First Day of School: Recap

As many of you know, today was my first day of my sophomore year of high school. I don't have time for a really long post, so I'll just give you guys a quick recap of my day.

I got to school at 7:35 a.m. with one of my good friends. We found our newly renumbered lockers and then spent time hanging out with friends until the five-minute-warning bell rang.

First Period (8:00 a.m.-8:50 a.m.)-Latin American History: I really do think I'm going to like this class. The teacher is great, and today, he spent a good forty-five minutes of the class talking about his love of words and language. I'm stoked for the rest of the semester.

Second Period (8:55 a.m.-9:45 a.m.)-Intro to Broadcasting: LOVED my first day in this class. My teacher is stellar, and totally over-qualified to teach the class (read: he has a Masters in TV and Film Production!). I'll be taking class in our school's top notch TV Studio, and second semester, I'll hopefully get a chance to go on air.

Third Period (9:50 a.m.-10:40 a.m.)-PreCalc Honors: Though I'm not too excited for a heavy duty math class that some say is the most challenging math course my school offers, my best friend from the dance team is in my class and sits next to me. The teacher seems pretty chill too; her homework policy only requires homework to be turned in if you're getting below an 80% in the course. I'll still do some for a better understanding of the concepts, but it's reassuring to know that I'll have some extra time some nights.

Fourth Period (10:45 a.m.-11:35 a.m.)-Lunch: I've got so many friends in my lunch period, so it's bound to be a blast. The upperclassman cafeteria is so much bigger than the freshman one, and there's so much more room because most juniors and seniors go out to lunch. I'm also looking forward to having a full lunch this year, I only had half last year because of choir.

Fifth Period (11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)-Sophomore Girls' P.E.: My third class in a row with my best friend from the dance team. We didn't do anything today, but seriously, it's P.E.

Sixth Period (12:35 p.m.-1:25 p.m.)-Spanish 3 Honors: I'm good at Spanish, have no complaints about my teacher, and this class should be a breeze.

Seventh Period (1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m.)-Sophomore English Honors: Despite her age, the teacher introduced herself by her first name, and promptly assigned a speech for tomorrow.

Eighth Period (2:25 p.m.-3:00 p.m.)-Chem/Phys Honors: It's Chem/Phys. I'll hate it the whole year, but I'll get through it. Chemistry today, Physics tomorrow. My Chemistry teacher started teaching today. Thermochemistry. I'm already confused.

XO

North Shore Prep

And School Starts in less than 12 Hours...

The tote is packed, tomorrow's outfit laid out, and in the final few hours before the (official) start of my sophomore year, I'm actually finding myself a bit excited. I haven't felt this way about school in a long time, but I'm confident that this year will be a good one. There's none of that freshman dread and apprehension. Yes, there are things I'm not particularly looking forward to. Yes, second year of Chem/Phys, I'm talking to you. (I'm really not a science person, at all, so beats me why I'm taking the hardest science course available at my school...But it's a two-year course that I started my freshman year, so I'm just gonna have to tough it out) But on the other hand, there's a lot for me to be excited about. Football season, my first year as a Varsity Pom, my broadcasting courses, having a full lunch period, not taking Honors History courses.

Yep, looks like it's gonna be a good year.

To those of you still in school, whether you've already started or not, I wish you the best of luck!

XO

North Shore Prep

Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale

As many of you know, Lilly's Endless Summer Sale started today! Here's what I'm eyeing:

Oh, goodness! That's a lot of loot!

What's in your tote?

XO

North Shore Prep

14

I just wanted to take a minute to thank my 14 followers. I know it's not a lot, but these fourteen mean so much to me as a blogger, and I love knowing that y'all are interested in what I have to say. Also, if you read the blog and aren't following, thank you as well. Your comments are much appreciated, and I love getting feedback from y'all!

XO

North Shore Prep

Setting Goals on a Sunday Night

Late August always gets me refreshed and refocused, almost more than January of a new year. So I figured, why not set a few goals for this coming year?

In the next year, I'd like to:

1. Be cast in my school district's musical

2. Get my driver's license (July 2, 2012!)

3. Get a more solid idea of where I want to go to college

4. Become a stronger, more consistent dancer

5. Have 100 followers on my blog

6. Be a contributor for a local magazine

7. Get on air on my school's TV station

8. Buy my first pair of Frye boots

9. Hold a consistent B (or better!) in Chem/Phys (my hardest class)

10. Watch all the seasons of Friday Night Lights

11. Get a summer job as a dancer at Six Flags

What do you want to accomplish this year?

XO

North Shore Prep

Back to School: Shoes

Confession: I hate fall. Hate the colder weather, hate the thought of starting school again. But I love fall fashion, and I love fall shoes. Here are some of my favorites for this new school year.

Sperry Top-Sider Women's Authentic Original Boat Shoe in Classic Brown Leather

The must have shoe. I almost considered not even putting it on the list, but I love them so much -- and pretty much live in them until it gets way too cold! -- that I had to include them.

Minnetonka "Kilty" Suede Moccasin

I just got a pair of these for the first time ever after hearing tons of people rave about them. Add me to that list, because I'm hooked. They're so comfy and cute for fall.

Hunter "Original Tall" High Gloss Rain Boot

These are perfect for colder, wetter days. Just pull them on with a pair of skinny jeans and you're good to go. 

Frye Dorado Inside Zip Riding Boot

These boots are classic, and equestrian style boots are huge for fall. The Cognac color is perfect with a pair of jeans, and I like the Black with a pair of dark tights and a black skirt for a night out.

Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat

The flat that goes with everything. Enough said.

What are your favorite shoes for fall?

XO

North Shore Prep

Six Flags Survival Guide

One of my best friends just asked me to go to Six Flags Great America with her -- tomorrow! Totally out of the blue, but hey, I'll take it! We'll be accompanying two kids, ages 7 and 8, and their mother to the theme park.

Unlike many people -- most of my family included -- I love love love Six Flags, and pretty much any theme park, come to think of it. I'm a self-proclaimed rollercoaster junkie and will ride anything...gotta get my thrills somehow right?

I've been on more than my share of trips to theme parks over the years. (Being originally from Southern California, a trip to Disneyland was always an accessory when we went back to visit family) Many people though, are bewildered by the thought of going to a theme park for the day, and I'll agree: it gets stressful trying to dress for the weather -- day and night, pack food -- or rather sneak it in or try to find a moderately healthy option at one of the many concession stands, and navigate the park itself, with or without kids. But never fear, North Shore Prep is here to help!

What to Wear:

Hopefully, you're headed to Six Flags on a warm, sunny day. If that's the case, shorts are a must! I personally prefer denim or a madras plaid -- makes it hard to notice if something spills!

Abercrombie and Fitch Vanessa Shorts

I've got a pair similar to these, and they are my go-to for trips to Six Flags and the beach. They're worn in and old enough that I don't really care what happens to them, but still look cute. And I got mine on sale for like twenty bucks :)

Lucky Brand Dispatcher Madras Plaid Shorts

All the colors in these shorts make it easy to conceal a spill, or worse, something sat on. Which is totally a possibility.

On top, I like to keep things simple and light, with a simple but fun t-shirt or tank.

American Apparel Loose Crop Tank

American Apparel Loose Crop Tee

WkShp Sioux Falls Crop Top

h.i.p. Printed Camisole Tank

If you plan on going on any water rides at all, wear a swimsuit under your outfit! I can't stress this enough, but nothing's worse than spending a few hours soaking wet with your clothes sticking to your skin. Just do us all a favor and wear a swimsuit.

Contrary to popular belief, flip flops or similar sandals are going to be your best bet when it comes to footwear. Your sneakers will get hot and sweaty after a long day of walking, and if you're going on most rollercoasters and other rides, you'll want to take your shoes off anyway, especially if it's a flying type rollercoaster like Superman.

What to Bring:

It will be hot. It will be sunny. Be smart, and use sunscreen, even if it is just the Coppertone 8 that I'm partial to. But know your skin type, and how it fares in the sun. If your fairer, opt for something with a higher SPF. But if, like me, you've never burned in your life and are fine with living with the fact that you'll be at a higher risk for skin issues, go ahead and cover yourself in SPF 8. Carry a travel size container of the stuff in your bag and reapply periodically throughout the day, especially after a water ride. Bring a water bottle in your bag, as theme parks are notorious for raising the price of a bottle of Aquafina to ridiculous levels. Bring your own and refill at a water fountain as needed. Emergency money or a credit card should always be in your bag, especially if you want a souvenir t-shirt from the gift shop. Be prepared to shell out at least $25 for one of those, friends.

Your bag should be big enough for essentials and that's it. You know you aren't going to be sitting down reading a book while you're at Six Flags, so leave it in the car, or better yet, at your house. Be realistic and bring only the essentials: your phone, money, keys, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. You will thank me later when you travel light.

My personal favorite bags for theme parks are crossbody bags. They allow you to keep your hands free, which allows for easy walking and/or child wrangling.

Sutton Signature Swingpack, Coach

New England Excursion Tan Handbag

Closing Thoughts:

Get a map of the park, just to get generally familiar with the area and where the rides you want to check out are located. Have a general plan, and be aware of the necessaries: restrooms and restaurants. But all in all, make sure you have fun!!

XO

North Shore Prep

Back to School! For real this time...

Eight days. It has suddenly occurred to me that, as of today, I have eight days left of summer. Eight days until I have to be back in a classroom for seven hours a day with at least three more hours of homework after that. Eight days of freedom.

My summer is pretty much over. After these eight precious days, there will be no more impromptu trips to the beach,

random tanning at the pool,

S'mores and firepit nights in the alley,

going out every night just because you know you don't have to wake up early, the smell of your neighbors' barbecue, and waking up to sunshine.

All this totally makes me sound like I hate every aspect of school doesn't it? Don't get me wrong, I am not going to pop up a few weeks from now -- after the new school year thrill has worn off and I'm actually having to study -- perky and chipper in the morning. For one, I am so not a morning person. But there are some things I am looking forward to this new school year.

Football season. Arguably the best part of the entire school year, football season is definitely my favorite part of the school year. Being on the varsity dance team puts me right in the mix of things too:) In fact, when people ask me if I'm excited for school, I simply reply with "I'm excited for football season."

Broadcasting. Yesterday the decision was finalized, and I will now be taking Broadcasting instead of Choir as my elective. It was a tough decision to make -- I love to sing, and I've been in choir since 3rd grade -- but considering that I'd like to major in Communications or Broadcast Journalism in college, I figured I'd get started with as much experience as possible. My school has an awesome Broadcasting program too, with their own local radio and TV stations!

Nationals. Last year, my dance team made Pom Finals at UDA Nationals in Orlando for the first time in the team's history. This year we're aiming for Finals in both Pom and Kick!

What are you looking forward to this year?

XO

North Shore Prep

The Help

Last year, I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of finding Kathryn Stockett's The Help on the coffee table at my house after Mama's grabbed it off of a table at Costco.

I loved the book, and read it in a matter of days as I couldn't put it down. So of course when I found out that there was a film version in the works, I was stoked.

I saw it this afternoon with Mama and Little Sis (who also read the book and loved it) and was the furthest thing from disappointed. Usually when I read a book as good as The Help, I'll build up the film so much in my mind that, by the time I see it, I'm totally let down. So not the case here. For the most part, the original plot of the book was followed -- which I'm such a stickler for. The casting was also perfect, in my opinion, and I loved seeing such a different side of Emma Stone (of Easy A fame).

In The Help, Stone plays Skeeter, a budding writer who decides to write a book of interviews with the African-American "help" of Mississippi in the 1960's.

All in all, I really loved both the book and the movie. If you haven't seen/read either yet, I highly recommend reading the book first. And if you have seen the movie or read the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts on both!!

XO

North Shore Prep

J.Crew-Fall Line

Firstly I just want to shoot out a quick update on the Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes I made the other day. So.Yummy. They turned out so much better than I expected and everyone at the bake sale loved them! The only change I made to the recipe was adding in a bit more chocolate and margarine to the frosting to thicken it up a bit. The texture of the cupcakes themselves is a little unexpected -- it feels more like a muffin than a cupcake -- but they were delicious nonetheless!

And now for the main event. J.Crew's Fall Line. I love it. Absolutely love it. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

I really like these chinos, and it's about time I got a proper pair of pants.

However, I'm having a bit of a dilemma deciding between the chinos and the Minnie pant in twill. Advice anyone?

You could say that I like sweaters...

And skirts. I like me my skirts.

Can you say love?

Is it weird that I really like red pants?

XO

North Shore Prep