Sunny and 65

Friday was one of my favorite days of spring break. I just had one of those days where I was so happy that I couldn't stop smiling all day.

I slept in and met my dad for lunch downtown. It was fun because I don't normally do that. We had lunch at First Watch, and I got their Fresh Fruit Crepes - my favorite!

Then we went and got some Yagoot. Yum! Plus it was so warm outside that I broke out a new pair of sandals while walking around. The first few times you wear sandals for the season is always something special ;)

I also officially had my first flower spotting of the year. Wahooooo! Summer is so close I can practically taste it.

Since I was downtown and don't get to go downtown all that often, I just HAD to treat myself to a cupcake too. I picked up a chocolate peanut butter one and enjoyed it later in the afternoon!

When I got home, I started working on some cake pops while I watched Frozen for the second time this week. One of my simple pleasures is working on cake pops with a musical turned up loud so I can sing along.

I also went for a really long walk at the park. I cranked up some good country music and didn't want to leave because it was so warm that I was wearing capris and a t-shirt. And I was still hot! It felt absolutely wonderful to have an afternoon to take my time at the park, listen to some music, and enjoy the weather.

I spent the rest of the afternoon until dinner reading my book outside with Coco on my lap. I don't think there's anything better than soaking up the sunshine and warm air.

After dinner my Friday night consisted of watching the movie Jerry Maguire, which I had never actually watched before.

Friday may have been a pretty simple and relaxing day, but it was one of the best days I've had in a long time because I didn't have anything I had to do or anywhere I had to go, so I could actually spend my time doing things I wanted to do just for fun. I don't think I have near enough days like that in my life so I cherish them when I get them.

And another fabulous thing about Friday? I did absolutely no school work. I'd done at least a little bit of homework every single day of spring break, but I knew that I needed at least one day to take a break from it all, and it was glorious. I didn't check my email or think about school at all, which was just the break I needed.

Glamorous? No. Fun? Yes!

I've been on spring break this week. I haven't been doing anything glamorous like going to the beach or traveling to another country, but I have enjoyed my break so much.

This is the first year I've ever had a spring break. Normally I had a few days off around Easter, and we would be lucky to get three days off of school. This whole week of thing though? Have to say I'm loving it :)

This entire semester has been busy and just flown by, so it's been wonderful to have a few days to step back, relax, and slow down before the pace picks back up again for the last month of school. I've had time to sleep in, watch a ton of movies, read, and even just sit and do nothing. And sometimes just sitting on the couch for a few minutes doing nothing (not even watching TV!) is the perfect thing.

Here's what I've been up to over spring break so far.....

My break kicked off last Friday since I don't have class, so I took the opportunity to spend the afternoon shopping at one of my favorite outdoor shopping malls. I got Yagoot for lunch and then did a little shopping by myself. The weather was nice and warm too, so I even broke out my favorite wedges for the first time this year. It was fabulous!

On Saturday I had time to paint my nails before going out to dinner with my parents and some family friends. Painting my nails doesn't seem like a big deal, but I probably hadn't done it in over a month simply because I've been too busy. I always feel more accomplished though when I have a fresh coat of polish on my nails.

This has also been a common occurrence - cuddling with Coco in bed while watching a movie. I think I've watched a movie just about every night. I don't keep up with any TV shows (I'm just about the only college student in America that doesn't have or ever watch Netflix), but I'm a sucker for movies, even if I've already seen it a ton of times as I tend to watch the same movies over and over.

I made sugar cookies earlier this week just for fun. They turned out looking pretty cute, but I was unimpressed with how they tasted. Those pretty and delicious iced sugar cookies are one thing I have not yet been able to master, but I am determined to keep trying!

This picture makes me laugh because my dog is absolutely obsessed with cheese. She knows when you've got some and won't leave you alone until you share. Cheese is also just about the only thing she'll actually sit for. Don't you love how patiently she's sitting there waiting for some? ;)

On Tuesday night I went to dinner at Incline House with my friend Danielle. I love that restaurant, and Danielle and I always try to go when she's in town. The food is great (there is a sandwich I get every time that I could practically write an entire book on why I love it so much - ha!), and the view is absolutely spectacular.

I worked a few days this week, and on Wednesday I ate lunch by myself and brought along a new book to start. I am in love with this book already. Paris and chocolate are two of my favorite things in the world, and when you put them together - perfection!

Just chillin' - that's pretty much been my motto all week.

Cheering on our bearcats yesterday. So sad they ended up losing......

I went on a shopping trip yesterday with Danielle, and it was so fun since I hadn't been to the mall in a while. I ended up getting some fun stuff (like my favorite cardigan ever in another color on sale!). Evidence that it was a successful shopping day....

I also ordered this purse, which I am so excited to get. I think it's going to be so perfect for spring! I have enough purses to last me a lifetime, but I hadn't treated myself to a new one in over a year, and I have a bit of a purse obsession problem.

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I hope you all are having a fun week even if it might not be the most glamorous!

Spring Must-Haves

With spring pretty much here, and summer coming up just around the corner I thought it would be fun to put together my list of must-haves for this upcoming season.

Wedges

Wedges are pretty much some of my favorite shoes. They are so much more comfortable than normal heels. I love wearing them in the summer, especially with a cute dress.

I recently got these Franco Sarton wedges from DSW that are SO comfortable.

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I have a similar pair of BOC wedges that I got last year that also really comfortable. For me, it's rare to find comfortable heels.

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I also want a pair of colored wedges for graduation, I just haven't bought any yet. I think these blue ones from Macy's are kind of cute.

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Peplum, Peplum, Peplum!

I have jumped on the peplum bandwagon, and it is my absolute favorite style right now. I just can't get enough of it - I think it is super flattering and makes anyone look really skinny.

I have this shirt from Express - I love the color of it!

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I love this Style & Co. jacket I bought at Macy's recently too.

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I think this INC peplum shirt is SO cute with the little bow belt.

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INC has the absolute best peplum shirts......

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Sanuks

If you've never heard of Sanuks, you need to buy a pair NOW. They are flip-flops made out of yoga mats, and they are so incredibly comfortable.

I love the fact that they come with a little bit of a wedge heel too now. I just bought these, and I really love them.

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They also have normal flip-flops in really cute colors. This light blue is one that I also really like.

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Sundresses

I am a big dress lover. I have a TON of them, and they are my favorite thing to wear in the summer. I wear them all the time, even if I'm just heading to the store or something.

I recently discovered this cute store call Altar'd State. They are a Christian based store that sells everything from inspirational quote decor, to jewelry, as well as a ton of cute clothes, and especially cute dresses. I also think it's neat that a portion of their sales they donate back to charity too. I recently got my graduation dress there, as well as this super adorable dress that I am absolutely obsessed with.

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The back is my absolute favorite part!

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I have also loved Old Navy's dresses recently. I found this one on sale for $15 a few weeks ago - you can't beat that.

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Skirts

Normally I'm not a big skirt person, in fact, I really don't have any skirts. But I found this one at Loft the other day, and I am now really liking skirts. I love the pale pink color along with the material. Everything about it is perfect for spring and summer.

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These are just a few of my favorite trends recently and some of the items I've specifically bought. I'm really looking forward to this upcoming season and some even warmer temperatures so I can try them all out!

Babysitting & Baseball

I feel like I have been going non-stop this weekend (as usual). I had a lot of fun with family though, and I'm sad to see the weekend go.

I didn't have to babysit on Friday (or at all last week), so I was able to come home and kick my weekend off right away! My dad took the day off work, so we headed out to the mall to make a return and walk around a little bit. It's not too often my dad asks if I want to go to the mall with him - usually that's my mom!

That night we went to my cousin's thesis reception. She's graduating next month with a degree in graphic design, and they have a big project they have to do for it, so it was interesting to see hers.

My family grabbed Chick-fil-a after that, and I ended my Friday night on a high note with one of these.....

Saturday morning we met my cousin Erin and her husband Dan at IHOP. Somehow on Easter IHOP was brought up, and when I mentioned I had never been there before, they insisted that we go. I must say, I did like it, and it beat my expectations. I got strawberry/banana crepes with a cream cheese filling that were really good.

That afternoon I babysat one of my favorite little girls!

We did a lot of playing inside.....

.....taking selfies.....

....and playing outside and with my keys :)

Today my family and I went to the Red's game. I love baseball games - they always remind me of summer! The sun was shining, it was in the 70s, I was hot, I got my favorite cotton candy, and the Red's won. Basically, it was a pretty perfect afternoon.

Wahoooooo!

After the game we swung by Fountain Square to get some Graeter's. Our NCAA "bet" each year is that the loser has to buy Graeter's for the whole family. Not too bad of a bet because the loser still gets ice cream out of the deal. I tallied up the points this morning, and realized that no matter the outcome of the final game, my mom was going to lose. I was able to come back from being down 10 points earlier on because I had 3 of the Final 4 and both of the Final 2. Yay!

We were able to eat our ice cream outside since it was so nice. I was loving all of the flowers on Fountain Square.

I feel like we finally got a glimpse of spring and summer weather this weekend. I'm so thankful for such a fun weekend spent with family.

Spring Break Fun

I guess I kind of split my Spring Break posts into several different ones. If you missed it, you can read about the beginning of break here and Easter here.

The rest of break was spent doing a whole lot of fun things. I felt like I was super busy everyday!

My mom and I spent Good Friday shopping at Kenwood and Rookwood. The weather was pretty nice, and we got a lot of good things for spring and summer. I think I'm going to do a whole post on spring finds and styles for the upcoming season!

We also ate at The Cheesecake Factory while we were out at the mall - one of my personal favorites.

I spent some time cuddling and watching movies with Coco too.

My family and I finally got to try out Margaritaville that just opened at our new casino downtown. I've never eaten there, and I loved it. The atmosphere and decor felt like you were at the beach.

I loved all the palm trees.....

My "Cheeseburger in Paradise"

Do you see the parrot in the clouds?

It was funny since I was underage in the casino. They don't mind you going to the restaurants, but they are super strict on being with a parent while walking inside the actual casino - I felt like a 5 year old instead of a 17 year old :)

My mom and I enjoyed a Starbucks while my dad walked around a little. I haven't been in many casinos (obviously), but I thought this one was so cute with all of the sparkling chandeliers!

We also went to Rookwood again after lunch at Margaritaville, and I picked up these super cute new wedges. I just love wedges in the summer.

Monday was Reds Opening Day, and my mom and I met some of my cousins and aunt at Don Pablos. We were all dressed in red to cheer on our Cincinnati Reds!

I'm so happy baseball season is back! Summer is SO close :)

I am so thankful I had such a nice spring break. It was busy for sure, but so much fun that I wouldn't change a minute of it. It was also nice that I didn't have a whole lot of homework, so I actually went 5 whole days without doing school work, and then just had a little bit to do on Monday.

I feel rested up a little and ready to take on the rest of the school year!