Well guys, I'm finally doing. I'm biting the bullet, and I'm going to do it.

I'm hopping on the blogger train and having a Q&A!

I've yet to decide how I'm going to do it- video or written (I'm kind of terrified of videos? I'm super awkward. But it could be fun. You'd probably be bored to death though.), but this Q&A is happening. So, leave your questions down in the comments! Message me on Twitter or Instagram! Hit me up on Pinterest for all I care! Just ask away!

I'm actually kind of excited to do this. And slightly nervous? I'm not sure why. But I can't wait to get your questions! Anything you've ever wanted to ask me, fire away- now's your time! I'll warn you that I'm not a super interesting person, but I'll try my best. This should be interesting.

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In other exciting new, the awesome Rachel from Silver Mess is hosting a really cool giveaway! If you win, you'll receive-

-the Five Star Expandable Backpack ($45 value) - (gently used)
-2 notebooks
-4 sturdy, cute folders
-one 100-sheet pack of college ruled reinforced paper

*US only, sorry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Are you entering Rachel's giveaway? YOU SHOULD. And don't forget to leave your questions in the comments!!

5 Happy Things

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Happiness

1. Y'all already know that I'm a huge fan of the musical Hamilton. Well, this week, one of my tweets was liked by Leslie Odom, Jr., who originated the role of Aaron Burr. I nearly went into shock and passed out. He's probably my favorite actor in the show. There was so much screaming. 

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel. My parents gave me some for my birthday, and I love it. It looks and feels really nice, and it's supposed to last like a gel manicure from the salon. I doubt it will last that long, but I'll be happy if it lasts a week!

3. Today is National Dance Day!!! Definitely one of my favorite days. Throwback to pointe shoe fittings. I love those shoes so much.

4. I woke up today to find my mom making chocolate chip Mickey Mouse waffles. It was a good morning. Because I'm obviously still #TeamWaffle.

5. Both Canva and PicMonkey now have apps. My life is made.

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What's making you happy? 

Liebster Award!

Ha. So. Funny story.

The other day, I was innocently scrolling through my tagged photos on Instagram, when I saw one that I had never noticed before. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued, and I clicked on it, to learn that the beyond amazing Alexandria over at Arrows To The Moon had tagged me for the Liebster award in MARCH. That's right, MARCH. And now, four months later, I'm completing it. *facepalm*

So, Alexandria, I'm super sorry that I'm just now doing this. No idea where my mind was in March, but apparently I went temporarily insane.

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R U L E S

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

2. Share the award on your blog.

3. Answer the ten questions you are asked. 

4. Nominate at least ten more bloggers. 

5. Ask ten new questions. 

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Thank you, Alexandria!! I apologize again for being four months late. XD

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A N S W E R S

1// What's your biggest inspiration for writing your blog posts? Honestly, just everyday life. I'll see something online, or hear something interesting when I'm talking to someone, or something will happen in my life that I want to write about. It just depends on what's going on. 

2// Did you ever write before you started your blog? I've always written, for as long as I can remember. I've kept too many diaries to count, love poetry, have written several stories, and tried to write a play when I was about nine. I just found that the other day. It wasn't pretty. 

3// Who is your biggest role model? I mean, obviously the person that we should all aspire to be more like is Jesus, but otherwise I guess I'd have to say my mom- she's the most amazing person ever.

4// What is one tip you would give to a new blogger about growing readers? Don't be afraid to talk to people and to put yourself out there! If you don't ever talk to anyone, how will anyone know that you exist? Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. You're new at this! You're not going to get 100 followers right off the bat. (Unless you're freakishly lucky in which case want to help a girl out? ;) ) 

5// What's your favorite way of keeping your eyes on Jesus, even when it's hard to do so? I try to do Bible reading every night- I decided to try to read the entire Bible in a year, so I've been working my way through it nightly. Slowly but surely, I'm going to do it! Also, if I'm having a really busy or stressful week, I'll listen to lots of Christian music, just to have those words running through my head as opposed to some of the more mainstream stuff that I typically listen to. 

6// What's your favorite song? Oh gosh, y'all know I love music. All-time favorite? Lego House by Ed Sheeran. Favorite Christian song? Oceans by Hillsong. Current favorite pop song? Unsteady by X Ambassadors. Musical theatre? (currently) Wait For It from Hamilton. 

7// Has your blog changed you in any ways that you didn't think it would when you first started it? I feel like I'm a completely different person than I was when I started this blog. I'm not sure exactly what to chalk up to blogging and what's just the result of growing up, but I know I've changed a lot. I've become a better writer. Blogging has taught me dedication- the fact that I've stuck with this for almost two years is kind of crazy to think about! I've learned SO much about computers, cameras, and photography. And I feel like I'm slowly becoming more confident.

8// Where is your absolute favorite place to travel? Honestly, I just love to travel to the beach. I'm pretty low maintenance, just stick me on a quiet little beach and I'm good! 

9// Who is your all-time favorite blogger? Oh my goodness, I can't answer this! I have SO MANY favorite bloggers. Picking one is far too cruel of a question for me to answer.

10// What's the most inspiring quote you've ever heard/read? Not going to lie, I immediately pulled up Pinterest when I read this question, haha! Y'all know that I LOVE quotes, so it's really hard for me to even narrow it down to a few favorites! I guess that I'll go with one of my all-time favorites- "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all."

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N O M I N E E S


Elissa 

Evelyn

Leah

Emily

Hannah

Aaliyah

Abby M.

Jacy

Olivia

Mary Shelley

and....YOU!!! Please, do this tag! I'd love to see your answers!!

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Q U E S T I O N S

1// What is the book that you've read the most often?

2//  What is your favorite childhood memory?

3// What is the biggest lesson you've learned from blogging?

4// Worst book that you have ever read?

5// Go-to outfit?

6// What is your favorite hot beverage?

7// Who is the last person you texted and what was it about?

8// How would your friends describe you?

9// What are five things you like about yourself?

10// What is your motto?

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Even if you don't want to do the tag, I dare you- answer at least ONE of these questions in the comments!!

Forget FOMO- Let's GOMO!

Let's be honest here, guys- FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is all too real. How many times have we been scrolling through our Instagram, Twitter, or even Blogger feeds, and seen all of the awesome thing that our friends are up to, while we're stuck doing absolutely nothing? It's no fun to be sitting at home, doing laundry or writing a paper, only to get online and see all of your friends hanging out at the beach or going to a concert. It's easy to let yourself get upset when you feel like you're missing out, but there's a great way to stop that feeling before it starts.

Ladies, it's time to squash FOMO and start GOMO- Going Out More Often!

It's finally summer, and what better time to stop letting that FOMO get you down? I have to admit, I'm kind of a funny person to be talking about getting out more- I'm notorious for being the girl who always wants to stay home as opposed to going out and doing fun things. Ask my family- they'll be the first to tell you that I might as well be a hermit! But I also know that if you stay home all the time, you never actually have the chance to live your life! So going out more is a definite must.

(Also, just a quick reminder- as easy as it is to get down when you see tons of photos of other people having fun, let me just say that the things people are doing are never quite as fun as they look in that Instagram photo! The other day I was going through some photos of an old vacation, and I found myself thinking about how much fun it would be to do that again, before remembering all of the stressful and not-so-fun things that happened on that vacation as well! And I was actually on the trip! Needless to say, a picture may be worth a thousand words, but it seems to leave a few words out as well. ;) )

All that to say, the best way to squash that evil little FOMO is by spending more time doing the things that you enjoy, and making the most of life! If you haven't already, why not come up with a summer bucket list?  If you're stumped for ideas, you should definitely check out Eventbrite. They're the largest self-serviced ticketing platform in the world, and a super easy place to find some fun events in your area! I've personally used Eventbrite countless times to grab tickets to different musicals in my area, but there are so many more things that you can do on there as well! You could set up your own event to GOMO and invite your friends to RSVP online with Eventbrite's tools. I definitely suggest you check them out.

Still want a few more ideas? How about......

-A lake or beach day! Grab some friends and spend some time outdoors! Road tripping to the nearest lake or beach is super fun, and what better time to get outside than the summer?

-Go on a picnic! Another great way to get outside, I love heading to a nearby park with some friends and a ton of good food. Just be sure to bring some bugspray if you're going at night- mosquitos are always awful this time of year.

-Learn a new skill! Whether it's cooking, painting, a sport, or something different altogether, summer is a great time to hone in on a new skill. You could take a class, or just watch some YouTube tutorials!

-Participate in a color run! I've never actually done this myself, but I have friends who do them all the time and adore them! I have to say, they look pretty fun.

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I'm super excited to make the most of the rest of the summer! What about you? Are you going to keep letting FOMO get you down, or are you going to GOMO?!

*This post was inspired by Eventbrite's GOMO campaign but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Seventy-Three at Sixteen

(Funny story, apparently I have a thing for accidentally blowing out candles? Not once but twice, someone would make me laugh and I would blow the candle out on accident. Yet, when I would actually try to blow them out, I couldn't get it. #myawkwardlife)

I was scrolling through my blogger feed a few days ago when I landed upon this post from Bailey over at Brave Love! She got this list of questions from Rachel, and filled them out for her twenty-fifth birthday, as a way to document time. In honor of turning sixteen yesterday, I've decided to do the same!

1. What are you most excited about these days? Enjoying the rest of summertime!! Also a super fun blog project coming up;)
2. Favorite holiday? Christmas, easy.
3. Favorite season? SUMMER. Hands down. Warm weather, no school- what could be better?
4. Recent hobby? Hand-lettering!
5. If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? Renee Elise Goldsberry. Angelica is such a dream role!
6. If you could have coffee with someone from the past, who would it be? Anastasia Romanov
7. What's the best thing that happened this year? Either being in the musical Singing' In The Rain, or PROM! 
8. What's the best way to decompress? Reading or writing alone in my room while listening to Ed Sheeran music.
9. What's the weirdest word in the English language? Gotta steal Bailey's answer on this one- any word sounds weird if you say it over and over again.
10. If you had one superpower, what would it be? I've always wanted to be able to turn invisible!
11. Who do you miss most? I actually don't know of anyone that I miss super badly right now!
12. Who was the last person to text you? My best friend:)
13. Who are three people, alive or dead, that you would have dinner with? Julie Andrews, William Daniels, and Angela Lansbury
14. Last book you read? Driving Me Crazy. Super cliche and fluffy, and it really got on my nerves tbh. Right now I'm reading The Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery.
15. Book you plan on reading? Sense and Sensibility
16. Book you read bc everyone else in the world was reading it? The Hunger Games. But I LOVED it. 
17. A book from your childhood that positively shaped you? I don't even know, I read SO MANY books. I can't pick!
18. Favorite TV show currently on TV? I'd say Dancing With The Stars, but it's on an off season. So I don't really know. I don't watch a ton of TV.
19. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie dough or anything involving peanut butter!
20. What makes you smile the most? Family and friends, Broadway, dance, and blogging!
21. First pet? A beta fish named Ellie.
22. Worst subject in school? Math, hands down.
23. Favorite game? Oh gosh, I can't pick. Maybe spades? Like, if we're talking about card games. I also love playing Murder at Midnight outside when it's pitch black out.
24. Coolest thing in the world? The fact that we're all so flawed and sinful but God loves us anyways.
25. Cutest thing in the world? KITTENS.
26. Favorite thing in the world? Books.
27. One talent you wish you had? Singing, or crazy flexibility, or graphic design.
28. One thing you still have from your childhood? Everything. Literally everything. I'm such a hoarder, guys.
29. What's your patronus? Seeing as I never got my Hogwarts letter not bitter I don't know, but I'd have to guess a cat.
30. Last song you listened to on your phone? First Date/Last Night from Dogfight
31. Favorite song lyrics? I can't even pick. There are hundreds.
32. What song would you probably be caught dancing alone to? Anything Broadway.
33. If you could work the runway, what song would it be?  "No" by Megan Trainor
34. Best gift you've ever been given? The fact that I can be homeschooled.
35. Fashion icon? Pinterest. I can't pick just one person. Pinterest.
36. What did you wear to your prom? This past year, a long purple dress with stones at the top.
37. Who was your date to your prom? Two of my best friends. <3 #allthesingleladies
38. Favorite movie of all time? The Princess Diaries. (The fact that Garry Marshall passed away today just broke my heart. Childhood = Ruined.)
39. Favorite movie of the last five years? I'm gonna cheat a little and say Tangled. It's been over five years but oh well. That's my pick and I'm sticking with it!
40. Movie that made you cry? Up. I loathe that movie.
41. Movie that made you laugh the hardest? ....I actually don't know right off. That's kind of pathetic.
42. If you could make a documentary, what would it be about? I'm going to have to agree with Bailey again and say Broadway behind the scenes! Because obviously I'd have to help with all the filming and see tons of shows in the process.
43. Favorite TV show? Dancing With The Stars, Kim Possible, NCIS, or Boy Meets World
44. If you could make a cameo in any TV show, what would it be? Dancing With The Stars.
45. Best plot twist of all time? ....another one I'm totally drawing a blank on. Wow. Sorry, guys.
46. Twitter or Instagram? BOTH!!!!! Instagram is so pretty and aesthetic, but in my opinion it's more difficult? Twitter is the real, unfiltered me. XD
47. Who should everyone be following right now? Hannah, Abbie, Olivia, Rachel, Aaliyah, Mary Shelley, Jacy, and basically anyone else I follow because it takes too long to link them all but they're all amazing.
48. Favorite food? Anything Mexican or Italian
49. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake!!
50. Favorite band? Lukas Graham
51. Favorite solo artist? Ed Sheeran
52. If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Jeremy Jordan
53. What would the title of your autobiography be? Can I just go with Totally Graced? I'm not good at naming things.
54. Favorite sound? Falling rain, acoustic music, a familiar voice.
55. Least favorite sound? Any scraping noise, an alarm clock
56. Favorite animal? Cats! With an elephant as a close second.
57. First celebrity crush? ...no clue.
58. Current celebrity crush? I actually don't have one. I fail as a teenage girl.
59. What is your kryptonite? Chocolate.
60. Guilty pleasure? Not talking to anyone for days on end.
61. Most proud moment? Winning a Musical Theatre Ensemble competition with my best friends. Honestly one of the best moments of my life.
62. Biggest weakness? My inability to decide anything.
63. Skill still unmastered? The ability to nap.
64. What is the definition of misery? Running to a math class when it's cold outside while being forced to listen to opera. Basically the worst scenario that I can think of.
65. Biggest learning experience? The last several years, really. It seems like I'm constantly learning throughout different situations.
66. What is your idea of a perfect date? Hanging out on my couch with my cat and a large bowl of popcorn.
67. An experience when you felt the most nervous? When I had to sing a solo last summer.
68. At what age were you the happiest? Perhaps when I was little? That was obviously the most carefree time. But honestly, the past year has been full of lots of happiness. Here's hoping sixteen is even better!
69. What's one vice you wish you could give up? The fact that I'm literally scared of everything.
70. If you could teach a college course, what would it be called? Creative Writing 101
71. If you could star in any movie remake, what would it be? The Princess Diaries. Literal dream.
72. If you were an Olympic athlete, what would your event be? Gymnastics, maybe? It's the only think I can possibly think of. Let's just say, the Olympics would never work for me, period.
73. If you could offer your 13-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be? Don't be so scared of everything. Don't let fear rule your life. Also, invest in a hair straightener and some better foundation. You'll thank me later.

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So, I dare you- answer some of these questions in the comments! I want to hear from you!!

Thoughts: Why Not?

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This fall, I'm going to be a junior in high school. Not gonna lie, that's a really scary thought. Like, a really scary thought. Suddenly, I'm having to try to come up with answers to all kinds of intimidating questions. When are you taking the SAT? What college do you want to go to? What do you want to major in?

What are you going to do with your life? 

It freaks me out quite a bit. Deciding my life? Figuring out how I'm going to possibly support myself in the future? It's terrifying! I don't feel ready for that. I can't even drive yet! I barely finished geometry! How am I supposed to decide my entire life?

Plus, I'm a super practical person. Generally, that's a good thing, but when it comes to trying to make life decisions..it hasn't been working in my favor. Whenever I'm attempting to think of something that I might actually be interested in, I convince myself that it's not "practical" enough, that I couldn't possibly support myself doing it, etc.

But I'm starting to realize..every time that I look at something I'd be interested in, and then go, "Oh, I could never do that"...why not? Why couldn't I do that?

For example: I really like taking photos. Photography fascinates me, and I love trying to get good shots, particularly of people. But as a career? I'd never even considered it. It didn't feel practical enough. In my mind, I always thought, "Well, I might not have steady enough work, I'm not good with tech-related things, operating a camera on any setting beyond automatic makes me super confused, blah blah blah." But there are lots of areas in which a photographer would be needed, and I could take classes and get better at operating a camera. I'm not saying that I want to drop everything and go be a photographer, but I shouldn't just toss it out as an option because I don't think it could work. It could.

Another example. A lot of y'all probably know that I really want to be a novelist. But there's always a part of me that says...you guessed it. "That's not practical enough." And honestly? Being a novelist isn't the most practical thing on the planet. I get it. But if you have a backup plan, or are doing something else at the same time? Why not? Why shouldn't I try to become a novelist?

Not that I'm saying you should go drop all plans for college to go get famous in New York, or forget all plans that you've ever made to become a world traveler. You need a backup plan, because you never know what's going to happen. But in my opinion, as long as you have a good backup plan, it's not a bad thing to pursue something that might be a bit crazier, something that will make you happy.

I guess what I'm saying is, don't throw yourself in a box, the way that I've been doing. Don't look at the future with your only options being something along the lines of nurse, teacher, engineer, dull office job, etc. There are more options out there. Don't limit yourself. Don't throw yourself in a box that's going to make you miserable. Chase what you want to do, and have a solid backup plan if it doesn't work out. Because hey- why not?

Summer Beauty Reviews

I decided that today I'm taking it back to my roots as a beauty blogger. (If you haven't been around long enough to remember that point in time..you should probably be glad.) Even though I don't seem to post about makeup as much as I used to, I'm still a huge beauty junkie. Honestly, it's probably a bad thing at this point. I've been cleaning out my room and I have WAY too much makeup. I need an intervention. 

Anyways. 

In the past couple of months I've acquired quite a few new products, and I figured I'd do a post reviewing them!

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Rimmel London Kate Sculpting Kit

For my spring show, we had to have a contour/highlight kit. Being the procrastinator that I am, I picked this up about a week before the show at a sketchy Walmart at like, 9:00 at night because I didn't have any other time to go. That was fun. I LOVE the highlight and blush in this, although I'm not a huge fan of the contour color. I think it's too warm for my skin tone, and it's hard to contour with powder, in my opinion. You really need cream. But I adore the highlight and blush, I still use them daily! ★★★☆☆

Revlon Liquid Colorstay Skinny Eyeliner

I believe that this was another thing that I picked up for a show, although I think I got this one for Aladdin, the first show. Guys, I LOVE this eyeliner so much. Liquid eyeliner definitely isn't my strong point, but this is one of the best eyeliners I've ever used. The tip is super skinny, which makes it easier to be super precise. Also, for such a tiny bottle, you get a lot out of it- I still haven't run out, and I use it almost every day. LOVE. ★★★★★

Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara

I actually can't remember when I got this mascara, I think I had just run out, so I picked this up. Definitely not my favorite mascara. It's not bad, just not one that I would pick again. ★★★☆☆

ELF Duo Eyeshadow

This was actually an eyeshadow that I received for Christmas from my grandma. Lately, I've gotten SUPER obsessed with it. It's such a nice color combination, and I really like how it goes on. My only note would be that the lighter of the two colors can occasionally be a bit splotchy if you don't blend it well. Otherwise, I love this eyeshadow! ★★★★☆

Wet n' Wild Coloricon Brow Pencil

Yet another product from a show! Being a blonde, it's never a bad idea to have a brow pencil on hand, and I really like this one a lot. It's a good color, light enough so as to look natural but pigmented enough to do its job. ★★★★☆

Aussie Hair Insurance

I picked up this heat protectant spray a while back, and whenever I actually remember, I use it before I style my hair with heat. I'm not really sure how to know if it's working or not, but my hair hasn't fried off yet, so I'm assuming that it is. Plus, it smells really good, so sometimes I just spray it around my room purely for the scent! ★★★★☆

Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Straightening Mist

I'm pretty sure that I've squealed about this before, but I'm going to do it again. I LOVE THIS STUFF. It really does help to make my hair straighter, and it smells AMAZING. Like, I'd wear it as a perfume. Also, if you have a bunch of frizz, you can spray a ton of this on the frizzy areas and brush it out, AND THE FRIZZ IS GONE. Literally, miracle product. ★★★★★

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama

Honestly, I'm only reviewing this as a warning to you all. Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother. DO NOT BUY THIS MASCARA. It's legitimately the worst mascara I've ever tried. I received it in a beauty box, and I really hate it. It just clumps your lashes together. Definitely don't waste your money on this. ☆☆☆☆☆

NSPA Exotically Creamy Coconut Rich Body Butter

This is another beauty box product, but I actually liked this one. It's a super creamy, soft body butter. I love it. The only thing is that sometimes coconut gives me a headache, so I can't wear it very often. I wish that it was vanilla or even scentless. Otherwise, I love it! ★★★☆☆

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What products have YOU been using lately? Have YOU tried any of these? Let's chat!

Lately...

Hey, everyone! Wow, this past week has been crazy- I was out of town for the Fourth, and then it seems to just have been one thing after another! I really didn't get enough photos on the Fourth, it's kind of sad. Sorry about that. I'll have to dig around and see if I have anything, but that's for another post. ;)

Speaking of other posts, I have a guest post up today! Olivia from The Cwtch so graciously invited me to her blog to chat about summer boredom busters, and I shared an AMAZINGGG recipe for peanut butter pudding cups. So, obviously, you should go check it out here ASAP!

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Here's a peek into my life lately...

Reading- tons of blog posts that I missed while I was away, and I'm also reading a Hannah Swenson mystery- there are some Hallmark movies based off of them called the Murder, She Baked movies. I love them!

Watching- Finding Dory! I went to see it on Thursday with my aunt and my sisters- it was great! I honestly wasn't sure what to expect- sequels usually aren't as good as the original, and Pixar movies always seem to be SO SAD. Up scarred me. But I really loved Finding Dory! It was super cute, and really sweet. I definitely recommend it!
I'm also in the midst of a Hallmark movie as I'm typing this up. It's super cute!

Trying- to finish up my room, and to write more. I seriously have SO MUCH writing to do between blogging, my novel, and some other projects that I'm involved with. It's slightly overwhelming, haha.

Cooking- not much, to be honest. I haven't made anything in ages. I should do some baking soon.... Pinterest, here I come!!

Eating- Pizza, bagels, and TONS of fruit!

Drinking- lots of water! I want to have some lemonade, too- it's the epitome of summer!

Calling- ...no one. For a while I was actually talking on the phone more often, but I haven't called anyone in forever. Except for my grandma. Hi, Grandma!

Texting- two of my best friends. Honestly, I haven't been texting a ton lately, though. It's been kind of nice.

Tweeting- about the most random of things. I'm sorry that my Twitter is boring, guys.

Pinning- not as much as usual, to be honest. I haven't been using Pinterest half as often as I typically do, which I'm pretty proud of. But when I have been using Pinterest, I've been pinning baking ideas, ballet exercises, and hand-lettering tips. I've also been surfing Pinterest for party ideas- I'm horrible at party planning, and I'm trying to talk myself into doing a sweet sixteen. Wish me luck.

Crafting- various items for my bedroom! I need to make some handlettered signs, and I'm also going to redo my bulletin board!

Doing- my best to fit as much into the summer as possible!! I know that I can't do everything, but might as well see how much fun we can have while it lasts!

Going- on a bagel date with a friend:)

Loving- having phone storage again (THANK YOU DAD!), catching up with friends, how late the sun stays out, the amount of crazy awesome blog posts I've read lately, and and the latest episode of Girl Meets World. If you liked Boy Meets World, then you at least need to watch this episode. I was so happy, oh my goodness.

Hating- how quickly that the summer is going by, having to figure out college classes, humidity, and the amount of violence that's gone on lately. It seems like every time I go online, I hear about something awful that's happened. This world is such a sick place.

Discovering- that I'm actually in better shape than I thought I was? We've been going on walks in the evening to get in shape for a trip coming up in a few months, and I haven't died yet, so that's good. I guess that ballet is paying off!

Enjoying- finally being finished with geometry, and all of the fun adventures that summer holds.

Thinking- about tons of different book ideas, and wishing that I could get further into my current novel so that I could start a new one. I'm just so fascinated by people, and all of the connections in the world. The fact that every single human being is so unique and complex and has tons of connections with other equally complex people is just fascinating to me, and I want to share their stories. Such beautifully complex beings need to have their stories told.

Feeling- Overwhelmed by how much I want to do. I'm at this point where I'm excited to do lots and lots of things, so I want to do them all, but I just can't. So I'm trying to keep in mind that I can only do so much, and to not beat myself up over it. I have so many projects and things I want to do, it's not even funny. XD Also, slightly freaked out by the fact that I feel really old? I'm picking out college classes and professors, I got my own house key today...I just feel old, guys.

Hoping- for some inspiration to get back to my novel!

Listening- to lots of Hamilton in mourning of the three leads leaving today, and Unsteady by X Ambassadors. *insert ALL the heart eye emojis*

Celebrating- the Fourth, of course, and the fact that my room has stayed super clean for like, a week and a half. That's celebratory for me XD

Smelling- popcorn! We made some to go with the movie:)

Thanking- heavens that I don't have any major plans this week. I'm excited to just chill out at home!

Considering- whether or not I should work on my photo project tomorrow. I think yes;)

Starting- to get back into my novel, and to do more journaling.

Finishing- up my room, and this post!!

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Hopefully you weren't absolutely bored to death by this! Don't forget to check out my new post at The Cwtch, and to leave me a comment below! I love to chat with y'all!

What have YOU been up to lately?

Happy July!

guYS.

IT'S JULY...!!!

HOW ON EARTH IS IT ALREADY JULY????

I honestly don't understand how we're already halfway through 2016. Weirdest. Thing. Ever.

June was the strangest mixture of crazy and laid back. I was fairly busy, but pretty much everything that I was busy with (aside from finishing geometry) was fun or enjoyable, so it didn't stress me out like most things typically do. There was lots of time spent with friends, doing fun things around town, or working on redoing my bedroom. It was filled with doughnut adventures, camp-outs, ballet classes, and Starbucks hangouts. A guest post that I was really passionate about went up, and y'all's response was the absolute sweetest. The weather has been really warm, which I both love and hate. I can't even remember the last time that I could straighten my hair, because with the humidity it would just turn wavy again within twenty minutes. I just *love* that about the South.

I know that some people complain that summertime is boring, but I was never bored in June. I don't really think that July is going to be a boring month, either. Between blogging, novel writing, finishing my room, reading, spending more time with friends, birthdays, and working on completing my summer bucket list, I don't think that I'll have time to be bored!!

July truly is one of my favorite months. It's always just been the epitome of summertime in my mind. Thinking of July makes me think of sunshine, lake days, celebrating the 4th..the list goes on! I just love it. I'm also turning sixteen this month, which is slightly exciting, but mostly terrifying if you want to know the truth.

I'm going to try to knock off some more of my summer bucket list, which should be fun. I might even document some of it via Instagram, but I'll also post any photos on the blog so that those of you not on Instagram can still keep up with the adventures! Maybe a big summer wrap up photo dump towards the end of the summer?

Even though it's only the 1st, I'm already dreading July coming to an end. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to going back to school at all. I really shouldn't be thinking about this already, but I overthink everything on the planet so here we are. Here's to living in the moment and wishing August were just a *bit* further away;)

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R E S O L U T I O N S

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// Post 9 times - I WAS SO CLOSE. 8. UGH. WHY CAN'T I EVER HIT NINE. 

// Read at least 5 books - I'm crossing that halfway off. I only read three new books, but I did some rereading, so I probably did read five. I wanted to read five new ones, though, so I'm only giving myself half credit there. 

// Get back into journaling - Not yet. I've got to get back into that again. 

// Buy paint to redo my room  Not only did we buy the paint, but my room has been painted! I can't wait to finish redoing my room. :)

// Create a blog plan - Again, halfway complete. I'm currently working on it, but I didn't get a chance to finish it.

// Start back on my novel again  I didn't get a ton done, but I did start back!

// Finish up geometry and history  HECK YEAH!! I'm so happy, oh my gosh. So. So. Happy.

// Finish up my photo project - I didn't get to this. Things got crazy with the painting, and so I put off the photo project. I'm finishing it this month, though!

// Organize my room - Another halfway-complete. My room is fairly organized right now (closet has been cleaned, clothes organized, etc.), but we had to take everything out to paint and it hasn't been dry long enough for me to finish putting everything back in and organizing it. That'll be done this week!!

// Make a summer bucket list  Done! You can see that here! 

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J U L Y

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// Post 9 times. I'M SO DETERMINED GUYS.

// Read 6 new books. (Yes I'm ambitious)

// *Finally* get back into journaling

// Finish redoing my room

// Write at least four new chapters of my novel

// Work on a few new hand lettering pieces

// Spend time with people I haven't seen lately

// Attempt some baking

// Drink more water

// Stretch and work out a bit more frequently

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Are YOU excited for July? What are you up to this month? Any exciting plans for the 4th? How was YOUR June? Let's chat!