BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 6/21/15 -- 6/27/15

I learned many things this week.  Believe it or not, the majority of them were more important than the word problem strategy I figured out.

First of all, I learned that I should've started watching I Love Lucy about six weeks ago, because now I'm probably not going to finish every episode by the end of summer.  That's going to bother me.


Via

Second of all, I learned that my preferred style of home would have all-white interiors.  When I say all-white, I mean all-white.

OUTFIT: SIMPLE SUMMER UNIFORM (COLLAB)

I've stated before that my typical summer outfit usually consists of a t-shirt, shorts, and some good tennis shoes (if I'm wearing shoes, that is);  however, there are times when the comfort of the clothing just doesn't make up for the lack of style and cohesiveness of the outfit.

That's why I, along with my friends from Chic in Carolina and Polished and Pumped, have brainstormed to create the perfect summer uniform--minus the tennis shoes and Nike shorts.

It's an outfit that looks seemingly put-together--and yet, it's as effortless as throwing on a t-shirt!

AISLE STYLE

I was never the little girl who sat around and proactively planned out her wedding, nearly twenty or so years before it would happen.

Now I have a faint idea of what I want, but that idea is very subject to change.

Comically enough, the one aspect I'm the most confused about is the dress.  I really haven't a clue about what my dress should look like;  the only things I'm absolutely certain about are the color (must be white or some variation thereof) and the length (must touch the floor).

Aisle Style is one of the leading online wedding dress retailers in the world, and when they requested that I check out the page, I was happy to oblige.  Maybe I can finally figure out the dress question...

Via

Did I mention that they also sell bridesmaid dresses?  Did I mention that I really haven't a clue about those either?

WHY MY DAD DESERVES HIS OWN DAY

Do you remember the old saying, "A father is a daughter's first love"?

It wouldn't be strewn across the Internet if it didn't have some truth in it.  There's a reason that most women want to marry a man who reminds them of their fathers.

My dad and I have a relationship which is totally unique from any other.  We have the same sense of humor, the same taste in food (for the most part), the same people skills...

Most of all, he makes me the person I am today.

Via

He's spontaneous.
One of the only reasons I get through school mornings is because he's there, randomly breaking into song and dance.  This may sound odd, but in our family, it's a tradition.

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 6/14/15 -- 6/20/15

This week was pretty hectic (no surprise there), mainly because I seem to delight in making things more complicated for myself.  Here's a snapshot of my daily routine:

1. Wake up at seven and eat breakfast.

2. Complete some of my online courses (at least two math courses and one other course).

3. Finish taking notes on at least one chapter of my ACT prep guide.

4. Read at least half of a chapter of my Driver License Manual and study for my lovely permit test.

5. Eat lunch and ponder about what else I should do.

6. Practice breathing and vowels (it's a vocal thing).

7. Review some things on Quizlet.

8. Practice my Italian and French courses on Duolingo (my favorite app in the entire world).

9. Start working on miscellaneous things for the blog.

10. Go swimming (if there's any time left in the day).

11. Make a list of all of the things that need to be done the next day.

Eesh!  Even I know a girl has to take a break every now and then, and Monday was the perfect opportunity, being my birthday and all.

FIFTEEN

Do you remember that old Taylor Swift song?  I used to play it nonstop;  I knew all of the lyrics by heart, except I didn't really understand what they meant.

Now that I'm fifteen, I can fully appreciate how easy it is to relate to that song.

Via

Turning fifteen means getting your permit, driving around, and getting that much closer to being an adult, right?  It's not quite that simple.

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 6/7/15 -- 6/13/15

I got out for summer a few weeks ago, but it didn't really begin until this week.  This week, things began to happen.

The most exciting occurrence had to be starting my online class.  Most people would rather jump off of a cliff than take an extra course, but I like keeping my brain active.  I also started the French course in Duolingo (best app ever);  however, it's going to be a while before I can attempt to actually pronounce any of the words.  In two days I'll be turning a year older, getting my permit, and truly starting off this summer.  Wish me luck!


Via

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
A new Netflix miniseries that historical fiction fans will love watching.
A compelling article about a photographer, his two huskies, and walking on water.

NORTHERN LAKES

Frankly, my summer wardrobe consists of 10 percent dresses and skirts, 30 percent nice tops, and 60 percent t-shirts and shorts.  Comfortable clothing is essential for all the stress-free days yet to come.

Luckily, I've found the newest supplier of all the comfiest clothing staples:  Northern Lakes.  This Chicago-based shop combines southern charm with coastal details to manufacture the preppy items we all know and love:  t-shirts and baseball caps, to name a few.

I am personally drawn to Northern Lakes because a) it was started by two high school students, which is unreal, and b) all of the clothing is made right in the USA.

THE TIMES TUMBLR MADE MY DAY

I love Pinterest just as much as the next blogger, but lately my screen has been fastened on Tumblr.

To me, Tumblr is like the art gallery of all the pictures that speak to my inner artist.  It's odd how enjoyable it is to simply sit around and look at pictures all day!

1. I've always wanted a dog that's as tall as I am...


Via

THE LIEBSTER AWARD (PART TWO)

Back in January (practically a lifetime ago), I was nominated for the Liebster Award; needless to say, I was ecstatic.  I'm just as ecstatic to have been nominated again by the lovely Adrienne, a fellow blogger.

I love this award because it was created by the bloggers, for the bloggers.  It's an ideal way to expand the blogger community, and to help you, the reader, learn a bit more about the person behind the screen.

1. Why did you decide to start blogging?
After following so many bloggers for such a long time, I finally said to myself, "If they can do it, why can't I?"  Blogging seemed like the perfect way to express myself to others.  I sat down, fired up a Blogger template, and now, ten months later, here we are!

2. Who is your fashion inspiration?
I can't pin it down to one particular person, but I can narrow it down to an era.  The fifties ladies of Old Hollywood, especially Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Vivien Leigh, have always been the largest influence on my style.  I also am inspired by many fashion bloggers, including the College Prepster and Shannon from Prep Avenue.

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 5/31/15 -- 6/6/15

This week made me realize how much I've missed being outdoors.

For the past few months, the only times I ever ventured outside were when I entered or exited a building (which is extremely disappointing).  Now that I've started helping out in the garden, I'm spending a huge chunk of time with nature, and that's made me very happy.  From weeding to dreaming, this week was calm and, for lack of a better word, perfect.

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:

The Miss Alabama preliminaries have concluded:  super excited for the winners!

My favorite HGTV Dream Home by far!

HOW TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE SUMMER

As tempting as it would be to binge watch Netflix for two months, I think we all need to try to be a tad bit more productive this summer.

I have high expectations for myself this summer, mostly because the last few summers haven't been too fulfilling.  That promise I made to myself--you know, the one about looking over school materials to ensure I didn't forget everything--didn't turn out so well.

Summer is definitely a time to rest up from all of the stress that the school year brings, but lying around for weeks on end gets tedious.  If we all make an effort to do a few "projects," we'll have a larger tendency to remember this summer as one of the greats.

1. Learn as much as possible.
Whether it be a new language, test-taking strategies, or an amazing recipe, learn something new this summer.  If you're more adventurous, try taking a class on something you've always wanted to do.  Or, if you're less daring (like yours truly), take an online class or read about an interesting topic.  It sounds unexciting, but being able to learn about one of your passions is usually a very enjoyable experience.

2. Travel around.
Picturesque beaches, swaying palms, and crashing waves all complete the perfect summer destination. However, if you won't be booking a flight anytime soon, try exploring a place that's close to home.  I've been wanting to go canoeing in the river near my house, and now I have a whole two months to do it. Sometimes you can find travel-worthy places in your backyard!