2012 In Review and Hopes for 2013

Looking back at 2012, I can't believe how much has happened! Last year at this time I had just completed my internship and moved home to start my first job post college as a preschool teacher. It had been a LONG time since I lived at home and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited to be back home with parents and lets be honest- life while living at home isn't too bad. I also loved my first job as a preschool teacher and thought it was a great transition between ending college and finding my current job. Also while at home I got to spend lots of time with friends from high school who I had not seen in so long- it was so great spending time with them and pretending like we were back in high school for girls nights. 

During this period at home, I also took the time to focus in on my health and more importantly what I was putting into my body. I pulled back on dairy and switched to almond milk and started cooking with a lot more veggies and tofu. While I can't say my parents were thrilled about these changes, it definitely set me up for starting to cook for one when I moved into my apartment. 

Mid-way through the spring, I accepted a job in Richmond and moved myself and my life to a new city where I knew almost no one! Even to this day, I still can't believe how big of a move I made in terms of not knowing anyone but luckily I have been fortunate enough to meet a great group of girlfriends! Most of my time spent in my new town has been spent working and while that sounds boring, I have made a lot progress in my current position and after the new year will be getting a mini promotion! 

I have never been someone that is big on resolutions so instead here are a few prints I have found that capture I want to look at 2013!

Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and has a wonderful start to the New Year!

Catching up from Christmas!

Hey Y'all sorry I'm a bit late on my update from Christmas but better late then never! Christmas flew by extra fast this year, being that I had to work the day before Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. I wasn't home for long but I still loved spending the time with my family and friends! I actually am back home now for the weekend and New Years Eve which  definitely makes up for the short visit. Here are a few snapshots of our holiday!

One of my best friends and her family come over every year for Christmas eve and being that I don't get to see her too much throughout the year, I love knowing she'll be there every year to catch up with! She also just graduated Nursing school and landed her first nursing job, could not be more proud of her!

Life of the party... aka my sweet gram!

3 generations 

Wednesday I was back at work and although I wasn't thrilled to be away from my family, I made sure to treat myself to a few things...

Since moving to Richmond, I have been eager to find something else to do on days where going to the gym and getting on a treadmill or elliptical is a task far from happening. After doing some research online and finding a Groupon for Barre classes, I quickly signed... and quickly fell in love. While I am not sweating profusely throughout these classes, they absolutely leave me with the feeling that I will be sore the next day. So far I have been to 3 and can't wait to keep going!

One of the gifts I received for Christmas was a gift card to B&N, this was perfect because I had just finished my book last week. I have just started this book and so far love it! It also didn't hurt to read with a glass of red and a new candle.

Now that I am home until after the New Year, I plan on doing lots of relaxing, spending time with family, and heading to this city to ring in 2013!

This year I am going out in D.C to the National Harbor with one of my best friends, Jenna! I could not be more excited for a night out on the town with this girl maybe a few glasses of wine.

Lately and a few Christmas Deals!

Sorry I have been so M.I.A... along with the rest of the human race... this time of year is CRAZY- especially if you work at a Children's Hospital and are trying to get organize Christmas for patients that will be in the hospital over the holiday! 

Here's a few updates what I have been up to...

Attended my fabulous work party- it was SO much fun and I would be lying if I said I wasn't struggling a bit the next day.

 

Received this sweet gift from a friend for our secret santa exchange

Speaking of the Pirates.. I also treated myself to this new tervis and have been using every day... all day

 Lots of Christmas shopping...

Snuck in a quick treat myself... nothing like a McDonald's fry and coke (yes coming from the girl whos diet consists of veggies, salmon, and tofu)

Most importantly though- the Childrens Hospital I work at decided to make a music video as part of the 12 days of Cheer promotion! Take a look- it is super cute and was so much fun to make! Unfortunately I did not make it into the movie due to getting patients organized and ready but I could not be more happy with how it turned out!

Hope everyone is finished or finishing their Chistmas shopping- there are some GREAT deals out there right now!

 

Check out a few that I have spotted...

50% off everything at Loft!

40% off everything at Gap Outlet

40% off Denim at Gap... love Gap jeans

40% off everything at Express

As for this weekend- I am working Saturday and Sunday and then will be headed home to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my amazing family and friends! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and is able to spend it with the ones they love!

Christmas List- The Apartment Wish list

Having a new apartment makes my Christmas wish list a bit longer then usual... however everything I have chosen is moderately priced and ABSOLUTELY cute. I am fortunate enough to already know a few of the things I am getting... one of those being a new flat screen TV! I CANT wait to get this in my living room on a new entertainment center. Below are a few items that have been emailed to my parents, fingers crossed I see a few of them under the tree!

New Bedding:

I currently have this set in white and while I do love it, I have decided I want the colors of my bedroom to be grey and navy blue... simple and chic. 

And of course new bedding deserves new pillows...

I have asked for 2 of these chevron throw pillows!

This small lumbar pillow will go in front of the two chevron. I think the mixing of prints against the grey will look great! 

To go with my navy and gray theme, I have asked for these simple navy curtains. 

Living room:

To go with my new flat screen, I have asked for a simple black TV stand that will go perfect with the rest of my living room furniture!

And clearly a few new candles... this girl is candle obsessed.

It's a lot but I think it will be the finishing touches on the new place!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Better Late Then Never... Lets Talk Boyfriend...

Hey Y'all, so I am little late to pick up on this trend but I am absolutely loving it and pondering a pair to get for myself. No I am not talking a boyfriend... I am talking about boyfriend jeans! Girl, please... I am young, single, living in a new city and far from getting a boyfriend. However what I do want is a pair of boyfriend jeans that can be worn on weekends and easily transitioned from day to night. Here's a coupe looks that have led to my new obsession...

Anyone have any recommendations on brands or styles? 

Yours truly, 

Em

Neiman Marcus at Target

Lets take a second to chat about Neiman Marcus at Target... because this girl has some serious needs from this new collection. I have yet to make to my local Target because I have been working all weekend but you can bet that I will be checking it out this week! Hopefully a few of these will be left by the time I get there!

I am loving this Tracy Reese blouse and think it would be SO cute with some black skinnies and nude pumps. Perfect for a holiday party!

A set of these desperately need to make their way into their my china hutch to have when entertaining guests

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Tory Burch thermos... hello lover. 

Carolina Herrera Travel bags- I love all the different colors and sizes. Perfect for putting your make up in one and jewelry in another for traveling.

Absolutely obsessed with this Thom Browne blazer. It could be dressed down with a pair of loafers and boyfriend jeans or dressed up with skinnies and booties!

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

Yours truly, 

Em