Back in Action

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 After about a 2 month hiatus - I'm back.  

I've been waiting for most of my adult life to write this story - but more importantly, to live this life.  I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to put it down on "paper" - but here it is.

In the last two months I've started a new job and picked up everything to move to Washington, DC. It was what I thought I always would do post graduation - but when the time came, I didn't have the courage to do it.  I settled for a job and carriage house in a town I knew and loved.  It was easy and it was comfortable.  I was surrounded by people that loved me, knew me, believed in me and my capabilities and it was good.  But something was eating at me during that 4 month stint.  I felt too still, too comfortable, too settled.  I spent evenings looking up plane tickets, figuring out my next steps, itching for a new experience to the point of constant  anxious moments, sleepless nights, and a general unhappiness with my mental well being.   The weirdest part was the terror I felt living alone in a sleepy small town in the middle of a corn field - a feeling I had never felt living completely alone in a city of 1 million 4,000 miles away from anyone I knew.  I tried it all - running, reading, writing, tea instead of coffee, detoxing, more water - there was something that unsettled me about being in this small town.

Then one day, the universe sent an email asking if I would be interested in an open position.

The 24 hours of deciding to respond and accepting that I had, were filled with more anxiety, pain, and discomfort than I've felt, maybe ever.  I couldn't stop thinking of what could come from that email, the chances I would have to take, the risks, the money, the people that I would hurt, leaving the love and comfort of my friends to go chase a dream.  A great friend reminded me that I was forgetting the most important thing in this equation - myself.   Once the process began I have never been more excited and sure of my capabilities, my skills, and my direction.  Within 2 weeks, I had a new job, a new apartment, drove a U-Haul for the first time, and moved to the big city with my new craigslist roomie (who rocks.)

I feel like I'm finally pursuing my passion - really chasing the dream.  I'm finally back in the political world in DC and I love every minute of it.

I'm really liking being uncomfortable here - I know I'm growing.  I like the pace of the city, the walks to and from work that I use to clear my head and listen to music, metro rides - all of it.  I like that there is so much still to uncover around the corner or downtown.  I'm here and it rocks.  It's a challenge every single day but it's usually a good one.

Cheers to my new life in DC - excited to share more of it with you! 

Exciting News

My my how things change.

Yesterday I woke up and kicked my funk to the curb.  

I woke up at 7, went for a run & got my supervisor breakfast and splurged for the large coffe all before coming to work for the day.  Boom.

  I was finally feeling like myself when, 

my inbox changed my mood.  

I've been following/reading/loving/drooling Sweet Lemon Magazine since its conception.  I was a big CollegePrep fan and was really inspired to start blogging, writing, styling, etc.  @SweetLemonMag put out a request for writers, I applied with no hope or expectation. 

That all changed yesterday when I got my email from @Paris [the editor-in-chief] that I had been selected as a Staff Writer.  

I just finished writing my first post and I'm still blushing.  #TeamAli

Make sure you check out their latest issue; it's their best yet! 

But wait, there's more.
I was accepted to be a member of CapFabb! CapFabb is an online blogging community for bloggers in the DC, NOVA, MD area.  Bloggers can collaborate, connect, and plan events together to network.  Through CapFabb we are able to connect with local business, designers, and bloggers.  It's a seriously cool group & I'm so honored to be a part of it.

Check out our members & apply if you're a blogger in the area.  

It's been a good end to the week to say the least!
I'm excited to relax, catch up on work, & visit with my family this weekend.

Did you have any exciting news this week?  Big weekend plans?! Tell me about it below! 

PS. Be on the look out for my first post on Sweet Lemon about the #sharknado [lol]

#OOTD

Happy Monday folks!

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.  I spent mine in DC attempting to unplug and unwind after an already busy summer.  I only have about 4 more weeks left living on the Hill so its crunch time.  So many fun places to visit, people to see, drinks to have, etc.  

This 4th of July weekend I wanted to be comfy and fun.  I had never paired these two pieces together before and it just felt right.  While it was a bit warm here in the district, it was the perfect outfit for me to wonder about Capitol Hill.

Sunnies: Ray Ban | Top: J.Crew | Shorts: J.Crew | Belt: J.Crew | Flats: Steven Madden

Did you do anything fun this holiday weekend? 

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July, everyone!  

How do you plan on being patriotic today? 

I can't wait to check Bloglovin' and see everyone's super cute [red, white, and blue] outfits!  

I'm not crazy about stars, but I love me some stripes.  

Today reminds me of : flags, stripes, red & blue, strawberries & blueberries, watermelon, water balloons, parades, streamers, lawn chairs, catonsville, dc, baltimore, beaches & coolers, cut off jeans, pools, fireworks, live music, lightning bugs, friends, and sparklers.

What reminds you of the 4th?  

Have a blessed holiday with family, friends, and good health!

  Never forget the people that died so we can be free!  Live out your dreams for those people, but especially for yourself & remember how lucky you are to be born in America!  

God Bless America!

The real party is on the 3rd of July

 I am feeling pretty patriotic this 4th of July.  I'll be spending my first 4th in D.C., our nation's capital [which is exciting].  No metro'ing back to College Park, or Baltimore...I can walk to the fireworks and concert on the Mall!  I figure if I'm gonna do the 4th, DC style, it might as well be while I'm living on Mass Ave & in walking distance of everything on Capitol Hill.  

Now, from my experience last year, it seems that everyone on the political side of the game here in the district uses this time to escape DC for a week, or a long weekend.  And I can't blame them, I escaped to Annapolis with my roommate last year to avoid the extremely crowded metro's and masses of people that seem to be flocking to the district to celebrate, Founder's style.  [Because what better way to celebrate freedom and independence than to stand shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of hot/smelly people on an inescapable train car?] 

But I get it, you're in the 'center of the free world,' it's bound to be exciting, right? 

I'm still not entirely sure how I'm going to spend my time, but I do know some sort of brunching experience is going to happen.  Check out this great article on the best brunches this weekend in DC for the holiday.

My roommate from Oklahoma's best friend from OSU is here for the week experiencing DC for the first time, so I am very much looking forward to doing the 'tourist tour' with her over the weekend.   

If I was to have a 4th party of my own, I'd probably use some of these super cute free printables from Life Made Simply.  I found this on Pinterest the other day and I printed some out at work [they are simply too cute not to].  Did I make cupcakes?  Nah, but I might decorate our little row house with these little tags. 

I am starting the celebration early tonight with the annual best friend family party that I've been attending since I was 15.  Good friends, a great family, great food, happy music; it's bound to be another great 3rd of July tonight! 

Do you have a 4th of July tradition? 

 How are you planning on celebrating America, land of the free and home of the brave?

Happy 3rd, everyone!

DC's hot; stay cool

District Summer by hilarybadger featuring strap flat shoes

Now that it's officially summer, what are you loving this season?
If you're in DC today, you know it finally feels like a DC Summer outside.
Yikes, it is warm!
How do you stay cool?

While DC is expensive, its not nearly as bad as Copenhagen.  CPH was Euro Chic, all black, all the time.  DC is the right amount of Prep, Hip, & Chic all rolled into one.  The city really has a style of its own, but it encompasses a whole lifestyle.
brunch, sunnies, fresh flowers, starbs, statement necklace, sparkles, flats

Here are some of my favorite things this summer.
"You're so DC."

I don't hate it.

Govloop & GLAM

Yesterday was another exciting day in the District. 

It started off with my caffeine fix at Bagels & Baguettes and some work from home (which I love).  I've got my little nook set up here in the WISH row house, and when you live with 8 people, its nice to have the space to yourself with the morning sunshine.  

Is that too 'only child' of me?

Anyway, I Uber'd (I hope that becomes a verb, can I paten that?) over to a conference at the District Architecture Center which was gorgeous!  It was such a fresh and bright space.  I was there for Govloop's event, "Doing More with What You Have: WordPress in Government."  

While most of the content was above my head in terms of tech, coding, and web development, it was still extremely resourceful from a local government perspective.  

We heard from lead developers at WordPress, GovDelivery, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, however I was most excited to hear from Melissa Bell, the Blog Engagement Director at the Washington Post.  She gave a fantastic [Prezi] presentation on how WashPost uses WordPress for most of its content and blogs.  

Part of me felt a bit like a traitor, since I just moved my personal blog back from WordPress to Blogger to start over design wise, but nevertheless it was a day of learning and networking.  

Last night I attended GLAM LLC [Give Labels A Meaning] Summer Fashion Event.  GLAM is a nonprofit that works to give back to the Washington, DC community.  The event's procedes were raised for Safe Shores DC which is a children's advocacy group that helps fight trauma and promote healing of children who previously faced abuse.  A great group for a great cause & great fashion?  

Simply perfect.

 The lights and table arrangements were perfect for this space, it had a great energy last tonight on H street NE! The Bishop Boutique from Alexandria had the most gorgeous shoes as well as Milly bags.  I might be making a trip there before the summer ends; a pair of patterned moccasins that live there are calling my name.   

When I say they OWNED the floor, they owned it.  Gorgeous outfits.

^^ These models worked it all night!  Absolutely adored the pink two sided crop top.  That looks like something I would wear to work!

^^ I could get over this vendor.  I've seen her before at Eastern Market and her jewelry is just to die for, every Pinterest lover's dream.  I found some amazing pieces of jewelry for about a quarter of the price they would normally go for elsewhere.  I frequented this table all night but sadly left empty handed.  

It was a seriously great day, lots of business cards swapped and lots of emails to write!
Congrats GLAM LLC! 

Looking forward to spending the night in Baltimore for Crabs & Boh's for my best pal's 21st birthday!  

Did you have an eventful week?  How are you spending your weekend?  

Events, on Events, on Events

These last few days have been a whirlwind to say the least. 

I have learned so much over the past 5 days it's nice to finally sit down, look over my notes, and write it all down.  

This past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I spent at the Student Leader Conference for the Alexander Hamilton Society.  We are starting the inaugural year at Washington College this Fall and I will serve as President of the Chapter.  I [had] no idea what I was supposed to be doing, but now I feel confident that we can run a successful chapter.  In addition to hearing from other chapter presidents from across the country, we heard from multiple political professionals and how they got their start. 

There was a reception at Jones Day Law Firm on their rooftop deck where we could network and meet members of the Alexander Hamilton Professional DC Chapter.  With the Capitol beaming in the background, it was a great setting to talk about future career paths, swap cards, and talk of plans post grad.

However:

It was a bit overwhelming, sitting in the same room as a former Ambassador to the EU, Assistant U.S. Attorney General, Fox Political pundit, White House Policy writer, Drone specialist, Colonel who led troops through Fallujah in Iraq, and students from all the Ivy's.  I have to admit there were times when I felt extremely flustered by it all, but starry-eyed and excited all at the same time.  Lots of disbelief, levels of uncertainty, and creeping reminders that in a few short months, I will hold a diploma and be expected to go do all the great things I hope to accomplish.  While sitting in the same room with some of the most accomplished people I've ever met, it's hard to configure my own future and unwillingly measure up.  

While I know Harvard Law is not in my future, I have to remind myself of how hard I've worked to get where I am, and remember how hard I have to work to get where I want to go.  

Still trying to turn all of these experiences into inspiration.  

Yesterday was QUITE the day.  It started with a trip to the State Department sponsored by WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing -- where I'm living this summer) and a discussion called "Foreign Policy Classroom."  We heard from a Foreign Service Officer and how he got his start at State, where he has traveled, and his service throughout the Middle East.  

We were then allowed to ask questions and have a discussion with him about our thoughts on Syria, Iran, and the Middle East Peace Process.  Lots of learning on my end; it was an extremely informative session.

By far the coolest part of my first trip to State was when they paused the lecture to mention that Secretary Kerry walked by while we were there.  Of course all of us (probably close to 100 students from across the country) were all transfixed with the FSO to notice.  It was still so cool to be in the same building with Secretary Kerry as he was swearing in new Foreign Service Officers.  

Dad was in town for a board meeting so we were able to grab lunch at Union Station which was great since I am carless and far from Fenwick this summer.  

Tonight I volunteered at the event, "Cutting The Pentagon's Budget Is A Gift To Our Enemies," a debate sponsored by the McCain Institute and Intelligence Squared.  I checked folks in and helped back in the control room.  It was a great debate, lots of insightful knowledge about national security and our image abroad.

I was so glad I volunteered to help work this event.  It was so interesting and didn't feel like work.  Those are my favorite jobs.

I decided to walk home instead of Metro..I'm starting to feel like I know the city a bit better every time I get lost.  It's worth the initial panic, as long as I make it home with a smile on my face. 

So, time for a break right? 

Never!

Tomorrow will be just as jam packed with a GovLoop conference on WordPress in Government and the G.L.A.M Fashion Event tomorrow evening.  I bought a new jewelry piece tonight from T.J Max to wear tomorrow!  Hopefully pictures to come.  

If you are in the DC area tomorrow evening and have any interest in fashion, nonprofits, and fighting child abuse, you should find your way to G.L.A.M.'s Summer Fashion Event tomorrow evening.  Purchase tickets here.

See you tomorrow night DC!

Summer '13 Style

I love Polyvore, and I was all about it on my last blog The Anchor Drops.  

I've been finding some great deals on my lunch breaks at work and I had to put something together.  A little prep, a little boho, a little nautical. That's pretty much DC in a nutshell in terms of fashion.  

Do you feel like there is a different style for summer?  Everyone relaxes a bit and lets their hair down...maybe not in DC because of the humidity, but you get the point! 

I feel like my own personal style has changed rapidly in the last year.  Last summer I was strictly preppy and all about the crew (J.Crew of course).  I went to Denmark for 5 months and came back with a suitcase full of black clothes.  I was the new, chic European Hilary.  Countless people asked me who died, which didn't offend me that much.  I was expecting that.  I was known for my outfits that were so colorful they could be spotted across campus.  And for a brief period of time my favorite clothes were only those that were black.  Black clothing still has a special place in my heart.  My friend Julia who also studied abroad in Copenhagen would come to class discussing how Danish we looked.  

Danish no more, I'm loving this seasons colors.  The rich shades of green, blue, and red are awesome this summer and I'm loving the tribal prints. I also love the 'keds' trend.  A new H&M will open in Union Station this month and I'm excited to snag a pair or two for the price of $12.  

Check out my polyvore page & my [closet] on Pinterest.  

How has your style changed as you've gotten older? 

 Do you stick with trends or wear what you're most comfortable in?

What are you most looking forward to wearing this summer?  

Leave a comment, let me know what you think! 

xo Hil

Weekend

Happy Monday!  

I hope everyone had a happy weekend!  I know I did!  

This weekend I went to my first DC Capitol Pride festival.  I think I read that there were 150,000 people visiting this weekend to celebrate love, no matter what kind.  5 blocks long ran the streets filled with vendors, a beer garden, and a huge stage.  I was there to support one of my best friends and enjoy the show!  It was an amazing experience and it really struck a cord with me while I was there.  So many of the artists that performed sang of love, life, and spreading hope all over the world. 

 It was really special.  

I saw Icona Pop perform live and they were absolutely incredible.  

I only knew 'I Love It' from the radio and I knew they were from Sweden (yay Scandinavia!)

I was not expecting to love every. single. song. 

Watching them on stage you could just tell how 'real' they were, it was not a performance, they were simply jamming, singing to the crown, and loving every second of it.  Mostly, I was impressed with their stage set up, they controlled every effect and mix of every beat on stage.  They were not only singing, they were crafting and making music on stage. 

Icona Pop Washington DC June 9, 2013

Their outfits rocked, so Swedish.  They were radiantly beautiful and full of so much positive energy!  I'm not ashamed to say that I have been listening to them nonstop since I got home from the concert and this has been on repeat all day at work.  

This one is my favorite ^^   We Got The World: Icona Pop

What I was most excited about yesterday was seeing Emeli Sande perform live for the first time.  

I was close to seeing her perform live at the Royal Albert Hall back in the Fall while I was in London, but we missed each other by a few weeks and seeing as how the tickets were hundreds of dollars, it was unlikely.   But I was as close as I could get.  

In front of the Royal Albert Hall, London Fall 2012

However today, she was right in front of me.  Besides being an absolutely amazing live performer, her lyrics are just gorgeous.  She recently just broke the Beatles top hit week streak in the UK.  I've been a fan of her's for a few years now, but she's just recently popular in the US with her hit, "Next To Me."   

Emeli Sande Washington DC June 9, 2013

Her British accent was so cute!  I squealed more than I should have and shed lots of tears.  Anytime I've watched her perform live online, she was has always seemed so serious, so into her music. Yesterday she was all smiles, non stop energy and pouring her heart out to every single person there.  It was truly incredible to watch.  She tweeted about how excited she was to be in Washington and supporting yesterday's cause.

I don't even know how to explain her music because it is too good to put into adjective form.  

Heaven: Emeli Sande

Where I Sleep: Emeli Sande

How did you spend your weekend?  Have you seen either of these artists?? 

xo Hil

Thankful

Thankful today for amazing friends, great roommates, and a summer of fun on Capitol Hill.  

Today is a day where I am simply wow'd with the people in my life and how lucky I am to have them here!  I lucked out with some of the greatest roommates ever, and ever lasting friends from high school who I cherish so deeply!  Three of my best friends from Mount de Sales came to DC last night to grab drinks.  Now we are all 21 we are able to go to happy hours and live like real people, something I know we've all been longing to do for quite some time.  It really is just amazing that we've found this bond and it hasn't broken.  Despite the time spent apart, our activities at different Universities, our studies, our goals and dreams and outlooks on life, we've been able to watch each other grow and hold on for the bumpy ride.  I think that's really special.  Whether its a new friend or the friends who've become family, treasure those moments that you learn about someone because it will most likely teach you a lot about yourself.  

I had a long week; I've been running myself a little thin.  I'm excited to put on my comfy clothes and lounge about my little row house tonight with my roomies!

Any fun plans this weekend?

xoHil

Memorial Day Weekend

I had such a wonderful, long weekend.  

I was surrounded by thought provoking people who wanted to talk about all the things I love; school, politics, family, what we want out of life, how we wanna change the world and more importantly how we see it now.  Being able to recognize how your perception of the world changes you and its ability to change is so vital to our growth and well being.

I spent my days walking about Eastern Market in Washington DC, getting lost in Capitol Hill books, and sipping DC Brau at The Silver Spork.  It was a mini market filled with olives, prosciutto, cheese, and crackers as well as assorted pastries and other specialty items like curry & homemade hummus.  A hidden machine sent out bubbles to kiss your plates and tips of your forks as you people watched.  If you live in the DC area and you haven't been to Eastern Market, you're foolish & you need to go!  The flea market area had THE BEST jewelry and I cannot wait to take my best friends there to shop.  Tortilla Cafe also has the best Salvadorian and Mexican food, ever..hands down.  I suggest whole heartedly the fresh tamales.

I live with 6 other college kids in a row house on Massachusetts Avenue & 3rd next to an abandoned Indian restaurant.  It's not too bad, all my roommates are Southern..like, real Southern.  Georgia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.  I'm already starting to say, ya'll; I'm from the Mid-Atlantic..we say, "you guys."  Thank goodness I didn't pick up that habit before Denmark.  We have been spending our nights drinking wine and watching House of Cards which I LOVE.  A Netflix original series about the Congressional House Majority Whip staring Kevin Spacey.
People it's gold, pure gold.

I finished my first week of my Internship at ICMA - International City/County Management Association.  I'm the Knowledge Network Intern, answering questions and blogging on the local government online forum.  It's a new area for me, communications and social media.  I get to come up with media strategies for a non profit, much more freedom that most internships give.  I feel like I have real responsibilities and tasks that are expected of me with real thought and real input.  I was between two internships when I made my decision back in April but I wanted something that taught me more skills..I wanted to walk away from an internship that I had something to show for it.  At ICMA I have that ability and I'm so excited to push myself further and give it all I got.

Check out my blog post from last week that had the #localgov community chatting on twitter & be sure to follow @ICMA & @Greenlee_K for the latest updates on #localgov & #professionalmanagement.

I'm learning something new everyday at work and I love it.  My social media work has especially inspired me to teach myself even more.  Part of this blog is to document my journey as I learn code and redesign my website.  More on that tomorrow.

Hope 'Ya'll' had a great memorial day weekend with loved ones & friends.

xo Hil