A couple weeks ago, I went to the Botanical Gardens with my roommate Jillian. It was absurdly hot out, but it was still nice to get out of the dorms for a bit. Plus, a ground pass to the Gardens is free to Fordham students, so no harm, no foul in just walking about for an hour.
Such a nice break from the busyness of the Bronx. Do you ever visit any botanical gardens where you live?
~ Sarah
Today we have a guest post from my friend Darci, a bonafide Olympics expert who blogs over at Swifter, Higher, Stronger! Enjoy!
USWNT goalie, Hope Solo
Hey there, Shades of Sarah readers! I’m Darci, your resident Olympics expert, here to tell you what you need to know about the London 2012 Olympic Games. Because if you’re not excited, you totally should be.
Women’s soccer kicks off the fun even before the cauldron is lit, with Team USA taking on France Wednesday afternoon. Missed it? No problem. The tournament runs through August 9th so you’ll have ample opportunity to see Hope Solo (my girl crush! – Sarah) and her rock star teammates go for the third straight American gold.
The games officially open on Friday night with the opening ceremony, directed by Danny Boyle of Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours fame. I spent the spring semester abroad in London and as a volunteer with London 2012 Ceremonies, so I can personally assure you that your jaw will hit the floor more than once. It’s full of British history, pop culture, and what’s rumored to be the biggest set change in history. Seriously. July 27th, 7:30 pm EST on NBC. Be there or miss out on all the water cooler topics for the next week.
American Swimmers Michael Phelps & Ryan Lochte
Swimming begins promptly on Saturday morning and is barely off the air for a moment until the Olympic flame is extinguished. Michael Phelps is looking to put on a repeat performance of his domination in Beijing, but you can bet that Ryan Lochte won’t go quietly into the night. On the women’s side of things, newcomer Missy Franklin is expected to make waves (pun most definitely intended).
On the track, Usain Bolt is on his own quest to hold onto the title of Fastest Man in the History of Ever, while hurdler Lolo Jones tries to put her heartbreaking stumble in Beijing behind her and take home the gold. Lolo was in the middle of a media storm recently when she revealed that she’s still a virgin – but more importantly, she’s an absolute riot! Follow her on Twitter, @lolojones.
Gymnast
Over in gymnastics, the Team USA ladies are without Beijing’s gold and silver medalists in the all-around competition, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. It’ll be really interesting to see new stars like Jordyn Wieber try to live up to their legacy! And speaking of legacy, LeBron James has been talking some trash about the 1992 men’s basketball Dream Team, saying that 2012’s squad is better. Better than what is arguably the best basketball team in history? The hottest NBA stars now have a lot to live up to; anything other than an easy gold medal will be a disappointment. We’re watching you, King James!
I desperately wish I could preview every event because I know I’m leaving out hundreds of stellar American athletes, but I’ll wrap this up with a plug for the closing ceremony on August 12th. Directed by the brilliant Kim Gavin, it’s a street party full still more awesome British music. And missing the handoff of the Olympic flag to the organizing committee of the Rio 2016 games (and the ensuing Brazilian performance!) is just not an option.
For more information on TV schedules, athletes, and who to watch, visit nbcolympics.com. Happy Olympics! 
Thanks, Darci! And go Team USA!
On Monday night, I met up with my friends Christine and Alyssa at the Great Lawn in Central Park for Philharmonic in the Park! It’s a New York tradition that went on hiatus last summer (bummer). The New York Philharmonic plays in parks in every borough over the course of about a week., and I was excited to cross it off my New York bucket list.
It was a lovely evening of friends, good conversation, a French baguette, apple grape juice and ice cream (for dessert!). Oh, and heat and humidity, but that’s summer for you. And some creeping on some really fancy picnic set ups. You better believe we’re going to be prepared come next year.
Really excited about my juice box!
And the best part? Fireworks!! But no classical music during the fireworks show? Missed opportunity, people.
~ Sarah
Sun Hat – Publix; Tank – Target; Pencil Skirt – Conway; Wedges – Payless.
Happy 4th of July, fellow ¡Americanos!
After Halloween and Christmas, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Which is a bit weird because I’ve never had an awesome/incredible/once-in-a-lifetime moment celebrating it, but I love the nostalgia of it. Lemonade, corn on the cob, burgers, beer, fireworks – that’s summer and America today. Of course, in my head, America = food. (How Liz Lemon of me.)
No fireworks for me this year, unfortunately, but my roommate Jillian and I got our barbecue fix at Dallas BBQ. SO GOOD.
I also decided my holiday outfit would be super girly – and another excuse to wear my new hat. (I guess it’s because it’s I used my point-and-shoot, but my navy skirt photographed as black.) It’s certainly a departure from last year’s 4th of July, which I spent in this dress before switching into shorts and my U.S. soccer jersey for a barbecue. And guys, I’m mixing prints. A woman at the restaurant even told me my “look” worked – sweet. Plus, I had a go at patriotic nail art:
Yeah, I call that a successful Independence Day. Enjoy the food and fireworks, everyone!
~ Sarah
“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” Bill Clinton
Sun Hat – Publix; Dress – 5 Dollar Store; Necklace – DIY; Sandals – Kino’s.
After an unexpected (and productive) day off last Friday, I met my friend Christine in Midtown for a nice evening out. We caught up and wandered the MoMA for a while before eating Thai food in Hell’s Kitchen. That’s the (surprising cheap) New York I know and I love. The temperature was hot though, so I dressed simply in a breezy red sundress, my new sun hat and handmade Kino’s sandals from Key West.
~ Sarah
Hi, my name is Sarah, and welcome to my corner of the blog world, Shades of Sarah. This is my space to write about whatever catches my attention - fashion, movies, sports, whatever! Enjoy!
