Summer: My Reflections

Man, you guys, I have to be honest...this summer was hard.

After six weeks at Living Waters, I'm STILL not used to my immediate family working along beside me. It was just an odd summer...but I was supported by SO many people, who I am beyond grateful for.

While the summer was tough on me emotionally, it also opened me up. It was WAY beyond my comfort zone to be completely alone at LW, but I learned how to cope. I was kind of babied when my family was there, so I had to learn to fend for myself. (Which is sad because I'm almost 17; I should know how to fend for myself.) It also was a cruel reminder that I'm not serving people, but the Lord. I felt that God was pulling me away from camp along with my family, but I've now realized it's the complete opposite. I needed to be there to he could mold me into a stronger person and bring me out from that tight comfort zone. (My wonderful two staff bosses, Shauna and Allie were also tremendous helps in figuring that out. Shout-out to them!) And so of course I bawled my eyes out the entire way home.

But this is not the end!!

I still have numerous weekends to soak in the last bits of Living Waters, and my fellowship with the people there. And to my utter relief, it is looking up that I still get to work there again next summer. So cheers to a summer well spent, and cheers to my junior year of high school starting tomorrow!!

          - Laura xx

Blogs I LOVE!

To all of the...I don't know, perhaps five people who actually read my blog...these are blogs I highly recommend!

1.) Lucky Day Blog

Who DOESN'T absolutely love Shelby Revis?! Her blog is probably my favorite fashion blog, everything she puts on is splendid, and I love seeing her Disney Style especially! Check her out for great style tips, and adorable, preppy clothing!

Link: http://www.luckydayblog.com

2.) Skye Marie

This girl hits close to home, literally. Skye is a good friend of my friend Adrianna, and she runs this spiritually challenging blog. She speaks the truth in love, and her posts always cause you to really about your relationship with Jesus. I so admire her for her courage to stand and proclaim truth!!

Link: http://www.skyemariegraham.wordpress.com

3.) Southern Belle in Training

Another Maine blogger, and she's a gem! I highly suggest you check out Annalise's blog! She is a Maine girl transplanting herself down in NC for college, hence her title. She recently got to visit France and her escapades are always fun to read about. She also is a Christian, and her faith plays a major role in her blog. 

Link: http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

Do you have any fashion/lifestyle bloggers you particularly enjoy??

Laura xx

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge: Style Icon

If you didn't already know, I have a fondness for the English Monarchy. Ever since I was probably about four, I've grown up reading biographies on numerous members, and particularly idolizing the Queen, but mostly Diana, Princess of Wales. So naturally, when the engagement of Catherine Middleton to Prince William was announced in November of 2010, I was amazed by her beauty and elegant style. In the five years since, I just have loved watching her and William, and her style for all the events she attends.

Here are a few of my favorite looks!

This gorgeous dress is by Jenny Packham, a favorite of Catherine's. I especially love this dress as she wore it for a her return to society after giving birth to the adorable Prince George. Sparkles are my favorite, and the color just compliments her skin tone and hair, and the dress itself accentuates her new curves.

ICONIC. This Issa blue wrap dress was, of course, worn to William and Catherine's first appearance after announcing their engagement in November of 2010. Almost immediately this dress was sold out and crazy sought after....for good reason! Still a favorite of mine.

Favorite casual outfit she's worn, hands down. I LOVE the fact that she wears jeans on numerous occasions. This is just a beautiful, classic, and professional outfit she wore to a sports event. She's won many similar outfits, including one just the other day, one of her first outings after giving birth to Princess Charlotte in May. (Link: http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Prince-George-Kate-Middleton-Polo-Match-June-2015-37699219#photo-37699219)


Do you have any favorite outfits of hers? I just LOVE seeing what she wears! Have a fabulous week, y'all!

Laura xx

IT'S HERE!

The time has come, thanks be to God, that I am off to Living Waters in just a few short days. 

But those of you who don't know me as well, you may be wondering, what does this girl do at the summer camp for ten weeks? What even IS this camp?

Well, let me tell you folks, that place is my second home, literally. Based on weekends, and the ten weeks during summers...I've spent approximately two out of my seventeen years of living JUST at Living Waters, so it is a big deal to me.

Living Waters Bible Conference is located on East Grand Lake in Danforth, Maine. It's been around since 1970, and my family has been camping there since...well..1971 I think? If you want more info about its history, as well as more info you can head to http://lwcamp.com

But anyways...it's the place where I get to really slow down and be with God for a short chunk of time. I mainly waitress, become a maid on weekends, and basically make sure everything is prim and proper so guests and campers can have a fabulous time during their week! I'm under the direction of my dearest staff bosses, Shauna and Allie (shout-out!!), and besides working I get to attend chapel twice a day where some of the most amazing men of God preach the Word every night. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it?

IT IS!!

You get to live amongst fellows believers, and be a part of a place that furthers God's kingdom. Heaven on earth, essentially. So there's a little info on my life during the summer. I think I have some posts scheduled over the next few weeks on here, but otherwise you will not see me. ;)

Make sure you watch my instagram to see how my summer progresses. Enjoy the warm sunshine, y'all!

Laura xx

Summer Essentials

As you all should know, I love things that are girlish and mostly preppy, but classic. So when it comes to summer, even when I'm working at Living Waters, you can find me in these things of which I deem essential.

1. Striped, knit tops.

I'm a sucker for a good 3/4 sleeve length, striped top. I actually have about twelve different ones in my closet. This specific one is from JCrew Factory (link at the bottom), but normally I get mine from Target or Forever 21. Even if it's warm they're normally breathable and super comfortable to wear all day long. 

2. Chinos

I despise jean shorts. Don't know what it is, but I refuse to wear them. So normally I pick up a couple of pairs of chinos from Old Navy every year. They are just so comfy, and they don't stick to you, so I really enjoy wearing them. I do get the five inch ones though, as they're modest as they can be without becoming bermuda shorts, which I also don't really care for. (Once again, these specific ones above are from JCrew Factory, link below.) 

3. LILLY PULITZER!!!

Well, that thumbnail is the best I could get, but what would summer be without Lilly Pulitzer?! I have to admit, I'm mourning some of the great patterns from last summer (ie: Jellies Be Jammin', Lobstah Roll, She Sells Shells), but at least they did a re-do of Tusk In the Sun, so I'm a happy girl. Yes, the apparel can be horribly expensive, but that's why you get it on sale *wink-wink*. At the end of the summer and winter, they have an After-Party sale, so that's a really good opportunity to get any pieces you want at a MUCH better price. Or if you go to any Signature Store (Maine girls, the closest is Pink Tangerine in Kennebunkport), they ALWAYS have a sale rack. 

4. Jack Rogers

If you know me, you know I practically live in my Jacks. Honestly they are the most comfy pair of sandals I have ever worn. You do have to break them in, which can be hard, but I love them. Now, you may be asking, "You pay $120 just for a sandal?!" NOPE. If you really know me, I never pay full price for ANYTHING. In June, they sell them for about $88 on Nordstrom, but a really good deal is to go on Country Club Prep and use a code to get a discount. E-mail one of my favorite bloggers, Daria Smith at xcgal98@gmail.com for 20% off and free shipping!!

Links: shirt: https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/knits_tees/Classic_Stripes/PRDOVR~C4239/C4239.jsp?color_name=stripe-ivory-navy // chinos: https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shorts/5inch/PRDOVR~21760/21760.jsp // dress: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/dresses/the-shift-dress/delia-shift-dress/pc/38/c/312/8102.uts?swatchName=Pop+Pink+Tusk+In+Sun+Middle // shoes: https://www.countryclubprep.com/collections/jack-rogers/products/hamptons-navajo-sandal-in-platinum-by-jack-rogers?variant=1221569233

Laura xx