Links to Make You Smile

1) Some music by She & Him to get you in the holiday spirit!

2) One of my dear friends just got me this evil eye bracelet (in lighter blue) for my birthday... is that not the sweetest thing? You wear the bracelet until it breaks, and it's meant to purge all bad spirits and bring you hope.

3) A lovely hairstyle to try out at a party this season.

4) Poe-ka dots! How hilarious is this? I'm always up for polka dots + Edgar Allan Poe! One of my friends and I have been obsessed with him since 5th grade for some reason. Maybe it stems from the Gilmore episode A Tale of Poes and Fire...

5) Is this not the funniest holiday webcam ever? Christmas Cats TV sure beats the yule log!

6) The cutest 46 seconds of Love Actually

7) ...and the entire movie in turtlenecks (so so funny!)

8) 2013 in "boops" (aka, some really cute pictures of animals).

9) There's one more week until Christmas and one more week for the Better Sweaterer contest from Classy Girls Wear Pearls! Enter now!

10) There's also one week until the Doctor Who Christmas special... I'm so so excited but also so sad to see Matt Smith leave!

For those of you, like me, who are drudging through the next two days before winter break.... I wish you luck! You have made it so far! It's almost time to relax!

xo

emma

17.

I seriously cannot believe that tomorrow I will be seventeen. 

Obviously when put into perspective, 17 doesn't seem like such a big deal.

But when I think back on how old 17 used to seem to me...wow. When I was 10, Lizzie McGuire seemed like a grown up...17 must be middle-aged!

via

Aside from all weird pondering about aging, I am quite excited for this birthday. Last year, I was sick for the month before and after my birthday, so I never got a chance to really enjoy it! I plan on savoring every minute of my birthday experience :) Some family members nearby are stopping by for a mini celebration tomorrow, and I'm going to visit the other half of my family in about a week for another get together! And a trip to Alice's is on the agenda soon, too...

Wish me luck on my driver's test on Monday... I'll need it!

Stay tuned for more celebration details! :)

xo

Holiday Wish List

Throughout the year, I keep a "wish list" Pinterest board, otherwise when December comes I usually have no idea what I would like to ask for during the holiday season (and by holiday I mean Christmas and my birthday which is ten days before:)
However, it tends to become a jumble of clothes I saw online and wanted to keep track of, and not really good or thoughtful gifts. So here is my new and improved wintery wish list!

Wardrobe: J.Crew skirt // Bean Boots // KJP Scallop Oxford
A cute skirt and shirt and some boots to keep me warm!

Accessory: Phone case // Print // Polaroid
A new phone case, room decor, and fun camera!

Experience: Once // Travel // Alice's Tea Cup
A (second) experience of the best musical ever, hopefully a trip to England this summer and I'm definitely going to France in March (!!!), and the continuation of a sweet birthday tradition: brunch at Alice's!

xo

Catching Fire

Oh. My. Hunger Games. 

I have been in love with the series since I read the manuscript in fifth grade. One of the coolest perks of my aunt working at Scholastic is getting to read advance copies sometimes!

Another amazing perk was getting to go to a special screening of Catching Fire this past Wednesday!

I loved the first movie, but I have to say... Catching Fire really takes the cake. It was INCREDIBLE!

I've seen it twice now--not enough! 

It just broke the record for November films in its box office report--wow.

The director, Francis Lawrence, made so many really intelligent decisions and the pacing of the movie was just right.

The acting of course was impeccable  Jennifer Lawrence is flawless and so are Josh Hutcherson and the rest of the cast.

If you haven't already seen it, you must! Just be sure to bring some tissues.

{via}

RSC's Twelfth Night

One of my favorite Shakespeare plays to see performed will always be Twelfth Night. The first time I ever saw it performed was when I was about 10 and I just thought it was the funniest and saddest thing rolled into one, and I thought that was so cool. Plus, seeing family friends who are professional actors act as silly old men in yellow stockings and cross-gartered (ahem, Malvolio) as a little kid..priceless moment.

For part of my mom's birthday celebration extravaganza, we went to see Twelfth Night on Broadway with Mark Rylance as Olivia and Stephen Fry as Malvolio... This production came from the Royal Shakespeare Company. They do things the old fashioned way, men play women's roles and all! To add to the specialness of this performance, we had seats on the stage. So cool! Also, the actors put on their costumes and makeup on stage before the performance... it was such a cool experience. Obviously I couldn't take pictures of the show, but needless to say, it was brilliant. You should definitely see it if you have a chance. (Tickets and info)

Excited for the show to start!

It seems Sarah from Note to Self was there the same evening and snapped a picture... look how cool it is! I was literally two feet to the left of this photo.

{via instagram}

We took a lovely walk around outside afterwards. Perfect city weather.

{taken by me}

This also helped me work on two items on my 101 in 1001 list: the play was part of celebrating my mom's "big year" birthday as well as seeing at least one production of every Shakespeare play!

Halloween Recap

Obviously it's past Halloween and everyone's mind is onto the next holidays... Thanksgiving is near! Starbucks has its holiday cups out! And Christmas music is beginning to play, yikes. But this year's Halloween was too good to ignore as we move on through the next two months that are jam-packed with holidays and events. (Especially after Halloween was cancelled the past two years in a row...2013 was a treat.)

'Twas the Night Before Halloween... October 30th

This year I helped to organize a haunted house in our school's library! Little kids came early for the haunted house maze (we made it a little less scary for them, but they were still pretty spooked and had fun) and a whole slew of activities. There was pre-Halloween trick or treating, lots of crafts, Halloween tattoos and accessories, a polaroid photo booth (I had so much fun explaining how polaroids worked to the little ones...it was like magic to them!), and a ghost story time around the fire place ... it was perfect and they were all so cute in their costumes! The later part of the evening for high schoolers had food and a truly terrifying haunted house... even though I helped to set it up, when I went through at the end I almost cried. I have a pretty low tolerance for anything scary sometimes...

Once the event was over and before we began the cleanup process,
we decided to enjoy some of the Halloween spirit tattoos!
{photo creds to a friend}

Halloween Day, October 31st

A group of 5 or so of my friends and I dressed up for school as cats and mice. Not very creative, but super cute!

"Duh, I'm a mouse!"
{photo creds to a friend}

Sleepy Hollow, November 2

Who says Halloween fun must stop once October ends? Two of my friends and I headed to Sleepy Hollow for the annual Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze (article with pictures here)! It was spectacular. All of the work that goes into carving what must be a million pumpkins is incredible! They had stacks of pumpkins carved into sunflowers, dinosaurs, witches, and so much more. Plus, there's nothing like warm apple cider on a crisp November night.

{all photos below taken by me}

in the garden! sunflowers and mushrooms.

frankenstein & friends

pumpkin graveyard

it's the great pumpkin!... i wish.
jack (o lantern) in a box

witches from macbeth

how awesome is this?!

Can't wait for next year!

How did you celebrate Halloween? Any cute or creepy costumes?

xo

love, emma 

NaNoWriMo: the greatest novel writing challenge you will ever face

I am so excited to begin NaNoWriMo for the first time ever! NaNo is National Novel Writing Month (November). 

The challenge? Write a 50,000 word (or more) novel in 30 days!

One of the items on my 101 in 1001 list is to attempt a NaNoWriMo! I hope I can finish it... 50,000 may be too ambitious for me, but I'm hoping for maybe at least 10,000 my first time around!

This weekend has been so crazy (posts to come on Friday night's Shakespeare on Broadway and yesterday's Sleepy Hollow excursion!) so I haven't begun my writing yet... but later tonight I will hopefully have all of my characters and plot worked out!

Go sign up! 

They have awesome pep talks and meet ups with people in your area... all the different types of motivation you might need to reach your word goal.

This will be a crazy month, but hopefully some cool writing will come from it!

xo

love, emma

School Year Struggles: Pros and Cons

It's the end of October. Some of us have taken the PSAT, SAT, PLAN, ACT, Writing Challenge, and numerous other non-standardized tests and quizzes.

We've been to parties and sports events and dances and other school events.

We've (unfortunately) had some long nights of school work, but we've also had some nights with friends!

The school year definitely has a lot of stressful elements, but it's important not to forget the fun things that the year will bring as well! As a list lover, one important thing for me is always to create a list of things I'm looking forward to and things I'm not as pleased about... it makes the year more approachable and easier to tackle! 

Idea: make a pro/con list of everything you're looking forward to in the year and everything that will be a challenge, and discover how everything can be positive.

Part of my list...

things to look forward to/pros:

• time with friends--spend quality time even when you dont have any
• the induction of this year's fall wardrobe -- a little style makes everything fun
• busy week/weekends--so many cool experiences to be had! 

things that might be difficult/cons:

• year long history paper--it might be hard, but how cool is this opportunity? plus, it's good practice.
• excessive homework & work load--learning time management
• busy week/weekends--ditto^

This is a hard part of the year, because it feels like the beginning of the school year, but its far enough in that you might be buried in work.
My advice to you (and myself) is to make the best of this time!

xo
love, emma

Emma Approved Squared

This past Monday was the launch of the new video series Emma Approved.

I adored the Lizzie Bennet Diaries (which I talked about a bit along with Jane Austen in general here) and am so excited for this next adaptation.

Before you watch, swing by the website that has some hilarious posts! It looks like a real life blog, complete with fashion posts and more! (I love new interactive media... so awesome:)

{via}

So, the series:

Emma Woodhouse.
Her job: lifestyle coach and matchmaker
Her slogan: "I make your life better"
Her success rate: 100%...unless her latest couple Annie and Weston breaks up.


Now, I'm not going to lie. Emma is pretty annoying--this modern adaptation of her character really brings out some of her more obnoxious qualities. And that wink ugh.

{via}

But isn't that the point of great literature youtube adaptations? I'm very excited to see how her character develops.

New videos are posted on Mondays and Thursdays. Head on over now to see the first two videos!

{via}

Emma Approved is approved by me! :)

love, emma
xo

Taking A Step Back

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Lately I've been extremely overwhelmed. I am an incredibly anxious person, and I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself this school year so far... and it's only been a month (but on the other hand...wow. A month!) 

Part of the reason I wanted to make this blog was to share anecdotes and keep track of all of the many positive things going on in my life... but somehow, I let the more negative things take over until I had no time left for me.

I know that this is something I will always have to work on--it's just part of my personality--but I really do want to take time to reflect on all of the amazing things going on in my life. 

Friends. Opportunities. Education. Creative time. 

There's so much out there to see and do and I have so many options. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and think about all of the amazing things going for you.

So do me a favor and do something that you love this weekend. Something that isn't due for school or an exam or anything... just something you genuinely love that you don't have much time for.

love, emma
xo

PS: Shout out to Caroline and her happy blog citrus and style! I won her JCrew giveaway and could not be happier! It was a perfect extra boost to the end of this week :) Thanks, Caroline!

Links to Make You Smile

I hope you've all had a lovely week!

My second week back to school hasn't even started and I'm already pretty overwhelmed with work. Luckily, there are plenty of happy links on the web to smile about :)

1) The sweetest little gif of smiling bunnies

2) Wonderful answers and tips from awesome photographer (and creator of the cinemagraph) Jamie Beck.

{image via annstreetstudio}

3) This pinterest board gets me every time. One, two, three.

4) I just discovered this show. Unbelievably hilarious. The best since Young @ Heart!

{image via google}

5) A pretty song.

6) An adorable blog that I just discovered that is written in English and Polish.

{image via raspberry and red}

7) Two recipes I'm ready to try this fall! One, two. See more Autumn ideas here.

{image via a beautiful mess}

how yummy do these look?!

{image via a beautiful mess}

8)  NYFW photos here and here. (Aren't Mackenzie and Carly just the cutest?! In love with their outfits and their friendship!)

{image via design darling}

9) Cute bag giveaway!

10) A dress I'm pining over.

Happy Sunday!

love, emma

xo

First Day Outfit

I talked about back to school shopping in part of the Back to School Essentials mini segment on the blog. If you saw that post, you know how excited I've been to wear these two new staples for a confident first day back to school!

The first day back is always one part nerves, one part excitement. I don't count the one hour for registration on Tuesday as my first day, but yesterday--the first day of classes, the real deal--requires an outfit to feel good and ease back into school. There's nothing a cute outfit can't handle! :)

 

Shirt: J.Crew
Skirt: J.Crew
Shoes: Sperry
Backpack: Lulu Lemon (old)
Jewelry: pearl studs

This outfit feels equally casual and relaxed but still put-together. The perfect blend of end-of-summer and beginning-of-school!

What did you wear your first day back?

Lizzie and the Modern Woman

My dearest Elizabeth Bennet has been popping up all over the place recently. The Lizzie trend has manifested itself in numerous ways.

Now, if I went on to talk abt all the P&P themed things I own (poster of the entire book in very small font, bag, tee shirt, etc.) it would never end... but here are the worldwide trends at the moment.

 Print - 1) In 2009, the first "comical" remake of the beloved book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, came to disgrace our bookstores.... but I haven't been able to bring myself to read them.

2) The book I'm more interested in is one that a dear friend gave me, Miss Jane Austen's Guide to Modern Life's Dilemmas: Answers to Your Most Burning Questions about Life, Love, Happiness and What to Wear from the Great Jane Austen Herself. The title says it all--how perfect is this?! I adore it.

How cool is this cover--Jane with an iPad!

3) Earlier this summer there was a New York Times article about the Jane-craze that included a board game with paper dolls (!!!) and discussed the "Janeiac" and Lizzie.

On screen - 1) The Lizzie Bennet Diaries started over a year ago ended in March :( Luckily for fans, the awesome web series recently won an Emmy!  LBD is a vlog told by Lizzie Bennet, a grad student who still lives with her parents and sisters. It is a wonderful retelling of a classic story, by Hank Green and Bernie Su.
And guess what... they're making an Emma series next! I can't wait!

http://dftba.com/media/dynamic/image/pfi_24d1aff48a4473f479d4d98d96b9b537.png

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZRdfxfWcj7aeXuLA1PsHJCDxTzTbLqlYbtok-R1yVxBYelTO_rFFkOns8vWPWsFdN3oJj-r-x4nFB1yfKPnGZN0X8skOPKyqmrJGJVrdimAUqb2Z8Y1L4MsT1gJNd7CF4x-P6reKlo_c/s400/lbd05.jpg

2) Austenland is a wonderfully silly book that came out in 2007 -- I was so excited to hear that they were making a movie! It came out last month, and I haven't seen it yet, but I wouldn't expect much other than some laughs from what I've read in reviews.

3) Even better than that movie will be the BBC series coming to the UK in December (It'll be on PBS Masterpiece in the US, I'm just not sure about when yet... trust me, I'll let you know!) -- Death Comes to Pemberley. It is based on the book of the same name by P.D. James. I'm also super excited that Jenna Louise Coleman of Doctor Who is part of the cast (even if she is Lydia Wickham)!

http://samantaf2010.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/uktv-jenna-louise-colman-death-comes-to-pemberly-set-pics-5.jpg

So what does this mean, now that Lizzie is showing up in a seeming outburst of a trend? Elizabeth Bennet is not a passing character. She is here to stay. The amazing thing is how everyone connects to her, each century, and in new ways. People truly care about Lizzie, enough to give her new life in different forms of media, whether its Lizzie vlogging or living out her life with darcy in the midst of a  murder...

Lizzie Bennet and the Modern Woman have found multiple ways to connect, and I don't think that will ever stop.

Bonus link: have you seen the giant Colin Firth Darcy statue in London?

Back to School Essentials: Wardrobe

It's that time of year again... back to school once more. 

There are a few important things to go over before returning to the "real world" of September to June in my opinion, so I've divided all of my back to school thoughts into this miniseries of posts.

Let's start with the fun stuff, shall we? :)

J. Crew is my go-to store. Always has been and always will be. Their clothes are classic and modern and perfect as staples in your wardrobe. 

Back to school shopping doesn't have to be splurging every year and redesigning your whole look. If you have a sense of style that you like, you should stick to it. That's why J. Crew, for me, is perfect - the clothes I buy will be with me for a very long time, and I'll always like how I look. 

Obviously, it's nice to update a little, especially for a new school year. So instead of starting over, I look at September shopping as a time to add a few new pieces that will go well with my wardrobe and help to advance my personal style.

So here are a few things from J. Crew that I used to spruce up my Back-to-School Wardrobe!

1. New PJs

School can be pretty stressful, and sometimes it's scary how early in the year that feeling begins, so new pjs are a perfect September treat. They're great for the beginning of chillier weather (yay!!) and coming home after a long day and climbing into cute pjs might be just what you need. 

I was so torn with picking the color...but I went for the pink. See you next time, navy and hydrangea.

2. A Little Black Dress

I've been obsessed with the scallop dress and finally went for it. It's very flattering on everyone and I am not one to deny scallops-such a cute twist on the classic dress. Having this in my closet is a nice reminder to keep the balance between work and play-I can look forward to days when I can dress up and wear it and have some fun at a party or other event. This dress also really boosts your confidence.

The blue is also very cute.

3. Wool Scalloped Skirt

Oh, what do you know... more scallops! This skirt is absolutely adorable. I can tell it will be a serious fall and winter fashion staple for me. It looks very professional and still cute. 

Again, so hard to pick a color!  I got navy. I may have to come back for one more this winter...

4. Vest

Another piece I've had my eye on for quite some time. I think I might be glued to this vest for practically every month of the year.

I am clearly very indecisive. I got navy! One year I may go for another color.

5. I also bought two other staples: 

the short sleeved striped popover

and the flare skirt in red.

(You can see/read more about these when I post my OOTD for the first day of school. Stay tuned!)

What staples do you want to add to your back to school wardrobe?

love, emma

Here to Stay!

Hello there, lovelies!

I haven't exactly kept up my end of the bargain, dear readers. Eight posts in the just over eight months since I created Hello from Hartfield is pretty dismal. This year was very hectic, but at the end of the day I really missed this little place and I want to give it a fair chance. So, folks, I'm here to stay! (I even just started my own 101 in 1001). Let's see if I can figure out this blogging thing... 

To make this blogging thing a more pleasant and pretty experience, I used my (poor) photoshop skills to create my new header! 

(Three of my favorite things--hydrangeas, cute glasses, and stripes! See more on my new About page!)

{Credit for the photos used goes to Etsy, Warby Parker, and Caitlin McGauley}

love,

emma

Ps: more to come...

{Introducing} 101 in 1001

Thanks to Mackenzie Horan of Design Darling, I've decided to do my own 101 in 1001!

I have until May 19th, 2016 to complete all of the things on my list.

{image via design darling}

A few things on my list...

{image via weheartit}

1. Come up with 101 things.  *I just need 9 more!

2. Inspire someone to make a list of their own.

28. See all Audrey Hepburn movies.

49. Befriend a blogger.

81. Try a Cronut, or other newly invented dessert (the Townie looks good, too!)

90. Update nail polish weekly for 3 or more months.

You can see the rest of the list here.

I'll keep you all updated on the things I accomplish.

So excited to begin!