Getting Ready For Blogtember

Jenni over at Story of My Life is starting this fun thing called Blogtember, where we follow these fun prompts to blog about. I am sooooooooo excited for these!

Here are the rules:

1. There really aren't any rules. If you miss a day, you can make it up or skip it. The blog police will not come knocking.

2. Jenni will be including a linkup option at the bottom of her post each day, so you are welcome to leave your links there for others to peruse, as well. 

3. You can still post other things every day, too. 

4. Jenni requests that you include the "Blogtember" button (in her post here) either on your sidebar or at the end of your posts, but again, the blog police will not come knocking. 

5. Here are the topics. You can be as creative and awesome or as boring and bland as you like with these. Take 'em and run with it. Use creative post titles. Interpret each "prompt" however you like. There's no wrong way to do it. Have fun.

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

Wednesday, September 4: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Tuesday, September 10: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

Wednesday, September 11: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

Thursday, September 12: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

Tuesday, September 17: A memory you would love to relive.

Wednesday, September 18: Only photos

Thursday, September 19: Creative writing day: write a (very short) fictional story that starts with this sentence: "To say I was dreading the dinner party would be the understatement of the century."

The story does not necessarily need to have a conclusion - you can leave your readers wishing for more!

Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

Monday, September 23: A "life lately" post. What you're up to, how you're feeling, how you're doing on your goals, etc. Bonus points for great photos!

Tuesday, September 24: Review a book, place, or product.

Wednesday, September 25: Write about a time you screwed up - a mistake you made. 

Thursday, September 26: Go to a coffee shop. Order a favorite drink. Write about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Or write about anything you'd like! Bonus points for including a photo from the coffee shop. (I recommend downloadingOmmwriter and bringing headphones along!) *if you can't make it to a coffee shop, at least leave your usual space and write someplace new.

Friday, September 27: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 

Monday, September 30: Share a photo of something old. Maybe something that has personal history for you, that was passed down to you, and that has special meaning to you. Tell us about it and why it's special.

~♥

Gabby

The Sea Always Seems To Put Me At Ease

My grandparents came in town this past week for my brother's birthday, and we decided to go to the beach after his first day of school, which was the next day.

I'm really happy to be staying in Beaufort for college. I don't know what I would do without these beautiful beaches!  I'm signed up for online classes starting October 10 through TCL.

~♥

Gabby

Product Review: Happytot Super Toddler Bars (Organic Chocolate Sunbutter)

So yeah, I get that these were geared for toddlers. But I don't have kids, so...

I got 2 of these little snack bars, which were chocolate and sunbutter flavored rice puff bars, in my ConsciousBox. I was curious about sunbutter, and basically, it's a peanut-free alternative to peanut butter. I thought they were okay, but not really WOW or anything. Kinda just... meh. I don't think I'd buy these for myself, necessarily, but I wouldn't talk anyone out of buying them for kids.

~♥

Gabby

Product Review: Nordic Naturals Nordic Omega-3 Jellies

I got 2 samples of these little Omega-3 Jellies in my ConsciousBox, and honestly, I wasn't really impressed. They are supposed to be Tutti Fruitti-flavored, and they smelled like it, but they had the consistency and flavor of, well, unflavored gelatin. They were awkwardly slimy-feeling, and I didn't notice much of a difference in my energy. Maybe I just have enough Omega-3 already.  These would probably be good for young kids with a need for the Omega-3, though. The "fish" shape could be a little more exaggerated, but it was still cute and fun.

~♥

Gabby

A Message From Shutterfly.com

This infographic is provided to you by Shutterfly, a provider of photo books, custom iPhone 5 cases & more!

I am so glad to share this post from Shutterfly!!

~♥

Gabby

Conscious Box

I've been hearing about a lot of subscription box services lately, and really have been wanting to try a lot of them! I don't have a whole lot of money right now, what with college tuition coming up, but when I saw the offer to try 1 box from ConsciousBox for free, I jumped at the chance! Just for the volume of stuff in this tiny little box alone, I think I will definitely subscribe to it monthly once I have spare cash. This box was FULL. When I brought it in from the mail today and showed my mom, even she was shocked. Here's a list of what is in the box:

Sneakz OrganicYummy Veggie Nutrition Drink (Chocolate)

Slumberland Snacks Sleep Squares (Orange Chocolate)

A cute little postcard

Stash Organic Lavender-Tulsi Caffeine Free Herbal Tea

2 packs of  Nordic Naturals Nordic Omega-3 Jellies

2 Happytot Super Toddler Bars (Organic Chocolate Sunbutter)

A 2-capsule sample of Allimax 100% Allicin Powder Capsules (Supports Body's Natural Defenses)

Country Choice Organic Oatmeal (Multigrain Oatmeal Maple Spice with Raisins)

MRM Digest-All 100% Vegetarian Enzyme Capsules

2 Samples of Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion with Melatonin (Goodnight)

Even the Kitchen Sink Natural Cleansing Scrubber

Barbara's Organic Snackimals Cereal (Cinnamon Crunch)

2 single-serving packs of Amazing Grass Green Superfood Dietary Supplement Drink Mix

1 serving of MRM 100% All-Natural Veggie Protein Drink Mix (Vanilla)

You can probably guess, but all these are healthy options and organic/all-natural/vegetarian/vegan/gluten free/etc. I am STOKED to try all these products and review them for the blog!!!

~♥

Gabby

Life Lately

Watching: I started watching Broadchurch, and I'm excited to see more episodes (and Tennant.) I've also been watching a lot of America's Next Top Model and Project Runway. As a photographer, these shows really help me learn a lot about light and it's role in a good, solid photo. 

Nervous About: Applying for a job and getting college figured out. I filled out my Federal Student Aid and College Application forms today, but I still have to take an entrance exam to help me choose the right classes for me and actually become enrolled. Tomorrow, I'm going into Publix to apply for a part-time job. After looking at the job opportunities potentially available, I have decided to express interest in four different positions: Baker Trainee, Floral Associate, Bagger, and Cashier. I'm very nervous about the application and interview processes, but excited to actually have a job.

Missing: My Voices family. It's really starting to hit home that I won't be in choir anymore this year, and it makes me very sad. As soon as I can drive and I have my own car, I will be visiting the class often. I plan on going to all the performances, even the little ones they do for Flag Day or Veteran's Day. I miss everyone so much already. 

Thinking About: Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships! Anything that I can do to raise money to help me through college. I'm thinking of entering photography contests with the plan of putting any money that I win towards my education. I filled out a student aid application already, but the more money I can get, the better off I will be financially.

Links I'm Loving:

• This post over at The Clothes Horse is very relatable and reminds me a lot of many a conversation I had with my friend Connie.
• Taking the free online photography class from Bella Pop is already proving to be a bunch of fun!

~♥

Gabby

Technology for Tuition Scholarship: How Consuming Media Online Has Affected My Education

When I look back at photos of televisions or ads for the latest in media technology, it really strikes me as a very big change. We no longer have large, obnoxious wire antennae on top of our television sets to receive television broadcasts. Now, television shows and movies are easier to access through various online networks, like Hulu and Netflix, and also On-Demand services through satellite t.v. and DVR. As a student, I find these changes to be positive in terms of my education.

It can sometimes feel like there aren't enough hours in the day, especially when you have to balance a job, school, sleep, and a (very inactive) personal life. Watching television is a good way for me to relax and get in some "me" time between homework and other duties. Sometimes, the only time that I have to watch something is a time when nothing particularly interesting to me is on. Thanks to services like DVR, I can record shows to watch during these times, rather than putting off school assignments to catch some relaxation time in front of the t.v.

I have often had trouble in history classes because I find it difficult to relate that two events from two different countries happened simultaneously. I find it easier to learn about an event in class, then watch a documentary, which brings these connections together. Sources like Netflix have a wide variety of documentaries. I can stream them whenever I need to supplement my learning. This way, I get an audio/visual version of my studies and it doesn't cost me a large amount of money.

While technology is ever-changing and many people may find media distracting and detrimental to education, I like to turn all resources into positive outlets and influences for my learning experience. As a student who takes charge of my own time management, I find online access to t.v. and media to be flexible and beneficial to my lifestyle.

Fun Friday Finds: Music

Why did nobody tell me she was a singer? Girl crush re-initiated at full capacity.

I am such a huge Pentatonix fan!!!

Always love Allison Harvard!

~♥

Gabby

Internet Initiative Scholarship

What do you plan to do after college? How would you use the internet to help you excel in your occupation?

 For the past two or three years, I have realized and begun developing a love and passion for digital photography. I have been teaching myself as much as I can on my own from reading books, watching videos, and practicing every day with my camera. I plan on earning a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communications with a focus in digital photography. I'm hoping to take courses during college in business (preferably focusing in photography business) and starting my own photography business.

Like all forms of creativity and art, photography is a very organic business; meaning, it is always changing, and there are always new ideas and styles emerging. The easiest way to observe the changes in these trends is to have a wide source of current photos and artists, namely the internet. Not only will the internet help me to learn about new trends in my business, but the internet is also a great way to network and get word out about small businesses. I will most likely create a website, along with a Facebook page to share photos and event packages and special deals. The more people that you can get to view your work or portfolio, the more likely you are to be able to spark interest and gain customers. Word-of-mouth advertising is one of the best ways to get a new business started, especially in a small town like the one I live in. Being able to "tag" a business's Facebook when you share something about them brings more traffic and more awareness to that business. I know that personally, I never would have known about some great family-owned restaurants or shops in my town without my friends talking about it on Facebook. I have also used the internet to enter photography contests, and have so far received 2 peoples' choice awards and 1 judges' honorable mention. It has helped me to enter internet contests because they allow me to retain rights to my photos and gain critique on them as well. 

While I know that it takes time to start a business and get good clientele, I also know that it is possible to gain some of that clientele before you even start  your business. I plan on doing many free shoots for friends and family, who will post the photos online and tell their friends about it. There is also the possibility of using internet model searches to "hire" models for specific  creative shoots that I would like to try. Many  beginning models will do small shoots simply for prints from the shoot to add to their portfolio, so it wouldn't be harmful to my bank account to start out that way.

Internet banking will also help my business succeed. Allowing my clients to pay via PayPal will open a wider variety and availability for customers. It will also be easier for me to be able to keep track of my business's funds and investments. Being able to access my business account's information from anywhere will allow me more flexibility in traveling to do photo sessions, which can sometimes make or break a business in a creative field.

The internet has been transforming small businesses nonstop, and none more so than those focused on creative outlets. I plan to use the amazing resource of the internet to its full capacity as I start and run my own business after I finish college. 

~♥

Gabby

Hot, Hot, Hot!

Let me tell you guys something. It may have taken until well into July this year, but summer in Beaufort is HOT. Worse, it's humid also. Just walking down the driveway to get your mail, you'll break a sweat like you've been running a mile. We keep our a/c at about 73 in the house, so it's nice and cool inside. 

I love these jeans. Because I'm so short, most jeans are too long on me and I have to cuff them. I got these for half off (technically free, since I used a gift card that I won) and they were supposed to be "ankle" jeans. Naturally, they were perfect length on me! I've worn them quite a but, and they're more versatile than I though they would be!

I'm working on trying to get my FAFSA filled out for college this year (so I hopefully won't have to pay for it.) I am also going to be applying for a job soon and going to driver's training in September. Hopefully, I will be able to get my photography in more outlets this year.

Shirt/ Forever21

Polka dot jeans/ PrivateGallery

Leopard Flats/ Off the Rack

Denim vest/ Dollhouse (Amazon)

Belt/ Thrifted

~♥

Gabby

Sunday Shopping

Forgive me for taking so long to post this outfit. Also forgive my awful self-timer-and-tripod photos. I'm still trying to get a handle on it and I'm having a tough time trying to figure it all out.

On Sunday, we went to Hilton Head/Bluffton to go shopping and get out of the house. We ate lunch at the Black Marlin, where I had the most delicious thing ever: sushi nachos!

 That's seared tuna, avocado, pickled ginger, wonton "chips", sweet sesame sauce, and a wasabi aioli. YUM.

I actually bought this purse when we went to Target, but immediately swapped all my belongings into it. My old purse was about to die anyway, so into the bin it went. I prefer this one much more anyway. I can adjust it to be a crossbody or a regular-strapped purse. The color is very versatile, also.

I'm absolutely loving these wedges, although for as much walking around that we did, they weren't the most comfortable. 

Dress/  Thrifted

Shoes/ New Directions

Belt/ Thrifted

Bag/ Merona  @ Target

Sunglasses/ KMart

Vest/ Dollhouse

~♥

Gabby

18 Before 19: An Update

1. Read 400 Books.
2. Refashion some clothes. 
3. Dye my hair RED. I am still working to find my ideal shade. I recently tried the L'Oreal Feria "Red Velvet" and I'm liking this better than my original "Light Cherry Auburn."
4. Learn to crochet
5. Complete my Wreck This Journal. (photos will be included)
6. Learn to make macaroons
7. Shoot a photo shoot to start my photography business going
8. Make artwork for my room
9. Win a Photography Contest
10. Have my photography published in a magazine/newspaper with credit
11. Have my photo taken professionally. Joe and I are planning on doing this for our 3 year anniversary in November.
12. Organize my life. 
13. Reach VIP Level with BeautiControl 
14. Plan and cook a Full 5-Course Meal
15. Graduate in the top 25% in my class. Can you say Top 15%? Oh yeah!! ;)
16. Take a photography class/workshop I am currently taking the free online photography class that BellaPop is hosting. I'm really excited about it, even though it's focusing more on finding your own unique style than actual technique.
17. Reach 100 Followers on my blog
18. Get my driver's license~  I have renewed my Beginner's Permit and am signed up for Driver's Ed in September. This one isn't going to happen before my birthday, as you can't take your driving test until 6 months after you get your permit. I'm working on it though!!

~♥

Gabby

A Thing of Beauty

Photo by myself

I just wanted to share this little snap of natural beauty.

~♥

Gabby

Mini-DIY: Washi Tape Phone

Ignore my awful hair and just feast your eyes on the wonderful pink lace washi tape on my phone. I used one of the washi tape rolls from my Plaid Barn Goodie Box. All I did was remove the back panel and tape it up. I just made sure the part that touches the battery inside wasn't covered, because my phone heats up a lot sometimes.

Close-up!

~♥

Gabby