Memorial Day

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of recognition for all the brave, fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day is usually a day that most Americans spend at pool parties, cookouts, barbecues, go to the beach, watch fireworks, and other summer festivities.  

I had the day off school, and although I didn't go to any parties, I still had a fun day.  Just want to commemorate the brave men and women who risked their lives for our country.  Hope everyone had a nice long weekend, and remember why we have such a meaningful day.  Happy Memorial Day!  

Love, Michelle

Flat Out

Ballet flats are my favorite, favorite, favorite type of shoes of all time.  They can dress up jeans, or dress down a skirt with a sweater.  They are much more comfortable than heels, and look nicer than sandals.

You can buy a pair of flats with a flower, bows, sparkles, peep toe, zipper, stripes, polka dots, solid, patterned, and everything in between.  They also come in a variety of prices ranging from $15 to as much as $350.  Ballet flats are, besides high heels, the ultimate girl shoe, and they are flat-out adorable! 

Love, Michelle

Twiggy

Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby on September 19, 1949, is an English model, actress, and singer.  When she was only 16, she became the first prominent teenage, British model, and her face was known worldwide--from France to Japan to America, and everywhere in between.

She was known for her boyish look, short hair, long eyelashes, freckles (which most people tried to hide), and her thin build (which many criticized).  I know of her as an America's Next Top Model judge from cycles 5-9, and I thought she was a great role model (like Tyra Banks) because she had gone through it all at a young age.

Her pictures still circulate Tumblr, and I think she has a classic beauty that will never go out of style.

Twiggy Lawson - 2009

Love, Michelle

Messy Buns

In the summer, my hair is forever in a messy bun or ponytail.  I have a mass of thick, wavy hair, and when it is 80 degrees out, there is nothing I want to do less than to blow-dry or straighten my hair in the heat.  Making the perfect messy bun is an art that I would love to master.  It can make beach hair look great, or horribly crazy hair look much less horrible.  Its the ultimate summer hairstyle!

Love, Michelle

Vogue

Vogue is the most influential and widespread fashion magazine in the world.  When people think fashion + magazine, Vogue is usually the first thing that pops into their heads.

Vogue also has a branch called Teen Vogue.  Its a great style magazine that many girls look to for advice on style, beauty, celebrities, fashion, etc.

Vogue, started in 1882 as a weekly publication, has been around for a long time.  Below are some vintage Vogue covers that I found on Tumblr.  Vouge has left its mark on the fashion industry, and will inspire many for years to come.

Love, Michelle

How Pinterest-ing

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard where you can "re-pin" pictures, conversations, gifts, food, and really just anything.  I just started mine, and I'm still figuring it out.  I think it will become somewhat of an addiction, like the relationship I have with my tumblr.  Check it out.  It's pretty cool. :)

Love, Michelle

Bucket List of Summer

Summer vacation is right around the corner, and today's weather proved it.  This is a list that I have created to get you through the beach days, summer nights, and everything in between.  Abby and I made a bucket list last summer, and we did some of the things.  This list is basically just things that I love doing or have been dying to try.

1. Have a water balloon/water fight.
2. Play manhunt.  
3. Set up a lemonade stand.
4. Draw with chalk.
5. Go to the beach.
6. Participate in a scavenger hunt.
7. Tie-die some random stuff.
8. Make wishes on dandelions.
9. Barbecue!
10. Host a posh tea-party.
11. Paint your nails crazy colors (because you can get away with it).
12. Drink smoothies, slushies, and eat popsicles.
13. Wear flip-flops, or just go barefoot.
14. Read.  On the beach, on a rainy day, or late at night.
15. Hang out with friends and HAVE FUN.

I am just really stoked for summer to come because high school is stressful.  This year, more than any other, has seemed to fly, by but one thing still remains.  After the first day of school, I'll always be thinking that I have 179 days until summer again.

Love, Michelle

A Spot of Tea

Over the course of my blog I have mentioned my love affair with tea.  I have been trained by my mother to think that any type of American tea bags are weak and cheap.  My mom only buys Barry's Gold Blend Tea (red package) imported from Ireland, and I have a cup of it (almost) every morning with my breakfast.

Although I do love Barry's tea, I love chai tea even more.  I am so picky about chai tea, and only like one brand that is not available in stores near me. So for Christmas, my brother got me 6 boxes of my favorite type of tea--Celestial Seasonings 'India Spice Chai.'  That is 120 cups of tea!  I recommend putting some honey in after it has brewed; it tastes so good.

Since my mom and I share the same love of tea, once or twice a year she takes me to a local tea room--Hallowed Herbs--for high [aka: afternoon] tea.  The last couple of times we went I have gotten vanilla oolong tea, and I must say that it is my second favorite type of tea!

Before I go to bed I like to snuggle up in my bed and read or catch up on Make It or Break It and also drink a nice cuppa. :)

<3 Michelle

Braided Beauty

I love braids of all kinds.  Fishtail, French, or just a simple braid with your hair parted to the side--I think they look adorable.  My hair is so thick that it is almost impossible to French braid, and since I have layers, fishtails braids are also a no-go for me.  I don't braid my hair often, but when I do, I love the way it looks.

Braids are one of the most versatile hairstyles.  You can do zig-zag braids, a princess crown braid, French braids, French braids with pigtails, a braid with your hair in a bun, twist braids, the possibilities are endless!

<3 Michelle