Weekend

Happy Friday! I am so excited the weekend is finally here after a long and stressful week, I can't wait to unwind and relax. This weekend I am heading out of town to cheer on the Pirates for the first game of the season! I can't wait to be back in my college town surrounded by some of my best friends. Other plans for the weekend include catching up on Breaking Bad (a new addiction) and getting lots of sleep for lack thereof this past week. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, here are a few finds from this week...

< Ever since seeing the coveted tartan scarf from Zara last season I have been on the hunt for something similar and am happy to announce this gem is currently on it's way to me! Here's a few styling looks I can't wait to try- 1, 2, 3

<  Miranda Lambert recently lost a ton of weight and although she looked great before... that girl is fit. I'm looking forward to trying out this routine next week. 

< This spinach pie recipe looks too easy not to try, perfect to throw together before a tailgate! 

< Now that my hair has finally grown out after chopping it nearly 2 yeas ago, I am itching to make a change and love this long bob. 

< This quote is spot on.

Next week I will be making a BIG announcement- stay tuned for details! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Back To Basics

Back To Basics by ead0724 featuring a long sleeve jacket

With Fall officially on the way I've been looking for looks that easily transition into fall. I love the above look fora fun night on the town or getting together with friends. A classic white tee and blazer is one of my favorite combinations, paired with boyfriend jeans and booties you have a great look for any occasion. I chose a few of my favorite basic staples- GiGi clutch, Michael Kors watch, and Stella and Dot wrap to complete the look. 

What are your favorite staples?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Updates and Whereabouts

Lately life has been so crazy its hard for me to remember things I've updated and posted about on the blog. Some of these pictures you may have seen if you follow me on instagram but I thought it would be fun to share a bit of what I have been up to...

Quite mornings spent at the beach with a new book and cup of coffee. While I do love sleeping in, waking up early at the beach is on of my favorite times, before anyone else has gotten up it's so nice to have that peaceful time just to myself. 

Girls night out with my roommates at a local concert venue. My roommates and I each have such different schedules but I love when we are able to get together and do things, especially when it's checking out a favorite yacht rock cover band!

Grabbing coffee with a friend to kick start the weekend. Lamplighter  is one of my favorite coffee spots in Richmond, a definite must try if you are in the area. 

A day off filled with errands, coffee, and mixing patters. I'm normally not one to play with patterns but was pretty pleased with my turn out of stripes and floral. 

A yummy new recipe I will share this week- Blueberry Yogurt Oat Bread. 

What have you been up to lately?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Back To Reality

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The past 3 days I was lucky enough to get away to the beach for a little midweek break. It's was my last time at the beach for the summer and I'm already missing the feel of the sun and sand. I absolutely love life at the beach; sleeping in, spending all day on the beach with a good book, happy hours outside, and a general feeling of being relaxed and content. There's no makeup and I'm even lucky if I run a brush through my hair... Au natural completely. Although I'm sad to be back from the beach and to be working all weekend, a part of me is ready to be back to normal routine after a hectic and crazy summer. Most important, next week is the start of football season and I can't wait to be back in Greenville for the first Pirate game! Here's a few items for this weeks round up... 

- Last year I never fulled jumped on the "bootie" bandwagon due to the fact I could never find a pair that looked quite right. These are beautiful and I am anxious to try them out.

-  One of my favorite dinners to throw together- so easy but so yummy. This will definitely be on the menu for this week! 

- Swooning over this fall scarf. 

-  With Fall just around the corner, I am loving all these fun Essie colors! 

- I've been saying for some time now that I am dying to visit Chicago and after seeing this feature on The Everygirl I think I know where I'm staying. 

- This quote is spot on. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily An

Weekend Recap- Ultimate Hike

This past weekend I had the honor of hiking in the Ultimate Hike fundraiser through Cure Search. Cure Search is a children's cancer research organization that is used across the nation and tied directly to COG (Children's Oncology Group.) The Ultimate Hike took place in Dolly Sods, West VA and was a total of 21 miles. In order to hike in the challenge it was mandatory to raise $2500... something that definitely intimidated me at first but I am relieved to say I reached my goal! I completed the hike with 2 of my coworkers, an attending and a nurse practitioner and collectively we raised over $9,000! 

Our morning started out bright dark at 3am on Saturday when were were supposed to be up and ready for breakfast at 3:45. Once all the hikers were up and ready, we took vans to the starting point which was about an hour away from our lodge. We began hiking a little before 6am and had around 7-8 miles before we came to our first stop. The morning was absolutely freezing and even with 3 shirts I was shivering and antsy to get warmed up. The sun began to come up about an hour after we started and made for the most amazing sunrise... 

At our first stop we unloaded any layers we no longer needed, grabbed water/Gatorade and snacks and did a bit of stretching. Our next stop was about 5 miles away and marked the halfway point. Here's a few of the views we were able to take in along the way

It was absolutely amazing and every few miles the terrain was different. At times it would be heavily woodsy and under the trees while others were in wide open fields with tall grass and wild flowers.

Stop 2 to 3 was the shortest and was just about 2 miles, leaving with us with a little over 5 until the finish line. The last part of the hike was definitely the most trying but didn't get really hard until the last 2 miles. The last mile was an incline and definitely the worst part of the hike but knowing we were so close definitely helped push me forward. Once we crossed the finish I was beyond happy and even more excited to see my family! 

It was an exhausting day that I am still a bit sore from but definitely one of my favorite events yet and something that means a lot to me. 

This is the group I hiked with and I couldn't be more thankful to have them along the way, you get really close on a hike that long with the people you are hiking with. 

I'm pretty sure I will do the hike again next year and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested! 

The rest of Saturday night included scarfing down fries for dinner... healthy I know but with over 3,000 calories burned this girl did not care. I was in bed by about 8 and woke up bright and early to hit the road back to Richmond. Sunday included unpacking, laundry, errands, and repacking for the beach! Tonight I am headed down to Top Sail to spend a few days at the beach relaxing and enjoying company with friends. 

Cheers to a great week ahead!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Last Of The Beach Days

Last Of The Beach Days by ead0724 featuring a stripe beach towel

Off To The Mountains

This weekend I am officially off the mountains for my Ultimate Hike! I can't believe it's finally here and that tomorrow starting at 3:45 a.m I'll be hiking 21 miles! It's going to be a long day but by the end I know I'll be so excited and ready for some celebrating. Ultimate Hike is a great organization that raises money for Cure Search, a children's cancer research organization. I have absolutely loved being apart of the organization and getting to meet so many amazing people through my training hikes. My family is making the drive and will be there along the trail to cheer me on and I can't wait to see them. You can follow along with my weekend through my instagram- link to the side! 

What are you weekend plans?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Thoughts For Thursday: Currently

Today's thoughts for Thursday include everything I currently have my eye on. With Fall just around the corner I am finding myself drawn more and more to pieces that can be worn from late August into the cooler temps. 

One.

This Larkin Tote from Banana Republic is beautiful and could definitely be worn throughout most seasons. Bonus that it's on sale right now!

Two.

I am a sucker for anything stripped and this dress definitely makes the cut. Can't beat a good Target find. 

Three.

Normally I just use a simple Neutrogena facial cleanser to remove my makeup at night. While this does the job, I often feel like I still have some makeup on my face. This cleanser is a bit thicker and would be perfect for the cooler months ahead when my skin tends to need a bit more moisture. 

Four.

Gold and leather strap watch... perfection. 

Five.

These candles were recently on sale during the Nordstroms Anniversary sale and I can't believe I forgot to snatch them up. I love all these scents and love that the design of the tins add a little something extra to the room their placed in.

Six. 

Drooling over these grey suede scalloped heels, absolutely to die for. 

Anything you currently have your eye on?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Emily Ann, An Introduction

Last week two of my favorite bloggers, Tess and Natasha both posted these introduction posts and I couldn't help but follow in their footsteps for today's post! Here's a little more introduction about myself for those that don't know me too well and a little bit more info for those that do...

Name/Occupation/Age/Stats

Emily-

My mother named me after a soap opera star Emily Ann, not the greatest story but absolutely true. I used to not be the biggest fan of my name but it's definitely grown on me and now I love it. One of my grandfathers has always called me by my whole name, Emily Ann and to this day I love hearing him say it. I am 25 and live in Richmond, VA. I moved here just a little over two and a half years ago. I am originally from the Annapolis, Maryland area and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss home on a weekly basis. However my heart will always be in North Carolina where I attended college and completed my internship. There is nothing like driving south and seeing that Welcome To North Carolina sign! Fingers crossed life will take me back there some day!

Child Life Specialist. 

I am currently a Child Life Specialist at Children's Hospital of Richmond and work with pediatric inpatient hematology/oncology patients. My job is to take the stress away from being hospitalized. We provide normalizing opportunities and materials for patients while they on the floor, including toys, movies, and crafts. However a large majority of my job and my favorite part is explaining new diagnosis and procedures and providing distraction and relaxation for invasive procedures. This could be anything from explaining an MRI, IV, diabetes, leukemia, or a major surgery. I absolutely love my job, especially working with my hem/onc kiddos and am so thankful for the opportunity to meet such amazing children and their families during a stressful time and be a support to them in any way I can. 

Family Info. 

I am actually an only child! My parents separated when I was 2 and both have remarried. My mom and stepdad live in the Annapolis area, while my dad and stepmom reside in New Jersey. I have a slew of aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides and am so fortunate I am not far from my family. They are truly a blessing. 

Favorite Hobbies.

Reading, blogging, working out, cooking, shopping, enjoying wine, trips to Barnes and Noble, spending time with friends and family, football games, and coffee.

Five Things I Can't Live Without

1. Wine- shocker that this is #1 but I am true fan of wine. Whether it's after a long day or enjoying a glass outside, I love wine and it makes me happy. 

2. Time Spent with Friends. I absolutely live for anytime I get to spend with my friends. It picks me up, puts me in a good mood and I am so fortunate to have the best friends around. 

3. Music. This girl is a fan of all different types of music at any time of day. I listen to music while I'm getting ready in the morning, I normally sing in the shower, jam on the way to work... music is great and can definitely be a mood changer. 

4. Books. I love reading and always have even at a young age. There is something so great about getting lost in a book for hours and not wanting to put it down until its finished. 

5. Working out. This is definitely a love hate but I'm convinced if I didn't work out I would be a good 10-15lbs heavier. I love the feeling after a good workout and even more that it allows me to have some of my favorite things without feeling guilty aka pizza and wine. 

Favorite Things To Do

Some of my favorite things to do include listening to live music- outdoor concerts are the best but any sort of live music and I am happy. I love taking my weekly visits to Barnes and Noble to peruse the books and magazines, visiting wineries and breweries, and going to the river. 

Go To Outfit.

I am a big fan of dresses, especially comfy casual ones. I tend to pair these with a scarf or statement necklace, jacks and call it a day! 

Biggest Pet Peeves. 

Not nice drivers and people who use the last of the toilet paper and don't replace it. Not a whole lot tends to bother me which I guess is a good thing. 

Typical Day. 

I am normally up by 5:45 and either off the gym or spin before work or hopping in the shower to get to work early so that I can head out early for a work out. I normally work 4, 10 hour shifts. I do have to work weekends but they are normally short and not too stressful. I get to work anywhere between 7 and 8:30 depending on if I worked out in the morning or not. Every day has a different set of meetings and rounding schedules but I normally leave anywhere between 5-7, again depending on when I got to work. Once I am off work, I normally head home to unwind and cook dinner. Most evenings you can find me in the kitchen, glass of wine and pandora cooking away. 

Favorite Go-To Beauty Products

This is definitely an area I wish I was better about as I tend to try different products all the time. However currently a few of my favorites include: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, NYX Boudoir Collection Mascara, Bare Minerals Ready Bronzer, Rosebud Salve Tube

Favorite Music/Bands/Singers

I love all different kinds of music, anything from country to pop to acoustic. A few of my go to favorites are Van Morrison, John Mayer, Mumford and Sons, Alabama Shakes, 1975, and Dave Matthews. 

 My Top 10 Movies

Hmm definitely a toughie but I would say Father Of The Bride, Godfather, Weddings Crashers, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gone With The Wind, Little Women, Love Actually, Hocus Pocus, Sixteen Candles, How to Lose A Guy in 10 days

Favorite Foods To Make:

Salmon, roasted veggies, homemade pizza, and omelets. 

Other Q&A
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Teacher
Beauty secret: Washing your face at night
Celebrity crush: Jake Johnson aka Nike from New Girl 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Monday Musings...Bedrooms

This past weekend was pretty uneventful being that I worked both Saturday and Sunday. With that being said, I am skipping the weekend report and choosing to post about something a bit more fun, new bedroom inspiration! I have lived in my apartment about a year now and I am embarrassed to admit how little I have done with my bedroom. When I first moved in I had all these plans of making a headboard, distressing my dresser, and adding a desk... none have actually happened. The colors of my room now are white, grey, and navy. Here's some looks I am loving and using as inspiration for a little bedroom pick me up...

I love the pops of different patterns against the white comforter and pillows. 

Love the addition of other colors  the side table lamps.

This one grew on me a bit, I love the addition of gold and coral along with pattern. 

Love the navy headboard and distressed bench at the foot of the bed. 

Loving everything about this look. 

TJ Maxx and Homegoods are normally my go to spot followed by Target and World Market for anything home related. Over the next few months I would love to add more pieces to my bedroom as well as invest in things I know I will have for a long time. 

Where do you go when needing new items for your house?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann