Back-to-School series #2: Redesigning your style

A new school year is the perfect opportunity to show everyone how much your style has improved over the summer. Did you dress a little sloppy last year? Was your go-to-outfit a hoodie, sweatpants, and flip flops? Fear no more, for I am here to help you dominate homeroom.

1. Go shopping!
This is the first step to preparing for a new school year. Sure, you can wear clothes from last year, and most people probably won't notice. But try to buy as much new stuff as possible, or give your old outfits a fresh spin. A simple way to spice up the typical jeans and a t-shirt look is to wear statement shoes, or a few pieces of jewelry to add some bling.

2. Experiment!
Over the summer, I always experiment with new make-up. New foundation colors, different mascaras, and various shades of eyeshadows are just a few examples. Summer break is also a great time to perfect your new (or old) make-up routine. Suck at giving yourself a winged eye? Practice every day, and I promise-you'll get better by the time school rolls around.

3. Get inspired!
Whenever I want a break from my usual style, I go straight to YouTube and stalk beauty channels until I am satisfied. Subscribe to magazines, like Seventeen and Teen Vogue. Go online and look on Pinterest for awesome step-by-step tutorials. New year, new you! Don't be scared to step out of your comfort zone, because if you never do, then you will never reach your true potential.

4. Write it down!
Sitting down and making a list of things you need to do for you before school starts is 100% necessary. Attack simple things, like getting rid of your acne, dropping a few pounds, and/or getting your hair cut/dyed/highlighted. Invest in some whitening strips a week or two before school, and let your pearly whites shine. Have bags under your eyes? Make a pact to go to bed an hour or two earlier than you normally do, and start using eye cream.

5. Make one major change!
Sure, the majority of conscious would notice if you dropped 10-20 pounds. And if you dyed your hair jet black when you're a natural blonde-people will talk. But instead of getting a new piercing, dying your hair, and going from girly to goth, try to make your changes a little more subtle. Aim for things like working out a few times a week, and get that body you've always wanted. Eat healthier for clearer, brighter, visibly healthier skin. Take care of your hair as though it were a prized silk garment-meaning try not to use heat all summer to let it recharge itself. Is your skin super oily? Try using a face mask a few times a week to soak up some of that greasiness.

Chao!
-Ada

Back-to-School series #1: Going back to school with confidence

This is part 1 of 5 in my "Back-to-School" series. I hope you guys enjoy this mini-series of blog posts!

Confidence is something that everyone lacks at some point in their lives. Whether it be that one second when your crush looks at you in the hallway and you didn't brush your hair, or something that hangs over you like a cloud. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has felt this way before. Celebrities, politicians, your mom-everyone experiences low self-esteem at some point in time.

With school slowly creeping up on us, it's easy to panic about new clothes, who you are going to sit with at lunch, grades, anything really. I know I'm freaking out in the clothing department, because I've barely done any shopping.

So here are some tips from probably the most insecure person in the world: me.

1. Forget about anything that happened last year

Let's be honest here. Nobody is going to remember exactly what outfits you wore last year. They might remember one or two accessories, but that's it. And that absolutely humiliating moment when you tripped and fell in the hallway? Yup, lock it away in the 'embarrassing moments I never want to remember again' file. Chances are-if you forget about it, then everyone else will forget about it. Especially if they are teasing you about it, then you should just laugh it off. Besides, you know you would laugh, had it been somebody else that had tripped.

2. Try to go a little more natural

Make-up is both good, and evil. It can be the most amazing thing ever, or it can turn you into a monster. Nobody likes a girl who is afraid to even get out of bed without 1/2 a pound of foundation on her face. I interviewed several guys, and they all said, "I prefer girls who wear less make-up. The natural look shows that they're confident, and aren't ashamed of what they look like." So skip that extra layer of mascara, hold off the winged eye for today, and apply a little less bronzer.  If you want to even out your skin tone while still looking natural, then wear liquid foundation or BB cream. It works w-o-n-d-e-r-s!

3. Stay true to yourself

Staying true to yourself is possibly the most important thing you can do to ensure a fulfilling school year. Let's say you're out shopping with your BFF's. You see this totally adorbs sweater that you've been wanting for quite some time now, and it's clearanced. It would just be plain stupid to pass it up, so you decide to buy it. But one of your friends makes a face at the check-out, and makes a snarky comment about how ugly it is. You end up putting the sweater back, and your confidence is shattered for the rest of the day. But it should be like that. First off, you shouldn't be hanging with people who don't appreciate your style and who you are. Second, you should buy the sweater anyways. Stop caring so much about what other people think. Sure, dress to impress. Personal hygiene, dressing nice, and having a decent personality are expected of you. But don't run home crying if you overhear someone talking smack about you in the hallway. No matter how bad (or how true) it is, just hold your head high and smile. Remember-people who talk behind your back are behind you for a reason.

4. Have a healthy lifestyle
Okay, I know you've probably heard enough about this whole "eat-well-look-well-be-well" scheme. But I am here to tell you, that it's far from a scheme. Having a nice body gives anyone a boost of confidence (including men). Drinking water is important if you want great skin, running does give you a nice booty, and choosing a salad over a steak will be worth it in the long run. So drink a glass of water when you wake up, go out for a jog and see where you end up, and hit-up subway instead  of McDonald's. Trust me-you'll be thanking me later. Make sure you get enough sleep at night; at least 7 hours if you don't play sports, and 8-9 hours if you do play sports. I know how tempting it is to stay up until 1am scrolling through your Tumblr, but you'll be SO glad you didn't the next morning. Also, if your teeth are yellowish, try a whitening system a few days before school starts. Pearly whites never scared anyone away!

5. Stay organized
This is completely necessary if you even plan on getting good grades this year (which you should). At the beginning of the year, choose a system. Maybe a medium sized binder for every core class (biology, geometry, social studies, English-you get the idea), and another medium binder for all of your electives. That way the important classes each have their own designated area, and the not-so-important classes are all combined into one binder. Don't rush from class to class and just throw your stuff in your locker. Take the time to organize it and put each folder and book where it belongs. Avoid carrying more than two books to each class-it might have been okay in middle school when you had less time between classes to swap books, but in highschool, it's not cool. And don't just shove your papers in your book. Most teachers give out cheap folders on the first day, so take advantage of that if needed.

Chao!
-Nicole

July Bookshelf

Reading over the summer isn't as bad as you think it might be. It gives you time to read that new book that everyone was talking about before school ended, but you didn't have time to read because of finals (ew). Well, now is your chance to relax and flip the pages of your new favorite novel.

1. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Okay, if you haven't read this, then you are seriously behind. But maybe you went to see the movie, and forgot about the book (though that would be a pretty hard thing to do). Make a trip to Barnes & Noble, and I guarantee that you will have it finished by the next morning. Okay? Okay.

2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This is similar to TFIOS, except nobody is terminally ill (thankfully). The characters are awkward, charming, and hilarious. This is a super sexy read that you don't want to miss.

3. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Though it's been out for more than a few years, 'Just Listen' tells the story of a girl who has many different factors in her life. She's a model, her family isn't what it seems, she's falling head over heels in love with a guy whose entire life revolves around music-you get the idea. But the authors unique way of writing draws the reader in, and will have you smiling for days.

4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Did you like the 'Twilight' series? Of course you did. You're going to love this trilogy, especially since it involves werewolves and an innocent girl (sound familiar?). Grace and Sam are a couple I totally ship, and I'm pretty sure that you will be too as soon as you open the cover.

5. Bossypants by Tina Fey
Written by the one and only, Tina Fey, this is possibly the funniest book I have ever read. She tells stories on how she adapted from a girl, to a teenager, and finally a woman. Her LOL writing technique will have you doing just that-laughing out loud.

That's all I have for you today, my little bookworms. I hope you all plan on reading through the summer. Because let's face it: you want to read every book on this list.

Chao!
-Nicole

Cheap Vacay's

Hey guys/girls. I know I'm not the only one who hasn't been on vacation this summer yet, and with school starting in less than two weeks-you probably don't have much time to plan a vacation before school starts. But no worries-I've got you covered! Day-trips are hella rad, so prepare to bring that convertible out of the garage.

If you're on a budget, theses are some great places to go. The upside: the only fees are gas and admission fees (and maybe some orange leaf)!

1. The Beach

Well duh, everyone knows that the beach is a hotspot for cute guys, fruit smoothies, and tan lines. But what about the more charming, romantic side of the beach? Focus a little less on your tan, and a little more time collecting sea shells. Just by switching up how you spend your time at the beach, can totally affect your outlook on the whole thing. It's all about perspective, people. If you don't live by the beach, then go to the lake. If the lake is big enough-it's hard to tell the difference.

2. Art Festivals

Remember that ad for an art festival you saw the other day? Well, bring out your fringe tank top, because it's a destination you don't want to miss this summer. There's nothing quite like being around laid back people and admiring their handiwork. Plus, you can score on a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e jewelry that most likely won't cost you a whole lot of cash.

3. The Drive-in

Drive-in's are forgotten gems. It's way better than the movie theater, because you are free to get up and walk around without worrying about embarrassing yourself. And they usually have a signature food that thats really good. Besides-who wouldn't pick curling up in a blanket burrito over sitting next to that couple that won't stop making out?

That's all I have for you guys today. These can also be chill dates, if you've got your eye on a summer fling.

Chao!

-Nicole

New take on my blog

Phew, summer break sure is flying by. It seems that only yesterday, I was typing up my June post...

I have made the exciting decision to make this blog a 'life' blog. It was kind of one from the start, but anything and everything I find interesting-will be posted here. I will post recipes of mine, decorating ideas, fashion advice-pretty much everything for teenagers, 20-something's, or even adults who wish to be inspired. I hope you all enjoy this new spin on my little blog! :)

-Nicole

Summer Vacation Update & Social Media Sites

Hello my darlings! Once again-I hope you are all having a fantastic summer vacation.

I rode Red yesterday, which was pretty awesome. We cantered around the field for the first time since October, and he was so happy to be able to get outside (and I was too)!

I am sincerely excited to start high school. It's a new chapter in my life, and I plan on taking it one step at a time. Grades are what matters most, so I'm going to really crack the books this year.

My favorite thing about going back to school, is shopping for new clothes and school supplies. Last year, I was color coordinated. Meaning my phone case was black and pink, as was my kindle, lipstick, etc.

So this year, my new color scheme is... *drumroll*

Not being revealed until I actually find stuff in this exact color combination! :D

You guys love me and you know it.

Goodnight everybody. I'm off to Polyvore.

-Nicole

PS: Would you like to follow/like me on my other social media sites? Lucky for you guys, I have them right here:

Twitter: WallflowerEquestrian
Facebook: Burning Candle Studios
YouTube: Friendly-Unicorn-Ninjas
Tumblr: Trotting-To-Rolex
Pinterest: TalkNerdyToMe
Polyvore: TalkNerdyToMe

PPS: I follow back everyone, unless I really don't like you. I'm pretty active on all of these sites, so check back often. Thanks guys!

Study, study, and study

Hey guys! I hope you're all having an awesome summer break! I know I sure am.

I've been to waterparks, amusement parks, kayaking, bike riding, and I might be going down south for a week! :D

What I've been doing with about 75% of my time, though, is studying. I know it sounds suicidal, but I had an A/B average this school year, and I really need to get a 4.0 if I want to pursue a career in the medical field. So, I've been studying everything from biology to Algebra.

I have been riding once since break began, and I'm going again tomorrow, and I'm so excited to be riding the Red pony once again. *activate happy dance mode*

Also, I've been exercising more than I usually do, because I want to look great when I go back to school. Besides-who doesn't want to look good going into their first year of highschool?

You guys should take a minute to check out my polyvore, because, well... I'm pretty proud of it. :3

Username= meghan-weatherford

Toodles!

-Nicole