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!


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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...


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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!