Pictured left is my best friend Alyssa and her younger sister Emily. They're also my back door neighbors. I've been on so many trips with them and it was so nice to just go somewhere for a couple days and discover a new terrain that we've never set foot on! 

That following Friday, Alyssa, my sisters, and I went to North Avenue beach in Chicago. I've only been to Oak street beach and have realized that this beach is where all the noisy teens go. It was very entertaining. Not only did we see a 16 year old get pushed into the lake, but we also got to see her chug a whole bottle of vodka and lake water in one go. Now that, my friends, is a show. We left shortly after we got over the fact that it happened. 

 It was also National Donut Day so we brought this inflatable inter tube that wasn't actually allowed in the lake due to safety and stuff. So, we really just wanted it for cute photos. Can't blame the things you have to do to get a cute insta snap! 

 The following Sunday, my other best friend, Mikayla and I decided to sign up last minute to run the Color Run downtown Chicago. I was in the city so much! 

You can wear as much color as you want, but be careful because the chalk they throw at you literally gets everywhere. 

 This is my second time running it and my second time running a 5k. Last time we both got lost in the crowd and I kind of had to "re-run" it because we wanted to finish together regardless of time. 

I'm hoping that next year I can participate in the Blacklight Run or Bubble Run, too! We both had a blast this year and I would recommend it for everyone. You can run or walk and you also get to be on the streets of Chicago around Grant Park which is so cool. 

Each year they have a theme and this year's was based on Dreams and Unicorns. Last year was a Tropical theme and I am excited to see what it'll be next year! 

Later, I had my graduation party with all of my close friends and shared it with my older sister who also graduated from college this year. Pictured are my best friends Madeleine and Mikayla trying to keep me up. We had beautiful weather and I had a really nice time with all of my closest friends. I loved only having a small group of people in high school that I could spend time with because I think it's more special than knowing everyone in your grade.

Thank you for everyone who came and enjoyed celebrating this achievement of mine and you can bet that I am just starting my ever-so-more exciting college journey at DePaul this September. 

This is not my dog and I wish it was. I just had to add this in because this little guy was the dog of my dreams. Obviously, my old dog Rigy is, but after his passing, it has been so hard for my family and I. So, when my neighbors told me they were dog sitting this little fluff nugget, Harrington, I knew I needed to go meet him.

I have so much more respect for avid rock climbers because it takes all of your upper body strength and muscles to force a human body up a body of rocks. We've soon realized how strenuous this activity really is. We loved every minute of finding new rock pathways and reaching the top of the wall. It was rewarding and very liberating to accomplish something like that...even if Alyssa didn't have a bell to ring. 

I'm just waiting for many more adventures like these to come and I am so excited for the rest of this summer before I start college. I have so much to think about and do, but I really just want to embrace it all for what it's worth. I have been so grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been given and I am just getting started with my journey. What is something exciting that's happened to you lately?

I know it's taken a while for me to actually generate a consistent skincare routine and I do have a multitude of products like cleaners and creams. I thought I would share a few of my luxury skincare products that I have grown to love and received from a very good and generous friend who had a family member work at Sephora and give samples to. I am always up to trying new skincare products because my skin constantly changes and I am never one to keep up with one routine.

Also, I linked all of the full sizes I could find just because most of these are either travel or sample sizes. Obviously, I don't use these every single day because I like to use them sparingly, but I do have to say that I have tried all of them out for a few months now and really love how they've all transformed my skin. 

Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Lifting and Reshaping Cream- When I do want a little lift and I want to prematurely start to prevent any wrinkles, even if it may seem like I don't need to. I love how soft this cream is on my skin and it also has spf which is another vital thing to have in a moisturizer/cream. 

Clarins UV Plus Sunscreen- Speaking of spf, I like this Clarins sunscreen a lot and I have trouble finding a nice sunscreen that won't break out my skin. I have tried Neutrogena, but I am so in love with this mini sample. It's so cute and easy to take with me to the beach! 

Clinique All About Eyes Cream- I am so bad at taking care of my eyes and I am so obsessed with Clinique's full moisturizing range. I love this cream so much because not only does it depuff my eyes, it completely gets rid of redness and wakes me up after I apply it at night. I wake up refreshed and not tired eyed. 

Shiseido Wrinkle Resist 24 hr Softener- Only recently have I started to use this Shiseido Wrinkle Resist because I have this problem with a wrinkly forehead and I will just shake a drop or two onto a cotton pad and pat it on my forehead and upper cheek area. I know I am very young to use any anti aging or wrinkle products, but it has been a constant struggle when your foundation creases into your wrinkles and laugh lines! It has really helped smooth my skin, too. 

Clarins Toning Lotion- I love toners, especially during these hotter months. I have normal to oily skin and recently I have noticed that my skin is less oily because I will use this every other night on my face. Toners can be harsh to my skin sometimes, but I love the way this really prevents shine and breakouts. 

First Aid Beauty Cleanser- This has probably been my favorite cleanser this year by far. It smells so fresh and does a great job at getting everything off my face. Dirt, grime, dead skin, makeup, literally anything. It is so gentle and actually reasonably priced for the full size. You only need to lather a pea sized amount and you're good to go, day or night! 

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Treatment- I have been getting used to this "2 minute" mask and am so surprised at how it makes my skin feel so refreshed and soft. I think it smells like cloves or gingerbread and I apply it in the shower while I do other things and then after a couple minutes, I wipe it off and my face is exfoliated and smoother than ever. I might purchase more of these mini sizes because a little goes a long way!