J. Crew Factory

J. Crew Factory is currently having a sale (today only) with 50% off everything! The sale is only online so go, go, go!!

The Perfect Color

I don't know about you, but when summer comes around I'm always on the hunt for the perfect nail polish. My summers are usually spent outside and in the pool, so a non-chip (obviously they'll chip at some point, but a long lasting) polish is a must.

Re-Fresh Mint | China Glaze

This looks a bit lighter than it is in person, but this is a light mint color. The color goes great with a tan!

Meet Me At Sunset | Essie

Described on the site as "A vibrant deep orange". I currently have this color on my nails and I'd say there's more of a red tint to it, but it is orange-y.

Arm Candy | Sephora by OPI

This hot pink screams summer to me, and is just an overall fun color.

Slapper | Butter London

This color is just darling. The perfect blue shade for summer and Butter London is my favorite nail polish brand, they're absolutely perfect. They go on like (can you guess) butter and last me a long time. Definitely a bit of a splurge for a nail polish, but totally worth it.

What's your favorite summer nail polish?

School Reading

We're all assigned books to read in our English classes (and if not, then never mind). As a child, I hated it. I dreaded reading a book assigned by the school because they were never the type of books I liked to read and most of them ended sadly.

It was not until my sophomore year of high school that I fell in love with all the books supplied by my teachers (with the exception of The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin. Never has a book stressed me out so much). It started off with The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I don't think I've ever read a book that I loved as much as that one. Being inside the mind of Holden Caulfield was nothing short from incredible. ("Where did the ducks go?")

The next book was the Great Gatsby. I really don't have anything but good to speak of this book. It truly is a classic and F. Scott Fitzgerald is an absolute genius. (Fun fact: It wasn't until after he finished the book that he decided to change the point of view. Could you image how long that'd take!?) I hope everyone who is seeing the movie has already read the book or plans on doing so soon because it is a must. 

Currently, in my Women's Literature class, we are reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I'm only on chapter three but I can already tell that this book will stick. Ester (the protagonist) is brilliant and complex and I can't wait to finish the book and rave about how much I enjoyed it.

SAT's

The cause of nearly every Juniors (and a few Seniors) stress. I'm almost quivering at the thought.

I took the SAT for the very first time yesterday. All I'm going to say is that I'm definitely going to take it again. And again.

Obviously I'm no SAT prep genius, but I can give you a few tips for the big day.

Arrive With Someone You Know

I'm not sure if all testing centers do this, but my school would fill up one room at a time. If one of your friends is taking the test as well, plan to meet up at the same time or go together in order to be put in the same room. It's nice to have someone to chat with during the short breaks they give between every other section.

Bring Everything Your Ticket Allows

Pretty self-explanatory, but I had to put it in. Also, over stock. Both of my pencils crapped out right before the test, but luckily my friend had a pouch FILLED with them (Thanks Deena)!

Take a Class

Get an SAT tutor, like I did, or take a prepping class. Even if you do feel like you're prepared, there are a lot of useful tips and tricks your teacher or tutor can dish out.

Last, but certainly not least:

Relax

Deep breaths, happy thoughts, don't let your nerves get to you. I was shaking horribly when I drove to my school last morning. It's not as long as you think, and surely not as hard. Yes, I did go in at 7am and leave at 12:20pm, but the breaks and sectioning make it go by a lot quicker. You've studied for this test, and you'll do great. Don't forget, you can take it as many times as you'd like.

After I finished, my friend and I headed over to Panera Bread for some lunch. I definitely recommend doing the same to reward yourself and also because Panera is the best. (Is anyone else horribly addicted to their Mac & Cheese? It's heavenly, to say the least) 

April Showers?

There hasn't been much rain in Connecticut the past month, and I strangely miss it (which is impartial since rain does bring me down). I like to think that it's just mother nature giving me time to stock up on some rainy day necessities. 

Monogrammed Anorak Rain Jacket

All the girls in my town have the same exact rain coat, and as cute as it is, I'd rather not fit the mold (although I do own a lot of other pieces that everyone seems to have..). This rain jacket from Marley Lilly is just too cute. I love the shade of green and the monograms make it uniquely yours. It's also very comfortable and easy to throw on before heading out to school or to run a quick errand.

Bubble Umbrella

I've always liked red umbrella's; it's a way to have a nice pop of color in the dreary rain without being too over kill. There has been a lot of clear bubble umbrellas on the streets lately and I'd be lying if I said I don't love it. This umbrella from Urban Outfitters gives a happy medium with a red stripe and handle for only $18! 

Duck Skimmer

 Duck boots, in flat form. Need I say more?!

Rain Boot With Bow

This precious boot adds a sweet touch with a ivory bow on the back. A break from the oh so common Hunter Wellington's. Don't get me wrong, I ADORE my Wellies, but it's nice to change things up. 

Major News..

As a second semester junior in high school, the only thing people seem to be talking about is college (and prom. Que eye roll). If you asked me what I wanted to be when I was a freshman, I'd say pediatrician without the bat of an eye. 

I've thought of many different career paths to follow this past year (all of which were in the medical field... dad) and finally, one has stuck. At least I hope so, it's only been a month or so since I've looked into it, but I'm more excited about college and my future than I've ever been. 

I want to pursue a career in business! I'm currently leaning towards majoring in marketing with a minor in management, but I haven't made up my mind completely.

In the past two weeks I've been lectured a lot about doing what you love as opposed to letting money control what you do. It's all about passion. And trust me when I say, you can't fake passion. Take that into consideration next time you do peruse something. 

Either do it with passion or don't do it at all.

Independence

Last week I was on Spring Break, something that could not have come at a better time. My last day of school before break, I had a complete meltdown (a story for another day). I was so overwhelmed and just flat out done with school that I cracked. Lucky for me, a week devoted to doing absolutely nothing with, well, no one, was ahead of me. 

At first, I loved it; up until that night. I realized that a good chunk of my friends would not be in town for all of break and I'd be spending a lot of time to myself. Something I try and steer clear of because I do not handle boredom well. At all. 

It wasn't until Monday that I realized I didn't have to stay coped up in my house all week. 

"Hey, Ruth. You know you can drive somewhere if you'd like?"

Oh. That's right, mom. I can do that! But where would I go alone? Exactly.

She then went on naming loads of places to prove me wrong. Thanks, mom.

I reluctantly left my house, to drive to a local Barnes & Noble. I honestly thought I looked so weird, walking around by myself while everyone and their mother had a companion or two. (I secretly called myself the Lone Ranger..)

It wasn't until I found myself reading an article about increasing productivity in a business magazine (which was very interesting) that I realized how much I enjoyed myself. I discovered that I did not need to be with someone in order to have a good time (finally).

Since I took a liking to the Lone Ranger so much, I spent everyday doing something different by myself; including going for lunch! I don't know if I'll ever be able to go out to a movie solo, however..

In short, I feel like I finally grew up this past week. Being able to go out and spend time with myself was something I never really thought I'd get used to, as weird as that may be. I feel I gained independence from this spring break, which I think triumphs that trip my friend took to Virginia (maybe).