tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71341033075893578732024-03-18T22:55:20.670-04:00Greenbeans and Moneytreesthe trials and tribulations of a frugal fashionista.maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-47763602086502170012012-05-21T08:32:00.001-04:002012-05-21T08:32:03.818-04:00Gemvara Internship: Day 5Friday was the final day in my first week at Gemvara and it went really well. I had a break through with the theme I've been working on, we finally got back into Pinterest after being locked out for 3 days, and we're continuing to get increased amounts of followers on Twitter. I had my leftover Chinese food and steamed green beans for lunch, and it was quite kick ass if I do say so myself. <br />
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But the most exciting thing about Friday was my very first Gemvention. This is a Gemvara weekly tradition where we stop work at 2, push all of our desks together, and work on a project that we wouldn't normally have a chance to work on that is just a little something extra of awesome. A couple weeks ago, one of the guys made a Gemvention ring that they actually ordered for the whole team. And this week the same guy worked on an iPhone case with the Gemvara logo and a gemstone insert with all different colors. Hopefully they order that too because I would totally use one. My project this week at Gemvention was making jpegs of Gem Facts, one of the themes I've been working on. They turned it really well and everyone else really liked it too. I was pleased. <br />
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Unfortunately, Gemvention ran a bit long and I missed my 510 train back to campus, so I took the 6pm one that got me back at 7. Since I biked to the train in the morning it wasn't a big deal, although since it was uphill, I seriously thought I was going to die. But I made it back, watched the Greys Anatomy season finale (omfg!!!) and went over to Christy's for a movie and dinner. Friday is chalked up as a success. :)maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-90398139850980465862012-05-18T08:46:00.001-04:002012-05-18T08:46:45.653-04:00Gemvara Internship: Day 4Wednesday night, I participated in a research study for sleep apnea which was interesting. They hooked me up to a bunch of different monitors and basically just monitored me sleeping. It was kind of cool actually because I had my own room with a tv and on demand and they put me to bed at 10pm so I got some much needed sleep. :) The worst part about it was definitely having to sleep on my back the whole night. <br />
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Yesterday at work I worked primarily on the blog. My first post was on the Cannes Film Festival which started on Wednesday. The piece talks about Marilyn Monroe as the figurehead of this year's festival and the unpublished photos of her that will be showcased during the festival and then tour worldwide afterwards. More stunningly, the festival's sponsor Brochard designed a jewelry set inspired by Marilyn featuring over 200 diamond carats. The bearer was kept secret until the opening ceremony Wednesday night. For more read the blog! Blog.gemvara.com <br />
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Then I worked on some posts for #gemfacts our new theme initiative featuring weird and interesting facts about the gemstones and metals that we use in our pieces. #gemfacts will start next week with our introduction of Alexandrite.<br />
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On the fun side of things, I usurped the yoga ball belonging to the girl across from me to sit on. It's a lot more fun to sit/bounce on and it's supposed to help build core muscles and better posture. The office is also currently obsessed with juggling and we got some juggling balls in the mail so everyone was learning. It was also the judgement day for the office-wide beard growing contest. The winner had a 13 mm long beard after one month of growing it out. The Experience Team (which I am a part of) went out to lunch because one of the graphic designers is leaving today to move out west. I had a grilled chicken sandwich with tomato, lettuce, pesto, and asiago cheese. All of my favorite things. With a side of gazpacho. Also my favorite. It was absolutely incredible. I was so pleased. :) <br />
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I'll have to say that one of my favorite parts of Gemvara is the kitchen. I know it's silly but they keep it fully stocked with snacks and pop and a crazy awesome selection of tea. Although I still depend on my Orange Peoke every morning, when I get to the office I drink filter water, Hibiscus Pomegranate tea, Jasmine green tea, and one Dr. Pepper. Deliciousness. They also conveniently stock my favorite rice crispy treat bar: double chocolately chunk. Yummmm. :) I also thoroughly enjoy the casual but cute/trendy dress code and the popularity to sit on the ground. I'm just a fan of the culture overall. I couldn't be happier. maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-69997839730762292712012-05-17T08:51:00.001-04:002012-05-17T09:31:26.883-04:00Gemvara Internship: Day 3Yesterday was day 3 at Gemvara and I learned a lot more about my role in the social media scheme. I work a lot with Pinterest and Twitter and in my personal life I use these as distraction and procrastination, but now I'm on the other side of the glass. Now, I'm the curator of the procrastination, so I have to think of what people want for their distraction, not just what I would want as my own distraction. That was kind of a cool breakthrough for this internship. I also learned about the blogging process and you can see my very first Gemvara blog post go up tomorrow! I solidified themes for each day to be implemented starting today! I say in on a strategy meeting of what our goals should be and idea generation of tactics to improve the company and reach via social media. Through the things we talked about, I am even more excited and proud to be a part of this awesome company. <br />
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So long for now!maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-87492381467792452912012-05-16T08:45:00.001-04:002012-05-17T09:31:09.090-04:00Gemvara Internship: Day 2The second day of my internship! I had a lot to do today, working on a Pinterest Board for Graduation, which turned into a fiasco when Pinterest banned me for thinking I was spam for pinning too quickly. Then I focused on Twitter. I researched some interesting links to post, different strategies to roll out on Twitter including themes, fun facts, and inspirational quotes. We're also trying to increase our range of followers on Twitter ( @gemvara !!) so I looked into different strategies for that. Overall, it was really exciting and I really got the feeling of working in a start up. There are 10 other interns showing up this summer and I am really excited to meet them, I just want them to get here already!! I also really enjoy that my area of the office has officially become the juggling area. Different coworkers juggle and pass back and forth, it's fun to watch, and I have to admit I am kind of jealous. Freshman year of high school, I had to juggle in gym class and my teacher almost failed me, we agreed that if I could juggle three scarves, I could pass with a C. I just barely made it. But I like the environment at Gemvara and will update you about tomorrow!!maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-54930370453703073212012-05-14T23:13:00.001-04:002012-05-15T08:45:48.921-04:00Dream Internship: Day 1Yesterday was my first day as an Experience Intern at Gemvara (aka dream job)! Gemvara is an online custom jewelry company. You can log on the website and pick your favorite style of any piece of jewelry then customize the metal and gemstones. Each piece is made to order (business school- supply chain fantasy) and hand-crafted just for you. It's a very cool business model and I am super excited to be working hands on a start up that is having such exponential growth. As an Experience Intern, I am working primarily with social media and how people "experience" the brand. Today, I came into the office and got to work on content and different things Gemvara should post about (if you have any idea, please let me know!!), managed the Pintrest account and created a board for Graduation Gifts, and brainstormed ideas to make Gemvara's Twitter more robust by increasing followers and engagement with the followers. So far it's been a really cool experience and I am excited to continue on and keep updating you on what's going on!maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-80155705302837374402012-01-25T23:34:00.001-05:002012-01-25T23:34:43.062-05:00What I&apos;m WearingToday was my second-first days of classes of the new semester and as every fashionista, I wanted to make a good impression. I wore this outfit a navy and white striped dress from Forever21 with grey sweater tights, camel riding boots, and of course my navy blazer from Culver. I swear I wear this blazer more post-Culver than while I was actually at Culver. This was an outfit inspired and adapted from Pintrest, which I am completely obsessed with. Since it was fairly chilly today I put a oatmeal colored cashmere cardigan under the blazer and wore my oatmeal colored infinity scarf in between classes. <br />
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Speaking of which, today I had Brand Management and Environmental Technology. I had the luxury of sleeping in until my first class at 1:40 and it was amazing. I'm really interested in Brand Management and my professor seems very interesting and experienced. In fact, he founded my favorite running shoe company (Saucony). Those of you who have been reading this blog from the start might remember that Dan, my exbf, had an internship at Collective Brands which now owns Saucony. And through him I bought the shoes and they're awesome. They almost make running enjoyable. Almost. I had Environmental Tech right after and it seemed like it was a high school science class. We had to fill out index cards about ourselves and was highly dictated. It will certainly be interesting. At least it's my last science class while at Babson!<br />
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So far my classes seem promising. I'm excited to see how this semester turns out, I think it will be great. :)<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gxByBtXH59nRYye6QfaaFJrbJXsY6fvJjcn1DGFUzz8zI5buNGoI12omPtlA4lSteiHTlWXTHKHEd-yQdYLID1KP0ZZVp3cvW9KMVwufCg2RTcTHXGx6gGKywGDGURBiJPwJbdBrUB0/s640/blogger-image-1564731019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gxByBtXH59nRYye6QfaaFJrbJXsY6fvJjcn1DGFUzz8zI5buNGoI12omPtlA4lSteiHTlWXTHKHEd-yQdYLID1KP0ZZVp3cvW9KMVwufCg2RTcTHXGx6gGKywGDGURBiJPwJbdBrUB0/s640/blogger-image-1564731019.jpg" /></a></div>maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-51181097412402531452012-01-17T21:45:00.001-05:002012-01-17T21:48:05.342-05:00Possible Pooch?In November, my family lost our very loved dog to cancer. <br />
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Now Scooter is an only dog and is a little nutty. Our family is considering adopting another rescued pitbull because so many need a good home. We've been casually looking online and went to the humane society last week and found Posey. She was as cute as could be and all white. Yesterday, we took Scooter over to visit and see how he did with her. This results were less than ideal. But while we were there, we looked at another female pitty named Lena. She was mostly white with black freckles and a brindle-colored butt. She was adorable. She and Scooter got along pretty well and she was very low-key and attention-whore-ish which goes along with our family. On Thursday we are going back to the humane society to look at Lena again and see if Scooter is still okay. Hopefully we will be able to take her home for a "trial weekend" which we did with Sadie (she never went back). My parents are unsure if they want to take her this weekend, but it's my last weekend home and I'm another body to help out with the assimilation. Plus Scooter is my dog and will most likely fall into a slight depression when I leave (who else will let him sleep on the bed all day and make him sunny-side up eggs for breakfast every morning?). So I am pulling for this weekend. Below are some pictures of Sadie, Posey, and Lena. What do you think?<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RMf5dz4MSy4E-KuT1Yv_FltY87NLD2Vyt64rwd3-qfhBWJV0KjBPkj9BMyqLbZGprUyKiptpDpakY-7Eki2zgEjj6cj13uMUdI3YRXqCUmheZ3L5143qGTLvIPoiddGEasQmTU7vfEw/s640/blogger-image-1917423877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RMf5dz4MSy4E-KuT1Yv_FltY87NLD2Vyt64rwd3-qfhBWJV0KjBPkj9BMyqLbZGprUyKiptpDpakY-7Eki2zgEjj6cj13uMUdI3YRXqCUmheZ3L5143qGTLvIPoiddGEasQmTU7vfEw/s640/blogger-image-1917423877.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps_xoyaMJtazCM8XEpqpehPE8-C_OxcEdQ-JH-aBxVKVQlYB2iIPn_8mSjLtVoBa56aq1dQXaRdMmZRotnh-iDQNmJ0YdyS3xeLEH8G-jG1ibJlhm05HLJWmFsBOfxtyGGjtGouVn90w/s640/blogger-image--1205075914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps_xoyaMJtazCM8XEpqpehPE8-C_OxcEdQ-JH-aBxVKVQlYB2iIPn_8mSjLtVoBa56aq1dQXaRdMmZRotnh-iDQNmJ0YdyS3xeLEH8G-jG1ibJlhm05HLJWmFsBOfxtyGGjtGouVn90w/s640/blogger-image--1205075914.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWKbrEvlyVWuGsaWoDk6ZGAJJpghtSpljWHlGYzCqy5mBVQdPCzEJHChMcZ6XwWiiuKXH1Y_F_lZ3qTXLgRdqTi5oEdFGP5fYuGtk1oGNeAu4zLFwDKesEfU23WZ6GEs0kBoRgCFNc_4/s640/blogger-image-162168630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWKbrEvlyVWuGsaWoDk6ZGAJJpghtSpljWHlGYzCqy5mBVQdPCzEJHChMcZ6XwWiiuKXH1Y_F_lZ3qTXLgRdqTi5oEdFGP5fYuGtk1oGNeAu4zLFwDKesEfU23WZ6GEs0kBoRgCFNc_4/s640/blogger-image-162168630.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xkm2FZrB7gFF5qILUJim9JcGtMGMu8kG8KPW55DBaEsR0nSNsOtSWlDR8UN4qDmnlyQdP8WD36NndWx64ItVOFhKk8M_6a9Fs5K5LEMaAsVc1W7s-EeTxD-9ZNS9rQybP5OOdxwCvWI/s640/blogger-image--1194996796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xkm2FZrB7gFF5qILUJim9JcGtMGMu8kG8KPW55DBaEsR0nSNsOtSWlDR8UN4qDmnlyQdP8WD36NndWx64ItVOFhKk8M_6a9Fs5K5LEMaAsVc1W7s-EeTxD-9ZNS9rQybP5OOdxwCvWI/s640/blogger-image--1194996796.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOWevPbimIwT29wvnowv2HlYSHc-raSK0IoAy4eILt0mja9WOiXx09fiyLEuRGioiH5zqAkEu5nWGYAFk6Q79hDPnegdzjkdvEyjSizzrsyGVOlChHyJZdnzOHx6XL33VqXdVg58kgJY/s640/blogger-image--1413489105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOWevPbimIwT29wvnowv2HlYSHc-raSK0IoAy4eILt0mja9WOiXx09fiyLEuRGioiH5zqAkEu5nWGYAFk6Q79hDPnegdzjkdvEyjSizzrsyGVOlChHyJZdnzOHx6XL33VqXdVg58kgJY/s640/blogger-image--1413489105.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGscnorMN7BjuBL-VXIvcEKq3J29cPFMgiHaateUoFi5TkvIdfK9rLnRmltgQ-WplDMTTk3GyrbmGvQkZ44xERLFtfnKUIIFwDfdck-tXOaDSnS_RIpyWwLGjslgsICv3KvrRB0Naodes/s640/blogger-image--858297910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGscnorMN7BjuBL-VXIvcEKq3J29cPFMgiHaateUoFi5TkvIdfK9rLnRmltgQ-WplDMTTk3GyrbmGvQkZ44xERLFtfnKUIIFwDfdck-tXOaDSnS_RIpyWwLGjslgsICv3KvrRB0Naodes/s640/blogger-image--858297910.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkgne-EbHoXo3QXJyUAzOOdwNlKAgfg-ZCBPj36CllJEUvoe36Uzxpj0_0ts9oKzaRv-2xqLo3bLFInkfzNCVYgTCxch6oF5CRWqBWBDLjnyzOB8cn93RHElMWUhLGFTF1IJ6Riw6lj4/s640/blogger-image--795206119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkgne-EbHoXo3QXJyUAzOOdwNlKAgfg-ZCBPj36CllJEUvoe36Uzxpj0_0ts9oKzaRv-2xqLo3bLFInkfzNCVYgTCxch6oF5CRWqBWBDLjnyzOB8cn93RHElMWUhLGFTF1IJ6Riw6lj4/s640/blogger-image--795206119.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDwE4DjLEU-isr4biy5eO9QJvehOLubG8XPEouRj0apxWuisSYrzGxph6iH-EGruZBmWhiZaXdnD-x7yx-luz1qxKHSctcC3vhEf_TOZdE3EqKBcAaixIjMl21dyT2Wd5kXGTE_qxyXY/s640/blogger-image--900571606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDwE4DjLEU-isr4biy5eO9QJvehOLubG8XPEouRj0apxWuisSYrzGxph6iH-EGruZBmWhiZaXdnD-x7yx-luz1qxKHSctcC3vhEf_TOZdE3EqKBcAaixIjMl21dyT2Wd5kXGTE_qxyXY/s640/blogger-image--900571606.jpg" /></a></div>maryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-64504282206282538632012-01-13T15:20:00.000-05:002012-01-13T15:20:04.473-05:00Layered Bracelet Trend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGl9Gri_hmDOaYhZ-W4Jp8FsLAQKB2WNVsTFIU7y63G-LCALA6U_I1rXH1DovVLescnEyXNpHneMtAQKvqKJc8GlXbwQ6WH7F4MbiW0oJZZPIAb9tkCEKn-9S4_vy8hNIxhw4ZRU5MXI/s1600/layered+braclets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGl9Gri_hmDOaYhZ-W4Jp8FsLAQKB2WNVsTFIU7y63G-LCALA6U_I1rXH1DovVLescnEyXNpHneMtAQKvqKJc8GlXbwQ6WH7F4MbiW0oJZZPIAb9tkCEKn-9S4_vy8hNIxhw4ZRU5MXI/s640/layered+braclets.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm really loving the new layered bracelet trend. I found a bunch of cool antique bracelets from my Grandmother when I came home for winter break and they're absolutely <b>perfect</b> for layering! I anchored the look with a large watch to keep all the bracelets from sliding around too much.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-26320274039463752072011-10-27T07:00:00.000-04:002011-10-27T07:00:14.099-04:00These are my best friends....and they aren't very helpful with group projects.....<br />
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but they are very well dressed (they take after me)...<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-65538442448354407042011-10-26T07:00:00.001-04:002011-10-26T07:00:18.850-04:00What I'm Wearing..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVip_M-9XOKn7OpjM8m2DDq0Bo6jJvEx2ld9n8scQb7_thdj_XLYiyvQE9yaOkwA7dQJOpmjoleaNG8_XD7wPoc2WT3kDmu59WCCpPN7lVTkpz18_hBnqGFp2EFwYvlgcCutseEiMppA/s1600/Wellesley-20111025-00225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVip_M-9XOKn7OpjM8m2DDq0Bo6jJvEx2ld9n8scQb7_thdj_XLYiyvQE9yaOkwA7dQJOpmjoleaNG8_XD7wPoc2WT3kDmu59WCCpPN7lVTkpz18_hBnqGFp2EFwYvlgcCutseEiMppA/s640/Wellesley-20111025-00225.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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I love this white dress and I simply won't hand it over just because it is after Labor Day. I just won't. So I slipped on some stockings that cheat and show people that I still have my summer glow with a circle scarf and my hipster hat. I mixed my prints with some "fresh" plaid flats and striped Tommy Hilfiger (post brand re-image) sweater. Since I rolled out of bed at 8:55 and had to be at work at 9 (plus it's a 7 minute walk), this is me with no contacts, no makeup, and my hair isn't brushed (added bonus of hipster hat).<br />
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How do you like my new bangs? I've always wanted eye grazing blunt bangs and by a unfortunate bang trim fail, I got them. What do you think?<br />
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PS. 5 months and 10 days of no poo!<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-78037509691024654302011-09-22T07:00:00.001-04:002011-09-22T07:00:14.400-04:00ActivitiesI am the president of the Republican club, which is cool I guess, but I'm quickly learning that you actually have to be political, which is like <i>mehhhh</i>. But I'm trying to keep it light and being more of an organizer than an instigator. All next week (Sept 19-26) we have a room in the student center and we are going to be in there 24 hours/day for homework help, video games, popcorn, and potentially a debate. So we'll see how that goes. I am helping out in a play called <i>The Laramie Project</i> which is a series of interviews surrounding the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student from University of Wyoming. It is incredibly heavy and dark, but has light and is important. The show is on October 4th at 12:30pm, please contact me if you would like to buy a ticket. I am also starting a radio show this year. I used to be involved in the campus radio station, but fell out last year. Now, I am back involved in it and will be co-hosting a show with my friend Hiba. I will keep you posted about when the show will be and what we will be doing with it. Although not a club, I am the VP of Sales at RaneeC LLC. I have blogged about the fabulous <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.blogspot.com/2011/04/microtrend-tights.html">RaneeC </a>tights in the past. As the VP of Sales, I recruit and advise sales reps around college campuses (if you're interested, let me know!!). This is a great opportunity to not only get my feet wet in fashion, but also in a start up company. So far, it has been a really great experience. I am still involved with the Babson Players, which is the on campus theatre group, but I am not a part of their fall play because I am going back to Culver for CGA 40th the weekend they are performing. Which is okay, I can be a part of their spring productions. Plus, I still go to all of the parties, which is all that counts. :) <br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-3225455296872992212011-09-21T07:00:00.001-04:002011-09-21T07:00:18.417-04:00ClassesRetail Management is amazing. I am learning so much about retail strategy and this has really solidified my interest in going into retail after college. Negotiations has already taught me that law is definitely an option. I can seamlessly switch between aggressor and mediator. I really love that class, particularly that it only meets once a week. Strategic Problem Solving is....interesting. It is a required course that I was moderately intrigued by, and it turns out that my professor is apparently famous in the consulting world and blogs for Forbes. Pretty cool. It's a lot of case reading which I'm not so thrilled about, but we have some pretty interesting discussions. My Fundamentals of Acting and Improvisation class is hysterical, and awkward. My professor is my cousin Leah's doppelganger, I was peer-pressured by my best friend to take this class, my ex-boyfriend makes public digs at our former relationship, and there are some incredibly awkward exercises during class. But, it's amazingly fun.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-32952172924521463402011-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-20T07:00:01.706-04:00TelevisionnnnI never watched TV in high school. But since then, I have realized that watching a couple of shows can be a major stress reliever. Unfortunately, a "few" shows has turned into "a lot" of shows. The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, 2 Broke Girls, 90210, New Girl, Charlie's Angels, Grey's Anatomy, Suburgatory, and of course Gossip Girl. The Vampire Diaries season premiere was this past Thursday and it was ah-mazing. More gruesome than before, but the men seem to have gotten hotter and Caroline and Tyler have FINALLY hooked up. rawrface. The Secret Circle series premiere followed Vampire Diaries and it was pretty strange. A new girl comes to town and finds out she's a witch and she's the 6th generation with all these other kids and there's a creepy guy (there's always a creepy guy), and there's some major sexual tension with this one pretty hot guy, but it's really not enough to keep me interested I think. So I'm pretty sure that will drop off my list. 2 Broke Girls is a new series starting next week with Kat Dennings (from Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist) and Beth Behrs. Basically Kat plays a working class girl and Beth is the spoiled-rich-but-cut-off girl working together in a Brooklyn restaurant. I think I'm going to like this show because I pretend I'm rich, but am working class, and I adore Kat Dennings, and have a certain affection for dumb blondes like Beth's character. 90210 is a show I've been with since the beginning and it has had it's ups and downs. It's pretty good if you're a sucker for the tribulations of spoiled rich high school kids, which I totally am. The series premiere was last Tuesday, and it was pretty good. Started off with a bang, definitely. New Girl: Zooey Deschanel, enough said. Charlie's Angels, I love Minka Kelley, but I'm not sure it will fit into my repertoire, so I'm curious to see if I actually like it. I never used to like Grey's Anatomy, but then last summer I watched it all and was hooked. It's so emotional, and I am an emotional trainwreck, so I'm a fan. I cry seriously almost every episode. Suburgatory I need to watch the premiere and find out more about it, but I love all things related to Suburbs. So I definitely want to check it out. And Gossip Girl, ahhh Gossip Girl. I love it. I aspire to be Blair Waldorf.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-28437642697330484202011-09-19T07:00:00.004-04:002011-09-19T07:00:19.158-04:00This is My Life.Per usual at Babson, school has started and a whirlwind has taken over. I no longer have time for things such as sleep, talking to loved ones, and usually homework. In the middle of the third week, I am spread too thing and have seriously black bags under my eyes. But this sacrafice is not for nothing. My classes are interesting, my activities are heating up, and this season's TV shows haven't even started yet. This week I'll be posting updates about everything, so look forward to that! ....Unless you're not into knowing my life story, in which case, you're dumb for reading this blog... jaykayyyyy! but seriously.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-49802686109096055012011-09-16T07:00:00.004-04:002011-09-16T07:00:05.288-04:00What I'm Wearing..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDEAgbKaNWWn7wtafBE_efStkL2HpqFHW1AY0EENBtlolH8WaZeIXB0m0p-ZX1joXQvBSLhP9R2VIQUYdIlCRkFKJfy3bas98fwvu8Fp2cHPB7Zz5Ivi_0NJDuc8numHg01ZPuKsr20c/s1600/DSC01448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDEAgbKaNWWn7wtafBE_efStkL2HpqFHW1AY0EENBtlolH8WaZeIXB0m0p-ZX1joXQvBSLhP9R2VIQUYdIlCRkFKJfy3bas98fwvu8Fp2cHPB7Zz5Ivi_0NJDuc8numHg01ZPuKsr20c/s640/DSC01448.JPG" width="396" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiibhyphenhyphen_K30Sp8hLzTZ8qX7Ygs-mLA0RAeYsJIrjbDJ-rSX3L3-k25CRdxSDm-X3yekkIo6Whr437q07gPthWOBWfH1rQoIDX-Ni6uHV7JS6NKnd4PmWj8jhQVw2y8zgybzeKfH0sUjeuM/s1600/DSC01449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiibhyphenhyphen_K30Sp8hLzTZ8qX7Ygs-mLA0RAeYsJIrjbDJ-rSX3L3-k25CRdxSDm-X3yekkIo6Whr437q07gPthWOBWfH1rQoIDX-Ni6uHV7JS6NKnd4PmWj8jhQVw2y8zgybzeKfH0sUjeuM/s400/DSC01449.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>Dressing for a steamy, chance of rain day is difficult. Classrooms are air conditioned as a matter of an icebox, outside is hot and humid, and throwing in a posible rainstorm for part of the day (of course not the part of the day when you are getting dressed). It was just a mess. I paired a lightweight, but super warm when necessary, cashmere sweater with an incredibly lightweight summery skirt. I matched the sweater with my <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.blogspot.com/2011/06/these-boots-are-made-for-stunnin.html">boots</a> and headband, and then kept makeup light and matte. Generally, I thought this outfit was a success.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-82101342447550588202011-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-07T07:00:19.113-04:00Junior Year Dorm Room (Video)I like my stuff. I am part pack rat, part shopaholic, part OCD, so my own personal space is important to me. I love decorating my room and seeing my favorite pictures and knick-knacks. This year, I have a single dorm in the beginning of Greek Row, located in the center of campus. This year, there are few hills between me and my food and classes, thank god. I look forward to a 30second walk to dinner and ease of wearing heels because I don't have to worry about losing my balance trekking up the mountain that is Coleman Hill (keep in mind I am from Chicago, where you can see the tops of corn stalks, and nothing else, for as far as the eye can see. My room is fairly small this year, but it is just enough space for me to keep organized. I was planning on painting the walls lavender but Facilities has not delivered the paint yet, so when they do I might just paint various cinder blocks to avoid a total room overhaul and messiness. It will always be a work in progress, but it is <i>my </i>work in progress and I am pretty pleased with how it has turned out thus far.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-74107719648351551682011-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-06T07:00:20.354-04:00What I'm Wearing....Real First Day of ClassThursday was my <i>real</i> first day of class. And full day of class. I was on the move straight from 9:45-5:00 and then a kickoff dinner for my consulting project. Although I seriously regretted wearing the heels on my first, particularly hectic, day back, I was a fan. And I did get a ton of compliments on them in every class. So I guess it's a win.<br />
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My day was absolutely hectic, but I'm glad. It was completely overwhelming in a good, typical-Babson way. My classes seemed interesting and all of my professors had spunk and character that I like. This semester will definitely kick my butt, but in a really good way.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-43175364454984515392011-09-01T07:00:00.001-04:002011-09-01T07:00:15.032-04:00What I'm Wearing..Yesterday was the first day of class for my junior year of college, well kindof. Technically, classes started yesterday. But instead, I worked all day and had one class at night for "Fundamentals of Acting and Improv," so it's debatable if you count that as a class day. Today will be difficult though, I have class straight from 9:45-5:00. The day starts with a 2 1/2 hour Negotioations class, followed by Retailing Management and finally Strategic Problem Solving. As Strategic Problem Solving Ends, I have to instantly appear at a kick off meeting because I am starting a consulting program where I observe a real business, discover their weak areas, and solve their problems. After that, I can drag myself back to my room and crash. I don't know how it's possible, but I've been here for 2days and I'm already exhausted.<br />
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To show off for my first day of non-class, I wore Express shorts, with a glitter Express tanktop and The Limited white button down. The shoes are from Bakers.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfh<br />
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We took a night hike where we made some new friends. <br />
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The next morning I had a throwback to 7yearsold and went to the Arts and Crafts room and painted a ceramic turtle to join my sisters' chipmunk and ladybug in our indoor garden at home (of course it was complete with hot pink feet, tiffany blue nail polish, and glitter). After craft time, I headed over to the stables and went horseback riding and the trail was absolutely beautiful. <br />
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When I was finished, my dad met me at the stables and we went for a picnic and then sticking our feet in the lake. As Wednesday afternoon waned, we headed homeward, first stopping at a local outdoor mall and doing a bit of shopping. New yoga pants, 3 new shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, a leopard print belt, comfy flats, and a sweatshirt cardigan that screams New England are the new additions to my wardrobe arsenal. Now I just have to figure out how I am getting all of this back to school in two suitcases!<br />
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I had so much fun spending time with my dad. It was a really great way to finish off the summer. Now I am only a few days away from trudging through Hurricane Irene and beginning my junior year at Babson College!<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-59868851167515194092011-08-23T07:00:00.001-04:002011-08-23T07:00:15.460-04:00What I'm WearingLast night was a big deal. Well, not really, but I did get to play in my first ever poker tournament. A local <a href="http://oliversbargrill.com/">sports bar</a> hosts a Texas Hold'Em tournament every Monday night and my dad and I decided to give it a whirl. It was a fairly small crowd, only about 20-25 people, but it was a lot of fun. I had never played the game before (outside of a few sleepover nights when I was 9), but everyone was really helpful and giving me pointers. I was the second person out, but I consider that a success considering. My dad is also a beginner (this was his second time playing) and he actually placed second in the tournament! Afterwards, we enjoyed a yummy dinner and mom got to watch the Bears game (which was pathetic, not a fan).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjdICxVnXkjSCq4geMrIAkW1JTrsHa6KnTJHCTRScHeQ1W7cBRlUmt41YCRaN7uiCNxfJI-78sKp5tpMhNYRx2p6Y6bWB-DWZWhzM292bt_Ml11m9uiLELuoTKRGck5QiEvYeO7GafLQ/s1600/DSC01391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjdICxVnXkjSCq4geMrIAkW1JTrsHa6KnTJHCTRScHeQ1W7cBRlUmt41YCRaN7uiCNxfJI-78sKp5tpMhNYRx2p6Y6bWB-DWZWhzM292bt_Ml11m9uiLELuoTKRGck5QiEvYeO7GafLQ/s640/DSC01391.JPG" width="220" /></a>This evening I chose a very summery outfit of short shorts, tank top, and sandals, but added a sweater to tame the neon and because the restaurant was FREEZING cold. I had a really great time.<br />
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Tomorrow, dad and I are heading to Angola, Indiana to<a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/potawatomi/"> Pokagon State Park</a> for one last getaway before I leave. The resort there is right on a lake and has boat rentals and horseback riding, so I'm really excited for a daddy-daughter bonding adventure!<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-76094771698565793592011-08-18T07:00:00.000-04:002011-08-18T07:00:04.188-04:00Prenatals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERpyadtzS-eJUXShARgMr-4BFP22RR1mrf4pBnC6uSJC05ariM_4OUFIT6e24-qX8uLRLZjyLrPYL4zrr40G04D2nfYhUgZJKQxJQe7fJPUsIustWIZBkyf4ykRYPjlF1IH5UoS1mzkI/s1600/DSC01367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERpyadtzS-eJUXShARgMr-4BFP22RR1mrf4pBnC6uSJC05ariM_4OUFIT6e24-qX8uLRLZjyLrPYL4zrr40G04D2nfYhUgZJKQxJQe7fJPUsIustWIZBkyf4ykRYPjlF1IH5UoS1mzkI/s640/DSC01367.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvqVbC4Vgu9nQPZ52no1RDEZ7A4htbf0yo6h4RkC7vymu5uQL83Ack97PnXLfFgiUS16EDlA_Arem80u26LOf6wpP-yCGRqcUAvOaHgj-LWAlLSy6hwYjrYJx3KBucyap1ghzy2OTuKc/s1600/DSC01383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvqVbC4Vgu9nQPZ52no1RDEZ7A4htbf0yo6h4RkC7vymu5uQL83Ack97PnXLfFgiUS16EDlA_Arem80u26LOf6wpP-yCGRqcUAvOaHgj-LWAlLSy6hwYjrYJx3KBucyap1ghzy2OTuKc/s640/DSC01383.JPG" width="304" /></a>No, I am not prego. Today while I was browsing through the store I stumbled into the vitamin aisle and remembered reading that Lauren Conrad swears by taking prenatal vitamins for expedited hair growth and health. Seeing that I am slightly obsessed with Lauren Conrad and since her hair is absolutely stunning and beautiful and longgg, I'm not going to argue with her logic. I have always wanted long hair, I often long (see what I did there?) for lengthy hair that I can twist into a beachy side fishtail braid or sweep up into a romantic updo. But I just never seem to have the patience. My hair grows out just longer than my shoulders and I get so bored that I need a dramatic change and just chop it all off. Not anymore my friends! I solemnly swear (that I'm up to no good...as always) that I <i>will</i> grow my hair long and I will not cave into a dramatic change. If I need a dramatic change in my life, I will go back to blonde or change my makeup or reinvent my personality or <i style="text-decoration: underline;">something</i> other than cutting my locks. My goal is to grow my hair long and luscious and have beautiful bouncy curls and hair health that means my hair will <b>stop</b> falling out and a gross rate and these prenatal vitamins are my medium of doing it. Not to mention that these pills are actually adorable and pink and not too big. I'm supposed to take them once a day, with meals. So tomorrow morning, while I am pouring my big bowl of lucky charms (case and point of why I'm not ready to be an actual mother) I will pause and think of my long hair as I wash down my new vitamin. Stay turned for more wacky ideas that I randomly come up with and commit to, it's always interesting to be maryFREAKINGhalpin. ;]</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ps. Lauren Conrad's hair stylist also recommends rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar once a week, which I use as my "conditioner" for No Poo!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-36371420015208447302011-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:002011-08-16T07:00:03.884-04:00Matchbook MagazineHave you ever found something that is so exactly you to a T? I found that in a magazine. <a href="http://matchbookmag.com/">Matchbook Magazine</a> is a brand new online magazine (their first issue was <a href="http://matchbookmag.com/issues/issue-one.php">February 2011</a>) that boasts 150 pages of amazingness. The magazine revolves around "The Matchbook Girl" with different attributes described in every issue, like "throws a lavish lawn party, seriously excels at bocce ball, wears polka dots in Paris, mixes cocktails with panache" and "vacations the month of August." The stories feature different designers whether it is Rebecca Minkoff or an up-and-coming interior designer. <br />
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Each issue includes a datebook (complete with Amelia Earhart's first flight and Jackie Kennedy-Onassis's birthday), Wish Lists from the Editors, "What's In Your Bag?" (this month: Coco Chanel) and Just Married (complete with perfectly preppy and posh details of location and dress designer). <br />
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There is a <b>History Lesson</b> section with a brief biography of a proper Matchbook lady (<i>Katherine Hepburn, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorthy Parker, Harper Lee</i>), 10 Things You Didn't Know About (<i>Princess Margaret, Truman Capote, Yves Saint Laurent</i>), and Encyclopedia (<i>The Convertible, Fireworks</i>). <br />
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In the <b>Fashion and Beauty </b>section there is the Icon (<i>the striped shirt</i>), Kindred Spirit (<i>Frida Kahlo and her home, medicine cabinet, wardrobe, etc</i>), and the Beauty Counter (<i>picking the correct red lipstick</i>).<br />
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<i>Culture and Living</i> includes a Recommended Reading list, a techie gadgets wishlist, recipes, "50 Classics" (<i>coffee table books, office supplies, green products</i>), and "Matchbook Investigates" (<i>asking assorted bloggers questions</i>).<br />
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The <b>Features </b>portion includes a variety of different stories. Articles on designers, both up and coming and already famous. Designers of homes, jewelry, clothes, bags, make up and everything else you could possibly think of.<br />
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I love absolutely everything about Matchbook, but there are certain things that stick out. Matchbook is <i>new</i>. It is <b>fresh </b>and <b>evolving</b>. Constantly <b>changing </b>but always <b>consistent</b>. It is <u>preppy </u>and <u>girly</u>, <b>high-class</b> and<b> down to earth</b>, <u>proper</u> but not <u>too prim</u>. It is essentially, <i>everything I aspire to be</i>. The advertisements are a mixture of already-adored brands like <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/section/Dresses/38.uts?gclid=COKCh4fEy6oCFYfCKgodCyHZ2Q">Lily Pulitzer</a> and <a href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/Home-10551-10051">Coach </a>to small boutiques like <a href="http://www.southernproper.com/">Southern Proper</a> and <a href="http://www.rikshawdesign.com/">Rikshaw Designs</a>. I also love that every advertisement and product they feature are linked. So if I fall in love with those <a href="http://www.amazon.com/14k-Gold-Small-Fleur-De-Lis-Earring/dp/B00285YZMY">14K Gold Fleur De Lis Earrings</a> on page 16, I can just click on them and it takes me straight to their Amazon.com page to buy them. It's amazing.<br />
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I am a <u>Matchbook Girl</u>, through and through and am officially <b>obsessed</b> with their <i>fantastic</i> magazine.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-56356355088750123042011-08-15T07:00:00.000-04:002011-08-15T07:00:00.490-04:00No Poo Challenge: Month 3I have spent my entire life, hating my hair. I have thick, curly mousy brown hair and I have spent most of my life trying to change it. I have been dying my hair since 7th grade and straightening to death every day for years. This summer, I took a risk at letting nature work itself out and not washing my hair. Now, it has been three months since using shampoo and I could not be happier. My curls are actual...curls! They are perfect ringlets. They are bouncy and voluminous and beautiful.My hair is not greasy at all. Not the slightest bit. <br />
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Unfortunately, there are a few downsides. I am <i>still</i> shedding like crazy. I don't know if this is more or less than normal with shampoo or what. Maybe it's all the dead hair finally leaving my scalp to make room for all the non-damaged hair in result of going no poo. Also, I have noticed that my hair actually got <i>too dry</i> and lacked moisture and grease. So I bought some sulfate-free conditioner (note to self: Suave shampoos and conditioners do not contain sulfates) and have been using that. Now, my routine consists of using my baking soda mixture once a week or once every other week and using conditioner about every other day.<br />
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My hair is soft and supple and has beautiful curls days after getting it wet. I absolutely ADORE my no poo routine. It has significantly cut down on my shower and primping time and has given me great results. This <i style="font-weight: bold;">may possibly</i> have partly to do with spending my summer on a lake and being in the water every single day and air-drying my hair in the wind off boats. I am curious to see how my hair adjusts once I go back to Boston and am no longer rinsing my hair in the mineral-rich lake and have the winter havoc left on my hair.<br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-2206672154295035422011-08-12T07:00:00.001-04:002011-08-12T07:00:11.988-04:00What I'm Wearing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlfL9CFG8dKezV4dfAF50M5S8WVrSt1M-DVBSXGldNu4clMxAW2-YEwqk7CfxDWG3RT7tU-axhI4NU8bmuPiMPC6V5Os-C2hXcbGpwPy9fouFUd97kzIZePii_8RfzA5bf3p27bVTemc/s1600/DSC01329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlfL9CFG8dKezV4dfAF50M5S8WVrSt1M-DVBSXGldNu4clMxAW2-YEwqk7CfxDWG3RT7tU-axhI4NU8bmuPiMPC6V5Os-C2hXcbGpwPy9fouFUd97kzIZePii_8RfzA5bf3p27bVTemc/s640/DSC01329.JPG" width="372" /></a>The perfect summer day and finally having a semi-decent tan (for the first time in my life) called for the perfect beige sun dress. Short and lightweight, it is a sure way to stay cool. I threw on a light chambray shirt, that looks good over <i>everything</i> and added my favorite waist cinching belt to complete the look. My nude wedges went perfectly with this outfit and I never have the guts to wear them. They're so tall I feel like I'm going to simply fall over at every step, and usually I do fall frequently in them. Confession: as soon as this picture was taken, I kicked them off and continued to go barefoot the rest of the day. But man, do they make my short stumpy legs looks long and thin or what!? (Please don't say "or what")</div><br />
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Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/maryhalpin">twitter</a>, and <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> xoxo, mfhmaryFREAKINGhalpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795426209137541562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7134103307589357873.post-78137794329773023562011-08-11T06:59:00.001-04:002011-08-11T06:59:00.883-04:00Perks of Living on a Lake<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">10 weeks ago, I went kicking and screaming all the way from my home in Chicago to Culver, Indiana to be a Communication Intern at my <a href="http://culver.org/">former high school</a>.<span> </span>I was sure to have a dismal time with no friends and no social life.<span> </span>What it turned out to be was very possibly the best summer of my life.<span> </span>It’s only rival is 2004, when I spent 5 weeks away from home (for the first time) at <a href="http://exeter.edu/">Phillips Exeter Academy</a> in New Hampshire and had my very first kiss.<span> </span>This summer was a far cry from my first kiss, but was possibly even more amazing.<span> </span>Yes, for the first week it was slightly dismal because no one was there and I was staying in a <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.blogspot.com/2011/06/irrational-fear-of-bugs.html">cabin </a>with no indoor plumbing and barely electricity.<span> </span>The second week was better as a few friends arrived I spent most evenings watching movies and catching up with friends I haven’t seen since graduation.<span> </span>After that, I moved into a much more “Mary-Friendly” <a href="http://maryfreakinghalpin.blogspot.com/2011/06/45-in-45-day-10.html">dorm room</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGrgTgWhxSOeFHJhXoZq-mLThQZI5O94BXzlpFHKgbvckK7Bde3WCBK03zomhLMWFTPNYYseozNguhTslKiY3d4_OO6DVmYrnOuGVfVas6QqPoyeacGHzQ_S9YksvVeOgkqW2f6Hxoio/s1600/IMG-20110618-00030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGrgTgWhxSOeFHJhXoZq-mLThQZI5O94BXzlpFHKgbvckK7Bde3WCBK03zomhLMWFTPNYYseozNguhTslKiY3d4_OO6DVmYrnOuGVfVas6QqPoyeacGHzQ_S9YksvVeOgkqW2f6Hxoio/s640/IMG-20110618-00030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">and spent most days laying in bed watching Netflix and it was shaping up to be strikingly similar to last summer.<span> Although you can't ignore the very "Culver" events. Like Council Fire</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5dDRRh2I3-KV1ACS-STKMM4GCIs6gyAQ0tvIkjGUCd16xcyNjH4MLJyjYsz0j-gqV77JEIqN7tUfhOBZ4P-R-L4MOpHT1rZlOxwlnfd3JH9ZloETYs3SQnBtOaEXRRWoGriv-P0ozic/s1600/IMG-20110709-00047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5dDRRh2I3-KV1ACS-STKMM4GCIs6gyAQ0tvIkjGUCd16xcyNjH4MLJyjYsz0j-gqV77JEIqN7tUfhOBZ4P-R-L4MOpHT1rZlOxwlnfd3JH9ZloETYs3SQnBtOaEXRRWoGriv-P0ozic/s640/IMG-20110709-00047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">and Parade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FYrSHwaf2pcpkXbrK4Bt7bCCJUTruF4fymQiu_V_J-otkT2OUSIqu4PvMgrzvFEm4bsq-nZlOCD5We67xY-B-u0tXfElKOzUGm9Z261no6QdxzQjraVWea6dOdbWMSKggWtmrJpaQx8/s1600/IMG-20110710-00054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FYrSHwaf2pcpkXbrK4Bt7bCCJUTruF4fymQiu_V_J-otkT2OUSIqu4PvMgrzvFEm4bsq-nZlOCD5We67xY-B-u0tXfElKOzUGm9Z261no6QdxzQjraVWea6dOdbWMSKggWtmrJpaQx8/s640/IMG-20110710-00054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then I went to Boston for a week for 4<sup>th</sup> of July.<span> </span>This was magical.<span> </span>I rekindled a romance, saw all of my friends, and had the absolute time of my life.<span> </span>I loved it.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_8ZNZp0SL1rDAEiMVwlnKujSlpqdMjmQX8HmSMj43BQVHXTr1tMtXaFPSd3fkbLTD4vp5sIE4oHB6nJjIKKim_MFW1QDR2PDaSCnejvvWsEYSC8R6VakLO-G78v5F8qwerVBS6Qu1bI/s1600/DSC01151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_8ZNZp0SL1rDAEiMVwlnKujSlpqdMjmQX8HmSMj43BQVHXTr1tMtXaFPSd3fkbLTD4vp5sIE4oHB6nJjIKKim_MFW1QDR2PDaSCnejvvWsEYSC8R6VakLO-G78v5F8qwerVBS6Qu1bI/s640/DSC01151.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOEPpx3-Pe1q0a1ypx9imIWnfUbWV0QvfRId5l20AwjliJ4RWODSfTz5VkVW4eodj3HEvgL4xc0bzWMeX7lda3MlpeZSC9FaoVMqU3_Ef0mXFaduoKjDhbti-1idkO3-_CObc542Y37g/s1600/DSC01129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOEPpx3-Pe1q0a1ypx9imIWnfUbWV0QvfRId5l20AwjliJ4RWODSfTz5VkVW4eodj3HEvgL4xc0bzWMeX7lda3MlpeZSC9FaoVMqU3_Ef0mXFaduoKjDhbti-1idkO3-_CObc542Y37g/s640/DSC01129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The following week I returned to Culver and saw that my roommate had been promoted to a live-in counselor position in Woodcraft (living in those cabins, promotion or punishment?) and I was getting a new roommate, and this is really when the summer started heating up.<span> </span>My new roommate was this bubbly ball of gab, a total chatterbox and at first, I was hesitant.<span> </span>Then I decided, what the hell, and let her in.<span> </span>We became fast friends and started taking advantage of living on the lake.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WlRsf9TwdB43NKQLrN7IfUATBMWrwMQtAECppS1Yy90bEbbxAMWJ9iwSwMP2-u897Gk7bBDUeztuk4DDsOVmW_h8194uzBrh7jEKhcJfsFA-C4qUctdjsj_hDd36tu8HbJ_sEoTNjvI/s1600/Union-20110715-00065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WlRsf9TwdB43NKQLrN7IfUATBMWrwMQtAECppS1Yy90bEbbxAMWJ9iwSwMP2-u897Gk7bBDUeztuk4DDsOVmW_h8194uzBrh7jEKhcJfsFA-C4qUctdjsj_hDd36tu8HbJ_sEoTNjvI/s640/Union-20110715-00065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O6t6dm64oeklrFM0-hWwg_3skRa2Ob9D7I585tyxnaMLmObnHXtH1WZayT2LwkNu9MJgCjF44FQeo_j74PdagFMANy0KD1gBBwaaPthdGFjKXD76PgOgOdpX9DDURpLnajRLV_rgAOs/s1600/Union-20110805-00130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O6t6dm64oeklrFM0-hWwg_3skRa2Ob9D7I585tyxnaMLmObnHXtH1WZayT2LwkNu9MJgCjF44FQeo_j74PdagFMANy0KD1gBBwaaPthdGFjKXD76PgOgOdpX9DDURpLnajRLV_rgAOs/s640/Union-20110805-00130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our routine soon became taking a night swim when Amy returned from work, this introduced me to even more people that I became friends with.<span> </span>The weekend came and one of the photographers from my office invited me and Amy our for the Moonlight Serenade which is when the Naval Band boards the Ledbetter (largest boat on Lake Maxinkuckee) and plays music up and down the shores.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWpruTuYrYmelLqABTMmjzgj-qyVoqvTkLuzTIw7eh2cnbQgQnhsEdqtgzs4Rz3KYTF5_0pFH-xP4iH4zzW8ywt0KsPUUcZizvRS0U9yQZChz6bwii6apGUdd2s9HRDhqJCBUrBVyGdQ/s1600/30452-7D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWpruTuYrYmelLqABTMmjzgj-qyVoqvTkLuzTIw7eh2cnbQgQnhsEdqtgzs4Rz3KYTF5_0pFH-xP4iH4zzW8ywt0KsPUUcZizvRS0U9yQZChz6bwii6apGUdd2s9HRDhqJCBUrBVyGdQ/s640/30452-7D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There were two boats going out with people from the Academy with two extremely cute drivers who happened to be sailing instructors at the camp.<span> </span>Amy and I innocently flirted our way through the night and scoring invites to watch a sailing regatta the next day, at the former CEO of AT&T’s lake house.<span> </span>Amy unfortunately had to work, but I was all in.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK4s3YirqTIJVqJcSTBCmvjsLRF5D8GqUyNXiHMUm84-Ad35ObmQwWjOmtmX08m3CQZqEjimXlmeQIolJaE8kRMBI4ZtY6MlCgs-jt4qpaF-DlEKIU9sFx2DMUSm-sMmhUPlN_sEAUPk/s1600/Union-20110716-00072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK4s3YirqTIJVqJcSTBCmvjsLRF5D8GqUyNXiHMUm84-Ad35ObmQwWjOmtmX08m3CQZqEjimXlmeQIolJaE8kRMBI4ZtY6MlCgs-jt4qpaF-DlEKIU9sFx2DMUSm-sMmhUPlN_sEAUPk/s640/Union-20110716-00072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And of course later that night there were fireworks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7ndOo5S-dGg6EoM5oi8DFLWvoFD3urRmkwtT6m4zmC_vuFRGKjzabLqjlk_yNpvzshmK968a4cNoWTtHaC0M5ZFgiqO7LfdFao6YZQis93MkXD2bcBdOcFBxX9WYWtgGpf8fF_RpGR4/s1600/30514-7D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7ndOo5S-dGg6EoM5oi8DFLWvoFD3urRmkwtT6m4zmC_vuFRGKjzabLqjlk_yNpvzshmK968a4cNoWTtHaC0M5ZFgiqO7LfdFao6YZQis93MkXD2bcBdOcFBxX9WYWtgGpf8fF_RpGR4/s640/30514-7D.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From that day forward was a whirlwind (note my lack of blog posts after July 15).<span> </span>That weekend alone, I went on 7 different boats over the course of 21 hours, the rest of the summer followed suit.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-NZHrQZ7NH3v1inIOZ_rd5Axe5dzXRSGuEaYNA_ctTQPH54vB7Ufa5cKfm_Vw5B3-ERNZ2nXfwA-lRhmFNWhPe5gbVVbsOGRpNHGyuTO84mmXurM1jCMf91Mq-UyIxZd01NgD0hm1go/s1600/waterskiing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-NZHrQZ7NH3v1inIOZ_rd5Axe5dzXRSGuEaYNA_ctTQPH54vB7Ufa5cKfm_Vw5B3-ERNZ2nXfwA-lRhmFNWhPe5gbVVbsOGRpNHGyuTO84mmXurM1jCMf91Mq-UyIxZd01NgD0hm1go/s640/waterskiing.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpin2_FiI9Wi9kleTHePq9Yf5_0MLC403dGRIc4wU21UIlylinhyphenhyphendl8-G2cHT35Zv94e57c5mkswpWCCajGyZzpWMXdeOuZdywFqIDoNC2i_cGWiqIXWOr0HX9-937JhNU2nnSioMXEU/s1600/Union-20110719-00104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpin2_FiI9Wi9kleTHePq9Yf5_0MLC403dGRIc4wU21UIlylinhyphenhyphendl8-G2cHT35Zv94e57c5mkswpWCCajGyZzpWMXdeOuZdywFqIDoNC2i_cGWiqIXWOr0HX9-937JhNU2nnSioMXEU/s640/Union-20110719-00104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQO3TU7_3aFgtNsNuKhkYqXYjXgo4isjuzgfMCbeGDO6gJWRCP7OFF_Rukk0ItEf-HxoskA8gsev7x0s40UnlCgqKaYyNUQVkGuDVnedp7vbjZuX0vy0LA4MivkgTvfkFRN4siwlZ-ug/s1600/waterskiing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQO3TU7_3aFgtNsNuKhkYqXYjXgo4isjuzgfMCbeGDO6gJWRCP7OFF_Rukk0ItEf-HxoskA8gsev7x0s40UnlCgqKaYyNUQVkGuDVnedp7vbjZuX0vy0LA4MivkgTvfkFRN4siwlZ-ug/s640/waterskiing.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I made loads of new friends and took opportunities.<span> </span>I learned to sail, waterski, wake surf, and tube.<span> </span>I was out on a boat almost every day.<span> </span>Although the relationship I started the summer with unfortunately ended, new boys wasted no time making their intentions known and I was quickly whisked off my feet.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU8Zf9o3ZbYiP0Y_rW-Cm4RKPTogo1ZCwvjawpJgjkPmWRUU78Cr_8uKQo1DTmlt6Pw0lKXFRuDoXkhLsYjTCAP_tJyGSt7iK6hLqgvAYO8i6w-x0kKESoJLA-V9YHDB_pKBjcq-wok8/s1600/ryan+and+i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU8Zf9o3ZbYiP0Y_rW-Cm4RKPTogo1ZCwvjawpJgjkPmWRUU78Cr_8uKQo1DTmlt6Pw0lKXFRuDoXkhLsYjTCAP_tJyGSt7iK6hLqgvAYO8i6w-x0kKESoJLA-V9YHDB_pKBjcq-wok8/s640/ryan+and+i.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdeZK2IXxVJJGbjPwvmDyVZhgPtnf-Qi-fvTX80VB2vMaiUPkIwCXVpJETi9RpQ9qWrsEj8dIuT_32qG1BSNdwKmJ9O0jLM9Z2pjPM3Y2ZcJ1ZI4oNRd6uxeG5l-SGbCPmO1IrVWKstQ/s1600/Union-20110802-00120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdeZK2IXxVJJGbjPwvmDyVZhgPtnf-Qi-fvTX80VB2vMaiUPkIwCXVpJETi9RpQ9qWrsEj8dIuT_32qG1BSNdwKmJ9O0jLM9Z2pjPM3Y2ZcJ1ZI4oNRd6uxeG5l-SGbCPmO1IrVWKstQ/s640/Union-20110802-00120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the summer days started dwindling down, I dreaded leaving this utopia and returning home.<span> </span>The final night of this “summer” ended with a ball.<span> </span>Dressed to the nines and equipped with very cute arm candy, I danced the night away, or rather until the SEVEN blisters on my feet willed me to take a break.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8xI7fOe5m3xaKB8L-qtbi3Qc5HcZCb3JjqEiXr4A7jsnWBaphBiGeuSXJcRKn6aiE2HqxtqWXzlQQ7PbujOCq-dKCcDy90pohrmyABOif79bwloA-SWyO551zo2uTjrPB8yNyAlH5xA/s1600/Union-20110805-00124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8xI7fOe5m3xaKB8L-qtbi3Qc5HcZCb3JjqEiXr4A7jsnWBaphBiGeuSXJcRKn6aiE2HqxtqWXzlQQ7PbujOCq-dKCcDy90pohrmyABOif79bwloA-SWyO551zo2uTjrPB8yNyAlH5xA/s640/Union-20110805-00124.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxs0PV0v5jmD03n4BTaMy4IyLqm5vlZNiYdTHklsyhR_69zaLGocI_6JWKl-FJVuKqt8_KUw6r93YdNfYLU1vHBBbGvhwZ_BToFwqbXcEQXMbxm0bntrdMgqSiibOA8RyMuqU4Nd8lMI/s1600/Union-20110805-00126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxs0PV0v5jmD03n4BTaMy4IyLqm5vlZNiYdTHklsyhR_69zaLGocI_6JWKl-FJVuKqt8_KUw6r93YdNfYLU1vHBBbGvhwZ_BToFwqbXcEQXMbxm0bntrdMgqSiibOA8RyMuqU4Nd8lMI/s1600/Union-20110805-00126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxs0PV0v5jmD03n4BTaMy4IyLqm5vlZNiYdTHklsyhR_69zaLGocI_6JWKl-FJVuKqt8_KUw6r93YdNfYLU1vHBBbGvhwZ_BToFwqbXcEQXMbxm0bntrdMgqSiibOA8RyMuqU4Nd8lMI/s640/Union-20110805-00126.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Teary goodbyes and one last stop at the Root Beer Stand closed this chapter of my life.<span> </span>Now I am counting down the days until I return to Babson and shortly after make a surely-tearful reunion with a part of my summer that will hopefully continue much longer than 9 weeks.</div><br />
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