My First Blogiversary

Dear Readers,

      One year ago today, with a mere click of my mouse, my first blog post on Peridot Cove was published. After scrapping my first impersonal blog, I had explored the world of YouTube videos and turned back to my first love of blogging. I definitely feel the most difficult part of this journey was picking the perfect name seeing as so many are already taken! From there, my blog just flowed. At the time I hadn't imagined how many wonderful people I'd meet along the way and how uplifting their words would be. I already had the everlasting support from my friends and family, but I'd discover an entirely new community the second I created this blog.

     It's still so hard to believe that today marks a year since I first shared my writing with the world. On my first blogiversary, I'm beyond happy to be where I am and I truly cherish all the friendships I have made. I can already feel that Peridot Cove will only grow from here, and I have so many ideas for this summer and for the future. It's why I feel my break was so refreshing - It helped me to see why I love blogging since I missed it so much! It may sound cliche, but it's true that I wouldn't be where I am without each and every one of you.

     I hope all of you know just how much I treasure your motivation and inspiration. Your encouraging comments bring smiles to my face everyday, and I always visit your blogs, too! I've truly reached a milestone on this day. Blogging should never be about the amount of followers or page views you have, and I wholeheartedly understand that concept now. Blogging is about self-expression and experiences- All the little joys that make life whole.

     If you have ever considered creating a blog, or if you simply have a knack for words, I strongly encourage you to begin the journey. No matter what happens, or where your blog takes you, I'll always be here, cheering you on. Once more, thank you so much for being so wonderfully sweet over this past year, and know that I can't wait to continue blogging with all of you! Make sure to visit my archive and look back on my very first post, a piece of poetry titled "Sir Sun".

     Best wishes, and I hope you have the best summer yet!

                                                                       Lots of love,
                                                                                             Sanjana ♥

नववर्ष

In case you were curious, the title means "New Year" in Marathi. <3

+ Peridot Cove (of course!)

+ writing competitions galore

+ exploring Washington, D.C.

+ mastering Spanish

+ birthday celebrations

+ mango smoothies

+ Father's Day picnic

+ watercolor greeting cards

+ mall trips with friends

+ library Volunteen

+ homemade frappuccinos

+ a yard full of flowers

+ piano recital

+fro-yo

+ debate team

+ splashing in the pool

+ Instagram, YouTube, & all things internet

+ choir concert

+ gingerbread houses

+ Christmas shopping with mom

Note: The year was full of twists and turns, surprises and memories in the making. I started this blog, which is a delight, and I can't thank you all enough for being so incredible.  I'm making memories every day, and I just can't wait to see what 2016 has in store. I hope you all are having an amazing holiday season, and most of all, Happy New Year!

Q&A Answers

I found this photo going through an old photo album. x My grandma had knitted the red sweater for me.

I want to clear something up before I begin answering your lovely questions from my last q&a post. I know I've been on a brief blogging hiatus lately, but please know that I am doing my best to balance out school and my social life, as well as writing for my blog. Blogging is something I am so passionate about, and I'm going to keep writing no matter what. I had three tests last week alone, but they're done now, and I did very well on them. ;) I thought now would be the absolute perfect time to answer your questions, as a get-to-know-me for new and old readers alike.

How long have you been playing the piano? What tips would you give a newbie pianist?
I've been playing the piano for about eight years now, and my love for it has grown through each one. For pianists just starting out, I'd recommend knowing that you will make lots of mistakes, and it's okay. Never get bogged down by your slip-ups if playing the piano is something you enjoy. And as with any other instrument, practice as much as you can. The quality of your practice is so much more important than the quantity, and you'll love the results.

What's your favorite piece to play on the piano?
Currently, I'm loving Colors of the Wind, which is a beautiful song if you've seen Pocahontas.

What is one thing you want to do before you die?
I've always wanted to visit all seven wonders of the world in my lifetime. I've had the pleasure of visiting the Taj Mahal before, and I'd love to travel to all the others.

What are your favorite places to shop?
Forever 21 and Aeropostale, along with department stores. I'm not too picky; I just buy what I love.

Do you have any favorite television shows at the moment?
Yes! My family has been watching Quantico lots lately, which is still in its first season. It stars Indian-American actress Priyanka Chopra, and she is just so gorgeous. I definitely recommend it!

What subjects do you study?
I take Spanish, ELA, algebra, science, and American History. I'm also in a constitutional debate class.

Do you only write poetry? What else do you write?
No! I'm an all-rounder when it comes to writing - I've just shared more poems with you than anything else. Would you like to see more pieces from me?

What do you like to do in your spare time, aside from blogging?
I like to read, spend time with friends and family, and watch way too much YouTube. :D

Blogging tips for new bloggers?
Find your niche. What are you going to focus on? Who do you want to connect with? And remember that everyone you meet along the way is going to be there for you - It's one of the best parts about the blogging community.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
I adore how all of you have become a second family to me. At the end of the day, my blogging friends are always there to share their thoughts on my latest ramble or support me when I need it most. ;)

ps. Happy Halloween! What is your costume this year?

October Days + Q&A

Autumn is here before we know it! It's so refreshing to be back and blogging. Since I've been attacked with long hours of homework, I've found it a little difficult to find time to work on my blog. I'm so happy to say, though, that after two months of the school year, I've finally settled into the perfect work-play routine.
In the meantime, I've been working with a couple other bloggers, slowly improving on my photography, and relaxing a smidge. I've also had the pleasure of redecorating my room. A little while ago, we made a trip up to Ikea and started the long process of putting my new room together. I have some ideas for paint colors and decor, and I've been watching loads of DIY and room tour videos. I've been adding some of my ideas to my We Heart It page, if you'd like to take a look. 

I've had the pleasure of Skyping my closest internet friend and getting together with my real-life friends. I've gone with my family to the park a little ways away, where we were surrounded in gorgeous bursts of fall colors. The leaves haven't fully transformed to all their splendor this week, but I hear the peak time for color is yet to come. Hopefully I can make a trip down to the park again, this time with a hot drink and a camera for some photography.
One more thing I want to announce is that I am going to be running my first Q&A! Just use the question box below to ask me a question. I'm thrilled to hear what you have to ask! :) 

I'll be answering your questions soon. ♥

In Recent Times // August '15

I took this on our DC trip. xx I don't know what it is, but I adore this photo.

reading blogs, for the most part. I've just been so busy lately, what with our road trip to DC and all. Trust me, I'll be up and reading next month.

watching Sherlock! My friends have been telling me for years to try it out, but I just recently watched the first episode. All I can say is, it's absolutely amazing, and I definitely recommend it!

snacking on Nestle Drumsticks. These remind me so much of my childhood! 

obsessing over room inspiration. ;) We're just starting the long process of redoing my bedroom, and while I am ecstatic, it's a whole lot of work! I'm looking for a color pallet right now, but I haven't found anything yet that's really caught my eye. Do you have any suggestions?

thinking about how it was raining for a month straight, and now there's no rain at all. We have such unusual weather over here!

doing back to school preparation. I start this week, which is crazy to think about. This summer has just gone by too fast! I created a blog, I went to Washington DC, and volunteered in my community ... It's been what I call a perfect summer.

inspired by the beautiful blogs and beautiful girls I've discovered lately. Amy and Tane have really kept me going this month.

I've wanted to find a new show or two to get sucked into. I'm really open to anything, so please do leave me a suggestion below. <3

Birthdays & Bright Dresses

My great-grandma, grandma, and mom are all born this month.

When they found out I was to be born in  August, too, they were ecstatic. Four generations, born in the same month. For my family, August is a month of joy and celebration. On this first day of August, we look forward to four weeks of constant phone calls and greeting cards; anticipation and high levels of energy. And on the actual days? Even more phone calls. Even more emails and messages and wishes from loved ones near and far.

I celebrate my August birthday in a different way each year. Year one was an event of its own. My parents rented out a hall, and 200 friends and family members gathered to celebrate with me. It was a flurry of party hats, catered food, and of course a larger-than-life cake. I only wish I could've known what was going on. :)

Year seven was another memorable birthday year. All my second-grade friends surprised me at Young Chef's Academy, where we made our own mini-pizzas and decorated chefs' hats. We drank pitchers of  pink lemonade, and I opened presents while everyone sat eagerly alongside the table.

My next eventful birthday was my tenth- it was a gathering of my closest friends at a pizza parlor, followed by a terrific sleepover with popcorn and a scary movie. Being so young, as much as we wanted to stay up all night, it was next to impossible. We fell asleep at two. :)

Each birthday has been full of memories of its own. It's been a wonderful flurry of activities, these past years. As my family gears up for August 2015, I'm so thankful to everyone who has made my life so special.

And another birthday, this time out of the family, but special all the same. Happy Birthday to my good friend Alisa! Make sure to wish her. I know it'd make her day.

In Recent Times // June '15

At the Park of Roses (watch my video)

I feel like when I write something about me, I can write from my mind. I can share what I'm into as well as what I feel. And that can be really energizing... Anyways, since I've been on summer break, I've had plenty of time to just do the things I love. So without further adieu, in recent times I've been...

reading The Good Girls by Sara Shepard. If you enjoy YA novels that deal with stereotypical behavior, sweet but awkward relationships, and a whole lot of backstabbing, you'll enjoy this book. :)

watching really old episodes of Modern Family and season six of PLL! Do you think I should watch Switched At Birth? I just may add it to my TBW list.

snacking on pea crisps! These things are absolutely delicious, and make a perfect afternoon snack.

obsessing over the cruiser bike I am so fond of. It is a gorgeous mint green with a basket and those old-timey handles I adore. Hopefully one day it will be mine! ;)

thinking about the flash flood watch in my area. It's been so wet lately. I'm not fond of this dreary weather, and it just won't seem to go away.

doing extensive volunteer work in my town to encourage childhood literacy. As bloggers, I think we can all relate to and understand how critical reading has been to getting us to where we are today.

inspired by so many of my fellow teen bloggers (including Arushee, Eve, Rachelle, and Vanshi). I think I have two dozen blogs on my blog roll now, and I am always looking for new ones to read and follow. You could even leave your link below, and I would be delighted to stop by. <3

 What have you been up to in recent times?

Park of Roses // Video

My family has a tradition of going to the Park of Roses in my state once every year. I thought it would be nice to share with you my experience this year. Enjoy!

P.S. I will also be sharing with you some gorgeous photos of the roses, so look out for those!