My New Years Resolution

People are always asking me around this time of year, "So, what are your New Years Resolutions?" and I always reply with, "Um. . . I haven't really thought about it yet!"  So this year, I have decided to actually think about it and show you what I've come up with.  Here it is!

My Huge, Revolutionary New Years Resolution

1.  This New Years, I am not going to make any Resolutions.

You don't understand?

I am resolving to not make any resolutions.

You see, I don't want to make any resolutions because whenever I tell myself I'm going to totally do that thing, I end up. . . well not doing it somehow.  Either I forget about it or I just don't want to do it anymore.

So that is my great resolution!

I hope you come up with some great resolutions this year!

♥ Rachel

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2014 Memories/ Happy New Year!

A year ago today, we were getting ready to celebrate a new year.  It was still 2013, and we were uncertain of what would come in the year of 2014.  Now birthdays, holidays, and seasons have all come and gone.  We have all experienced many laughs and many tears this year.  Memories, exciting and humiliating and sad, have been permanently stamped in our minds.

Now, once again, we face a new year.  The year 2015 is full of uncertainty, but in a sort of pleasant way.  I mean, there is so much possibility for this new year.  You may find your new hobby, do something special, have a new relative, or make new friends! 

Now, I'm going to take a look back at all the things that happened this year!

 We got to stay at the mountains for a whole week.

 It snowed!

 Got to spend a day downtown with my mom, Amanda, and little Brother, Benjamin.

 Went to a NASCAR race and actually didn't die!

Started cooking and baking; I so love it!

I "inherited" this great blog from Maddie.

Went to the teen all-nighter.  It was. . . awesome! 

Won two giveaways in one month.

 Got to go on a date with my dad.

Learned how to swim.
Went to Barnes And Noble a lot! 
Went to camp.

Started playing the piano for offertory at church! (actually, that was only this week, but it still counts!)

 Found out I love Algebra.  (You probably think I'm crazy now!)

Got to go to Carowinds with some of my favorite people.

 (Kind of) Learned how to play Tennis

 Learned coding and sewing. (I know they seem like polar opposites, but I have a wide range of likes)

Thanks to all the people who follow this blog.  It means a lot to me.  :)  Thanks to Maddie who trusted me enough to give me the so-called "keys to drive the blog."  And thanks to my family, who played a part in making this year great!

Happy New Years!

♥ Rachel 

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  I hope you guys have a great Christmas!  :)

♥ Rachel

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you guys are having a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with lots of turkey and pie!

So, as this day was approaching, I was helping my mom prepare things, rushing around, and just being busy.  I was too busy to even think about Thanksgiving and the meaning of it.  I knew it in the back of my head, but didn't pause to contemplate it.  I think that sometimes, we get so wrapped up in the problems and duties of life, that we forget to pause and think about the little blessings we receive from God. (I know 'cause I do it a lot.)  I have so many  things to be thankful for.  So here is just a small list of things I am truly grateful for.

A Family

 

This was before Benjamin, my youngest brother, joined our group.  (I was the one in purple.  This was like 7 or 8 years ago!)  :)


A Home

I have always loved my house!

Food

That is definitely something to be thankful for! 

Freedom

We take this for granted so much, but I am so grateful that we still have rights and freedom.

There are so many other things I could add to the list, but these are a good start.

What are you thankful for?

♥ Rachel

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My Top 5 Favorite Disney Princesses

Even though I’m not seven, I still love watching Disney Princess Movies.  I mean, what girl doesn’t?  So here are my top five favorite Disney Princesses.

5. Anna – Frozen

Anna is a quirky character.  This girl is royalty, yet she doesn’t think of herself higher than the common people.  Plus, her outfits are so cool! 

4. Belle – Beauty and the Beast

Belle is a very sweet girl.  I mean, she befriends a monster that nobody likes, she’s poor, but makes the best of the situation by being happy, and she reads books.  Any girl that loves to read is an awesome girl!

3. Cinderella – Cinderella

I really like how in the older princess movies, the princesses had a kind temperament.  For example, when Cinderella is locked in her room by her evil stepmother, she doesn’t become angry, say mean things, or scream and yell.  She remains kind and begs her stepmother to let her out.  I really like that quality.

2. Rapunzel – Tangled

This girl is also very quirky.  I mean, who would be able to come up with all those things to do while you’re locked up in a tower for 16 years?  She’s also a fantabulous artist.

1. Snow White – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White is by far my #1 favorite Disney princess.  I have adored Snow White ever since I was little.  When I was younger (a lot younger), I would love to watch her movie; however, I was so scared of the evil queen, that I would hide behind the couch and have Amanda tell when she was gone.  :)  I don’t really have a specific reason I like her so much, but I guess it’s because of her character.  She’s thoughtful, caring, kind, patient, and loving.  Besides, who else could rock wearing the three primary colors together?  :)

Who’s your favorite Disney Princess?  Comment down below!

♥ Rachel

 

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Interesting Winter Candles

There is almost always a candle brightly burning in my house.  A couple days ago, my dad got some new winter-themed candles.  The names are quite interesting, if you ask me.

The first one is called "Dream By The Fire."  It smells nothing like dreaming by the fire because what does dreaming by the fire even smell like?  It smells like a guy's cologne.  It's really strong.  

The next one is "Frolic and Play!"  You know I've always wanted to know what frolicking and playing smells like!  Okay not really, but it sounds interesting right?  Sadly, it dosen't smell like that.  I don't think I've ever smelled a candle like this one, but it smells like sonething I ate when I was little and made me sick.  I can't remember what it was, but I still remember the smell!  The smell is sort of minty, yet sickly smelling.

The red one is "Sleigh Bells Ring."  Like the song, "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, in the lane, snow is glistening..."!  Even though this one has a cool name and picture,  like the others, it doesn't smell like its name.  If it smelled like its name, it would probably smell like metal.  Bleh!  Instead, it smells like a clear soap that is glycerin-free or something like that.

Lastly, there is "Build A Snowman."  Of course, this one doesn't smell like building a snowman because I don't think snow even smells like much of anything.  It smells like peppermint with a hint a coconut.

I have a feeling that they just renamed four smells that they had previously and didn't do very well.  

So which scent did you find most interesting?  Be sure to comment down below with your thoughts!❄️

 ♥ Rachel

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Liebester Award

You know those cool award thingys that blogs get nominated for?  Well I was nominated for one by Naomi from http://livingasmodestgirls.wordpress.com/.  It is called the Liebester Award.  (Don't even ask me what's that supposed mean.)  :)  Thanks Naomi!   

My answers:
1. What is your middle name?
My middle name is (drum roll please). . . Maria! 
2. What is the most unique thing about you?
I am really interested in coding, yet I also like painting!
3. What makes you laugh no matter what mood you are in?
My little brother, Benjamin.
4. Do you like the city or country? 
Definitely the city.  I like to go to different places, not stay in one place all day.
5. What’s your favorite holiday?
Oh, this is a hard one.  I'd have to say. . . probably Thanksgiving.  It's such a happy time because we don't think about what we can do for ourselves, but we're actually thankful for the stuff we already have.
6. How many houses have you lived in?
Three
7. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
That I can share my opinions and thoughts about topics and just let my creativity flow!
8. Do you play any instruments?
Yes, the piano.
9. How many siblings do you have?
Four, so there's five of us kids all together.
10. What’s your favorite season?
Fall!  It's always nice to have a break from all the heat of summer.  :)
11. Do you like to read or write more?
Probably read

I am now supposed to nominate another blogger for this award, so my nominee is Emily from http://emsedition.wordpress.com/

Here are my questions for my nominee:

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What is your dream job?

Do you prefer cooking or baking? 
What is your favorite season?
What is your favorite thing to wear?
What do you do when you have spare time?
If you could have lunch with any literary character, who would you choose?

If you could move to another state, which state would you choose and why?

What is your favorite verse in the Bible?

What is your favorite thing to eat?

What is your favorite subject in school?

♥ Rachel

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Blogs/YouTube Channels I Love!

There are a couple blogs and YouTube channels I just adore.  Here they are:

1.  South Kakalaki Girl (Of Course!)
This is a super cool blog run mostly by my sister Amanda, and sometimes I post.  Head on over there to see reviews, videos, and other fun posts.

2.  Disney's Blog
This is a super funny blog run by Disney, about Disney!  They do tons of quizzes, inside secrets, and hilarious posts!

3.  SimplSarahBeauty
Prepare to have a blast watching cool videos made by 14 year old Sarah!  She makes DIY videos, makeup tutorials, tags, and lots of other videos.

4.  AllAroundAudrey  and JustJordan33
These two channels are run by sisters, who are best friends with simplsarahbeauty.  They just started their channel, but they have made DIY's, Nail Tutorials, and a couple more.

5.  Brooklyn and Bailey
Twins?!  No way!  These two girls are a pair of super-cool twins.  I love their personalities and they have tons of different videos.  They have made the Not-My-Arms Makeup challenge, The Gross-Out Jelly Bean Challenge, Book Reviews, and so much more!

6.  Cute Girls Hairstyles
This channel is run by the mom of Brooklyn and Bailey and you will occasionally see them featured in one of these videos.  This channel has tons of really cute hairstyles that are demonstrated.  Some of my favorites include the Pancaked Bun of Braids, 3D Flower Bun, and the Sides-Up Slide-Up Hairstyle.

I hope you check out these blogs and YouTube channels.  Be sure to comment below and tell me if you liked them!

While I support these blogs/YouTube channels, I cannot guarantee that I agree with 100% of the content that their authors believe or post/talk about.

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All About Me ~ Hailey!

Hey ya'll, today I'm going to give you eight facts about me.  Sorry I haven't posted yet, but maybe this will help with you knowing me better!

1. My favorite color is blue.

2. I love cowgirl boots.

3. I like riding on my fourwheeler.

4. I love Dr. Pepper (and watermelon peeps)

5. I like to paint my nails

6.  I live in the country

7.  I really enjoy taking selfies.

8.  My favorite subject in school is English.

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Getting to Know Me - Rachel

As you may already know, Maddie has handed the blog over to me (Rachel) and Hailey.  I'm just putting together this post for you guys to get to know me a bit better!

Here are a couple random facts about me:
1.  I like doing pretty much any art.
2.  I love iced coffee.
3.  Cooking and baking are one of my favorite activities.
4.  My top three favorite movies are: Star Wars III, Tangled, and Disney Faries Secret of the Wings.
5.  My ultimate favorite color is turquoise.
6.  I love elephants.
7.  I can't whistle, but I can snap.
8.  I can play the piano.
9.  Making videos is one of my hobbies.
10.  Some of my other hobbies include doing DIYs, painting, and creating graphics.

 I hope you guys enjoyed!

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G-o-n-e

No, I'm not leaving just yet, but next week I won't be able to blog because I'm going to Summer camp (yay!).  I hope you all have a fantastic week next week at that.  xo.

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Writer Casting Call

If you would be interested in writing for SST and do at least two blog posts a month, please send an e-mail to: bb.schoolandsuntans@gmail.com and include the following info:



First & last name initial
Age
State
Number years of blogging experience (not required)
Your blog link (not required))
Your vlog link (not required)
One picture of you close-up
Give a little info about yourself (paragraph or so)

Maddie will go through all of the submissions and choose three that will begin blogging for SST.  You can be any girl ages 8-22 to apply.  The three chosen must be committed and honest.  If you need anymore info, please use the contact form.  The three new writers will be chosen around July.  Must receive submissions by June 30, 2014 11:59 EST.  SST has the right to remove anyone from the competition.  Info will not be shared.

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Changes

Hi to all,
I am positive many of you have heard about all the new changes coming to SST. Some of these changes are huge, so be ready!  I guess I'll go ahead and start.

First of all, I'd like to say that the Contests, Covergirl, and Reviews pages are coming down.  The Q&A page will be updated and changed, plus we will add a Contact page.  The Covergirl page will no longer be needed, and your about to find out why.  As for the Contests and Reviews page, I find them taking up my time.  Like whenever I post a review, sometimes I will forget to put it on Reviews page and people are like "Aren't you going to put it on there?"

Second, I am going to do fewer blog posts each month.  Probably around five per month.

Contests.... giveaways.... how much fun.... am I right?  I don't want to say good-bye to those sweet things, so I won't.  However, we won't have as many giveaways.

Quizzes!  Oh, I sure do love my quizzes!  SST will TRY to have monthly quizzes, so just bare with us.

Am I still going to do random blog posts?  Will I change my blog into a fashion blog with some photography? Will I make it a baking and recipe blog (I will go ahead and tell you definitely not)?  That's the thing.  I would like to do less random blog postings, and make them more put-together.  I love reading, so more book reviews would be awesome.  I also enjoy mixing and matching outfits, so I would want to do that.  Ooh, and my video blog.... I have been neglecting it, poor thing.  I am always trying to make some random silly video, when really, I should be doing an enjoyable video that makes sense.

My vlogging will continue, and I might do around one video blog every two months.

There will no longer be anymore Covergirl contests because....

I am going to have a casting call for three writers to join SST.  This will take place super-shortly.

Now for the biggest change of all: Come time in July or August, I will no longer blog that much (or at all). I am going to be super busy this year for various reasons.  Like... going to public school (you know how much work that is, right?) and having after-school clubs... and there are other reasons.  But no worries... SST's new writers will be doing weekly posts of awesomeness!

If there is ever a time when I do need to stop blogging, then I will hand over my blog to someone I trust, or something like that.

Oh, right, June is SUPER BUSY for me this month.  I'm talking two camps, creative writing classes, VBS, b-day parties, and all that good stuff.

There are so many reasons for all these changes!  Wow!  Like I have been working on books, and I really need to get them finished (like Teens and Entrepreneurship), so that is only one of the reasons because of some of this.

All these changes will take place soon.  If you have any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions.... ANYTHING, please let us know via contact form.  Leave your thoughts in comments.  Best wishes, Maddie.

To get updates from this blog, please enter your email address in the "Follow this blog by email" box.

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The Sister Tag

After heading over to South Kakalaki Girl, I read a post called The Sister Tag.  In the post, SKG writers Amanda (who is also our Covergirl!) and her sister, Rachel, answered fun questions to see how much they are alike (and not alike).  Since I have a sister, I decided to try doing a 'sister tag' as well!
(Some of the questions I got from Amanda and Rachel:)

1. If you could describe each other in one word, what would that word be?

Maddie: Unique personalities.

G: Funny.

2. What is one thing that annoys you about one another?

Maddie: My sister is super-duper outgoing.

G: Maddie has way better handwriting than me.

3. What is your current favorite song?

Maddie: I have so many.  Three current favorites are: Classic by MKTO, Payphone by Maroon 5, and Love is An Open Door by Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana.

G: Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Maddie: I have so many!  My list includes 19 Kids & Counting, Duck Dynasty, The Voice, Adventure Time, Kim of Queens, and all those shows on Animal Planet, HGTV, and Food Network.

G: Boomerang and Nickelodeon shows.

5. What is your favorite movie?

Maddie: You should know by now that it is Catching Fire (although Divergent, Brave, Tangled, and Frozen are right behind.)

G: Frozen.

6. Do you and your sister think alike?

Maddie: Um.... sometimes.  We seem to have a mind of our own.

G: Yes. (Maddie says "What....?")

7. Describe your sister in three words.

Maddie: Quirky, funny, and loud

G: Pretty, talented, and fun

8. What is your favorite subject in school?

Maddie: English for the most part, but I also like all the others.

G: Reading.

9. Pants or dresses?

Maddie: I'm almost always doing something, so pants.  I usually only wear dresses to church.

G: Pants, but I do wear dresses a lot.

10. Do you ever argue?

Maddie: On rare occasions.

G: We don't really argue, we mostly disagree.

11. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Maddie: I made a list.  Either a veterinarian, actress, singer, or the other possible millions things.  (Sorry, can't decide!  But I've got time, right?)

G: Fashion designer.

12. Fave critter?

Maddie: Panda's are so cute!

G: Dolphin.

Hope you enjoyed this and got to learn a little more about us!

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Oh, My Sunshine

Beautiful. ♥

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BTF

I LOVE this graphic design my BTF (best twin forever) made for me! 

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♥ My Pet

Hi there!

It is Animal Celebration Month here at SST, so, I wanted to do a post sharing cute pics of my cat. ♥!!

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The Sunshine Award

The Sunshine Award

I am not exactly sure how the Sunshine Award works, but I am super duper excited to say I was nominated by Amanda from the South Kakalaki Girl blog.  She asked me some questions, so I am going to answer them. Then I will nominate someone and ask them questions.  And so on.  :)

How long have you been blogging?  I have been blogging on School and Sun Tans since last year in October.  I have had so much fun along the way!

Why did you start your blog?  A few reasons.  One reason is because I love writing.  Another reason is because I love sharing my experiences with others.  I also think it is great to have something to keep girls busy in their free-time and help them with fashion, school, etc.

How do you choose what you will blog about (where does your inspiration come from)?  I mostly blog about random stuff, seeing how my life is usually random! ;)  If I'm reading a new book or come across some really cool fashion pieces, I blog about it!  I also blog about many other things, which are all about different stuff!

If you could move to another state, which state would you choose and why?  Wow.... this is hard!  If I want to become an actress, L.A. would be the best place to go.  BUT I really love the ocean, so Florida would be right up my alley!  So Florida it is.  I'll be living near the ocean, of course.

What is your favorite verse in the Bible?  My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13:  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

How did you come up with the title for your blog?  I wanted a name to have something to do with school and summer, since they are both a big part of our lives.  So after thinking about it, I just knew "School and Sun Tans" sounded great together, so it seemed like the natural pick.  It let's readers know this is about school and summertime!

If you had a whole day to yourself, what would you do?  This might sound boring for some of you, but I would probably dive into a good read if I wanted to relax.  If I needed a wardrobe change, I'd shop.  And if it was hot and sunny outside, I'd go swimming!

What is your favorite name (besides your own, of course)?  Hmm.... I haven't really thought about that. I like all sorts of names, actually.  It's hard to pick just one!  But.... I think the name Winter is my favorite because it is such a pretty and unique name, and it reminds me of the season.

What is your favorite thing to eat?  I really like red velvet cupcakes!  Yum!

What is your favorite subject in school?  To tell the truth, I love all subjects!  There is something different about each of them that makes them all fun.  However, I love reading so much that I might have to say English is my favorite subject in school!

If you could have lunch with any literary character, who would you choose?  I have so many favorite book characters, that it would be hard to choose just one. But I would have to say Nancy Drew, because I love her books and her style!  And who knows?  Maybe we'd actually be able to solve a mystery together!


Here are the nominees I picked for the Sunshine Award:

Hailey from Model Topia

Katie from The Princess Warrior

Caitlin from Daughter of Destiny


If you were nominated by me and would like to be a part of the Sunshine Award, please follow the list:

1.  Use the image above for your Sunshine Award blog post, or use another picture associated with Sunshine Award.

2.  Answer the following questions I will ask you.

3.  Choose your own blogs to nominate.  You can choose as many as you want.

4.  Please let your nominees know they were chosen for the Sunshine Award!

5.  Ask them 11 questions.  You can come up with your own, if you'd like.

6.  And then you can publish the post on your blog!  As simple as that!


Here are questions for my nominees:


1.  Where did you come up with your blog name?

2.  Why did you create your blog?

3.  What is your favorite Bible verse?

4.  If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

5.  What is your favorite book?

6.  Would you rather be a queen or the president?

7.  What is your favorite subject in school?

8.  If you could make three wishes, what would they be?

9.  What is your favorite flavor of cake?

10.  If you could choose between tennis shoes, cowgirl boots, or sandals, which you you choose?

11.  If you could be in any book, which book would it be?

**Updated as of February 25, 2014**

Hi, I was nominated again by Hailey from Model Topia!  I am going to answer the questions she has asked me. (NOTE:  I am going to skip answers that I have already been asked.)

What is your favorite color?  Sky blue!  It reminds me of the sky and the ocean.

What is your favorite dessert?  I really like red velvet cupcakes.  Yummy.

If you could do anything you want in a days time, what would you do?  I would probably go to the spa and get a mani and pedi.  And then I would do something crazy like go sky-diving ;)

If you could drive any vehicle in the world, what would it be?  A red sports car or jeep.  Or a truck (it might sound weird for some of you, but it's true).

Would you rather wear jeans, shorts, or sweat pants?  It really depends on the weather, but I would probably choose shorts.

What is your favorite print (such as camo or zebra)?  You named my two favorite prints!  I like camo and zebra.

What is your dream job?  To become an actress, publish a really good book series, and help out animals in someway.

What is your favorite animal?  I really like pandas!  They are sooo cute!!

What do you do in your free time?  Read mostly.  I am such a book worm!  Other than reading, though, I like going places and trying new things.

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♥ Inspirational Best Friends Quotes on V-Day ♥

Happy Valentine's Day!

Since this holiday is all about hugs and kisses and surprises (and let's not forget fashionable clothing and our besties), I decided to give you a little best friend inspiration!  Perfect for Valentine's Day!

Dear best friend, I honestly don't know what I would do without you.

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.

best friends are hard to find, but when one comes along, they will make life worthwhile.

God made us friends because He knew our parents wouldn't be able to handle us as sisters.

Hope I inspired you today!  Be the best friend ever!

xoxo,

Maddie♥♥♥

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Pin It Nail Finds

While on Pinterest, I went to my "Nails" board and found all of the nail designs I posted on there.  I have never done a blog post on nails before, so I figured now would be a good time to do so. :)

Can't say no to these cute lil minions! ;) @allycat @brava

Adorable!  @southkakalakigirl You need these!  

Camo print, yet so cute! :) @haileydunford

I love the color of these! 

If your going for a simple yet chic look, this color is for you!

What do you think about these nail designs?  Would you wear them?  Which is your favorite design?

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