Friday 5

Happy Friday friends! This week has been a bit of a bust for multiple reasons. Last week I mentioned that j was having some car issues and this week that has evolved into needing a new car. While I can't deny the thought of a new car isn't exciting, the task of finding one and working through a car loan has been exhausting and stressful. Anyone else terrible with all things car related? This weekend I will be testing out a few I have my eye on and hopefully making the purchase next week. Being that the week was a bit of a bummer, I am choosing to share 5 things that brought me joy and made my smile... 

Last weekend I traveled back to Pennsylvania for my grandmothers 90th birthday and couldn't help but get a copy of this picture. She is absolutely stunning and I am looking forward to framing this shot and having it on my dresser. 

Unfortunately my grandmother is bound to a wheelchair, however that doesn't stop my popop from pushing her around the dance floor. I snapped this picture of them last weekend and love how considerate he is and also his love to dance.

Iv been pretty steady in my avocado toast breakfast with veggie bacon but decided to change things up one day this week. Enter- overnight oats with banana and almond milk. I'd forgotten how much I love this cold gooey treat and I would highly suggest you check it out for a quick grab and go breakfast that can be made the night before. 

This week I also tried out a new workout class- TRX flex. This class was completely new to me but one I am definitely planning on taken again. The whole class of centered around the suspension anchors and uses your own body weight throughout class. I am definitely feeling sore today. 

Last but not least a new manicure done by one of my sweet patients. I may have had nail polish up to my knuckles but I couldn't have loved it more. 

Being that this is my first weekend in Raleigh in 2 weeks, I am looking forward to doing some test driving and hopefully getting some time to lay out and relax. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Pink/Navy Wedding Shower Recap

A few weeks ago, I mentioned I was traveling up to Pennsylvania for my counsins wedding shower and have yet to post about it! Jackie's wedding will be my first time as a bridesmaid and I have loved being a part of the wedding process and can't wait for her special day. Unfortunately because I am so far, it was a bit hard to as involved in the planning as I would have liked but her shower turned out beautifully and was such a fun day. 

We chose to do navy and pink colors because those are her actual wedding colors as well and thought it would tie in nicely to the day of the wedding. Here are a few pics snapped of the shower and decorations...

My cousin Jill actually made her banner and I can't believe how well it turned out! By the end of the first hour, the table was completely full of gifts. From her bridesmaids, Jackie received a wine basket for different occasions and the place settings off her registry as well as few other odds and ends. 

The mimosa/ drink station was one of my favorites and a big hit. The tassel streamer was ordered off etsy. 

Jackie and her bridesmaids + her mom and sweet little Quinn. 

All the tables were decorated in navy an blue and topped with fresh flowers and place settings, as well fabric table runners made from the the fabric store. 

There was an abundance of food, from cheese and crackers to tomato pie and spaghetti- it was a lot of yummy food. 

We played a few games while Jackie was opening her gifts including a question and answer done by her fiance as well as a left/right poem. The whole day was absolutely amazing and I am so happy I was able to not only travel in town for it but also to be apart of the planning and actual day of festivities. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Tuesday Inspiration

Happy Tuesday friends! Being that it's my first day back to work since last Thursday and I have yet to unpack, go grocery shopping or even manage to do my hair today- I am keeping today's post a bit short. Anyone else need a little inspiration after the long weekend? 

I have a few fun posts for the rest of the week and am already looking forward to getting this day over and done with! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Happy Memorial Day weekend friends! I got into Maryland late last night and will be spending the day here before getting back on the road to Pennsylvania. It's going to be a lot of driving this weekend but I'm so excited to be spending time with family I don't get to see enough. Here's a few of this week's finds... 

/Swooning over this kitchen, especially the gold fixtures.

/ Sundress season is officially upon us 

/ While I'm not heading to the beach this weekend, I am reading this book and think it would make for a great beach read.

/ Perfect one dish easy week night meal 

/ Yes m'am

Hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Nordstrom Picks

Ever have one of those weeks where nothing seems to go the way you had planned? I am currently having one of those weeks, aka the reason for the silence around here. Last weekend I was in Philadelphia for my cousins wedding shower and got back in town on Monday. Since then it has been one thing after the next of stressful days, more car problems, and not feeling so great. The kicker is there is no time to recuperate or relax because this girl is heading right back up to Philadelphia this weekend for my grandmother's 90th... yes 2 weekends in a row. This morning I am heading to pick up a rental car and will be on the road home to Maryland this evening before it's back in the car Friday morning heading up north. While I can't wait to spend more time with my family up there, I can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. I promise to do some catching up next week on life, Jackie's wedding shower, and the rest of my travels. However until then, let's talk about something a bit more exciting... The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale. 

I am thinking any of the above items would cheer me up in no time. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Patio Season

Patio season is upon us and while I don't exactly have a porch or the backyard for the set up below, a girl can still dream. We have been having one hot week here in NC, it's even reached up to 90! One of my favorite ways to spend these warm days after work is outside, drink in hand, and relaxing reading a book or magazines. If I did have a patio, you can bet that it would hopefully look a little something like this-

What does your ideal patio look like?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Instagram Round Up + Catching Up

Sorry for the silence once again, life and things got in the way. Anyone else think this week is flying by? I can't believe Wednesday is already here and we are just two (hopeful) short days away from the weekend. Today I doing a bit of catch up and sharing a few of my recent instragrams. Instagram is easily my favorite form of social media and definitely the one I use and check the most. If you don't follow me already, you may do so here! Here's what's been going on lately... I apologize for the picture heavy post! 

A midweek overnight to Greenville for Sarah's Barrety! A barrety if you have never been is a party at a barre studio, and believe me they are too fun. Sarah celebrated hers at Pure Barre in Greenville and were even lucky enough to have one of our sorority sisters as an instructor. 

After class, which totally kicked my butt, we were served wine and appetizers and stayed until 11 catching up and having so much fun. If you have a Pure Barre near you, I highly suggest looking into if they offer barretys, it was such a good idea for a fun girls night out. 

A lazy Saturday morning spent flipping through magazines and enjoying coffee in bed.

Since moving to North Carolina, I had yet to make it to a Farmers Market and decided enough was enough this past weekend. I love going to Farmers Markets and getting the freshest fruits and vegetables, I know it sounds silly but I swear I can taste a different versus items from the grocery store. I couldn't help but snap a picture of these yummy and oh so colorful strawberries that were added to a yummy arugula and feta salad. 

Nights spent out with some of my favorite girls. 

Warm weather + a mid week day off, there's no where I would rather spent it then poolside with a book. I am currently reading Brain on Fire and so far am so intrigued. 

This past weekend, I headed to Richmond for the day to meet my family for a Mother's day celebration. We had brunch at one of my favorite Richmond spots and spent the day strolling around Carytown. It was so good to see these ladies and I am missing them already!

I also made a point to stop by a family I used to nanny for and was so excited to see the boys. I have known this family since the boys were babies and was actually their nanny when I lived in Annapolis. About a year into living in Richmond, they called to tell me they were moving and asked if I would continue to watch Christopher and William. They sent me this picture after I left and I am smitten with this sweet candid. 

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

TV Talk

Is there anything better then having a long day at work followed by a good catch up session from one of your favorite TV shows? I think not. Lately I have been all about starting new shows and I have to admit, it's become part of my nightly routine and definitely mellows me out. Here's a few of the TV shows lately that have made the cut. I would love to hear what your watching or any shows to be on the look out for...

1. Real Housewives of New York 

This is the only series of out the Real Housewives that I watch and actually enjoy. I haven't watched a lot since seasons 1 and 2 but am now back on the train and really love it. I don't have a huge issue with any of the characters but I will say I think Sonja and Ramona can be a bit much at times. I have a love hate with Bethany, sometimes I love her and think she can do no wrong and other times I think she has gone nuts. 

2. Grey's Anatomy 

I've been watching since 2009 and I have nothing but love for this show. While I was devastated by the loss of McDreamy, I am excited to see where the show will go and how Meredith's life will change, especially with a new baby. 

3. Scandal

Olivia Pope... perfection. She's fierce, gorgeous, has the President of the United States wrapped around her finger, and to top it off a killer wardrobe. Truth be told, I do love some Fitz but I think I am a team Jake, anyone else with me?

4. Bloodline

If you haven't yet checked out this Netflix original, I highly suggest you do so immediately. I started this show and was finished the entire first season within a matter of days. I don't want to talk too much about the actual show in fear that I'll give something away but trust me when I say it is so good. I am already excited for season 2 due out who knows when. 

5. True Detective 

Season 2 of True Dective is set to make it's debut on June 21st and I can not wait. This was another show that I finished in a matter of days and am actually really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It has an interesting take, in the sense that every episode is directed by a different director. Next season's actors sound amazing and include Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, and Rachel McAdams. 

What TV shows have you been watching lately? 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Summertime Essentials + Margarita Time

Maybe it's that I'm dreaming of a vacation or that temps here are in the 80s this week, either way I am already getting ready for days spent at the beach or pool. It's been a few years since I last bought a new swimsuit and I am majorly loving this scalloped one. I first saw this coverup on Natalie during her trip to TX and love the tassel details. Anyone else thinking of grabbing these sandals for summer? Jacks have always been my go to sandal and I love that these can be worn to the beach or pool and I wouldn't be worried about ruining them. Asos always has a great selection of sunglasses for a great price and these over-sized pair definitely grabbed my attention. Throw in a good fedora, beach blanket and sunscreen and I am set for summer and one happy girl. 

Also being that today is Cindo de Mayo, it seemed appropriate to share one of my favorite margarita recipes! I have been all about some tequila lately, and this little drink has quickly become a favorite to make come 5:00 on Friday. It's easy, has minimal ingredients, and doesn't have a "mixer" taste to it. 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of good quality tequila. My go to lately has been Espolon Blanco Tequila. 

3 tablespoons Agave or simple syrup 

4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

 Add all ingredients to a glass, add some ice and salt to the rim, stir, and enjoy!

What are some of your summer essentials?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann