AUGUST FAVES

The month of August has always exemplified one specific image to me:  a door closing, and another door opening.  It's both an end to something that most of us dearly love (I'm talking about you, summer) and the start of something that students and non-students alike have pretty mixed feelings about.

Usually the thought of August makes me a little anxious, and when it finally arrives it can be somewhat overwhelming--but this August seemed very different.  For the first time in a long time, I hit the ground running during those first few weeks of this month;  although I'm pretty tired and pretty busy, I couldn't feel happier.  This August was the best I've had in several years, so picking my favorites from this month was an absolute delight, to say the least.

1. My Agenda:  I can wholeheartedly say that I would be a disaster without my agenda. Each day has several blank lines allotted to it (even Saturday and Sunday!), which is a huge bonus for any busy student with a pretty involved daily schedule.  Practicality aside, this planner is about aesthetically pleasing as a planner can be--cue the blush pink and the gold accents, please!

2. The Great Gatsby:  If you're a junior or a senior in high school, you might be sick of this novel and its characters, but I'm actually starting to appreciate the story a little more now that I've had a chance to discuss it in my English class.  And if you haven't read this American classic, take this as the perfect opportunity to go pick it up (or at least watch Leonardo DiCaprio in his famous rendition of Jay Gatsby).

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 8/21/16 -- 8/27/16

I'm back, back, back again (and better than ever)!  Things on the blog have a been a bit slower recently, but as I transition into a new daily grind, my posting schedule will become less irregular.
In terms of my junior year, I think things are going pretty well--better than expected, even.

I've started putting my agenda to good use, and several exciting opportunities have already presented themselves.  During the upcoming week I'll begin to experience actual AP-level assessments and classwork in all of my classes, so fingers crossed that everything will go well!

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
A post featuring some of the most wonderful tips for high school sophomores (or any students, really)...
I cannot stop jamming out to this song--it's an oldie, but it's a goodie.

A MISCELLANEOUS Q&A&Q

As the lyrics of that famous musical ballad (bonus points if you know which one) propose, today I'm "getting to hope you like me" and my responses to a few miscellaneous questions.  Several days ago, I asked you to ask me questions on my Instagram in the hopes of answering any burning inquiries you may have had about me, myself, and I--but this post isn't just about me.  One of the best parts about the blogging world is being able to form instant connections with people of many different backgrounds and opinions--and I'd love to know about yours.  Keep reading to discover a set of questions that I have for you!

1. How do you grow your blog and Instagram?
Three words:  consistency is key.  If you want a viable chance of having a larger audience and following, you have to put in the extra time and effort to produce posts persistently.  You certainly don't have to post on your blog or social media daily, but try to avoid huge lapses between posts so your readers are more likely to feel engaged by your content.

2. How do you come up with blog topics?  Do you have certain posts reserved for the blog only and Instagram only, or do you like to integrate them together?
My inspiration for blog posts almost always comes from other bloggers or experiences in my own life; once I have a vague idea of what I want to write about, I begin sorting my ideas into organized topics that I can feature on the blog.  As for the differences between my blog and Instagram posts, I try to have a visible connection between what I post on this website and what I share on social media, especially the photos I share on Instagram. However, I also try to keep my Instagram posts a bit more lighthearted and informal (they are just snapshots, after all) while I tend to save more serious topics for the blog.

GRAPHIC TEES GALORE

If someone had told my fourteen-year-old self that my future self would love wearing graphic tees, my former self would have laughed incredulously.  Needless to say, my perception on that article of clothing has changed quite a bit, especially since I've discovered the arts of typography, minimalism, and sarcasm.  In all seriousness, a graphic t-shirt is the ideal cross between an athletic tee and a nicer shirt, with a bit of fun and whimsy thrown in; it's practically perfect in every way.

"Lips & Lashes" Tee -- "Je Ne Sais Quoi" Tee -- "Talk the Talk" Tee -- "Seas the Day" Tee

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 8/7/16 -- 8/13/16

Well, I can officially say that this past week was the "last first week" of my junior year of high school;  it isn't a huge milestone, but it's a checkpoint nonetheless.  Meanwhile, seniors everywhere are tackling the Common Application and college freshmen are tackling move-in day.  It's a bit intimidating to think that I'll be in their positions in several months or so--but I have to make it through junior year first, and that's simultaneously daunting and comforting.

However, I don't think I'll have any problem making it through another year because I'm already enjoying my classes immensely (and I actually know where all of them are located).  If this week is any indication, I think this year is going to be surprisingly good.

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
An interesting read about the best hotel in the world (it's being added to my bucket list)...
I couldn't resist getting this infamous mug when I popped into my nearest Francesca's (and I may or may not have seriously considered getting this graphic tee)...

BACK TO SCHOOL

When the first day of school rolls around every year, I find myself back in an age-old conundrum: deciding what to wear.  After ten years of asking myself the same monotonous outfit questions ("pants or skirt?", "sandals or flats?", "gray or not gray?"), I've finally pegged an outfit that fits nearly every climate, dress code, and style preference.  Best of all, it's a comfortable ensemble, and comfort is always a top priority on the first day back to class. What could be better than style paired with comfort?

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 7/31/16 -- 8/6/2016

Welcome back to my little corner of the web, where it's t-minus four days until I start my junior year of high school.  Am I stressed out?  Somewhat.  Am I excited?  Also, somewhat.

Because I am one of my school's Ambassadors, I was actually at my campus for the past three days to assist with schedule pick-ups and freshman orientation, so I don't feel totally estranged from the building.  Everything has slowly fallen into place, and I hope to share more of my junior year experiences here on the blog--but let's not count our chickens before they hatch...

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
This blogger's office space is quite possibly one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen...
After weeks of deliberation, I finally found the perfect white sandal (sorry for the suspense, Mom)...

FOUR LOVELY TRAVEL BLOGGERS

Sometimes I come down with a mysterious affliction--it comes on suddenly, and it consumes everything I do for every waking moment.  Some call it the "travel bug";  I prefer the term "wanderlust."  I think that everyone, at some undefined point in his or her life, thinks about traveling to a completely new place and seeing completely new things, and I am no exception.

The only problem with daydreaming about traveling is just that:  it's a mere daydream, not a tangible reality.  Most of us can't just hop onto a plane and fly to Paris whenever we so desire (even if Paris is always a good idea) because it just isn't feasible.  So, how do we get rid of that meddlesome malady called wanderlust?  We live vicariously through others' adventures, of course!  And the best place to start is on the website of a seasoned travel blogger.