Essie Love

It wasn't too long ago that I didn't paint my finger nails.  I went au naturale.

Now, I am obsessed {maybe obsessed is a strong word} with nail polish.  I change my nail color at least once a week if not two or three times.  I am a very brand loyal person.  I find something I love and stick with it.  Essie is my go to on nail polish and nail care.

Most of the summer I have been rocking the raving color of Turquoise & Caicos.

It is the perfect turquoise for summer.  I have gotten many complements when I have worn it, even though my dad it not a fan.

I recently purchased Absolutely Shore from the new summer collection.

I decided to try it out last night.  It is almost a toned down version of T&C.  A little more office appropriate.

As I was perusing the Essie website, I find this lovely shade of pink that I am now needing to purchase.  It is out of stock on the website.  Hopefully I will be able to find it at Ulta.

In addition to all of their great colors, I have found some great base and top polishes.  I have very weak nails and they tend to peel when they get too long.  I was in search of a strengthening base coat when I came across the All-in-One Base Coat.  Its description calls for stronger, longer nails in five days.  Believe me it works.  This is probably the best base coat I have ever used.

When I paint my nails, I half the time I tend to be in a hurry for one reason or another.  I need something that will quickly dry my nails.  I will blast them with the hair dryer.  And blow on them.  Shake them around.  In comes Good to Go!  The insta-dry top coat.  Perfect for when I don't have time to read blogs as I let my nails dry.

When I bought Absolutely Shore, I also scored a deal on Matte About You for only $2.99.  I just had to have it for that price.  This top coat gives your nails a matte finish rather than a shiny finish.  I was not sure if I would like the look, but I do!  This one little bottle just doubled my nail polish collection.  It gives you a very different look - like it is a whole new color.  I tried to get a picture of before and after, but the change doesn't show up well in the picture.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to send out a big congrats to Allie for becoming a Mary Kay consultant!  She is hosting a fabulous giveaway and sale for some great MK products.  Here is her site, enter "SUNDRESS" at checkout to get 15% off.  The sale is running through July 15th.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Forever to Thee!

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks 

are

Back-to-Back

National Champions!!

I was just getting used to winning the first one!

Going to have to expand the trophy case!

For those of you not familiar with Gamecocks sports, let me up this championship in perspective.  Until a year ago, USC had never-ever won a champion in any major men's or women's sports.  No disrespect to the lone title we held in women's track and field.  This was due to what most refer to as The Chicken Curse {see here} {I even wrote a paper and gave a speech on it college, therefore it must be legit}.  Now, just maybe, we have shaken the chicken curse!

In the postgame interviews, the players were talking about how this team was not full of first round draft picks, but they know how to win baseball games.  And, honestly, I would rather have a team that plays with heart, grit, and determination than one loaded with super talent.

I would like to introduce you, again, to the most underrated pitcher in the nation...

Michael Roth

Roth ended his season with an ERA of around 1.00.  He came home with the second lowest ERA in College World Series history.

Mr. MVP, Scott Wingo!

What to know a funny story about this guy...His dad played baseball at Clemson.  Clemson coach Leggett didn't give this defensive ace a second look.  He decided to take his talents to the Capital City.

Carolina is not used to setting winning records, but we set a few last night...

We became only the sixth team in CWS history to repeat.

We set a NCAA tournament record by winning 16 consecutive games. {dating back to last year}

Statute outside the stadium

We set a CWS record by winning 11 consecutive games. {dating back to last year}

From the last bat at the Blatt to breaking in the new TD Ameritrade Park, this past year of baseball has been amazing.

Final Record: 55-14

Soulfully,

Ashton

Blog Title: University of South Carolina Alma Mater

Big Day, Making Big Moves

First up!...I have finally given in and join Twitter!  I am already addicted and adore all the blog love I have received.  I am excited to keep uptodate with all my bloggy frands!  Apparently, I am the only Ashton Daley that wants to tweet, so my name is simply enough...ashtondaley.  Follow me!

Even more exciting...Carolina is one win away from back-to-back National Championships!!

These fellas have been playing some A-MAZ-ING baseball the past few weeks. #extrainningmagic.  It took 13 innings for us to beat UVA on Friday and another 11 innings to beat Florida last night in the first game of the Championship series.  They never give up.  Their mantra of "Win Anyway" is played out every inning.  They play through injuries, they win the unconventional way, and they have fun while doing it.

First Baseman, Christian Walker

Walker fracture a bone in his wrist during Friday's game.  Going in to batting practice yesterday he was still questionable.  With the true grit of an athlete, he said pad the bat and let's see what I can do.  He ended up playing and scoring the winning run.

Three incredible plays at home plate keep Florida from scoring in the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings.  Thank you, Robert Beary.

Stud!

Jake Williams had a masterful throw from left field to the plate during the 10th inning.

Y'all reallyyyyy needed the play-by-play!

And, I can't forget Mr. Wingo.  THE Man himself!

Celebrating after hitting in the tying run.

Then, there is the the guy with the super-human arm.  Matt Price.  Closer extraordinaire.

Still throwing 96 mph after two days rest.

 READY for tonight!

I love my Gamecocks and this game in general.  I guess with my dad having only girls.  We were required to understands sports and talk about them.  Following a football or baseball game, my dad calls me and we discuss the finer points of the game and how things went.  Something him and his "son" would do, but it is me and my sister.

All in all it is a win-win situation...

1. Most guys are impressed with my sports knowledge.

2. The gentleman on the field aren't bad to look at either.  {Except that ginger pitcher from Florida}

Also...Who agrees with me that guys should be required to wear baseball pants once if not twice a week?

Soulfully,

Ashton

Sun Savvy

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For those of you that don't follow {long distance loving}, I wanted to share with you {av}'s new blog and adventure...Sun Savvy.  Back in May, {av} shared her story about her trials with skin cancer.  She and Danielle have teamed up to provide more awareness about skin cancer and how to detect it early.

I fortunately have never had skin cancer personally, but I wanted to share thoughts on sun and protecting your skin.

"I was born and raised on a Carolina sea island and I carried the sunshine of the lowcountry, inked in dark gold, on my back and shoulders." ~ Pat Conroy, Prince of Tides

That quote and book are two of my favorites.  It could not describe my upbringing more perfectly.  Except the summer I lived in D.C., I have spent everyone of them on the Carolina coast soaking up the sunshine.  If you are going to spend the day outside in South Carolina, you hopefully will be by a body of water.  It is the only way to stay cool.  With all this sun exposure, I have to always protect my skin when I am outside.

I was blessed with beautiful olive skin from my dad.  My great-grandmother was full blooded Native American.  I was so tan when I was born that a woman stopped by mother about a month after I was born to tell her that she was a bad mother for having me out in the sun.

Come summertime, I get the constant statement..."GOSH! You are so tan!!"...followed by the "You must live at the beach!?"  Some in a condescending tone and others not.  It really bugs me, because I feel like I am getting negative attention for being tan.  I really don't spend my entire life at the beach.  

I am fairly tan throughout the year and I guess some people don't realize it.

Case in point...

New Years 2011

January 2011

May 2011 

June 2011

Yes, I am darker in the summer pictures, but I am still "tan" during the winter.

I get the..."Well, I bet you never burn."  No, sorry, I don't get sunburned.  But that doesn't mean, I have never gotten too much sun in one day.  Or repeatedly gotten too much.  I have!

Water Festival 2010

 Please, disregard how gross I look in the picture.  It had been a long day.  Check out that sunglass tanline though...not so fun..and the tanline on my shoulders.  I get red and it is tan by the next day.  Mind you this is after applying sunscreen.

That being said...here is my sun savvy advice...

1. I always use a higher SPF on my face. 30 or higher. Avoid as many wrinkles as possible.
2.  Use a sunscreen that is sweat proof.  This is help for when you outside during extended periods and being a little bit more active than use lounging.
3. Re-apply as needed.  That means after being in the water or after a few hours.
4. Don't forget "sensitive" areas...i.e., your ears and your feet.
5. For guys...if your hair is short (liked buzzed short) but some sunscreen on your noggin'
6. Use a moisturizer that has an SPF. Every little bit helps.
7. Once burned, don't go back out in the sun until your skin has healed.
8. You will get sun even with sunscreen on, so don't think you won't get tan.  I use 20 SPF all over and look at me.  It still gets through.
9. Don't think that just because it is overcast, you are not getting sun.  It is just the opposite usually.  You don't put any sunscreen on when it is a little cloudier out.  It doesn't feel as hot out.  WRONG! Those rays are still coming through and you will end up more burned on those days.
10. Protect your skin after getting sun with aloe to prevent pealing and further burning.

Go join the movement and be Sun Savvy!

Lastly....

What kinda fan would I be without leaving you with some garnet and black love!
Friday, Carolina beat UVA after 13 {long, grueling} innings to get the chance to defend our title!  We will face Florida tonight at 8:00.  We took 2 out 3 against Florida back in March.

Albert and Cocky

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AHH! So ready to get it all started, again!

GOOOOO COCKS!!

Soulfully,

Ashton

Friday Fancies: Back Home in Omaha

Yay for Friday! And Yay for Friday Fancies!

Hope everyone made it to Friday safely

This weekend is going to be filled with several birthday celebrations.  If the weather holds off, I will be sunning on the beach tomorrow.  Today, my family is coming up for the day.  I am sure we will spend most of the day on King Street doing a little shopping.

All of that is fun and all, but where do I really want to be this weekend....

O-M-A-H-A

I want to be cheering on my Gamecocks as they make a run at a repeat national title.  We are one win away from the championship best of 3 series.  If I was really in Omaha and money was no object, this is what I would be wearing.  Head over to {long distance loving} and tell {av} what you are fancying this week.

Pennington and Bailes Black Gamecock Polo Dress

Garnet Boutonniere Belt

Hobo International Angelica Purse

Tory Burch Edna Demi Wedge

David Yurman White Freshwater Pearls

David Yurman Black Onyx Bracelet

The P&B polo dress is going on my birthday list.  It is absolutely perfect for gamedays, matched with a belt.  Gameday outfits take some serious planning.  I wish I had $5 for every LBD that I wore in college to games.

I will be a ball of nerves during the game tonight.  I know I can't control the game and its just a game, but I have a deep love for the Gamecocks.  I believe my favorite player/pitcher will be getting the start tonight.  Michael Roth's dad even quit his job so he could see his son pitch in the CWS.  Roth went from a relief pitcher to getting the starting nod for the Clemson game last year at the CWS to starting Friday night ace this season.

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GO COCKS!

Soulfully,

Ashton

Shaaazzzammm...

I have had my fancy iPhone for about a month now.  And, I lurve it!  I don't know how I lived without it.  It makes my life a lot easier.  I don't have a GPS in my car, but who needs one when you have a smart phone.  Google maps turns into your own personal hand-held GPS when traveling.  NO more printing out directions for this chica.

I have discovered some wonderful apps that I want to share.

My favorite app...

Shazam

New song comes on the radio or hear a song in restaurant/bar...what is this song...who sings it?  Shazam!  Song title, album, and artist is given.  This app picks up the song you are listening to {if it is loud enough and clear enough} and tells you who sings it and the name of the song.  Aweseome!

What I Spend the Most Time Doing...

Words with Friends

I currently have seven games going.  Great fun with friends.  It is great finding "new" words to play.  Christina, I promise I will play back as soon as I finish writing this.  If anyone wants to play along my name is ashbrooke87.

Best Utility App

Yelp

This app is very similar to Urbanspoon, but better.  It provides you with everything nearby.  Gas stations, drugstores, banks, and other stores.

Best Blogger App

Pinterest

Yep, Pinterest has an app.  For pinning on the go!

Best Music App

Pandora

Of course, I am going to the Pandora app.  I don't have my music on my iPhone, so it doesn't take up too much space.  But when you have Pandora at your fingertips you don't need your own music.  What is cool about his app, it will pause the song you are listening to when a call comes through.  Yeah this might have been a given, but I was pleasantly surprised when it happened.

Best New Game

Flight Control

AHH! This game is so addicting.  It is kinda hard to explain.  You basically land

 planes on different airfields.  Sounds easy right?  Not so much.  There are different colored planes that have to go on specific runways and they are going at different speeds.  Lets just say its fun and I can spend hours on it.

And for those of you that love you some Angry Birds...well I strongly dislike it.  Not fun at all!  Sorry.

Let me know if you have any other favorites!

In other news...

Carolina beat Virginia on Tuesday night 7-1.  We play again on Friday against the winner of tonight's game between Virginia and California.  Having two days off allows the team to rest up, but not all their time is spent in the hotel or practice field.  Yesterday, the team went to Omaha Children's Hospital.

Players: Evan Marzilli, Tyler Webb, Peter Mooney, Christian Walker, and John Taylor

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Soulfully,

Ashton

Frankly, my dear...

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind.  

I have read the book and seen the movies countless times.  I love the story and I love the characters even more.  I could watch the movie everyday and not get tired of it.  The book is even more wonderful than the movie.  If you have not read it, I suggest that you do.  I know it seems intimidating because of its size, but you will be so happy when you finish it.

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There are so many memorable quotes from both the book and the movie.  These are some of my favorites...

"I can't think about that right now.  If I do, I'll go crazy.  I'll think about it tomorrow." ~ Scarlett

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"If you don' care what folks says 'bout dis family, I does! I's tole ya and tole ya ya can always tell a lady by the way she eat in front of folks like a bird. An' I ain't aimin' for you to go to Mr. John Wilkenson's and eat like a field hand and gobble like a hog!" ~ Mammy

"Why does a girl have to be so silly to catch a husband." ~ Scarlett

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"What gentlemen says and what they think is two different things, and I don't notice Mr. Ashley askin' to marry you." ~ Mammy

"That's Rhett Butler.  He is from Charleston.  He has the most terrible reputation."

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"With enough courage, you can do without a reputation." ~ Rhett 

"You, sir are no gentleman." "And you, miss are no lady." ~ Rhett & Scarlett

 "No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." ~ Rhett

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"Heaven help the man that really does love you." ~ Rhett

"I hope this drink is as strong as my need for it." ~ Scarlett

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"As God as my witness, I will never go hungry again." ~ Scarlett

"I don't know nothin' about birthin' no babies." ~ Prissy

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Best lines of the movie/book:

"I am going back to dignity and grace.  I am going back to Charleston, back where I belong...I want to see if there is something left in life of charm and grace." ~ Rhett

"Frankly, my dear...I don't give a damn." ~ Rhett

Scarlett was a fool for not running after that man.  She was a fool for loving Ashley and not Rhett.  There is no doubt in my mind that I would have chosen Rhett over Ashley.  As Rhett says {referring to Ashley} "that breed is purely ornamental."  I couldn't agree more.  Give me a man like Rhett Butler and I will be happy the rest of my days.

There have been two "sequels/prequels" written for Gone With The Wind.  

 

I have not read Scarlett, but I have read Rhett Butler's People.  Scarlett tells of Scarlett's life after Rhett lives for Charleston.  I know she goes back to Tara, and if I am not mistaken {from what I have heard from those that have read it}, she goes to Ireland for a little while and then returns to hopefully "win" back Rhett.  Rhett Butler's People tells of Rhett's childhood in Charleston.  It gives a wonderful description of the rice plantations that flourished in and around Charleston prior to the Civil War.  For those of you familiar with THE names of Charleston, many are mentioned in the book.  I thought it was an easy read and a great book to read after GWTW.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved having Rhett's perspective on things.

For those of you that have read the book or seen the movie, what are your favorite quotes?

Soulfully,

Ashton