Welcome Back!

Hey again! So after being accepted into the Her Campus High School Ambassador program, I decided to spend some time checking out the other members' blogs. Then, I remembered I started my own blog last summer, so I came over here to check it out and guess what? My last post was exactly one year ago to the day! OK, maybe not a big deal, but I think it's pretty cool.

I do like to write and although it's hard to make time to post regularly, I think it's a fun way to express yourself without any strict deadlines or assignments. Even with all the busy-ness of senior year and college applications, I'm going to try my hardest to post here more often :)

Now in honor of International Peace Day (Sep. 21), here's some quotes about peace that I love:

Back to School

Yup, it's that time of year again. For my readers who are done with school, show this post to your super cool daughters, nieces, cousins, etc. Here's some tips to make this year a great one:

1. Get Organized
I always have little post it notes on my desk with things I need to do, in addition to my handy agenda. I prefer the old-fashioned way of writing things down on paper, but there are plenty of apps to make your life easier such as Wunderlist, Planner Plus and My Homework.

2. Don't Procrastinate
This is probably the best tip I can give you. I still suffer from the common problem of procrastination- the first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Try to do your homework the day it is assigned, not the night before it is due. I have gotten a little better at this by completely eliminating all distractions. I set aside blocks of time to work, with my phone turned off. Then, I can check Instagram and send Snapchats when I take a short break. The less distractions, the quicker you can get your work done.

3. Find a Balance
Some of you are balancing school with sports, clubs, activities, etc. I know it can be hard to make time for everything, but the key is to find a balance early in the school year. You don't want to realize during second semester that you could have skipped that Netflix binge. Part of finding a balance involves time management. That 20 minute car ride to soccer practice could be spent studying for a quiz or going over flashcards. Make the most of your time and you will be less stressed.

4. Set Goals
Finally, set realistic and specific goals. Don't just say "I want to get an A in math". Instead, say "I want to get an A+ in geometry this semester and I will do that by __". It's important to say how you're going to accomplish that goal. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to with determination and hard work.

Good luck and feel free to share your tips in the comments below!

Take Risks

Here's some quick inspiration for your week ahead:

TAKE RISKS!

I don't know about you, but most of the things I regret are something I wish I said or did.  I find myself thinking, "Man, I wish I __" way too often. So now, I've come to the realization that it's okay to take risks. It's okay to step outside your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary. Of course you'll be nervous at first, but the feeling that comes after is so worth it- not to mention the awesome absence of regret.

When deciding whether or not to "take a risk", there's a few things I like to consider:
1. Will I have this opportunity again?
2. Will I regret not taking this opportunity?
3. Will I be happier after taking the risk?

If you're not happy with the outcome, move forward. There's nothing you can do at this point to change what already happened. If Gatsby can't repeat the past, neither can we.

This week, I challenge you to take more risks.

Berry Creamy Smoothie Recipe

Here's an easy post-workout smoothie recipe! All you need is:

-Half a banana

-Milk

-Protein powder

-Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

-Almond butter

Tip: Be careful not to put in too much almond butter because that can really overpower the taste of the smoothie!

Mix in a blender and enjoy!

Girl Power

I recently found this article on Buzzfeed about exceptional women (click here to check it out). I hope this list of 51 role models inspires you and makes you proud to be an Everyday Gal. Here are some of my favorites:

• Mindy Kaling: I recently saw a few episodes of The Mindy Project and I'm not exaggerating when I say I cried of laughter! Mindy (and her writing) is so witty and funny. She's a huge inspiration to women comedians and screenwriters. If you loved her on The Office, you'll love her show.

Currently reading her hilarious memoir

• Emma Watson: I mean, come on- who doesn't love Emma Watson? Loved her in Sofia Coppola's Bling Ring movie and of course as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies. 

• J.K. Rowling: I remember watching a short documentary on Rowling a couple years ago and I was really inspired. She is so creative! But you already knew that if you've so much as heard the words "Harry Potter". If that magical series wasn't enough, she shocked the world publishing even more incredible books under the pseudonym Robert Galbarith. What a boss!

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."- Albus Dumbledore

• Amy Poehler: One of my biggest role models. Too bad I didn't watch SNL before 2010 because I've seen clips of her on the show, and she was hilarious. Besides being a comedian and star of Parks and Recreation, she founded a girl-power website Smart Girls at the Party. Side note: they retweeted me on Twitter once!! Major fangirl moment. 

With BFF Tina Fey

The next ladies did not make the cut for this Buzzfeed article, but I thought they deserved a spot on mine:

• Lana Del Rey: She's an amazing performer and artist. Not everyone loves her unique style and weird music videos but I am a huge fan! My favorite song of hers right now is (unreleased) Breaking My Heart. 

#1 girl crush 

• Elisabeth Moss: You could argue that Moss steals every scene she's in on Mad Men. She plays Peggy Olson, a determined girl working her way up the advertising ladder in a male-dominated advertising firm. If you haven't seen the show, watch it on Netflix. Catch up before the second half of the final season airs next year!

Know of anyone who deserves to be on the list? Leave it in the comments below!