To say I'm happy about being on summer vacation is a huge understatement.
This was one of those weeks where I refused to do anything productive, but for the first time, that course of action didn't cause a superfluous amount of stress to fall onto my shoulders. Vastly decreasing one's productivity levels usually isn't a good idea, but when you're in dire need of some rest, I've found that it's quite relaxing. Of course, now that my week of rest is over with, I've got to proceed back to the drawing board--stay tuned for (semi) groundbreaking ideas!
Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
Use social media to grow your email list by using some of Melyssa's foolhardy tips!
Nine beautiful street facades from around the world...
SOPHOMORE LESSONS
May 27, 2016
After I completed my freshman year of high school, I decided to reflect upon some of the lessons I learned that year via blog post format. Now that my sophomore year has come to an end, what better way to remember the past year than to continue on with that tradition?
I've heard mixed reviews about sophomore year from other sources, and now that I've been a sophomore, I think I understand why. If you have yet to start your sophomore year, I have one important tidbit for you to digest: this year is a year of change.
1. Your "friend group" from freshman year may be subject to change.
With a new year comes a new class schedule, so it's likely that you may not be in many classes with the people who frequented your schedule freshman year. Don't worry; you will find other friends, and you might even reunite with friends from past years.
2. The homework load may begin to increase, so it would behoove you to really learn how to prioritize your schedule.
Personally, I had somewhat of a struggle with the average amount of homework I had to complete during sophomore year. Even if this homework increase doesn't occur in your classes, it's never too early to learn how to schedule your assignments along with other events that fill up your afternoons.
I've heard mixed reviews about sophomore year from other sources, and now that I've been a sophomore, I think I understand why. If you have yet to start your sophomore year, I have one important tidbit for you to digest: this year is a year of change.
1. Your "friend group" from freshman year may be subject to change.
With a new year comes a new class schedule, so it's likely that you may not be in many classes with the people who frequented your schedule freshman year. Don't worry; you will find other friends, and you might even reunite with friends from past years.
2. The homework load may begin to increase, so it would behoove you to really learn how to prioritize your schedule.
Personally, I had somewhat of a struggle with the average amount of homework I had to complete during sophomore year. Even if this homework increase doesn't occur in your classes, it's never too early to learn how to schedule your assignments along with other events that fill up your afternoons.
BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 5/15/16 -- 5/21/16
May 21, 2016
Where does all of the time go in life, anyway?
I want to apologize for my abrupt hiatus from the blog; the last few weeks of school were a little more than hectic. However, let's not focus on that; let's focus on the fact that I am officially on summer vacation, and blogging can now become one of my main focuses! I hope you are all looking forward to reading newer and (hopefully) better material--I know I'm looking forward to writing it! For now, I'm celebrating my ascension into junior year and, of course, I'm just happy that it's summer!
Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
I'm currently rereading this book series from my younger years.
Tassels + ties + espadrilles = the perfect pair of shoes for summer.
I want to apologize for my abrupt hiatus from the blog; the last few weeks of school were a little more than hectic. However, let's not focus on that; let's focus on the fact that I am officially on summer vacation, and blogging can now become one of my main focuses! I hope you are all looking forward to reading newer and (hopefully) better material--I know I'm looking forward to writing it! For now, I'm celebrating my ascension into junior year and, of course, I'm just happy that it's summer!
Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
I'm currently rereading this book series from my younger years.
Tassels + ties + espadrilles = the perfect pair of shoes for summer.
STEAL HER STYLE: AUDREY HEPBURN
May 20, 2016
I think one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn quotes is this: "I'm always in sweaters and pants. I have very few good clothes. I have to take care of them. I take them off as soon as I get upstairs."
Knowing that the woman who practically invented the little black dress really preferred sporting lounge clothes makes me feel a bit better about my own lazy days in the fashion department.
Knowing that the woman who practically invented the little black dress really preferred sporting lounge clothes makes me feel a bit better about my own lazy days in the fashion department.
I think many of us get so caught up in the glamorous outfits of Audrey's characters (like Holly Golightly and Princess Ann) that we think she has a somewhat unattainable style--but as you can see, that couldn't be further from the truth. If you want to really dress like Audrey, you'll only need a few basic essentials:
TEN LESSONS FROM MY MOTHER
May 12, 2016
I know what you might be thinking: "Wasn't Mother's Day last weekend?" Yes, it certainly was. The more I thought about the matter, however, the more I realized that if we all appreciated our mothers' lessons even after Mother's Day, we would all most likely be in better frames of mind.
Most of the life lessons I have been taught have been handed down to me by my parents. They are firm believers in sharing their own past experiences with me, and by doing so, they have taught me so much about life: the good, the bad, and how to react to both. Especially here lately, I've been appreciating my mother's trove of wisdom. This post is just a sampling of the advice she's given me that has changed my life for the better.
Lesson One: Prioritize! Make a list! Decide what you "need" to get done versus what you "want" to get done.
My mother has told me this mantra approximately one hundred times in the past six months, and if I've learned anything, it's that life is much easier when you follow this rule of thumb.
Lesson Two: Money cannot buy good taste.
The next time you catch yourself eyeing that celebrity's eye-opening shoes, just remember: cost and style value are not necessarily directly related.
Most of the life lessons I have been taught have been handed down to me by my parents. They are firm believers in sharing their own past experiences with me, and by doing so, they have taught me so much about life: the good, the bad, and how to react to both. Especially here lately, I've been appreciating my mother's trove of wisdom. This post is just a sampling of the advice she's given me that has changed my life for the better.
Lesson One: Prioritize! Make a list! Decide what you "need" to get done versus what you "want" to get done.
My mother has told me this mantra approximately one hundred times in the past six months, and if I've learned anything, it's that life is much easier when you follow this rule of thumb.
Lesson Two: Money cannot buy good taste.
The next time you catch yourself eyeing that celebrity's eye-opening shoes, just remember: cost and style value are not necessarily directly related.
BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 5/1/16 -- 5/7/16
May 7, 2016
If this week taught me anything, it's this: life doesn't always go according to plan (in fact, it usually doesn't), but that isn't always a negative thing.
I also learned that shutting down or giving up in the face of adversity is a terrible idea, and that being true to oneself is always a good idea. Most of all, I learned that I need to apply these lessons more often during my everyday life. If anything, this week was a sort of crossroads--and I think I might just have turned down the right path for a change. In less figurative terms, I only have about two more weeks left until my summer vacation begins (and more blogging arrives)!
Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
Read about Duchess Kate's Vogue debut and the changing identity of the female royal.
I posted a guest post on the She Can Blogger Network recently--fellow bloggers are more than welcome!
I also learned that shutting down or giving up in the face of adversity is a terrible idea, and that being true to oneself is always a good idea. Most of all, I learned that I need to apply these lessons more often during my everyday life. If anything, this week was a sort of crossroads--and I think I might just have turned down the right path for a change. In less figurative terms, I only have about two more weeks left until my summer vacation begins (and more blogging arrives)!
Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
Read about Duchess Kate's Vogue debut and the changing identity of the female royal.
I posted a guest post on the She Can Blogger Network recently--fellow bloggers are more than welcome!
GRADUATION DRESSES
May 6, 2016
Graduation season is upon us! For most ladies, that means trying to find the perfect white dress--and that can be difficult to find. Thankfully retailers like Nordstrom, Lilly Pulitzer, and even Old Navy have huge selections to choose from. Whether you'd prefer a feminine fit and flare or a flowy shift, there's a graduation dress out there for everyone.
Window Pane Fit and Flare Dress -- Lace Fit and Flare Dress -- Eyelet Shift Dress
Window Pane Fit and Flare Dress -- Lace Fit and Flare Dress -- Eyelet Shift Dress
THE DEPTH OF YOUR LIFE
May 4, 2016
I've had a bit of free time on my hands lately, and it's given me the chance to contemplate some nagging questions in the back of my mind. The one that has been preoccupying my thoughts the most is, without a doubt: "What am I doing with my life?" It's a broad question, definitely, and it's one that can be hard for a fifteen-year-old to answer easily, but it's an important question nonetheless.
About a week ago, a girl who attended my school was killed in a wreck. I didn't know her very well, but her story still struck a chord with me. That girl was the same age as me when she died; in fact, our places could've been swapped the night of that fatal wreck. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that life is the most precious gift we've been given, and it's one that is easily taken for granted.
Via
I'll be honest: I haven't been treating my life as gingerly as I should. Simple tasks like ensuring that I drink enough water and exercising my body have fallen to the back burner. The weekdays seem like perpetual races against time, and the weekends have become excuses for extreme laziness. Reading that girl's story allowed me to really see how I've been "living" the life that I've been given. If I were to die tomorrow, would I die knowing that I had spent my years trying to make the most of each day?