The Better Martha Graduates

June 7th, 2012 marked a big day for me. From now on I'm recognized as an alum. When I go back to visit my campus I will say this was where I spent my days, these were my teachers. Who knew that tense conjugations could signify so much? Although there were many days where I complained about the harsh work load of this prep school, looking back I'm so lucky to have had the opportunity to go there. Not everyone is so gifted with such intelligent friends, such supportive teachers, and such loving family members. I hit the jackpot because I've always had all three. Here are some snapshots from the day. 

{Me, Dad, & Mom (rocking the Prada sunnies)}

  

{Queen of the school, Tina instructs me not to trip before I head down the aisle (of doom when wearing heels}

 

{The reason I tower above everyone: 6 inch L.A.M.B platforms}

{I can't believe I have known Britt for 14 years!}

The Better Graduation Reflections

This year, the beginning of the summer is a bit of a landmark for my family. My parents are having their 30th anniversary, my brother having graduated medical school is officially a doctor, and I'm saying farewell to the small prep school that I have attended for the last 14 years. After watching my father (an alum of the school) hand my brother his diploma, it got me thinking that it would only be a few short weeks before I' be getting my diploma.

Granted it is just high school, and I don't have to deal with the stress of knowing that lives will be in my hands...but still, it was a big awakening. All of this made me realize there are so many things I want to bake, do, see, and read while I'm still footloose, fancy free, and not bound to textbooks in the library. I refuse to let this summer pass only to realize that I have spent most of my days in the house. So here it is, my official Before I Go To College: Summer of 2012 Bucket List.

THINGS TO BAKE

1. Cinnamon Brown Butter Breakfast Puffs (Pictured above. Image via Smitten Kitchen)

2. Naan Bread

3. Homemade Twix Bar

4. Tiramisu (Pictured above. Image via 17 and Baking)

5. Jamaican Hard Dough Bread (This one is especially for my Jamaican parents who have been begging me to make it.)

THINGS TO DO

1. Run on the beach

2. West Coast Swing dance classes

3. Cake decorting class  (Image above via Glorious Treats)

4. Food photography/ styling class

5. Complete my tee shirt rug (Pictured above.)
6. Organize all pictures and computer files

THINGS TO SEE

1. Napa vineyards

2. Broadway show at Pantages Theatre

3. Snow White and the Huntsman

4. Chelsea Lately Live Show (Pictured above. Image via Google Images)

5. Cirque du Soleil

THINGS TO  READ

1. Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book1)

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

3. An Abundance of Katherines (Pictured above. Image via Google Images)

4. Pandemonium

5. Uglies

I'd love to hear about all the activities on your bucket list.

The Better Things I'm Loving

As the school year came to a close, the life changes that seemed so far away are quickly approaching. Last Wednesday was my last day of high school, and in two weeks I will be graduating. Here are some of the things I'm most appreciative of right now.

{A peak at the outfit I'll be wearing on Honors Day}

{My graduation dress}

UPDATE: You may have noticed in my graduation post that I didn't end up wearing this beaded dress. For the last few months I have taken up running and until a week before graduation I didn't realize that I had lost quite a few lbs. I tried on my dress and to my surprise it wouldn't stay on! Because of the boning and beading I just had to get a new dress, but it worked out for the better since I think the Ralph Lauren dress is waaay prettier!

{TV on DVD}

{My college acceptance letter; they mention my application essay about Martha Stewart}

{My Oscar de la Renta scarf that adds sophistication to even jeans and a tee shirt}

{View from the second story}