Thankful

This year I am celebrating Thanksgiving a bit different then I have in years past. I am not in Maryland with my family or hungover from a fun night out with my friends last night. I'm not planning my Black Friday shopping or wishing I hadn't had that last piece of pie. 

This year I am spending my Thanksgiving working, working with patients and families that never cease to amaze me with their strength. This Thanksgiving feeling thankful has an extra special meaning because it's the first time I've ever been away from my family on a holiday. My family means the world and more to me, they are my support through anything and the people who have raised me and shaped me into the person I am today. While I am missing them today, I am feeling humbled and grateful to be working where I am today. I am and have been incredibly fortunate in life, I have always had a roof over my head, a loving family, good health, and friends I don't know what I would do without. Every one is dealt different cards in life and I have to say I am a lucky winner. Today rather then feeling sad and upset over being away from my family, I choose to be happy and thankful for all that I have been blessed with. Today I choose to be a little cheer to my patients and their families who day after day are faced with more obstacles and hardships yet still find a way to smile. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Friday Friday Friday I am so glad you are finally here. This weekend I am hoping for warm weather after some pretty chilly days this week. Saturday I am heading to ECU to cheer on the Pirates with friends. We are in need of a serious win and I am hoping the home game will do just the trick. Sunday will be spent getting ready for next week and then heading to a friends for "Friendsgiving." Now onto some finds throughout the week!

/ If there's one thing you do this weekend, make sure you swing by Sephora and pick up this mask. So far I have used it twice this week and am already in love. Both times after using it my face has looked brighter, refreshed, and like I've just slept 10 hours. 

/ Last night my roommate and I were both craving cookies but disappointed to find we didn't have any flour. After googling a few recipes, we decided on this recipe. Instead of peanut butter we used almond butter and they turned out so good, a definitely try if your looking for an easy cookie recipe!

/With a few friendsgiving get togethers coming up, I am thinking this sangria will part of my contribution. 

/Around this time we all start thinking of New Year's resolutions and what we will focus on for the upcoming year. When making these resolutions it's hard not to think of past resolutions and become down on ourselves for never fully checking them off our list. This article is spot on about not being hard on yourself, picking yourself, and focusing on what's important. 

/ This is 100% true and such a good reminder. 

Here's to a good weekend ahead, cheers!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

This and That: Planners, Wine, and More

Anyone else counting down the seconds until Friday? I swear last week flew by and this week didn't seem to move at all. Today's post is a random assortment of catching up + some mid week thoughts...

 (one)

A few weeks ago Kristina over at Medicine & Manicures posted about May Designs and how they were recently featured as one of Oprah's favorite things. As someone who takes their planners pretty seriously, I decided to check them out and absolutely loved what I found. Not only are there so many covers to choose from, you are able to customize just about everything. These would make the perfect gift for the upcoming Holidays and are super affordable. 

(two)

Hot Chocolate + being snuggled in bed... my favorite as of lately.

(three)

I am still on the hunt for a camel "poncho" sweater. I originally wanted this one but was so sad to find they sold out in my size. I stumbled on the one pictured above but still don't know if it's exactly what I am looking for or if there is something better out there. Opinions?

(four)

I am currently reading this book and loving every page. I believe I will be finishing in the next few days and am looking for my next read- suggestions welcome!

(five)

This week I tried out Whole Food's brand of wine, Three Wishes. I would say the concept is similar to that of Trader Joes and the Two or now Three Buck Chuck. If your in the south or NC region, I've also heard Harris Teeter is also now offering their own brand of wine, Oak Creek for a similar price. While I can't speak to the Oak Creek, I can say that I tried the Three Wishes Cabernet Sauvignon and was very pleased. It was very smooth and for just $3 would definitely buy it again and try the others. 

(six)

My best friend Alison has decided to join the blogging world and I could not be more excited. Alison and I met in high school, attended different colleges, and now live in 2 different states. Even though we haven't lived in the same place for years, she has been and will always be my closest friend. Alison just recently passed the bar exam and is a lawyer living in Baltimore, MD. Please be sure to stop by and check out her new blog, Barred in Baltimore!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Wednesday Eats: My New Favorite Black Bean Burger

When people ask me what I miss most about not eating meat my answer is always the same- burgers. It's been about 3 years since I have had a good juicy cheesy burger and boy do I miss it. Choosing to not eat meat is 100% my own choice and I do not have a problem with people that do by any means. My decision is simply a personal choice but also not something I think will be sustained for years and years to come. Due to my love of burgers, I am always trying to find the next best thing and have been highly satisfied by a variety of veggie/black bean burgers. I've tried multiple recipes over the years but I think I have finally found a favorite...

Pioneer Women's Black Bean Burger 

(Source)

This recipe is hands down amazing and I can't wait to make it again. The recipe makes 4 large patties and left me with enough for different lunch and dinner options throughout the week. I also plan to make these again and freeze a few for last minute options. 

Ingredients: 

2 Cans of Seasoned Black Beans, drained but not rinsed

1 cup of Breadcrumbs

1/4 cup of Grated White Onion ( I actually didn't measure mine and probably used less)

1 Egg

Splash of Chili Powder ( I added a bit more then normal because I like things spicy)

Salt and Pepper

Hot Sauce (I used Sriracha because it's what I had on hand)

Empty your drained black beans into a large bowl, using a fork begin mashing the beans until most are broken but leaving a few whole. Once most of black beans are mashed, add in rest of ingredients. Mix until well combined and form into 4 large patties. Add a bit of olive oil or your choice of nonstick spray and place patties in pan. Cook each patty about 4-5 minutes on one side before switching to the other. I waited until mine had a little charring on each side and then took them off the pan. These can be added to a bun like a normal burger, or eaten plain with just a slice of cheese. You could also add them to a salad and create a taco salad! 

I promise this recipe will not disappoint and is too easy to not try!

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Emily Ann

My Favorite Things- Christmas Wish-list

Happy Tuesday friends! Before I talk about my Christmas Wish-list, I have to mention this past weekend and how amazing it was. I have become horrible about documenting my weekends but truth be told I don't mind it. There's something nice about not paying attention to your phone or worrying about taking enough pictures, simply because your enjoying the moment. 

Friday night I didn't get out of work until late and was so tired I knew it would be an early night. On my way home I stopped and got a personal pizza from Whole Foods and a bottle of wine. I caught up on Greys and Scandal from the night before and was asleep by 10... totally OK in my book. 

Saturday morning I hit the gym for Muscle Pump then ran a few errands and did some cleaning around the house. That afternoon I headed to my friend, Mackenzie's house for some relaxing before a fun girls night out. Mackenzie is my little in my sorority and I am so thankful we are finally living in the same area. Saturday night we headed out for a fun dinner at Sushi Blues and then grabbed a few yummy cocktails at Clockwork. We had such a fun night catching up and enjoying each other's company, it was just what the doctor ordered after a stressful week at work! 

Sunday we continued our girls fun and headed to the mall for a little shopping. We spent nearly forever in Sephora, both being makeup junkies and walked out with some fun new makeup. Next we hit a few more stops before grabbing a late lunch. The rest of Sunday was spent cleaning around the house and getting ready for the week. Like I said... a wonderful weekend!

Now onto my Christmas Wish-list! 

This year I am so anxious to get home for the Holidays and spend time with my family. I normally have a few things in my that I want to ask for but this year I really had to think and do some research. I pulled a few things together and this is what I was able to come up with...

My Favorite Things- Christmas Wish-list by ead0724 featuring gold wristwatches

(One) Nars Cheek Set- Lately I am all about contouring and learning the art of what products to use and wear. I absolutely love Nars and currently use their blush and bronzer. This would be a great product to add to my collection to play a bit more with highlighting and definition. 

(Two) Paige "Huxton" Skinny Jeans- Paige is one of my favorite brands of jeans, they are soft but structured and don't need to be washed after every wear due to stretching out. I am a bit picky when it comes to my jeans and prefer them higher waisted, as well as super tight throughout the leg. 

(Three) Sultra The Bombshell Curling Iron- A friend of my mine has this wand and I can't wait to have it as well. It gives the perfect large barrel curls and looks so natural. I also think that using this wand holds better then using a regular clamp curling iron. 

(Four) Tory Burch Caroline Patent Ballet Flat- Call me absolutely insane but I do not own one pair of Tory Burch flats. I also bought a pair a few months ago during one of the Tory Burch sales but for the life of me could not decide which pair I wanted. I've decided on this pair and couldn't love them more, they go with nearly everything and actually look comfortable. 

(Five) Sam Edelman Penny Boot in Black- When it comes to riding boots, I have always stuck to a brown or cognac color. Black boots have never looked quite right on me until I tried this pair. My favorite thing about these boots is how plain and simple they are, nothing too extravagant, just a basic black boot with button detail. 

(Six) Kate Spade Gramercy Grand Watch- My gold watch broke a few months ago and I still can't believe I haven't given in and bought another one. I love this watch and think its incredibly elegant with the pearl background detail. 

(Seven) Steve Madden Galleryy Pump- Probably one of the things I need most on this list are these nude pumps. They are perfect and would go with so much and are just tall enough without making me nervous I would fall over. Also a steal right now at under $50!

(Eight) GiGi New York Uber Clutch- I have admired these beautiful clutches from afar for far too long now. I love this deep magenta color and would definitely add a gold monogram in the center for an added touch. 

What's on your Christmas wish-list?

Yours truly,

Emily Ann

Weekend

I am literally in shock that Friday is already here, this week absolutely flew by and I am so happy the weekend is here. On tap for this weekend includes catching up on sleep, relaxing, and staying warm in the chilly weather we are supposed to be getting. I haven't had a weekend in a few weeks with no plans and I must say they are my favorite. Here's a few finds and favorites from this past week!

/ Last week I whipped up some of Christina's Easy Pumpkin Bread. It was so easy to make and made for the perfect sweet treat throughout the week!

/ These booties... I need. 

/ As someone who battles dry dull skin all winter long, I can't wait to check out some of these masks. 

/ Tips on shopping in your own closet and making the pieces you have work. I am so guilty of having a closet full but nothing to wear. 

/ Truth. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Currently

This week has flown by and I am not complaining one bit! My mind has been a bit cloudy due to busy days at work and terrible sleep so I thought today deserved a "Currently" post...

Smelling: The smell of fresh coffee, a personal favorite. 

Making: Way too many excuses on why I can't make it to the gym, help!

Wearing: Lately my uniform at work has consisted of cropped pants, blouse, and flats. 

Cooking: A new black bean burger I can't wait to share!

Listening: Lots of sneezing and sniffling through the hallways of my hospital, yuck, 

Wanting: A camel colored sweater poncho... recs?

Drinking: Lots of coffee in the morning and a glass of red at night.

Loving: Having 0 plans this weekend other then to catch up on sleep

Eating: Warm steel cut oats with a dollop of almond butter.

Wishing: I could replay last weekend with my friends and family all over again. 

Reading: The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty... so good!

Needing: A pedicure, it is way over due y'all. 

Noticing: The importance of starting your day with positive thoughts. 

What are some of your "currentlys" ?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend + Feeling Grateful

This past weekend was for lack of better words absolute perfection. I was long overdue for a good weekend at home and boy did I get one this weekend. Friday I was able to scoot out of work a bit early and was immediately headed North. I also picked up Taylor Swift's new cd for my drive and it did not disappoint, I jammed the entire way home. 

Friday night was spent spending time with my parents and grandmother just catching up and enjoying each other's company. I whipped up spaghetti for everyone and then camped on the couch with a glass of red and Pottery Barn's Holiday issue. 

Saturday I was up early and out the door to grab coffee and walk around downtown Annapolis with my friend Kerry. I practically lived in this scarf all weekend and loved how warm and cozy it feels. 

Of course I had to snap some pictures of all the beautiful sail boats. Annapolis is known for it's sailing and it adds such a special touch to the town. 

Next I met my mom downtown for more walking around and a quick lunch. We grabbed mussels and fries at a new downtown spot and it totally hit the spot. 

I also was lucky enough to meet up with a few friends at a popular downtown spot, Pussers for a few drinks and catching up. 

I can't believe I don't have any pictures from Saturday night because my family was sweet enough to do a mock Thanksgiving for me since I will not be able to make it home this year. We had lots of family and friends over and so much yummy food. My best friend Alison and her parents were in attendance and I was so happy to be ale to spend time with them. Alison just passed the bar exam and I could not be more proud of her! 

Sunday we grabbed brunch in Eastport then headed to the Naval Academy to see some of my family that was working and playing in a lacrosse tournament. The Academy is absolutely gorgeous and something I enjoy seeing every time I am home. 

My mom, cousin Shannon, Aunt Donna, and Gram! 

Overall it was such an amazing weekend and has left me feeling so grateful on this Monday morning. While I am so sad I won't be back home until Christmas, I am so thankful for this past weekend. Good time with family and friends, yummy meals, and beautiful weather... what more could a girl ask for. 

Weekend

I am so excited Friday is finally here for multiple reasons but mostly because I am heading home today and can't wait to see my friends and family! We are doing a mock Thanksgiving on Saturday since I am unable to be home for actual Thanksgiving and to say I am excited is an understatement. I was lucky enough to be given a half day at work and can't wait to hit the road with a coffee and T Swift's 1989. Here's a few things I stumbled upon this week...

/ A favorite Southern dish, this recipe looks amazing.

/ I'm not sure I could pull it off but I absolutely love this vest, perfect for the cooler temps and staying cozy but perfectly chic.

/ I would have no problem calling this living room mine.

/ It's never too early to start taking care of your skin, this guide was helpful and determining what's best for your age.

/ Couldn't have said it better myself.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Favorite Makeup Buys- October

I don't know about y'all but this season my skin made a quick change once the weather got a bit chillier. Winter is so harsh on skin and I find that I end up changing my routine completely from late summer/fall into the colder months. Last month I had a great visit to Sephora and left with some amazing new makeup that I have been loving ever since.

1. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer- Radiance.  Primers and my skin have never exactly gotten along and most of the time they have broken my face out left me feeling greasy and with too much product on my face. A makeup consultant at Sephora recommended this after I described how my face had been looking dull and needed a little pick me up. This has just the right amount of shimmer without looking like your face is covered in sparkles. I absolutely love it and highly suggest trying it!

2. Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation. I used this when it first came out maybe a year or two ago and for the life of me don't know why I stopped. They have so many colors that can be matched the exact pigment of your skin and it blends beautifully. I love that it can be a full coverage but also buildable for days you just need a tiny bit of coverage. 

3. MAC "Pro Longwear" Concealer. A friend of mine has been using this concealer forever and I finally decided to try it out for myself. I have dark circles pretty regularly and need something that covers and stays all day and this definitely does the trick. I went a shade lighter then I matched just to give a little extra pop around my eyes. It's also a steal for just $20, especially since you need just a tiny bit each use. 

4. Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder. This is another product that I have used in the past and recently bought again after I found a pressed powder version. Previously I had the loose powder pot and it just seemed to get everywhere. You can find the one I bought and am using when in line at Sephora in the sample section. I think this powder does a great job of setting my makeup and also covering shine throughout the day. 

What new products have you tried out lately?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

This and That

Lord help us, we've almost made it to Friday! Wednedsay tend to be a little rough for me being that I work until 8 on Tuesdays and don't end up getting home until about 8:30/8:45. It doesn't seem late but I  always have the hardest time winding down from such a long day. This week has been so far so good and will end even better because come Friday afternoon, this girl is heading home! This year I will not be heading home for Thanksgiving and most likely not until Christmas so when a free weekend popped up for this coming one, I just couldn't say no! Here's a few items and confessions occupying my mind until Friday...

+ I did not vote yesterday. It's awful and I hate that I'm admitting it but I said it. I am not yet registered to vote in NC and also didn't go through the process for voting back at home. 

+ My scalp has become so dry this season that I have contemplated doing a hot oil treatment. I know that sounds extreme but as someone that has to wash their hair every day, I am not sure what else to do!

+ Since I am not going home for Thanksgiving I thought it would be a fun idea to pose a "friendsgiving" to a few girlfriends. Anyone ever hosted or participated in a friendsgiving and have any advice on number of people or dishes?

+ I am hoping to get a bit of my Christmas shopping done this weekend while I am at home. I'm usually pretty last minute so this year I am trying to step it up a bit so I don't have to worry about anything last minute. 

+ Speaking of Christmas, last weekend my sweet momma asked for a few ideas of things I want and I had not one in my head! Clearly I need to sit down and think of some good gift ideas!

+ I did not go out this past weekend and couldn't have been happier. There is something to be said for waking up on a Saturday or Sunday without a headache and feeling exhausted.

+ I love doing laundry but despise hanging up clothes that need to go in my closet. I tend to let them lay for a day or two before they actually make it back in my closet.

+ I am finally dropping my car off to be serviced for an oil change, it's about 2,000 miles overdue. Everything related to cars I'm not a fan of. 

+ A little midweek humor...

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Taste of Tuesday: Spicy Jalepeno Margaritas + Grilled Shrimp Nachos

Get ready for some yummy recipes- perfect for your next date night or girls night in. Lately I have been all about some margaritas, spicy jalepeno margaritas to be exact. I'm a little picky when it comes to my margaritas and despise the taste of those with a mix. I highly recommend this recipe, so tasty but definitely has a kick from the jalepenos...

Ingredients:

2 Jalepenos

2 ounces of White Tequila

1 once Triple Sec

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

2 limes

Salt

Begin by chopping your jalepenos and removing the seeds. We used about 1 and a half jalepenos but you could use as little or as much as you would like depending on how spicy you prefer. Next we added the jalepenos to the tequila along with the simple syrup and allowed it to infuse for a bit before adding the rest of the ingredients. I like a bit of salt with my margaritas and added a bit of salt to the rim of the glasses but wetting them and then dipping them in the salt. Next combine the infused tequila with the tripel sec and juice of 2 limes. Enjoy!

I also have made these and added pureed blackberries...holy yum. 

On to the next recipe... Grilled Shrimp Nachos. I couldn't find the recipe that we originally followed so am going to try and go from memory.

Ingredients:

1 pound of fresh shrimp

3 Roma tomatoes

3 Spring onions

1 onion 

2 Jalepenos

1 avocado 

1 can of black beans

1 cup of shredded pepperjack

1 cup of cheddar

1 block of cream cheese

1 bag of tortilla chips

Begin by chopping tomatoes, onion, jalepenos, spring onions. Sautee the onions for a few minutes until they become tender. While the onions are sauteeing, toss shrimp with olive oil and salt and pepper. Add shrimp to skewers and grill on each side for about 3-4 minutes. Once shrimp is grilled place to the side and check on onions. Add cream cheese block to onions, along with the other cheese. If it seems to need a little liquid, add a bit of olive oil. Stir onions and cheese together until a thick sauce has been made. Cover cookie sheet with foil, spray with non-stick spray and add a layer of tortilla chips. Begin layering the tomatoes, jalepenos, and black beans. To finish the nachos, add the grilled shrimp and top with cheese sauce. Bake for about 15 minutes at 350. Top with cubed avocado and enjoy!

I promise both of these recipes will not disappoint and are perfect to throw together when having friends over. 

Lastly, thank you so much to everyone who reached out after yesterday's post. So many of you knew exactly how I'm feeling and offered amazing advice. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on my progress and how things are going!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Monday's Mantra + Doing What's Best For Me

Happy Monday friends! How was everyone's weekend? Mine was pretty low key and absolutely perfect. 

Friday was a bit crazy at the hospital and pretty much consisted of running around getting things in order to make Halloween special for my sweet kiddos. We had a Halloween parade around the pediatric floor and it turned out so cute. Once I was off work I immediately hit up the grocery store for some necessities for my girls night with my friend Aubree. She just moved into the sweetest home and we were both looking forward to staying in, cooking dinner, and passing out candy. While I can't say we had many tricker treaters, we did whip up some yummy nachos and a batch of spicy Jalepeno margaritas. I have been on a major kick for these lately and promise to post recipe soon! After a few scary movies, we both crashed pretty early and woke up to a cold and rainy day on Saturday. After a quick bagel trip and relaxing on the couch we headed to meet some friends out to cheer on the Pirates. If you didn't catch the game, you didn't miss a thing- we played horrible and lost. Saturday night was spent grabbing tappas and a glass of wine with my roommate before calling it a night. The first part of Sunday was spent at my new part time job, yep that's right... this girl got a part time job. I'll share more on this later this week. The rest of Sunday was spent grabbing pizza and a drink with my roommates and lots of couch time relaxing as I have some developed ANOTHER cold. All in all it was a great weekend and I am feeling rested and ready for the week!

Today's mantra comes with a bit of a goal for November...

This week will officially mark 1 month since moving to North Carolina for my new job. It's been a complete whirl wind and I think I am finally starting to feel settled at my new job and living in a new city. With that being said, over the past month I have completely let my priorities fall to the way side. That may sound a bit extreme but I am majorly needing to get back to feeling like myself rather then rushing around each day and wondering where the day went. Being that November is all about Thanksgiving, I would like to focus on what I am thankful for and getting back to feeling like myself. For example, feeling thankful for the 1 body I have been giving and making the time to do what it needs- eating the right food, exercising, and resting. It's so easy to get pulled in so many different directions and want to stay late at work or go out multiple times with friends but the end result always leaves me feeling exhausted, unprepared, and with lots of anxiety. This month I want to focus more on what is important and leave the rest behind. End rant. 

If you're still reading you are a saint and thank you for letting me get this off my chest. Anyone have any advice on making time for what's best for them? I know it will be an adjustment but I think it will make the world of difference in how I feel each day and my attitude. 

Here's to getting through this week!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann