Lately...

I've decided to try out a new way of doing Music Monday posts. I love, love, love sharing my favorite songs, but there's so much I want to post every Monday that it get's really hard to schedule... So, as a (brilliant) answer to my problems, I'm combining Music Monday and my Instagram/random snapshots posts to make this new feature called "Lately..." It will be my new place to share what I've been doing and listening to in the past week (I also might be sharing more than one song a week since it's so hard for me to narrow it down).

I'm a little nervous about changing up MM (it is the longest regular series besides my outfit posts) but I'm also really excited for this new format and can't wait to see what all you lovely ladies think of it. Please don't hesitate to comment and tell me what you think - even if you hate it!

1. Revived some new tights c/o We Love Colors. Just waiting for a cooler day to wear them!  

2. Working on a pom-pom chain for my graduation party  

3. In Chicago picking up my cousin for my lil' sis's sweet sixteenth birthday   

4. Taking cute pictures of said 16-year-old sister  

5. Finishing school with my kitty  6. Trying to eat more healthy  

7. Received my graduation present (Canon 60D)  

8. My lil' sis and our cousin, Anna, in Chicago at the train station before Anna left.  

9. The "Sears Tower" (did I mention I drove into Chicago all by myself!?)

1. The Yacht Club // Owl City

2. You are Loved // Josh Groban 

3. Fireflies // Owl City

4. Tennis Elbow // Sky Sailing 

5. Music of the Night preformed by Josh Groban // Andrew Lloyd Webber

1. "Let go of the world you know and plug in the party lights."This song is just so happy and perfect for a party. I plan on playing it lots during my grad party.   
2. I really think that Josh Groban has one of the most amazing voices ever. It's so clear and perfect. I love falling asleep to this song, or belting it out while I drive. ♥   
3. Again, Owl City writes some of the most upbeat songs ever, and this one is perfect for summer. Maddie and I song this song while driving back from taking Anna to the train station. We both love it a lot.   
4. Every time I listen to this song I can't help but think that Adam Young is very much a kindred spirit. This is one of the most bizarre songs title's I've ever heard, but when I listen to the song I know that's not what the song is really about. It makes me think of happy summer picnics and I want to do a photo shoot inspired by this song...   
5. Maddie is obessed with the Phantom of the Opera, and on a whim one day I decided to see if Josh Groban has ever preformed any of the songs. I learned that I really, really love The Music of the Night when Josh Groban sings it - but then, I think I'd listen to Friday by Rebecca Black if he sung it. (Also, Miss Jack and I agree that the Phantom of the Opera movie would be much better if JC played the phantom.)

Wish List Wednesday

1. You're Such a Dahlia Dress
2. Two for the Show Belt
3. Catch You T-Shirt
4. Georgia Bag in Plaid
5. Undercover Starlet Sunglasses
6. Airplane T-Shirt
7. You Mustache Be Kidding Me Necklace
8. Pink White Chevron - Medium Zipper Pouch/Coin Purse/Makeup Bag

Dementia // Daily Outfit

This is what I wore to my six year old cousin's birthday party. It was actually too hot for the jacket most of the day, but I got to wear it for a bit, at least.

The last day of school is fast approaching. I have quite a bit of math to do, and two papers due on Friday. I have a bad habit of procrastinating, but I like to think that I don't procrastinate so much that I can't get it all done. I know my limits. *winks*

Besides school I worked for a few hours yesterday, and got a few pom-poms for my pom-pom chain done. I really hate making pom-poms, but I have a whole skein of hot pink yarn from a scarf I wanted to make, and I hate to let it go to waste. I seem to be using up lots of left over craft supplies on this party...

I'm hoping to do a post on everything I have for it so far sometime next week. I figure I'll wait till I get the 60D so I can get some good close up shots. I can't wait!

   ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: ModCloth

jacket: TopShop

sandals: ModCloth

bag: ModCloth

necklace: Charming Charlies via my little sis

flower clip: H&M

Mint Lemonade // Recipe

Yeah, I know this is pretty ridiculously simple to make, but when I was looking for recipes last year the only ones I found were like "put mint leaves in your lemonade" and let me tell you, drinking lemonade that's got mint leaves floating around in it (besides one large leaf for a garnish in a picture) is not very pleasant! So I came up with my own way...

Need: fresh mint or mint tea, 3 cups water,  3 1/2 cups ice, 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar

1. Brew a strong cup of mint tea. I used handful of fresh mint and let it steep in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, but if you don't have fresh mint on hand, you could use one or two tea bags.  2. In a pot on the stove combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup sugar, and heat until the sugar dissolves.  3. Pour the lemon juice, sugar water, mint tea and remaining 3 1/2 cups ice into a large pitcher and mix until combined.  4. Refrigerate until cool, and then serve in glass or jar of your choice.

Take it All Away // Daily Outfit

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago. I got this dress last summer, but I've only blogged it once before. This time, I wanted to find a way to wear it that would be very "me" despite it's very boho look. I like the outcome.

The last week of school is going well so far. I don't have too much to do, despite seriously procrastinating with my geometry. Ooops! Just trying to power through this and get to Sunday when my parents and I shall hopefully drive out to the electronics store my uncle works at to get my baby (aka the Canon 60D). Which means that, Lord willing, this should be my last week taking outfit photos with a point and shoot! Woohoo!! *cheers*

On another note I'm seriously, seriously addicted to Sky Sailing at the moment, I'm seriously lusting after this shirt. I mean, how cute is it!?

   ♥ ♥ ♥    

dress: vintage thrifted

belt: thrifted

jacket: Ebay

sandals: ModCloth

bag: ModCloth

sun glasses: gift from Miss Jack

Summer Mixtape // Music Monday

Since it is the beginning of summer, I decided that instead of sharing just one song today, I would borrow Bonnie from Flashes of Style's idea and share a select few of my all time favorite summer songs. I hope you all enjoy them. If you want to, leave a comment with one - or a few - of your favorite summer songs. I'd love to check them out! ♥

Honey and the Bee // Owl City

Way to Mandalay // Blackmore's Night

Lazy Day // Enya

Kamikaze // Owl City

Hidden Away // Josh Groban

You Belong with Me // Taylor Swift

Flora's Secret // Enya

Renaissance Faire // Blackmore's Night

Underneath the Sycamore // Death Cab for Cutie

Umbrella Beach // Owl City

Look Back at Me // Daily Outfit

I wore this outfit on Thursday. It feels like ages ago now. Life has been so busy lately. Friday will be my last day of school, and I'm really excited to be done, but also a bit apprehensive. I thought I knew what career I wanted to get into after HS, but now I'm very unsure if that will be a good fit for me, and I'm feeling incredibly lost. I don't do well without a goal to shoot for...

In happier news, I've been really trying to get better at accessorizing lately - especially since there's very little layering to be done in the heat of summer. I picked up these two black + gold bracelets at the thrift store for less than two bucks each. Not bad, huh!? And I really love this dress. I don't know what made me think to pair it with this cardigan (that honestly doesn't really match...) but I can't help but love them together! I love the silhouette of strapless dresses even if I don't love having my shoulders bare. *winks*

Also, for any of you who don't know, the title of this post comes from one of Mr. Thornton's lines in one of the sweetest scenes of North & South. Seriously, y'all. You need to see that movie pronto. ♥

  ♥ ♥ ♥        

dress: Francesca's Collections

belt: thrifted

cardigan: from my mom

boots: Blowfish Shoes

bag: ModCloth

bracelets: thrifted

sun glasses: Target