October Essentials

Guilty! I'm one of those people that goes out of their way to step on crunchy leaves. Fall is a beautiful part of the year, and if you think anything otherwise, we can just go ahead and agree to disagree.
I've come up with a quick list of five essentials things we all need to add into our collections this Fall. Some may say it's a little to early for fall shopping but I''ll just label that a big "IDGAF." The earlier you indulge, the more time you have to wear it!

Black lace-up "tough" boots:

Close-toed shoes are ideal for Fall season, and since I'm hopelessly unattracted to flats, these are a great go-to! Boots are the epitome of fall, and black boots add a little bit of edge to any attire.
Tobi carries beautiful boots but for a hefty price. Target, on the other hand, offers an extremely similar make of the boot. If you really fall in love with Tobi's (and I can't say I'd blame you), decide whether the extra dollar is really worth your bargain. Either way, one of these pairs needs to be in your closet by tomorrow!

Target:

 Tobi:

Throw-on sweater:

Frankly, this was a bit of a tough find. A throw-on sweater should be something warm and comfy, something that doesn't interfere or take from the outfit. I personally enjoy oversized anything, but this find is unique because of its color-block of mostly neutral colors. I absolutely love it!!!
(Free People, btw, is amazing.)

Colored bag:

I'm not a label whore, I swear! Nor would I ever spend this much on a bag, but it gets the point across. Fall equates to a plethora of neutral colored outfits, so any colored bag will add a little pop. I love Tory B, and I love pink, so I chose this. But just to be clear- there are many other options, people.

Leather bottoms:

Brief summary- they make your legs look phenomenal, and they're not as uncomfortable as tight denim.
Really guys, leather (faux) is so in. You can put literally anything on top of this outfit and call it fashion-forward. Forever XXI has these in stock, so I will be grabbing them ASAP.

Bronzer:

It's about that time when everyone becomes paler by the day. Bronzer is good for two things. It makes you look tanner, obviously, but it also brightens your face so that you don't look deathly pale. It's fun to watch your face come alive with this wonderful application. MAC is also my favorite beauty store, but any CVS should carry a good bronzer for your skin tone. If you choose to get this product from Mac, I prefer the one listed here because it's nice and subtle. Apply to cheekbones, nose, and chin.
(Helpful hint: do NOT apply a surplus; a small shimmer goes a long way)

Happy Fall! 

XO Reema

P.S. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned.

N for NEWBEE!

Okay guys so this is an entirely new direction that I'm headed in! I wanted my trustee blog followers to know about this first because you guys are da BOMB.
I love you all, and I'm so so so excited for this! Comment so I can cater to you.

M for Make-Over

fad |fad|

nounan intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, esp. one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze:Synonyms: trend, fashion, mode, enthusiasm, passion, obsession, mania, rage,compulsion, fixation, fetish, fancy, whim, fascination; informal thing

Maybe it's because I'm spending too much time on Pinterest, but this past year, I've caught myself indulging in some of the newest "in" things. Fads are so much fun to keep up with because they're constantly changing and keeping you on your toes. No matter what your style (and I tend to mix it up), I think there's always a fad lurking around the corner for someone! And who knows? Some of these may become permanent settlements in our lives! 
In no particular order:

 1. Studs! My friends and I got really into this for the 4th of July. Well, I got a little too impatient, but their stud-making abilities were up to par so the shorts turned out really well! I think this style is really veering away from punk-rock to a more hipster trend which means I'm all up for it! Studs can be on anything from jewelry to iPhone cases!

 2. Thrifting. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students at school wearing neon Goodwill jackets. And there's nothing wrong with it! It's cheap, it's fun, and it's...thrifty! The excitement of getting a zip-up jacket for $3 is almost too much to handle. You can get so much more without hurting your wallet. I think yes!

 3. Okay, I've seen it on the Wii, I've seen it in the middle of a mall, and I've seen it offered at gym classes. Zumba is definitely a fashionable trend right now, and don't be mistaken, this workout WORKS. It's a great way to dive into the Latino culture and experience something new. So while you're trying to keep up, just keep in mind the amount of calories you'll be burning.

 4. So while you're working it off, you'll also need a little treat after, correct? The operative word here it "little." Frozen yogurt isn't nearly as unhealthy as a bowl of ice-cream, but it hits the spot dead-pan. Pinkberry is my personal favorite, but I'd settle for anything closer to home. Add a few slices of mango and some chocolate chips... on my way to Heaven.

 5. Peplum! This is actually a style of clothing shown in the blouse here. Peplum works for casual and dressy. I haven't quite gotten around to buying something peplum-styled yet, but I'm definitely looking into it. It works for most body-types simply because it's so flattering to the waistline, and let's face it, what's wrong with that?

 6. Nerd-glasses. This is something I've definitely splurged a little on, but definitely worth every cent! My RayBan glasses are actually prescribed, but I've used them copious times since I got them two years ago. My mom was afraid I'd grow out of this, but hey, look who proved her wrong? This fad is definitely a long-lasting one. And to grab a pair of these, they don't even need to be designer! Nerd glasses are available almost everywhere, and they add a little pep in your style.

 7. Slightly misrepresented...Instagram, Pinterest, and Path are all new social networks that are hitting the market hard. I have all three, so I can honestly say that Path isn't my all-time favorite, but I absolutely LOVE Instagram and Pinterest. There are so many things to see on Insta, and Pinterest has great ideas for every occasion. If you haven't already, indulge in this! No cost? Not a problem.

 8. Most commonly heard at raves, dubstep is a really cool new type of music. Well, maybe it isn't SO new, but it's definitely fun to jam out to in the car! Dubstep generally has a great base, and if you need to know authors, Skrillex is the only one I really listen to, although I'm sure there are plenty more. Great for car rides and getting pumped for the night! Ba-ba-ba-bam

 9. Not only in jeans, but also starring in button-downs... DENIM! Tricky to style? I threw on a pair of beige shorts and white closed-toe shoes. It's casual and cute, and it's definitely the new fad. Available everywhere, but I got my two extremely prized denim tops at Forever 21! And they're extremely affordable. Holllla!

 10. So I know Toms were the new thing a while ago, but if I look down in the hallways of Parkview now, all I see are Chacos! These are a bit of a splurge with the price from $70 to $100, but I know that they're super comfy and great for every-day casual wear. Anything good to walk in, and I know I'm down! Plus, who wants their feet to be tired by the time they bust out heels for night-wear? I prefer Chacos in more neutral colors, but I know you can ask AbbaDabbas to replace your straps for $15. Not too shabby, huh?

11. I know it would be a normal thing for me to stop at number 10, but I couldn't resist. Arm candy, commonly referred to as "arm swag" is up high on my list of fashionista wears. This adds so much spice to any outfit, I absolutely love it! Put on some bracelets and watch, you're good to go! Plus, arm candy doesn't even have to match! I love to have fun with this new fad, and to be honest, I'll probably still wear this even when it's not so in. Oops.

That's all I have for now! Let me know if there's anything YOU really like as new fads via comments. 

XO,

Princess Reema 

L for Long-Lost Love

                                                                                 

Hey all! So this weekend one of my best friends is leaving for Italy to do a study-abroad program. I'm really excited for her, but obviously I'm going to miss her tremendously. Let's all keep her in our prayers and wish her a bon voyage on the next chapter of her life!

K for Kaptain Krunch

Okay matees, it's time to turn off the enigmatic, dark and gloomy side and power up the 'ol happy-go-lucky kind of attitude.
A new school year has already begun at my local high school, and for you lucky late starters, you'll be catching up with us in no time! This year, I've decided to switch up the ways I keep myself organized. First and foremost, this keeps me on my toes ;), and secondly, I've discovered some really neat ways of keeping things simple and efficient. See below for pictures and ideas!
Although I've always been more alert in gifted/AP classes, I've definitely decided that I absolutely love college level courses more so than the average high school classroom. The workload may seem overloading to some, but I think the extra notices given in advance usually work in your favor, considering you'll have to plan out study sessions in college, anyway. Also, AP classes tend to have lots of things going on, ensuring that you never have time for a quick nap. It's been 4 whole days, and I haven't even touched my Iphone during school hours. Impressive, huh?
Speaking of AP classes, AP Lang is going to have a classroom blog of its own. My classmates and I will be writing opinionated pieces that I'm really excited about. I'll probably transfer some of my work onto my personal blog... I know you all want to know how formal and critical of a writer I can be.
I must get to bed for a big finish to the school week tomorrow, but I really wanted to share this one news. My father and I have been communicating lately! I'm taking it upon myself to keep a steady relationship with him. I also need to work on communication skills, so there's a great win-win for me.
Probably a blog about pops and I soon...
xoxo,
Daddy's Girl

Since I never hole punch and I am prone to dropping things, binders are the worst idea. I took a trip to Office Depot and found the cutest composition notebooks (strictly for notes). Then I found 4-pocket folders for each class. Every pocket is labeled, of course, but I generally keep sections for Classwork, Homework, Handouts, and Long-Term Projects. I use big office clips found at Target to ensure everything stays together in case I have a trippy moment (pun intended).

 I found a quiet place in the basement studio so that I am never disturbed. I keep the bare essentials and will add to my collection as I see fit. 

                                                    My little work area. ^^

Topped off with the BEST part of it all. A traditional calendar right infront of my face. Keeps me sane.

Take what you like and whatever you see fit. Pinterest is a good place to look for ideas, also!

J for Just Thinkin'

I lie awake at night. I think I have too much on my mind. If i could describe the feeling, i would sum it up like this- It's like a mix of excitement, wonder, hope, and guilt.  Sometimes my mom gets upset with me because I don't tell her things. I make plans on my own, appointments for myself, and I carry them out. I think a part of her wishes I would include her in my life, but a part of me likes to think I'm completely independent. I can handle myself, live life on my own.  With that thought in mind, I set out on a venture. I made some calls, drove myself, got what I needed to done. But then I sat back for a moment and thought. Is this because I want to prove myself capable? Or is it something else?  I think I'm truly afraid of failing. It's not because i dont want to include my mom. It's not because i think getting things done qualifies me as being an adult. I want to do stuff on my own so that i dont have to answer to anyone if it doesnt work out. If by some chance, i cant make it happen. I hate dreaming big because what is that for me? It's a bunch of hopeless excitement and failure.  But I can't help it. I'm a teenage girl who's reminded constantly to strive for the best, excel, and chase after what I want. It seems so promising, so fulfilling. A life full of pure happiness if you can just achieve your goals.  And so I lie awake thinking about when I should tell my mom. When there's more of a solid chance I'll succeed or now, when there's nothing but blind faith and hope? I know which one my fairytale life would be like. Problem is, this is reality. And I still hate not being good enough. 

I for Incredible

About Henna

Henna Ukani is a recent graduate of Parkview High School. Along with taking numerous AP classes and even being a member of a few honor societies, Henna took interest in drawing and sketching. Last year, Henna was the winner of an art contest held at the high school. She also did dual enrollment with Georgia Gwinnett College where she became captain of their dance team, Elaan. Henna simultaneously danced with Georgia Tech’s dance team, Saatrangi. With her sister by her side, Henna and Reema have both completed summer internships at a clinic. She will attend the University of Georgia in the fall with an intended major of applied biotechnology for a pre-med track.

About Reema

Reema Ukani finished her sophomore year at Parkview High School this past spring. Over the past couple of years, she has received many honorary academic awards and become a member in copious Honor Societies. Reema and Henna were the choreographers of Parkview’s Glee Club. While balancing many AP classes, Reema also did Track and Field and Soccer her freshman year. Next year, she will be a Varsity Football/Competition Cheerleader. Her hopes and dreams are to someday become a doctor and open a string of clinics for patients where she can actively help treat them.