5 Things I'm Trying This Fall

*mandatory Fall post* *duh* *sips PSL*

PSH yeah right, as if there was Starbucks in Chestertown.  Please.

  Everyone's freaking the fall out over fall. 

It rocks.  Tea & blankets in the morning.  Brisk walks to work. Sweaters.  AHH THE SWEATERS.  The moth ball smell from my sweaters. The pumpkin everythang. 

As with the change of every new season, I'm inspired to make a few goals of this amazing time.  It's my first #postgradlife Fall and I will be taking full advantage of all Fallish things.  Join me & make a few goals for this Fall; don't let it slip by!

1. Pick & carve a pumpkin here. (Lockbriar Farms in Kent County!) 

2. Baking -  I'm going to make real Irish scones.
3. Yoga in the morning times before work.
4. Grow a plant.  Can you guess what color flower I'll choose?
5. Paint.  I don't make enough time to do so.  I love watercolors but I need to get back into acrylic.  Now!


Have you made any goals for the Fall?  I'm already trying to carve (womp womp) out a weekend or a few days to do Fall activites, but the weekends are already so full with work and family.  

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Stress Relief

How do you handle stress? 

Does it exhaust you?  Do you have the ability to turn off your mind?  Does it wake you up at night?  Just how long is your to-do list?  Do you know how to say no?  

These are all questions that I've been faced with recently.  

Full time work is awesome.  I. Love. It.  I've always wanted to work.  I loved my internships.  I love professional development.  I'm a work nerd.  But I'm worried that I'm letting my work consume me whole.  

Some products I use to tackle my stress & anxiety. 

Yogi Kava Stress Relief Tea  // Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Scrub // Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Candle //  

I've also recently started participating in PiYo (fast paced pilates + yoga).  It's definitely more yoga heavy but I love it so much.  So much that I bought my own yoga mat.  Knowing that my mind is controlling the simply and challenging movements of my body gives me the confidence and certainty that I can control my mind. I've also been drinking lots and lots of tea.  I do still need my 1st cup of coffee in the morning to get the day going, but after that I feel jumpy and anxious.  I think coffee has a lot to do with it so I'm cutting down.  I've been drinking Yogi Stress Relief tea but also just regular green tea & peppermint tea.

1. // 6 Mindful Habits: Stop Worrying
2.  "Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace."
3.  Yoga Poses to Ease Anxiety
4. Is Stress Killing You?

Stressed out?  Let's talk about it.  I've found that confiding in my coworkers about how I'm feeling and the triggers that make me overwhelmed has helped. What helps you fight off stress and anxiety?

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Cozy Night In

comfy night in by hilarybadger featuring Tala

mug // book // tank // boxers // scarf // tin // tea infuser

Today's weather is just so rainy/humid/sleepy.  I am so lucky that I have some of the best pals that are coming from out of town to stay with me tonight!  If they weren't coming, this is what I would be doing.  Lounging with tea and a a good book; the weather simply calls for it.  

But we will be taking a night out in good ole' Ctown! 

It will be great to be reunited with my roomies of 3 years, toast to the new chapters in all of our lives, and celebrate the new beginnings each of them will be embarking on in the months to come.  Most of my girlfriends from college are brilliant, talented women who are entering intense Masters programs and law school (slackers) so I'm excited to cheer them on and their new institutions.  

What are you up to this weekend?  

All my Baltimoreans - see you tonight at the Yard! Go O's!

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Ikea Love

ikea home goods by hilarybadger featuring a whistling teakettle


Straws // Tea Strainer //  Chest // Cart //  TeaKettle // French Press //  Basket //  Glass Container // Cream & Sugar // Glass Water Container //  Food Storage Container // Small Spice Containers 

I am super in love with all things Scandinavian.  You know this. 

Therefore I'm sure you have also assumed my deep love and affection for Ikea.

While nothing is certain on where I will be living or working, I am SO certain about what I will be purchasing from Ikea.  I'm ready to make this happen; big time.  I can't help but scope out Pinterest for ideas and DIY's for my future apartment.  What I am wondering is what everyone's go-to is for first apartment essentials?  While I am inheriting some furniture from my parents, I am wondering what I should do about the rest of it...

Follow Hilary's board apartment on Pinterest.


Do you own any Ikea furnishings? 

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the last week

finals prep by hilarybadger featuring a keurig coffee machine

patagonia fleece //  black notebook // le pen // keurig //  watt's up! lumnious // coffee mug // yurbuds // donut mac case // nike free 5.0 // iphone charger // llbean tote //

I couldn't help but feature a few of my favorite things (cough cough purple things) to help you make it through finals week.  I love nothing more than packing my tote bag with my favorite things, opting for my glasses instead of contacts, and heading to my favorite cafe for some quality study time (which I may be doing right now!)  My last final is this upcoming Friday and then I will be officially finished my undergraduate career!  SO CRAZY! 

Also, can we talk about that laptop cover?!  You all know my deep love and appreciation for donuts; love it! I can't get any of my work done without my yurbuds & I love being comfy while I'm studying !  I also tend to look really tired after late nights and hours of reading, so I always make sure to use a little something to lighten my face/get rid of dark circles under my eyes. 

What are you favorite things during finals week?  I'm always trying to treat myself so I can make it through the week! 

PS THE NEWEST ISSUE OF THE SMART GIRLS GUIDE IS OUT!  MAKE SURE YOU READ IT BECAUSE IT FEATURES MY SOON TO BE ALMA MATER, #WASHCOLL! 

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b-e-a-utiful!

routine by hilarybadger featuring Topshop

I've never really talked about my daily routine before when in comes to makeup and skincare!  

These are my essential items that I use everyday and couldn't live without.  I don't know where I would be without my Pond's Cold Cream...probably hiding in my room.  Chloe always reminds me of Copenhagen since most of the Danish girls I hung out with wore this perfume.  I've been using Bare Minerals since I was a Freshman in high school.  I had some pretty awful troubles with acne and Bare Minerals was the only makeup that didn't make my skin react even more and totally gave me my confidence back.  Even going to an all girls high school, it was still nice to feel like my skin was beautiful.  I've never looked back.  My recent obsession is Smashbox.  I am so severely in love with their primers, especially their color correcting one.  I not only blush easily but blemishes tend to make my face look all kinds of shades of red.  And life's most important lesson, L'Oreal Mascara is the only way.  With my tiny eyelashes, I've tried all the lash lengthening, volumizing mascaras out there and I will always come back to L'Oreal.  

Items above include: 

Smashbox Full Exposure Pallet // Smashbox PhotoFinish Color Correcting Primer // Chloe Ead de Parfum // e.l.f. Mineral Blush // Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser // EOS Sweet Mint  // L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara // Bare Minerals Foundation

Do you guys have any staples for your daily look? 

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. - Bern Williams

Untitled #43 by hilarybadger featuring beverage bottles

I am SO into spring right now.  Maybe it's because we had a seemingly never ending winter.  I've definitely adopted a 'mostly black' wardrobe for winter from my time in Scandinavia, but my spring/summer clothes are bright as can be.  

With the last round of formals and senior events approaching, it is dress season.  Luckily, Old Navy has some amazing style this season that are cheap and appropriate for any occasion, including work! 

Items posted above include:

Steve Madden Booties // Bamboo Cutlery // Floral Kimono // ASOS Midi Skirt  // Old Navy Jersey Dress // Ikea Flowers // Fruit & Water Carafe // H&M Dress

What are you loving this Spring?  

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Being A Real Person

dream kitchen by hilarybadger featuring Blomus

I'm going to be making some pretty big decisions in the next month.  Like, huge decisions.
I think I have my mind made up already, it's just about signing the paper work.  I've been doing a lot of thinking.. on the treadmill, in the shower, at my desk, walking to class; where I want to be, what it is I want to be doing, how I want to spend my time.

In preparation of those big decisions, naturally I planned out my kitchen!  Thanks to Polyvore and mostly Ikea, I know how I'd love my little space to look! 

Items include:
Ikea Table  // Ikea Shelf // Tea Towel // Bread Bin // Nespresso Machine // Pantone Coffee Maker // Ikea Lamp // Ceramic Cups // Pantone Thermal Cup // Bodum Coffee Maker // Ikea Kitchen Cart // One Kings Lane Casserole // Anthropologie Latte Bowls // Ikea Chairs

Have you used Polyvore to sketch out your interiors?

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#Fashion

Let's Play Dress Up by hilarybadger featuring ASOS

I want all of the clothes these days.  The more and more I think of which city I will move to after graduation, the more I think about how it will effect my personal fashion.  I've been thinking about NYC pretty frequently as well as DC.  

Does your city environment influence your fashion?  

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Finals Survival Guide

Finals survival guide 2 by hilarybadger featuring a pom pom blanket


Happy Finals Week!
Not much has changed since last year's final survival guide, just the geographic location.

How do you cope with this extremely stressful week?

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Allo Mon Beau

learning french by hilarybadger featuring old navy tote bag

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Have to Have: Old Navy

zipfront cardi by hilarybadger featuring Old Navy

Old Navy cardigan
oldnavy.gap.com

How cute is this sweater?

#HaveToHave

& Happy Wednesday!

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Look Out Real World

job search by hilarybadger 

Today is my first visit job visit to meet with recruiters and discuss job opportunities in May.

Am I nervous?  A bit. 

I've had numerous internships and lots of experience, but I'm worried about 'selling myself' and knowing how to market what I want.  Luckily I worked with the career center to polish up my 'elevator speech' for the big day, but never the less, it's still nerve racking!  

This is kind of an awkward limbo for the application process.  It's technically too early to apply seeing as how employers want to fill positions they are seeking immediately, yet not too soon to start looking.  It's actually quite the tease.  I've started compiling a list of all the job opportunities, where they are located, their application requirements, & websites to keep myself organized.  Do any of my readers do something similar?

What are your best tips for the job hunt?

Any life experiences that have prepared you for the post college search?

October Uniform

cozy by hilarybadger featuring a matisse footwear

1. Merona for Target Bag
2. Inhabit Cable Knit Sweater
3. ASOS Liquorish Coat
4. Essie "Sole Mate"
5. J.Crew Classic Black Flats
6. Anthropologie Monogrammed Mugs
7. H&M Top
8. Anthropologie Matisse Southwestern Loafters
9. Temi Throw blanket
10. Paneled Cross Stripe Dress
11. Rebecca Taylor Everyday Tank tank
12. FOREVER 21 Heathered Lounge Pants
13. FOREVER 21 Polka Dot Scarf
14. Target Mossimo Black Tote

Don't forget to follow me on Polyvore here.

Funky Town

funky town by hilarybadger featuring cowboy booties

The start of Fall has me feeling funky and adventurous.  Check out some of my favorites from Society6 

Back to School: Dorm Edition

dorm style by hilarybadger featuring h&m

It's so crazy when I think about what I would actually put in my room if I had funds compared to what I will actually put in my room next Thursday when I move back to college for my final year. 

Freshman year, everything was pink, blue, and green.  Everything matched, everything was bright, and everything screamed high school prep.  I still have my comforter from freshman year and still have the multi colored pillows and pink and blue flowered totes filled with matching plates and cups.  

If I had money to spend, this is what my dorm room would look like now.  I'd like to think my taste has expanded a bit since I was 18 and that my style is a bit more eclectic.  Regardless of what I have and don't have, there's one thing that I'm so grateful for; a college education.  I'm so lucky to be going to college, so in the grand scheme whether I'm hulling my freshman year wear up the stairs on move in day isn't the biggest issue.  

So, if I could style my room this is a peak as to what I would put in it.  

Big comfy blankets, lots of throw pillows in mismatched designs, candles that smell like lavender or rosemary, sweaters, water colors, tea pots, maps, stationery, flats, and poms.

How would you decorate your ideal dorm room?

Falling for Fall

Falling for Fall by hilarybadger on Polyvore

Fall fashion is popping up everywhere and I dig it.

This season I'm loving booties, pom poms, olive green pieces, and black handbags.

Are you looking to try out a new trend this Fall?

PS.  New article up on Sweet Lemon Magazine this week!
Check out my recommendations for your last week on the Hill.

Favorites

favorites by hilarybadger on Polyvore

Happy Monday kids! 

Today I pulled a few of my favorite things from two of the best online boutiques around. 

Design Darling and Waiting on Martha 

With thoughts of back to school comes fresh ideas of a new start!  

I moved back to school last January and hit the ground running.  I walked off the plane from Copenhagen, put my suitcases in my car, spent 30 hours at home and drove right back to college.  The most decorative things in my room last semester were my postcards from Europe.  This year I'm hoping to dress up my room with simple pieces to make it feel like home.

Make sure you check out their websites & blogs, they will no doubt give you a burst of creative inspiration on this sleepy Monday. 

yurbuds

My roomie Alison & I went to Target this weekend in search of fruits & veggies to juice but I came home with a new toy.  I had noticed my old ipod earbuds [you know, the free ones you get with any Apple applicance] were sounding a little trippy at work.  I saw the perfect opportunity for a new pair and I took it. I came home with yurbuds.  

yurbuds by hilarybadger on Polyvore

yurbuds® Inspire for Women Earbuds - Flaming... : Target  

First of all, all my ladies out there, do you ever find that your ear buds hurt or constantly fall out while you work out?!  Never fear, yurbuds are here [giggling as I write this].  yurbuds has designed ear buds specifically for women's ears, making them smaller and comfortable because not all ears are create equal.  They are also sweat and water resistant & totally comfy.  [but most importantly, super cute.]

I came home with the apple green pair, which of course isn't shown on Target's website, but trust me, they are cute.  I'm excited to try them out today on my run after work.

Do you swear by a specific brand of ear buds?!

Happy Running! 

All About The Juice

When I was in Copenhagen, the least expensive foods were veggies and fruits.  It was glorious and a great incentive to eat healthy.  When there are happy hour specials, food chains on every block..it's challenging and tempting to just 'get by' with whatever is easiest and cheapest.  Being an intern who's used to a dining hall also probably doesn't help...bottom line, I've been eating really poorly and it needs to stop.

New lines of juices have been coming out and 'juice cleanses' are all the rage and I've been really anxious to try a cleanse.  There are so many great recipes to try on Pinterest, so I found a juicer on Amazon for $30 and I went for it.  

juicer by hilarybadger on Polyvore

Hamilton Beach Health Smart Juice Extractor
casa.com

My roommates and I have joked endlessly about this.  We've joked about sticking quesadilla's, nachos, quac down the juicer, etc.  They thought the closest I would ever come to a juice cleanse was me and my Cucumber G&T at The Hamilton a few weeks ago...ok, maybe that was the first step?

Have you ever done a juice cleanse?