Looking Back on the Year

There are officially nineteen days of school left, and I am super excited for summer! Now, my summer might sound boring to you, because all it involves is swimming, eating, and sleeping, but I am super pumped. Unfortunately, the end of the school year also comes along with the end of this blog. Blogging has been such a great experience, especially since I get to share all my stories with y’all. For my final post, I’m gonna share with you guys on how I have changed this year.

First, I have become more social around adults. As part of the leadership class that I am in, I am on a student board for our local performing arts center, the Park City Institute. I volunteered at shows throughout their season, and helped out by selling memberships. This opportunity has helped me feel more comfortable interacting with adults, and I am no longer afraid to go up to the lady at Ikea for my fav froyo like I used to be!

Now, high school has been a whirlwind, but I have learned how to manage my stress better. Next week, I have an AP test, and yesterday I spent like two hours watching T.V., so I guess I am kinda becoming a regular teenager as far as procrastination is concerned. Over spring break, I just chilled and did no homework, which ended up being pretty great. This year, I took more of an applicable approach towards studying, instead of just memorizing the facts, and it really paid off!

My blog, Splashin’ Fashion, has helped me become more self-aware. By reflecting on all of the key aspects to swimming, I have realized my strengths and weaknesses. There is definitely a difference between just doing a set in practice, and actually being conscious of your actions. This year was my first year of high school athletics, and I learned a variety of life lessons, from the importance of integrity to the value of close friendships.

My friend Elise and I

My first blog post, My Summer of Swimming, was horrible, awkward, and took me forever to write. In my more recent posts, like Heatless Hairstyles, I have really found my voice. As time has progressed, I have felt more comfortable writing posts. Hopefully, you have found my writing to be somewhat humorous and entertaining. 

Some parts of me haven’t changed though. I still am obsessed with swimming, hair, good grades, fruit snacks, potato chips, and cheez-its. The other day, I was really proud of myself because I thought that I had gone a month without eating potato chips, only to find out that my mom considers Pringles to be potato chips. This summer, I am gonna try to eat healthier, but I am not so sure how its going to go. I am also psyched because I now am taller than my mom, which is rather beast considering I had not grown in about three years.

Through twenty two blog posts, I hope that you have learned a little bit more about me. Thank you to my followers and everyone who has read this blog, as well an anyone who has contributed to my blog (You guys are da bomb.com). I know you guys are gonna miss me, but as Mrs. Alp would say, you don't have to go cry and fart around on the field. This is it…so adios!

XOXO

Siena

All 'Bout Those Braids

What’s up? Today, I have decided to share with y’all anything and everything about braiding! I started my braiding fad when I was about eight years old, after I received my first American Girl Doll, Nicki, and I always wanted her hair to be flawless. Ahhh…those were the good ole days. Since then, I pretty much have served as a hair stylist for my mom and my sis. After watching Youtube videos for hours on end, I have become a pretty decent braider if I must say so myself. Therefore, without further ado, let’s get started!

The Basic Braid

It might just be a simple three strand braid, but you’d be amazed on how versatile it is. Recently, messy looks have been in, so braids nowadays are much looser. If you want to take this style up a notch, try letting a few strands of hair frame your face and then give them a slight curl by using a curling wand!

The French Braid

My grandma, who kinda lives in a tree house, is especially pro at french braiding, so it is definitely a classic. Her french braids always turn out perfect, although it takes her forever as she takes itty bitty pieces of hair. There are many versions of a french braid, but some of my favs include a full head, side, as well as a french braid leading into a high pony.

The Waterfall Braid

This hairdo is definitely the most elegant of the braid family, and it is perfect for those fancy occasions like Prom and Homecoming, which unfortunately I don’t get to go to yet because I’m still a freshie. If you find that this stitching pattern is too difficult for you, check out this faux easier version here. I have tried this a couple of times, and it literally takes a few minutes to do, which is perfect for all of those early mornings where you are in a hurry to get to school.

The Dutch Braid

This braid is very similar to the french braid, but instead of pulling hair sections over into the braid, you pull them under. By doing so, I think it gives a much more sophisticated and mature look. The key to taking this braid to the next level involves “pancaking the edges”, which adds more volume and texture. 

The Fishtail Braid

Instead of using three strands of hair, you use two for this look. Fishtails have become very popular and are being modeled by celebrities at red carpet events. One of the aspects that I love about fishtails is that they are unique and can be worn pretty much anywhere. If you are looking for a legit fishtail tutorial, click here!

The Zipper Braid

I started learning how to do the zipper braid about a month ago, but I still haven’t mastered it. For some reason, my brain and hands don't cooperate and I always get lost. The zipper braid has a intricate and difficult stitching pattern, but once it is finished you look on fleek. Hopefully I will be able to perfect my zipper braid craft soon!

The Zipper Braid
Photo Courtesy: Cute Girls Hairstyles

Thank you guys for reading! My blogging experience is coming to an end *single tear*, but stay tuned for my grand finale! I’ll see ya later…:)

XOXO

Siena