Southern State of Mind

I'm from the midwest, but I firmly believe that 

I was a fully-fledged Southern Belle in my other life.

I've thought and thought about my destiny to end up end the South and I've come up with a few reasons why I am truly, 100% always in a Southern State of Mind.

1. I automatically feel more at home below the Mason-Dixon Line

2. Big hair not only looks good- it holds the best secrets

3. Wearing a dress is a daily occasion

4. I want to be in the sun or by the ocean more than anything else in the world

5. My body runs on Sweet Tea, not water

6. The Civil War was really the War of Northern Aggression

7. "Roll Tide"

8. A Sorority is just that - a sisterhood - more than it is a change to get sloppy

9. Seersucker, pink & green, and nautical navy makes up at least 50% of my closet

10. I am 100% a hostess and have learned from the best- my mother.

Even though I'm not from the South, I hope and pray that I'll find a husband either from the South or willing to move that way. My dream is to have my kids address elders as "yes mam" and "yes sir", grow up with the SEC, and love the sunshine just as much as I do.

For now, though, I'll stay dreaming of the South.

It's Going to be a Lilly Summer

Can I just talk about how in LOVE I am with the 2013 Lilly Pulitzer summer line that has been released thus far?! It's beautiful! I love the new prints and can't wait to be able to wear everything! I know that everything hasn't been released yet, but I'm liking what I'm seeing! So far, I have a few must-haves that will definitely be on a hanger in my closet... soon!! 

 First things first: this for 4th of July is beautiful. These are the classic Callahan Shorts in the print She's a Firecracker. I'm going on a cruise over the week of the 4th of July and I'm thinking that these are a must have! I love how fun these are; they scream party and fireworks!!

Alright now the Janice dress is stunning! I love the gold trim on the front and the green/blue will be awesome with my strawberry-blonde hair. It's not usually something I'd go for, but I've fallen in love! No stopping me from finding every excuse to wear this beaut!

Okay this popover is probably the best thing I've ever seen! I was planning on buying one of the 1/4 zips in a solid color, but I'm so glad I waited to find this one! It's so bright and cheerful- perfect for cool summer nights following a big day at the beach. The print is fabulous (season favorite?)!

I have to say that I really do like the looks of this season. Spring was cute, but too much neon and brights. I love that these are still bright, but are mixed with subdued hues or gold. Looks like I know where lots of my graduation money is going!

And, hey, gifts are appreciated and can come in the form of merchandise or gift cards! ;)

Listen List

So, music is to the soul what chocolate is to the mouth. It is essential, makes everything better, and can capture so much in so little. I listen to a variety of genres, but there's one genre that just screams spring and summer to me: Country!

I'm not a crazy, die hard fan, but I love that all of the songs tell a story. Plus, they seem to capture the carefree attitude of summer beautifully! As always, I have a few songs that will surely be on my playlist these upcoming months.

This one is at the top of my list! It's perfect for being on the beach and having fun. 

Literally, I get excited when I hear this song because I imagine being not in the midwest (where it is currently snowing... in March. Don't get me started)

Country and Summer just go together, don't they?