Traveling NYC With My Mother

Tonight I thought that I would post something little different. Despite the fact that I am a blogger, I'm not exactly sure that I would call myself a writer. I love to write, I just don't see myself as a writer per say. However I do enjoy creative writing (duh) and last year I was inspired by the essays I read in AP Lang. So here's my first ever publicized writing piece, my own essay/poem/whatever you want to call it, called Traveling NYC With My Mother, a Heartfelt and Sleepy Moment in Time. 

It is currently 1:30 AM and I am filled with a longing for New York. The city beckons like no other, and what I wouldn't give to be doing my schoolwork in that dirty little supermarket near Times Square. I listen to show tunes, not because I am a dedicated musical lover, but because of the nostalgic smile that makes its way across my face when I hear a song and remember the bitter cold we felt as walked as quickly as we could to the theater at night. Or the sleepiness I rubbed from my eyes when we left the hotel early in the morning to get tickets in the box office. I love the constant uncertainty, the thought that maybe it would be okay to have sushi for breakfast because it's the only thing we can find that won't take hours to eat. I crave the spinach and feta omelet from Applejacks diner that we ate two nights in a row because we missed our reservation at the gluten free Italian place and I long for the weird meat that remains a staple of the Hilton Garden Inn breakfast. MoMa is calling my name, and I laugh when I remember how we stood in separate ticket lines to see which one would be more efficient. I feel the need to wander the endless halls of the Met after paying fifty cents each for entrance like I feel the need for air. I miss the four hour bus rides filled with uncomfortable and uneasy sleep, and the crick in my neck that won't go away for a week. I crave hale & hearty soup, especially the hidden one at the bottom of Rockefeller square where we have to stalk the tables next to the Starbucks and follow our meal with coffee and a trip to the anthropologie that is practically next door. I miss the dingy bathroom in the bagel place where you need to bring your own toilet paper and pray you don't get yelled at for using the restroom without paying for something. I even miss that gross green tea drink I did buy there in an attempt to be trendy. New York beckons for me and I spend my nights trying not to answer its call.

Do you have any other passions?

xoxo, LC

As Seen On TV- Spencer Hastings

As I mentioned in my last post, Fall is my favorite time of year. Seriously- it doesn't get any better than this. One of my favorite things about Fall, (oh you know besides the food, smells, and colors) is the fashion. It's cold enough to stop sweating right when you step out the door, regardless of how little clothing you wear, but it's not so cold that it gets into your bones and you can't remember what it feels like to be warm again.

One of my other favorite things, regardless of the season, is to get outfit inspiration from my favorite TV characters. It's so simple and effortless, yet when I show up to school looking like I spent some serious time putting myself together, I look like I actually have the time and energy to pull myself together.

The character I tend to emulate most often is Spencer Hastings from Pretty Little Liars. Her style is impeccable and most days, I'm just as busy as she is, if not more so. Her love for coffee mirrors mine and her dedication to her schoolwork keeps me on track if I'm feeling a little lazy. My favorite looks of hers are for the colder weather, so in honor of the beginning of October, here are a few of my favorites!

image via 

I love this look because of how simple and timeless it is. I also love her hair in this picture, it's loosely curled and not in ringlets like Allison tends to do. This seems pretty easy to recreate and doesn't feature any top tier brands that I, unlike the exclusive Hastings, can't afford at 17 years old. 

image via

Troian Bellisario has legs that go on for miles, and so I, who am stuck at 5'2, tend to stay away from thigh high socks and riding boots. I simply don't have enough leg. However, I do love the concept of riding boots and skirts for Fall, it's one that I find myself recreating quite often. This look in particular is a bit too overdone for me, but I like the idea of a patterned and structured skirt with a simpler top. I think that I may recreate a variation of this with a striped skirt and plain top, or even with a simple skirt and patterned top. 

image via

This look is a bit edgier but I love her combo of the cape and riding/biker boots. The cape is extremely classic, but she makes it edgier and more versatile with the boots, a combination that I want to delve into a bit this season. Capes are also a new obsession of mine, and though I would never in a million years wear one to school, I'll keep my eye on one that isn't too expensive for college, especially if I end up in a cooler climate. 

image via

The only thing that I can't stand about this look is the teal sleeves. Aside from those, it's perfect. Between the olive blazer, the simple white button down, and the plaid skirt, I can't get enough. This look is exactly what I think of when I think Fall attire, and I have my eye on this plaid skirt to maybe recreate it. 

Who's look are you mimicking this season?

xoxo, LC

Fall Bucket List

Happy Monday/Jewish New Year/National Mean Girls Day everyone, (#it'sOctober3rd)!

Today has been extremely boring, filled with college essays and homework. Ew. However, my immense workload is slightly lightened by the fact that it's officially Fall and it shouldn't get higher than 73 degrees for the rest of the week. It's not ideal pumpkin patch weather, but it's getting there, baby steps, guys.

 When I say that Fall is my favorite season, I'm really not messing around. I love the weather, the fact that you can't go outside with a sweater or jacket, the smells, colors, holidays, (guess who's turning 18 in November??) and the food. I am 10000% obsessed with autumn and anyone who says that they like Fall more than me is, in my opinion, delusional. I mean you'd be hard pressed to find anyone happier than me on Fall's rainy, chilly, overcast days.

Obviously I couldn't be more excited for the season's festivities, so I thought that even though we're only a few days into October, I should post my Fall Bucket List!

photo via 

I'll do my best to keep you guys updated on how I'm doing with the list, perhaps doing separate posts for each one I complete...? We'll see. I've already made some headway as I've gone to one of our high school football games, but the heat was sweltering so it doesn't really count as a Fall activity in my opinion.

What are you planning on doing this Fall?
xoxo, LC

Done With the ACT???

Hi there and happy October 1st! In honor of the SAT this morning I thought I'd  confirm the rumors: Spetember's ACT marked my completion of standardized testing (until APs of course)!! A year's worth of studying, two SATs, two SAT subject tests, and two ACTs later and I finally made it to the finish line, and boy does it feel good. I worked so hard and I am also happy to report that it all payed off! Even though I'm super pumped to have finished with this, it's only the beginning as I am 100% focused on college apps now. However, in honor of its completion and the understanding that not everyone else is done, I thought I'd share a few standardized testing tips that I found extremely helpful this past year while they're still fresh. Enjoy!

ONE//Take practice tests!! This is really the only way to do it. I can't even begin to explain how helpful this was, even though it sucked. Between my first SAT and my second, I took over 75 practice sections, and it was definitely worth it. Same thing for the ACT. I hunkered down, and took practice tests until my I thought my brain would explode. Don't kill yourself over these but at the same time, there were more weekends than I care to admit in which I stayed home to take more tests rather than go out with friends. It was worth it though and I can't recommend this enough. 

TWO//Don't study the night before. In my freshman year, my APUSH summed it up about as clearly as anyone could: If you don't know it the night before then you're not going to know it for the test. So at about 6:00 PM two nights before the exam I put away all my studying materials and accept that where I am in that moment will have to be good enough. Then do something fun the night before the test! I'm not saying that you should go party until 2 AM but get your mind off of the test. I went to my football game until half-time, and was then in bed by 10. It kept me distracted and my nerves in check until the next morning. 

THREE//Don't study, but do get your stuff together the night before. The night before my test I always pack my things in my bag, and write a checklist to be filled out the morning of. This usually includes my testing ticket, photo ID, calculator, at least three pencils, a pencil sharpener, and extra eraser, two snacks, and a 32 ounce refillable water bottle. The proctor may not allow you to keep the water bottle at your side but I like to drink a lot during breaks, I find that water helps me stay alert and focused. 

FOUR//Get to the bottom of your answers. I understand that not everyone can afford the hefty price tag that often comes with tutors. However, I do recommend asking a teacher or peer if you don't understand something. The most important thing about taking practice tests is learning from your mistakes. When you get a question wrong, try to figure out why so you can avoid making that same mistake on the real exam. If you can't figure out how to get to a certain answer, or simply want to know why your answer was incorrect, put in the work! Google it, ask a teacher/parent/friend, or re-do it until you get there. I promise you won't regret getting to the bottom of what may seem impossible at first.

FIVE//Stay calm. In the grand scheme of things, your score is just a number. It does not have to define you, and remember that in fifteen years, no one will care what you got on the SAT/ACT. Many great schools are also test-optional if you feel that uncomfortable with your score. As long as you work hard and put in the effort, your score will be what it will be, don't focus on it too much. Good luck to all of you who are are still in the vortex of testing, don't worry, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! 

What are your tips for standardized testing? 

xoxo, LC

My Top Five Makeup Products!

Less than a week until senior year officially begins! Wow, that went by faster than I could have ever imagined. It's crazy to think that four short years ago I was gearing up to start high school! I remember freshman orientation like it was yesterday, and now I'm leading it tomorrow. That's insane.

However, as much as I hate to admit that school is staring, (or already started for some of you) we can't hide from the truth. And for me, with the purchase of fresh notebooks, brightly packaged highlighters, and clean backpacks also comes the purchase of some new makeup as the bare-faced days of camp come to a close. So I thought that this would be the perfect time to share a few of my favorites and what I find myself refilling or re-purchasing! Here they are! 

Tarte Eyeshadow Quad// I have no idea where this eyeshadow quad came from, but one day it just showed up, perfectly packaged in my bathroom! I, being the courageous adventurer that I am, dared to open it and test it out, only to find that I absolutely loved all four colors! The light, sparkly brown on the top left is the color I drift towards for daily wear, however I have been known to try out the darker, (still sparkly) brown on the bottom right for special occasions. It's super convenient for travel and extremely versatile, I only wish I could tell you where I got it! 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer// Funny enough, Catherine from Preppy by the Sea  did a blog post this morning on her summer favorites, and this made her list as well. I guess all bloggers think alike! While I do love this product for the summer, I use it all year round, and have been since seventh grade when I first starting wearing makeup on a regular basis. My mom had been using the regular version for ages and when it came time to buy me makeup, she discovered the oil-free version and I've been using it ever since! I've found that I go through about 2 or 3 tubes a year, depending on how often I use it over the summer and have yet to find a BB cream or lightweight foundation that works as well as this one does. As an added bonus, it has SPF 20 sunscreen! My mom's number one rule about face makeup is that it has to have some sort of SPF in it or she won't buy it for me, #palepeopleproblems, so it's a win-win in terms of coverage and protection. It's perfect for everyday use and I cannot recommend it enough, I've even gotten one or two of my friends hooked on it. 

L'Oréal Butterfly Mascara (Waterproof)// During the school year I am not very picky when it comes to mascara, almost anything I can get my hands on will do. However over the summer, waterproof mascara is not a want, but a need. Between lifeguard training, the surprise thunderstorm, or the tear-jerkingly meaningful program, at camp, threats to my mascara's wellbeing are never far away. It is for those reasons and a million more that I do not get on those buses each summer without arming myself with waterproof mascara. I often gravitate to this one for a number of reasons, it holds up both in the shower and in the pool, (or lake!) it's fairly inexpensive, and makes my eyelashes look amazing! I love it and have already repurchased it this summer. 

Stilla Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner// This is another one of those products that I've been using since the seventh grade. I'm pretty sure this was the first eyeliner that I ever used, and I still ask for a new one for my birthday every single year. If that isn't a testament to how great this is, then I don't know what is. While that also may be a testament to how little my makeup skills have improved in the past 5 years, I would prefer to look past that, and focus on how spectacular this eyeliner is! It goes on evenly  and smoothly in a matter of seconds, and always looks good. Plus it follows the same protocol as my waterproof mascara, it looks amazing and stays on just as well! 

*picture from nordstrom website*

NARS Blush in Orgasm// This blush is the absolute best! I've been using it since I was ten and only wore blush to my dance recitals and it's still a favorite of mine. So much so, that I have it in both power and cream! I tend to use the stick for everyday use and the powder when I'm dressing up a bit, but that's just me, they're both fantastic. My mom and I both use NARS blushes, they go on so well and are so easy to use so as to avoid accidentally making yourself look like you fell asleep in the sun. 

 

What are your favorite makeup products? 

xoxo, LC

Camp Recap

Hi everyone, long time no chat; it's been a couple of months so let's catch up! This may be a bit one sided but I'm willing to give it a try. 

How has your summer been? What have you been up to? Did you do anything interesting or meet any nice people since we last spoke? What was your favorite meal that you ate in the month of June? Have you developed a new favorite color since we had our last chat? Did you learn anything new or exciting since I left you?

Wow, that's awesome, thank you for sharing! Me? What have I been up to? Oh stop, you're too sweet. 

Well this summer, I spent seven weeks at my favorite place on earth, camp! I've been going to camp for the past eight years and this summer marked my ninth and final summer as a camper. Have no fear, I will be returning next summer as a staff member but having to say goodbye to my days as a camper at the place where I practically grew up was extremely difficult. Let's just say that I cried for hours and do not foresee any camp-related emotional stability in my near future. I had the summer of my life and as a counselor in training, or CIT, I met some amazing new people and learned so much about not only how to care for kids, but about myself as well. I also did some training as a lifeguard which was awesome and everything that I had ever dreamed it would be. I've wanted to be a camp lifeguard for as long as I can remember and actually getting the chance to shadow the lifeguards was an amazing opportunity for me.  

I loved spending the whole seven weeks rather than the short three week session that I usually attend, and it was so nice to have an extended break from not just school, but from the entire world. Camp is my safe place and second home, (click here to read my post from last summer about why I go to camp) but it is also a bubble and very isolating. I love it there and wouldn't trade these past seven weeks for anything, but I am happy and ready to be back. I need to get in the groove of things for senior year! I also have some exciting things planned for the blog so I'm stoked to get things rolling over here as well! 

I'll leave off with a few photos from this summer, until Wednesday! 

xoxo, LC

SADIE HAWKINS

For starters, I would like to begin with a formal explanation for where I've been for the past few weeks. It begins with an S and ends with a T. If you guessed SAT, then you'd be correct! I took the SAT (hopefully for the last time) on the 20th of February and needed some time beforehand to devote all of my attention to it, and then even more time afterwards to catch up on all the schoolwork that I had been avoiding whilst studying for a certain "stupid a** test." So, sorry for being MIA. 

Alright, now that I've gotten that off my chest, it't time to get down and dirty. Well not so much dirty, but definitely down. (Do you get it? "down," because it was a dance. Get down? Lmao I just crack myself up.)
  Last night our school had its first Sadie Hawkins dance in a few years. Unfortunately, my high school is known for our lack of school spirit and the year prior to my freshman year they held a spring dance on the same day as some big concert and almost no one showed up. So up until this year, homecoming in the fall and senior prom in the spring were the only dances all year. Fortunately for me, this year's seniors were determined to have one last dance before prom and convinced our principle to give it another shot. And from what I saw I think it went pretty well, considering the tickets were completely sold out. Anyway, I had an amazing time, and feel even more lucky than usual to have such supportive parents and really close friends. Despite how cheesy that may be.
In terms of what I wore, while I was excited about the dance, I wasn't about to go out and drop a lot of money on a brand new dress, so I did what any other rational person would do, I stole this one from an absolute stranger! (dress from free people.)

Nah, I'm just kidding, while I didn't actually buy a new dress, I did borrow this one from my best friend (with full permission,) which she had worn to homecoming in the fall. It was super comfy and if I'm being honest, with all the sparkles I did feel pretty spectacular walking around in it #princessstatus. I was not in the mood to repeat the homecoming debacle, during which I wore shoes to make me a normal height but was then forced to walk around my high school barefoot because of the lack of feeling coming from my feet after a few hours. So I ended up wearing a pair of super comfy wedges (from target of all places) and even though I wasn't super tall and they didn't exactly go perfectly with my dress, my feet thanked me and I was still shorter than my date. Overall, a pretty good decision in my opinion!
The whole night was really fun, because I'm on SGA and am responsible for a lot during homecoming, it always stresses me out. Not to mention that everyone goes all out at my school, fancy dress, party bus, fancy restaurant for dinner, etc. Overall a very stressful weekend. So sadie's was a more low-key and stress free homecoming, something I really appreciated. Enough from me, here are some pictures from the night!


owner of the dress, EHS


my date and me :)


#selfie


another date pic, how cute


night would not have been complete without a quick stop for late-night french toast and milkshakes, duh

xoxo, LC