I have purpose and that is indispensable to someone who pours Cheerio's and does laundry for a living. This is my special place. Thank you for letting me live out my dreams.

xo,

The Quarter Life

I've had the idea for awhile to do a series about being in your 20s, and kind of explain what it's like through various topical talking points. I'll talk about relationships, money, moving/leaving home, and finding out who your friends are. For the next 4 Fridays, this is my sole task! I want you to leave this series either feeling better about yourself, or better about where you're going in life. We all need a little boost, and although a quarter life crisis has been coined as a term to put down people in their late teens to early thirties who don't know where where the hell their lives are going, that big beautiful real would out there doesn't have to be such a scary place if you sort of know what's coming.

I'm asking everyone to send in questions, life hacks, and situations about this era of life with the #TQL to my twitter, on my Facebook,  or Tumblr. I'm filming an intro video for it today that will be up tomorrow, and the first episode should be up next Friday.

What's your story?

Health: The 10 Day Smoothie Cleanse

Today is July 1st, and I'm officially on day 2 of the 10 day smoothie cleanse that we're doing for a month solid. Of course by "we," I mean myself, and two of my aunts. One aunt has already completed 10 days, and now we're on until the 4th of July when we'll be taking a break for the day to enjoy the holiday. What can I say about the smoothie cleanse? Hmmm... it's meh. I do feel better, but it's a pain in the butt only getting smoothies all day long. The things that I like about it is that I literally have to do no actual "cooking," and I get all my fruits and veggies for the day. I'm an ok cook, but surely no professional. You have a small smoothie 3 times a day, and it's chock full of fresh fruits and veggies.

Today my smoothie was red, and tasted like strawberry/banana. It also was packed with fresh spring mixed greens, flaxseed, protein powder, and fruit. It's pretty good. I miss a lot of things like salad dressing, and bread. I didn't realize I ate a lot of bread but clearly, I do. This morning I was literally like. "FML I just want an mf'ing bagel!" Eventually a cooler headed, much calmer Caroline grabbed the frozen strawberries out of the freezer and weeped silently into her sugarless detox tea. I'm going to make it! For the record, I think they should just rename Stevia powdered Exlax, because people should know that. It tastes nothing like real sugar, or anything resembling real sugar. It wrecks my stomach. I've given up on that completely.

Just trolling the Joe Sugg tag on tumblr, and drinking this red stuff. He's adorable and makes me laugh = motivation.



Smoothie Day #1- This green stuff that tastes like apples, and stuff.

I think I'll be ok, just one more day down until the 4th. I do feel better! My skin looks better. I don't feel all foggy and sleepy mid afternoon, so I am seeing improvements but I'm nowhere near where I need to be yet although I am enjoying this. In some weird, sick, twisted way this is sort of the easiest health thing I've ever done. If you want to try it too, pick up JJ Smith's book the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse, on Amazon. If you're like me and trying to change up your lifestyle, do it. Just stop worrying, and complaining, start now! Your body will thank you for it.

xo,