My Bucketlist {Summer Edition}

I'm always up for a good challenge, and I usually find myself with way too much time on my hands during the summer- so I presented myself with the idea of a summer bucket list. A lot of other bloggers were making their own and I decided to jump on that bandwagon and do my own. Some bucket lists are almost impossible and will never be finished by the end of summer, but I want to finish mine so I made it relatively easy to follow. Enjoy!

*bokeh is a type of photography in which a part of the picture is purposely blurred to make different shapes and colors {see some here}

2 days left until summer! The year's winding to a close and I couldn't be happier...

Love,

Natalie

Sunset on the Shore

After a lovely dinner on Sullivan's island, I headed out to the beach with my camera to check out the sunset. From the street the sky looked fairly normal, but once I stepped out onto the beach- the view became absolutely perfect and I was glad I was able to capture these amazing shots:

The dunes were in bloom with all of these colorful little flowers

The little sister

View of the light house and sunset

She was running around the beach like a wild child, gotta love it

Hopefully there are more summer sunsets like these to come,

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

Relaxing After Exams

As summer gets closer and for some people exams are about to start! Just relax and breath everyone needs something to relax them after exams. Here are some tips. 

1. Go for a run or walk

{running or walking is a form of stress relief} 

2. Do some form of yoga! 

{yoga brings down your blood pressure and let's you relax. Down ward dog ladies!!}

3. Drink some tea and read a book.

{craming isn't fun for anyone so getting a nice cup of fresh tea and reading a book (that isn't about school) relaxes your mind} 

4. Take a cat nap. 

{I am NOT a cat person but nothing is better than taking a quick nap before hitting the books}

5. Meditate

{Going into a deep state of meditation helps you free your mind and be greatful}

{go to the website it's a guide for people who have never meditated before} 

http://www.AwakenedVibrations.com

Good luck on finals, exams what ever they are called at your school!! Remember summer is just around the corner

Best Wishes, 

Daphne 

April Showers Bring May Flowers

The rain and cold has finally stopped and the sun is just getting ready for summer ahead. Summer is the best time of year for me, endless days with friends, adventures to other  places, and just plain relaxing so I can catch up on my blogging (I blame finals for my lack of posting). Last weekend I had the chance to meet up with some wonderful friends and capture the lovely May weather with a photo shoot with these beautiful girls, enjoy!

Look at this kitty's gorgeous eyes!

Enjoy this weather!

Love,

Natalie

Italy Spring Break Trip {Video}

I never shared the little video I made for my Italy trip- here you go!

Love,

Natalie

Reflecting on the Past & Focusing on the Future

I'm back from my hiatus, which occurred because of the massive amounts of school work. Italy was amazing but the makeup work- not so much. After Italy, I felt like something had been missing from me. Suddenly I was drained from my creativity, writer's block hit me, and I just couldn't seem to do anything with me life except hunker down and wasting hours on Buzz Feed {which is great, but not my sort of thing}. I've been spending time with friends and they all seem to have their lives all planned- they know what they want to do, where there going to go, how they're going to get there, but me? I honestly don't know anymore. I was thinking science and medical, but my heart just isn't there. 

This week our geography teacher began another lengthy discussion {the one's I usually ignore}, but he caught my attention with the idea of studying abroad. Where would I go? Italy or maybe France? How would I get there? Who knows. Would I learn a new language? Probably. I have been taking the thought into consideration, maybe skipping junior year and flying off to another country- exploring, learning, doing something new. Or would I wait until college? The thought of going away for a year to live with strangers is scary, but it might be just the thing for me. 

I've also been thinking about how I'd like to change my photography style. I see all these amazing ideas but often wonder why I can't come up with creative things- maybe I'm trying to hard. I know if I get the right person to help me we can accomplish a lot together, I just need to let loose of the stress {finals/school/more school} and let the creativity fly!

But enough of that, I have plenty of memories in the past and a good amount of time for the future. Thinking about Italy made me remember all the good memories in each city, so here are five memories from each place we visited:

Milana/Verona/Padua

{First Day}

1. First glimpse of Italy from the plane as the sun rose over the snow topped Italian Alps.

2. Driving to Verona and seeing the spring flowers and villages nestled in the Alps.

3. Seeing all the locks in Juliet's courtyard

4. Trying our first delicious pizza and creamy gelato

5. Shopping with best friends in Padua {we almost got lost!}

Venice

{Second Day}

1. Taking the boat into Venice and seeing all the bridges connecting the islands

2. Jumping pictures with Jamie, Emily, and Shayd

3. Walking through the residential area and seeing the residents' everyday life

4. Gondola ride {the best}

5. Performing in a church right along the Grand Canal

{p,s,I loved everything about Venice}

Tuscany/Ravena

{Third Day}

1. Watching the hundreds of beautiful Tuscan farms go by from the bus

2. The artwork and mosaics in the Ravena cathedral

3. The bicycling group of Italian boys that stopped to take pictures with us *swoon*

4. Exploring our so-called "haunted" hotel

5. Finding the party street near our hotel + crashing a teen club

Florence

{Fourth Day}

1. Singing in the Florence cathedral

2. Singing on the Ponte Vecchio {we did a lot of singing on this day!}

3. Climbing to the top of the cathedral dome

4. Shopping in the famous leather marker

5. Crashing the hotel's dance floor and creating an on-the-spot dance routine

Rome

{Fifth and Sixth Day}

1. Everything about the collesium...of course

2. Talking with Shayd about our future adventures and where we'll go next

3. Entering St. Mark's Basilica

4. Bittersweet speeches by our favorite seniors on the last night

5. Singing "Let It Go" obnoxiously loud out the window + going out exploring on our last night

Ah, nothing would be better to be back in Italy with that amazing group of 28 people.

But for now I'll be just fine here :)

Love,

Natalie