Tatum Hipp: lifestyle

a month in moments // november

1:00:00 AM

Thinking back on November, I think back to complexity. I think of the wide range of activities, events, people, and places I experienced and all the emotion that was felt. I have quite a bit to say about this November so grab your tea and join me!

As always, I deeply enjoyed witnessing this month's full moon/supermoon. There is something so humbling about a full moon. It makes you feel small and gently reminds you of your place on Earth.

I got to see my little love bug, sidekick. When I look at her now that she is so old and slower, I see her as the little puppy she once was chasing me and my sister around our playhouse. She's brought this family laughter and sweetness. It is something special to grow up with a dog.

Many fires were made this past Thanksgiving and paired with the smokey mountain air from the North Carolina forest fires, our clothes were thick with the smokey, dense scent. I'm not complaining though.

This year I was lucky enough to spend a few days at home in Pennsylvania before hopping back in the car for the drive down to North Carolina. I spent lovely days with my mother, a woman whose inner beauty radiates just as much as her outer beauty. We strolled through Longwood Gardens to see the last of the lush Autumn life before all trees and bushes are covered in lights for the holiday season. Golden hour is truly a mesmerizing time.

How can golden hour not be one's favorite time of the day? It speaks to me spiritually.

And again....GOLD.

Had my first successful rockhounding experience this past Thanksgiving. Mother Nature is a total goddess. I mean look at which she produces! The gem haul included garnet, aventurine, aquamarine, quartz, amethyst, sodalite, emerald, and topaz all in their truly raw forms. My favorite part: the first time the sifter is dunked in the water, washing away the dust and the perfect sunlight hitting the soft colors of these stones. It's safe to say I'm addicted and could do this everyday.

My time at my Pennsylvania home was short, but it was sweet. Visits to Terrain and the newest Philadelphia Free People, baking with my dog under my feet waiting for a drop of cookie dough, and spinning some old records filled the short days. Now only two and half weeks, five projects, and 4 final exams stand between me and my Pennsylvania holiday celebrations.

P.S. Be sure to check out this quick video I made of a simple recap of the infamous Hipp Thanksgiving.

inspiration

intentions

6:31:00 AM

Giving purpose brings focus, balance, and consistency to the day.

It is easy to wake up in the morning and let your mind immediately focus on the day's to-do list and the running tally of stressors you'll face throughout the day. The hustle and bustle outside may get your blood flowing and mind racing, but taking those few extra moments to stretch, open your eyes, and feel your breath will help slow you down and start your day right.

I have found that if I consciously make an effort to take in the morning with all its light, peace, and silence, I feel happier as well as more motivated for the rest of the day. As soon as I wake up, I take a moment and pull in deep breaths into my chest and belly and look out the window at the rising world. I then set an intention for the day.

Intentions do not necessarily have to be "go to the gym" or "do not snack today". My intentions range in message from "become more conscious about my facial expressions" and "truly listen in today's conversations". Give meaning to the day, not a mission.

Take time. Think about what you want to squeeze out of the day. Realize all the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, not just the obligations and lists you have to complete. And perhaps, when you roll out from the sheets and place your feet on the floor, you will feel a spark of life run through you.

autumn

A MONTH IN MOMENTS // SEPTEMBER

5:57:00 PM

September has left and Autumn has arrived.

Breathing in these crisp mornings with the biting air and that soft scent of leaves and the brisk wind of October, I exhale the business and the fun that was September.

I traveled, I reflected, I set intentions, and I woke before the sun. September was successful.

And so now we face October. I've set new goals and carried over my intentions I had not yet checked off from September. I hope that the natural beauty and breathtaking views of September will transfer over as well.

So cheers to a new month and my challenge to live presently in this beautiful season.

essential oil

THINGS IVE BEEN LOVIN // 8.23.16

8:39:00 AM

Tortoise Shell Spoons....I would like 200 please.

Love this shot.

I've really been enjoying Alex Strohl's photography on his Instagram. He also published a book titled Alternative Living which I am sure is just filled with mysterious, small, and warm homes in the great wilderness.

Frank Ocean's latest album "Blonde" has been on repeat all day, everyday. Working out, walking to class, showering, everywhere. Ivy is most definitely my favorite. So worth the many years of waiting for his new material.

Fun ring.

Tictail is a really unique retail site and app where you can shop handmade, small business items. Every since opening my little Etsy shop I've gained a stronger appreciation for small business.

Young the Giant is continuing to kill it with their new material. They are always so consistent and their music is always thought-provoking.

Took a little trip to Claytor Lake, VA. The perfect escape to a small town, old fashioned, refreshing lake.

This delicate necklace is top of the list.

IN LOVE with my new Nikon D7000. I upgraded from my Nikon D3100 to a more intermediate, advanced DSLR. I'm trying to get more into videography, astrophotography, and time-lapse.

I'm having way too much fun with my Etsy shop. I am over the moon and so flattered with the number of orders and support I have received.

Been spending some time exploring the incredibly talented videographers on Vimeo. This video on a weekend trip to Yosemite captivates me. I love the amplified sounds like the shutter release of a camera or the zipping of a sleeping bag.

Lavender essential oil has been a must to fall asleep during this first week of classes. With so much on my mind and so much change within the past two weeks, working out and essential oil really help me rest easy at night.

These candles are so so sweet.

A sweet quote to wander with: "If I had a flower for everytime I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever." - Alfred Lord Tennyson

bando

happy + healthy // staying organized

1:00:00 AM

Whether you fully embrace it or refuse to believe it...August is here. And while majority of us continue to soak up the sun and fill our days with summer festivities, the days of deadlines and nights of stress are approaching.

For this happy + healthy post I figured I would focus on a different topic: organization. While this idea may not be directly related to fitness, it is indeed related to happiness and indirectly related to health in that maintaining an organized lifestyle can help keep you sane and help you avoid falling subject to detrimental amounts of stress.

If I have learned anything through my many years of schooling and my years of working, I have learned that everyone organizes their life differently. Organization is finding a method that works for you and your lifestyle and is a method or practice that you can continue to use to your benefit.

A couple methods I practice and a couple tools I use are:

planner (and I find that the cuter it is, the more I use it)
calendar app ( I find that this one is the best and easiest to use!)
the oh-so classic to-do list
post-it notes EVERYWHERE
a designated desk drawer for all the miscellaneous stuff that I have no idea where to put but I know I'll be looking for it later
desktop folder for anything and everything
desk calendar (if you haven't noticed, I really dig calendars)
color coding

Hopefully this provided some inspiration on how to keep your crazy life organized and creative. Cheers to the rest of summer and the busy season approaching!

austin

a month in moments // july

1:38:00 PM

It's official. The best month of summer is officially over. It breaks my heart but also excites me because I know that I will soon be back at school with all of my closest friends having a blast. So while I eagerly look forward toward all the adventures that August will bring, I happily look back at July with a smile and a little bit of a tan.

Goodbye July!

around your town

AROUND YOUR TOWN // 2 DAYS IN AUSTIN, TX

1:00:00 AM

I do believe that the only way to write about my trip to Austin, Texas would be to write a love letter to that lively city and that lovely state. So here it is.

Dear Austin,

You are fun.

You were so highly anticipated and so highly renowned and you did not disappoint. Every street, every meal, and every minute of every day was filled with adventure and desire to explore more. With the hot sun beating down on my skin and the diverse live music beating through my veins, my heart and my smile was full. You filled me with happiness and energy as well as my bodyweight in chips and salsa, and I thank you. You are a city worthy of attention and your people are worthy of yours. I expected flat, dry land, and although it was significantly present you also showed your lush, captivating forests and swimming holes. True beauty lies within your expansiveness.

You changed my summer and you changed my thoughts of Texas. I hope we will meet again soon.

xoxo