Favorites for Fall

Hello readers! Even though the temperatures are still in the 80's (sometimes even 90's!) during the day, it doesn't mean I can hope for fall already. Although summer is an amazing time for the beach, pool, and a break from school, fall is so short in South Carolina that it's highly anticipated throughout the area. There's nothing like walking outside in the fall and feeling the crisp, cool air. As much as I wish there were more beautiful autumn colors in our trees, I take what I can get before fall ends. School has been in session for almost a month, and I suppose it's a good thing that it feels like just yesterday we started. Throughout these past few weeks, I've been collecting some of my favorite back to school/fall favorites; now that I'm back to blogging I can share them all with you!

 

Lilly Pullitzer Agenda:

Normally I'm not one to spend $30 (eek!) on an agenda, but ever since middle school I've seen lots of girls around school obsessing over these agendas- and I finally see why. We're given agendas at school and I usually stick with those, however this year when I was passing by a store in early August, I saw this agenda and actually took a look at it. Not only does it last the whole school year, but has a full agenda until December 2015! I figured I could "invest" in the agenda, and I have gotten to love it more than I thought I would.

 

 

Steve Madden boots

If you've read some of my past blogs, I love combat boots. A lot. So much that in Italy the bottom sole of my beloved pair of combat boots fell off... right in the middle of the Coliseum. I super glued them some more and they lasted a month longer, but when I packed them away at the beginning of summer I knew they had seen their last days. When shoe shopping over the summer, I found these boots and decided to try a new style for this fall. They're more universal with outfits and the small heel prevents my height from sticking out any farther. My only small complaint is that they tend to scuff easily, which isn't a problem if you're trying to achieve a worn look, but if you're picky about scuffs make sure to find a way to clean them when they start looking worn. Other than that I'm truly loving these boots!

 

 

Camera Necklace

You all know I'm a camera nerd, so when I saw this necklace in Michigan at a local boutique, I got it right away and have been wearing it often  since then. As much as I adore "neck candy" on others, I'm not a huge necklace fan. This camera necklace is an exception and can be found in similar variations on etsy or other online shopping websites.

 

 

Sleep App

In my opinion, the best thing to fall asleep to is your favorite song. But waking up with a dead battery or a random song playing is never a great way to start the day. I found this website one day while looking for another app, and after testing it several times I started to use it to fall asleep to. Not only does the app turn off after a certain set time but can play music from Pandora, Spotify, and your personal songs. Check it out on the app store!

 

 

Old Navy pajama pants

I got these pajamas pants on sale over Labor Day weekend and after buying and loving a similar style of these pajama pants in May, I decided that one can never have too many pajama pants. Anyways, the $10 spent on these pants was totally worth it. Their comfortable, light (not thick, hot flannel like most), and universal. I wear them all the time after school, and they come in a large variety of colors and patterns.

 

vscocam

Most of you have probably heard about this app, and it's the point of it is quite simple. Editing photos. Unlike the other photo editing apps, vscocam is simple, easy to use, and contains all the editing tools any photographer would ever need. Check it out on the app store!



 

Love,

Natalie

 

An End to One Amazing Year

I know what everyone was thinking these past few days, I definitely was...

Yes! It's here! After 180 days, the school years come to a close and we can all sit back and soak up the sun. It's been an amazing year, I've met so many new friends, traveled to a foreign country, started my own blog, started the hobby of photography, and accomplished so many other things. 

On the last few days of school I was surrounded by many good friends that were planning on traveling away for a good portion of the summer, so we spent several days together before we all parted. The last few days included a lot of fun memories and celebration as we tied up another fantastic year, and I was lucky enough to have brought my camera to photograph it all:

It's been so great strengthening friendships this year and making memories with these amazing ladies, these memories are ones I will never forget.

Our dear friend Shayd helped as an assistant with a magic show that took place at our school, so of course a fan sign had to be made to show support. :)

We all were excited to head out of school for the last time...

One last group photo before we said our goodbyes, it's been a great year but we're about to begin an even better summer. 

Love,

Natalie

Summer Favorites

Long time no see! Well, I can officially stop using the excuse "school's been busy" for not posting because exams are done, the last homework turned in, and it is almost time for summer (only a few more days)! Lately, I have been very busy, but now that I have nothing else on my plate, I can dedicate my time to blogging, posting pictures, practicing my photography, and relaxing in the warm weather {finally, after 180 grueling freshman days}. 

I absolutely love summer, not just because school's out for three months, but because I can spend time by myself or surrounded by friends and not have to worry about tests/projects/homework/etc. When I spend time alone I normally do some online shopping and researching on the most popular items for summer. I've already fell in love with several new products, DIY'S, sweet treats, and clothes for this summer and thought "why not share with you?", so here are my favorite summer products {this list will definitely grow much more!}

talenti gelato:

This gelato can be found at any grocery store and comes in flavors from sea salt caramel to mediterranean mind to the delicious chocolate peanut butter cup. I've tried a lot of their flavors and because I'm a die hard chocolate peanut butter fan, this flavor instantly became my favorite. 

Photo Wall DIY:

Recently I printed out my favorite Italy pictures to tape on my wall, but I was worried that the tape would ruin the paint on my walls. After looking on my Pinterest, I got some inspiration and got to work! All I had to do was nail some hooks into the wall, tie on the twine, and tape the photos right on. Super easy!

American Eagle Denim Overalls

{get them here!}

These stylish overalls are perfect for any summer adventure- they're versatile for any activity and super comfortable!

Leather Floral Cross-body

I got this adorable cross-body purse in the San Lorenzo market in Florence for 15€! It's unique, foreign, and it is great for when I go shopping or out to dinner :)

TAZO Chai Latte

{get it here!}

Chai tea latte's are one of my Starbucks favorites, so when I saw that I could make it at home I instantly bought it. You can buy it at Starbucks, but normally it's on sale at Target for a lot cheaper.

Papermate Felt Tip Pens

{get it here!}

I used thsee pens often during school and exams, but now that summer is here, I use them whenever I need to write something down. They come in 12 different colors {pink and black not shown} and I love throwing a few of them in my purse before going somewhere. You never know what you'll need them for!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder:

This powder is the only powder that I have used that stays on all day no matter the weather. Because the humidity is so bad here in the summer, a powder like this that stays on is crucial!

Burt's Bees After-sun Soother:

This product is a life saver for those days when you forget to put on sunscreen {been there, hopefully never again}. It feels amazing on sun burned skin and did I mention it smells delicious?

Enjoy the rest of your school days and the beginning of your summer!
Love,
Natalie