The Much Used Cliche.. "New Year, New Me"

"It's a new year, new me!"

I know this is what everyone says to themselves just as the ball is about drop & the confetti poppers start to get pulled. 

Last year, I put my expectations way too high for the new year. I told myself I would start eating super healthy, exercise everyday, go on my computer less, etc. I think I gave up in like a week (eek!). Hey, it happens. So I have a few tips to start the new year fresh, but not with super high expectations because you and I both know, eating spinach everyday isn't the easiest:

1. Clean Out

Nothing is better than starting the year off with a clean room. I usually start off by cleaning out my closet, then work my way around the room. If my room's a mess, I'm a mess.

2. Keep Calm & Carry On

Being the typical virgo I am, I get stressed oh so easily. Everything has to be planned out & nothing can be out of place (most of the time, I can get lazy :P). 

I have just recently become an avid tea drinker. Drinking tea just calms my whole body and gives me happiness with just a little cup of hot water. My favorites would have to be jasmine green tea or chamomile. 

If you know me, you know that I always have a candle burning in my room. Not only does the sweet aroma soothe me, but also the sight of the small flames dancing around with their shadows on my wall. 

Last but not least, twinkling lights. Man do I love coming into my room with the beautiful lights over my headboard, It just makes the room feel magical. 

I got mine on amazon.com for eight bucks - what a steal! 

Wishing you all a very happy new year, hope these ideas help you all!

Christmas Wishlist 2013

I love Christmas time. Everyone is so jolly, it's nice and chilly outside, christmas music everywhere, it's just pure perfection. Presents are just an added bonus to the most wonderful time of the year. Many of you have been asking what I've got my eye on this Christmas.. here goes! What are YOU asking for this year? 

Traveling 101: Airplane Outfit

Traveling 101

Airplane Outfit

I love traveling, well airplane traveling.. not really a fan of long car rides. Since Thanksgiving break is finally here, I know a lot of you are going to be traveling. Whether it be visiting Grandma in Colorado, or going to watch the parade in New York City (if so, I envy you), there is always a bit of traveling to do. I have a few tips and tricks for traveling in an airport and on the airplane!

Outfit

First things first, the outfit. It’s all about being comfy while on the plane. No one wants to have to strip in the middle of the airport for security, that’s why I like to keep things simple.

·         I always bring/wear a fleece, jacket, sweatshirt, etc. Even if it’s summer, those airplanes can get freeeeezing.

·        I normally wear a v-neck or any other soft cotton shirt in case I do want to take off the jacket.

·        As for pants, I normally wear leggings or yoga pants. I feel like I’m wearing pajamas and black leggings are easy to pair with anything.

·        To avoid having to retie your sneakers, wear a simple sandal or if it’s cooler out and you plan on bringing your boots, wear them. This will also give extra space in your suitcase.

·        As for makeup, I try not to wear any makeup while on the airplane because the air on the plane is recycled and just HORRIBLE for your skin.

Happiness is Simple

It’s not always easy being happy all the time. Usually, people are happy because of something that occurred or is about to occur. I used to always have to look forward to something to be happy. If there was nothing to look forward to, why be happy? Well, recently, I decided this needed to change.

Can’t it be possibly to just be happy? – to be content with life as it is, just happy to live.

Proverbs 16:20 He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

This bible verse describes just exactly what everyone needs to do to be happy. Just be happy. As hard as the concept sounds, if you just enjoy the simple things in life, accept the idea that everything happens for a reason, you can be happy. It’s that simple.

Every morning, after pressing the snooze button about a dozen times not wanting to go to school, open your eyes, smile, and thank god for even having the chance to go to school, to wake up in a warm bed with a family that loves you.

I know what you’re thinking, “Danielle it’s not that easy!” I thought the same thing for the longest time. What we do is depend on other people or things for happiness.

Sometimes things happen, things don’t go your way. I get it, you don’t mean to be greedy, but it’s nice to have things your way sometimes. Remind yourself that everything happens for a reason. Every.Single.Thing happens for a reason.

Plans with a friend got cancelled? This was planned by God for whatever his reason was. Did you end up watching a movie with your family? God did this because there may have been a lack in family time and it most likely benefitted you.

Whenever you are upset that something doesn’t go your way, don’t be upset at anyone or anything. Just look up to god and say “Thank you for knowing what’s best for me.” 

Let me know if you guys like advice posts like this or anything else you would like me to write about! :)

                                              

  xoxo,

Danielle

Norts!

After a long and uncomfortable day at school full of itchy collars and blisters, I always look forward to coming home and changing into comfy clothes. Big crew neck sweatshirts, nike shorts and fuzzy socks or slippers. You must be wondering, "Hey Danielle, why bold the word nike shorts?". Nike shorts or "norts" or "track shorts" are easily the best piece of clothing on this planet. I love the length of the shorts, not awkwardly long, but not so short and tight so that you feel comfy. 

Wearing these shorts with a big t-shirt or sweatshirt is literally the cutest thing in my opinion. Call me weird, but I literally get so happy when my shorts just barely peek from under my t-shirt. 

I love all of the different colors that these shorts come in, so happy and bright! Some days while running errands, I'll just wear a monogrammed t-shirt (or something like this), nike shorts, some cute sandals and like a watch or earrings to dress it up somehow while still being comfy.

In all honesty, if I could wear nike shorts to school, I probably would everyday.

The other day, I came across MONOGRAMMED norts on pinterest.. debating on whether or not to buy them. I mean monogram and norts all in one, might have to hop on that bandwagon. 

Basically, I just thought you all needed to hear of my slight obsession with nike shorts. Comment down below so I know I am not the only one!

Until next time..

Danielle

"Preppy" Essentials

          I love fashion. Who doesn't love fashion? I love getting to wear different styles according to my mood. One of my favorite styles to wear could be considered the "preppy" style. Many of my followers have noticed my somewhat recent love for the preppy style. Really, I hate to stereotype styles. If you are feeling more studious, clean cut, happy and bright then dress more preppy! Here are a few items I think you should have in your closet to complete the preppy look.

Danielle's Preppy Essentials

1. Chino Shorts - if any of y'all are like me, living in Florida you can still wear shorts to this day. Chino shorts are the high waisted shorts of preppy style. These are my favorite shorts to wear because they aren't super tight and go great with so many different outfits. I probably have about 8 or 9 pairs of chino shorts ranging from neutral to colorful colors. Most of mine are either from JCrew, JCrew Factory or Forever21. I have seen some chino shorts at Target as well!

2. The Oxford - an oxford is the number one staple to have in your preppy wardrobe. Oxfords are classy and clean cut. I love pairing oxfords with staple necklaces tucked into a skirt or chino shorts. If you want to be a bit more casual, you could wear an oxford with jeans and riding boots (or cowboy boots if you want to channel your inner southern side). 

3. Pearl Earrings - my favorite pair of earrings are my pearl earrings that I got for my birthday. Pearls go with absolutely anything - gold, silver, rose gold, you name it! I'm a studs kind of girl, but I know they have drop earrings with pearls at the end if you're into that. I had a pair of fake pearl earrings from Claire's for the longest time, for my birthday I got a pair of real pearl earrings and have loved them ever since. So it's your choice, they both look amazing the real might last longer though.

Hope everyone is having a TERRRRIFFIICCC Tuesday!

xoxo,

Danielle 

The Perfect Dress

With the holiday season just around the corner, we all know that there will be events from left to right. Whether it be a family gathering, winter dance or a Christmas party, it is necessary to have appropriate attire. I for one am someone who really doesn't like to wear the same dress twice. When I say this, of course I am going to wear it again to dinner or just going to the mall, but when big events come around, I like to get a new dress. Now, I'm a high school student, there is no way I can get a new Valentino dress every time an event comes around.

One of my favorite stores to find holiday dress would have to be H&M. I found a perfect black dress for only $14! I definitely will be wearing it to a holiday outing paired with some nude flats or gold sandals for comfort. 

Windsor is another store with good quality clothing yet great prices. I know many people who have gotten their homecoming dress there. Not only do they have gorgeous dresses for more dressy events, but they have casual dresses. Windsor also has the cutest jewelry, I always run straight to the jewelry area when I get there. 

My number one rule when picking out a dress:

You must feel CONFIDENT!

Look in the mirror:

Do you feel comfortable? 

Is it okay to dance in? (at least for me, because I LOVE to dance)

Do you feel pretty?

When you walk around, do you feel confident and great in it?

If all of these answers are yes, then go for it!

If I don't feel good in a dress, then I don't dare buy it because getting dressed up for events, etc. is all about feeling elegant and dressed up for the night. 

My favorite style of dress is the "Fit & Flare". These dresses are flattering on absolutely everyone and you don't have to worry about eating too much. :P The fit and flare dress is fitted on top and then flares out at the waistline or sometimes higher giving a flattering silhouette. 

Here are a few fit and flare dresses that I think would be great for holiday events!

Camp Nostalgia

             Ahh, the sweet smell of campfires and nature. If anyone has been to sleep away camp, you would know exactly what I'm talking about. My camp friends and I like calling camp "the bubble". No phones, no tv, no outside communication rather than the old snail mail. Not going to lie, while I do have a strong love for social media, it's quite refreshing not having to worry about how many likes you got on your recent photo or if your favorite youtuber uploaded a new video. Back to the snail mail, I absolutely enjoy writing letters (besides the aching pain of my hands after writing so much.) Every night before bed, I would write letters to family and friends along side all of the other girls on my hall. It's quite peaceful really, hearing the calming sound of my plug in fan and the smell of everyone's freshly washed hair at night. 

          I think what I miss most about camp are the friends I made. We have an ongoing group chat always updating eachother and giving advice. Lights out at 10:00, flashlights on at 10:05. As immature as this might sound, this was my favorite part of the day. We would share funny stories, play pranks on other people (harmless of course) or just talk. You really do meet the best of friends at camp. I have met people from all over including Puerto Rico where one of my best friends lives! I love befriending the counselors, they are so passionate about the lord and are always willing to talk. I just feel so safe while at camp.

Now just because it is camp, doesn't mean I don't excited for my outfits! Not your typical day to day style, but I like to call it "camp chic". I just love waking up on a chilly morning in NC for breakfast. I get to slip on a big tshirt with a patagonia fleece overtop, nike shorts peeking out just a bit, while staying comfortable yet campy with my black strappy chacos. Most of the time I'll ask my roommate to braid my hair. One of the major bonuses of going to camp is everyone knows how to do so many unique types of braids. I try not to wear makeup, I mean it's an all girls environment. I may as well give my skin a break! Somedays I still like to dab on a little blush or concealer.

Everyday Camp Outfit ("Camp Chic")

Sleep in Saturday

           With all of the hustle and bustle of high school, I always try to find myself some "me time". Recently, this has been quite difficult due to clubs, cheerleading, performing arts class, grades, my youtube channel, and trying to maintain somewhat of a social life. My mom claims I'm a busy bee with no free time on my hands. Some could say that's true, others could say I have "FOMO" (fear of missing out). I came across this term from a friend of mine's blog, click here to check it out! Basically, I am interested in so many different activities. I really enjoy playing sports, acting, dancing, filmaking, writing, fashioning.. is that a word? ;) Anyways, this weekend I decided just to give myself a little "me time". 

With the somewhat cooler weather have blessed with in Florida, I have been taking full advantage of it. I got to sleep in which is a rare occasion for me on Saturday mornings due to morning practices, brother's soccer games or just hanging out with friends. Currently, I am sitting at the dining room table, eating some tasty scrambled eggs accompanied with a hot cup of chamomile tea (my favorite). 

After I finish my first blog post, I'm going to pick out a simple outfit for this lovely, cool Saturday morning to go to my hair appointment. On some Saturdays, my mom and I love to have a girls day which I have a feeling what today might be. 

All in all, It's always a great idea to give yourself some time alone or with your family. 

One of my favorite things to do on chilly nights is steep a cup of my favorite tea, light one of my favorite seasonal candles and watch gossip girl or go on pinterest for hours while listening to pandora (and probably instagram it too). Simple things like this always bring me happiness.

Hope everyone has a lovely "Sleep in Saturday"!

My Saturday Morning Essentials