Book Review: The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc

I love to read especially during the summer, so I picked up a few books at Half Price Books! Usually I don't go in with titles in mind, and just pick out what looks good. The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc by Loraine Despres seemed like the perfect sassy summer read.

I definitely expected it to be more of a chick lit- easy read, but it was dark. This book is set in the summer of 1956 in Gentry Louisiana. The story follows a strong female lead Sissy, and her search for her all time happiness while following The Southern Belle's Handbook.

Each chapter starts with numbered advice of The Southern Belle's Handbook that Sissy has created in her mind growing up. I loved the strong female storyline but it was just too dark for me. The plot definitely has a twist towards the middle!

The book was also divided up into sections of past and present which kept it interesting. It did take me about month to get through because I don't think I was as invested in the characters as I wished to be.

But overall it has a good story line if you need end of the summer read!

I also have a Goodreads account! You can keep track of your progress while reading, and keep lists of what you want to read next. I just went through today and added more "want to read" titles. Below is the link to my Goodreads account if you want to follow me!

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5522183-taylor

Happy Reading! 

Erin Condren Life Planner

I am a huge fan when I comes to planning and organizing! All through college I had either Vera Bradley or Lilly Pulitzer planners. I figured this year I would try something new!

Erin Condren has a stationary and party planning company, and she is known for her Life Planners! She was also a Delta Gamma at UCLA.

My favorite part about the Life Planners are the way you can customize them! They have so many covers to choose from. They are also changable so if you get sick of the cover half way through the year, you can pop on another front & back. You can also add on sticker sets, notepads, basically anything!

I chose the Taffy Stripes in pink with my First and Middle name!

   

 

I also picked up some pens from Target to help color coordinate and organize! 

Better Late than Never- July 4th Post!

I actually went home for the fourth of July and was able to spend the holiday with my family and fiance! The day before the 4th we actually went downtown to Red White and BOOM in Columbus. This is like a huge deal at home, everyone from the suburbs (me) floods downtown for this million dollar fireworks show! There are also fun bars and food trucks to keep you busy before the firework show at 10pm.


For Red White and BOOM I wanted to keep it casual and fun! I went with white skinnys from American Eagle (it was chilly), an anchored and striped tank from Nordstrom, a jean jacket from Loft, and my Red White and Blue Toms!

The actual day of July 4th, my brother, fiance and I went out on the boat!

That night we met up with my friend to watch the fireworks by our house. I just changed into jeans, my toms, a navy sweater and linen tank from Loft.

Never to late for some 'Merica lovin! Hope you all enjoyed the 4th as well! 

Baubles & Bits

I've been traveling back and forth a lot this summer, so here are some of my essential jewelry pieces of the moment!

1. Anchor Watch- Betsey Johnson

2. Monogrammed Necklace- FrederickEngraving

3. Pearls

4. Navy and White Pearl Bangle- CWonder

5. Monogram Bracelet- Marley Lilly 

6. Anchor Monogram Bracelet- Marley Lilly

15 Facts About Me

1. Born in Denver, CO but grew up for most of my life in a suburb outside of Columbus, OH 

2. Starting Skiing at age 4

3. Majored in Managerial Marketing 

4. Was president of my sorority Delta Gamma

5. Just recently got ENGAGED (New MONOGRAM) 

6. Oldest of 3 siblings & am very family oriented 

7. A love for dogs

8. Diet Coke is a way of life

9. I own everything and anything anchored 

10. Someday I hope to own a clothing boutique 

11. Fav Movie: Legally Blonde

12. Pink is my color 

13. Positivity is the key to life 

14. I love people who give good hugs 

15. I truly believe nice people finish first in life 

I just started a new instagram account! Follow me at: @anchorsandmonograms 

The Lucky Knot

I came across a store that combines so many amazing preppy items in one place: The Lucky Knot! Brands including: Lilly Pulitzer, Lauren James, Smathers & Branson, Kiel James Patrick, and so many more.

As for The Lucky Knot brand itself I am beyond OBSESSED with their anchor hats! The polka dots are such a perfect accent. 

Also these needlepoint hats are a must in any summer wardrobe!

They also carry such cute nautical clothing & jewelry-- perfect recruitment attire for Deegees! 

Definitely a website worth checking out! 

Summer Nights

If you're anything like me, you love getting cozy on summer nights in a big sweatshirt. I just celebrated my 22nd Birthday so I got a few new bright & fun sweatshirts to add to my collection.


I have been eyeing the LOBSTAH ROLL Skipper from Lilly Pulitzer forever, so of course I HAD to ask for it:

I also have been wanting this fun lounge sweatshirt from Express that says "COFFEE FIRST" Now it's on sale for $19.99, can't beat that!

I think both are so fun for summer lounging after a long hot day!