Morning Mountain Glory

If I've done anything this summer, I would say I've convinced myself that you can never get up too early. Amanda and I enjoyed my last morning in the mountains for a while, watching the sunrise, making art, doing what we love. It's always bitter sweet leaving the little valley, but I know nothing lasts forever and I am always doing the exact thing I need to at every moment. 

The dress in these images is probably the most "Hallie" dress I've owned. I'm in love with the flow, color, and length. It just feels easy on and it reminds me of fire. Also, I'm absolutely wearing 0 makeup in these images. Bed head too. Ladies, your best look is your own. No one can recreate it. 

I've been wearing a bunch of bright colors and flowy clothing recently. Today someone actually came up to me saying they could recognize me from far away because they saw a "Hallie outfit." Heck yeah for playing with different styles and defining my own style!! I think it's important to add a little color to some of these grey, rainy days as we move into colder weather!

I'm now back at school and settling into a schedule, trying to "balance" studying, work, personal creativity, self-care, social activities, exercise, all the while staying sane, sweet, smiley, and living the life I want to create for myself. It's so refreshing to be going back to school and having more of a grasp on everything than last year at this time... it's crazy what a year does! I'm finally walking around campus (& Seattle) pretty much knowing where I'm going, running into friends in-between classes, and feeling much more confident with who I am! It's a life long process and not 100% of the time can we all feel super positive but the best we can do today is to be better than we were yesterday and grow from all the experiences we find ourselves in. 

There's so much on my mind about transitioning so I think I'm going to put it in a whole other post but for now, I'll end with this:

Seek what sets your soul on fire. I bet it's seeking you too.

                    &

Wherever you are, be all there. 

xo, Hallie

photos: Amanda

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Dress: Rosegal

End of Summer Detox

The month of September means detox time. I feel like my whole schedule gets off during the summer and I'm not totally on top of taking care of my body like I usually do. I'll simultaneously be pressing the reset button as I head back to school and get back into a scheduled life.

I recently got this Cosmedix Detox Face Mask and I really love it! I've been putting it on before bed and it sure is nice to go to sleep knowing my face is clean from the dust & dirt of the day whether I've been outdoors in the mountains or in the city streets. I truly believe we start shining from the inside → out, but we have to make sure our skin lets that light through! Our beautiful faces deserve this TLC after a couple months of harsh sun and outdoor activity! This activated charcoal mask genuinely makes me feel like I'm at the spa, at home! Take a night and join me, put some cucumbers over your eyes, lay down, detox & relax. ♡

PS. this is the first time I haven't picked my nail polish off the day after they've got painted. I got my nails done with shellac and it's been two weeks! I am so so proud to have not even tried to pick it off yet... Also proud of my nails because they've grown already so much in two weeks, it's crazy how that happens! It feels so good, I feel like I am finally treating some parts of me that I have neglected for so long! 

xo, Hallie

Detox Face Mask: COSMEDIX  Robe: Nordstrom Rack (on sale!)

Cinnamon Rolls & Cold Buns

Happy September! In the last two weeks or so, I've started a new job, been photographing seniors, families, & weddings, and mentally preparing myself for school to start so soon! More and more I'm noticing that when I put effort into other parts of my life (that are positive, which I'm growing and learning so much from) I loose so much time that is spent on my personal, creative endeavors! Is there ever a true balance of all aspects in life?

Amanda and I went on a spontaneous drive up north to Stanley. We packed her truck, left after dinner, and slept up by the lake. It was freezing! I kept waking up shivering, I would grab my nose and it would just be so cold. I'm not totally sure why I grab my nose to see how cold it is, but it's just one of those things I've done since I was little. But anyways, yeah, it was a cold one. When I opened my eyes and looked out the back window, I saw a million twinkling stars. I knew I was where I wanted to be. It was one of those nights I didn't even want to sleep, I was so stoked to wake up early and watch the sun light slowly make it's way down the mountain and lift the mist off the reflective lake. Ahh what a gorgeous way to wake up, truly. 

We took the morning easy, enjoyed a beautiful, delicious breakfast at the Stanley Bakery and then spent the day on the beach, floating around. This was such a great 'end of summer' adventure. 

xo, Hallie

Photos: Amanda

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Sneakers: Steve Madden (on sale!)  Backpack: Parkland  Bikini: Vie Active bra & bottoms (on sale!)