Every summer is a chance for adventure, memories, and complete life changes.

I never imagined this summer would be so special but it turned out to be just that.

Every summer, I write up a hefty Summer Bucket List, and I try to stick to everything on it.
I am very goal oriented if you haven't noticed already and making a list of things I want to accomplish makes my summer so much more worthwhile.

I tape it on my wall and leave it there until it's time to head back to school.
Crossing those ideas off my list as the long summer days go by.

Somehow, I always manage to complete most of the crazy ideas on my list and it's pretty astonishing.

What was on your summer bucket list?

I'd like to share some of the fun memories this summer has given me and thank all of those who were a part of it <3



2. Do a summer squat challenge




3. Score an internship for the Fall





4. Go rowing or tubing




5. Go to a summer concert




6. Visit a museum



7. Go on a date (this turned out to be a GNO)



8. Just keep swimming all summer to stay fit





9. Go on a vacation or somewhere new




10.  Make time to make some new memories with my closest friends

Zip Lining with my Dad and Uncle

In this world, we are truly blessed with amazing people in our lives and most certainly the ones we call our best friends.

Maybe you are adventurous, caring, and crazy Serena and she is ambitious, aggressive, and feisty Blair (depending on who wants to keep Chuck Bass...).


We plan our weddings, think about our children's names, and incessantly talk about: boys, the horror of having to shave our legs constantly, Chipotle, Pretty Little Liars, and just straight up girl problems.

They support you, love you, and tell you the stone cold truth when you need to hear it. They aren't afraid to tell you to put your big girl panties on or to let you know that those shoes do not go with that dress. They are your biggest supporters and of course #1 accomplices.

Forever 21 skirt, top, Just Fab heels, Alex & Ani bangles, MK watch, Juicy Couture bag

Always time for selfies on a boat in Central Park

"She thinks she's all that and a bag of chips."

My dear friend Kylee and I posing at Commencement Ball Peep her blog: Sparklin Serendipity

My amazing sisters from another mister <3 Peep Kathy's blog: With love, K.M.

Photo Credit: My best friend Francina <3

Photo Credit: My best friend Lexis <3

20 years on this planet seems minute in comparison to say my mother, Oprah, or any other wise individual. Yet, on July 1st, my 20th birthday will confirm my 20 years of humorous, unique, and totally life changing experiences. 

Now that I am heading into, what I like to call, my roaring 20's, it is only appropriate to share 20 reflections that sum up what I've learned and hope to use as I endeavor into a daunting, exciting, and a completely new chapter in my life. 

1. It is okay to be inexperienced, single, and a complete hopeless romantic.

 I have not only cherished the fact that I have never had a boyfriend and my lack of experience but also know that my significant other will appreciate my decision to remain as chaste as possible and the ability to make kissing and the sort quite a comical experience. 

2. Learn to say NO. 

Remember that word you couldn't stop saying when you were 2? Well, bring it on back. You can't do everything and you for sure can't please everybody. Learn to say NO when you know you can't do something or when you need to stop letting others walk all over you. 

3. Dream and always dream BIG. 

Even with a mother and a father who constantly tell me to write my goals down and to listen to Jim Rohn or Robert Kiyosaki audio books on the daily, I will always dream for what some may think is unattainable. If I hadn't done that, I for sure wouldn't have been featured in Seventeen Magazine at 16, been a featured blogger who lost 15 pounds on their summer challenge, and most of all, showed doubters that even the craziest of dreams can come true. 

4. Your parents will ALWAYS be pushy and have your best interests in mind and certainly, don't take them for granted.

Yes, I am the last to admit it but your parents will always influence your decisions and ultimately who you are. As the oldest, my parents are still learning to detach themselves and allow me to make decisions but being that I am still not able to pay my own bills, my parents still take control of some aspects of my life. 

5. It's never too late to start over. 

You can always decide to change your outlook, body, or even relationships with friends and family. 

6. Embrace who you are and others will too. 

Being a girl who grew up in a predominantly straight haired, light eyed, stick thin neighborhood, I never appreciated my curvaceous figure. After some years of working out (thank goodness for puberty), I've come to accept that I will never be a size 0 and that it's good thing to have a J.Lo-esque derrière. 

7. Don't let the opinions of others consume you.

Who cares what other people think. Ultimately, the only opinion you should care about is that one that you have about yourself.

8. Let go and really, truly let God

Yes, I am religious and truly believe in God's ability to steer you in the right direction. Sometimes it may seem that He isn't there. But trust me when I say He never fails to make me laugh because he is ALWAYS there.

9. Work HARD 

You're only young at a certain portion in your life. Take advantage of it. I know that hard work pays off in good grades, opportunities, and recognition from others. 

10. Think positively 

It's so easy to think the worst. How hard is it to think the best? It takes the same effort. 

11. Don't let one experience predetermine others.

You failed that test. A boy broke your heart. You lost that game. Just because something like this happens, does not mean it will continue to happen. Keep moving forward and if all else fails, read #8. 

12. Try something new. 

I NEVER and I repeat..NEVER thought I would be able to swim competitively in general, let alone at a collegiate level. I am a work in progress, but I am proud to say that swimming has taught me both endurance and to never underestimate the power of water, especially at 6AM. 

13. SPLURGE

As an aspiring fashionista, the one thing I will never fail to do is splurge on that one item. If you have a job, work hard, and want those gorgeous pair of Hunter boots...BUY THEM.

14. Appreciate the friends that you have and learn to let some go.

Some people are meant to be in your life temporarily and that definitely goes for friends. I know I've met some of my bridesmaids and future godmothers of my children but I've also lost friends that certainly don't have my interests or loyalty at heart. 

15. Boys will be boys. 

If there's anything I've learned, men will always be incomprehensible to us females. Some will use you, mess with your feelings, call you pretty, kiss you, ignore you in public, lie, and flat out tell you they want nothing to do with you. Apart from these facts, I just know that one day, although it seems completely dismal most of the time, the right guy will come along and most certainly, confirm these facts for you.

Just kidding! That guy will most definitely make all that heartache a thing of the past. 

16. Cherish the present. 

You know when you say "I can't wait!"? Instead of wishing you were 21 or wishing that you had your own place so you can do whatever you want (like walking around naked and eating like no tomorrow), relish what it's like right now. At this moment, you're the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll ever be. 

17. Take care of yourself.

Work out. Eat well. Take care of your skin. I have aspirations of aging like J. Lo or Jennifer Aniston and that does not happen by sitting on a couch all day and not using wrinkle cream. 

18. Accept your mistakes. 

Yeah, you wish you hadn't done that or made that decision, but guess what? You did. Can't change the past and if it weren't for those decisions, you wouldn't be where you are right now. I've made plenty and frankly, I couldn't be prouder. 

19. Speak your mind.

If you have something to say, say it. If you don't, then who will do it for you? 

20. Accept who you are and don't ever be ashamed of it. 

I am by far an awkward, unapologetic, innocent, and ambitious girl. Some people take advantage of it but others love those things about me. Some may think I'm a nut, weird, and completely clueless. Although some of it may be true at times, I honestly can say that I am proud of who I am and will continue to be just those things.