A LIFE UPDATE | WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

Hey. Hi. It has been a long time. A little over a year. Things have changed. I have changed. And I am in a really good place in my life.

Since we last spoke:

• I completed my first year as a speech language pathologist. I am now fully licensed and I LOVE everything about speech therapy and cannot wait to see my kiddos in a few weeks.
• I released a second single back in October called "Burning Love". I am so proud of this track.
• I am working hard on writing and recording original music for my first EP. Hopefully, I will be releasing this in 2020. 
• I am also working with a talented guitarist so that I can start playing live shows around my hometown!
• I am dating a new guy - I KNOW! WILD! I am so incredibly happy. He has been the most precious gift life has thrown my way.
• I have lost 20 pounds. I exercise at least 4 times a week. I am working on eating healthier foods and just an overall healthier lifestyle/mindset. I feel amazing and my confidence in my body has grown.
• I found a new love for creating. Whether that be through photography, videography, writing (both poems and songs), or blogging. I took a break from a lot of things for awhile - I needed to find myself again.

I am so excited to get back into the swing of things. I love my life and am so excited to see what all is to come.

xo, 

Hannah

MY FAVORITE SUMMER OUTFIT | BREAKFAST STYLE

Let's face it, I am not a brunch person. Sure, the idea of brunch is incredibly appealing to me. Who doesn't want to sleep in, get ready, put on a cute outfit, and eat pretty food? But, I am just too picky and don't really enjoy brunch foods. I would MUCH rather sit down at a staple fast food joint and order a gravy biscuit and treat myself to an iced coffee afterwards. That's exactly what Gabe (my boyfriend) and I did. He is my go-to-breakfast date and honestly, I'm not mad about it! :)

I like to make sure I am comfy for breakfast dates, but also somewhat put together. That's why this outfit is LITERALLY perfect.

First off, I am OBSESSED with Bre Sheppard and her blog! I love her casual style and feel like I can actually see myself buying/wearing similar outfits that she posts-she inspired this outfit! Birkenstocks are an ABSOLUTE necessary item when going out for breakfast, especially in the summer. I love these all-white Birkenstocks-they are comfortable, stylish and only $99.95!

Running shorts are something I wear literally every day during the summer months. This pair was definitely a splurge for me, but I am so happy with them. These running shorts are from Lululemon and are honestly the most comfortable pair I own (and I have like 15 pairs of nike running shorts). I went up one size in these. I typically wear a size 6 in the lululemon leggings and I purchased a size 8 in these because they were a little looser and more comfortable. This specific pair of shorts is called the Tracker Short V and they are $58. I highly recommend them if you want to splurge on a nice pair of running shorts.

I am most excited to share with you all the details about this CUTE top!!!! Another youtuber/lifestyle and fitness guru that I love is Sarah's Day. If you need any fitness/lifestyle/healthy living tips, she is your girl! Sarah recently collaborated with White Fox Boutique and released her own activewear line (both a pink line and an olive green line-which most items are currently sold out but should be restocked in the near future). This top is incredible. It's lightweight, soft, and I swear I will most likely wear it every day, especially in the colder months when I venture to the gym. I love the saying on the back, "Listen to your body" and the white color (they also have this in a black)! It is so cute and such a functional top. I highly recommend checking out Sarah's instagram and keeping up with the next restock so you can snag one of these shirts!

I hope you all enjoyed this easy and comfortable summer outfit! Make sure you hit that follow button and also check out my instagram page as well for more outfit posts! 

xo,

Hannah

THE MAKING OF MY DEBUT SINGLE | DID YOU EVEN LOVE ME

GUYS-MY DEBUT SINGLE IS FINALLY HERE!

I am overwhelmed and humbled by the love and support on my debut single "Did You Even Love Me"!!! My heart is exploding with happiness and gratefulness. I am so excited for what is to come and for each and every one of you to hear my song.

The process of writing an original song, for me, is incredibly difficult. I always begin the process by having a few thoughts written in the notes section on my iPhone. Sometimes, I have lyrics that I want to include. Sometimes, I just have key words written down or emotions, colors, ideas, etc. My goal when writing a song is to make others feel something. This song was actually written about a year ago, but it took me months to perfect it musically and lyrically. After I have an idea of what I want the song to portray, I start writing the music on the piano. I choose the piano over guitar because it is such a simple, yet beautiful instrument. I love the rawness of a piano and vocalist. Once I am at the piano and in a groove with the melody, I press record on my voice memos app and just sing along. Sometimes it is just "oohs" and "ahhhs" and other times, I sing random words. I try and be completely vulnerable in the moment while also incorporating my original ideas and feelings. I absolutely love the creative experience of songwriting. I have hundreds of half-written songs in my notebook, but I've learned that writing hundreds of songs can eventually lead to one incredible, meaningful song.

I hope you all enjoy "Did You Even Love Me" and that it will resonate with you. If you haven't heard it yet, check it out on Spotify and iTunes!!! Thank you all so much for your support!

You can also check out the vlog here and on my youtube channel to see the behind the scenes footage of creating this single!!! Huge thank you to Embur-Emily Burton for filming, editing, and producing this video!

xo,

Hannah

QUAY "ODIN" SUNGLASSES | REVIEW

HAPPY TUESDAY LOVIES!

I wanted to talk to you guys about my favorite pair of sunnies by QUAY! The sunnies pictured above are the "Odin" style. I got this pair last summer and have been OBSESSED with them. I kid you not, I wear these every. single. day. They literally frame my face PERFECTLY and they are just the perfect amount of snug on my ears. One of the things I love most about them is the matte black color. They look so chic and really go with any outfit. I cannot count how many compliments I have received while wearing these sunnies. I have also beaten this pair up from wearing them everywhere and throwing them loose in my purse and they are still in almost new condition. Another thing I love about QUAY is that the sunnies are cheaper than other brands like Ray-Ban, etc. I believe last year this pair was around $50, which is a lot cheaper than other high end brands.

There are SO many options and styles on the website for all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors of sunnies. They even have the SICKEST collaboration with Desi Perkins (I want like all of them but have to have self control). I highly recommend checking out QUAY sunglasses if you want a higher end brand at a more affordable price.

Let me know in the comments below if you have a pair of QUAY sunglasses or if you plan on getting a pair for this summer!

xo,

Hannah

HEY, HAVE YOU MISSED ME? | LET'S CHAT

Hi there. It's been entirely too long since we have chatted. Let's catch up.

Since we last spoke:

• I have moved cities. Boone --> Winston-Salem
• Completed an internship at my dream job
• Graduated from graduate school and recieved a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology
• Accepted my first job as an SLP - I start in August
• Recorded a single in a local studio
• My single, "Did You Even Love Me" is set to release on June 1, 2018 on iTunes and Spotify
• And I am enjoying life

I decided that this summer will be the summer of exploring life and accomplishing goals. Releasing a song that I have written and loved for months scares me. And even though I am incredibly nervous to hear the many opinions, I am so excited to finally conquer that fear of mine. For years, I have wanted to record my own music and I am finally putting myself out there and doing it. You can pre-save my song on Spotify and pre-order it on iTunes. So, be on the lookout for updates regarding new music and potentially an EP.

This summer, I want to explore. I want to travel (even if it's just here in NC). I want to experience new things. Try new foods, new bars, and explore what is right in front of me. I want to try this whole blogging thing and actually stick to it. I want to continue to upload on YouTube and eventually have a set schedule - I am working on this, but am considering Sundays and Wednesdays in the morning (maybe 10 am). I want to set goals for myself and establish routines, but also be flexible. I want to enjoy every single day. And I want to take you guys along for the ride. I can't promise consistency, but I can promise exciting things. I want this to be a place of growth and learning from one another. I hope you all decide to join this journey with me - to find myself, explore life, and accomplish goals. 

xo,

Hannah 

Shoutout to Embur for the amazing photo!

NEW YEAR, BETTER ME | RESOLUTIONS

As I sit here with my overpriced iced coffee, I am reflecting on 2016.

2016 was an eventful year. I celebrated my 22nd birthday and it has been quite the Tswift year! A few huge events that occurred during 2016 include: acceptance into graduate school, graduating from college with a B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, a Disney trip with my best friend, an office job at my university, unforgettable memories with family and friends, and almost 300 subscribers on my YouTube channel! 2016 was good to me, but I cannot wait to see what 2017 holds.

As one year ends and another begins, I always make a list of resolutions. This year, these resolutions are slightly different.

While sitting at a local Japanese restaurant, my friends and I began discussing the new year and our resolutions. My friend, Lindsay, said it best: "new year, better me." This struck a chord with me. New year, better me. I am 100% content with who I am. Over the years, I have truly achieved great things and I am proud of my accomplishments. I love myself and instead of the motto, "new year, new me," I am adopting this new one.

My wish for 2017 is to better myself. I want to continue to exercise and push myself harder because my body deserves to be healthy. I want to continue pursuing music because my soul craves it. I want to continue creating better content on my YouTube channel because my followers want it. I want to be the best person I can be in 2017 and I don't think I need to change anything about myself to reach that goal.

2017 is going to be tough because my expectations are always too high, but with this new mindset of new year, better me, I believe I can achieve great things.

2017 is my year. 2017 is your year. 2017 is the year of bettering ourselves, not changing who we are.

xo,

Hannah

10 Things You Need To Know To Survive | Graduate School

I cannot believe I am a first year graduate student at my university.  Time sure does fly, but I am so excited for this new time in my life.  I wanted to write a quick little blog post of ten things I think are important to keep in mind in order to succeed in school, specifically graduate school.

1. Create a routine.  In undergrad, routines were never something I had to worry about.  I could stay out with friends until 2 a.m. on a Wednesday night and be able to completely function the next day during class.  I took naps in between classes and was only concerned with class assignments and studying for tests.  Graduate school is completely different.  I have class two days a week, all day.  Before my classes, I work as a graduate assistant.  The other three days of the week, I am at the clinic.  Having a daily routine has helped me not only stay on schedule, but it allows me to get enough sleep, eat proper meals, and have time to study and work on homework, lesson plans, and therapy notes.  I would not be able to survive graduate school without my daily routine.
2. Purchase a lunchbox. I am so busy throughout the day that I have to pack my lunch in the mornings and bring it with me to campus and the clinic.  When I was in undergrad, I could go to the cafeteria to grab a quick lunch or go out to eat with friends.  As a graduate student, I do not have time to do this.  Most of the time, I eat lunch quickly while working on something else.  Lunch is not a free period anymore, so I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing a lunchbox.
3. Be Organized. In order for me to stay organized, I write down everything I have to do in my agenda.  Having deadlines and writing down everything has helped me stay organized.  If you get behind in graduate school, you will be behind all year long.  It is very difficult to "catch up" because graduate programs move at such a quick rate. 
4. Check Your Email Frequently. This year, my email has been blowing up almost every hour.  Important emails are always being sent my way and it is so important that I check my email frequently so that I do not miss something important.  I have my email connected to my phone so that I can access it easier.  I would recommend connecting your school email to your phone!
5. Ask Questions. It is so important to ask questions.  I am finally at the point in my life where I am learning the skills to become a successful Speech-Language Pathologist.  It is critical that I understand everything that I am being taught.  Questions are so important and should be asked, no matter what they are.
6. Study Every Day. The information taught in my graduate classes piles up quickly and it is important that I study every day so that I am well prepared for exams.  I try and study at least thirty minutes every day and look over the material covered in each class.  So far, I feel confident about my first exam. :)
7. Exercising is Important. Even though I am SO busy throughout the week, I always find time to go for a walk outside.  It is so important to get exercise and be outdoors in the fresh air.  This is also the time where I can de-stress and enjoy the beautiful weather with some friends.
8. Get Involved On Campus Outside of The Graduate Program. Some people would disagree with me on this point, but I think it is so important.  I know I personally need a break during the week from everything graduate school.  I am a part of an All-Female A cappella group at my university and I love being able to be a part of something on campus that is not related to what I am studying.  It is important to be involved in the program, but it is also important to have a fun outlet.  Not only does this provide me with an outlet from school but also an outlet to be creative and sing.  I would highly recommend becoming involved in at least one thing on campus that does not have to do with your program of study.
9. Socialize. Although studying, homework, and writing lesson plans are important, so is socializing with friends.  Do not let yourself lose friendships in graduate school.  I will admit that it is sometimes hard to balance both, but I always try to do as much as I can during the week days so that I can spend the weekends with family and friends.  I promise you will not flunk out of graduate school just because you went to dinner with some friends one night.  Just put the books down, take a break, and have some fun.
10. Stay Positive. I cannot stress this point enough.  There are times when I feel like I am so overwhelmed with school that I cannot go on.  But, I remember why I am doing this and remind myself that I want to be the best Speech-Language Pathologist, and I pick myself up and keep going.  Positivity goes a long way in graduate school.  Be positive!

I hope you all enjoyed this post and I hope you can use some of these suggestions as the school year continues.  Let me know in the comments below some of your school survival suggestions!  Also, make sure to follow my blog by hitting the bloglovin' button on the side bar so that you stay updated on my blogposts.

xo,

Hannah