Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Christ the King Service Project

Good afternoon! OK, so my mom volunteers at a school in Newark that just started up three years ago. There are three classes now, freshmen, sophomore, and junior. These kids are granted scholarships in order to attend the school because they can't afford the tuition. They come from poverty stricken areas in Newark. In order to help pay for their tuition, they work 1 or 2 days a week and attend school for the rest of the week. These kids are truly inspiring; most kids from the inner-city would roll their eyes at the idea of wearing uniforms, but these kids see it as a blessing and even a luxury. They come from dangerous inner-city public schools where the graduation rate could be about 40%, to Christ the King, which has a graduation rate of about 99%. I went to the school to help with my mom one time and was TRULY inspired. The kids are amazing and are so happy to be in a safe, loving, Catholic environment. SO a few months ago I came up with the idea that I would collect slightly used prom dresses, bags, shoes, shawls, etc. for the girls at Christ the King for their senior prom next year. I have been successful so far but I still have much more to do for them! I know this is a big request- but if ANYONE has anything to donate, it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! If anyone would be so kind to do this, I will cover shipping costs! Please email me, my email is maggie.fitzpatrick@verizon.net. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I am so happy I have a year to complete this project, and I am confident that I will be able to get it all done! XOXOXO!!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

College Prep Giveaway!

Be sure to head over to College Prep's blog to check out her Stationery giveaway!!! I LOVE her blog- it is soo adorable and preppy!!! XOXOXO

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a good start to the week! Tomorrow is hump day already... another day closer to the wonderful weekend :) It is supposed to be BEAUTIFUL this weekend- getting up to 90 degrees on Sunday! I am planning a picnic with friends in the beautiful weather with some homemade sandwiches, sweets, and lemonade! (or shall I say, my favorite drink: Arnold Palmers!!). Take advantage of the weather this weekend and do something outside! XOXOXO

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Sunday!

Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a good weekend! I am oh so tired- I have just gotten back from leading a Catholic retreat this weekend for my parish. I got very little sleep and was running all over the place all weekend. Did anyone do anything fun this weekend?! XOXOXO

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sunday purchase

Hello again! I must learn better blogging etiquette- I go a week without posting and then post 3 times in one day! I promise I will get better, I am just so busy during the week! Today I was upset over some (seemingly) big deal... so I headed over to Lord and Taylor (always a bad idea!) for some impulse purchase. I ended up in the Kate Spade Jewelry section and bought two pairs of beautiful earrings I am in love with!! I can't find a great pic online and they weren't on the website, but here is an OK pic...

I got them in that light blue stone and just clear. Love 'em :)

In advance...

I will be attending my aunt's wedding in Beautiful Boston in a few weeks- so it is the perfect time to find the perfect dress for the occasion! The wedding is at the Beautiful Endicott Estate in beautiful Dedham, MA.







I am beyond excited to watch my aunt and her fiance have their beautiful day together!

Now, for a dress... my first instinct was a Lilly dress, but then I realized it is an evening reception. I am now considering these:


J.Crew Blakely Dress


I love this J.Crew silk taffeta bow monde dress, but I am not sure if the color (which I ADORE) is appropriate for an evening reception? What do you think? (comments appreciated on this!!!) I think it is a good color for me, but at this point in my life I have not even found out what "my colors" are! I have blonde hair, blue eyes, and slightly fair skin which gets a "light tan" in the spring/summer. (some freckles, too!). Is anyone good with figuring out good colors for certain complexions etc?


This J.Crew Waterfloral pastiche Taryn dress is beautiful, but again.. I'm not sure if it is event- appropriate.

If anyone has any advice/comments/opinions, etc. regarding dresses or colors that may be flattering for my blonde hair/blue eyes/(will be)light tan, blah blah blah, please let me know! Also I am about 5'4" and a size 4. (I think all 3 of these dresses are somewhat flattering on my body type- I hope!)

Thank you oh so much! XOXOXO
Good morning!! I hope everyone had a fabulous week! The weekend is almost over which means I have a whole day of school work ahead of me! This weekend was cold and rainy, but hopefully it'll warm up this week! I hope it starts to get nice out, so i can wear these:


Adorable Vineyard Vines tunic! And these...


Vineyard Vines jeans!!

With my...

Navy and White Jack Rogers

It all gets me soo excited! I am loving everything nautical right now!

Have a GREAT day!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Catch up!

Hi! Hope everyone had a great weekend! It is Sunday morning, and I am exhausted from a fun weekend visiting me and Jeanne's dearest friend Kirsten at college. It was a great time and I miss her already! I am up to my ears in work to do because I am finally allowed to go back to school tomorrow! I missed so much- and naturally I waited three weeks- the day before I go back- to begin all of it. Also, Jeanne is home this weekend, which is a huge distraction because we always get sidetracked and usually go shopping (while we should be doing work!). I promise to leave more posts this week, but as for now I must tackle some of this work. Have a great week everybody!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

I realized today that I never made a New Years resolution- Usually it would have been the generic "diet and exercise" resolution that we have all tried! However, I was recovering from a knee surgery I had done two weeks prior to the new year, so I did not have the chance to do that. Today I decided I do not need a holiday and new year to follow a resolution- and I decided to start now on this beautiful day!! Here is what I am working on doing this Spring...

1. Wake up earlier! When I am fortunate enough to not have a reason to wake up early (most Saturdays, breaks from school, summer) I usually sleep in to get some extra rest, and I start my day later. However, I find that when I wake up early to work out or even meet a friend for breakfast, I get so much more done and feel better throughout the day!! It also ensures that I sleep better at night! With the beautiful weather I can not resist waking up early and making the most out of EVERY single day.
2. Get creative! Whether it is hanging up pictures in my room, making little gift baskets for friends for holidays and special occasions, or painting, I always feel great after doing something artsy! I am not overly artsy at all, but I get so much enjoyment out of it!
3. Work out because I want to, not because I have to! When I think of working out, I usually just hit up the gym for a few hours and do all sorts of machines. However, I am just seeing how easy it is to work out and have soo much fun while doing it. Whether it be taking a walk with a friend (there is always something to chat about), or playing some pick-up basketball with my brother, I can always count on getting a good workout in the company of others WHILE having fun! Working out should be a treat, not a chore!
4. Getting in touch with family and friends who now live far away. While facebook is so easy and convenient, there is true beauty in hand-written letters. I vow to write more letters (how can you resist when there is soo much cute stationary out there!?).

Does anyone have any Spring Resolution?!

Easter!

Hi! I have been a terrible blogger lately! I have been so busy with Easter, spending time with everyone while they were home for break, and resting! I hope everyone had a blessed Easter and was able to spend time with loved ones and eat more chocolate than necessary. I know I did :)
The weather is beautiful here- I was finally able to go to the gym this morning after being on bed rest with mono for two weeks. It was great to be working out again... even if I did ruin it right after by indulging in a bagel from our town's BEST breakfast place- Bagel Chateau (it's one of those places where the workers are constantly singing and know me and Jeanne's orders by heart). I am oh so happy to be feeling better after being sick!
My entire family was together this Easter and I was very thankful for that! Everyone is usually so busy that it is hard to get all six of us together at one time! In addition to the family, we had many, many visitors- as always. Our home is the place where all of our friends flock to during summer and over breaks. I am so happy our home is the usual meeting place. With my mother always whipping us up something to eat, Bruce flowing through the iPod speakers, and friends joined together for great conversation and laughter, I am blessed to be a part of it all!!


Jeanne and I after Easter Mass



Sisters & Best Friends!


I hope everyone's holiday was as wonderful as mine!!