We talked the whole night through

Do you ever do that? Talk the whole night through?

It's the kind of thing that can't be forced. It just kind of has to happen. But it's so wonderful when it does! There's something about staying up with someone all night and just, talking.

Me and my mom did that last night;

I had come home a little later than usual on a Sunday night, after we said prayers together as a family and my siblings went off to bed, me and my mom just sat on her bed and talked for about 2 hours straight. At first we talked about my brother, then me, then school, then dad, then my other brother, then my friends, then euphimisms (or maybe not? We couldn't decide if they were euphimisms or not...), then people we'd met that day, then boys, then Pride and Prejudice, then Jane Austen, then college, then something else - until finally my mom almost fell asleep and I had to go to bed before I dropped dead. 

It reminded me of one night last summer where we stayed up together until about 2 in the morning watching Pride and Prejudice. We had watched the good version (with Colin Firth) and then the bad version (with Keira Knightley). And this is what we decided - the Colin Firth version is better because of the historical accuracy, length, how close it is to the book, and acting. The Keira Knightley version is better when it comes to filmogrophy, music, art, etc. But when it came to the historical accuracy and the acting? EEWWW. It was gross. SERIOUSLY.

When we were reading Pride and Prejudice in my English class, we had to give presentations on different topics relating to the Regency era in general. My partner and I talked about food, one group talked about fashion. And the only reason this irked me so much was because I'm a Jane Austen snob (ask my mother, she made fun of me last night for a good 10 minutes), and that I probably knew more than anyone in that room about the Regency period (hence the snob part). But they talked about bustles. BUSTLES. Ok, let me tell you, THERE WERE NO BUSTLES IN THE REGENCY ERA. NONE. ZIPPO. NADA. It made me so mad. sigh.

When we were talking about high school and senior year, my mom told me to just do EVERYTHING. literally everything. Be a part of as many clubs as I can, do as many sports as I can, go to every activity that I can, because it's depressing to look back with regret and say - I wish I had done that. I thought that was good advice, very "mom" advice, but good advice. It's just that I'm scared, you know? As a senior it's hard to try out for a sport, because it's almost garunteed you're not gonna get in. They basically already know who will be in different sports teams next year based on who played the last year. But I think I'll try - maybe I'll e-mail the coaches and just see if I can do anything to be on the team. Because I don't want this year to be sitting around doing nothing. The last 3 years I have hardly done anything, because I always told myself I was too busy with school and theatre. And this year I'll have work as well! But I think I can do it. If it's popsicle it's possible!

Moral of the story: I really love talking with my mom.

xoxo

If you're a crafter and you know it, clap your hands

Any amateur DIYer can tell you, you need mod podge to do just about anything. It's an absolute necessity. Which is why this give-a-way by Stars for Streetlights has got me so hyped up!

I am literally drooling over this book, it's starting to become a problem.

The Give-a-way includes the Mod Podge bible, and what appears to be stickers and wire? I dunno what it is exactly, but I'm not complainin! Free stuff!

The book was written by Amy Anderson, the mod podge guru (or so I hear)

Some of the fun crafts to be attempted with mod podge - Not gonna lie, I look at these and think, "there is no way I can do that"

You get sophisticated and personalized products that you made yourself! So go crazy with it!

LINK TO THE GIVE-A-WAY

oh ps - you're supposed to leave a comment in order to enter... but I literally have no idea how because I can't find the freaking button to leave a comment with! So if you figure it out I'd like to know s'il vous plait.

4th day of summer?

It's officially my 4th day of summer.

WAIT WHAT? Yeah, you heard me. CRAZY things are happening in my life right now. It's almost surreal how all of this happened so fast. Sure, freshman and sophomore year weren't necessarily SLOW, but junior year went by so fast I'm still turning around in circles thinking "wait. What just happened?"

But I feel like I've accomplished a lot. Here's what I've been up to:

1. I've been workin on my tan. Holla! I was blessed with a pale complexion that burns easily and makes me feel like a white rabbit. So I've made it my goal to be out in the sun as much as possible during this wonderful summer (wearing plenty of sun tan lotion of course, gotta keep my skin healthy). Part of me is really happy that I'm getting tan! The other part of me is wondering why it's such an important things for girls to be tan? Why can't I be my pasty self? Still fighting this one out in my head, but I'll let you know when I've figured out the answer.

2. I've been reading books. O-ha-ho let me tell you, I've been reading books. Seriously, 4th day of summer and I think I've read 4 books already. I'm book crazy. 

This. book. is. amazing.

Placed in the Reagent era of England, Frederica takes her brothers and sisters up to London to help launch her younger, more beautiful sister, into society (with the somewhat unwilling help of a very wealth "cousin"). This crazy country family gets into so many indecent scrapes and mishaps that I laughed my way through have of the book - and the ending is magnificent! I wish in some ways that the Marquis had been better developed and there had been a bit more at the end - but I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Jane Austen.

Cotillion wasn't my favorite, I didn't become particularly attached to the characters like I did in Frederica or The Grand Sophy - but still and enchanting book. I've started to say things like;

"devilishly good of you"

"insufferable!"

"he's flown into a mish."

Just a few of my favorite sayings.

Also, this book seemed a bit slow for me. I wanted to just skip chapters and head straight to the end. But I promise that if you pull through it, you'll enjoy it!

This is my favorite. Of all of the Georgette Heyer I've read, I love Sophy the most. She's unpredictable, mischievous, outgoing, tall (i love tall people), and friendly. She is everything I want to be, in a book character. It's a long book, but I think you'll be surprised on how much happens and how quickly you get through it. It's amazing!

3. I started a book club (insert smug smile). I'm actually really excited for this, because I love talking about books and reading books, so thought a book club would be fabulous! Because I started it, I picked the first book, which is:

I've read this book before, but I can't wait to read it and then talk about it in book club! I haven't decided what to serve yet at the meeting (foodwise), so if anyone has any splendid ideas it would be devilishly good of you to speak up.

4. I made the workout shirt I put on my list in my last post, it didn't turn out quite like how I had hoped it would, so I won't be posting pictures. I'll try again (possibly) to see if I can get it right a second time.

But here's how I did it:

Click on the picture to get the link to the original website.

I warn you! It's not as easy as it looks!

5. I got a job! FINALLY! Seriously, after searching and searching and searching I finally got a job :) Feelin a little proud of myself right now.

I'm working at the local Jamba Juice - I would post a picture but something about copyright infringement won't let me. Sigh.

It's actually a lot of fun, I make the smoothies and whatever else the customer orders. You wouldn't think making smoothies is hard, but it's kinda hard. It's a little stressful to make sure you do it quickly and get everything right, and don't spill, and be nice to the customer, and yady yady yada. 

Actually, funny story, my first day they had me sit in the back reading the manual guide thing. I was basically reading the recipes on how to make smoothies. Uh, why? I wasn't even MAKING smoothies. I was READING THE RECIPES to make smoothies. yeah that did nothing at all. But I've been working there for about a week now and I'm actually really enjoying the job! Plus I smell like fruit when I come home.

How's your 4th day of summer going?

xoxo

Hello to lazy summer days

Or maybe it should be GOOD-BYE to lazy summer days.

I've made a list of things I plan to do this summer - goals, projects, books, DIYs, etc.

Because I find that being lazy over the summer isn't as fun as actually doing something! Don't you agree?

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I think this DIY would be difficult, so maybe it should be saved for later in the summer. But it's absolutely beautiful and I WANT ONE. Because people would be like, "Hey. Is they a fork on your arm?" 

Yes. Yes it is.

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This light box would be SO useful - because waiting around for the perfect time of day to take pictures is so annoying, and usually doesn't work out too well anyways.

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My room is a mess. A complete and utter disaster. Usually, it's not so bad - at least the floor is usually picked up and vacuumed, but because I haven't fully moved in yet there is NO organization for my things. It's really frustrating and I'm getting upset just thinking about it, but basically I'm living out of boxes. UGH.

I've decided to be more experimental and wear red lipstick. Just for fun.

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This art project is SUPER popular, but I want to make it interesting and unique. I liked this one because they had a specific design and idea in mind, it's inspiring! I can't wait to try mine! (you'll see it when I do it, never fear)

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The new goal of my summer is to have more flowers. We have a beautiful lilac bush around the house, it's time to bring the beauty indoors.

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I LOVE embellished collars, they add a pop to an outfit without the hassle of long dangly jewelry. So it's time to go thrifting! For beautiful shirts to embellish!

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This DIY is so simple and moustachy that I can't wait to get started! Plus, it's a moustache. Who doesn't want a moustache ring?

I've always been fascinated by the art of embroidery. I seriously think it's amazing and creative, so i've made it my summer goal to emroider something, maybe a shirt of a pillow - or maybe shoes! You never know...

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Uhm yes. I have two very boring grey sweaters that would love to be touched up with these cutesy elbow patches. There are some "holes" in this tutorial, no pun inteanded, so I'll probably just make up my own way. 

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This is a bracelet made of broken jewelry. Because who doesn't have broken jewelry lying around? Seriously, it's bordering on hoarderism. (Hoarderism? Is that a word?)

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My mom yells at me every 5 minutes because I never have a coaster with me, and it messes up her wooden furniture. Which is completely understandable, so I think i'll remedy this little problem of mine and make some cute coasters :)

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I have SO many broaches from my mother, and I can't think of a cuter way to use them than this DIY broach necklace!

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The mullet skirt. The new must-have of any fashionable closet anywhere. So why not make my own? 

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I think we can all agree that most of us sleep in sweatpants and t-shirts. No one ever looks cute going to bed, it's just a fact. Recently I felt like looking cute going to bed didn't have to be hard, so when I found this tutorial I made up my mind. I was gonna look cute going to bed. So sue me.

(can also me remodeled into cute swimsuit coverups with the right fabric!)

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I love this shirt to death. It's seriously simple and totally summer chic. BRING IT BABY.

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Re-fashion a T-shirt into a cute ruffle top and pair it with a maxi skirt. The perfect summer outfit. 

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First off, let me just tell you that these are scarves. Uh yeah. SCARVES. Turn these SCARVES into SHIRTS. oh how I love you scarves-that-can-be-turned-into-shirts.

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On a more serious note, I actually have plans to do some hard-core workout this summer. Ok maybe not THAT hard-core, but enough to put up a sweat, so this DIY is perfect! Now I don't have to spend tons of money on workout clothes! Hurray! 

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I love this longer skirt, don't you?

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On a scale of one to creepy this picture is like, Halloween. But I love the idea of these glowing jars, which would be perfect for a summer party or table center piece. 

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I really love this cut-out because of all of the different shapes you can make, or layers, or fabrics etc. It's just a very versatile DIY.

There's probably more that I'll find for things I want to do, and I'll add them to the list - but this is enough for now. Don't you think? 

xoxo

ps - what are your summer goals and planned projects?

Anybody out there?

So I have something to get off my chest. Really and truly.

I started this blog because I wanted to be heard, get my opinion out there - be on the world wide web. I wanted to make new friends, express myself (cue music), develop my skills as a writer, artist, blogger, and motivate myself into DOING things. They weren't going to be big important things, but they would be my things.
So I guess this is what I'm trying to say, and it may sound really stupid to say because it sounds like I've been gearing up for something enormous, but it's a little depressing to write in this blog and not get any comments.
(silly? Maybe...) But seriously guys. This blog gets - believe it or not - about 100 views a day. Some of you occasionally comment, some of you follow, some of you are probably german and don't know what the heck I'm writing right now. But think about it, 100 views. And no one ever comments!!
I know it sounds like a silly thing, but it's almost like a confidence issue? I want to know that people think what I have to say is funny or interesting, they like reading my blog, they want to be friends, guys - I love meeting new people! And I don't bite! Promise!
You may not comment because you think it would be awkward, or you don't know what to say, or maybe you... no I'm out of excuses. But here's the thing, it's not! I love reading peoples comments, support, and interesting things to say! Be friendly please, and a little more chatty :)


xoxo

Bookshelves of books

It's been good to take a long break - things have been so hectic lately. I've found that I just hate doing things, I want to sit on the couch and stare at the wall because I've lost all interest in life. 

Yeah, it's not healthy. Don't worry - I'm planning on getting my butt in action any day now.... sorta...

But while I was sitting doing nothing, I found I was craving books - I'll take a trip to the local Barnes and Nobles to find something to read soon, but here's what's on the list of potentials. Give me feedback! Have you read these?

The Kane Chronicles, by one of my all time favorite authors Rick Riordan! I love love love love love mythology - the Percy Jackson series was a-maze-ing. Can't. even. express. So this has DEFINITATE potential.

Another Rick Riordan (I really can't get enough of this guy). Another Greek mythology series (dying! so happy!), so this is another certainty. 

Plus, look at this cover!? Doesn't it just scream adventure? I don't know whoever coined the phrase "Don't judge a book by its cover", because they obviously never worked in the book business. Because COVERS MATTER. They set up the entire story, let's be honest with each other. We all judge books by their covers.

Hmm... book business, potential career in the making.

This one is new to the list. I've heard good things about it, plus it's a historical novel (based in WWI era), so I plan on checking it out at the store.

(and good cover right!?)

By the same author that wrote Hugo Cabret (goooood book) - so it's another possibility.

Question: who doesn't like fairytale books? I will hunt them down and set my blast-ended screwt on them. This book makes my stomach do flip flops in excited happiness. I've read a couple books from the "Once Upon A Time" series - and I personally recommend The Storyteller's Daughter; full of mystery and romance. It's beautiful!

This is apparently the first in a mythical adventure childrens series, and I wanna check it out. Because childrens books are just so darn cute!

Let's be honest, this guy is a hottie. Reason #2 for reading this book. Reason #1 is because it was recommended by AustenProse - a personal addiction of mine. My little internet haven. They described it as a Downton Abbey-Gossip Girl blend of secrecy, society, and upper class living. EEP! 

This is.... actually I'm still deciding. It sounds like a keeper - a futuristic American dystopian society (Hunger Games much?) with a competition for glory and riches (see above statement?). The difference is, and I quote, "a cross between the Hunger Games (minus the bloodsport), and The Bachelor (minus the bloodsport), this trilogy launch is a lot of fun" (Publishers Weekly).

Oh good. a lot of fun. Wow you sound so excited about this book.

No but I actually want to try it out - I'm a fan of the dystopian society and plus this book is less gut wrenching. I hope.

Although I was tempted to judge by the cover, I took a sneak peak on Amazon - and from what I've read, it's a witty commentary on the CIA and lessons to be learned from their mistakes and successes. Sometimes I need something clever and high brow to get me through my day.

What can I say? I have a soft spot for politics. It's better than a Sunday afternoon soap opera - very real and very dirty. It's interesting reading the first few pages, I got drawn into the story and thoughts of Edward Klein (who doesn't do much to hide his right wing approach on Obama, even with the Hillary/Bill section thrown in, it sounded too biased to be an accurate read, but I find that reading extreme views on both sides of an argument helps you make your own decisions on the topic, so what the hay? I'll give it a shot. Wow this is a long aside).

And to top it all off, who doesn't love a good Star Wars spoof? Come one people - live a little! 

And may the force be with you

xoxo

ps - how about books you want to read or have read? I want to hear your thoughts!




Edit:
I've updated my reading list! Check out more books I'm interested in here

Monday Mornings

Do you ever get that feeling of unfulfillment in your life? I guess that's why I haven't been around for two weeks. 

I've just needed a break in this whole blogging thing. I've been so stressed out with AP tests, the ACT, keeping my grades up, and somehow life has decided it's a good time to rip me to shreds.

I've found that I've needed this break - and I'm going to keep it up. 

So sorry if I'm not around - but I need a little while to cool down.