20 Things I Learned Before Turning 20

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Hello friends and happy Thursday!

It seems like just yesterday I was turning 19 and praying God would make it a good year. Some years have felt harder than others (18, I'm looking back at you), but overall, 19 was good. I learned a lot about myself, met some wonderful people, & have sensed myself starting to grow up a bit. Now, here I am, two decades of life down! At first, I dreaded turning 20. I've heard so many young women talk about how your 20's are full of insecurity and confusion because you're finally trying to figure your life out. In a few short years, I'll have to become a real adult (scary!). I thought I would share 20 things I learned before I turned 20 and maybe some of you can relate to these as well.

1. Even after the darkest night, the sun will always rise.

2. Time heals most things.

3. Forgiveness is a very powerful thing.

4. There will always be more than one bad phone call.

5. Everything happens for a reason, you just might never find out why.

6. When in doubt, write it out.

7. Reading a book is a good way to get lost.

8. Long walks/drives are important.

9. God gives you the people you need when you need them.

10. Always call your mom.

11. You can always go back home.

12. Find the people who challenge you + support you and make them your people.

13. Love with all of your heart, even if you get nothing in return.

14. Know when to put someone else's needs before your own.

15. But, self-care is sooo important.

16. Know your worth.

17. Know what you're willing to fight for.

18. Travel often.

19. Embrace change because it leads to growth.

20. Adulthood is inevitable! 

I hoped you enjoyed this post! Anything that you've learned before getting another year old?!

xoxo,

Carly 

Do People Really Change?

It's the same old problem, over and over again; complaining to our mothers about boys who don't deserve us or talking to our girlfriends about why that guy isn't texting us back. It's our mothers asking us in concerned voices what do we see in him anyway to the calm, soothing tone of our girlfriends saying that he'll come around. But after the voices of our loved ones fade away, the ones in our head appear. Our right side of our brain battles our left side till the end, or at least until we experience another painful heartbreak by making the same mistakes.

There is always someone in our lives we wish would change. Whether it's to drink less or exercise more, there is going to be something that someone needs to change in their lives. Upon, reading the book "You Are A Badass" by Jen Sincero, I began asking myself, do people really change?  I've come to some harsh, yet crucial conclusions that I figured others needed to hear as well.

Humans Are Not a Light Switch
Inevitably, we are going to have bad days. We will have days where it feels like the world is against us and other days where the world is beside us. Having a bad day doesn't exempt you from having bad behavior. A person cannot be turned on one day and off the next. Someone cannot say they are going to change one day but go right back to doing the same thing they were before the next. Our behavior is constant and our attitudes and beliefs are constant. However, if you chose to think of a person as a light switch, consider this: no matter how long you leave the lights on, the bulbs will go out eventually. The person who is trying to change will break if they are under constant pressure from you about how much they need to change. Then you'll be left wondering why you didn't change it sooner.

Maybe People Can Change, but It Won't & Shouldn't Be For You
We all know that couple who breaks up and gets back together again a thousand times. "He says he's going to change his ways and become better for me" your best friend will say. So, you mean someone is going to automatically change the things you hate about them into things that make YOU happy? That's quite the commitment. However, what does the person you want to change gain from only making you happy? Nothing. People do not need to change for other people. People need to change for themselves. Remember, you are the one starring at yourself in the mirror everyday. You are the one living your life. Your willingness to get out of bed in the mornings needs to be because you want to better yourself everyday, not to please someone else who cannot accept you for the person that you already are.

Someone is Meant to Love That Person As They Are. It Just Won't Be You.
Often times, we build up how great someone is in our head. How they could do no wrong, how no matter how many times they ignore our calls and texts, they are still the fabulous person we think they are. Even after this same person has hurt us countless times, we still hold them to a higher standard than anyone else. I can recall numerous occasions that I've complained to my mother about someone in particular. She silenced my complaints with the simple questions, "What do you see in this person anyways? What long-lasting qualities do they have?" Her questions puzzled me but made me realize that I could not answer them honestly. Just because someone isn't perfect for you doesn't mean that they aren't perfect for someone else. The qualities that don't appeal to you may appeal to someone else. It's okay to realize that we aren't capable of loving everyone and not everyone is capable of loving us. Also, don't think that the person who is perfect for you will never come. Some say that what's meant for you will never pass you by.

Change Usually Evolves From Gut-Wrenching Experiences
I can remember the times in my life where I've experienced dramatic change better than I can recall what I ate for breakfast yesterday. That's because it changed me and well, my breakfast probably just made me bloated. Anyways, I've never met someone who's road for change and happiness was all flat with no bumps in it. Some roads go over mountains and some are just curvy. Unfortunately, some people will have to hit rock-bottom before they completely change their lifestyle. Not everyone will face something terrible for them to change, but usually the experiences that are the hardest transform you the most. I have learned more when I had nothing than when I had everything. I've never appreciated my life more than when I saw it in ashes versus when it was pieced perfectly together in a white dollhouse.

All in all, do people really change? Eh, I'm no psychologist, but they might after self-accessing and reaching that conclusion themselves. The bottom line is that, if you're waiting for someone to change, you're going to be waiting for a long time. You need to stop waiting. You need to let go of the person you thought they were and realize the person who is right in front of you. The kind of glorified change I'm talking about does not happen in a day or over drinks. It happens with the willingness to want to change to better yourself, your life, and your health. If we spent less time accessing the change that needs to occur in our people's lives instead of our own, that energy could be used to be more productive in our jobs, being nicer to our parents, and being a better friend.

"People often show their true selves early on, if you're paying attention." - me

College Admissions: Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

At the end of my junior year, a common question for everyone was, "should I apply early decision or regular decision to my #1 choice of college?"

The answer? Well, that's your choice. 

Remember, this post is 100% my opinion and experiences I have learned from my friends. I definitely don't have a preference to either or, but I will share what I know now after applying to colleges. 

Early Decision:

This means that you apply sooner and will hear back sooner. *(Ex. apply by October 15, hear back by November 20). Most admissions offices will tell you the only difference about this decision is that you hear sooner than regular. While that's definitely true, early decision is extremely competitive. It's literally top-of-the-class students from every school applying, hoping to get in. Now, I'm not saying you have to be #1 in your class to apply early. Seriously, if you have great grades, test scores, and your GPA is ah-mazing then go for it. Early decision is a hit or a miss. You either get accepted, deferred, or denied. The only statistics the admissions office has to go by is the one from the previous year and they look at how the applicant pool is as a whole. Please note, they only look at grades, test scores, and GPA. Your extracurriculars will more than likely not be accounted for in this decision. 

Regular Decision:

You apply later, you hear later. *(Ex. apply by January 15, hear back by middle of March). In this decision, the admissions office will look at everything. Grades, test scores, GPA, essays, extracurriculars, teacher recommendations, etc. The reason is takes so long for a decision to come out is because the admissions office looks/reads over everything. However, less people tend to apply regular decision than early decision, from what I've seen. Also, applicants can see how the accepted/deferred early applicant pool looks and compare to where they line up with those applicants. 

My experience:

All of my friends applied early to the school that was my number one choice, except for me. So, 6 of my friends applied and only 1 got in. 2 were deferred and 3 were denied. I was really surprised about my 2 friends who got deferred because they met the 50% of previous years EA's statistics. But it just means that there was a very strong applicant pool for early decision and that's one thing you don't know when you apply early.

It felt weird waiting to apply regular decision, but I was so glad I waited. I got my SAT scores up, was able to write the essays (which I like), and I have a good amount of extracurricular activities that I was able to put down and write about. I definitely feel more confident about my application. Even though I have to wait a little while to hear back, I know it will be worth it! 

On another side note, I did apply early to a few schools. Some schools have a rolling admissions which means you can apply anytime (by April 1) and hear back anytime. I applied to 3 schools by November 1st and heard back from those 3 by then. 

Ok, enough ranting for one post, there is my 2 cents about early decision vs. regular decision. I hope you choose the one that is best for you and get accepted!!

xoxo, 

Carly 

* these dates are from one school's timeline, not all schools go by these!

Why a Break Can Be Good

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Hello, all. 

It's been a few a months since I posted on my blog. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I wanted from blogging. Trying to find your voice in a world of 7 billion people can be tricky. Sometimes, I would get writer's block or write about random things. It can be challenging at times to know what your readers want to see. But I realized, I haven't had this blog for long and I'm not sure if anyone reads it, but hey, I'm ok with that. I'm a rookie in the world of digital media, but I learn something new everyday.

I'm so glad blogging has had the impact it has on the fashion industry. Seriously, who knew taking pictures of what you wear daily or how you do your makeup could be so influential. A blogger I read, Caroline, from Citrus & Style recently posted an ah-mazing post about dealing with negativity. An avid reader of blogs myself, I don't see why people feel the need to post negative comments on blogs. I have personally never had one, but I've seen it happen to the most kick-ass bloggers out there.  When I first started my blog around August of last year, I was very worried about people at my school, or anyone really, finding out about my blog. I was a 16 year old, posting random things about why I loved this trend or that outfit. I didn't know what I was doing half of the time. Now, I'm 18. While I'm not a full-blown adult, I realized that I have no reason to be afraid of what people think about my blog. Yes, it took me two years to realize that and how much I missed blogging. This sounds cliche, but blogging added a positive aspect to my life. I felt the need to be more creative, learn to take better pictures, and come up with cool stuff to write about. I also love watching the relationships between bloggers and their readers. You literally feel like you're talking to your best friends 24/7, and that's how I aim to portray to y'all. 

One of the reasons I started this blog was because of my love of writing, and obviously fashion. I have enjoyed writing since I was a kid and being in AP English classes has helped my academic voice grow tremendously. Also, I love fashion. Like, that's an understatement. I can't explain how much I enjoy getting dressed in the morning or reading about the inspiration behind collections. Fashion makes me happy, like the kind that you know if you were forced to do it forever as a job, you would be content.  I want a career in the industry, as a designer or something else, I've got time to decide. Most teenagers my age have no clue what they want to do for the rest of their lives. I knew I always wanted to be in fashion (mentally), but after studying at Parson's over the summer in New York City, I knew, in my heart, I belonged in the industry. Hopefully it will all work out!

Currently, I am a second semester senior of high school, barely hanging on because of senioritis-(it's very real). I am still waiting to hear back from my number one choice of college and possibly my second choice of college. I have been accepted into the 3 out of 5 colleges I applied too so far. No lie, the college admissions process is stressful and I am glad that part is behind me. 

Anyways, I'll stop ranting now. But hey, a break is good. I needed it. 

Thanks for stopping by my small space on the internet. The best is yet to come.

Always, 

Carly

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be

Hey , y'all! Sorry I have been M.I.A. these past couple of days. I've had a dose of writer's block and hectic homework schedules #junioryearishard. 

These next two weeks will be brutal. My AP U.S. History exam is two weeks from today, while my AP Lang will be a few days after. It's definitely crunch time. Not to mention I'm taking the SAT for the last time next Saturday...YAY.  During these times of madness, I try to do more to relax and take care of my body. I've started training for cross country, going on a few runs during the week, and drinking lots of lemon water. Sometimes when stress seems to dominate every part of your life, it seems impossible to be positive. I've been trying to work on that lately to keep up my motivation to get me through the year. 

A few weeks ago, my APUSH teacher reminded us of how far we have come and to not give up now. Let me tell y'all, APUSH is a crazy amount of work. You read hours from the textbook every week, analyze documents, take notes, you know, it's a college class. Ultimately, she is right. We all have come so far and have devoted precious hours of sleep to finish our work, why should we give up now?

That's where this quote comes in. Everyone is "good", but it isn't about that. How "good" do you want to be? How "good" do you want to finish the year out? How "good" do you want to do on your tests? Just remember, anything is possible with hard work. Stay positive and never lose focus on what you want in life!

xoxo

Words of Wisdom

Over the past weekend, I went to a retreat called Happening. It is a weekend for the youth of the Episcopal congregation. By no means am I going to force my beliefs on you, but I learned something this weekend that I will cherish forever. 

Do you ever have a friend(s) where you instantly click? You're always there for each other through the good and the bad, you're basically like family. Sound familiar? Well, these friends have a special name- angels. In my group, one of the leaders pointed out something that was so relevant and beautiful, that it made me think about the angels in my life. She said, "you know when you just click with that person. You understand them, and love them for who they are and they love you." 

That could not be more true. As I was thinking of my angels, I realized how few there were, maybe because not all of my friends have impacted me in some way. But regardless of the amount of angels you have, it's truly amazing that those people are in your life. There's a reason behind it- behind every supporting text, every laugh, and every cry; it blows my mind to think about the people who have always been there for me. I thought this quote was perfect, because our angels love us no matter what, despite our flaws.

Do you have angels in your life?

xoxo

C

How to Stay Motivated

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Monday's are a killer for me. The weekend allows me to become reenergized and relax before I had back to school each week. Normally, I am always looking forward to my week, since I like to plan ahead, and see what I have to accomplish! If I know I have something due later in the week, I try to get it finished in case any emergencies pop up! But lately, my crazy schedule and workload has left me exhausted and feeling very unmotivated. I had these tips posted above pinned on my Pinterest and I knew it was a perfect time to share to start off this Monday!

This week, I am striving for staying motivated and getting things completed!

How will you be motivated this week?

xoxo

C

Quote of the Week

I was going through my archive earlier this week and realized I haven't posted one of these in a few weeks. I thought this quote was perfect since it is New Year's Eve and everyone is thinking of their New Year's Resolutions. 

A new year is beginning soon. The beginnings of new years have never turned out excellent for me, but this year, I am changing my perspective. I'm trying new things, going on new adventures. I can honestly say I have never looked forward to a new year more than I have 2015 . I'm ready to leave the old ways behind and open new doors!! I hope you all will do the same, and allow positive vibes to overflow into your everyday lives. I'm also really looking forward to growing this blog. It has added a positive outlook on my life and it is something I enjoy doing. I hope Peaches and Cream will become successful! With that being said, thank you to all of my readers! I'm grateful you all enjoy reading the content I post and please let me know if you would like to see more of something on the blog!

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year! See you in 2015!

Xoxo,

Carly

Lessons I Learned From Chemistry

As of today, I will be finished with my first semester of junior year..(only one left till I am a senior..ahhhh!!) While I did well in three out of my four classes, there was one I did struggle with: Chemistry. Before taking this class, I had aspired to pursue in career in the medical field. And now? Well, after a long conversation with my mother, looks like the fashion route is the route of choice. I honestly hated Chemistry, and that's something required for medical school. I loved Biology and finished well in the class, but that didn't mean that Chemistry would be a breeze. I'm sharing my the lessons I learned from my Chemistry class. 

1) Do your homework: Trust me, there are nights I don't even want to touch my backpack, let alone my Chemistry binder, but it really helps to practice and do your homework. The problems you do will occur in the same manner as they will on the test so if you can do the ones on your homework, you will more than likely be able to do them correctly on the test!

2) TH I N K: My teacher used this as her mantra for this year. (It's split up because she spelled it out with units from the periodic table) But, really. THINK! Think through the problem and don't be so easy to give up. Being able to do something well takes time, practice, and effort. 

3) Stay positive: I really struggled with this one, along with some of my other classmates. I did not do so well on tests and I would get very frustrated because I had never done so bad before. At the beginning of the semester, I would lay in my bed and cry because I could not understand why the material was not clicking. Now, towards the end of the semester, I reverted my mind to think positive, even if I despised the class, I knew one day I would look back and wish I would have changed my attitude. 

4) Studying is a must-do: Have you ever had a class you've never had to study in? Pretty sure we all have. Chemistry is not one of those classes. The content is filled with everything from math formulas to memorizing polyatomic ions, and you cannot do that without studying. It is so crucial to take a little bit of time out of each day to sit down and focus. Developing good habits now will help you even more when you go to college. 


* For those of you curious, I finished the class with a B, after having a C for a long time. Even though it was not an A, I am still very proud that I always worked hard and made the effort to raise my grade. Hope this helps!

Xoxo,

Carly

Quote of the Week

As you all might know, this semester is coming to an end. Most students have exams (happy studying) and are studying very hard. Today, I took my chemistry state test, and let me just say, chemistry is not the easiest thing I have ever done. It has been very challenging and it will be my lowest grade this entire year. :( 
Before I took the test, I told my self to be confident; be confident in my abilities and knowledge that I really do know the material, it's just a matter of worrying less. So as you set out to take your finals, stop over analyzing and be confident in your abilities and YOURSELF. 

xoxo,

Carly

Quote of the Week

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you weren't sure what you were going to do with your future? Been there. It seems these days that everyone has to have everything figured out- college, career, place to live, marriage.. 
Something I know I struggle with everyday is trying to plan out my future, with no sure place of where I will begin. I like to think I have it all figured out until something comes up that makes me rethink everything. The truth is, you will never have all of the answers. You figure it out as you go along and adjust where need be. No matter what dream or career goal you have, start somewhere. You never know where an idea might take you. 

- Xo,
   Carly