Weekend

Anyone else seriously over winter? We had 2 snow days this week and while it's nice to have a little extra R&R time, this girl can't wait for some warmer temps. For the past two weeks my entire routine and schedule as been thrown to the way side due to weather, long days at work, and trying to juggle everything else in life. This weekend with not too much going on, I am hoping to get in a workout at the gym or maybe even 2, a trip to Barnes and Noble and some organizing around the house. Sounds exciting right? Here's this week's finds...

/ As a bit of a makeup junkie myself, I loved seeing this list of who to follow on IG

/ In an attempt to get myself back on track, I am thinking about trying this 21 Day Fix. 

/ Lately I've been really into Moscow mules thanks to my roommate who has perfected the art of creating one. Thinking I might need to try this similar cocktail. 

/ Lusting over this living room space. 

/ As someone who stresses far too much about others and what they think, this needs to be ingrained in my mind. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous and warm weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

A Re-Introduction

Maybe it's all the snow and cold weather we've had here lately or maybe it's the winter blues but I have been lacking serious motivation lately when it comes to le blog. There have been so many nights I sit down to write a post for the next day and can't get my mind to settle on a topic of interest and therefore give up and choose to not post. I apologize it's been a bit of a bore around here but with another snow day at home today, I plan to do some serious blog planning and hopefully will be back to things by next week! 

A few week's ago one of my long time favorite bloggers, Natasha over at Hello Happiness posted this fun meet and greet. I thought it would be a fun way to reintroduce myself to readers, as well give others a chance to know a bit more. I love finding more about other bloggers, it's how I connect with them and  am able to establish "blog friendships." Since starting this blog I have had the privilege of getting to know so many amazing women in person and via email, here's to hoping for many more! 

Background:

I am mid 20's gal originally from Annapolis that just relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. It's crazy to think of how many cities I have lived in such a short period of time but the list is as follows- Charlotte, NC for post college internship, Richmond for my my first job, and now Raleigh. I couldn't be happier to be back in the south and have loved living in Raleigh so far. I attended East Carolina University and couldn't be prouder to be a Pirate, come football season you'll get a sense of my enthusiasm. I currently work at nationally ranked hospital in the Triangle area as a Child Life Specialist, specifically with pediatric cardiac patients. Working with children in the hospital is the most rewarding job I could have asked for and I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity to work with such amazing patients and their families. I'm pretty laid back and easy going, while I do love to plan and can be a little crazy about my planner, I can also be pretty spur of the moment and spontaneous. I love hanging out with friends, enjoying live music, and am most happy when cooking in the kitchen with a glass of wine, listening to Frank Sinatra. 

Other interesting Tid bits:

the best advice i've ever received:
" Not your circus, not your monkeys"
my favorite quote:
"Exist to be happy, not to impress"favorite vacation spots:

San Francisco & Miami 
five things I can't live without:

music, coffee, my phone, pizza, chapstick
favorite thing to cook:

Omelets 

something surprising about me you may not know:
I never learned how to ride a bike when I was younger. My parents claimed it definitely happen but at 25 this girl has no a clue what to do on a bike. 
most trusted beauty secrets:
Clarisonic Mia & Oil Body Wash 

song that sums up my outlook on life:

Dont Worry, Be Happy

Women I admire:

My mother and my grandmother, both are incredibly strong and passionate woman. I am a better person for just having them in my life. 

books on my bedside table:

 Brain on Fire. 

how i enjoy spending my free time:

I love a good spin class or workout at the gym, drinks and dinner with friends, sundays spent solo at Barnes & Noble with a stack of mags, coffee, and my phone off!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Piperlime Sale Picks

This morning I woke up like I do most mornings- stumbling into bathroom to shower, make coffee and then turn on the news while I get ready. Normally I have the news on as background and occasionally listen to bits and pieces of things that catch my ear. Imagine my surprise as I am almost ready to walk out the door to find that I am hearing school closings and delays due to snow that has accumulated in just the past hour. With that being said, I am currently blogging from bed and getting ready to enjoy another snow day of relaxing and resting. What better way to pass the day then by doing a bit of online perusing and shopping. Above are my picks from the current Piperlime sale, definitely check it out if you haven't already!  Hope everyone is staying warm and safe in the snow!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

To say I am over this week is a bit of an understatement- from snow and ice to car malfunction lights to just this morning waking up to frozen pipes- this girl is over it. Wine now. This weekend I had plans to visit friends in Richmond but have decided a weekend at home with nothing but relaxing is just what I need. I'm thinking wine and snacks with a friend tonight, lots of catching up on shows, and enjoying a lazy weekend will be perfect. Here's this week's links...

/ I have never seen so many rave reviews about a product in one week. Megan is a long time favorite blogger of mine and if she says it's good, I'll take her word for it. 

/ Swooning over these for spring. 

/ With a little extra time on my hands this weekend, thinking I may need to check some of these off my list. 

/ Preach

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Life Lately

The past few weeks have felt like a whirl wind. From being extremely busy at work to moving, the blog has taken a bit of a backseat to everything going on. We are also experiencing freezing temps here in NC, make it hard to want to do anything other then stay warm in bed. Today's post is a bit of a modge podge of catching up...

A typical morning view- Tall Latte, Kind bar, and my May Designs planner.

Thumbs up for my hair growing up enough to add some curls. Excuse the awkward selfie. 

A Valentines lunch with a friend before seeing 50 Shades of Grey. Truth- I actually enjoyed the movie way more then I thought I would. 

Valentine sweets from work.

The view of Raleigh from one of my favorite spots- Boylan Bridge Brewpub

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Snow Day

Today is my first official snow day since living in NC! While I plan on staying in and keeping warm most of the day, I think a neighborhood walk + a  beverage is also on the agenda. Hope everyone is staying cozy and safe!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

All I can say for this past week is... bless. I am beyond thrilled the weekend is finally here and can't wait for sleeping in and relaxing. On tap for this weekend is fun girls day date with a friend for lunch and movie (yes we are seeing 50 Shades and I have no shame.) Other then that the weekend will consist of lots of catching up on sleep and TV shows. Here's a few finds from this past week...

This sweet treat looks too yummy not to try out ASAP. 

Swooning over every detail in this chic Austin apartment. 

The perfect black shift for any occasion- on major sale. 

For all the other single gals our there on Valentine's Day.

Preach. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Nordstrom Sale Picks

The fact that I thought it was Thursday on Tuesday gives you a bit of an idea of the week I am having... long. Thank goodness there it one more day to this week because this girl is tired, grumpy, stressed, and ready for a break. On a positive note, Nordstrom is currently having one heck of a sale and I have my eyes on a few things...

And just for the sake of staying positive, here's a few things that have brought my joy this week...

::: avocado toast for breakfast:::
::: please and thank yous (anyone else think manners are way underestimated these days?):::
::: catching up on Downton Abbey:::
::: looking forward to a fun girls night this weekend:::
::: listening to Serial on my way to work:::

Only one more day until the weekend!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Weekend

TGIF friends. Anyone else beyond excited for 5 o'clock to roll around and get their weekend started? After moving last weekend and getting used to my new commute this week, I can't wait to relax over the next two days. I plan to do a bit more unpacking, possibly a few trips to drop off stuff to Goodwill, and spend time with friends. Here's this weeks round up of links!

/ This top paired with white jeans.

/ A basic grocery list that is enough to follow when you want to get in and get out. 

/ It's been a few months since I have made these and I am thinking they will perfect for an easy week night meal next week. 

/ Mildly obsessed with this chest, the gold detailing...sold. 

/  I mean honestly.

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Skincare: What Works

1. Peter Thomas Roth- Peeling Gel

While picking out different products at Sephora, I was asked if I exfoliate to which I replied I use my Clarisonic about every other day. The woman at Sephora seemed to be appalled by my answer and said that out first task was to pick an actual exfoliator and continued to educate me on the importance of using an exfoliating product- not just my Clarisonic. She recommended the Peter Roth Peeling Gel and I have to say I am hooked. I remove all of my makeup with a makeup wipe first, then dry my skin and apply a small amount of the gel and massage over skin in circular motions. Within a minutes small beads have formed over my skin with as gross as it sounds- dead skin cells! Next I add a small amount of water and continue working up the dead cells and then rinse with warm water. I use this about 3 times a week and so far I am obsessed. 

2. Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Vitamin C

I have been using this serum everyday- both morning and night. It has a really nice citrus scent and I love the way it seems to waken up my skin the morning. Even after just using it a little over a week, my face seems overall brighter and leaves it smooth and soft. 

3. Purity Facial Cleanser

I was given this cleanser as gift around Christmas time and I am just now getting around to using it. I have heard great things about this brand but had yet to try them out until now. On days when I am not using the peeling gel, I will use this sometimes at night or in the morning to just rinse my face off of products I have use overnight or during the day. While I can't say I think it's anything to rave over, I will continue using it but not sure I plan on purchasing again. 

4. Clinque All About Eyes

This was recommended by the woman at Sephora and I hate to admit it but I am not loving it. While it does a great job of making my eyes feel moisturized, it doesn't appear to brighten the area under my eyes. I think this would be ok to just use at night but I will be definitely looking for something a bit more powerful for my morning routine. 

5. Lancome Energie De Vie Nuit Overnight Mask

One of the things I knew I wanted to find was a good night cream to slather one my face right before bed. This overnight mask is extremely mositurizing, so much so that I think I only need to use it 2-3 times a week. The next morning after using this, my face is so soft and buttery, its hard to want to wash it off. If you are looking for a new night cream/overnight mask- this one is amazing and something I will definitely continue to use. 

This weekend I am heading back to Sephora to pick up a few more products I have reviewed and am wanting to try including this mask and this tinted hydrating gel. 

What are some of your favorite skincare products?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Currently

It's been awhile since my last "currently" post so I thought I would bring one back for today's post! 

Smelling: I received this perfume for Christmas and it has quickly become one of my favorite scents- perfect for everyday. For occasions or night outs, I normally switch to Sake by Fresh, a complete change from Stella and very unique. 

Making: Hopeful plans to head back out to the West Coast to visit one of my best friends in San Francisco. You can read one of my trip recaps- here. 

Wearing: Attempting to wear a dress and tights at least two days a week at work. I am officially sick of boots, pants, and sweaters and very much looking forward to the spring weather. This dress has been on heavy rotation and is perfect paired with a color scarf. 

Cooking: This week hasn't been too excited in the cooking department, just some basic boring recipes but I really looking into to trying out Plated after reading so many rave reviews. 

Watching: I watched this video at least twice last night, definitely a good laugh. 

Wanting: A new texturizing spray or cream. Lately I have been doing loose curls in the morning and want something that will give a bit of volume and also break the curls up a bit while also holding them for the day- recs?

Drinking: Lots of lemon water throughout the day. I am embarrassed to admit how much more water I drink it there is lemon added, to me it just makes it so much more enjoyable to drink. 

Loving: Being in my new home in Raleigh! 

Wishing: The Groundhog didn't see his shadow, therefore requiring spring to be right around the corner!

Reading: I am only a few pages in but this is currently on my nightstand. 

Needing: A trip to Victoria Secret, TMI but this girl is way overdue for some new bras. While it's definitely an important investment in your wardrobe, for some reason I loathe buying new ones. Anyone else with me?

Noticing: How much more energy I have since starting my PBC meds. Fatigue was definitely one of my biggest symptoms and I am so happy I am finally starting to get my old energy back, after work gym sessions are back and going great so far! 

Happy 2 days until Friday!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Please & Thank You

Mildly obsessed with all the above. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Winter Skin Savers

Working in a hospital is gross and while they should be one of the cleanliest environments, I still feel like I am crawling with germs when I come home. That being said I normally take 2 showers a day, one in the morning and also one at night. I wish I felt comfortable not showering at night but between leaving the gym sweaty + my work environment... a second shower is necessary. As someone with naturally dryer skin to begin with, making sure my body is hydrated and skin moisturized is no easy task. Due to my dry skin and frequent shower schedule, I rely heavily on my own water consumption and a few added extras to keep skin soft and not scaley...

This is a new body wash I am trying but to be 100% honest- it's quickly become my favorite. I used this at friends house when I was staying there and immediately bought one for myself. It has an oily appearance but is used as body washed and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all. 

This is another new product that I am tried out a few weeks ago and am loving it already. I slather this on my skin right after I get out of the shower and immediately my skin feels soft and moisturized. Don't be intimidated by the "Cream oil" title- I promise it's pretty light but does the job of keeping my skin not dry. 

I wish I was one of those people that could go days without washing their hair but with naturally oily roots...its a no go for this girl. Occasionally on weekends I can get away with a day and a half but other then that I tend to wash my hair every morning. In order to keep the ends healthy and not dry, this one of my favorite hair products to add at the end of styling- it also smells amazing. 

This tool has also quickly become another favorite of mine for keeping my feet soft and callus free. I'm pretty hard one my feet, from lots of walk around at the hospital to working out- my feet tend to need a little TLC. I use this tool about every other day in the shower and follow by coating my heels in vaseline and slipping my feet into cozy soft socks while I sleep. This has made a huge difference in my cracked heels and leaves me feet extra soft and silky in the morning. 

What changes do you make to your routine in the winter?

Later this week I will also be posting about a few beauty products I am trying out !

Yours truly,

Emily Ann