Even now as I set my fingers against the keys of my laptop I feel this pang in my chest. As if I'm unworthy to write a word. As if I've been gone too long. As if I will not be welcomed with open arms. For the longest time, I wasn't sure whether I'd post again. I had such high hopes for this platform but the weight of senior year and college applications (and decisions) felt like the world. I barely had enough energy to survive writing my application essays let alone write a blog post.

For a writer, few things hurt more than writer's block. That mysterious fog that seems to encompass the brain and limit one's creativity. This fog was especially stifling after I completed my college applications and was forced to wait for what I hoped were acceptances. During this time I questioned a lot of things. I questioned the time spent working on school work over football games in high school. I questioned my writing abilities. I questioned myself.

I am my worst critic. As the Editor-in-chief of my school's paper, I've made it my job to edit things to perfection - to ensure that everything is left in a better package. Yet as a blogger, I've come to realize that I must ignore that voice in my head and allow some of the imperfections to show. These kinks are the very things that make my writing different from the next writer and blogger. In the midst of all of this, I remembered a single lyric from Andy Mineo's song, "You Can't Stop Me". Oddly enough I tend to go to this song whenever I get bogged down in my soul, and that day a different lyric stuck with me. He said that "my biggest enemy is me and even I can't stop me".  This lyric applies to all of us, but it surely applied to me during this situation. So many times we allow ourselves to come in between what we love yet, in the end, we must make a decision to either give up or persevere.

To those experiencing writer's block I just wanted to say that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Your concerns are valid. You CAN beat this because there is always an ending and a beginning. You will not be in the dark forever, Hold out and wait for the light because it always comes. It may not always be in sight, but hold out for it because once you grab hold onto it you will be so happy you went through the trials.

Now that July has come to a close, I thought it was only right that I did a monthly update...that was actually on time. July was a much busier month then I expected, but it was still fun and worthwhile.

1 | Late Fourth of July?

This was the first year (that I remember) not celebrating the fourth of July on the actual fourth. It rained and fireworks were basically canceled, but we still got to do smores which were fun. We also grilled out on the sixth and did sparklers then so I guess it wasn't too bad, but I hate the actual day got rained out.

2 | First Time Playing Laser Tag + Getting a Hang of Roller Skating

 It also got me thinking about the things we take for granted in suburban and urban America. Small things like Chikfila and Walmart are hot commodities in these parts.

3 | Returning Home from Virginia

4 | School + Dorm Shopping

5 | VACATION!

I won't go too in depth because I planned on doing a full post on my vacation, but let me just say it was a much-needed break. My family and I headed to Jamaica with a family friend and it was just what the doctor ordered. Not only did I get to stop and spend some time in the sun and on the sandy beaches, but I also got a chance to visit some of my extended family in Kingston. All in all this was the perfect cap to the end of my summer. I just wish it could've been a tad longer.

What did you do this past July?

Please don't let the fact that this show follows teenagers deter you though, for it definitely deals with a few major "adult" themes that I feel everyone can benefit from.

I also want to make sure you don't get the impression that this is a "deep" high school drama, while it has its moments the writers still manage to throw in plenty of comedy to make this topic a bit easier to swallow.
I was hesitant to add this TV show to my list, because I didn't want to be seen as a bandwagon, but after watching season 2 and checking out Madelaine Petsch's youtube channel I couldn't help myself. 

This show is the creepy small town thriller we didn't know we needed.

I will admit that I tend to scare easily which is why I don't like TV shows that could pass for horror films. That's why I am happy to say that this show makes the cut. This does not mean that it is not scary! But I don't find the scariness off-putting. Anyway, if you love a bit of romance, drama, and a dash of murder then this is definitely the show for you. (Plus let's not ignore the fact that this show features to hunks aka Cole Sprouse and KJ Apa.)
While most credit this show as giving Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis their start in the "acting world" I credit this show with giving viewers a chance to experience a different decade. Besides the catchy theme song, this TV show manages to remain timeless as a must watch comedy. 

This American sitcom captures the essence of those last years as a teen and succeeds to capture practically every demographic for it truly has something for everyone.

If you're looking for a family-friendly TV show that's relatable and funny then this is the show for you. I will admit though that like many TV shows it is chock full of sexual innuendos that add to the funny factor for older audiences. However, I can promise you that despite that you will fall in love with one if not all of the characters of the show by the end of the first episode. 

1 | College Decision

I finally decided on where I'll attend college - Washington and Lee University. Not only did this college give me the Johnson scholarship which is the equivalent of a full ride, but it also gave me an opportunity to study journalism at a liberal arts institution. All and all it was a near perfect match for me and my educational needs. My only concern is the location, but hopefully, my summer immersion will give me a better chance of seeing the beauty of living in a small college town.

2 | Honors' Day

Call me a weirdo, but this is actually one of my favorite days of the year. Everyone gets dressed up and celebrates all of the great things students in our school have done. This one was extra bittersweet since it was Upper School Dean's last one and yet another senior last.

3 | AP Tests

This year I took a whopping 6 AP tests, and if you're calling me crazy I'd agree with you. For those who have taken APs I took enough to finish all of my stickers in the AP number booklet and require more. For those wondering, I took: AP Biology, AP English Literature, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art 2D, AP US Government, and AP Computer Science Principles. Despite the heavy workload I thoroughly enjoyed my classes and was happy I didn't take the year off. Let's pray for good results because I'd really like to get out of some of my college prereqs.

4 | Senior Dinner

My grade definitely never really grew super close even with it being our senior year, but senior dinner really helped change us for the better. We actually had a great time in each other's company and had a great time. I think this was honestly the first time that we had all been together outside of school, and I feel like I speak for the class when I say that was our mistake. We definitely shouldn't have waited so late, but better late than never.

5 | Graduation

This is the day I've been looking forward too for my entire "schooled" life. Looking back to some of my oldest journals I've seen it appear multiple times on wishlists. It's the day that most kids dream of because it truly is a catalyst for something more. I don't want to go too far into it here on this blog post though because I created a video and full write up in a different blog post which you can check out here, but I say all this to say that I'm grateful for my high school years and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

6 | W&L Summer Program

Washington and Lee University's AIM summer program was a major draw for me when I decided to attend the university. I couldn't wait to get a hang of the college life before college started and also get a start at finding potential mentors. Now that school is officially out I have exactly 1 week before I spend 5 weeks in Lexington, VA and I'm stoked. Let's just hope that I pack enough things for my dorm since it'll be my space for the next 5 weeks.

7 | New Guilty Pleasure

This month, I finally decided to try out the show Lucifer. Now before anyone says anything, I will say that I probably had the same qualms as anyone else who heard about a TV show following the Devil. As a Christian that didn't sit well with me, since I definitely monitor what I choose to watch. Yet, I won't lie this show surprised me. It focuses more on a character misunderstood rather than an evil being. I also won't lie, I'm currently in the middle of season 3....after starting a week ago. Feel free to judge me because at this point I deserve it and honestly don't care because it's a great show.

8 | Sweet, Sweet, Summertime!

This may sound crazy, but this is the first "true" break I've had since middle school. Between summer reading and wanting to get ahead on college supplements, my summers have always been chock full, yet now I have nearly 3 months to fill how I please. I will say that 5 weeks of my summer will be filled by the above summer program, but the rest will be left to me. I'm so excited to have a little more time to exercise and get back into prime-exercising-shape. I also can't wait to spend more time with my friends (both from my middle and high school years) and just recharge before college!

9 | Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Lastly, but certainly not least I got my wisdom teeth surgically removed this past week and it was about as fun as you may expect. Unlike the funny videos that litter YouTube I wasn't given laughing gas because my teeth were impacted meaning they would never break through the surface. Instead, I was put under anesthesia while the procedure was done. This may seem like an odd thing to include in a monthly wrap-up, but I don't remember ever seeing people who were put under for their wisdom teeth extractions and I want to be an example for others. It is a normal thing and with the right doctor it can run super smoothly. I won't lie I was super scared about the whole thing because one of my friends had a horrible experience that ended with her getting an infection, but thankfully everything went smoothly for me and I'm healing up nicely. What surprised me the most was how quickly I got over eating soup and ice cream. Ask any kid under 5 what they would love to eat every day and it's probably some sort of sweet like ice cream or cake, and I thought that I'd be okay with my diet being primarily soft sweet foods, but that grew old fast. Nobody really warns you about all the savory foods you'll wish you could eat after getting your wisdom teeth out, but let this be a warning to you now haha.

For most graduation is a day long dreamt of. It's the culmination of all your hard work and celebration for the effort put in thus far. It's a recognization of everything you've done for the past 13 years.

Graduation, like all major moments in one's life, is a stepping stone to something bigger, something greater. It is a moment where we can all come together and celebrate one another's accomplishments. It is a moment where we are able to see our hard work pay off. It is a moment where for a second everything seems to fall into place.

My AP English teacher would call this moment a tableau because it is one of those times that seem frozen in space. A moment we will remember for a lifetime. Yet, somehow graduation is more than just a day where we dress up and remember the good times before we leave. It serves as one final last.

As we take our separate paths into the unknown we must notice that this is the last time we will sit side by side as classmates. It is the last time we will set foot in our school as students. It could be the last time we have all of our family around us. It is for all intents and purposes a catalytic turning point for our lives because this day represents the arrow leading us to the next stage.

At this point, life is still a blank canvas for us to fill in with our wants and desires. Practically all options are open - good and bad - for us to do what we want because it is now our world to conquer.

I honestly cannot believe that high school is over. High school gave me some of the best (and worst) times of my life. It brought me lifelong friends who I hope to stay in contact with. It brought me teachers who taught me more than a curriculum. My time in high school taught me to grow more confident and take courage in what you know. However, it also brought me some strife. I learned that life wasn't always fair and that sometimes things completely out of your control can weigh against you.

Yet, for all of the good and bad, I wouldn't change a thing because my high school experience helped shape who I am today. I am here today because of the people and events that impacted my life. Even though, I'm going to be far away from the family and friends that I hold dear I know that the relationships I cultivated in these 4 years won't be for naught. It may be a wrap, but this isn't the end - it's just the beginning.

Wow, it's been a long time since I've written a blog post, and it feels great to be back behind the keys of my laptop speaking to the people I love. Senior year has been full of highlights, yet my favorite thus far has been my senior prom. I know I said it in a previous post, but I have to say it again. I had the best date and we had a great time!

This year the junior class decided on a circus theme loosely based on the Greatest Showman. This meant the venue was littered with red, gold, and circus snacks. I won't lie I had my reservations about how it would all come together because there is a small line between pretty and cheesy where circuses are concerned, but someone they made it all seem pretty regal.

Thankfully this year prom wasn't situated in the middle of a weather advisory or tornado warning (at least not before we took pictures). Since I wasn't straightening my hair this year I wasn't as worried about the weather but even I was happy the rain waited till after we had arrived at prom to start. This year prom was one of those perfect days where practically everything seems to go right from midnight talks at Waffle House to impromptu dances with the band. This night was for all intents and purposes perfect (and I understand that nothing is truly perfect). I know that this is one of those nights that will forever stay etched in my memory, and I'm happy about it. I'm happy that I finally have one of those quintessential high school moments that I'll get to tell my children about later. I know that sounds insanely cheesy and it is, but I also know that it's true for me. Anyway, I left some pictures down below and made a vlog all about it here. See you guys next week!

As one of the busiest months comes to a close. I couldn't wait to write about it, and in all honesty, I was somewhat happy it was over too.

1 | Prom(s)

This month I had the pleasure of going to one of my best friend's prom.  Her senior prom was New Orleans themed and happened to end early due to weather concerns - we love tornado warnings :/ But we didn't let the weather cramp our style even if it did end the dance early. I also thought it was a fitting end considering my junior prom ended the same way.



I also had a chance to go to my own senior prom, it technically was on March 30, but we're going to include it in April anyway because I enjoyed it so much. I had so much fun with my date, and actually, count it as the best dance I've ever been too. The music was a little more my parents' style, but we still had a great time and I'm super happy I went. I actually posted a YouTube video showing how I got ready for that dance (it also has more photos in case you are interested haha.) You can check it out here.

2 | State Soccer Champion?!

I also had an opportunity to compete in my state soccer championship and after the blood, sweat, and tears we came home with a win. Through the cards and major scrapes that my teammates and I endured, we won. This win was especially bittersweet because we beat the team that knocked us out 3 years prior.

3 | Favorite Music

I always love that springtime brings great new music and this month definitely didn't disappoint. This month I loved listening to Billie Eilish's new album, "When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go", Mabel's album "Ivy to Roses - Mixtape", and Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman album. In a way, this month has been a month of musical rediscovery and I've truly loved hearing songs I forgot I loved.

4 | Favorite Movies

I'm a sucker for rom-com movies, and this month was no different so some of my movie favorites were: the Perfect Date and Finding Liberty. I also had a chance to watch Beyonce's film, Homecoming, which was an amazing experience.

5 | Unofficially done with school

All of my classes have finished teaching and are in full "review" mode as AP season looks to rear its head. This also means that there's less than a month till graduation which is crazy but exciting. More importantly, it means I need to study so I pass at least some of my AP exams to get college credit.

6 | Graduation Pictures

I still can't believe that my graduation is less than a month away. It's crazy to think that these were the days I wished for when I was younger. Anyway, I finally got around to taking some graduation style photos and have really liked the ones I've gotten back so far.

7 | EASTER

Senior year comes with so many lasts, one of those being the last Easter I spend with my family...at least for now. After church, I enjoyed an early dinner with my family and close family friends. This Sunday was a great reminder of the best news

Now that Christmas break is officially over and I've finished ALL college applications I'm excited to see what the future has in store for me. I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Bloomly, and really enjoyed a post the author wrote this past August about her school resolutions. This post inspired me to make a few resolutions of my own focused on the incoming semester.

01 |  Not allow senioritis to take over

Senioritis describes the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school careers.

Even though applications are over and midyear grades are finalized I don't want to allow myself to step off the gas pedal. I still have aspirations that go further than those applications and I want to finish the year out strong. I know it will be hard because I've already felt senioritis whisper in my ear, but I hope that my resolve heightens as this semester progresses.

Last semester I found myself saying "no" a lot, mostly because of all the things I had going on. Even though soccer will be restarting this semester I hope to say "yes" more often to things I normally wouldn't agree to because life is best spent trying out new things.

03 | Go to more sporting events
I love watching my school play basketball, but this past semester I found myself missing out on games because I had an application or homework to finish. Even though I know this semester will be rough for different reasons I hope that I will be able to make more time for watching the teams I love. Especially since this will be the last time I have the opportunity to watch them (at least from a student's perspective).

04 | Take more time to RELAX
Most would find it odd that I have to "schedule" out time to relax, but that's just how I'm wired. I tend to be the person who is always on "go", and that makes it super easy for me to burn out without realizing. That's why I've already set certain things aside because last year I knew I was being pulled in too many directions. This year I hope to take more time out of the day (and week) to focus on myself and R E L A X.

05 | Enjoy the ride
In the end, this is my last semester of high school. I'd hate to look back on it and think that I wasted my last five months in high school. I hope to spend more of this semester living in the moment and having fun with friends because, in the end, I don't where we'll all end up next school year.

To be totally honest I was sorta hesitant to post this piece because it was so personal and I, like others, don't want to be guilty of forcing my beliefs on others. However, after I got over the need to be politically correct I realized that this was an opportunity to reach others since this is something that makes me, me. As some of you guys know from watching my YouTube channel, I am a Christian who believes that Jesus came to this Earth, died, and then was resurrected on the third day.
Anyway, at the start of every year, my church does 21 days of prayer and fasting. Now that we've hit the start of 2018 it is time for this to start back up, and I'm super excited because it is a super powerful time. I wanted to go ahead and address here on my blog because this is my little space on the internet - meaning I shouldn't be afraid to fill it how I want.

1| What is it? 

A question I tend to get asked is what is it exactly and why would I want to do this? Firstly, this is a period of three weeks in which I choose to give up something that I believe prevents me from all that God has for me. The first thing to know though is that fasting isn't limited to food. It can be applied to a multitude of things in our life. A few things that immediately come to mind are social media, music, games, the news, and TV/Netflix. Basically, anything that distracts you can be fasted. For more information on Soul fasts, check out this page which details it and other types of fasts wonderfully.

2| Why?

Another question I tend to get asked is why. Why would I choose to forgo something that I enjoy? My simplest answer is that like many things in life they are good in moderation, but sometimes as you continue to use (and overuse them) the line between good and bad blurs. The purpose of fasting specifically in this sense is to give me the opportunity to draw closer to God. For when you choose to remove certain things from your life you allow yourself to refocus your gaze on God. This will be the third year that I participate in this, and I can truly say that it is powerful! It's crazy how God moves when you choose to give more time to Him and sit humbly awaiting His word.

giving up M U S I C

With that being said I decided that this year I would give up secular music for 21 days. I've known for a while that it has been impacting my life, mostly because of the type of music that I tended to be interested in. This is not to say that all music should be God-focused, but shows that the type of music you fill your head with can impact your mood and emotions. I know that for me personally, music is a way that I express myself. I like to say that I have a song for every moment that life hits me with.

Normally when you hear something as drastic as that you scoff and think how is she going to do that? In all honesty, like with my other goals I have to do some preparation before it's "showtime". The first thing that had to go was my current playlists. I make my Spotify playlists in 3-month increments meaning January gave me a fresh playlist that had yet to be filled. My first step was to go ahead and give myself a few starter songs for the year that I had enjoyed from the past year.

I also knew that I would need music for my car because I knew I wouldn't be able to exist on jazz music alone, especially when my daily rides to school were about to start back up. That is why I went ahead and created a playlist on Amazon Prime Music for my rides to school. Now you're probably wondering why I chose Amazon prime instead of spotify. Even though I love both apps I simply can't bring myself to spend the money to have Spotify premium. Without premium you are only able to listen to music with the shuffle feature on, which I can't stand since I set my playlists up to follow the amount of time it normally takes for me to reach school. I live about 12 minutes away and if I don't speed that means I'll be able to listen to 3 songs. I like to have 2 sped up songs and then one slow song to get myself centered for the school day and shuffle just doesn't allow me to do that. Anyway, with that being said I created a playlist on Amazon prime and have linked it below. There are a few songs left out simply because again I refuse to pay for amazon music unlimited, but this will hopefully hold me over for the next 3 weeks.

filling up on P R A Y E R and H I S  W O R D

With that being said what am I going to be replacing the time that I would've spent listening to music? I'm taking these 3 weeks as an opportunity to really allow myself to delve deeper into the Bible by applying myself to finish a bible study from the Bible app in this time. I already have a prayer journal, but during this time I want to be more consistent and actually write in it daily (or as close to daily as I can).

Happy New Year! I can't believe we've hit 2018. To be totally honest I was feeling a bit crummy, but I wasn't about to allow myself to forgo posting on the first day of the year. 

For many of us, the first day of the new year is a symbol for a new page, a clean slate. That is why I want to issue a challenge to you, in the hope that this year will be your best one yet. :)

1 | This Year is What You Make of It

First and foremost this year is what you make it. I'm tired of hearing your excuses. I'm tired of hearing about what is preventing you from achieving your goals. Instead of throwing a pity party for one, redirect that energy into your work, or into your sport, and actively work towards achieving your goals. Write them down! The power of a new year isn't that we get to change our calendars, it's that for one day of the year we all believe that change is possible. For one day we all believe that we have the power to take control of our destinies and actually make change happen. I don't care if the world could burn tomorrow because of North Korea or Trump or ISIS, and maybe that is me being naive, but I'm tired of allowing things that are meant to divide prevent me from going about my life. In the end, your mentality is everything. It will color every single decision that you make an either enable or prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Choose hope. Choose to not let the magic to end, even after we settle back into our routines and the glitter has been cleaned off times square.

2 | Change Starts With YOU

Somehow we've gotten it all wrong. The magic of the New Year isn't in the fact that we get to change our calendars or take a cute picture on Instagram. Every day isn't promised, so we have to stop taking for granted the life that we have for like James 4:14 (NIV) states

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

Even if you don't believe in the power of the Bible you can probably agree that life is short. This isn't meant to scare you or reaffirm your belief in your own mortality. If anything this is meant to show that you should use this year for something. We have the power to enact change on this Earth. We saw it last year when people stood in solidarity with others, and while change doesn't have to happen in a monumental way it can change the way you use your 24 hours each day. We can use our time for the better by working to change the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves. Every day that we wake up we are given an opportunity to find another life to touch. Whether that be by paying for the coffee in front of us or holding the door open for the couple behind you. Find a way to impact a life this year, because, in the end, it will find a way to impact you.

3| Be Appreciative of Those Around You

This year choose to appreciate the people you surround yourself with. If there's one thing that the events of last year taught me, it's that life is precious. Never ever take it for granted because life can be snatched up in a second.  Appreciate those around you and show that you care for them because nobody cares what you have to say until they know that you care about them. Even if that means allowing them to win that dumb argument or letting go of the baggage you've carried for years. Choose to smile even when it hurts. Choose to laugh at your granddad's corny jokes. Choose to hug your parents and friends tight. Choose to tell them that you love them because you don't want to let life past you by. Most of all though to choose to cherish them because they matter.

4| Small Things Matter

Wiffle Gifs

This year choose to not get caught up in the big picture. One thing my mother has told me repeatedly over the years is to not rush growing up. Sometimes we're so interested in reaching the destination we forget to enjoy the sites on the way. I hate how cheesy it sounds, but the journey truly is more important than the destination, because without the journey the destination doesn't matter. The journey builds character. The journey allows you to see life for what it is. Life is beautiful. Life can make you cry, laugh, and smile all within the span of a day. With that in mind enjoy your cheat day. Watch that movie and go out on that date. Don't forget why you're working. Enjoy yourself, because like I said before you only have one life to live.

In the aftermath of my "infamous" favorite music/singers video - I thought it was time to go ahead and update you guys on my favorite Christian worship songs. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I have numerous playlist and am nearly updating one daily. Which is why I decided to go ahead and open up my personal Christian playlist for your viewing (and listening) pleasure.

Some of my favorite bands and singers include Elevation Worship, Israel Houghton, Hillsong United/Young Free, and Brian Courtney Wilson. Surprisingly I include no Lecrae songs because they just don't fit my style of worship although they are a great alternative to typical "hype" music.

Without further ado here they are:

Hey guys! It's been awhile since I last updated this blog.
Mostly because:

1. s c h o o l || - I'm sure that most students would agree that as soon as school returns from spring break vacation the rest of year seems to crash down on you. Honestly, I've been swamped with a billion things at once mainly from the various clubs I participate in. From Key Club to journalism I've been dragged in so many different directions. 
2. s o c c e r || - By the time this post goes up I would have completed my sophomore year soccer season. Even though I love soccer and have played it for my whole life I can't deny that it is a major time commitment. I practice after school til 5:30 after school every day and that's if I don't have a game. 
3. y o u t u b e || - I've really tried to refocus my attention on YouTube mainly because I finally hit the 400 subscriber mark meaning that I am coming very close to reaching my original goal of 500 by the end of the year. 
4. j o b || - I am currently in the works of creating a side business that would include blog consulting - specifically geared towards those just starting out. I have been working on some freebies that I will release on this blog along with a few other surprises that I will roll out this summer. I'm honestly super excited about what the future holds, but like always I don't want to talk to soon in case it falls through. I am also in the works to get a job this summer at a local cafe which would offer me great job experience and a chance to get more life experience. 

1. Spa Day

 

via GIPHY
Honestly, this gift idea is super open and can be changed to fit any mother and any budget. For instance, you can DIY a spa gift basket and all you'd have to buy are the items that would go into the basket. You could also buy your mother a gift card to a spa located in her area or better yet buy two so that you can enjoy the day with her.

2. Gift Card

via GIPHY

Gift cards seem to be a taboo in the gifting world, but in my opinion, it can be the best gift ever IF you plan it out properly. This is where your personal knowledge of your mother comes handy. For instance, if you know that your mom loves to workout then maybe get her a gift card for Academy's or if you know that she loves to go out with friends to the movies then buy her a gift card for the movie theater. Just like my first gift idea this one is very much open to interpretation.

3. Food

This can be anything from a gift card to a fancy restaurant to actual homemade cookies. I personally believe that this is one of the easiest and cheapest options at least for those working on a high schooler's (or college student's) budget.

4. Picture and Frame

Another cute idea that is super simple is getting a picture made of you and your mother than having it framed. Not only is this a simple git, but it shows that you took the time (and money) to actually get the picture printed and fitted for a frame.

5. Monogrammed Items

This may just be a southern thing, but I think that nearly is everything can be improved by a monogram. This also gives you loads of options for you can monogram nearly anything. A few ideas that come to mind are blankets, towels, wallets, cell phone cases, and t-shirts.

6. Jewelry

via GIPHY

Jewelry is such an easy gift idea mostly because you only need to have an understanding of your mother's taste to buy something that she would like. In case you have no idea what your mother likes in terms of jewelry though I suggest that you stick to something simple and minimalistic that can be worn daily or something that features your mother's birthstone.

7. Exercise Clothing/Equipment

Many people enjoy exercising whether it be walking, jogging, hiking, or even swimming. This is why I believe it is such a great gift. If you know your mother's size you can actually buy her some workout clothes, but if you don't no worries buy her some exercise equipment instead. This can be anything from weights to a yoga mat. This can even translate into a month long gym membership paid for by you.

8. Sleepwear

More often then not your mother has probably wanted some sleepwear but just chose not to ask. If you want to go the extra mile though you could get said pajamas monogrammed.

9. Card

Cards like gift cards have gotten a bad rap in the gifting word probably because it doesn't take much effort to buy a hallmark card, but what if you went ahead and made a totally original card yourself. Not only would your mom know that it came from the heart, but it is also super cheap for those working on a high schooler's budget. Plus there are multiple tutorials on various websites (including my youtube channel) that have videos on how to make cute diy cards for whatever the occasion. Just please don't be that person who sends an e-card because you forgot.

10. Peace & Quiet

If nothing else help your mom relax by doing her daily to-do list and giving her the day off. Don't ask her to do anything and just allow her to enjoy a day of peace and quiet.

Want some additional ideas? Check out the video I posted for last year. :)


Hope you enjoyed my 10 Mother's day gift ideas. If you decide to use any of them or have some that you'd like to add please leave a comment down below. :)