What's in my backpack?

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday!

I can't believe that it's Labor Day weekend already!  This summer went by way too fast.

I start school on Thursday and I'm super nervous/excited.  

I've been shopping for last minute school supplies and packing my backpack for the first day of school!

Now onto what I carry in my backpack...

I've been using this Marc by Marc Jacobs tote for the past two years and I really love it!  The fabric is really sturdy and since it's nylon, it's so easy to clean!  

In my school bag I always always have my Lilly planner!  I would honestly go crazy without it.  

Another thing I always have to in my bag is gum!  Stride spearmint is my favorite!  And a bottle of water is a must.

I also keep a little cosmetics bag filled with translucent powder and concealer just in case!  You never know when your face could get oily or a blemish could pop up.  These come in handy especially after gym! And I always carry some kind of chap stick with me.  My favorite is the Maybelline Baby Lips!

What do you carry in your school bag?

xoxo

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!!

BTS: Homecoming

I always thought homecoming would be a huge deal in high school from watching movies growing up. With sparkly dresses and a homecoming queen and king.  At my school basically no one attends the homecoming dance.  I've always thought it would be fun to dress up and go!  Maybe this year I'll have to drag my friends with me!

Shop!

1. Free People 

2. Lilly Pulitzer

3. Free People

4. Tobi

5. Free People

So lately I've really been loving Free People dresses!  They are super trendy and sparkly!  I also love the kelly green Lilly laced dress!  Green is my schools color so I think this one would be perfect!  Lastly, the plum Tobi dress is so simple and I think would look cute with some fun jewelry and wedges!

What do you think of Homecoming? Is it a big deal at your school?  What would you wear?

xoxo 

BTS: Snacks

After school, the first thing I do when I get home is eat!  After a long day of school all I want is a yummy, filling snack.  I've been looking for new snacks to try online and I think I found some pretty good recipes!  What's great about these recipes is that you can make a batch on the weekend and save them for during the week!  I'm defiantely going to be trying these out soon so I'll let you know how they come out!

The perfect energy booster for after school.

Peanut-Butter Granola Balls

Ingredients:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

2 tbs unsalted butter

1 cup crisp rice cereal

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup dried fruit

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium, heat honey, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until loosened and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. 

3. Remove from heat; stir in cereal, oats, and dried fruit.

4. Drop mixture by tablespoon into mini paper cupcake or candy liners. 

5. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.

Great for grabbing on the go!

Oatmeal Snack Cakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (room temp.)

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tbs boiling water

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups rolled oats (pulsed several times in a food processor)

1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Cream together the butter, shortening and sugars.

2. Put the boiling water in a cup and add the baking soda to it and then add to the butter and sugar mixture.

3. Beat well and then add the rest of the ingredients.

4. Roll out on floured surface to your preferred thickness.

5. Cut into shapes and bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes or until they are golden brown.

For when you have those days.

Kooky Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 tbs butter, softened

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

2 tsp milk

several drops peppermint, almond, lemon, or orange extract or flavoring

2 - 3 tsp small, multicolored decorative candies

12 purchased chocolate chip or other cookies (about 2-1/2 inches in diameter)

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, beat together butter and one-half of the powdered sugar.

2. Beat in milk, extract, and remaining powdered sugar.

3. Spread on the bottom of 6 of the cookies.  Top with the remaining cookies.

4. Wrap and chill. Makes 6.

Whats your favorite after school snack?

xoxo

Check out my other back to school posts if you haven't seem them already!

- Back to School: Monogrammed Madness

- Back to School: First Day Outfits

- Back to School: Study & Organization Tips

- Back to School: Essentials

Sunday Snapshot [8.26.12]

Relaxing at the pool trying to get nice color before school starts!

Gaining 10 lbs at Georgetown Cupcake in SoHo (peanut butter fudge cupcake is to die over)

Went to the zoo with my friend - the prairie dogs were the cutest!

Prettiest peacock at the zoo!

Have a great week!

xoxo

Back to School Essentials

Happy Friday (almost Saturday)!

Shop!

Cardigan - Old Navy

Flats - Tory Burch

Tee - Forever 21

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Jeans - J.Brand

Scarf - Old Navy

Light Weight Cardigan - I usually wear a cardigan in the morning when it's still chilly outside and throughout the day. But by 3 o'clock, it's usually much warmer out.  A light cardigan is the perfect for keeping warm in the morning, then removing when the temperature raises.

Sturdy Book Bag - I love my nylon MbMJ tote bag because it's easy to clean and fits all my notebooks and everything else I need for school.  Plus having a bag in a neutral color ensures that it won't clash with anything!

Basic Flats - A comfortable pair of basic black flats are an essential in everyones closet! They are perfect to just throw on in the morning and go with anything. 

White Tee - Another basic, it can be worn with virtually anything.

Dark Wash Denim - Finding the perfect pair of denim can be really difficult.  I've really been loving J.Brand jeans - especially their jeggings!  One pair of jeans that you really love is all you need.

Scarf - Lastly, a scarf can completely change an outfit.  They can add color, texture, dimension to any ensemble.  

What are your back to school essentials?

xoxo

Back to School: Study & Organization Tips

Getting organized is hard to do.  Staying organized is even harder.  So I thought I would just share some tips on how to start the school year off right!

• Basic Organization
• Have a planner to write down homework, due dates, and everything else that you will probably forget.  I have a Lilly Pulitzer planner and I honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  Basically it's my second brain.
• If you have an assignment due, plan what days and times you will work on it.  I'll admit, I'm a huge procrastinator.  But writing down what I need to do each day before an assignment or project is due really helps!
• Label everything.  I also love to color code - it makes finding everything so much easier!
• Creating an Organized Space
• Make sure you have an area where you can work.  A clean, simple, uncluttered desk works best.
• Also make sure that your space is quiet and free from distractions.
• Studying Tips
• Take breaks!  Letting your brain take a little break every now and then will make you be able to accomplish more without going crazy.
• Make sure you stay hydrated.  I always have a bottle of water with me while I'm doing homework or studying.
• Chewing gum has been proven to help your memory, focus and concentration.  It is also considered a stress reliever. So try chewing gum while working.
• Turn your phone off or put it in another room!  I swear twitter and tumblr are the biggest distractions ever!

Have any other studying/organization tips?

xoxo

ps. make sure to check out my other back to school posts if you haven't seen them already!
- Back to School: Monogramed Madness
- Back to School: First Day Outfit

Blog Award!

First I would like to thank Kristen from Just a Girl and Her Little Dog for nominating me for my first blog award!  She has a really great blog and the cutest dog ever so make sure you check out her blog!

11 facts about me!

1. I'm one of the few teenagers who actually loves to read!

2. I have a huge fear of needles.

3. I have two dogs - a wheaten terrier, Brandi & a morkie, Gia.

4. I have one younger sister, Caitlyn.

5. I'm fluent in sign-language.

6. I'm obsessed with organizing things.

7. I carry chap-stick with me at all times!

8. I'll pretty much eat anything that has peanut butter on it.

9. I'm actually addicted to Starbucks.

10. I paint my nails at least twice a week.

11. I have a huge stash of dark chocolate in my desk! (shhh!)

Questions from Kristen:

1. Why did you start your blog?

I started by blog after a rough time in my life as a place where I could come to write about anything.

2. What is something you do everyday?

Every morning I make a list of all the things I need to do that day.

3. Who inspires you most?

My 90 year-old grandma for sure.  She has taught me to live life to the fullest.

4. What is your favorite place you have traveled?

Definitely the Bahamas!  I just love the water and beaches there!

5. Iphone, blackberry, droid or other?

iPhone!

6. Chocolate or fruity?

Chocolate!

7. What is on the top of your bucket list?

I really want to run a marathon!

8. Describe your dream home?

 My dream home would have a huge closet a spa!

9. What is your favorite reality TV show? (You know you have one.)

Haha I love Keeping Up With the Kardashians!

10. What was the greatest gift you have received?

Tough question!  I think the greatest gift I have received would be my dogs!  I love them soo much.

11. What did you have for breakfast?

Today I had a bagel and an iced coffee.

Questions for my nominees:

1. What is the one thing you can't leave your house without?

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

3. What is your favorite thing about fall?

4. Is there a quote/saying you live by?

5. What is your zodiac sign?

6. Who in your life are you most close to?

7. Favorite city?

8. What is your go to beauty product?

9. Typical Starbucks/Dunkin/Cafe drink order?

10. Heels or flats?

11. What is your favorite item in your closet?

My nominations!

- Class and Sass

- The Preppy Diaries

- A Girl in the Know

- Classy Not Clashy

- Grace Lamb

- The Preppy Scientist

- La Belle Vie

To accept this fun award you must follow these rules:

1. Each person must list 11 things about themselves.

2. Answer the 11 questions that the tagger has set for you plus you MUST create a set of 11 new questions for the 11 people you will nominate which brings me to rule 3.

3. Choose up to 11 bloggers linking them to your post.

4. Go to their page and inform them of the nomination

5. Absolutely no tag backs.

6. Remember to only tag bloggers with less than 200 followers.

xoxo

Boots

My absolute favorite thing about fall is waring boots, without a doubt.  My fall uniform is basically a sweater, jeans, and boots.  There are so many different types of boots so there are defiantly a pair for everyone! 

1. Moto Boots - They can add a little bit of edginess to any outfit.  Love how classic these look with the quilted detailing!

UGG Australia Quilted Moto Boot

2. Riding Boots - A staple in any girls wardrobe, these go perfect with sweaters in the fall.

Fitzwell Mention Wide Calf Riding Boot

3. Black Leather Boots - Probably the boots that I wear most often, these will go with any outfit!

Tory Burch Alaina Riding Boot 

4. Rain Boots - A basic black pair can be worn with your cozy sweater and leggings on a rainy day.

Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boot

5. Ankle Boots - Also called booties, these are perfect for your girls night out or date night!

Dollhouse Hustler Ankle Boot

6. Combat Boot - Lastly, these are great if you want a more grungy, rocker-chic outfit.

Steve Madden Troopa

What's your favorite type of boot for fall?

xoxo

Sunday Snapshot [8.18.12]

Just a little look into what I've been loving this past week!

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Beyond excited for The Hunger Games DVD release!

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Absolutely obsessed with this outfit!

Making s'mores in my kitchen. #fatgirlproblems

Beach trip that only lasted 10 minutes before it started to downpour.

Lastly, sitting around the fire upstate!

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

xoxo

Back to School: First Day Outfit

Picking out the first day of school outfit is always stressful.  You want to come back to school looking great, and be noticed for all the right reasons.  It's hard picking out an outfit that looks polished, appropriate, put-togehter - but not like you tried too hard.  Here are some ideas of what I've been looking at for first day outfits.

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I really love these lace shorts.  This outfit looks so effortlessly put together with a simple tank.

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These shorts are beyond adorable!  If I can find a similar pair, I think they could make a really cute outfit!

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I love the knitwear in this outfit!  I feels slightly more fall (which I cannot wait for!) with the sweater.

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This outfit is really casual but denim shorts with a nice white blouse and sandals could look really cute!

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I really love the navy lace shorts in this outfit!  They look really nice with a plain white button-up oxford.

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Lastly, this outfit is the most simple and casual out of all of them, but there is something so great about denim shorts and a striped top.  This can defiantly be dressed up with sandals and some jewelry.

What does your usual first day of school outfit entail?

xoxo

Interior Inspiration {desks}

Lately I've been wanting to change up my desk area.  As school is quickly approaching, I will definitely be spending a lot of time at my desk.  I figured that a new, chic study area will be the perfect incentive to study hard this year!  Here's what I've been looking at!

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xoxo

Sparkle

Sequins and glitter have always been something that I've gravitated towards ever since I could remember.    I mean what girly-girl doesn't love some sparkle?

I've recently scored these Steve Madden flats at Nordstrom during the anniversary sale for about 40% off! 

My friends always ask me how I could wear such sparkly shoes.  I do have to admit, I own a few (okay more then a few) pairs of glittery shoes.  From sneakers to heels, I just love the effect a sparkly shoe can add to an outfit!

I don't think sparkly shoes are that hard to wear, especially in a subtle color like black.

The key is to wear them with a solid, simple outfit.

But for those of you who are a little hesitant, here a few fall outfits (because there are literally like three more weeks before summer ends ) I would wear with sparkly shoes!

Outfit 1 - This outfit is super simple and can be worn as casual during the day and dressed up at night.  Black and white is a timeless pairing.

Shop!

Top - Necessary Clothing

Necklace - Bauble Bar

Bottoms - Forever 21

Shoes - Nordstrom

Outfit 2 - This outfit is perfect for a night out!  I love how the super fun wedges look with a more structured blazer.  And the color of these pants are beautiful - jewel tones are really in for fall!

Shop!

Jacket - Zara

Top - Banana Republic

Bottoms - J.Crew

Shoes - Saks Fifth Avenue

Outfit 3 - This outfit is extremely casual and perfect for those days when you don't really feel like dressing up.  It's also really comfy - jeggings and a cable knit sweater paired with a large scarf.  If I had $500 to splurge on sneakers, I would buy these Jimmy Choo high tops in a heartbeat.  

Shop!

Top - 6pm.com

Scarf - Zappos.com

Bottoms - Bloomingdales

Shoes - Net-A-Porter

Outfit 4 - Lastly, I don't really wear boat shoes in the fall/winter.  However I feel that these sparkly Sperry's can be an exception.  I love how these silver glitter shoes go with the cranberry chords and oversized gray sweater.

Shop!

Top - Bluefly.com

Bottoms - J.Crew

Shoes - Lord & Taylor

How do you feel about glittery shoes?

xoxo

End of Summer To-Do List

I can't believe how quickly the end of summer is approaching!  With only four weeks (exactly!) left of summer, I'm literally freaking out.  I'm extremely anxious about starting my junior year of high school.  Trying to ease my anxiety about starting school, I want to make sure that I fill the rest of what's left of summer with fun and exciting things to do!  I made a list of all the things I need to do before school starts and my life ends.

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1. Go to the beach a few more times! 

Working on a sun-kissed glow for picture day!

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2. Do a little back to school shopping at the best boutiques in SoHo.

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3. Volunteer more!

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4. Run a 5k!

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5. Have a backyard camp fire {with s'mores of course!} and catch up with good friends before the craziness starts.

What do you want to accomplish before summer ends?

xoxo

Back to School: Monogramed Madness

Back to school shopping is the only thing that gets me through the transition from summer to school.  There is nothing I love more than shopping for school supplies.  There's something about starting a new year with new stuff that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside (completely not normal - I know).
Anyway, speaking of new stuff for school, I love monogramming my stuff.  It's the perfect way to add a touch of personalization and fun to your school supplies!  Below are just a few items that you can monogram and personalize for back to school!

Shop!

1. Laptop/iPad Case

2. Agenda
3. Pencil/Cosmetic Case

4. Jewelry Case

5. Tumbler

What are your favorite monogrammed items?