So~Bee~Love

During this lovely holiday break I have still been applying to colleges. On most applications schools will ask short response questions to get a sense of what kind of student you are. One of the schools I applied to asked me a question that took me by surprise. Not because it was challenging or confusing but the level of depth that the answer could hold, was astounding to me (also the fact that they only gave me a maximum of 200 words). "If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it and why?" ​My Secret Life ​would be the title of my life up until now. As a person I feel that I am very bubbly and energetic, friendly and open-minded. I am always eager to learn new things and explore different places but as a person I also tend to hide some things I feel ashamed of or too embarrassed to talk about. I put up a facade for my friends to look at but I never reveal my whole self. Although I have some pretty amazing friends I never get to s

CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas of 2015 was an a amazing celebration. I got to spend a wonderful amount of time with my friends and family. As a Christmas Eve tradition, my sister and I started the morning off by exchanging one of the gifts that we got for each other. She chose to give me a bracelet. It is a mock Pandora bracelet that came with a few charms. It had a red theme to it, on red bead and a red suitcase, silver Eiffel tower and a plane bead. The name of the bracelet was Globe Trotter, this was the perfect bracelet for me, my sister knows me so well. And one of my dreams is to travel to Paris and visit the fashion houses. Later that night we celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family at my aunts' house. There was tons of food and all the cousins were gathered together. I mostly ate food, I'm a slow eater and it took me a good hour and a half to finish my food (not an exaggeration). I took a break from eating because i physically co

CHRISTMAS EVE EVE These past few days I have been wrapped up in the holiday bustle! This past weekend I did some last minute Christmas shopping. I spent all of my time wrapping everything and getting into the holiday spirit! On Friday the eighteenth I performed in my last holiday concert with one of the choral groups that I am apart of at school. It was a truly bittersweet moment for me, I am a senior this year and I truly tried to enjoy the moment but I couldn't help but think about how this time next year I will be somewhere else doing something else. I've been apart of this choir since freshman year and I've grown so fond of the family feel. Also during this very short-three day week at school I choose to really invest time into my friends and the people around me. All this week I felt like Santa Claus because I was giving gifts to all my friends and teachers. I bought most of my friends gifts without telling my friends so it was so nice to see the surprised sm

GIFT GIVING There is a week and a few days until Christmas is here and I still have so many gifts to buy and not enough time or money. As a teen that works so few days during the year, I barely have enough saved up for anything. I spent most of my money on my sister and on food when I eat out. Not having enough money to gift to my friends hurts me so much! I love all of my friends and wish I could get them all presents but the reality is that i can't and it honestly breaks my heart. I feel that i put so much stress on myself, especially during the holidays, to please everyone and to make everyone happy. I honestly wish that i didn't have such a generous heart because then i wouldn't be as stressed but genuinely want to make people happy. But honestly the holidays are meant to be spent with your family and friends and enjoying their company. I feel like we tend to get so wrapped up in gift giving that we loose sight in the true meaning of the holiday. Do you guys agre

SECRET SANTA Every year, in some shape or form, I participate in secret Santa. If you are not familiar with this, secret Santa is an activity that takes place during the Christmas season where a group of people exchange names at random and pick out gifts for each other. Usually the people who participate in this activity are people who you know, like family or friends. This year I am participating in a Secret Santa but I'm not entirely sure who all is included in it. One of my friends has organized it and has generously included anyone who was willing to participate. We are planning to have a party at her house later this week. I'm a little anxious to know who all is involved but that is also the fun of secret Santa, not knowing who has who and who has you. Luckily I picked a name of someone i know pretty well so I am confident I picked out a good gift for them. Also with this secret Santa we were required to write three things we would like to relieve and there was a $20

FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREATS There are certain things that you can only get during the holiday season which i love and wish they were available all year around! 1. CANDY CANES These cane shaped candies are delicious and should be available 365 days of the year! 2. PILLSBURY CHRISTMAS THEME SUGAR COOKIES These cookies are so cute and delicious, Pillsbury never ceases to produce quality products. 3. STARBUCKS PEPPERMINT MOCHA The most appealing thing about a mocha for me is that i have the delight of coffee without the horrible taste (sorry coffee drinkers). Its basically hot chocolate with a shot of espresso and the twist of peppermint for the holidays. Do you have any treats you can only get during the Holidays? Hope you enjoyed my list of Holiday treats! Merry almost-Christmas!!! 12 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

CHRISTMAS CAROLING "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" -Buddy the Elf Around this time of year, is the only time that you can go around your neighborhood singing in front of people's house's without them calling the police. Rounding up a couple of friends and family members to walk around a certain part of your town or neighborhood is a great way to spread Christmas cheer. This is a list of songs that are typically sung when Christmas caroling, some of which you may recognize from BLOGMAS DAY ELEVEN ..... Deck the Halls Jingle Bells The First Noel Joy to the World O' Come All Ye Faithful Hope you try this out! Hope you enjoyed this idea! Merry almost-Christmas!!! 13 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS SONGS During the Christmas season i not only enjoy watching Christmas movies and decorating, I also enjoy enjoy listening to Christmas music! Here are some of my favorite songs to listen to....these are in no particular order! 1. All I want for Christmas is you -Mariah Carey There is also a newer version of this song with Justin Bieber which I don't mind. 2. Silent Night - Pentatonix 3. It's the Most wonderful time of the Year - Andy Williams 4. I'm dreaming of a White Christmas - The Drifters 5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Glee 6. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms 7. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Johnny Mathis 8. The Nutcracker 9. Let It Snow - Michael Buble 10. Santa Claus is Coming to Town- Justin Bieber I also know and have a lot more songs to share with you...What about a part two? Hope you enjoyed this list of songs! Merry almost-Christmas!!! 14 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitte

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS MOVIES Every year it is a tradition in my house to watch Christmas movies starting in NOVEMBER! I know that's a bit of a stretch but we love Christmas so much, why not extend the season? Here are a few of my favorites in no articular order, because honestly they are all wonderful. 1. Elf 2. Arthur Christmas 3. Santa Claus 4. Jingle All the Way 5. Miracle on 34th Street ( 1947 & 1994 versions are wonderful) 6. Jack Frost 7. Home Alone  8. A Muppet Christmas Carol 9. Christmas Shoes 10. The Polar Express Just as a fun fact, I've watched most of these movies on VHS and I still have them but it might be time to buy them on DVD..... As a self proclaimed Christmas Maven there are still some classic Christmas movies that I have yet been able to see like White Christmas (although I saw the Musial theater version, which was amazing) It's a Wonderful Life Nativity! I have so many more movies to share with

CHRISTMAS GIFTS IDEAS While this holiday is full of cheer and joy it comes with its' tradition of giving gifts. And as a teenager there is this in-between stage where half of teenagers have jobs and the other half doesn't. I know this first hand because some of my friends don't have jobs and usually complain about not having money. These gift ideas will be for people in both situations. 1. Christmas Card Even if you don't have enough money for an 'actual gift' you can always give a card to someone. I personally like writing letters inside the card tellin the person how much I appreciate them. No matter how often you see a person, it's always a good idea to tell them how much you appreciate them. 2. Gift Cards For my readers on a budget and time limit or for those who genuinely don't know what to get someone this is a great idea. All you need to know is someone's favorite store that they like to shop at and you leave the

Hey guys so for the past few days I've been posting fun things about the holiday season but I feel like we should take a step back and look at our lives.  There is so much that we should be grateful for that we are taking advantage of while other people across the world are suffering. Although this may seem a bit dramatic, how many things do you own right now that some people in this world consider a luxury? Like a mattress or toilet or an oven... During this season I challenge you all to participate in random acts of kindness. Whether it's holding a door for someone or paying for a friend or volunteering at a local shelter. Taking some time or money to contribute back to your community and the people around you can make such a difference.  Just something to consider as you continue during this holiday season. Hope you enjoyed my commentary of the giving side of this holiday... Merry almost-Christmas!!! 18 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglov

Happy Sunday everyone! Here is a recepie to warm you up during these cold December days.... PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE  Things you'll need: -Milk -Chocolate Syrup -Candy Canes  *optional* whip team and marshmallows 1. Heat up 2 1/2 cups of milk in a pan on the stove on medium heat until it is hot. 2. Add two to three teaspoons of chocolate syrup and mix into the milk while it is still on the stove. 3. Turn off the heat but while the milk is still warm add in one candy cane. 4. Pour into a cup and add whip cream and marshmallows with a drizzle of chocolate on the top! Hope you enjoyed this easy Recepie! Merry almost-Christmas!!! 19 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

Sorry it took me so long to get this post up, I just got done with my first semester of college! It's been an exciting journey but I'm glad it's over. Now I just have to get through finals week! Anyway I have a few DIYs to keep up with the theme. WASHI TAPE TREE Get some WASHI tape and outline the shape of a tree! For extra decoration use real ornaments. PAPER CHAIN Something festive and simple cut up strips of paper and tape them into circles.  Then connect each paper circle together until you have a chain. For an added twist use all white paper and make a snowman!  PAPER SNOWFLAKES The most classic of all the decorations for Christmas, paper snowflakes! Just take a couple sheets of paper and cut up your own design! Again sorry for this being so late! Hope you enjoyed this easy DIY Merry almost-Christmas!!! 20 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

So today's DIY is so simple! Changing your background picture on your everyday devices can help remind you of Christmas and this time of the year. Phone, Tablet, Laptop or Desktop changing your wallpaper is simple. Here are a few and if you want more check out my Pinterest board . Laptop/Desktop (Right click picture and click save image as...) Phone/Tablet (Hold finger on picture and a pop-should appear and select save image) Hope you enjoyed this easy DIY Merry almost-Christmas!!! 23 more days.... Live ~Laugh~Love  Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

So long time no blog, its been crazy with classes, homework and college applications but since this is one of my FAVORITE time of the year i just couldn't pass up missing out on doing #blogmas this year! So this week is currently the last week of the semester for my English course that I'm taking and i am both excited and relieved. it's been an interesting journey thus far but I am ready to move forward and have some stress-free weeks for the rest of December. This week is DIY week, I will post simple, quick and easy DIYs for you to complete. CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WALL DECOR Things you will need: -Twine -Scissors -Hooks/Nails -Clothes Pins *optional* Lights *not my photo* 1. Figure out your desired length of twine, once you've figured out the perfect length cut multiple pieces. 2. Choose an empty space on a wall and hang the twine by hooks or nails. 3. Hang Christmas cards, quotes or pictures on it and attach with clothes pins to the twine. If

It's officially fall! The temperature is dropping and the leaves are falling. During this time of year I tend to stay inside and avoid going outside. I forget that just because the temperature drops doesn't mean that you have to stay inside. So here is a list of thing to do during the fall.... Jump In! Instead of raking leaves into trash bags put them into large piles and jump in! If you really aren't into raking leaves use the trash bags for "sacks" and have races between you and a sibling. Nature's Beauty Personally fall time seems like the perfect weather for a hike. Take a trip and visit a state park near you! Also exploring local park trails can be just as fun, invite a few friends and see what you discover. Pump-tastic Fall is the season for pumpkin picking. Search around your local area for pumpkin patches. Look around try to pick out the perfect pumpkin. Afterwards you could have a carving party wit your family and see who has th

Hello Readers! It is that time again where I update you on college and how the overall process is going. So far I have submitted 3 applications to universities and colleges. All of the ones i have submitted so far are in-state, I am planning on applying to few more in and out of state just to have a variety of viable options. As I have come to narrow down the list of colleges and universities I want to apply to, all things considered, it is not by any means an easy decision. There are thousands of universities within the United States. An overwhelming thing to think about when you are thinking  about continuing your education beyond high school and trying to find your perfect fit. Now I would like to ask for your help. I have found a scholarship that is willing to award $10,000 scholarship to a high school senior with a well written essay. Unfortunately there is a catch, each applicant must get a significant amount of recommendations to be one of the 500 people who's essays are

So today I had the amazing pleasure of hanging out with one of my good friends Elena. We originally planned to meet up after school and visit a local coffee shop but the weather had changed our plans... So at the start of this wonderful fall season we have been experiencing some rainy weather on the east coast. So walking to the coffee shop was out of the question when we discovered that there was a "severe thunderstorm" warning. I must admit there was some lightning and heavy rain but it didn't last long but during this time we spent it like anyone would. We ate burnt popcorn and sang Christmas songs...did I mention that it's October? So this being the first time I was at my friends house, I didn't know what to expect which made my reaction more genuine (if that makes sense). She lives in a quaint neighborhood with small houses that have front lawns with fall themed decorations and trees that line either side of the street. The inside of her house looked

So it's that time of the year where most of us go back to school and learn things...So before that happens I thought it would be fun to make school supplies fun for school. Here are a few easy quick DIYs to turn school supplies from blah to Ta-dah! Washi Tape Folders If you go school shopping late or end up getting the bargain brand just buy fun decorative tape. I purchased these at the Dollar Tree and they came 2 in one pack for $1.  Scrapbook Notebook This is the simplest DIY... I just went to my craft store and purchased scrapbook paper. (Some stores sell sheets separately but I recommend buying a pack, you get more for your money.)  1. Position paper on cover of the notebook  2. Glue paper to the front cover 3. Cut off excess paper * optional * if you don't want the edges to peel off during the year use tape to cover the edges. Magazine Notebook  If you want a tumblr-ish notebook with little complication I suggest you try this

This past month I was involved in an educational mentorship program called Exit Lancaster. This program is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and it is based on five pillars; arts, career aspirations, community service, education and wellness. Together these pillars create a "winning life plan". The "plan" helps to provide the necessary tools for students to become successful in life. The program focuses on students in middle school, but as they continue their education the program follows them through high school. As a highschool senior in the program I was given the opportunity to be a mentor to the middle school students and upcoming freshman. I got to spend the month of July with an amazing group of kids and we got to end the summer semester with a trip to New York. Stemming from the southeast of Lancaster County where opportunity and exposure to the world are limited, Exit Lancaster tries to change that and offer something new. The arts pillar f

 It's July, despite the fact that back-to-school commercials are on you can still enjoy the rest of your summer. Here are 7 things to do this summer... 1. Build a Fort As a teenager sometimes I forget that I'm still young and doing childish things are acceptable. So pull out the cushions from your couch, grab some blankets and pillows and make your own fort! Invite a sibling or friend to enjoy a movie in your new "home". 2. Make S'mores Easy campfire fun and delicious snack. All you need are graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. Roast marshmallows over a hot fire, place on cracker add chocolate and another graham cracker to seal the deal. If you don't have a fire pit but you have a gas stove....Roast some marshmallows over the stove, just make sure you don't burn the house down. 3. Go Swimming Beach, Lake or Pool. Anywhere where you can swim and have fun. Many beaches have free admission and lakes are pretty accessible (at least