A Dead Fish Museum, Bad Poerty and Invisable Alligators: The New Summer Reading

Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend the Juniper Summer Institute for Young Writers at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. One of our activities that we got to partake in were evening readings, which was when Juniper Alumni or University of Massachusetts Amherst Alumni or just up and coming authors read us some of their works, or read us a new piece they were working on.

I initially only wanted to buy one or two books, thinking that since I hadn’t really ever heard of any of the other authors, I wouldn’t be purchasing any of their goods. Well, after the first night when Charles d’Ambrisio and James Tate read to us, let’s just say that I had to limit myself to buying only one book per author. The authors were phenomenal. We had everyone from Pulitzer Prize Winner James Tate to up and comer Rachel B. Glaser to wildly inappropriate Steve Almond. All were incredible authors who brought their own unique voice to each of their works.

My New Favorite Book

I ended up purchasing a variety of books (the quantity shall remain ambiguous), and would highly encourage all of you to check them out. Unfortunately, they are not the most mainstream books, so popping over to Barnes and Noble is not an option to pick up these treasures. I would suggest amazon.com or perhaps even eBay. Here are a few of my favorites:


James Tate: The Zoo Club (specifically look up “Invisible Alligators”)


Noy Holland: What Begins with Bird


Joy Williams: The Quick and the Dead


Charles d’Ambrosio: The Dead Fish Museum


Steve Almond: Bad Poetry and Letters from People Who Hate Me (wildly funny and self deprecating)


These are not chick lit (like, romantic comedies in literature) nor would I call these "beach reads", but if you want interesting books that make you pause and wonder at the meaning behind the words, definitely check these out. You will be pleasantly suprised how much you will love these books. 

Summer Checklist

Dearest Summer,


I’m so happy you decided to come back into my life again. It’s been far too long. I’m very excited to get reacquainted with you.

Love,
Sam



Ah, summer! Just the word makes me thing of sun, bonfires at the beach and the spending time with friends. It’s a few months out of the year when all time stops, days lazily float by and the day isn’t over until you’ve made at least one s’more. Days are spent driving up and down PCH in a convertible blasting California Girls, going to the beach and there isn’t a care in the world. All of the school year pressure and stress is replaced by a carefree feeling as easygoing as the ocean breeze.

At the start of each summer, I put together a little list of things I hope to accomplish. I’m not talking about something ridiculously challenging or anything, but just some fun things that I’ll look back on and remember. Then, I write it on my chalkboard in my room, put it on my phone and write it on a pretty piece of paper to put in my car so I can cross it off as I go. So, without further ado, here’s my Summer Checklist:

1. Take a long walk on the beach and watch the sunset



2. Buy some cheese and bread from Sapphire Pantry and have a picnic on the beach



3. Eat a Balboa bar while walking around Balboa island / Ride a bike ride along the Balboa boardwalk



4. Try at least 1 new recipe a month



5. Try a new café or restaurant spot I haven’t been before



6. Put up the projector screen in my backyard and watch a movie under the stars



7. Spend a day up in LA and visit an art museum



8. Have at a few bonfires a month with the bonfire crew



9. Go to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna



10. Spend as much time as possible outside (with sunscreen generously slathered on, of course)

Bonfire Crew

I can’t wait to get started on this! I’ve been looking forward to this summer since last year’s September 1st. Sunshine, surf and sand, here I come!  What does everyone else hope to accomplish?



Perfectly Pretty Prom

It’s that time of the year again. No, it’s not the Christmas season, and it’s not even bonfire season yet, but it is time for Prom season! Leave Miss “Foxy Formal” at home, this week’s article is all about Miss Prom Princess! In a time when “short, tight and overly revealing” seems to apply to almost every dress on the market, this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to see that many ladies have decided to adopt the classier, more sophisticated and overall chicer look for this year’s prom.

 The color palette of choice this year seems to be bright colors, such as turquoise, magenta and canary. While some might still feel a little shy about color after all these drab, grey months, May is the perfect time to embrace your inner Fauvist and unleash the brightest color your heart desires. What better time that to try it at Prom? A little daunting, I understand, but it’s surprisingly easy to find a bright colored dress and pair neutral shoes with it. My go-to places for dresses like these? Phoebe Couture for darling cuts in spiced up color combinations, Betsey Johnsons for some offbeat, quirky looks and BCBG Max Azria for their fantastic selection and spot-on trendiness.

Perhaps color blocking isn’t quite your style? I would try a fun print or a different texture on your dress than you would typically wear. Lilly Pulitzer is an excellent source for dresses that could pass for a luncheon dress, but also work as a fun, flirty prom dress. I’m particularly fond of their Regency dress, which has a navy background with massive daisies printed on it and basically yells “I’m a strong, confident woman with an eclectic side.” Flower appliqués, vibrant hues, and sizzling textures are some guaranteed ways to stand out from the crowd and be remembered (in a good way) at Prom. Some might be too shy to embrace the colors or the prints, but not you, Miss Fabulous Fashionista!

You will do quite the opposite. And why is that? First off, you will know how to pick the correct color for your skin tone. Confusion regarding this? Quick tip: check out your veins on your wrist. If they are blue-ish, you look best in cool tones, like blues and greens and purples. More on the greener side? Stick to the warm colors, like orange, yellow or pink. Decide you look fantastic in both a blue dress and a pink dress? Congratulations! You are one of the few lucky people who can pull off warm and cool colors. Embrace it! Find the color that looks good on you, but most importantly, makes you feel pretty, and go from there.

I have absolutely no doubt that you will fall in love with your prom dress for this year. When in doubt, remember the cardinal rules

1.Pick one area to show off. Love your back? Go for a backless dress with longer sleeves and a longer bottom hem.

2.Keep your hemline lengthy enough so your entire thigh is not exposed when you sit down.

3.Pick a color that works for you (see above) or your favorite color

4. Epitomize Coco Chanel’s saying, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!” and wear a beautiful dress with an interesting detail and a classy cut.

5.Most importantly, buy a dress that you feel amazing in. You’ll look incredible no matter what, so no worries there, but it’s how you feel that you are going to remember.

I have complete confidence in you that you will find the prom dress of your dreams and have a magical evening. Adieu, my Prom Princesses!

P.S. Remember that pink dress from BCBG that I was absolutely in love with during Winter Formal season? Well, thanks to a 30% off sale and my babysitting money, I was able to finally get the dress of my dreams. And the best part? I felt like a princess!