Fashionably Short
  • Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Outfits
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Books
  • Contact

Ways to Give Thanks

11/13/2016

0 Comments

 
Happy Sunday! Thanksgiving is coming up this week, and I wanted to share a few things I am grateful for, and a few things that I think need a little more appreciation. I hope that this post brightens your day :)

Around this time of year, the question "what are you grateful for?" pops up a lot. And there a lot of things to be thankful for in this world, but sometimes it can be hard to express it all in a simple sentence or two. Today I wanted to list some of the things I am thankful for, as just a little fun post to spread some happiness and inspiration.
1. My healthy & happy family
2. My healthy & happy friends
3. Spending Thanksgiving with my family and friends
4. Fall (and how beautiful it is)
5. My education
6. Music
7. The opportunity to travel
8. Cooking, baking, and eating 
9. Christmas time !!
10. Sweaters, scarves, and blankets

11. A loving community
12. Black Friday (and Cyber Monday!)
13. Sunny, rainy, and snowy days
14. Books
15. This blog :)
Now is great to be thankful for things, and even better to acknowledge them, but how can you really show your thanks? Around this time of year, I love to express the things I am thankful for by doing little things. Remind your family and friends how much you love them. Help out your  community. Thank your teachers for their hard work. Smile more at grocers, cashiers, etc. In my opinion, that is what thanksgiving is all about.


I hope that you enjoyed this week's post! I wanted to try something different that I haven't really done in a while. I also wanted to thank each and every one of you for reading my blogs, visiting a page or two, or just checking it out every once and a while. It really means the world to me :) I hope that you have an amazing week, and that you get the chance to spend thanksgiving with the people you love.
xx Hanna

0 Comments

Back to School Essentials 

8/14/2016

0 Comments

 
As we begin to reach the middle of August, it turns into Back-to-school time everywhere. This year I decided to head out early to get school supplies so that I got the best picks. Today I will be sharing with you the necessities for going back to middle or high school.

Picture

Planner

Picture
My favorite thing to purchase when I look for school supplies is a planner, because I love how each one is unique. My favorite tend to be the inspirational ones with cute sayings, (last year I got my planner from Bloom, whose planner was so cute and filled with motivational quotes) but this year I chose a more practical and cheaper option. Five Star tends to make great quality products, and this planner has helpful information, a place to keep your school schedule, and is very sturdy. Last year I found that even though my planner was cute, it wasn't make out of the sturdiest material, and fell apart in my backpack by the end of the year. This one has a covered binding to prevent any tears,

Writing Tools

Picture
The next item necessity for school is writing tools, which I tend to be very picky about. I must have a black, blue, and red pen with me at all times, because I like to use different colors to correct and edit papers. I also have a mechanical pencil with me, specifically the kind shown above, because they seem to be the only ones I never lose. Another writing tool that I use all the time is highlighters, and the more colors the better, because I love color-coding. 

Notes and Flashcards

Picture
​For my desk at home, I always keep a stack of flashcards, Post-it notes, and small bookmark stickers. I use flashcards to study for most tests that involve memorization, including language, vocab, history facts, etc. The Post-it notes and bookmarks are for when I am reading a book in school. I am that person who marks up all the pages and writes small notes to stick inside, because it helps for tests and essays later. 

Notebooks

Picture
I use notebooks for every class, and depending how the teacher works, I often chose between a spiraled notebook or a composition notebook. My recommendation is to choose the spiraled notebook for the teacher who makes you hand in notes, fill out many worksheets, and other activities that require you to take out pages. Otherwise, choose a composition notebook for a class in which you only take notes, and keep them for yourself. I find that composition notebooks are a lot easier in this case because everything stays together and is neat, making it easier to go back and re-read notes, without accidentally ripping out a page.

Folders, Paper, and Textbooks

Picture
I tend to purchase these items at the beginning of the school year, in case you have a teacher who requires you to use/have these. The folder is helpful for organizing old papers at home, especially things that you will need for midterms/finals. Loose leaf paper is very helpful for homework that you know will be turned in, or for notes that you don't want in a notebook. Having a few book covers around make it a lot easier at the start of the year when you have to cover textbooks, because you can just slip these on, without worrying about making one yourself.

Math Tools

Picture
Depending on what type of math class you are entering, you might need different tools, but most classes require a calculator. I found this cute 10 piece math set at Target, and I think it is great to slip in a backpack for math, because it is quite small, and has any tool you could possibly need for math.

Binder and Pencil Case

Picture
Last but not least, you will likely need a pencil case to hold all of your writing tools, and a binder to hold notebooks, paper, worksheets, and other things for class. I tend to pick binders on the cheaper side. but last year I found that the one nice-quality binder I had was the only one that survived the whole year, so I decided to buy a new one that'll hopefully last 2+ years.

That is the end of my Back-to-School Essentials post, if there was anything I didn't cover, or something that you find essential for school, please comment it below! I hope that this post made it easier to go school supplies shopping, because I know it can be stressful when trying to make sure you have everything you need. Although most of the supplies in this post is in the original packaging, I tend to decorate all of my supplies once I have my school schedule. If you would like to see a how-to post on school supplies, let me know! Have a fantastic week!
​xx Hanna

0 Comments

July Favorites 2016

8/5/2016

0 Comments

 
First of all, I know it has been a while since my last favorites post, and I apologize to anyone who finds these posts their favorite ;) (see the pun?) Since it has been so long I found it very hard to pick only a few things to show you. Therefore these picks are the best of the best right now. I hope you find this post helpful, and maybe we share some of these favorites in common!

Picture

Scrunchies

Picture
Scrunchies made their return almost a year ago, and I hadn't used them since I was a little kid. When I first re-discovered these, I was a little uncertain, but they have blown me away. If you tend to get very tangled hair when wearing normal hair ties, then these are a quick solution. They are easier to tie, come off smoothly (without taking my hair with it) and add a pop of color to a look. The ones I purchased were from Target, and I personally thought that they're a little too big to keep on your wrist all day, but look great in hair.

Dessange Shampoo

Picture
After running out of the last of my Natural Essences shampoo (which at the time I thought was great), I starting looking for a new shampoo to use.  When I read the bottle and how it claimed it works "for oily roots and dry ends", I knew it was perfect. I have pretty thick hair, and the top tends to get weighed down and oily very quickly, leaving the bottom very brittle. After using this shampoo for around a week, my hair felt lighter, softer, and a lot less oily. I highly recommend this shampoo if you have a similar hair type to mine, because it works extremely well. 

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes

Picture
I have very sensitive eyes and face, so when I wear makeup and don't take it off properly, I will regret it the next day. I have previously used the eye makeup remover wipes, and they are very soothing and leave my eyes clean, but not irritated. The facial wipes work the exact same, but for your whole face. It is true when it says it has cucumber in it, the 3rd ingredient on the list is cucumber extract. The only issue is that they are a little on the pricey side if you wear a lot of makeup everyday, but if you wear it once in a while, then these are a great option.

French Lavender Soap

Picture
As you can tell by this very empty soap bottle, I absolutely loved using this Bath & Body Works foam soap. First off, I love the smell of lavender and thus any product that uses it. The foaming soap has been a favorite of mine forever, so when I saw this I knew it would be a long-lasting favorite. I have been using their French Lavender and Honey scents for a while, but this smells even better. 

Write Now Notebook

Picture
This was given to me a few months ago by a family member, and the notebook itself is nothing special. I have recently found it very important to write down the things that happen in your life, whether a big event or a retelling of the day. Not only does it improve writing skills and make you feel good, but it is great to look back on later in life. Memories can fade over time, and if you want (or don't want) permanent record of something, it is important to write it down.

There are my favorites from July! I know it may seem a bit late as we are already through a good bit of August, but this is the first Sunday of the month. I plan on bringing some back to school posts later this month, so let me know if you want to see anything specific. I hope that this post was helpful or inspiring to you, so comment down below if you want to try/have tried any of these favorites. Have a spectacular week!
xx Hanna
0 Comments

End of Summer Picnic

7/24/2016

0 Comments

 
With the warm weather and sunshine coming to a close, I thought to take one last picnic in the park and soak up some rays. I absolutely love making picnic foods and chilling outside in the fresh air. Today, I brought my camera along with me on my picnic to show you just how much fun it can be.

Picture
Step 1 to a successful picnic is finding the perfect spot. Thankfully there is a nearby park with a flat field which is perfect for a picnic. I ended up setting up under the shade of a tree, keeping me cool from the sun. The blanket shown is made out of a protective material that doesn't get wet if the grass is, and it folds up nicely.
Picture
The next thing you need is a wide variety of snacks and foods. On this particular trip I brought with me:
- cotton candy grapes 
- oranges
-apple
-peppers
- cucumber
- hummus (plain and tomato basil)
- cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches
- turkey and arugula sandwiches
- ham and cheese sandwiches
​- spicy dill chips
​- water
These are just a few of many options you can bring with you on a picnic. Another personal favorite of mine is cheese and crackers. I also love bringing an refreshing drink such as ice tea or lemonade. 
Picture
When going on a picnic, I always have a few essentials that I like to bring. I always bring the current novel I am reading, because there is nothing more relaxing than reading a good book outside. I also always bring some earbuds in case I want to listen to music, and some sunglasses. Other important things to have include sunscreen, bug spray, wet wipes, etc. It is also nice to bring a board game or some cards to play with friends.
Picture
​Lastly, when I was out on the picnic, I forgot to bring dessert with me. The theme I went for the picnic was tea-party themed, with little tea sandwiches and snacks. For dessert, I decided to bake a lavender tea bread, which turned out absolutely delicious. If you want the recipe, you can check out the lovely blogger who made it here. It was moist, and very similar to a pound cake, but with the mild taste of lavender. I ate mine while drinking some earl grey tea, and it was the perfect way to end the afternoon.

I hope you enjoyed this last summer post of 2016! I know summer ends in a few days, and I'm so excited and ready for the fall season to start. I can't wait to start posting about fall, so if there is anything you want to see this year on the blog, let me know in the comments, I hope that you have a happy week!
​xx Hanna

0 Comments

Summer Bucket List

6/26/2016

0 Comments

 
It's finally summer! In honor of the hot months and no school having finally arrived, I wanted to share with you some things that I wish to do this summer. I hope it gives you inspiration for your own summer activities.

I always make a bucket list at the beginning of each summer, and attempt to do as many as possible. Here are a few examples, some of which are on my own bucket list this year.
- bake
- go camping
- hike
- bike ride
- have a picnic in the park
- shop till you drop
- road trip
- see a concert
- hug a tree

- go to the beach
- mini golf
- amusement park
- water park
- build a fort
- watch a movie
-binge watch tv
- homemade meal
- try something new
- pool day
- pj day
- family game night
- play a sport
- learn a new language
- watch the sunrise/sunset

I hope this list gave you some ideas of activities to do this summer. They are fun to do with family, friends, or by yourself. Summer can sometimes get boring after you feel like you've done everything, which is why a bucket list is so fun. It makes sure there is always something new to do. Have a great week!
xx Hanna
0 Comments

Breakfast

3/13/2016

0 Comments

 
For me, breakfast has always been the most important meal of the day. Others find it unnecessary, and some think of it as just another meal. Whatever your opinion is on breakfast, sometimes it makes it hard to pick out what you want to eat in the morning, and might choose to ignore it entirely. For a breakfast block, the best solution is to plan ahead. Below, I put a weeks worth of my favorite breakfast options, sorted by how much time you have, and how much you enjoy breakfast. 

1. The Breakfast Lover
​(or if you have a lot of time)

 If you wish you could eat breakfast for every meal of the day, than this is the list for you. The items below are some of my favorite breakfast choices on the weekend, when I have more time, but most can be made within 10-15 minutes. If you are unsure of what something is, look it up on pinterest and you will find tons of recipes.

- 2 Ingredient Pancakes (1 Banana, 1 Egg)
- Cloud Egg
​
- Breakfast Sandwich
- Quinoa Egg Bowl
- Oatmeal with fruit
- French Toast
​- Fried Egg with Salsa 


2. The Eh about Breakfast
(or if you have a little time)

Making something the night before is often the most successful way to get you to eat in the morning, unless it's a bowl of cereal. Overall, if you think skipping breakfast is not a crime, than this list fits your needs. 

- Overnight Oats
- Yogurt Parfait
- Muffins
- Rice Cake with PB and Bananas
- English Muffin with jam
- Smoothie
​- Cereal with fruit

3. The Breakfast Skipper
(or on the go breakfast)

​As much as the Breakfast lovers might find you a criminal, it is perfectly normal to skip breakfast, especially when your short on time. A lot of people aren't hungry first thing in the morning, but later you could end up starving before a lunch break. This list has a bunch of things you can bring on the go or to eat later.

- Granola Bar
- Smoothie Popsicle
- Fruit Salad
- pre-made pastry
- quiche/fritatta
​- snacks in a bag (nuts, cereal, etc)
​- Yogurt Granola Bar

What kind of a breakfast eater are you? Let me know in the comments. Also, I hope this post gave you some inspiration for what to eat on a grumpy Monday morning. Have you tried any of these recipes before? My all time favorite is English muffin with peanut butter, since I have an obsession with PB. Have a terrific week!
​xx Hanna

0 Comments

February Favorites 2016

2/21/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
Even though it isn't the last Sunday of February, I couldn't wait to share with you the things I've been enjoying recently. Likewise, it has been forever since I've done a Favorites post, so I put together a few things I've been loving recently to share with you. 

eos 

Picture
Recently, I ran out of eos lip balm and ran to pick up another, and this time I purchased the Blackberry Nectar. The reason it has stripes is because it is part of the Visibly Soft collection, and I noticed that the balm goes on thicker when applied, which I enjoyed a lot more than the slightly thin coverage on the other lip balms. Also, I love blackberries, and right now they are not in season, so it gives me a hint of the summer fruit that I love.

Shea Moisture

Picture
​Like the eos, I recently ran out of my favorite body wash from Bath & Body Works, and this time I wanted to try something a little more natural. At Target, I picked up this Shea Moisture Olive and Green Tea Body Wash. I was unsure of the difference it would make, but I my skin felt softer after just a week. And through the winter months, my skin been less dry than usual, which prevents me from lathering 3 coats of lotion every day. I am one of those people who hates the feeling of dry skin, and if you have irritability like me in the winter, than this is perfect for you. Although, the main ingredient in this is coconut, so if you have allergies this might not be the best choice.

Heroes

Picture
A few weeks ago I had a family member visiting London, and of course I had to ask for them to bring me back some chocolate. I love Cadbury, and my favorite sweets they make are the miniature eggs during Easter (anyone else love these?) ​Anyways, they picked me up a box of Heroes which is basically a bunch of their kinds of chocolates in little miniature versions. For me, this was very exciting, and I absolutely love every chocolate that came with it. If you live somewhere where you have regular access to these, it is probably not as thrilling, but I totally recommend trying them. 

Secret Garden

Picture
Someone gave me the coloring book, Secret Garden, over Christmas, and since then I've been coloring more than I ever thought I would. If you haven't colored since you were little and don't think it is your thing, trust me, it is. I find coloring a little bit every night is extremely relaxing, and actually helps me fall asleep faster. Therefore, if you are trying to get away from the daily stress of life, this is a great way to put everything else aside, and just focus on coloring in between the lines. 

Cowboy Bark

Picture
First and foremost, who doesn't love a yummy chocolate covered pretzel? It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Well, picture that yummy goodness and add in peanuts, almonds, salt and crumbled crumbled chocolate cookies. That is what you're biting into when you eat this cowboy bark. Basically, it is the perfect snack to meet your sweet cravings. Enough said.

I hope you enjoyed my February favorites! I find it funny how 2 out of the 5 were chocolate. Don't forget to let me know in the comments what you have been enjoying this month, and if you have anything in common with mine. Enjoy your week!
​xx Hanna

2 Comments

10 Things to Do in a Snowstorm

1/24/2016

0 Comments

 
If Storm Jonas happened to hit your area over the weekend, you might be snowed in with nothing to do. That is why I came up with a few things you can do during/after the snowstorm.

  1. Play a Board Game - you might not have the option to play one a lot with your family if you're constantly busy, so this is the perfect opportunity to sit down and play a game together.
  2. Watch a Movie - if you haven't lost power, watching a movie is a great way to pass time and spend time with people you love.
  3. Sledding - once the snow has stopped, taking a trip to a local park to sled down a hill with friends is a great activity, especially if you are still unable to drive. It is a great way to get out of the house for some fresh air too.
  4. Build a Snowman - a snowman is a great decoration for your front yard. and such fun to make! Building one can also pick up snow near the house and move it farther away, making it fun and an effective way to avoid flooding.
  5. Bake Something - when you are stuck inside the house, the opportunity to bake something yummy arises. Usually the list of recipes you want to try stacks up, and you never end up making anything,
  6. Read a Book - just like baking, the list of books you want to read can be miles long, so now is the perfect excuse to catch up on reading.
  7. Build a Fire - if you have a fireplace, whether electric or manual, it really sets the mood when you are drinking hot cocoa by the lit fire, watching the snow outside.
  8. Have a Dance Party - listening to your favorite music with family and friends is a great way to pass time, and also a good way to get some exercise when stuck in the house.
  9. Watch old videos/photos - most likely, there are tons of videos and photos lying around your house that you might have never seen. Going over these with families is so fun, and can bring back memories you might have forgotten
  10. Build an Igloo - if you have enough snow, you can pack together a mountain load and dig a hole in the middle. creating a small hideaway for you and your friends.

I've honestly have had so much fun this weekend many of these activities. Let me know if you have gotten any snow this year and what you did when it came. I hope you all have a fabulous week.
​xx Hanna

0 Comments

5 Travel Tips

1/3/2016

0 Comments

 
Traveling can be a mess if you are unsure of what you're doing, or leave planning until the last minute. Packing and travelling itself are the two hardest struggles when going on a trip, because it is easily uncomfortable. Here are some small tips to make your next trip as smooth as possible. 

  1. ​Pack Lightly - don't leave out necessary items, but pack as light as possible. Not only will you have less trouble carrying baggage, but you will only bring the things you need. I suggest asking yourself "Am I really going to need/use this over the next __ days?" and if the answer is not a definite "yes", then it most likely does not need to be in your suitcase.
  2. Bring Snacks - it doesn't matter if you are taking a plane, train, car or boat, bringing something small to eat and drink can make your day. Food in airports is expensive and usually unappetizing/unhealthy, making it a struggle to find something to eat. Food can be sparse on road trips too. I recommend bringing something healthy (e.g. an apple, nuts, etc.), because that type of food is typically hard to find while traveling.
  3. Wear Layers - You never know if it will be cold/warm in your type of transportation, so wearing something that will work for any kind of weather can keep you feeling comfortable all trip long.​ Personally, I bring a pair of fuzzy socks everywhere, because they instantly make me feel warm and comfortable.
  4. Things to Do - boredom comes easily when traveling, so it is crucial to bring lots of different kinds of activities that will occupy your time. Some examples of items to bring are: coloring books, music, books, audiobooks, movies, notebooks, DS (or other portable game systems), puzzles, cards, knitting tools, etc.
  5. Check everything - the night before you leave, double (or triple!) check to make sure that you have everything you need to travel. Make sure any tickets you will need are in an easy accessible place, and write a list of any last minute things you will need to pack (e.g. toothbrush, snacks, etc.).

I'm back! Happy New Year, and I hope you had a great holiday break. I'm still waiting for snow, because I never feel like winter has really started until the first snowfall. What is your favorite thing about winter? Let me know in the comments. 
xx Hanna
( p.s. sorry for the small post, a longer one with lots of photos is coming soon!)
0 Comments

Leftover Halloween Candy

11/7/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Have some leftover Halloween candy on your hands? Here are a few ways to sort it, and clean up your house. The idea of candy always seems exciting at first, but after a week or two, the leftovers can sit for ages. Even if you're not the trick or treating age anymore, these tips work with anything you might have too much of. With a few tips, you can have all unnecessary items out of sight.

Picture
First things first, sort out the candy that you do want to keep. I usually keep one of each kind of candy I receive, unless it's my favorite. When sorting this pile out, make sure to ask yourself, "Am I really going to eat this?" And if you can't answer yes confidently, then it's time to say goodbye.
Picture
The next step is to take anything that could be used for baking or other uses should be sorted into a pile. I always keep chocolates for baking because they make it more fun. Any candy that is colorful also makes great decoration. Some candies that I would recommend using for baking are m&ms, Hershey's, Snickers (or other chocolate bars), Kit Kats, etc.
Picture
The next thing I like to sort for when it comes to candy, is for later holidays. I always save some candy to decorate my gingerbread house during Christmas time. Some candies that are great for decorating are Smarties, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Twizzlers, Laffy Taffy, etc. You can save candy for any decorating idea or craft you would like to try in the future. Trust me , you won't regret it.
Picture
With anything you have leftover from sorting or giving out to kids, you can decide what you would like to do. Many dentists offices will often buy your candy back per pound and donate to the troops. You can also bring leftovers to work, school etc., because they are a great contribution to any event. Whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy, because that's what giving should do.

I apologize for the poorly written/formatted post today, because I am currently in Arizona on vacation, and am writing this on my phone. I am planning on making a post in the travel section about my trip, so let me know in the comments if you would be interested in that. Right now, I'm going to head inside and defrost my fingers, because I've been sitting outside for 30 minutes typing this and I'm frozen! Hope you have a great week and that this inspired you.
xx Hanna
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Author

    A seventeen-year-old fashion obsessed girl, who stands just under 5 feet tall. 

    Archives

    April 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015

    Categories

    All
    Fall
    Favorites
    New York City
    Recipes
    Restaurants
    Review

    Tweets by @fashionblyshort

Pages

Home
Outfits
Travel
DIY

MORE INFO

About
Contact
© COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Outfits
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Books
  • Contact