Thanksgiving Looks

Thanksgiving week is officially here and I am so excited to get home and spend some time with my family. Today I am sharing 2 Thanksgiving looks, one that is a tad dressier and another that is more relaxed. I am all about comfort on Thanksgiving and will be wearing something most resembling the second option.

Dressed Up...

Relaxed...

What do you typically wear on Thanksgiving?
Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Monday Monday Monday

Monday we meet again. The only thing slightly better about this Monday as opposed to others is that this is the start of a short week and I can't wait to be home with my family in just 2 days! 

I apologize for the silence last week but promise I have a good excuse! If you are a long time reader around here you know that I work in a children's hospital as a Child Life Specialist. Basically my job is to take the stress away from being in the hospital; I explain procedures, new diagnosis, medicines... everything in terms that children understand. This could mean explaining a surgery, or MRI, or IV, or really anything that occurs in the hospital. Within the last year I transitioned into a new job and started covering only pediatric cardiology patients, anything from babies with congenital heart defects to heart transplants. So far I have loved it and finally feel like I am getting a feel for all things cardiac, including getting to see a lot of of the procedures and surgeries. Last week was a HUGE week because I got to witness a heart transplant for a patient I am extremely close with. I worked over 18 hours in one day and came in at 4am just so wouldn't miss the new heart being placed and sewn and getting to see it start beating on it its. It was truly a miracle and I haven't stopped thinking about it since last week! Going into the Holiday week it makes me so thankful for my job and the opportunity to see these amazing miracles. So there's that and why posting last week just did not happen. 

This week I am hoping to get a few posts up, including Black Friday sales I am looking forward to as well as a gift guide or two! Until then I am sharing a little bit of Monday inspiration and hoping this day is short and sweet.

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekending

Monday Monday Monday we meet again, uhr. This past weekend was pretty low key and just what I needed after a stressful week last week. I was pretty hands off my phone this weekend so not too many pictures to share but here's a bit of how the weekend looked...

Friday afternoon my friend Kelly and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and headed out for walk, wine in hand. Unfortunately we couldn't walk too long as it has been getting dark so easily but it was a great way to unwind from the week. Next we headed to Trader Joes to get the fixings for this yummy cheese plate. 

Cheese used:

Pesto Gouda... absolutely amazing and a must try if you live near a Trader Joes

Mushroom Trufle Brie, another one of my favorites

Burratta (I drizzled some honey over the burratta which gives it a nice sweetness)

We stayed in and watch The Other Women which has quickly become one of my favorite easy going movies to watch. Then it was early to bed for this girl. 

Saturday morning I was up early and headed to the gym for a spin class + a run on the treadmill. I am doing a 5k in December and while a 5k sounds like no big deal, it has been a long time since I last ran in a race. After the gym I headed to the grocery store and then home to do some cleaning and laundry. 

Saturday afternoon I headed to a nearby brewery with friends and actually remembered to snap my outfit. 

Boots: Banana Republic (old)

Leggings: TJ Maxx

Shirt: J.Crew

Scarf: Loft

Saturday night was another low key night and included more cheese and crackers + wine. 

Sunday was spent being super productive of more cleaning and doing some meal prep for the week. Lately I have been staying so late at work that the last thing I feel like doing when I get home is cooking dinner. This week I decided to make all my meals on Sunday so I will just have to reheat and enjoy throughout the week.

Meals for this week include:

Ground turkey with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, onion and garlic. I may eat this plain or perhaps over some brown rice or spaghetti squash. 

Baked tofu with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. 

As for breakfast, overnight oats with almond butter and banana... my all time favorite. 

Also, today is the last day of the Sephora VIB sale, you can check out my picks here!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Sephora Picks

Happy Saturday loves! One of my favorite sales is currently going on and it's a great time to stock up on some of your favorite beauty buys or try some new ones. Enter VIB20 to currently get 20% off your purchase at Sephora! 

Here's a few things I will be getting and have my eye on...

Nars Audacious Mascara

Nars The Multiple

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil 

Alien by Thierry Mugler

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Basic Nude

Living Proof 5 in 1 Styling Treatment

Happy Shopping!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

I haven't been this relieved to see the weekend in so long and I am so happy to spend the next 2 days catching up on life and relaxing. On tap for this weekend includes running a few overdue errands, a few gym sessions, and spending time with friends. Cheers to a good weekend ahead and here is this week's links and finds...

// I don't share too many personal details on the blog and without getting into all the nitty gritty... lets just say this article hit the nail on the head. Let's just leave it at that and say that this week was hard but I am hoping for an easier one next week. 

// J. Lo's NYC apartment...ahmazing. Wonder if she needs a roomie. 

// Two of my favorite two foods- taco & pie... this is a must try. 

// This top for the holidays... yes please. 

// Let it be. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

New Makeup Favorites

This has become one of those weeks where you feel like someone will jump out any time and say just kidding... but then they dont. From 13+ hour days at work to some personal stressors, I am beyond ready for the weekend to arrive. On a happier note, today I am choosing to share a few of my favorite new makeup products that I have tried out over the past month or two. If you are like me, I can never try enough beauty products and am always thinking there must be something better out there. I've been really happy with all of these items and encourage you to check them out...

// Cleanser//

Andalou Naturals Kombucha Cleansing Gel
Maybe it's stress from work or increased traveling but for whatever reason my skin has been a nightmare lately. I am talking not just a spot here and there but full blown breakouts and redness. While in San Francisco my friend recommended and let me try out this cleanser that she has been using for awhile now. After using this 1 time, along with the night cream it was like my face got a giant cleanse and instantly looked better. I am currently awaiting mine to arrive via Amazon and can't wait to try out more of their products.


// Night Cream//

Adalou Night Repair Cream

As I mentioned above, I also tried the night cream and absolutely loved it. The next morning my face felt smoother, brighter, and softer but not greasy in the slightest. While I don't think this is a product I would need to use every day, I do think it is something I would use throughout the week or as needed if  my skin needed a little extra TLC. 

// Moisturizer//

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief by Clinique

This is a new product to me but something that has definitely become a quick favorite. When I first read moisture surge my initial thought was- greasy. However this product is a mix between a gel and a cream and leaves my face feeling anything but greasy. I have been using it both day and night and love the way my skin has been looking. 

// Foundation//

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hour Foundation

Holy moly y'all, this stuff lasts FOREVER! I tried it a few weeks ago while I was at home under the recommendation from my mom and I have been blown away. It's a pretty matte and moderate coverage so a little bit goes a long way and stays in place all day. I would definitely recommend trying this out. I am currently wearing the 103 Natural Buff shade. 

// Contour//

Highlight Lowlight Face Contour Duo by Sephora

This is probably my favorite out of all the products I have been trying lately and I plan to actually gift it to a few of my friends for Christmas. It's no secret around here that I am a fan of contouring and have tried several contour kits/ products. This "pen duo" if you will has been hands down my favorite and I love how easy it is to use. Apply the lighter, highlight shade to the area right below the eye, side of the nose, as well as the bridge of the nose and area between eyebrows. Once that is absorbed and completed, take the other darker shade and apply to the hollows of cheek uptoward the temples. Viola- perfect contouring!

That's all the new and exciting products I have for now. Hope everyone is having a great week so far- only 1 more day until Friday!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Weekending: SF

Happy Monday friends. Between traveling across the country for a quick weekend trip and waking up to rainy cold weather this morning...I am not feeling this Monday. Anyone else in favor of one more day between Sunday and Monday? This past weekend I was lucky enough to head back to one of my favorite cities for a work conference and of course spend some time with one of my best friends that lives in San Francisco. I am even more lucky because it was my second trip out there this fall and I am already looking forward to my next. Here's a bit of my trip looked...

In flight essentials- Magazines, Kind Bar, Illy Ice Coffee 

Because shouldn't every dog park have this view? We enjoyed a few beverages while taking Angelica's dog to the park for a late afternoon treat. 

Wine & Cheese... my happiness. We decided to check out a place both of us had heard good things about, West Coast Wine & Cheese and I am so glad we did. Everything from the service to the wine and the cheese recommendations were spot on and so good. 

A quick trip to the Bud Shop. 

I am kicking myself for not coming back with one of these gorgeous Turkish Towels that were on sale. They had a variety of colors and patterns and they will definitely be coming back with me next time. 

What did your weekend look like?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

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Happy Friday friends! I am currently posting from the comfort of a lovely king sized bed in San Francisco where I have a work conference for the weekend. I am so excited to be back in one of my favorite cities and even more excited to spend time with one of my best friends that lives out here. While I am out here we plan try out a few new restaurants and explore some new spots around the city. Here's this weeks round up of links and finds...

// I am swooning over this apartment, I'll move in any day. 

// This sweater has been on major repeat lately, it's perfect to throw on with leggings and flats or dressed up with leather leggings and booties. 

// I am on a major spaghetti squash kick lately and have been making a different recipe each week. Next week I plan to try out this yummy meal. 

// Anyone else guilty of doing this?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend recap

Happy Monday loves! This past weekend was full relaxing, running errands, and catching up with friends. Here's the run down...

The weekend kicked off a bit early on Thursday night when I had one of my girlfriends over to carve pumpkins and watch a Halloween movie. Two bottles of wine later and this yummy cheese plate + stuffed mushrooms and a flat bread, no pumpkins were carved and no movie was watched. We were too busy catching up and just having a good 'ol girl time we completely forgot about what we had intended to do! Also this wine from Trader Joes is less then $10 and actually pretty good. It's a red blend but it was the perfect pairing for all our yummy foods. 

Friday at work we had a Halloween parade with our patients and it was so much fun. My team and I dressed at ballerina mice and even made our own tutus. 

Friday night I grabbed a glass of wine with a friend then headed home and was in bed by 11... perfect Friday night in my book. 

Saturday morning I was in the mood for some comfort food and decided pancakes sounded amazing. Rather then breaking out the Bisquick, I decided to make the healthier alternative- protein pancakes. There are a ton of different ways to make these but mine was pretty simple and consisted of a mashed banana, 1 egg, and a spinkle of oats. 

The rest of Saturday was spent going to the gym and running errands. While running errands I ended up getting lost but also discovered an area of Raleigh I never knew existed. I love when that happens and spent at least 20 minutes driving through this sweet neighborhood in awe of the amazing old homes and the beautiful fall decorations. 

Saturday night I headed to a friend's Halloween party and chose to keep it pretty basic in all black + mouse ears. I absolutely loved Aubree and Kesler's costume of Deer in Headlights- so clever! 

No pictures to show of Sunday as it was a pretty boring day consisting of laundry, cleaning, and binge watching The Affair. Anyone else seen this show? It's not my favorite but I also can't stop watching it! 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Happy Friday loves! Hope everyone had a great week, I know mine was busy busy busy with lots of late nights at work! I am so happy Friday is finally here and that it will be celebrated with all my kiddos at the hospital. We are having a Halloween parade today with all of the pediatrics patients and I cant wait. I will be dressing as a ballerina mouse, somewhat resembling Angelina Ballerina. As for the rest of the rest of the weekend I am looking forward to actually staying in town, catching up on shows, doing some cleaning, and relaxing. Here's this week's finds and links...

// This sangria recipe looks like the perfect thing to try this weekend. 

// This vest is currently on it's way to my house and I can't wait. I love the quilting and brown piping outline.

// Not only is it in one of my favorite cities but this home tour is one of my favorites.

// If your like me and have no plans of dressing up tonight and hitting the town, check out this list of ways to celebrate Halloween from the comfort of yoga pants and your own home.

// This is a favorite as of lately.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Skin Care Routine

I am one of those people that could easily be described as a product junky. I have baskets upon baskets in bathroom closet of so many different products, both and beauty. Some of them I use seasonally and unfortunately some of them I have never used or only used once and decided to store it for another time. I also tend to do a fair amount of mixing between what I buy from department stores and drug stores. Some items I like to save my money on while others I don't mind paying a bit more for because I know it works and if something works why change it.

As of lately the above products have been my go to and have been working quite well. Shower wise, I am pretty easy going and normally stick to drug store shampoo and conditioner. I am the first one to admit I am pretty terrible when it comes to my hair and I honestly think its been 5+ months since my last hair cut. Body wash is also something I don't spend too much on but normally stick to Dove or Neautrogena. I am a big lotion person as I tend to have dry skin, especially in the winter and this lotion has been my favorite. It has a slight fragrance but tends to fade pretty quickly but does keep my skin moisturized throughout the day. I received a sample of this cleansing oil and while I was hesitant at first to use it, I am fully addicted now. It takes off all my makeup and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or dry. If I am having a breakout or my skin needs a bit more attention then normal, I use one of these two masks ( 1, 2), both are amazing and I have been using them for a good bit now. As for face lotion, I tend to skip between department store and drug store brands frequently but always seem love this simple lotion from Aveeno.

What are some of your favorite skin care products?

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Weekend Recap

Monday we meet again. Anyone else particularly not looking forward to this week as much as me? Nothing against Halloween or anything but when you've had a great weekend like I had, Mondays are just a drag. 

This weekend I traveled home to Annapolis to surprise my mom for her birthday and spend the weekend with her and my grandmother. I was lucky enough to get Friday off and was in time to surprise my mom before heading out to dinner for her birthday. 

Right after driving down the driveway honking like a crazy person yelling surprise out my window... that girl. 

For dinner we headed downtown Annapolis to Luna Blu. I had actually never been to this little spot before, but it was perfect and located right off of State circle. 

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For dinner I had the arugla salad to start and the Rockfish over angel hair with lemon and capers... amazing. With full bellies and a few glasses of wine, we headed home and called it a night. 

Saturday mom and I laid around the house catching up on Greys and Scandal and then headed out for a marathon day of shopping. It had been a really long time since my last shopping outing and I could not wait to snag some goodies for Fall and Winter. Here's a few of the things I got...

Quilted Zip Front Vest in canvas

Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater

Hi-Li Cocoon Tee

Textured Boot Socks

(Note: I'm not a huge fan of how these look under boots, I got them more to wear around the house with an oversized sweater or sweatshirt.)

French Terry Dress

Roll Sleeve Blouse

Stripe Tassel Scarf

Reversible Tote

Last but not least and probably my favorite buy of the weekend.... (sorry for the iphone pic)

Unfortunately I couldn't locate these online but they are Steve Madden from Nordstrom Rack and absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to wear them with my leather leggings, new blouse, and a fun scarf or necklace. 

My favorite part about my shopping day was almost everything I got was on sale and I managed to get everything above for less then $200. Saturday night I had a movie night with mom and gram and watched The Other Woman, had pizza and salad for dinner, and was asleep before 11. 

Sunday my mom had to head into work for a bit but I decided to get on the road and meet some friends in Richmond for brunch. 

There are so many yummy brunch places in Richmond it's often hard to choose which to go to but yesterday we decided on The Roosevelt. I had the pancakes with ricotta cheese and stewed apples, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. After brunch I was back on the road to Raleigh and spent the rest of the day doing unpacking, doing laundry, and grocery shopping. 

Overall it was an amazing weekend and I am so glad I could go home to spend some time with my mom and grandmother, they are such a great. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Please & Thank You

I'll take one of everything above please and thank you. Fall is officially here and it was so chilly in the beginning of the week we made the jump to turn on the heat. I am not complaining one bit though, I have loved the excuse to break out some of my favorite sweaters, boots, and scarves. I love this multi-color poncho and think it would be great with along white sleeve t, jeans, and boots. It would also go great with this bag and this watch I have been eyeing for too long now. Over the past few months I've been searching for a new fragrance and while I've used this one before, it's always been a favorite and has such a classic smell. This candle also smells amazing and it one of my favorites.

Hope everyone is having a great week, only 1 more day until Friday!
Yours truly,
Emily Ann

San Francisco day 2

I am back today with another recap of my recent trip out to San Francisco, this day includes day 2 and heading to Sausalito! 

Saturday morning we headed out for a walk and to grab some breakfast and coffee and ended up finding a gem of a spot located at the bottom of Lombard St. We had yummy smoked salmon bagels, lattes and enjoyed sitting outside at Caffe Sapore. I would definitely recommend this breakfast place if you are ever visiting in the area, their menu was amazing and their latte was just what I needed to get my day started. 

After breakfast we headed around the city for a bit more walking and then home to change before catching the ferry over to Sausalito,

Sausalito is hands down one of my favorite parts about visiting San Francisco and both times I've made it out there, have made it a point to include this fun little city. We spent the day outside, walking around, and enjoying the weathering with a few drinks. One of the places we were able to hang out at was Bar Bocce, which had a great outdoor space and it's own little beach area. 

After Sausalito we grabbed the ferry back to the city and headed to another favorite SF spot of mine, Mezes Kitchen and Wine Bar. My friend Angelica and I had discovered this gem the year before and I was so excited to get back there. 

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After dinner we grabbed ice cream sandwiches from Over The Moon and called it a night. 

So essentially day 2 consisted of eating, drinking wine, oh and eating some more... can't say I hated it. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann