Thursday, May 31, 2012

A review of May's goals!

I can't even believe that tomorrow is the start of June! Anyone else feel like May flew by in the blink of an eye? I know with making a big move and starting my new job, this month has been so crazy busy I've hardly had time to even think about the goals I originally made. Hopefully I didn't stray from my goals too much but if so, there's always June to make up!

Mays Goals:

1. Start developing a monthly budget and STICK TO IT.
Done! Thanks to the help of my wonderful friend Ellen, who is an accountant, I have a monthly spreadsheet that follows my income and also things that to take into account- such as rent, groceries, student loans, etc.

2. Throughout the week, only eat out TWICE.
Done! I rarely eat out, even on the weekends! I would say that I have definitely kept this in check and have loved grocery shopping and coming up with new things to make for lunches and dinner!

3. Continue to fit in early morning runs before work.
Yes and No- This was going great until last week when I left town to take my certification exam. Since, my workout schedule has been a bit hectic but I am looking forward to getting back on track this weekend!

4. Eat minimal dairy and no carbs after 4pm.
This is for the most part true! I have still been cutting way back on my dairy and have only eaten carbs after 4 on the nights I have resorted to having brown rice with or for dinner.

5. Throw myself into my new job
ABSOLUTELY DONE! Work has been so insane that I've been staying late everyday this week! While this can be looked at as a bad thing and is getting to be a bit bothersome to my workout schedule, it also gives me a sense of completion when I leave for the day.

6. Try two new exercise classes
Done! Obviously if you have been reading over the past month, you know that I have become addicted to kickboxing! I seriously can not get enough of it and absolutely love the instructor. I also tried out a new yoga class just blocks away from my apartment at a local church. The class was the perfect blend of relaxation but also pushed me to challenge myself!

7. Listen to my body more
DONE! I definitely have been listening to my body more in terms of when it needs to rest and when it needs some extra TLC. Tonight, for example my left quad was really tight and sore from running yesterday, rather then push it and head to the gym anyway I took the night off and even gave in and treated myself to a glass of wine! My reasoning- get up early and workout before work... we will see how that goes, fingers crossed!

There you have it! Overall, I did much better then I thought I would have but am still looking forward to setting new goals for June!

Happy Thursday Y'all!

Yours truly,
Em

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Where did the weekend go

I cannot believe that it is Tuesday! Being that I worked Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I did not have much of a weekend and am counting down the days until Friday at 5! 

I hope everyone had an amazing Memorial Day weekend and was able to enjoy the beach or some form of relaxation. I also want to make sure you all know about a GREAT giveaway going on through Carolina Hendrix. If you have not checked out this blog, I highly suggest you do so and also the amazing giveaway featuring Bauble Bar. While perusing on their website I found a couple things I loved..





I also wanted to share my latest listening obsession... Alabama Shakes. A few weeks ago some friends of mine were talking about how excited they were for Alabama Shakes to come to Richmond. Once I got home I did a bit of research and have been listening to them ever since. Here's a few of my favorites.







Yours truly, 
Em


Sunday, May 27, 2012

Happy Sunday



Happy Sunday loves!

Yours truly, 
Em

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Wishing I was...

Beach




Diane von Furstenberg tunic, £244
J Crew underwire bikini, $50
Warehouse bikini bathing suit, $21
Gucci nylon tote, £360
Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses, $198
Burt s Bees beauty product, $15
WOW ARTIST TOWELS ‘RIRKRIT TIRAVANIJA’ LIMITED EDITION TOWEL, £100


Unfortunately I am working all weekend but I couldn't help but dream I was laying on a beach somewhere.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Yours truly, 
Em

Friday, May 25, 2012

Yes, I need these...

As promised yesterday, here are the few things that I have been keeping an eye on and that just might make their way to my closet very soon..

Waikiki Shorts
Perfect with a cute top and wedges for a night out or dressed down with a white tee and jacks!

I have heard amazing things about this uplifting foam and can't wait to try it out for myself

I love these simple nude flats and can already think of so many things I would wear them with

fuchsia maxi... yes please

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!

Yours truly, 
Em



Thursday, May 24, 2012

Lets chat about a few things...

There is a couple things rolling around in my hectic mind that I would love to hear some opinions on...

1. Bachelorette
I was a HUGE fan of Em when she appeared on the season with Brad... I loved how sweet and caring she was and also that she had a fun and exciting side to her. However when I heard she accepted the role as the new Bachelorette, I will admit I was a bit let down. Perhaps I had too much respect for Emily and thought she was too good for a show like this but as I continue to watch this season, I am constantly shocked by her decisions! Now I know this all sounds a bit intense and by all means I would love to hear other's thoughts but I am having the hardest time figuring out what in the HECK she is doing in this show. 

2. It is absolutely possible to forget how to to study.

Today I was in D.C for my national certification that I have been studying for the past few weeks. When I first started studying in the beginning of May I was shocked at how hard it was for me to organize my materials and really get down to business studying. It's only been a year since I've graduated but attempting to study 4 years worth of information was no easy task...

3. Revenge!
Anyone else happen to catch the season finale of Revenge last night?!... I die. Where to even begin discussing. I decided I would take a chance and turn on Revenge while reviewing some notes... that didn't exactly turn out so well and I ended up getting completely consumed in everything that was going on. Needless to say I can not wait for next season

4. I received my first grown up pay check!

Now while I assure you I am not rolling in the dough, this first paycheck meant a lot to me.It symbolized not only being blessed to do something I love but also being on my own and supporting myself. Once rent and all my financial obligations are taken care of I do have a few things I have been keeping my eye on that I am looking forward to sharing in tomorrows post!

That's it for today! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Yours truly,
Em



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Living Healthy update


I feel like its had been awhile since I checked in on different healthy choices I have been making since my big move to Richmond... Here are some different changes I have made 

1. Working out
Since moving, I have definitely stepped up my game in working out, not only through running but also in my new obsession of kickboxing! On average I workout about 4 times a week with a random Saturday or Sunday run thrown in. I also have definitely been listening to my body more in terms of what it needs- a long run, yoga, or even just taking the day off. 

2. Minimal Meat
Never having been much of a meat eater anyway, having moved out on my own- I've definitely cut back my meat intake even more. If I eat meat at all it is in the form of grilled chicken breast or Trader Joe's chicken sausage. 

3. Minimal dairy
A few weeks ago I posted on how I've dramatically cut back my dairy intake. This is still something I am doing and since starting about a month ago, I rarely even miss eating dairy! Sure if I have pizza I leave the cheese on and definitely don't turn down any opportunity for froyo but I've even started using soy milk in my coffee!

My typical meals look a bit like this...
Breakfast:
Oatmeal with banana and a spoonful of peanut butter, and an iced coffee from Buzzys!
I LOVE this oatmeal from Trader Joes... if you have not tried it, I highly suggest it.

Mid morning Snack:
Fruit
Lunch:
Veggies and Hummus

Sweet Potato

Dinner:
These chicken breast from Trader Joes are ABSOLUTELY amazing! They are fully cooked and can be microwaved in just 2 minutes. I am a huge fan.

Obviously my meal plan can sometimes stray from the above foods but these have definitely been staples. 




Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday...





... I wish


Yours truly, 
Em



Sunday, May 20, 2012

Weekend recap

Friday, I left off with coming home and pouring a lovely glass of wine and rewinding after a hectic crazy week. Soon after, I changed and headed to meet some friends for River Rock!


We got there around 9, grabbed some beers and then posted up to listen to some great live bluegrass music, including the popular Keller Williams.



Overall, it was a great time spent with an amazing group of people. I am truly blessed to have met such a great group of people in the short amount of time I've been in Richmond, they have been so welcoming and inviting! I can't wait for more good times to be had together.

Saturday I let myself sleep in until about 10... shocking I know. Then I decided to get a bit crafty in the kitchen..
These cuties are baby potatoes I picked up from Trader Joes last week. I cut them in half and boiled them for about 12 minutes then sauteed them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and tarragon... amazing. 

After an amazing self made brunch, I headed out to the balcony for a little laying out. 

The rest of the day was spent studying at Barnes and Noble, boy I can't wait for this exam to be over!

Today I am heading into work for a bit but will hopefully be off in time to do some laundry and a little relaxing before the week begins!

Happy Sunday Y'all!

Yours truly, 
Em




Friday, May 18, 2012

Recap of the week

Sheesh did this week fly by! No complaints from my end, I am definitely looking forward to catching up on some sleep this weekend! While this week was off to a bit of a rocky start, it ended up being a lovely week...

Monday- I spilled coffee on myself being walking into work.. great I know. People were kind enough to lie to me and let me believe that somehow the coffee splatters looked like a design on my white shirt. Work was also a bit stressful that day, but it ended strong with a GREAT class of kickboxing! I am officially addicted.
Pants: Banana Republic
White Top: Forever 21
Sweater: The Limited

Tuesday was another rough one and a majority of my day was spent arguing back and forth with Bank Of America about why my new credit card has not yet made it to me... I was not a happy camper.

Shirt: Banana Republic
Green Pants: Old Navy

Wednesday I actually had the day off to head home and see my mom graduate from her Physical Therapy program! I squeezed in a quick run in the morning before I got on the road but was home early enough to spend some time with my mom and my grandma before the festivities started. I could not be more proud of her and was also glad to spend time with my family after a not so fun 2 days.

She's the first one on the end of the row in the orange!

Thursday morning I was a bit sluggish after driving back to Richmond so late but eager to get back to work and even more excited when my roommate told me about a yoga class she was going to after work. This yoga class was going to be held at St. Johns Church and I had heard awesome things about the instructor. I am so glad I went, the relaxation and stretching was exactly what I needed to end the week! After yoga my roommate and I headed to a friends for a great dinner and a few glasses of wine. 

Also another note about Thursday- when I'm at work I carry a pager around so that anyone can page me at anytime to get a hold of me. About an hour before I was about to leave work for the day, I received an anonymous page saying what a great job I am doing and the hospital is so happy to have me... talk about making a girls day!

Friday I wanted to get up early for a run, unfortunately that did not happen. Instead I headed to my favorite coffee spot for a bit of studying for my certification. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of my outfit before I flew out of the door but the day went quick and before I knew it I was home with a glass of wine in hand! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys this amazing weather!

Yours truly,
Em


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Let's Do Some Decorating...

Now that I have moved into my new apartment and have started getting more settled, I've been thinking of more ways to decorate my sweet little apartment. Here are some prints and ideas I have had my eye on...

Being that both my roommate and myself went to school in the south...this print seems extremely appropriate

My roommate has a weak spot for champagne and I think this will be fabulous in our kitchen

LOVE this peace/quiet pillowcase set

obsessed with the idea of different color chevron panel pieces

I happen to have an empty canvas and I think this is a great idea- masking tape and color of your choice. 

Yours truly,
Em






Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Trends To Look Forward To In Summer

With all the warm weather we are having here in VA, its hard not to get too eager for summer and start thinking of the different trends I am look forward to...

Heres a few that I am looking forward to trying most

Mint!


Bright patterns!


Color Block Maxi

Lace shorts/skirts



Hurry Up Summer!

Yours truly,
Em

Monday, May 14, 2012

Monday Monday Monday

Oh Monday we meet again...

Heres a few pictures of last week's outfits!

Cropped pants: Banana Republic
Top: Banana Republic
Sweater: The Limited

Dress: Forever 21
Sweater: The Limited

Dress pants: Banana Republic
Top: Old Navy

Cropped Pants: Banana Republic
Top: Target
Sweater: Old Navy


Dress pants: Banana Republic
Top: Target
Sweater: The Limited


Yours truly,
Em