FINE & DANDY

With all the stress of school and due dates hanging over your head, it's hard to find time to hang out with your friends and be stupid together. 

But I'm thankful that the past couple of weeks have been filled with much laughter and exciting moments. 

8/29/15

My little baby Emma (the cute redhead in my arms) turned fifteen last month, and we celebrated by having a stereotypical Floridian beach party. The weather was perfect, for once, and the sunburns on our backs were proof of a fantastic morning. 

9/18/15

A Sarah and Kalli date was long overdue, so we decided to go downtown and try our hand at painting pottery (I'm a little afraid to see the end results). We then decided to have a mini photo shoot because that's just kinda the thing you do when you're surrounded by beautiful, abandoned homes and perfect white walls, right? 

9/20/15 & 9/22/15

Krynnie and I finally got together after about four months of failed attempts!! We went to see that new maze runner movie, and it turned out to be a very interesting night because 1) the movie was way more scary and gory than we thought it would be, 2) we were so scared but yet we were laughing our butts off at the same time, so ??? 3) a random woman decided to turn the movie theater aisles into a catwalk. 

9/22/15

TEAM PHOTO DAY! Words cannot describe how much I love all these girls! And taking pictures with them is a blast and a hassle all in one so it's always a wonderful adventure. Photo day is probably my favorite thing about volleyabll. I mean, who needs all those stressful games and matted ponytails?! Not me! 

HERE'S TO GOOD TIMES & GOOD FRIENDS. 

BACK TO THE GRIND

VOLLEYBALL HAS STARTED, ONCE AGAIN! Which means that my knees are now covered in bruises the size of my fist. Oh how I love this sport!! 

I may or may not be being sarcastic. 

No but really, even though I'm not a huge fan of the stressful games and Coach yelling at me every two seconds, I love my girls. They're the best and always so encouraging! We make the best out of being bench warmers and look good as heck in our uniforms, hence all the photos.

This year we're losing a lot of great seniors, including my girl Kryn!!! That's right, she's all grown up and ready to take on the world, and looking fabulous while doing it, of course. Honey, I love you so much! I'm really going to miss you on the court next year! We definitely need to have that "play in your pearls and high heels" game before you graduate because priorities!

Glimpses of summer

1. COUSIN PARTY AT DAYTONA BEACH (look, you can see my baby abs!)

2. DA KINE DIEGO'S INSANE BURRITOS (I hate burritos but I love photogenic soda bottles)

3. SITTING ON A LOG, WISHING I WAS A MERMAID (Ariel, trade with me)

4. JULY FOURTH (I hid under the blankets all night)

5. CARTOON NIGHT AT CHURCH WITH EMMA (neither of us participated)

6. THE BEACH AND COFFEE (a perfect combo)

After an unexpected three week blogging break, I decided it was time to get back into the swing of things, so that should explain why I dumped all these random pictures on my blog. 

I have three weeks left of summer, and I'm expecting to make them count! I've already gotten a tan, tried a new coffee flavor, and saw some real life manatees, but I have a few goals that are yet to be accomplished. (one of these being to watch Titanic without crying like a baby...)

HERE'S TO #SUMMER2K15 AND ALL THE WONDERFUL MOMENTS STILL TO COME.

MERMAIDS FOR DAYS

Because when you make Bostwick into a mermaid, it has to be properly documented. 

#mermaidsrule

P IS FOR PROM

Yes, homeschoolers have proms, too!

(And we have some mighty good ones.)

Last Saturday, me and like twenty of my friends threw on some fancy clothes and danced the night away. We also ate some really good tacos.

UPSIDE TO HAVING PROM ON THE BEACH: it's so pretty and picture perfect!!
DOWNSIDE TO HAVING PROM ON THE BEACH: the wind is strong and sometimes your pictures are not so perfect. Exhibit A and B are right here.

Our group kind of made up the majority of prom, but hey, the more the merrier! Most of these kids have been my besties since middle school (ah, middle school...the wonderful age of awkardness and bad style.) so it was pretty great. I'd say that the blistered feet and tangled hair were worth it.
#swingprom2k15

When all the homeschoolers get together

What better way to kick off the summer than with a trip to the beach with your favorite people?!

(the fact that we had burgers for lunch is just a bonus.)

Our day was spent playing volleyball, climbing on rocks, listening to good music, witnessing manatees kissing, and getting really sunburnt. Also, I lost my voice, conviently the day before I was supposed to give a speech for school. Which turned out alright because I never gave it.

Oops.

Anyway, my last final exams were yesterday, so I'm DONE! And I hope summer comes with a lot more days like this!

SWEET SIXTEEN (literally.)

GUESS WHO TURNED SIXTEEN YESTERDAY.

That's right, it's me!!! Let's all rejoice!

Although I still had to study for finals and you know, do life, it was still a pretty decent birthday because (1) no one forgot it was my birthday, (2) I got a dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme, and (3) I had Chick-Fil-A for dinner. What more can you ask for?! That's the perfect birthday if you ask me.

I didn't have a big, fancy sweet sixteen party like everyone normally does. Instead, me and a few of my closest friends stayed in the sun all day long (and we have the sunburns to prove it) playing volleyball, listening to good music, and watching manatees.

Don't worry, there will be a post about that coming up soon! But for now, enjoy this picture of my perfectly stacked birthday donuts. Please note that it took me about half an hour to arrange them just right.

Advice from a wise sage (that's me!)

WHY IS TIME GOING BY SO FAST. 

My sophmore year is almost over. My sister is graduating high school. My best friends will be graduating next year. I'm about to turn sixteen. WHAT IS HAPPENING.

Guys, you've probably heard this a million times already, but one more time can't hurt: we need to cherish every moment. Every laugh, every tear, every post on Instagram, every chicken nugget. We're only young for so long, and don't we want something to smile about when we're sitting in a rocking chair while watching Wheel of Fortune sixty years from now?

Take risks. Go on adventures. Try something new, even if it's a new salsa for your tortilla chips.

We're only a couple weeks away from the end of the school year and after this, I won't be going back to Heritage. I'll really miss it, even though I had to give several speeches and read way too many confusing books. And yet, so many of my best memories were made there! (my favorite being the time I hit one of my teachers on the head with a ball) But it's time to grow up and experience new things, so I'll be spending my junior and senior year at our community college.

Knowing that everything is changing so quickly, I've been able to appreciate everything a little more. The beach days, photo shoots with Kryn, and spontaneous swing dancing with friends. When you look back at all the fun things that've happened, you realize that life is truly beautiful! I encourage you to do the same, friends!!

The life of a procrastinator...

I've been doing really well with getting stuff done on time, and sometimes even early!! (whaaat?!) But all that is kind of going to waste now because of a couple friendly distractions...
1. Barnes & Nobles (aka my new home) 
2. Pinterest (this is true for all of us! don't try to deny it.)
3. DUNKIN DONUTS (insert heart eye emoji here)

I was reading this book about India for school and then all of a sudden, my mind starts wandering. I need new oxfords. Should I save up for a new lens? I want to make a homemade latte! Any tips on how to stay focused?! Clearly, I need it!

Also, I may or may not have made this blog for the purposes of avoiding homework...

Before I go, I would like to thank my wonderful sponsors mentioned above for keeping my priorities straight. (donuts are obviously way more fun than homework!) And a big shout out to Miranda Sings for her wonderful tips on how to get out of school doing school.

HOW TO DO VALENTINES DAY THE SINGLES' WAY

1. GATHER UP ALL YOUR SINGLE BUDDIES 

2. GO HAVE LUNCH AT AL LOCAL BURGER SHOP

3. WANDER INTO RANDOM SHOPS DOWNTOWN

4. GO ON A MINI ROAD TRIP

5. VISIT A BETHEL CONCERT 

My Valentine > yours.

GREETINGS FROM AN OBVIOUS DONUT LOVER!

Guys, valentines day is in six days. And since I obviously won't have a hot boyfriend to buy me chocolates and roses and all that jazz, I thought, why not treat myself with some delicious (and very photogenic) donuts? 

So, I did!!! (wonderful story, right?!)

Also, I advise everyone reading this not to eat three donuts within one hour. I learned this the hard way.

Moral of this post is that you don't need a valentine, as long as you have donuts.
#wisewordsfromsarah

VALENTINES DAY DIY

Yay, a diy!!! Are you guys as excited as I am?! 

Probably not. 

Anyway, you know those little candy hearts that everyone gives out on valentines day? Yeah, the ones that taste like cardboard in your mouth. Totally gross. I'd say those things are a waste of food coloring. 

Well, as disgusting as they may be, they're still so darn cute! (and really photogenic!) So here we have a diy inspired by those repulsive candies! 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
a heart shaped wooden box (something like this). I got mine from Micheal's
pastel paints
alphabet stamp pack (here is the link to mine)
red ink pad

HOW TO MAKE IT:
One: paint your entire box (inside and out for a finished look!)
Two: wait for it to dry...
Three: look online for some cute phrases that are normally on the candies (xoxo is a favorite of mine!) and using your stamps, put it on your box! (I used a ruler to make sure I had the letters on straight!)

And you're done!! If you want, you can fill your box with sweets and give it to your significant other. I'll be giving mine to my cat. She'll love it. 

Inspired by a vanilla latte...

I took a bit of a blogging break (though I didn't know I was taking one...it just kind of happened) because my mind has been all over the place lately, and I can't seem to focus on anything. I had so much stuff going on all at once and then BAM, I had nothing to do and what does that result in? Netflix and cookie dough, yes.

And also being sad and alone.

Anyway, my point is, I haven't been myself lately. I haven't been obsessing over the very important things in life such as nail polish and Dylan O'brien. I haven't been butting into every conversation possible or taking selfies in the classroom.

But this weekend has been better. I went to a nice, quiet little cafe with a good friend, and also discovered that I am in love with vanilla lattes. (seriously, I tried one last week and I can't stop drinking them. I think I have a problem!) And then tonight at youth group, a young girl was talking about changing yourself if you aren't happy with who you are, and it inspired me.

Whenever bad things happen in my life, my solution always seems to be to shut down and block everyone out. But I don't want to do that anymore. I want to tell people about my problems and get some encouragement. It's really hard for me to open up sometimes, but I think it'll be good for me!

And also, I've discovered this: I need to stay busy in order to be happy. I love going from one place to another, rushing around, having places to be, things to do. And sometimes it gets a little overwhelming! Trying to juggle school and a social life, it's difficult! But it beats having nothing to do all day so business it is!

All I'm trying to say is that I'm going to start changing who I am. I'm going to be more positive and friendly and try to get the best out of life, because we are here for such a short time, so why waste it?

"LIFE IS A GIFT. 

WAKE UP EVERYDAY AND

REALIZE THAT."

TWENTY FIFTEEN GOALS.

It's already January 8th and I haven't shared my new year's goals with all of you. How can that be?! Oh well, better late then never, am I right??

I actually wasn't sure if I wanted to do this this year. Usually whenever I make goals of any kind, they just end up being ignored and forgotten. I felt like it was a waste of time, trying to get my lazy butt off the couch and out doing something. But yet, here I am, making more goals that probably will not be accomplished!!!

A NEW ACTIVITY TO TRY|| I used to be so scared to try something new, but now I'm opening up to the idea! I love making new friends and new memories. I've recently found a new love for theater, so who knows what my next obsession will be! Maybe dance lessons? Bagpipes?

A NEW BOOK TO READ||  I always tend to forget that we have these things called libraries, and that in these libraries are thousands of magnificent books that will take you to a whole new world. I keep searching for the perfect book, but so far I haven't found it! Book suggestions, anyone?!

SAY YES TO LOTS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES|| It's crazy how often I find myself bored. And part of the reason is because I always turn people down when they invite me to things. But I've decided to start being such a grouch, put some decent clothes on, and go out and have fun. I'm always glad when I do!

BAKE MORE|| Baking is something I really enjoy doing, and I started a cake pop business a couple years ago. It brought me a decent amount of cash, but it's kind of fading off now!! So I really want to learn some more recipes and make some fancy stuff. Partly because deserts are delicious, and partly because they make for great instagram pictures. It's a win win!

Only four goals this year; I wanted to keep it short and sweet so that I might actually have a chance at accomplishing half of them. Hopefully I can stick to it this year!

DECEMBER LOVIN'

"You have one month to finish the book of 2014. Make the last chapter a good one."

OH HOW I LOVE DECEMBER!

Every year the month of December just keeps getting better and better. But honestly, I don't know if this one can ever be topped!! From tea parties at Heritage to surprise ice skating celebrations, every day has something exciting going on!

I've met so many new people, shared so many laughs, and too many hugs to keep count. I have really been blessed by such wonderful friends who are always up for anything, including impromptu Starbucks dates and late night facetiming! (I'm talking about you, Kryn!) 

Let's hope 2015 can live up to this year! It'll be hard but I have faith!

SHOW TIME!

 I'm freaking out for one reason, that reason being...

Opening for A Wonderful Life is in two days. 

We have one more rehearsal before the big show, but I can't figure out if I should be saying "we only have one more rehearsal" or "we still have one more rehearsal" It's all about phrasing, my friends!

I'm so excited, even though my excitement is mixed with a little nervousness and the constant feeling that I want to hide under my bed every time we have a show. But, I think the whole cast is having the same feelings as me, so we'll just have to pull through together!

Ignoring the nerves and such, I have really enjoyed being apart of this musical. I've made so many new friends and shared way more laughs with them than I thought I would. New inside jokes were formed (some of them about my hideous costumes), and goofing off backstage has become a must for us every rehearsal.

I love this cast and I'm looking forward to some wonderful shows!!

School Can be Fun...right?

Being homeschooled has its perks, such as your "school" isn't actually a school. It's a little group that gets together once a week and discusses things like Bacon's philosophy (Bacon the person, not the delicious food that everyone loves) and absolute phrases. Since we only meet once a week, that means that I don't have to try and look presentable 5 days of the week, which is a blessing because I don't have the energy for such things!!

Though I'm not a big fan of all the textbooks and, you know, the learning, but we always find a way to have fun with it. And in case you haven't noticed, most of our fun comes from taking snapchats in class and going on quick little donut runs.

And yes, we do have to wear uniforms, but we can make them work! I mean, look at Kryn here. She's always wearing a cute little skirt and big necklaces and making all the jaws drop. It's her specialty!!

All I'm trying to say is, homeschoolers can have fun too. And this post proves it.
#lovemyhomies

Christmas in Bedford Falls

I'm doing something different this Christmas. I'm in a musical at our local community theatre.

The musical is A Wonderful Life, you know, the one about the guy who owns the bank and he's getting really poor and he decides to try and kill himself? It's the perfect, happy musical for Christmas time, isn't it?!

Okay, okay, it's still a great show. I'm so blessed to be in it, even if I'm just ensemble!! We're all having so much fun. The shows start in December, I'm so excited! I've never done a main stage production like this before, but my sister usually auditions for their musicals and it always looks like a blast. So I thought, why not?!

Shifting gears!

That cool weather that we had a while ago is long gone. Now we're back to 80 degree days and shorts. And yet, I'm still drinking hot cocoa!

It's not even Thanksgiving and my whole family has started putting on the Christmas music and breaking out the candy canes. Who am I to complain, though? I'm a sucker for these things!

Also, to get myself in the mood, I've bought three sweaters to prepare myself for the harsh Florida cold (more like the harsh Florida heat. But a girl can dream). And what better way to break in a brand new sweater than to spill pizza sauce on it? Am I right?

Good thing our family is a family of messes, therefore I know a thing or two about stains.

thoughts on a rainy tuesday.

START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE THOUGHT. I keep seeing this all over Pinterest and the more I see it, the more I love it. Whenever I wake up, I'll think about something positive, like "It's almost Christmas" or "I'm going to get donuts today". (don't judge. Donuts make me happy.)

INNER BEAUTY IS GREAT, BUT A LITTLE MASCARA NEVER HURT. Lots of people are debating on whether or not makeup is okay for girls to wear, and I started getting a little confused too. But then I realized, makeup is a way for girls to feel good about themselves. It's a way for us to express ourselves, and I think that's just fine. Boys have their abs that give them self-confidence, and girls have their makeup. 

LIFE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE WONDERFUL. Life will never be perfect. You will never be perfect. Nothing will every be perfect. But we can still have fun, enjoy life,  because life is beautiful. Get out there and sing with the birds and say hi to strangers. 

WHAT DEFINES US IS HOW WE RISE AFTER WE FALL. When something happens in your life, and you feel like you won't ever move on and you just want to sit in a dark corner of your room for the rest of your life, don't. You need to get up, forget about it, and move on with life. Just sitting there and thinking about it won't do any good. 

More Goals, What Else is New!

"November: the last month of autumn, but the beginning of a new adventure."

This morning was magical. Who would've thought that on the first day of November, Florida would actually be cold? Not just chilly, but cold. 

I woke up with my big fluffy comforter covering my whole body and was like "Wow, it's finally happening!" So now I'm sitting here in my Hello Kitty pajama pants and drinking hot cocoa because when it's even slightly cool in Florida, you gotta take advantage of it. 

And with that, November goals were in order! 

read for fun

go ice skating with friends

meet new people

try pumpkin pie

wake up earlier

find new hairstyles 

Sometimes I wish fall would last forever, but then I remember that winter is right around the corner and when winter comes, so does Christmas music, bright colors, and cute little presents wrapped with brown paper and pom-poms, so I suppose it's okay. 

What are your goals for a fun November?