The High School Years

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I don't miss high school. It's been four years since I graduated and I don't miss it at all. I was never made fun of even though I certainly wasn't popular. I had friends but they all belonged to different groups. Tonight, I wasn't planning on doing a blog post but I ended up having a really random, but also wonderful conversation with a boy from my high school. I didn't ever talk to him in high school, I considered him one of the popular kids and I really didn't have any need to be friends with that crowd. Well tonight, I decided to reach out and say hi on facebook and out of no where we discussed how high school was and simply reminisced on the good and the bad times, and the people.

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Well after tonight's talk, I realized just how much popularity and who you hung out with was emphasized in high school. There's always that girl that's beautiful (on the outside) and feels as though everyone should praise the ground she walks on. I can say with pure certainty that I most definitely was not that girl. During high school, I was the quiet girl in the back of the classroom that everyone would ask to borrow a pencil from. No one hated me but at the same time I often felt invisible.

As I've grown older, I've become much more confident in my appearance and who I am. After tonight though, I really feel as though I can look back on high school in a better light all because of this one comment that the boy made (excuse the misspelling):

That one phrase: "but so cool at the same time" I feel changed my whole outlook on everything. So often we allow society to put labels on us. I fully admit that I never would have thought that I was cool if it weren't for this conversation tonight. Sure I didn't really care to be popular, but I still cared about how others viewed me. I felt that because I wasn't in that"popular" group, that I was instantly labeled as an outsider. However, I learned tonight that there will always be those people that secretly notice you for who you are and appreciate it. So be confident, don't care what the cool kids think, and do your own thing...someone may just be watching and applauding your efforts.

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Dear D.C. Capitals' hockey players,

Please don't continue much longer in the playoffs, I don't think I can bear it. I love the team, I promise but I also love my boyfriend and well, there's just a new feature that I don't particularly love. I understand that there are many many possible games before you may reach the  end but I don't think I can stand it. You see, my boyfriend has decided to grow...(*gasp) a play-off beard. It's scratchy and smelly and honestly it just looks gross. So perhaps you can find a way to end soon or maybe even announce to all those loyal fans out there to stop growing the beards for their loving girlfriends? It would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. Caps players, I promise I love you. Just spare my boyfriend. Please!

Ruche: The Love for Office Supplies

Need a pick me up from the many hours you've spent studying? Check out these adorable items from Ruche! If you haven't checked out Ruche lately, DO IT! They have so many adorable merchandise that spans way past too-cute office supplies.

However, their selection of office supplies is simply precious. I posted a few of my favorites below.

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Elephant paperclips!? Too cute. I love these so much mainly because elephants are my favorite animal to see at the zoo!

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Camera pencil pouch. Cute cute!

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A panda bear key cover. This would make my key chain look much cuter than what I have currently.

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More paperclips...PUPPIES!

Alright, I know that so many of you awesome readers also love office supplies. What are your favorites?

Presentation Jitters

What's the one application on my computer that I hate using more than anything?

Yep, you guessed it...Microsoft Powerpoint.

As I nearly finish out the semester, I've been faced with quite a lot of projects that my teachers decided to graciously (not) wait for the last minute to assign. One of these projects was to present a lesson plan for teaching ancient Egypt. It was due today.

Doing the work is one thing, but when I have to present the material that's when I freak out. Normally my heart starts racing, I forget what I need to say, and (don't laugh) my voice starts getting shakey as though I'm about to cry. Yes it is that bad.

Well today I presented my lesson plan in front of my teacher and my classmates and it went great! I stayed calm and my teacher even remarked on how she really enjoyed how I set up the lesson.

So now, although I'm done with one of my presentations, I know that many of you are now facing the same dread. If so, here are some tips that I try to remind myself before I present:

• Prep! Before I present, my heart is always racing like crazy! To combat this, I take realllly slow, deep breaths to try and relax. In addition, my old speech teacher used to tell us to bring a stress ball and squeeze it as hard as you can before you go up. They work really well.

• Find your focal point! During today's presentation I would continuously scan the room, but I would only really focus my sight on my teacher. I noticed from the beginning that she was smiling, so I felt encouraged to continue!

• Know what you're talking about! I think I get the most nervous when I'm not entirely confident in my topic. It really helps if you're passionate on what you're discussing.

• Keep your composure! If you're doing a powerpoint presentation, you've probably felt the urge to hide behind the computer as you present. Instead, try and move around to keep everyone's focus on you!

• Speak out! Make you sure you have that voice level turned up and avoid sounding monotone! 

• Compliment Others! I feel as though sometimes the immediate aftermath can sometimes be the worst part of a presentation. You're wondering if you looked ridiculous up there and if anyone even cared. Earlier, I noticed that the girl that went before me was really nervous while doing her presentation. Once she concluded her presentation and sat down, I tapped her on the shoulder and complimented her on how much I loved her presentation and how I could see myself really using her project in my classroom. She looked instantly relieved, and looked a little more light-hearted about how she did.

 

This is what I wore for my presentation. The teacher told us to dress casual so I wore something that I would feel comfortable wearing anyway, making sure that I had a cardigan to "cover up" and look more polished.

Do you have any additional tips for presentation jitters?

A Funny Video For Your Day

Good morning all! I hope you had a wonderful Easter! I had a relaxing morning, waking up early to go to mass and then brunch, but then I was back to my school work! Fortunately I'm ecstatic to say that I'm done with this week's assignments. Thank goodness!!! I cannot begin to describe how much I need a second weekend as I'm sure that many of you do as well.

For today's post I wanted to share with you all this video on you-tube that I just ran across. Think of the cherry trick but better...I have no clue how she does it.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday! Don't stress out too much :)

Happy Easter!

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Happy Easter Everyone!

 Today is truly the day that's meaning surpasses any tasty treat or pastel colored egg!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time...

1 Peter 1 : 3-5

WhatYOULove: Plain White-T Challenge Entries

Good Morning!
It's the middle of the night and I just finished watching a movie which I rented after a much deserved break from studying. The movie was Never Let Me Go and it was the most depressing move I've ever watched. I rented it from redbox not really knowing what it was about, as the description didn't provide much. The movie was fantastic but I ended up bawling my eyes out like something crazy. So I deeply suggest that if you're in need of a good cry, watch this movie. I'm not sure how you couldn't.

Moving on to happier news, I'm so excited to finally post your all's submissions for the Plain-White T Challenge. Enjoy the outfits!

Sundresses and Smiles

Epiphaneer: Red, white and black are my go-to colors when I don't pick out my clothes the night before.

Life Through Preppy Glasses

 

Preppy Pink Blondie 

Apartment 14

Radiance by shreya@art featuring wedge sandals

Seeing each of these different outfits based around the basic same white t-shirt was very intriguing to me as I was posting this. As exemplified by all these different outfits, there really is a lot you can do with a white t-shirt. It's the perfect option to let your other colors shine.

Weren't able do make an outfit but really wish you did? Produce one on polyvore quick and e-mail me! I'll still include it!

What do you wear with your white t-shirt?

Exam Woes

Good morning all!
I don't know about you but for me spring semester is almost ever, which leads to our favorite part of the semester...exam time. Honestly I don't think I've ever had this much to do in a very, very long time. I finally got home from the library after working from 7:30pm-2:00am on an Ancient Egyptian project. Not fun.

Although exam time is never "fun time", there are a few tricks that I like to use to make it pass by easier:

1. Try your hardest not to wait until the last minute. I know that I've been guilty of this many times but it's definitely a lot easier to plan out your workload ahead so you can keep track of your priorities. Become best friends with your calendar and planner!!!
2. Have that go-to study buddy in each of your classes. In the beginning of the semester, I would try and get at least one classmate's number or facebook info. Instead of stressing out over an assignment by yourself, talk to that classmate about it. They may be able to help you out and relieve some of that anxiety!
3. Your professor is there to help you! Although they can seem scary in class at times, they really don't want you to fail and most will want to help you in any way possible in order for you to succeed. Form that professor-student relationship early!
4. Become friends with the library. I've recently just started going to the library and let me tell you...I get so much work done! Find a really quiet spot, preferably one where  you won't be distracted by dozens of people constantly walking by.
5. Remember to include some "you time" into your day. Even during the most stressful of days, you need to make sure you do something fun for yourself. Whether that means taking a break and painting your nails, relaxing to watch one episode of your favorite show, or simply chowing down on some yummy food. Just make sure that stress isn't the main thing on your mind!

Good luck with your exam studying! Tell me if you have any additional tips that we could all use!

Help Out Summer Wind!!

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Hey all!
I don't know if you follow or have read Summer Wind's latest post, but she needs help! She submitted a design for the Tucker Blair Design Contest and if it wins, not only will it become the newest addition to their line but they will donate $250 to Summer Wind's charity of choice: American Association for Cancer Research. So please, all of you lovely readers, let's help her out and vote!

Pictured above is Summer Wind's design entry. Isn't it cute? I know all of you played with the barrel of monkeys when you were little, just think how original and unique it would look on a Tucker Blair belt!

Now here's what you have to do:

1. Like Tucker Blair on Facebook
2. Like Summerwind's design

That's it! So simple! Please, please, please everyone support her!

Makeup Trick Time

 

Hmm blush and Bare Minerals' Celestine eye shadow...what do these two things have to do with a blog post???

Well today I wanted to share a trick that I've recently started to use in the warm weather. I like to have my cheeks to be rosy and to help them catch the light a bit I do this:

1. Swirl your blush brush in a tiny amount of the shimmery eye shadow and brush it along your cheeks
2. Brush blush along your cheeks overtop the shimmer

I dare you to try this! It really helps to brighten up your face and gives you a super easy glow!

Have a great day everyone!

Weekend in Georgetown...Again

Before you all think I'm completely crazy, I know that I'm going backwards with these posts, just bear with me, I had pictures on two separate cameras. Anyways, one of the things I did over the weekend was yet another trip to Georgetown. If you've read this blog in the past, you know that I love Georgetown. Everything about it is just perfect, with surprises in each visit. This occasion was no different, unfortunately it was raining!

However, that didn't stop the tourists from visiting Georgetown Cupcakes. Ever since the show restarted on TLC, the line has been down the block.

So instead of getting a cupcake like our usual visit, we opted to try some Macaroons from Dean & Deluca. Now let me tell you about D&D; it's a small grocery store that is a-mazing! Avoiding the crazy prices, the products being sold were just beautiful. Their pastry section in particular was to die for. We couldn't leave without taking one of each of these pretty macaroons (minus coconut of course). I definitely want to find a decent recipe for these desserts to make them at home. Aren't they cute?

Of course, I had to go shopping (just a little) at j.crew. I left with a few purchases: a little shimmer, a little gingham, and a little plaid! Please no one yell at me for spending more money! It's an issue I know lol. The good thing is that I've sustained from online purchases...that's where the evil is!

The boyfriend and I had a really great time in Georgetown like usual, even with the rain. Even if you aren't going to Georgetown anytime soon, here are a few items that you should think about bringing on your trip:

 

Hat: For those sunny, and bad hair days (Hey! We all have them)

Sunglasses: To achieve that Audrey Hepburn vibe.

Cardigan: Just in case it's cold outside or inside

Jeans/shorts if it's hot: They're just super comfy!

Scarf: For those windy days. Plus it adds an easy punch of color

Tote bag: For carrying all of our unnecessary items that will find their way on the trip

Camera: For blog posts of course!

What did all of you do over the weekend?

 

P.S. A few more pictures from my trip are posted on my tumblr: here!

OOTD: On the Road Again

 

I'm headed back to school! It's supposed to be BEAUTIFUL in my college town today so I opted for a pair of shorts instead of a skirt due to the car ride. Wish me luck! I'm finally bringing my car back. His name is Stanley...

White Cardigan: J.Crew (new)

Blue & White striped shimmery tank: J.Crew (new)

Pink Shorts: J.Crew (new)

Pearls

Sperrys 

What are you wearing today?

Washington D.C. : National Gallery of Art

I feel as though I've been away from the blogging world for such a long time! This weekend has come and gone in a blur. I was able to do so much! Over the next few days, I'll share with all of you what I was able to do, so get ready!

Sunday afternoon the boyfriend and I went to D.C.. He was such a sweetheart and came along with me to meet up with my Art History class since I was afraid of driving in the city. All I can say is I'm so glad he came...D.C. drivers are the worst!

This was our destination, the National Gallery of Art, home to many amazing works, including those from Renaissance Italy. The building itself is extraordinary. As with the many other buildings in D.C., the National Gallery of Art stands dignified with an interior that is so exquisite.

If you've ever been to the National Gallery of Art, you'll recognize this beautiful indoor spherical courtyard area that's surrounded by marble columns, ending in a breathtaking domed ceiling.

I was unfortunately an awful tourist, and didn't take too many pictures of the interior of the museum. The boyfriend and I were rushing like mad men trying to find the correct gallery room that my class was meeting in. Let's just say that it was very, very difficult.

Below are two works of art that I felt were especially important to make note of. I hope you all are able to leave this post with knowing a small tidbit of knowledge!!

Ginevra de' Benci, a painting of an Italian banker's daughter was completed around 1474/1478, before the Mona Lisa. Interesting fact for you all, this is actually the only Leonardo Da Vinci painting on public display in America. Another interesting fact is that this painting was actually cropped, the bottom half actually extended a bit farther down. If you would like to read more on the work, or to see a larger picture: click here.

Above, the artwork titled Adoration of the Magi was painted by both Fra Filippo Lippi and Fra Angelico for the Medici household, a wealthy family in Renaissance Italy. In this picture, we see the three magi bestowing their gifts on the infant Jesus Christ. As with many works of art of the time, this piece was commissioned by a wealthy patron and is painted to exhibit specific religious imagery. Religious art pieces in Renaissance Italy were composed to fulfill a purpose, to educate the masses, which in most cases were illiterate. More information on this piece can be found here.

Have you visited the National Gallery of Art?

100

Whew! After such a busy day with the boyfriend, I come home and realize that I now have 100 wonderful followers! I cannot explain how much it means to me for each one of you that takes time out of your day to read my sometimes random thoughts. I hope you continue to read this blog and I really can't wait to build it up more! Thanks so much for your all's support :)

Get ready for some posts coming up concerning a little history behind my favorite place and maybe something concerning a few fashion finds (of course).

Have a wonderful day everyone!

WhatYOULove: Plain White-T Challenge

Here's another WhatYOULove Challenge for you lovely readers!

I've mentioned many times on this blog how wonderful a plain white-t is (here, here, here , and here). Well I've given you a few posts on what I do with a white t-shirt, but now I'd like to see what you do with it!

This is for guys AND girls! Send me an email with

• a picture of your white t-shirt outfit

           or

• a link to your polyvore set of your white t-shirt outfit

• Optional caption if you choose to do so

Good luck :) 

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One Lovely Blog Award

Allie from Sundresses and Smiles made my sick day SO much better by giving me this award yesterday. Please go visit her adorable blog here! As part of this award, you're supposed to share 7 random facts about yourself and award 15 other bloggers! Here are my 7 random facts:

1. This weekend I'm going home to pick up my car and bring it back to college for the last few weeks of school. Driving is one of my absolute favorite things to do and I can't wait to be able to drive where ever I want!
2. I wear contact lenses and there's never a day that I opt for my glasses. My vision is horrendous and I can't stand wearing glasses, only contacts will do.
3. I love listening to music. Name a song and I've probably played it many times on my ipod. Right now Anberlin is the only music that calms me down when I need to go to sleep. Strange.
4. I am completely reliant on my cell phone. I freak out when I forget it at my house. Talk about dependent...
5. My favorite non-alcoholic beverage is by far Dominion Root Beer. It's a local company and I was ecstatic when I found out that one of my college town's grocery stores' sold it. 
6. I have naturally wavy/curly hair. I always straighten it though. Props to all of you lovely ladies with naturally straight hair. You have it easy!
7. I need to downsize. I'm currently looking around my room and I have WAY too many things. Next year, I am definitely bringing only the bare essentials to school.

That's seven things! I hope you all were able to learn just a little more about me! I'd like to tag:

1. Epiphaneer
2. According to Erica
3. The Pink Prep
4. Haymarket Designs
5. Pink Cashmere Cardigan
6. Southern Inspired
7. Seashells and Southern Belles
8. Let's Be Preppy!
9. Perpetual Perfection
10. Queen Bee Swain
11. Falling Off a High-Heeled Life
12. Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers
13. Recession is the New Blonde
14. Social Climbers
15. Sweet Southern Prep

Whew! That took awhile to link all you lovely ladies! I can't wait to read your seven random facts!

Oh and before I forget: OOTD! I don't have classes on Fridays so this is my fun day! The boyfriend is also playing at a local venue here with his band later tonight, wish them luck!

Top: Kohls
Pearls
Sandals: Target
Shorts: J.Crew
      These shorts are my favorite: Blue seersucker with pink embroidered anchors!