time flies

Maybe right now my blog seems boring.
I don't take many of my own pictures.
I don't travel the world.
I don't have kids,
or go to college
or live in a big city.

But that's okay because most teens my age don't either.

And even though so many of the bloggers today seem to have big glamorous lives, once they were  small, humble beings like I am now,
young
fearless
imaginative.
They went to school, studied, hung out with friends, and had hobbies.

But did they blog?
Am I part of the first generation of young teens who take part in the blogging atmosphere?
Maybe.

Am I courageous for putting myself out there, letting myself go and letting the words just flow?
Yes.

Will this make any sense and will people understand one bit of this?



Maybe it's time to take chances.




Soon enough I'll be older and wiser
and probably still blogging.

But I won't be as whimsical and silly.
Maybe I should make the best of the time I have,
and let the future play out as planned.






Sometimes we just need to have a different outlook.

happy weekend #4

Goofy picture, I know. :')

But that's not the point! I'm just here to wish you a fun weekend (which is exactly what mine has been so far. I went ice skating). 

This is a bit late but it's the thought that counts, right?

Happy Monday, may your week be bright and happy and filled with things you love.

Oh, and I'm on ✿Pintrest✿ now! See what I'm pinning and feel free to share the link of your Pintrest below. 

ice skating

Hello!
This weekend a few friends and myself went ice skating in celebration of our other friend's birthday. It was the first time I had been skating in years, yet I was incredibly excited.

I remember the last time I went skating: I was with a friend and we were enjoying ourselves. As I stepped out onto the ice this time, I realized my memory of ice skating may have been a bit exaggerated. 

I clung onto the railing as I tried to get used to wearing the ice skates on ice. After a few minutes though I let go and slid around. This isn't so hard I realized. 

Releasing your grip on the railing of the ice rink is like letting go of the ballet barre while maintaining a proper arabesque position. The first time you ever attempt this, chances are you'll wobble a bit or possibly even fall. But after awhile you start to get the hang of it. 

You might not become a perfect figure skater overnight but over time you can achieve greatness with effort and patience. 

I've realized that there are quite a few similarities between ballet and ice skating. Ice skaters need flexibility and balance right? They also need grace!

Tips for First-time Ice Skaters

1. Expect the worse. Plan ahead and bring some band-aids (blisters--yuck!) and other must-have items. 

2. Wear proper attire. Gloves, hats, jeans, sweatshirts, etc. It can get real cold.

3. You're probably going to fall at least once. When you feel like you're about to go ker-plunk, stand up straight, chin up. It'll help you regain your balance. If you do happen to fall, as long as you're a-okay, just stand up and laugh it off. It happens to everyone and is totally NORMAL!

4. Go with a friend! It makes everything funner-- even falling on your bum!

Have you been ice skating lately or have tips of your own?

picture sources: 1 + 2

bookmarks

It seems as it my bookmarks are infinite, they never end.
This afternoon I decided to go through them. I re-discovered long forgotten websites and blogs, some of which I questioned the reasoning behind bookmarking them in the first place. Here are some of the odd, miscellaneous websites I found through my bookmark folder de-cleaning.

- link for this phone (which I wanted years ago)
- guide on how to stop your puppy from biting you
- a Google images search on Elf Owls
- the definition of enthrall
- let me Google that for you: Rick Rolling
- rain sounds?

I've still got a bunch to go through but I've had a few laughs at the silly things I've bookmarked! It gives me a glimpse into the past-- things I used to like, favorite quotes, words I found interesting-- and how my interests have changed. There have definitely been many more blogs bookmarked recently. I guess it goes to show that we're changing overtime, bit by bit and well, your bookmarks can prove that!

Try it for yourself, then come back to this post and reveal your finds. :)

Happy Weekend!  :)

Happy Weekend #3

What are your plans for the weekend?

JANUARY DOTM: Sophie Miklosovic

January's Dancer of the Month
One day, months ago I was skimming YourDanceChannel  when I came across the video of a young dancer  named Sophie Miklosovic. She was dancing to the song "Life Is Beautiful" By Michelle Tumes (a song I later fell in love with and added to my iPod) and she was dancing it beautifully. Honestly it is one of my favorite dances ever and I've watched it at least 100 times. She is currently eleven years old but due to to January 1st rule she competes at age group 10.

Moon Child, her latest piece is contemporary. It even won 1st Overall Junior solo HOF Nationals.

Sophie has been quoted as the "next Melanie Moore" and a "stunning dancer" just to name a few.

I can't wait to see more of Sophie and her dance career. She a beautiful dancer with incredible talent!

Sophie's Youtube Channel

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performing en pointe

I've got fantastic, wonderful, wow news! This year I will have my first ballet performance . . . en pointe! This is absolutely terrific due to the fact that I've only been en pointe for a few months. (I'm making this sound like I'm performing solo, but it's really a class performance. Shhh, let me enjoy my ballerina moment ;)

I'll be sure to practice pointe daily from now until our performance because really, this is so incredibly important to me. I am so excited!

 sources: 

1 / 2

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Sunday Reads

My cats are taking it easy.

Hello and happy Sunday!

If you are sipping coffee/tea (or your other preferred beverage) while reading blogs and are in need of some enjoyable reads then you've come to the right place! If not, you're still at the right place. Read on.

This is why I love DancingBranflakes so much. (Inspiration)

This squirrel brooch is so incredibly adorable! (D.I.Y.)

I really  like this blog. (Inspiration)

Veena's photo's in this post are beautiful. (Photography/Travel)

Jen's outfit is so cute. (Outfit Post)

I want to make this lemon tart so badly! (Recipe)

That's all for now, folks!

P.s. Feel free to recommend any blogs you enjoy, I'm looking for some more blogs to follow. Thanks!

 :')

eleven ?s

Yesterday, Hannah wrote a post containing eleven questions that anyone, anywhere could answer in anyway, shape or form. So, being a blogger I decided to answer these eleven questions on my blog. 

• Let us begin with the most important matter: Do you like cake? Why or why not? I love certain cakes like carrot cake, cheese cake, and confetti cake. I prefer the icing that's not too sweet.
• Have you ever been to Paris? If you have, tell me about it. If you have not, would you like to go someday? Oh, I wish. But no, someday maybe. I've been studying the french language for 2 years and it would be wonderful to speak it with natives.  (Ballet has also helped me learn more french.)
• Given the choice, would you rather go out to eat at a fancy restaurant or stay home and order takeout? It all depends on my mood. 
• Similarly, would you rather go out dancing or or stay home with a warm blanket and a good movie? Again, it depends on my  mood. I love dancing but I also like movies. How about I dance, then watch a movie? 
• What's your opinion of Ugg boots: cute and comfy or too ugly to meet the sun? I don't own a pair, but I've heard they are super warm. 
• Now onto the second-most controversial shoe known to man: What is your take on Crocs? Eh, I had a pair once but they always make my feet feel weird and sqigulish (new word).
• Do you sing in the shower? The car? The opera house? The shower. A friend once told me that if I ever sung in the car she would pull over and kick me out. So no car.
• Do you have any unusual fears or dislikes? (For example, I am a little freaked out by turtles. Not the cute stuffed animals or cartoons, but the real-live, creepy crawly kind. Eek! Just thinking about it makes me shiver a little).  I guess I have a fear of getting lost. But that's not too unusual. I'm also don't like spiders when they are close to me. But that's not too unusual either. . .
• Have you ever seen snow? If so, do you remember your first snow? Yes but I can't remember when the first time I saw it was. 
• Would you rather play in the snow or spend a day at the beach? Meep. This is a tough question! I like both options. 
• Do you peel your banana the right way or the wrong way (meaning from the bottom or from the stem)? The right way! Why, do you do it the wrong way? :D

So bloggers now it's your turn. Feel free to answer these eleven questions in a comment or on your blog or whereever/however you please! (Hannah's original post here) 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.   :')

P.s. Eleven is my lucky number! What's yours?
Oooh, and I just so happen to have eleven followers right now.

The passing of a dear friend

1.11.12 marked the day a hero was lost. Niall was more than a hero, he was a friend, a brother, a student, peer, individual, friend, buddy, pal, and a beautiful soul. I was going to dedicate Tuesdays to inspirational posts until I found out someone else does the same thing. So I had decided to post inspirational posts on Wednesdays from now on (which works out well because that's the day Niall passed on). Maybe it's just fate that I decided to not post it on Tuesdays. Wednesday posts will be dedicated to Niall.


 Niall was the kind of guy that always had a smile on his face and always seemed to make everyone smile too. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a great smile and an optimistic outlook. Not once did I ever see him pout or complain. I guess God needed another angel up there. The two days following his passing were in memory of Niall. Both days many students wore blue (his favorite color) and tons of posters decorated the walls of the school. Banners with messages and signatures from students were signed and will be presented to his parents. A sweet speech was given in his honor over the loud speaker as well.


 Niall will be dearly missed and will always be in our thoughts and hearts. Till we meet again, luck, wisdom, love, and best wishes. . . <3

Life is too Short to blend in ♥ by littlesunflower featuring 
I created a set for Niall on Polyvore 4 months ago.

<3 <3 WE MISS YOU NIALL <3 <3 by littlesunflower
I created this set today.


P.S. I changed my background and color scheme in honor of Niall who's favorite color was blue.
<3

today's room design by Caity

ABSTRACT Painting by littlesunflower on polyvore.com
Hoffman Bed, $1,399
Marimekko Palma Horizontal Fabric Wall Art, $75
Teramo 50"x96" Curtain Panel in Curtains | Crate&Barrel, £76
1STDIBS.COM - Lee Stanton Antiques - Belgian Longcase Clock, Circa...
Bloomingdale's Leeward Drawer Chest, $3,605
Merie Table Lamp in Table, Desk Lamps | Crate&Barrel, $199
foley&cox home - Porcelain Clock
Jellycat Pudge Bear, $26

I wanted to incorporate modern and vintage pieces into today's room design. I also wanted to add a touch of coziness which I did so by adding a few stuffed animals. I love the curtains. They really seem to bring the room together. The large abstract wall print above the bed just has something so special about it too. That's why I added it. I really enjoy interior design. It's fun.

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room experiment

Experimenting with Color and Texture by littlesunflower 
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania draped dress, $413
3 1 Phillip Lim dot dress, £243
Anson Sofas, $1,999
Set of Nine Multi-Poppy Paintings, $535
1STDIBS.COM - Kentshire Galleries Ltd. - George II large upholstered...
One Kings Lane - Vintage-Inspired Furnishings - Coffee Table, Burgundy
old grand library trunk in via reggio by timothy oulton - ABC Carpet &...




Hello and happy Sunday!
Lately I've been spending time on Polyvore messing around and creating different types of sets. Here's my try at room design. I imagine this room being a city apartment occupied by a young girl. She's a musician and designer. She's artsy. Unique. She likes city living. When creating her living room, she didn't hold back, she just went for it. No rules, no color schemes. She let her imagination run wild. Her name's Missy (that name just seems to fit).

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happy weekend!

Cheers to the weekend. I've got a ton of things to accomplish, but I know can do it!

Do you have any exciting plans for the weekend?


Perhaps you'll be lounging around in the city wearing pointe shoes and looking rather dazed . . .

[ ballerina project ]

Or maybe you'll be at the studio practicing your extension.

[ ballerina project ]

Maybe Most likely you'll be doing something else (but if you're doing one of the above activities that's totally awesome) but alas, no matter what your plans are, I hope you enjoy yourself.

Little-Sunflower News:
P.s. I added a new header and also updated my About & Contact page. Check it out!
P.s.s. Maybe over the weekend you'll be watching Jane By Design or Center Stage OR reading Last Dance. *hint hint* Just kidding.

Now for some Fantastic Friday links:

~ an important message from Jackie Clark of the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
~ Rachel's cute cat Rufus
~ the legend of Hummingbirds (and some neat papyrus paper)
~ how to make your own magic wand



Bye now. :)

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Jane By Design

Cast of Jane By Design // photo from abcfamily.com

I caught up on the first episode of Jane By Design today. I absolutely loved it. It's even earned a spot on my favorite TV shows list. I adore Jane's style. The poofy dresses, the outfits that are whimsical yet chic and sophisticated-- it's just so refreshing and . . . cute.

Jane By Design is a new TV show on ABC Family that follows a teen fashonista (as well as outcast), Jane Quimby and  her life after landing a job for a famous fashion company. As if high school wasn't hard enough; now she's left with the obstacle of fitting a prestigious job into her schedule. [ More info. can be found on ABC Family's website ]

I really enjoyed the first episode and am excitedly awaiting the second one.

Have you watched Jane By Design? Thoughts? 

P.s. You guessed it! This is the second edition of my RSP series.

[ Random Short Post ]

A very suitable title, hm?

:)

Summer Intensives

Like I mentioned in my post about my resolutions, I said I would take advantage of opportunities and try to audition for a few. Well, my search has started already. Earlier today I heard a girl mentioning filling out her form for an audition. I can't believe how early you have to get ready!

Are you auditioning/filling out applications for any summer camps or summer intensives (even non-dance ones)? Have any tips?

P.s. I had my first dance class since break today. It feels good to be back! :)

a dancer's inspiring day

Today involved a lot of dance-spiration. First, I finished reading Last Dance a novel all about a ballerina living and succeeding though having diabetes. Later on I watched Center Stage: Turn it Up which featured a dancer with no resume or prior dance training (besides watching dance videos) making it big.

Center Stage: Turn it Up also brought up the point that you can have an excellent resume, but if you don't dance with soul then there's nothing.

What a day! These two stories are helping motivate me towards my goal to become a better dancer. Dance the world away. :)

"It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer." 

                                                                 ~Shanna LaFleur

ruined pointe shoes

I had a dream that I was outside in my ballet uniform and  my pointe shoes. And it was raining.
Pouring.
I couldn't walk on the side walk, I'd just slip. So I had to walk in the muddy grass.
I finally  made it indoors and I just wiped my pointe shoes on the welcome mat and continued with my day.
Strange.

Have you had any weird dreams lately?