baby there's a shark in the water

I haven't updated in forever! This summer has been so eventful and amazing so far, and I really haven't had the time. Surprisingly enough, the pictures I am providing are the only ones I have taken on my camera since my last update. I've just been so distracted and haven't been using the camera as much! I'm even having trouble remembering everything I did since then...

Well first of all, I just finished watching a new episode of Degrassi and I need to vent because this show is seriously going downhill. Being an avid fan since 8th grade (sadly) it is hard for me to let go, despite the horrible actors and no drama whatsoever. "I did something bad, really bad," has resorted to keying a car. Seriously? Someone needs to die. Anyways, I digress...

Basically I have been with my friends, friends, and more friends. The past few Saturdays I have been partyin' with my best friend Andrea and many other new people.

As you can see...

Moving on, my first day of school starts August 30th, bummer! I already bought one of my textbooks, which was really depressing. I DID get that textbook for only 41 cents though... :)

These are the classes I am taking:

• Fit For Life 1 and 2
• Drawing 2
• History of Modern Art
• Philosophy: Ethics
• General Zoology
• Intro to Photography

I'm not too excited about these classes, considering almost half are general requirements. However, part of me really does miss school, mainly my friends, considering they live all over the place and I never get to see a majority of them. I also miss studying, as nerdy as that sounds.

Random, but I wanted to add this in before I forget...anyone ever read the "Ted the Caver" online journal, supposedly one of the scariest stories on the Internet? Well I found the ORIGINAL fiction story that the fake (yes the whole thing was a hoax) journal was based off of. I read the whole PDF file last night, and let me tell you that I had the hardest time sleeping last night. It was such a good read. You can download it here: http://www.zenadsl6236.zen.co.uk/Thefearofdarkness.pdf

I have become aware that I had stopped taking clothing shots lately. I honestly got a little bored with just keeping this a fashion blog; I'm such a fickle person! But I HAVE been shopping a lot lately, especially for jeans and anything denim. I now have a denim vest, new shorts, new Levi's, jackets, etc....I actually bought a pair of shorts at Hollister, believe it or not...and I was also approached for a job there...no thanks. Wow, I'm such a rambler.

So yesterday, I went to Lake Compounce with the family! It was lots of fun, but honestly, after you just get back from Six Flags New England, Lake Compounce really doesn't compare...I still have to go on Bizzaro at Six Flags...

For the most part, I have mainly been working every day, taking some days off just to hang out with friends or to chill. At least I'm making money, and that's all that matters.

I've also been having tattoos on my mind a lot lately. I REALLY want to get a tattoo in the fall, and also my nose pierced. Some of the ideas I have in mind are swallows and (possibly Arabic) text, black and white ink...areas on the body I am interested in are my inner wrist, ankle or foot, upper arm, right back shoulder, or behind the ear. I'll figure it out eventually, I've just been on the search for the perfect tattoo artist in my area...

SO WHO SAW INCEPTION? That movie was kickass. I love movies that you actually have to pay attention to.

Also, my notebook is officially out in Walmart stores! I haven't even seen it yet, haha! Some of my friends have already bought their own copy, how exciting! :) I was also in the paper, and I was even approached by one of my neighbors in the plaza I work in to design a sign for her truck. My first real commission, woot! I don't know how much to charge though...

So basically the best part of my summer so far has been my camping trip up to Alander Mountain, and my road trip up to Maine, both of which I did with my boyfriend. We first did an overnight camping trip up at Alander, and hiked the entire mountain.

At the top! It's a fairly small mountain.





Jon in his hiking gear! I had to carry a backpack as well.

Not long after our camping trip, we headed up to Maine and tried to discover some things to do. Eventually, we ended up in Bar Harbor which was an awesome tourist city right on the ocean. I absolutely loved it. We had lobster every night, and went kayaking out in the harbor. I honestly think the best part of my trip though, was when Jon and I snuck in to a national park after hours and found a gorgeous beach. The moon was full and the tides were really powerful. It was really romantic and beautiful.

Jon and I also managed to fit in an epic Italian Festival this summer. As fun as it was, I ended up getting really sick on one of the rides, which really isn't like me. Note to self, don't eat beet soup before getting on a ride... :/

Fried Oreos don't taste that good...just sayin'.

So before I head back to school, I am definitely planning two day trips: one to Boston, and one to New York. I've been trying desperately to go to NYC with Sara almost every week, but I am just so busy and I just don't ever seem to have the time. I will make these day trips happen, though!

Well, I need to open the store tomorrow, so I am out! z_z

My day off!

Hello all! I hope you had a wonderful fourth of July and a good week. I have so many things to share and a lot of pictures to show. :)

So on the fourth, my family and my boyfriend headed up to my Aunt's lake house on Lake Bantem. We go every year, use the boat, and have a jolly good time. The day was full of tubing, waterskiing (which I am horrible at) and good food. Oh by the way, I have been eating HORRBILY lately.

Sunset before the fireworks!

My brother, Adam. Now a thing about Adam on this particular day which I think is worth mentioning. One of his good friends recently passed away, and he was very upset that day. We were pretty much doing all we can to cheer him up. His friend Ryan Eustace died in a one car accident and suffered head injuries. He was only 17 and it was a tragedy in our town. I can say that was pretty much a downer on the week, but my brother and his friends are doing much better now. The funeral was on Wednesday, and I think the town is settling down. I just feel so sorry for my brother because this is the second young friend he has lost in a couple of years...

ANYWAYS, moving on...!

My uncle's boat. I would say that my uncle is an amazing waterskiier and puts us all to shame. This boat makes me feel very nostalgic.

I love sailboats. I wish I owned one.

My Uncle Al and his dog, Hailey. So adorable!

Adam, my mom, and my cousin Stephanie! Stephanie and my Uncle Jack came up to visit from North Carolina, and I was SO happy to see them. I hadn't seen them in a few years, and we pretty much spent three straight days with them.

While we were driving up to the lake initially, we got terribly lost but my family and I stumbled upon a cannon shooting in the town of Litchfield. (One of the oldest towns in CT.) I thought it was interesting, so I snapped a shot. And it was LOUD.

I apologize, these pictures are kinda out of order so my stories will be all over the place!

Anyways, this picture is from July 3rd! I went down to Southport to go on Jon's family's boat (I guess we're just always near the water and boats, haha!) And we saw a GORGEOUS fireworks display from out in the ocean. Unfortunately, my camera died that night and I couldn't get any!

Anyways, enjoy a picture of Jon drinking some Arizona Iced Tea. ;)

And here is the BIGGEST NEWS! I had my notebook signing at my Walmart for my Fivestar notebook! It was super exciting and I was surprised how many strangers wanted a signed cover. The only setback was that my notebook wasn't even OUT yet! I just signed sample covers and gave them away, but my notebook should be in all Walmart stores nationwide, so get one for back to school!

So the Fivestar corespondent that flew in and arranged my signing actually framed and plaqued my artwork! It's hanging on the wall at home. How cool is that?!



Before it all started...I already had some old friends stop by and visit! This was before the news photographer showed up. I believe my story will be featured in The Waterbury Republican. (By the way, my photographer seemed really baked.)

Signing away! :)






Here's some more pictures from Lake Bantem...

Me, my cousin Paige, her friend Payton, and Stephanie. :)

Shucking corn!

Jon and I!

Tubing with Payton!






I wanted to add these last two pictures from my cousin Erik's cute little birthday party, just because I was ABSOULUTELY in love with the watermelon cake my Aunt made.

Don't worry, it was yellow cake, not watermelon flavor haha!

Well, I just finished an AMAZING yoga workout, and I drinking a Passion Iced Tea Lemonade. I'm gonna be heading out to see Jon again and we are going to a carnival! I will have more pictures and stories soon. Basically, this summer has been great. :)

Magazine journalism sucks!

And I will explain why it sucks soon enough! First, some picthas!

Andrea and I!

So first, I must say that my summer has been swimmingly. I've been making money (which I've been using for SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING.) But anyways, this entry is featured for my lovely friend Andrea, because we have finally reunited our past best friendship. That's a whole other story, but basically she had moved away, and at the end of high school we were kinda being bitches to each other. I digress...! But I have been very happy that I finally have her back in my life. I don't have many girl friends, so it's nice to have girl time once in a while.

First, we spent our morning by the pool, then we had an unexpected downpour. (That's CT for you.) So I had an idea to head down to New Haven to meet up with my boyfriend Jon. We all hung out, and went to Pepe's for pizza. BEST place for pizza, ever. We then headed to Starbuck's, and back to my house. It was a chill day, but very spontaneous and enjoyable.

I do love this candid shot I got of Andrea. Well...it's mainly an SBUX cup. But she's lovely too, hah!

When we were in New Haven, we walked around Yale, which I must say I am so grateful to be able to do that. It's such an every-day thing for me it seems, but really, it's just so grand and beautiful...but this was when we were in the Yale Book Store, and Jon decided he wanted his picture taken with the "semen." Yes, that plush is supposed to be sperm.

Fooling around in the car! We were waiting in the parking garage for Jon to finish going to the bathroom...seriously girls, do your guys take this long to go number 2?!

Moving on...I saw "The Last Airbender" last night. Now let me just say that I am probably one of the hugest Avatar fans, and I have waited over a year for this movie. I want to punch a baby right now. Basically, it was horrible. M. Night butchered an amazing story that was practically handed to him on a silver platter, there was NO character development, and RADDA RADDA! I could write a book about all the mistakes. I am sad. :(

OH! So I finally received my August issue of Seventeen, and I have a story of mine featured in the "Dude Drama" article. Now, I say magazine journalism sucks because they tend to stretch the truth. If anyone reads it first of all, let me tell you that about 89% is exaggerated, and there is one line that is actually false! I was also upset about the title of my story: "He hid his dark side." That really wasn't the point of my story, but again, that's a story for another day. Although...it is kinda cool to be in your favorite magazine. ;)

And last but not least...my notebook signing is still on! The date was changed to July 8th and is going to be held from 1-3 at the Naugatuck, CT Walmart. My notebook will be sold in all Walmart stores, so you should go out and by one! Don't worry, I don't get a percentage of sales or anything. Seriously. :)

You can see my winning cover at

http://www.beafivestarartist.com/ !

Summer '10!

Hello all! I have been VERY bad keeping up with my blogging, specifically the fashion blog posts, but I haven't really had the time to take pictures of my outfits. Soon enough. :) But right now, I feel like talking about the start of my summer and the exciting things that have been happening!

Yesterday, Sara and I spent the day together. It's so great to see her because she lives in East Haven, about 40 ish minutes away from me. :( Butttt we went shopping then had some photoshoots at the park and on the beach! I'm sure she will provide more pictures as well.

We tried so hard making a heart with our hands! My spindles were messing up everything.

I did buy some unecessary jackets, too. This one from H&M was $15! I also splurged on a (clearly fake but awesome) leather jacket that I coudln't resist at Forever 21, and also an owl necklace, blue waist belt, and and a blue flower pin.

On the...workout machine? Haha


Gargoyle!

Sara and I. :)

I have mainly been working every day, though. Yesterday was probably the most exciting day I've had so far. I also plan on making some more art, I am SERIOUSLY behind in that aspect. I'm just waiting for that sudden inspiration to hit.

Sooooo does anyone here watch Adventure Time? Seriosuly, I am becoming addicted to that cartoon, and Sara and I quote it every chance we get. It's on Cartoon Network and new episodes air every Monday at 8:00 EST. :)

I am ALSO going to be seeing Modest Mouse in July! Eek I'm so excited, and I get VIP seats for free because I have a friend who works at the Oakdale in Wallingford, haha!





Andddd my NOTEBOOK SIGNING is going to be this upcoming July 7th! If you don't remember, I won the Be A Fivestar Notebook contest, and my notebook will be coming out in all Walmart stores nationwide! My banner uptop features a glimpse of the artwork, but you can see the design and more on my deviantart at http://www.nadiathestrange.deviantart.com/

I also saw Toy Story 3, which was an adorable movie. Totoro was in it!

As far as school goes, I made the dean's list twice this year! I'm going back in the fall for my junior semester, OH and big news, I am switching my major to Graphic Design. I was originally going for Art Education, which I was loving, but realistically speaking, education isn't a good career option these days, especially for art. I think I would enjoy working in the graphic design field, anyways...


Annndddd....I CAN'T WAIT FOR "THE LAST AIRBENDER" TO COME OUT THIS JULY 1ST! Ahhh I was such a huge Avatar fan. Not James Cameron Avatar, like, real Avatar.

More news, I am also going camping with my boyfriend in Maine for about 4-5 days sometime at the end of July. Roadtrip, woo! And I have never been camping before so this will be exciting. We're also going to do some hardcore hiking, which I love. :)

Wellll I'm out for now! I'm going to do some yoga before I head to work and get my hair trim! :)

OH P.S! I am going to be having a short article of mine featured in the upcoming SEVENTEEN August issue! The article is going to be called "Biggest Love Mistakes" so it's actually a short, personal blurb about one of my past relationships. Just look out for the article and for my name, Nadia!

LATE POST! Deal with it.

I am at work as we speak...clearly not working! Haha! I'm actually working on an important project for my Education class...a teaching portfolio! That class is so demanding...

Anyways, I thought I should show you all what I wore for Easter!

Denim Jacket: Aeropostale

Dress: Forever 21

Shoes: Soda, bought at Windsor

I LOVE THIS DRESS. The only thing that dissapointed me that day was that my strap broke! I'll just sew it back together...but it's pretty ironic that Forever 21 makes the cutest clothes, yet they fall apart the quickest...

I apologize for lack of updates and pictures! I can promise you that summer can bring forth many cute outfits to share. :) This semester is just busy busy busy! And of course I look like a slob when I go to class, haha!

Done with field observation!

I finished my field observation today! Yay! A lot of my students were upset that today was my last day...aw!

I wore a VERY simple outfit today:

Top: No Boundaries by Walmart (:O!)

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Hue (Macys)

Shoes: American Eagle by Payless

I basically had to dress very simple for my observation hours, considering that I worked in an art classroom and it was constant MESS.

HOWEVER...I just had to wear my new skirt! I didn't even really want to make an entry for this outfit, but I must show you all this skirt:

When I went shopping a few weeks ago, I got two new skirts from H&M...you will have to stay tuned for a future entry to see the second skirt. :) I LOVE the way they fit, the fabric, the quality...everything about them!

Oh and I apologize for the quality of my pictures...I need a personal photographer. :(