On the {Must-watch} List

For my second installation of On The List, I thought I'd talk about one of my true loves...television.
I am an unashamedly big fan of TV.  I can see myself being the teacher that knows way too much about all the popular teen shows that my students watch.
Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the new shows I've been enjoying lately. Some of these are Netflix finds, and some are on tv now!

Ok, I hate that I am loving this, mostly because the concept of 25 girls trying to date one guy is just nuts to me.
So, this season is the first time I've ever watched The Bachelor, and I really just watched the first episode to see what it was like. And then I kept watching. And then I started to actually care about who got sent home.
My point is: it's addictive. If you watch, you have to tell me who you're rooting for! AshLee is my favorite right now!

Lipstick Jungle is my most recent Netflix find. If you're a fan of Sex and the City, this show is based off of the book "Lipstick Jungle" by Candace Bushnell, who wrote the book that inspired Sex and the City. So the vibe is very similar--- powerful, beautiful women living and loving in New York City.  It's a fun, sexy show with a lot of heart. I actually find these characters a little more well-rounded than some of the characters on SATC.  Definitely check it out if you enjoy that kind of show. It only has 20 episodes, but it's really entertaining. The book is also really good, I read it a few years back!

Emily Owens MD has been one of my favorite shows this year. I'm so disappointed that it's only going to finish out one season. Anyway, if you haven't been watching I'd catch up on Hulu because it's really good. It's like Grey's Anatomy (my absolute favorite show ever) but lighter and a little more awkward. Also, less doctors die, haha. Mamie Gummer (Meryl Streep's daughter!) is absolutely great as the quirky, dorky, good-hearted Emily Owens. Just check it out! 

Scandal is definitely one of the best shows on TV right now. If you're not watching, get your butt to Netflix and watch the first season, then catch up on the rest on Hulu because it is AMAZING. Created by Shonda Rhimes (the genius behind Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice) Scandal follows professional fixer Olivia Pope and her team of "Gladiators in Suits" as they handle the major scandals in DC. From a pregnant White House intern to the delicious affair between Olivia and The President, this show is wonderfully scandalous. Kerry Washington is incredible as Olivia Pope and my jaw is on the floor at the end of every episode. I am always surprised by this show, and I love it.

What's on your must-watch list? I have a pretty long list (whoops) but I wanted to share 4 shows that have surprised me this year. Share your favorite shows with me!

Also, sorry if things have been a little inconsistent on the blog lately--- I've been dealing with a lot personally.

Hope you're happy and healthy! 

-Hannah 

Monday Motivation- Kid President

Have you met the President?
No, not that President! The Kid President. He's gone viral giving Pep Talks and is absolutely adorable.
So for today's Monday Motivation, I'm keeping it simple. I'm I'm passing on his videos to you. Two in particular: Kid President Awesome Year Challenge and the Pep Talk from Kid President.
The first challenges you to make the year awesome for you, and the second might just be the best pep talk ever. Oh, and they both end in dancing.
Take the time to watch them, really. It's worth it.

Feeling motivated? I sure am. Now get up and dance.

Happy Monday, y'all.

Stay beautiful,
Hannah

Sunday Social

I'm enjoying Sunday Social! It's a great way to meet new bloggers and tell a little about yourself to current readers. Join in! 

What is your ideal way to relax: Grey's Anatomy, Hershey kisses, and nail polish. My little Gracie face  or Juno snuggled up next to me is also great, but obviously I can't take the puppies to college. 

Where is your favorite place to be: I am happiest at the ocean. Kiawah. 

Who do you consider your biggest role model: All the beautiful, strong chronic illness fighters I know.

What does your life look like in 3 years? Teaching, living a full life, and hopefully healthy. 

If you could go back and change one decision what would it be? I would have gone to Queens my freshman year instead of going through a tough semester at UNCA. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far? Being granted a NC Teaching Fellow scholarship despite all that I went through in high school.

Have a great start to your week! 

Stay beautiful,

Hannah

Saturday Instagram Recap- Week 4

Sorry this is belated! I had to take a few photos today to even have a few to share! I guess Instagram just wasn't on my mind this week!
Anyhow, here we go:

Join us for all the fun with Sara at Pearls and Curls! 

My baby Grace got a bow. Too stinkin' cute, right?  

I always try and get one last photo of my puppies before I head back to campus. This one just melts my heart.

New iPhone backgrounds using Cuptakes and Phonto! 

What I'm Doing Now: Pinterest (for the blog!) and watching a movie on Netflix! 

Promise I'll take better photos this week!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Stay beautiful,
Hannah

On The {Reading} List

Sorry this post is a bit belated!
I'm a major list-maker. I know a lot of y'all probably are too, so I thought I'd try a new type of post that won't necessarily have a regular, scheduled occurrence, but will pop up when I see fit. I'm calling it On The List. This first edition will be On The {Reading} List!
I thought I'd share some of the books I'm hoping to read soon. I'm trying to keep up free reading during the school year, which is something I've struggled with as an English major.
I'm hoping to get a Nook soon, so maybe that will encourage me a little more!

How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This- by Cara Ulbrich

I'm SO excited to read this. As a Chronic Illness fighter and advocate, I don't see a lot of Chronic Illness related books that pique my interest. However, the sneak preview on Amazon had me nodding and laughing in total agreement. I definitely plan on reviewing this, because I think it looks like a great way to introduce what it's really like to live with Chronic Illness to those who don't have to experience it firsthand. 

Insurgent- Veronica Roth 

I still can't believe I haven't read this yet. This summer in Kiawah I got totally hooked on the first book in this series- Divergent. I read it in 2 days and passed it on immediately to my best friend and my mom. And then for some reason there was a delay in getting the second book and I got busy with my health... and then I felt like I needed to reread Divergent, and I just never got back around to it. 

Now, I need to read it. It's taunting me every time I go home. 

Safe Haven- Nicholas Sparks

It's almost Valentine's Day, so I think it might be the perfect time to curl up with a cheesy, wonderful Nicholas Sparks book. Especially since the movie is coming out soon! It's mindless, but that's the fun in it! 

The Fault in Our Stars- John Green

Ok, I realize that this list is not terribly new or exciting to y'all, but I'm trying to catch up on some of the popular books that have been out recently. I keep hearing that this is just gorgeous, sad, and wonderful. Hopefully I'll enjoy it! 

Ok, so that's the quick list for tonight! What's on your reading list! Please share, I'm always looking for good book recommendations. 

Hope you're happy and healthy! 

Stay beautiful,

Hannah 

Cheap & Chic Chapter Dresses

Sorority Chapter is a great place to show off your style as you begin to develop a more professional wardrobe. While the formality of each sorority varies, there are lots of outfits that would hold up to any sorority's standards. If you're not in a sorority, this post can serve as a guide to some great, inexpensive dresses that you can wear to work or church!
I wanted to focus this post just on dresses because building up a wardrobe of dresses helps you to have a comfortable, quick, outfit that doesn't require too much thought. I'll do another post on separates soon, but I thought I'd start with some cheap & chic dresses! EVERY dress featured is under $40!

(One) (Two) (Three) 

All of these dresses are easy options for chapter. I wanted to point out that the navy dress has little keys on it! Such a cute detail- especially for Kappa Kappa Gammas! I chose the Emerald dress since it's the color of the year, but it also layers well under a cardigan in chillier months. The grey dress is a classic silhouette, but is still super comfy!

(One) (Two) (Three) 

 My mall doesn't have a Forever 21, but I thought I'd browse online. Let me just say I was happily surprised by the selection! The first dress is my favorite- it's navy and white and just looks so put together. The bright blue dress is toned down and dressed up by a classic neckline, and the last dress puts a more casual white top with a black skirt, it's a great canvas to accessorize. 

(One) (Two) (Three)

Loft has always been my go-to store when I need something a little more polished. While their dresses are regularly priced in the $70-80 range, they are ALWAYS having a sale or special. I pulled these three dresses from the sale section, and as of today they're 60% off of the sale price. So you can get really classic, stylish, quality pieces at a reasonable price. The first dress touches on the peplum trend while staying classic, whereas the second dress is a little louder (but still appropriate!) with lace and fuchsia. I also wanted to include an LBD because so many sororities have occasions that require a pin-attire black dress. This black dress is lace, giving it very subdued but pretty look. I also love that this LBD gives you so much room to accessorize. 

There are lots of great places to shop for chapter attire, but for the purpose of this post, I just wanted to showcase three very accessible, affordable shopping options. I'm currently looking to expand my teaching/chapter wardrobe, so leave any suggestions for places to shop in the comments! 

Before I sign off, I did want to share one last little chapter dress. I've been eyeing this beauty on Vestique! I may have to snap it up, it's on sale and is a gorgeous (ADPi) blue. Perfect for chapter.

Proper Dahling Dress- $18.50

Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

Stay beautiful,
Hannah 

Printed

I've become an Etsy browse-a-holic. Is that a thing? Maybe not. Either way, I thought I'd share some of my finds with y'all.
Lately I've been really into prints.  A lot of Etsy shops will customize prints with phrases, colors, or states for you, which is a great way to have personal, cute art. Plus, affordable art is something we can all get behind, right?

I love this idea! Plus it can be color and state customized.
Etsy Shop: Happy Brat

This feels like summer and I might be in love.
Etsy Shop: Happy Brat

Any polishaholic will adore this Essie inspired print!
Etsy Shop: lauratrevey

This gorgeous kitchen print comes framed for only $35. My chef mother would definitely love this!
Etsy Shop: DexMex

Such a pretty verse to keep you inspired! Also color customizable .
Etsy Shop: The Educated Owl

This is a GREAT Dorm room set! You can customize it for your school and your favorite colors, too.
Etsy Shop: The Educated Owl

This is a set of two prints for your favorite long-distance bestie.
Etsy Shop: ArthursPlaidPants 

I could probably write four posts full of cute, fun prints, but I'll stop now so you can really appreciate these beauties.
Hope y'all are doing well!
Let me know if you have any favorite Etsy Shops I need to check out!
Stay beautiful,
Hannah