Let's Tailgate!

After four years of football seasons at the greatest university in the world, I've learned a thing or two about tailgating essentials. While the drink of choice may have varied with the weather, the consistency of the food and atmosphere remained the same.

My family is headed to see Rascal Flatts this weekend in concert, and Mom and I have been working hard to ensure that we've got all of our tailgate favorites loaded up and ready to go!

iPod Speakers || Loaded up with country music, our iPod speakers are usually one of the first items in the car. We always make sure that we either have an electric outlet adapter in the car, or tons of extra batteries so that we can listen to music for hours before it dies! There are so many companies that offer these portable speakers now, and are easy to find and totally affordable! Find them here (as pictured), here, and here!

Red Solo Cups || "I fill you up..." Toby Keith, anyone? We always stock up on these babies, especially when we're tailgating for concerts where alcohol may not be allowed in all areas or near the roads. Disguising your drink in one of these makes for easy disposal, and also let's you have one last drink as you are walking to the venue.

Koozies || If you're a beer drinker like my Daddy, Koozies are essential to keep those drinky drinks cold in the summer heat (and I WISH that I had found this one earlier so I could have ordered it before now). We have SO many in our house, and always bring a variety just in case!

Sweatshirt || Sometimes it gets super chilly as the sun goes down, and having a soft fleecy sweater is the best solution! Obviously I bring my VT sweatshirt wherever I go, but some others that have made appearances are from Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, and Patagonia.

Beach Blanket || We never really know where we may park to tailgate at the venue we will be at this weekend. Sometimes we're in a field, sometimes a parking lot, sometimes in some random business. It all depends. We always are sure to have some beach blankets in the car so that we can spread those out and have instant seating. They also come in handy if it is a bit chilly, but mostly they are ideal for extra seating!

What are YOUR tailgate essentials for the summer?

Fourteen // Ten Things That Make You Really Happy

Day Fourteen: Ten things that make you really happy. One time, I made a list of over 100 things that make me really, really, really happy. Sometimes you need a reminder of what makes you smile.

My family. They are my rocks. When we all get together, it's wonderful. Little brother came home yesterday, and I'm thrilled to be traveling across the country with them this week! It will certainly be one hell of a ride.

The beach. There is something about setting foot on the beach for the first time in a while and just breathing it all in. Isak Dinesen said the most brilliant thing, "The cure for anything is salt water; sweat, tears or the sea." I believe it 100%.

Country Music. That first day of warm weather when you can open your sunroof, throw your sunglasses on, and turn the radio UP. Kenny, Blake, Luke, and Eric are all there with me and can instantly put me in a fantastic mood.

Christmas. I think the joy of the holiday started when I was little and the whole time from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day was just magic. Christmas cookies in the oven, the NSYNC holiday album on repeat, and just an overall mood elevation makes this the happiest time of the year. It is so wonderful.

Ice cream. The love obviously started at a young age, but after a bad day, I almost always turn to that cold concoction that is socially acceptable to consume while driving and operating heavy machinery.

Traveling. Is there anything better than exploring a new place? We've headed to South Carolina for the last 20+ years for our summer vacation. This year, throughout the next few months, I will be headed to Colorado, Washington, DC, and the Dominican Republic. I cannot wait to play tourist in a new place!

Fresh Flowers. They just make you smile. Bonus points if they're a surprise!

A Fresh Manicure. There is something so relaxing about a nice mani/pedi that instantly puts a smile on my face. I always know when my day has been exceptionally bad because usually the color on my nails is something totally outrageous and out of character for me!

The rainbow after a good, soaking rain. You know that smell of wet pavement in the heat of the summer right after a drenching rain? That is the best! Seeing that huge rainbow outside after the gloomy rain and thunder has got to be one of the best sights in the world. It almost serves as a reminder that even on the worst days, things will get better and be beautiful again.

Laughing so hard it hurts. How can you not be happy after a good laugh?
What makes YOU really, really, happy?