Hi y’all! My name is Hilari – I’m originally a Midwesterner (go Packers!), but now live in Nashville and have for the past 6 years. I left Wisconsin to attend Vanderbilt, and loved it so much that I stuck around and can’t imagine leaving anytime soon. There’s something so special about the southern way of life! While at Vanderbilt, I met my now fiancé, Grant, and we’re getting married in just under 2 months! In my professional life, I wear many hats, and thrive on relationships and encouraging others – I work as project manager for a boutique market research company, am the Brand Manager at Best Friends for Frosting, and am a nanny to the 3 cutest girls I know, among a few other creative endeavors! I am so fired up about the year ahead and know it’s going to be the best one yet!
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
Needless to say, there’s always a lot going on and my days are filled to the brim! I wouldn’t and couldn’t do it all without a set schedule. Every night, I set out my clothes, make my to do list for the next day, and prep all of my meals. Come morning, I start every day with an early high-intensity workout at my most favorite local gym. It’s a great way to kickoff the day with others and I’m always encouraged and pushed to be the best version of myself. I also run three to four times a week, as I’m training for my 5th half marathon this April. I’ve learned that if I’m not happy with how I feel physically, I’m not by best self and my productivity suffers. After that, it’s all about lists, lists, lists! Grant and I have also made this year all about intentional living – if it’s not filling us up mentally, it’s not worth our time and effort. This transition has made our lives so much more enjoyable and decision-making is much simpler.
In your house, how do the mundane parts of life get done?
Have I mentioned lists? 
Instead of letting “chores” pile up, I am always cleaning or doing laundry, so that they aren’t so dreadful! I do 2-3 loads of laundry in the morning and clean up the house before bed. I also live by Gretchen Rubin’s 1-minute rule – spend 1 minute cleaning up every so often throughout the day and it doesn’t seem so bad! This makes working from home much easier because it ensures our home is ready to go once the day begins – otherwise I spend my time cleaning instead of working. We also have a chore chart and do specific bigger tasks on set days of the week. And, good music makes anything more fun, so we listen to music while getting things done. Dance parties are a must!
What is one tradition or routine that’s really important to you? And why?
Sunday Night Dinners are my most favorite part of the week. My parents live about 3 minutes down the street, and every Sunday, Grant, my parents, and I get together for a delicious homemade meal and chat about the week, soak in all of their wisdom, and talk all things wedding (at least currently)! I love this special time together as it is a few guaranteed hours of quality, technology-free, and intentional time as a family.
Your PICK SIX: What 6 products can you absolutely not live without?
1. Sprinkle shoes: I love keeping my feet happy when at the gym and staying active, so these are my current obsession, along with bright and cheerful workout gear
2. Oribe Dry Shampoo: It saves on my getting ready time in the morning and allows my hair to still have tons of volume, but takes minimal time. I’m all about efficiency! ()
3. Emily Ley Simplified Planner: It’s the perfect solution for busy and intentional lives, and I love how it guides me through each day without making me feel overwhelmed or look daunting. I use it for my daily schedule, personal to-dos, and meal planning, and love how truly simplified it makes life.
4. My Veggie Chef : A local-to-Nashville vegan meal delivery service that makes healthy eating incredibly easy, convenient, and delicious! For me, half the battle of healthy choices is coming up with recipes and cooking after a long day, so this is something that takes away the stress of meals every night. Carnivore Grant even loves them! (
5. Personalized stationery : I love sending snail mail and believe in the power of a hand written letter. It’s how I landed both of my “office” jobs and has connected me to some of the most wonderful people! My goal is to send at least one note each week, and to simply let the other person know, “hey, I’m thinking of you!”
6. Kitchen-Aid Mixer : When stressed or overwhelmed, I turn to baking. It’s a common occurrence for me to crank up the mixer and whip up some delicious sweets around 10pm at night! You name it, I’ve likely made it. Lucky for Grant, the freezer is always stocked with yummy treats!
Anything else you think our readers would love to know? Any additional tips or systems that help you keep it all together?
I think the fun part of life is just rolling with whatever comes your way! I used to be super type-A (and still probably am), but balancing so many things at once has made me truly appreciate the spontaneity of life and realize that it really is okay to not have everything planned out. Living with this mindset has totally changed how I determine success and failure. If I can still find reason to smile at the end of the day, it’s a win in my book. Attitude determines altitude!
Follow along with Hilari:
Instagram: @hilarischaefer
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The Simplicity Series features busy gals, in different stages of life, making what matters happen and tips and tricks they’ve found to be helpful. Simplicity is about building margin into your life and spending time on and with that which fuels your heart. While we love to share products and services that help us day to day, but simplicity is about HEART and intentionally choosing the thing that matters most (your TREASURE) more than anything money can buy. We wear many hats and we know you do too, so we’d love to hear your thoughts as well! For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
