Flower Children

dress: vintage. shoes: bazar. sunnies: anthropologie. 
First of all, I just want to say how much I love this dress. I found it a few months ago at one of my favorite vintage shops, and just had to have it. I'm not sure if it's partially handmade, but the quilt look is really neat. My mother used to always tell me not to wear yellow because it clashed with my skin tone, but she actually loves this dress, which is surprising. Either way, it is one of my new favorites.

At times, blogging can be a little overwhelming. Posting on a daily basis, uploading photos for hours (yeah, my computer is really slow), responding to readers, and staying up to date on other blogs is extremely time consuming, and sometimes I cannot get myself to open my computer. Instead of thinking of the negative aspects of blogging, I should be realizing what an amazing creative outlet blogging creates. So maybe I spend a few hours a day struggling with computer problems, that's perfectly fine with me because I get the chance to meet (well at least over the computer) so many amazing people. I received one of the sweetest emails the other day from one of my readers, and it made me realize the reason I began blogging. Sure, I blog to put my voice into the world and express myself, but also, I blog in hopes to impact my readers.
Until next time, Mandy

Screenprinting and Pottery

Although blogging is my kind of art, it was a nice change to physically make something. I have taken a few art classes in the past couple of years, but nothing really grabbed my interest. I am not the best drawer or painter, but I really enjoyed my screenprinting and pottery classes. Unfortunately, my hands were too messy to take a picture of the clay bowl I made, but it was so much fun! I loved being able to create something with my hands, even though I had no idea what I was doing and it didn't turn out very pretty.

I wish I was extremely talented at a specific thing. You know those people who are known for something? That has never been me. Sure, I am okay at certain activities, but I don't have a talent. I have always been seen as the smart girl, but that is something I work hard at. I study for hours, read every book, and I have never missed an assignment. Yes, I'm kind of a school freak, but that's not talent. After going to these art classes, I realized that I want to find that one thing that I am good at. I just hope I find what that thing is in the next few years. 

Until next time, Mandy

Before I Die...

How neat is this place? This past weekend, the Lillstreet Art Center hosted an open house for anyone in the area. The day was filled with free classes and demos of all the different types of art they offer. With three floors of classrooms, a shop, and a pie cafe, I don't know a better way I could have spent my day. I took the screenprinting and pottery classes, which happened to be extremely entertaining. I have a few more pictures of the classes to upload, but they will be up soon. One of my favorite things at the gallery was the Before I Die chalkboard wall on the outside of the building. There were pieces of chalk waiting for anyone who wanted to add to the board. I thought it was a really neat way to get a bunch of ideas together, and it really made me want a chalkboard wall. I wrote that I wanted to travel the world. What do you want to do before you die?

Until next time, Mandy

Graduation Day!

I did it! I made it through four years of high school. You know how people say that high school was the best time of their lives? I do not share that same opinion. Ever since freshman orientation, I've been waiting for the day that I could leave. As many of you know by now, I am not your typical teenager. I did not spend my nights partying or trying to fit in with everyone else. Although this made my classmates view me as the quiet, strange girl that studies too much, I did not care. I don't want to be like everyone else. I never have wanted to. From now on, I won't have to be judged by the same people I went to grade school with, or the most popular girls in the class. I won't have to deal with the high school drama, even though at times it made me laugh to realize how petty and ridiculous some people are. I can be me. In three months, I will be moving to Boston and starting my new life. What is more exciting than that? 

There are two more things I want to mention.I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to not have to wear a uniform anymore.Thirteen years of looking like everybody else is finally coming to an end. I really need to spice up my wardrobe. Also, I know that I have been slacking on my blog a bit lately with everything that has been going on. However, now that I am free for the summer, I will be able to post more regularly and respond to all of my readers. I apologize if I have not gotten back to you or spent time on your blog. That will all be changing in the next new weeks. I cannot wait to explore all of your blogs and meet a bunch of new people! If any of you know of any blogging projects or are hosting one yourself, please let me know because I would love to be a part of it. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog.

Until next time, Mandy

The Doughnut Vault

Can we just talk about how cute this place is? I have yet to get a donut from here because they sell out so quickly, but I do love to take pictures of it. Located in the back of a city restaurant, the Doughnut Vault is the perfect place to grab a quick breakfast. My mother happened to get the very last donut last week on her way to work, and she said it was the best she has ever had. As much as I love donuts, I love the blue accents and Parisian feel of the place even more.

Until next time, Mandy

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

dress: urban outfitters. shoes: dsw. bag: vintage. sunglasses: anthropologie.

Here are a few photos from my day in the city. After roaming around the neighborhood, we found a few interesting, photo-worthy locations. Surprisingly, Chicago is pretty deserted, even with all of the political hype. Who knew that walking around and taking photos could be so exhausting, but I am completely beat. I need to save up some energy for the outdoor breakfast, salvation army trip, and art classes that I will be taking tomorrow. I hope you all had a wonderful day.

Until next time, Mandy

Photos at the Stables

skirt: forever 21. shirt: vintage. boots: vintage.

Good afternoon ladies.My day is filled with school events, including graduation practice and a senior faculty dinner, but I thought I would post this in between. As thrilling as those things are (notice my sarcasm), I am more excited about staying in the city with my aunt this weekend. I haven't seen her in ages, so I am glad to be able to catch up with her in these next few days. She informed me this morning that the art gallery near her house is offering free classes this weekend, so I think we are going to attempt pottery and whatever other classes they let us into. I cannot wait. It sounds like a picture-worthy weekend, so expect new pictures soon.

Until next time, Mandy