This was such an odd, long yet short week. As mentioned previously I was off from last Friday to yesterday. The long weekend + holiday really threw me for a loop. Combine that with oversleeping TWO hours yesterday and being late for work, plus a near empty office and I'm really off my groove.

I'm back at work today, getting things done and preparing for another week. I feel like I just got off a weekend, it's very weird but I feel very relaxed which is always the goal.

I'm happy it's July and it's finally feeling like summer; the heat has been intense the past week and while I usually hate the hot weather, I haven't complained much. It's a little refreshing to me, actually.

However, July means only a few months until Fall; July means halfway to Christmas; July means the Nordstrom Anniversary sale ... July isn't that bad of a month! There's a lot of fun stuff happening this month too; a few get togethers with some friends, the Taylor Swift Concert, possibly a conference or two. I'm excited!

I love my new makeup bag. Get it here

Speaking of conferences... if you've been a reader for a while you know how much I love the Her Campus HerConference. I've been to almost every conference since 2012 and that's a pretty cool record in my opinion. It's ideal for college aged women but honestly, I still find it so inspiring even 4 years after graduating.

For the past few years they've been beefing up their Influencer track and I really have been going for that aspect and it's really cool. They have the best speakers, awesome brand sponsors, the best goody bags and I mean, listening to Windsor and the other Her Campus founders is so amazing. I leave there every year truly inspired and full of energy to get after my dreams.

This year the conference is on July 21st & 22nd in NYC -- get your tickets here! 

Now onto the links I loved this week!

• Are class rings still a big deal?
• The best herbal sleep supplements -- spoiler alert: they mention HUM!
• Why do women always say they're exhausted?  
• How to boost your energy levels
• The crystal you should own based on your horoscope
• Ashley Graham is changing the world and I love her for it

This post is brought to you by HBO and Her Campus Media

If you know me, you know that I love television. I am never without the TV on, and even if I'm watching Youtube videos, the TV is on in the background. Even though it's not good, I also sleep with my television on and I don't know how I will ever kick that bad habit.

I've always been that way; my mom and I were actually just talking about the fact that I grew up with a television in my room, and it was just something that was ok in our house. Occasionally, we even had the TV in the kitchen (my grandma still has a TV in the kitchen) -- we are just a TV family.

Even if I'm constantly running around during the week, and then coming home at night and blogging or writing for another site, I always make sure that I catch up on my favorite shows. TV is just part of my life and it's not something I'm willing to sacrifice.

My typical day starts out with my commute to work on the subway, and then I'm at work from 9-5. I get back on the train to journey home and then once I get home, it's usually a mix of dinner, shower, hair and nails, some writing and blogging and then I settle down to watch TV in my bed.

In between dinner, showering, doing my hair and nails, writing and blogging, the TV is on so I do get some catch-up time but once I'm settled in and I can devote all my attention to one thing, it's usually television.

I'm always recording things on my DVR and watching them on the weekends, or my new favorite thing to do is to catch up on movies and shows on HBO Now.



I was always a lover of HBO and I guess I owe that to my main chick, Carrie Bradshaw.

When I was younger, I always knew that I would have to be 'older' to watch HBO because my parents loved watching The Sopranos and my mom loved Sex and the City. When I was finally old enough to embark on my own HBO journey, I was ecstatic.

As HBO became bigger and better, I started watching more shows: Girls, Big Little Lies and True Detective are my top favorites. Plus HBO has all the best movies that you can't find anywhere else. I mean, if I want to watch La La Land, Serendipity (the best Christmas movie), or Fantastic Beasts they have it.

HBO NOW is the best because it has everything and anything you'd ever want to watch. It has every episode of every HBO show and every documentary as well as having the best and biggest movies (like La La Land) before they're available anywhere else.



Clearly, my favorite thing to catch up on the HBO NOW app is Sex and the City. No matter where I am, I can get a fix of Carrie Bradshaw. It's perfect because SATC has always been my go-to whenever I'm feeling down or need a little inspiration, so whenever I need that boost, my girls are there.

The best thing about HBO NOW is that you truly can watch it anywhere. The app on both my iPhone and iPad gets a workout, especially on my commute *thank you unlimited data*. Sex and the City makes the subway rides go much faster and brightens up my mood.

What I am going to take full advantage of now that I have HBO NOW? Binge watching shows I haven't been caught up on, like Game of Thrones.

Everyone and their mother has been talking about GOT and I think it's time I try my hand at it. Thankfully HBO NOW has the entire series so I'll be all caught up in no time *maybe...*

If you're a TV lover, I highly recommend looking into HBO NOW; it just makes life a little easier and a little more fun.

If you're in college, go to you HBOGo.com to see if your school has free HBO GO on campus; if your school isn't available, go to HBONOW.com/student for a discount!

What's your favorite HBO Show?
xoxo
B
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This is a sponsored post in partnership with Brit + Co and Her Campus Media. All words and opinions are my own

I do so many planner posts that I think we may have to call these reviews 'Royally Planned'. You guys know how much I love a good clever series name...

Well, this weekend I had the honor of attending my 4th Her Campus Her Conference in New York City. The first time I went, I was a rising senior and it was such an eye opening experience (but more on that later) so I always jump at the chance to go back.



This year, I got to go in partnership with Brit + Co. They were a sponsor at the conference and had an activiation booth. They have been one of my favorite websites for years now and they're starting to really blow up. I don't remember when I first heard about them but I do know that it was a while ago.

I've read so many interviews and listened to so many podcasts with Brit Morin, the founder of this DIY, lifestyle, news website and it's always such an inspiration. I'm a sucker for a good business story and Brit + Co is just that.

*Mila Kunis even just jumped on board as an advisor and Disney just signed on to be one of their investors so you know it's legit.

That's why I was so excited to find out they were a sponsor this year at HerConference and that I was going to be able to partner with them to promote their new line of planners at Target.

A few months back, Brit + Co released a set of DIY sets at Target; everything from necklace stamping to calligraphy. They basically took their online DIY classes and gave them to you in person (Brit + Co offers online classes on a variety of different topics -- I highly recommend checking them out)

Well, they've now expanded that line into planners. It seems like the only natural direction for Brit + Co to go because all lifestyle gurus love a good agenda, especially one that is super fun, colorful, and customizable.





At Her Conference over the weekend, Brit + Co had their own little space. The activation was that you could take your photo (with Brit + Co props), post it on social media and enter for a chance to win your own agenda. They had artists there on Sunday, personalizing the agendas with your name (or however you please).

The booth was SO adorable and SO on brand, it was insane how you just knew it was Brit + Co.

But back to the planners... I knew I wanted one of these planners because I just couldn't resist the fun colors and all the different inserts. I was just waiting for the right time to head to my Target to get my hands on one and all the fun accessories.



I was in luck because Brit + Co sent me one of their planners (personalized with my name in gold lettering) and a bunch of inserts and accessories. I immediately ripped everything open and put my planner together.

The binder is strong, durable, and has 6 high-quality gold rings; the gold ribbon that binds the planner closed is super strong which is good because I hate when they stretch out and feel flimsy.



The inserts I got are daily to-do inserts which are perfect for my desk. I also got some fun fabric stickers that I put on the inside cover, regular daily stickers, washi tape (which I've been loving because I have never used any before), and binder clips.





Everything is bright, colorful, fun and feminine; they're are a lot of different binder covers to suit everyone so I know you'll be able to find something that fits your personality.

There are a lot of other inserts and accessories that I have yet to get my hands on but they're all currently in my Target.com cart so I'll definitely post an update on social media (or here on the blog) when I receive those!

PS: Each Brit + Co x Target planner product comes with a code for a FREE online class. I have a lot of classes already in my Brit + Co account because of past promotions they've done but I'm so excited to add even more.

There's everything from starting an online business, to photography, to social media marketing. Brit + Co are constantly adding classes so I recommend saving those promo codes for a class that really catches your eye!

I'm so excited to see what else Brit + Co has in store for us because I am sure it's wonderful.

xoxo
B
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Another week in the books and a long weekend is ahead of us! I'm off today and Monday so a nice, long four day weekend is just what I need. I'll be heading off to Pennsylvania next week for a few days on a work trip (what else) so blogging will be limited but for now, here we are!

I don't have much else to ramble on about, other than the weather was less than springy in New York this week but it was a-ok with me. I love a good rainy day!

I uploaded a new Youtube video this week and another one will be coming very soon!


I'm going to the HerConference in July (my 4th time going I think) and they announced some keynote speakers this week. UM Troian Bellisario is going to be a keynote speaker as well as Lisa Sugar. There are a few more speakers to be announced and this year they're going to have an Influencer Track so I'm excited to get a real blogging conference experience.

If you're in New York and have never been to #HerConference, I highly recommend it! You can see my past posts here:

• 2013 Part 1
• 2013 Part 2
• 2014

I went in 2016 but didn't write a post about it!



Here's what I loved this week:

• How to handle depression & anxiety at work
• The Dirty Dancing remake was horrible & I didn't even watch it
• An interesting article about the handbag industry
• The best concealers this year
• Protect your skin from pollution with these products
• Cure your hangover face by doing these few things

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The first semi week of March is in the books! It's awfully cold here in New York and the wind has been truly insane the past few days, but I'm happy to have a few more winter like days.

As much as I hate spring and summer, I've been lusting after a few pieces, especially a few pairs of shoes.

Other than that, I did a few exciting things this week, one which you will see on Monday! I can't wait to reveal it in my upcoming blog post because it's something I've never done before.

I don't have much else to say so here's what I loved this week:

• A great interview by my friend Elana, of the founders of Her Campus
• Do these things to be taken more seriously
• A routine for a successful morning
• Some exciting new beauty launches are coming this month
• Don't wear these items through TSA at the airport
• 60 movies to watch by the time you're 30
• These things are making you hungry... or making you think you're hungry

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This post is brought to you by Her Campus Media and its College Fashion Week brand partners.

I attended Her Campus College Fashion Week in New York City over the weekend, and my goodness it was incredible.

I've been to a lot of conferences and "blogger" events over the years but I think this was my favorite. Clothes, beauty, food, and goodie bags... it was just the ultimate girls night out.

The event was held in Manhattan and I arrived at 5:45, escorted in by some HerCampus staff, along with other InfluenceHer bloggers who were covering the event.





The event venue was huge, and all white -- it was the perfect spot for a fashion show. I was inside by 6 PM and the show didn't start until a little after 7, so I had plenty of time to look through my goodie bag, and roam around to see all the sponsor tables.



There were a few tables set up: Maidenform, Insomnia Cookies, a candy table, Bertha Watches, European Wax Center, Boxed Water, and KIND bars. You bet your sweet butt that I got myself loads of candies & Insomnia Cookies, along with a KIND bar (I think it was a new flavor called Roasted Nuts & Honey -- SO GOOD), and Boxed Water, which I've never had.





I also got a brow consolation at the European Wax Center station; a gorgeous, lovely women named Natalie helped me out. My brows are pretty bold, but I never could seem to get them right, no matter how much I try. She transformed my brows with some European Wax Center products, and they looked super clean, precise, and perfectly bold. I definitely won't be able to achieve that on my own but ugh, they looked so good!

Soon enough I found my seat and the show started; they had 4 different sections: Rush, Festival, Study Chic, and Girls' Night Out: my favorite shows were definitely Study Chic & Girls' Night Out. They had REAL college girls modeling and the clothes were created by MySocialCanvas & Bow and Drape (one of my favorite designers). The looks were completed by FitBit, Vince Camuto, Perfumania, and Rebecca Minkoff, and honestly, I didn't even think a Bow & Drape sweatshirt could look THAT good. I was totally inspired to switch up how I wear my Bow & Drape sweatshirts a little more fashionably.







The show was over before the sloted 9 PM time, but I was more than happy to get home and dive into my goodie bag.

I got a VIP bag & special influencer gifts, and my goodness, this had to be the best giftbag I've ever received at an event.

The VIP bag had a FULL SIZE Triple Sec from DryBar (we all know how much I love that brand), a coupon for a FREE FitBit Flex 2, a PeopleStyle Watch Magazine, a bag of SkinnyPOP, some HerCampus swag, and lots of coupons!

The bag itself is adorable; usually the bags from these events aren't that nice, but how adorable is the winking face?

Now, the really good stuff -- I was so excited to get a 2nd goodie bag, specially from HerCampus. This was the jackpot: a Rebecca Minkoff makeup bag, a Lavendar FitBit Flex2, Essie Nail Polish, a free blowout from DryBar and a Vince Camuto perfume! Does it really get any better than that? I don't think so.












All in all, it was a fabulous event. I think if you're interested in fashion, beauty, and fun events like this, you would love it. It's just a great night out -- and don't be fooled, just because it's called College Fashion Week, doesn't mean you have to be in college to enjoy it, take it from me!

Tomorrow is finally it... moving day! I've been talking it to death since April but I'm so happy it's finally here. I'll have my own room again, my little oasis, and decorate it however I please. It's going to be the epitome of an Instagram/Pinterest worthy bedroom.

That being said, I know this week is going to be hectic, which means that it'll be quiet here on the blog. There's a lot to unpack, set up, and settle in... and on Saturday I'm heading to the InfluenceHer (HerCampus) HerConference! I'm super excited because REBECCA MINKOFF is speaking at the event.

I've attended three of these conferences before and always have a great time, but I'm very, very excited for this year because the speakers are just out of this world.

Moving, work, and a conference is going to make for a busy week so like I said, it'll be quiet here. That's ok, I know there are plenty of other incredible bloggers out there to keep you occupied... but don't forget about me ;)

For now, here's some little updates on life lately!

I broke out my new Lilly dress on the first day of summer aka National Wear Your Lilly Day

Is there anything better than Iced Tea Lemonade on a hot, New York Day

My cousin's baby shower was beach themed and it was so cute!

I spent the 4th of July with my first bottle of White Girl Rose & it was delicious

The first baseball game of the season! LGM

I saw Jaclyn Hill's face in Sephora and it was epic

Typical Italian dinner on a Saturday night with the family {Mattoes in Howard Beach}

What's better than a lobster roll? A lobster grilled cheese! {Bungalow Bar in Rockaway, NY}

I got my hands on the NEW Anastasia Beverly Hills "Sweets" Glow Kit and it's TO DIE FOR Review coming soon!

Have a great week everyone!

Bobble Water bottle: Reusable water bottles are my saving grace. I drink ridiculous amounts of water on a daily basis and these keep it cold and fresh. It's perfect for work because I could refill it anywhere and the bottle filters the water so it's safe to drink. It's impossible for me to get through a day without this bad boy.



Planners + Notebooks: I need my planner at work because it's a force of habit. Whether it's remembering to do something, having a meeting with someone, or jotting down an idea or to-do that I realize I have to do at home. I need my planner, always. I also bring a legal pad and a notebook with me because it's essential for me at work. I need it to brainstorm ideas and take notes in meetings.  Cute notebooks make everything better.