Thursday, July 31, 2014

3 Weeks till School...

Well really 2 weeks and 4 days... pshh, I'm not counting!
Haha, actually, for the past few nights I haven't been able to get lots of sleep. I lie down in bed and it takes me literally two hours to get knocked out. I sleep at 12 and I wake up at 8-.- Today, I even woke up at 6! I think it's mainly because I keep thinking about school. I'm really excited for this new year! My favorite part of back to school is shopping for school supplies and clothes and of course seeing my friends too. But this year, I'm taking two college classes (Spanish I & OT) in addition to my regular high school classes. I'm nervous but since I have friends in the class, it's not super scary. I have a some other things to look forward to this year:
1) Yearbook staff: Graphic Designer/Photographer
2) Jr Sr
3) meeting new people
4) more memories with my besties
5) Artist Series
6) school events

***One thing I'm definitely not looking forward to is the ACT exan:(

Last year was awesome, even though I had some regrets. I hope this year will be epic and even better than last year!


Monday, July 28, 2014

My style...

Ok, I have no clue what my fashion sense is! It's all over the place... I kinda wish it had a category but I guess it's cool to be unique at the same time.
How would I describe my style?
Hmm... I would say cute, girly, and when I wanna dress up- classy.

-I love formal and preppy (well Pinteresty, not exactly Lilly Pulitzer). I think tucking tops or collared shirts into skirts is so classy. If the skirt is flowy and A-line, it gives me a young cute look, but if the skirt is a pencil skirt, I look grown up and a bit sassy.

-But I am also drawn toward floraly, bohemian, tribal kind of items. I would have to say that my favorite brand at Macy's is American Rag. Their comfy sweaters and floral dresses are to die for. I just wish they were more affordable:( That's why I wait for sales;)

-Vintage inspired pieces make me want to jump into a time machine and head back to the 1930's! And retro bathing suits just need to be in my closet!

-I can be casual, of course. Recently, I've been loving the athletic/laid back boyish look that comes from sneakers/keds. I just got a new pair of navy keds look alike at Old Navy for $13! I love it with a pair of denim shorts and baseball tee inspired top. I bet that outfit would look really cute too with a baseball cap.

-Fabrics & Patterns: I would say the material and patterns I'm into are girly. I like tribal and bohemian, but crochet, lace, and ditsy floral are my favorite. Stripes and chevron (mainly non-clothing though) are a nice addition to my wardrobe too.


One thing I'm not is punk or Cali trendy. Sure, I have pieces that are "in style" but you wouldn't catch me in a black studded leather jacket, a crop top or brallete that "gives enough coverage to be appropriate", or high waisted distressed short shorts. I don't think any of those are classy or give the right impression that I'm Christ's child.

Whatever our fashion sense is, we need to remember that when someone looks at us, they should see Jesus!

<3



Saturday, July 19, 2014

Birthday Box





I don't know about you but sometimes I don't know what to put my friends birthday gifts in. Sometimes I help my wallet and just reuse a gift bag given to me, but a couple of months ago, I saw some cute hat boxes at TJ Maxx. They add something different to a gift--they can even be used to keep memorabilia and photos later on! Some things I would have loved to have added to this gift: tissue paper & a big bow on top (instead I taped a polaroid birthday card).


♥♥♥

Friday, June 13, 2014

Driving myself crazy...

So, I've had my permit for almost a year now but I have never actually gotten on the real roads till drivers ed this week.

My instructor was great--she talked A LOT, which I guess was supposed to calm me down. But every time she talked to me about her life I was only half paying attention cus I wanted to keep my head on the road. She would demonstrate something sometimes and she would squawk like an angry bird haha! And she reminded me of Mrs. Puff from Spongebob! except she was a much better teacher than her haha.

First lesson, the instructor took me into residential areas and hills and I was scared!! I was going like 55 mph in a 40 mph road haha! It was pretty crazy.

Second lesson, she made me parallel park and do a 3 pt turn and a certain reverse maneuver--- lemme just say that this lesson was the most frustrating. I'm still a little confused on how the wheels work and stuff :S

Third lesson (today), I conquered downtown and the interstate!! How crazy is that? She said that downtown is the worst because of all the pedestrians and cramped roads but I liked it. The atmosphere was just so homey to me. The interstate wasn't so bad, except for merging. I still need to gain confidence when merging and seeing cars merge into my lane.

I did a lot of crazy things on my 3 lessons haha... went 15 mph above speed limit, abruptly stopped on a yellow light and ended up in the intersection and deciding to go on ahead when the light turned red-.-, almost followed a car to a right exit when I was supposed to go straight, and not listening to instructions, and so on....

But hey, I have gotten so much better! Little Me On the Road!!! Next time you know it, I'll be having road trips with my girlies:) I need to get my license first tho..which means Ive gotta practice approx 32 more hrs! 


♥♥♥


Friday, June 6, 2014

The Perks of Being a Short Girl

Hey, being five feet & five-eighths of an inch doesn't mean I can't be fierce XD mess with me, you'll need some new pants soon after you see what I can do.
Some of these are positive things I have noticed living my wonderful life as a shortie:) Sometimes I hate being short but that's only sometimes. Most of the times I love it and am proud of it!

1) You are seen as "cute" lol:) Even if you wear a not so great outfit, your cuteness overshadows that.

2) It's easier to get modest skirts since skirts short on tall girls still reach around your knees.

3) People tend to show you more care and compassion.

4) People help you reach for things that are too high.

5) People tend to protect you more. (It might get annoying though, especially if you know you're even stronger than the other.)

6) You can pretend that you need rest after a short time since you get tired "easily".

7) Talents that you have seem better because they don't expect us, shorties, to be capable of certain activities.

8) Ankle maxi dresses reach the floor for you--what maxi dresses are supposed to do. (Alas, some maxis are drape on the floor too much, and we have to get them hemmed.)

9) You have more places to hide for hide and go seek! Your limbs are short and bendable enough (hopefully) where you can hide under the kitchen sink. Helpful when a burglar comes to your home (no personal experience haha). And you can also scare people more like when I hid in our small kitchen pantry:)

10) You have more actual swimming area at the pool because you can't reach the bottom of 5 ft without standing on your tiptoes.

11) In professional pictures, shorties are made to stand in the front of the crowd in pictures, so it's less likely for you to be covered and forgotten.

12) When you go through a low doorway, you won't have to duck your head.

13) You have more leg room in the car.

14) You can lay down in the third row of a van and sleep when going on a road trip (unless you have siblings).

15) You're most likely going to date a guy taller than you (not that short guys are bad...).

16) Guys are less likely to be intimidated by you.

17) You will be approachable by both genders.

18) You'll become a cute little grandma when you grow older.

19) You won't be too tall in heels; you'll look just right.

20) You'll have to tiptoe to kiss or hug. And don't deny it; it's cute!

21) You're easier to carry and cuddle.

22) Your bed will be long enough.

23) Pants will hit your legs at the right spot, and you won't have to pay extra for "extra long".

24) You look younger.

25) If you're like me, you will have tiny feet. You can buy shoes in the children's section and pay less money.

26) You're sometimes like a ninja. You're so fast and small, you won't be seen coming like in sports.

27) You can move around in a crowd (tall people will show kindness and let you) and manage to go up to the front or find a seat.

28) People will give up their seat for you.

29) You feel cute and innocent when you look up at people.

30) Your legs will become strong because you have to power walk to catch up with people.

So ha! Take that tall people!;)
I'll be adding more in the future.

♥♥♥

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Joy in the Kitchen #1: Lemon Bars!



When life gives you lemons, zest them and squeeze them to make lemon bars:)
Our kitchen is so much bigger now! I'm so thankful cus I'm finding that I really like baking. And I'm pretty messy too so now, I've got more space to make a mess in!
Yesterday, I baked the first ever goodies in our new kitchen. I used the recipe that Kara's grandmother used for her birthday party lemon bars. They were sooo good then that I ate about five! I've been craving them since her birthday in February (and her book report over Sense and Sensibility). I even bought Fresh Market lemon bars and Publix lemon cakes one time, but they weren't nearly as good. The lemon bars were too soft, and the lemon cakes were a little bitter.


•••
Quick note to myself: 
1•Spray the pan. (haha, totally forgot!) 
2•Lessen the lemon juice. (I personally love it really sour but I have to think of others!) 
3•Wait till it's all the way cooled to sprinkle confectionery sugar on top. 
4•Wait till it's all the way cooled to cut into bars. (I was just so excited!)
•••





I think they turned out well. I know the lemon bars look a bit sloppy but despite their looks, they were delish! They were soft but chewy enough on the outside and gooey on the inside to have a nice texture. They were tangy but balanced by the confectionery sugar and crust. When you eat one, it's like a little sweet & sour party in your mouth!
Mom thought it was too sour, but Dad thought it was good and gave it a 7 out of 10. Yay! haha:)
I sent my grandparents some and finger crossed that they will enjoy it!

♥♥♥


This summer, I wanna do this little segment "Joy in the Kitchen" featuring different recipes I have tried. If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment! I'll probably look on Pinterest for recipes;)


New Home♥

My family has been praying for our own house for a long time now, and God provided us a perfect one this summer! It's farther from my school but it's worth the drive cus it's our house. So last week we planned to move on Friday, May 30th, but Thursday one of the men who was going to help us with his truck and trailer called and said that there's a 60% chance of rain the following day and that we should reschedule or borrow a U-haul trailer. But, my dad was already off Friday and Saturday, the man with the trailer was traveling somewhere. We brought our worries to God and prayed for him to withhold the rain. I had full confidence that God wouldn't make it rain because it seems like every time I pray for good weather, He has answered my prayers. My dad even read a passage that morning for his devotions that said God contained the winds in His fist. And that Friday morning, the sky was clear! Early 8 am, the man with the trailer showed up because he wanted us to have a head start just in case it rained. Other helpers came, including two very important helpers-- the 2 little boys I babysit from church:) They made moving fun and they were very helpful! For lunch, one of the ladies cooked us a delicious meal which strengthened all of the workers who needed to carry my heavy piano and dresser. At around 2:30, all the heavy furniture was moved from the apartment to the house. And guess what, at 3 pm it started raining cats and dogs! Praise the Lord! He was like a giant umbrella, shielding us from the rain the entire morning. For dinner, our pastor came over and his wife made us some soup and dessert. God is so good to us! Our move went smoothly thanks to Him! Also, we were very thankful for all the helpers and meals provided. We still have to clean the apartment and buy furniture for our new house, so keep us in your prayers. We're praying that the Lord will use this home not only as our shelter but also a way to fellowship with fellow believers and reach out to the lost in this neighborhood.
Prayers much appreciated.

♥♥♥

Saturday, May 17, 2014

goodbye, sophomore year!



Well, happy summer, everyone!

Yes, it's finally summer!
Goodbye, sophomore year!

This year was probably my favorite of high school so far but who am I kidding--I had some awful moments.

I don't think I've had another time when I was so hard on myself. I was hard on myself over academics, speeches, friends, boys, girls, and just plain old me. I started not liking myself for all my stupid mistakes, but God was by my side the entire time and He showed me mercy and patience. He showed me that no matter how stupid and lame I felt, I am perfect just the way I am cus He made me in His perfect image!

It's crazy; this year was the best- like for reals, this was the first year a guy (well more than one haha..) actually paid attention to me (at least the first in my knowledge) and other things happened... concerning the guy I actually liked:) But that's another story! And I realized who my true friends were. And boy, am I so blessed! My best friends are the greatest! They're always there for me, leading me to the Lord, and we have the funnest times together!
Sophomore year was definitely a roller coaster filled with loops of happy ups and dramatic downs! I'm glad it's over but I'm glad it happened.
I'm looking forward to next yr! Junior year is going to be a blast--I will make it a blast if I have to!




















What's in store for next yr you ask? Well there's me driving to school because we are moving, JR SR banquet (guys, if you're reading this, just  ask the girl; we are wanting you to!), school yearbook (yes, I made it in!), college Spanish class and Spanish gents (haha just kidding! wow, I'm totally sounding like I'm boy crazed which pshh..I'm not...), no class officer responsibilities so I get to lay low and chill, new house, and meeting new people! It'll be so different just working behind the scenes and not planning for class parties but I'm excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead of me.

P.S. I finally know what I want to major in for sure:) I want to be a Graphic Design major! I've always loved designing and drawing so I think that would be fun! Right now, I'm actually designing for our class button next year and it's really fun just getting inspiration online. I was working on the yearbook supplement a little bit before the year ended and I got to try out some software, which I'm thankful I did cus now I'm designing on my own without being too blind about it. I have so many sketches; I hope I can actually play around on the program and deliver them well! It's funny; my teacher was asking what I wanted to major in and when I said Graphic Design, she said that I'm half way done cus I've basically designed for every class event so far in high school haha. It's such a great opportunity to show others what God has given me through art!

I'm so excited for everything. I just can't help but smile!

♥♥♥

Saturday, May 3, 2014

2 more weeks!!!

of insanity...
haha just kidding:) but for reals though, I'm starting to crave for summer!!!
I have so many things planned, not traveling wise but just activities I want to do like biking, reading, painting, playing the piano... things I haven't been able to do cus of the monster called school.
This year has been the greatest school yr of my life; it was full of great friends, inside jokes, new opportunities, parties, guy friends, crushes, drama, bad memories, mood swings.... hey, I'm just telling the truth here.
I loved this year; I felt like a different person!
But I also can't wait for my beloved vacation cus frankly, I'm tired of school mood swings:P
I just want to lay in a hammock, sketchbook in my lap, earbuds in, mango shake in my hand, and forget the bad memories of school. Who's with me?
Oh goodness, writing this is making me crave it even more!!
Can't wait!


Saturday, March 15, 2014

Lend a Helping Hand

Recently, I have been learning to know someone for their real selves.
In the hallways, people laugh and smile but are they really happy inside?
You never know how a person actually feels until you genuinely ask "How are you?" and you don't settle for a typical "Good." answer.
When we take prayer requests in class and a certain someone shares a struggle or asks prayer for a relative, you see their need-- now I'm not saying that they need help all the time and that they're always melancholy. But seeing that side of them, outside of their goofy grins and la-di-da days, you gain compassion and you just want to know them more.
Aside from praying for them, why don't we actually go outside of our ways and ask them for progress on their need? We can even send them private notes to cheer them up.
If you see someone sitting alone, go over to them and chat with them or invite them over to sit with your friends (and once you do that, don't just ignore them).
The last thing I ever want to know is someone living a lonely life without any real friends, when i could've done so much more. Or when you see them every day all happy-go-lucky but later you hear they were really sad inside.
I just realized while writing this that the helping hand I can give is Jesus. I pass many unsaved people, even in my Christian school, and I just live with them like that. I really need to change.
I want to go out of my way and know people better, and share the joy of Christ with them- the only way I have joy in my own life.

Lend a Helping Hand.
Make Someone's Day.
Share Christ's Love.


Friday, February 14, 2014

random thoughts of February 14th

Happy Valentine's Day? More like single's awareness day! Or as I said, "adolescence awareness day" haha...
I actually haven't eaten any chocolate today other than my mint chocolate Klondike bar! And obviously I didn't have a valentine, other than my bed and food lol.
We had a "snow storm" on Wednesday and we had 3 days off from school! So we only had 2 days at school this week--it was pretty amazebeans:) Well honestly, I got bored Thursday and I felt like I wasn't doing anything productive but the rest was definitely needed. I worked ahead on some of my homework too haha..
I don't really have anything else to say... well I was going to write something out but I changed my mind... I hope Spring starts soon! I can't wait to wear pastels and sandals!
Ok, Bye.:P
♥♥♥

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year 2014!!!

Wow, 2013 just flew by!
I'm kind of hoping the first part of 2014 doesn't go by that fast because I'm actually enjoying this year of highschool.
Anyway, I was hoping to make a Christmas post but I was just too busy (maybe lazy haha..or both). I hope your Christmas was a great reminder of Jesus' birth.
 My family went to Tennessee after Christmas, and we just had a great time seeing the mountains, lights, and cute little shops.
I recieved so many awesome gifts that I'm very thankful for! I got my mom's ipad and now I can blog on the go.
(Sorry if this post is a little choppy lol; I slept at 1 am this morning!)

I love New Year's day because it symbolizes a fresh, new start.
I've made a list of resolutions and I hope I can keep them with God's help.
One of them is to read throught the Bible in one year. I almost got it last year but I slacked off; hopefully that doesn't happen again. (I made a daily alarm on my phone to remind me to do my devotion!)
Some other random resolutions I have is to eat macaroons (they are so adorable), try tempura shrimp (allergic), and exercise (get a hula hoop).
I hope you guys can accomplish your resolutions list!
HAPPY 2014!!!