A letter to me

Last night as I was looking through other blogs I came across one that I absolutely fell in love with!
I am always telling my friends and family that people should still write love letters like they did in the olden days. The kind that are sincere and sent through the mail, not a stupid e-mail. Who doesn't love receiving a HANDWRITTEN letter in the mail?! 
Nobody! People hate receiving bills, but getting a letter in a sea of bills can be refreshing and heart warming in my opinion.
The blog is in fact called More Love Letters as I read through the blog I thought it was amazing to see this one girl with one mission: to write old fashioned love letters and send them to complete strangers all around the world who are in need.

"We’re going to tell you that we write and mail love letters, handwritten love letters, to strangers in need all over the world. We’re going to invite you to request a love letter for someone in your life who needs one. And we’re going to insist that you step out of your own shoes of Comfort & join us. You are going to think we are a bit crazy. A tad loopy. But you’ve been looking for a website that leaks love all this time… so we aren’t worried you’ll leave us."

This blog made me think a lot about myself. I'm always telling people that I want to make a difference in the world. I want to be known and leave the world a better place.
I don't need the fame or the money that goes along with it, sure it would be nice, but it wouldn't matter.
If I were to leave this world just making a difference for one person whether it be making them smile or laugh that would be good enough for me.
I am the girl who is constantly writing. Writing in journals writing on scrap pieces of paper, writing on my blog, writing wherever I can. I love sharing my thoughts and opinions even if people disagree I feel as if I'm speaking up for the people who dont have a voice. I feel as if what I am writing about actually has some importance even if it really doesn't.
I never thought I would be able to write a blog, but here I am writing a personal blog and a blog for my school.
One day I hope to work for a fashion magazine like Cosmopolitian or Vogue and maybe that will never happen, but I'm going to shoot for the moon because even if I miss I know I will land among the stars.
Somedays I will sit and wonder if I truly am crazy for having dreams bigger than me but then I remember a quote by William Ward...

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can achieve it." 

 When I was little I got diagnosed with ADHD and anomia which made reading and WRITING so difficult. I would dread any reading assignment and essays. They told my mom I will probably not succeed past a certain reading and writing comprehension level. (I would like to point out I have been on the honor role every year since then.)
As much as I hated reading and writing I set out to make it one of my strengths and prove them wrong. 
Never would I have thought I would want to become a journalist/ writing when I grew up, and maybe I never will be. Maybe I'll go to college and realize I want to become a doctor. I doubt it because I can't stand the sight of blood, but you never know maybe I will go into the medical field.
So I encourage my readers to shoot for the moon and never take no for an answer. I also encourage you to go write a letter to someone whether it be a family member or friend or maybe even a stranger. Write them a letter. It doesn't have to be a love letter. Maybe it will just be a friendly letter telling them to have a good day. Go write your little hearts out a good old fashion hand written letter.

10 Simple Things to Remember

Every now and then my mom will leave me notes either in my school books or in my lunch. Most kids would get embarrassed, read the note and then throw it away. I, on the other hand, will read them with a smile on my face and put it in my drawer with all the other notes she has given me over the years.
Today as I opened one of my notebooks a card entitled "10 Simple Things to Remember" fell to the floor. As I picked it up I already knew it was going to change my bad day into a good one.

1. Love is why we are here
2. The most important day is today 
3. If you always do your best, you will not have regrets
4. In spite of your best efforts, some things are out of your control
5. Things always look better tomorrow
6. Sometimes the wrong turn will bring you to exactly the right place
7. Sometimes when you think the answer is "no" it's "not yet"
8. True friends share your joys, see the best in you, and support you through challenges
9. God and your parents will always love you
10. For all your accomplishments, nothing will bring you more happiness than the love you find

Being a senior in high school I find myself being overworked and overwhelmed! Between filling out college applications, studying government and trying to ace a precal test I find myself sweating the small things in life and  forgetting about the important things.
I find it a little humorous that the things we humans find most "complicated" in life are actually the simplest things in life. Love, being the most complicated, is something we all tend to over think and over complicate.
As I continued to sit in class reading my moms letter, number two on the list managed to pop out at me the most..."the most important day is today." Lately I have found myself thinking more about what I have to do for tomorrow, or the next day, not what I have to do today. I find myself forgetting to just look around at my classmates and soak up my senior year.
I'm not sure many people are reading this blog, but if you are reading this...I challenge you. I challenge you to wake up tomorrow with the mind set that it's your last day on this planet. Say what you need to say, take chances, overcome a fear, and laugh a little harder.

Popularity

POPULAR! you're gonna be popular!
I'll teach you the proper poise,
when you talk to boys,
little ways to flirt and flounce, ooh!
i'll show you what shoes to wear,
how to fix your hair!
everthing that really counts to be...popular

Popularity, what does it really even take to be popular?

The other day I was walking through the hallway and over heard one of the "popular" girls at my school talking about how she doesn't like it how the "unpopular" kids are starting to interact with the "popular" kids. As I walked past I couldn't help but laugh at how ignorant she just sounded. Where does she get the idea that she's so much better than me or my friends? I would have thought that with being a senior in high school the whole popularity food chain wouldn't matter anymore, but I guess I was wrong.

I have never been a part of the popular crowd but I have always had my small group of friends I can always count on and to me thats all I need and all that matters.

I think that popularity, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. The girl who made the statement may be considered popular in high school, but ten years from now how popular will she really be? 

My mom has always been one to tell me high school never ends. Sure, you don't have endless amounts of homework and a pimply face but there are still always going to be mean girls and something your wanting to change about yourself. Which brings me to the point of EVERYONE wants to change something about themselves. I strongly believe that the kids who are considered "popular" have the most insecurities and it's a shame they have to bring people down just so they can build themselves up.

I am guilty of being mean to people and have probably acted how the "popular" kids do, but I also know I have my group of friends and family to bring me back down to earth.

Most kids who are considered popular in high school are known for being really good athletes or for doing stupid stuff of the weekends. But what most teens don't realize is once they get out in the real world; who could take the most shots or who got with the most guys or girls won't matter. The truth is the kids who were studying on the weekends will be the popular ones.  They will be the ones the "popular" kids in high school are working for. 

10 Must Have's of fall

Football games, oversized boys sweatshirts, bonfires, and colorful leaves are some of my favorite things about fall.  But my absolute favorite? The fashion of course! As much as I hate putting away my bathing suits and short shorts I absolutely love fall clothes. The colors and styles can complement any one's body types:

1. Burgundy nails and lips
2. Pleated skirts
3. Satchel Bags
4. Oversized sweatshirts
5. Fitted Blazors
6. Peter Pan collars
7. Riding boots
8. Loafers/smoking slippers
9. Printed scarves
10. Trench coats

An outfit I put together on Polyvore

What are some of your favorite fall trends?

Boys of Fall Beware

Boys of Fall Beware by madeleineascott featuring satchel handbags

Glamorous cream blouse
$27 - awear.com

Red pleated skirt
topshop.com

Flat heels
have2have.se

Dooney Bourke satchel handbag
dooney.com

Christian Dior sparkly nail polish
$29 - johnlewis.com

What is beauty?

They say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder but how are young girls suppose to know that when the media is telling them your only beautiful if you look a certain way or weigh a certain amount. It's sad to know that girls at the age of 13 are already on diets wanting to be thinner.

• In one study, three out of four women stated that they were overweight although only one out of four actually were.

I think it's ironic how  the Victoria's Secret "love your body campaign" shows women who are fit and thin. Who wouldn't love their body if it looked like that? But the reality of it is not everyone has a personal trainer, specialized diets, make up artists or photoshop like the Victoria Secret models.

The expectations of how a woman should look in today's society is sickening. Girls start having eating disorders at an earlier age and something needs to change.

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Approximately 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder (Crowther et al., 1992; Fairburn et al., 1993; Gordon, 1990; Hoek, 1995; Shisslak et al., 1995). 

There have been many celebrity's who are speaking out against not being like the Victoria Secret models such as Demi Lovato who are speaking out against "the pressure to be perfect." Lovato suffered from eating disorders and knows the pressures of being perfect in the eyes of the media.
Campaigns like the Dove Real Beauty showcases your average woman you would see on a day-to-day basis. Those who aren't afraid to indulge themselve with a chocolate candy bar after a hard day's work!

I'm not saying that the VS campaign is bad or wrong, but I am saying that societys view on what "beauty" is needs to change. I also know that changing society's view isn't going to happen over night so as women we need to change our attitude on our own body image. As women we need to be realistic, body's come in all shapes and sizes. We need to appreciate what we have, I have curves and as much as I hate them if  I ever want to be comfortable in my own skin I have to embrace them.

I end this post with one of my favorite quotes

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

The Unknown

Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." Being a senior in high school, the future is all anyone can think about anymore and it becomes harder and harder to take one day at a time.  When we are younger we get asked the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Most of us would say a fire fighter, ballarina, or doctor; but as we grow older and our interests change our answer becomes "I don't know." When I think about the future, I think a lot about who I want to be along with who I want to become. 

Senior year. The year to make evereyday, every hour, every minute, every second count.This year--along with filling out college applications, applying for scholarships, keeping up with two blogs, voluteer work, and school work--I have to help my sister plan a wedding! It seems overwhelming, and it is! To me that's what scares me the most: the fact that I get so caught up in planning for the things in the future that I forget everything that's going on now. I find myself coming home some nights and asking myself where has the day gone? The fact that we become so focused on the future that we lose track of the present and before we know it, it's the past.

When we were younger it was our parents jobs to help give us what we needed in order to grow. Whether it be our bodys or minds, our parents were always the ones pouring our glass of milk or paying a tutor. I think what makes the future so scary is the fact that it's our job to make sure we do everything we can to grow. It's finally our turn as young adults to write our own story.
Its our turn to decide what path we take next. Whether it be law school, medical school, or maybe even beauty school, the choice is ours.This year it is my goal to focus on one day at a time and let the future remain the future...unknown.

What time is it?

In today's world we are constantly looking at our phones. We are constantly relying on them for everything: when our appointments are, our friends' and family's phone numbers, along with email addresses. We even rely on our phones to tell us what time it is.
Time. Time is constantly running out and its hard to keep track of everything that is going on in ones life.  But why not keep track of time in style?  Today it is very strange to see a teenager wearing a watch, but it's something that is making a come back.

Watches come in so many different shapes and sizes that they not only give you a sense of style but also maturity. Wearing a watch in my opinion shows maturity in the fact  that you aren't always relying on your phone for something as simple as the time. You would be surprised at how many people, teenagers in particular, forget how to read the time on a watch or even a clock.
Maybe you'll wear a white sports watch to tennis practice or a blingy gold watch for a girls night out. The choices are endless. You can make people think your wearing a Rolex when in reality your wearing a similar style that you got from Forever 21 for twenty dollars.

Celebrity's such as The Kardashion girls have been spotted wear watches. Kendall even instagramed a picture of the watch her parents got her for her birthday.
So next time you check what time it is make sure it's in style!

White, green or blue polo?

It's that time of year again...new teachers, new notebooks,pencils, and clothes!  School is back in session, but how does one buy new clothes when they have to wear a uniform?  That is a question I have been asking myself since I was in kindergarten. Yes, having to wear a uniform has its pros but it also has its cons when you are a fashionista.
I remember when I was little I would always see kids shopping for new school clothes, and I was stuck picking out whether I wanted to wear a white, green or blue polo.  But as I grew older I realized I could still make my uniform unique and my own, simply by accessorizing!
The rules were strick but I always managed to find a loop hole.
No nail polish? Please. I wore a baby pink or natural color that the teachers didn't notice I was wearing any.  No makeup? Simple just go natural.  I would wear fun tennis shoes anything from Coach to simple Converse.  I would wear braclets, necklaces, and rings. Sure I got caught a couple of times but by the time I started high school I had so many tricks up my sleeve;I considered middle school practice.
Even though I may not be able to express myself as much as I like, wearing a uniform does have its benefits. I don't have to plan out my outfit every night and I don't have to worry about girls picking on me for what I'm wearing.
So to all the girls, and guys, who have to wear a uniform make sure this year you express yourself as much as you can and take risks when accessorizing with your uniform

Dreams

     Ever since I was little I remember going and watching my cousin, Eric, in all his school plays.  And it was Eric who made me realie one of my passions.  Acting.  I have always looked up to my cousin and always know I can count on him to give me great advice.  So when he told my family he was moving to New York to try and make his dreams come true, I was thrilled!  I knew he could make it, he wore his heart on his sleeve and was determined. Of course, he would get discouraged at times, but in the end he always keeps his head up.
     I too get discouraged but unlike my cousin I sometimes find it hard to keep my head up.  Being in high school it seems easier to let people tell you are nothing when in reality you ARE something!High school is tough.  Girls are mean.  Boys are jerks.  But something my mom has always pointed out to me is that high school never ends.  As much as we all would like to believe it does.  It doesn't.  We think once we are out in the real world there won't be any more mean girls or cocky jocks.  But the truth is...the girls get ever more catty and the guys become ever moe stuck up. 
     This  blog may be a total joke, but I hope that the people who are reading this post at this moment get at least one thing out of it which is never let any one tell you, you aren't good enough or that you are crazy for having BIG dreams.
     Starting my last year of high school this week has made me start to think A LOT about my future.  What I want to be?  Where I want to go? Where do I see myself in the next 10 years?... The questions are never ending.  But one thing I know for sure is that I will never give up on my dreams as crazy as they may seem.  Whether it be working for a fashion magazine or having a show of my own. I'm never going to give up and neither should you!

*Please leave comments*

Going for Gold

It's no surprise with the Olympics going on that showing ones patriotic pride, is a must!  For the past couple months I have have noticed a lot of girls, including myself, wearing red, white, and blue.
Why put away the stars and stripes after just one day out of the year?  Why not show our pride year round?
After the 9/11 attacks it seemed as if Americans found sight of what they had lost. Pride.  Webster defines pride as, delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship.  When watching the 2012 Olympics there is no greater feeling of pride than seeing your country win the gold.
So why shouldn't we show our team how proud of them we are by wearing our stars and stripes 365 days a year.
Even though the summer is coming to a close and our flag shorts and tank tops will be put away.  There are still ways to wear our stars and striped.  One can always have fun patriotic nails and shoes. So next time your thinking of putting your stars away, keep them out and go for gold! 

Comment on how you plan on wearing your red, white and blue year around along with any other thought and opinions on the Olympics!

Nail Mania

From fun stickers to edgy crackle, girls everywhere are finding new ways to show their style through their nails.  Whether it be on pinterest or twitter girls are finding ways to create and share their creations.

But when did this become such a big trend?  It seems as if almost every celebrity has their own line of nail polish now, even Justin Beiber!  Maybe it all got startednwhen Rihanna caught our attention with her bright neon nails, or maybe it was when Adele showed up at the Grammys with her Christian Louboutin inspired nails.  But in my honest opinion I think a nice manicure has always been one of the best accessories.
Going to a private school my whole life it has always been hard to show individuality.  With only being able to wear a white, blue or green polo with khaki pants there aren't many ways a girl can show her creative side.  Having my nails always painted was one of the ways I always tried to show some creativity.