Books of My Past and Present

Dear Char,

First of all, I never noticed that you have the same nickname as Prince Charmont in Ella Enchanted until this very moment as I write "Dear Char." That book was my absolute favorite book for about a million years and I would reread it and reread it until I knew certain phrases by heart ("And so, with laughter and love, we lived happily ever after." It's a classic). Right now I'm more into The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
(notice my smooooth segue?) which, in actual fact, you suggested we both read! While I am not yet done reading it (I'm on page 284 of 590) I can say with conviction that I LOVE IT. It started out pretty slow and there are some EXTREMELY disturbing scenes which make getting out of bed to turn off my light at night seem very scary. However despite both these negatives, it's so gripping that I can't stop reading it. Every small plot twist makes me question the final outcome of the novel and each character has depth and intrigue. So in short, you can borrow my copy when I'm done and then we can go see the movie together! (more on that later..)

L.O.L (in this case lots of love..),

--Sarah

Rag and Bone's Pre-Fall Collection

Dear Sarah,

I know, I know, I'm behind. But Rag and Bones pre-fall collection for women?? It's love. (cue Subaru theme song?) The collection's all about broken in boots, with contrasts in the clothing of short and long, dark and light. In fashion, while there are always amazing designs that everyone seems to love, there's always the issue of finding a social setting in which, let's say, a full body suit that covers you're whole face is appropriate.(Don't get me wrong I would wear it if I could pull it off...) This collection hits the nail right on the head with clothes that are awesome and fashionable and all those good things, while still being something that could be worn on a day out in the city.

LOTS OF LOVE MY FRIEND AND ENJOYYY

--Charlotte

Foster the People lyrics

--Sarah

Studying Technique

This past week I had a history test that I was absolutely DREADING. Something that really helped me study was making a study guide with a pen and colored pencils. The coolest part about doing this was not only that I enjoyed studying a lot more, it was also that I was able to absorb the information better because I was drawing the guide like a map for my brain.
-Sarah

Room Collages Part 2

Since I was little I've always loved making collages. Like many people, I get inspired by the photos and drawings I see in magazines and online. I love hanging up all of my favorites in a place where I spend a lot of time (my room).

--Sarah

Room Collages Part 1

For the past year or so, whenever I find myself staring at the wall, I'll add to the collages I've made in my room from various fashion magazines. This one is currently in the process of being finished. The records are just ones that I've found at goodwill for probably 25 cents(!)
--Charlotte

A Picture I Drew in Art Class

--Sarah

Review, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

(photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirellacardoso/)

I first read this book last year, which-like the main character of this book, Charlie-was my freshman year in high school. My experience was very different than Charlie's, unlike him I spent most of my freshman year with Charlotte watching odd shows we came across on her netflix ("Samantha, Who?" anyone?) Charlie's freshman year, on the other hand, happened in the early '90s and was chronicled in the form of letters written to an unknown person (presumably to whoever is reading the book). Charlie's experience was one filled with experimentation, mostly with drugs and alcohol. His freshman year was a learning period about music, books, and girls. His honest and often painful descriptions are undoubtedly unique and beautiful. Despite the differences of our freshman years, I could completely relate with the tumultuous range of emotions that are exposed in this novel. His confusion at others' actions, longing to belong, and endless searching for all things beautiful are a signature of the age and stage that come with freshman year. I would definitely recommend this book to any one seeking a novel about what it means to grow up, and the strength it takes to get there.
--Sarah