Thoughts for Thusday: Shopping Haul

Happy almost Friday y'all! 

If you follow me on instagram you probably saw on my story that I went on a bit of a shopping spree while on vacation. What else is there to do at the beach when it rain but hit up the outlets, am I right? I totally made out with a ton of great stuff and thought I would share a bit of what I snagged...

+ J.Crew Factory is currently have a great sale- 50% off everything. I was able to score so many great pieces, I can't wait to wear them back at work next week. 

V-neck cardigan sweater

I got this camel color as well as the burgundy and think it will be perfect for fall temps as well as layering over a t-shirt, blouse, or button down. 

Winnie Pant

I am super excited about these pants and got them in the navy color as well. They are stretchy but are also structured enough that you can wear them all day and not have them baggy and wrinkly. Best part- they make them in a petite option. 

Cuffed stripe boatneck shirt

This was another one I couldn't decide between this color or they also offer it in red so just ended up getting them both. 

Zoe suede d'Orsay flat

Probably my favorite buy from shopping is these suede blue/grey flats. I wear flats pretty much every day to work and I've gotten in the worst habit of alternating between 2 different pairs. These will be a great addition and I also snagged them in black as well. 

Cheetah collector T-shirt

I've never been one for printed or decorated t-shirts but for some reason I loved this one. I figured I could throw it on with some black skinny pants and a cardigan for work or throw on with jeans for running weekend errands. 

Rockaway wash skinny jean 26" inseam

These I ordered online and am hoping they turn out as cute as they look. I only have 1 pair of skinny jeans and they have rips in the knees so wanted a pair that was a bit more polished looking. 

Mixed crystal crawler earing

I mean at this point why not throw pair of earings in the mix. I am forever losing my earings so wanted to get a small pair that was on major sale that I wouldn't mind too much if I lose or they fall out. 

+ Next I hopped over to Gap Factory and scored this sweater for just $16. 

Cheetah print crewneck sweater

At first I wasn't sure if this sweater was a little too much which it definitely might be but I thought it would be cute to throw over a black dress for work. Thoughts?

Classic trench

Um how cute is this classic trench and I got it for less then $40! This will be perfect in a couple weeks when the weather starts getting a bit cooler and I can't wait. 

+ Banana Republic Factory was also offering 50% off everything so I scooped up this cute geometric flutter sleeve top. 

Print Ruffle- Sleeve Satin Top

+ Last but not least, Anthropologie is also offering 30% off sale items and I finally pulled the trigger on a top I've been eyeing for quite some time. 

Milla Printed Top

Whew, what a shopping trip. I have really been needing some new work clothes for awhile now so I'm glad I was able to get so many things on sale and spent half the price I normally would. All the sales will continue through the weekend so make sure you check them out! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Monday Musings... Dream House Edition

Mondays are a lot better when your at the beach and enjoying the beautiful weather sleeping in, whipping up yummy meals and happy hours start a little earlier than normal. Ok ok ok sorry to rub it in but y'all catch my drift... so far vacation has been amazing and so needed. Today I thought it would be fun to take a little house tour of my ideal house. From entry ways to bedrooms and everything in between. I love seeing the different interiors people are drawn to so feel free to comment what you like or leave links! 

First lets talk exterior...

I've always been a huge fan of white brick and tend to gravitate towards smaller cottage like homes. I love both of these, the front porch on the first and the red door of the second. I've always imagined having large hydrangea bushes out front long the porch and and porch swing  or rocking chairs are 100% necessary.

I think the entry way says a lot about a house and almost sets the tone for the rest of the rooms. Below are a few of my favorites...

The second is definitely my favorite with the fiddle leaf fig, ginger jars and distressed dresser. However I also love the relaxed feel of the first option with the bench and multi colored pillows. 

Next lets talk one of the most important rooms of the house; the kitchen...

I love the idea of a large open kitchen, with lots of windows that allow for natural light. All of the above pictures have a similar theme with lots of white, herringbone back splash, gold fixtures, and white or marble counter tops. 

Following the kitchen comes the next most important room... the living room. 

Ideally I would love to have at least one wall of built ins. I think it's such a classic look and although the idea of decorating the shelves gives me a bit of anxiety I still love the look of them. Like the kitchen, I want a very open style living room with lots of windows with a mixture of neutrals and possibly dark accents here and there (like the second picture.) A pair of french doors that go to the backyard would also be ideal. 

Being that I see myself living in a smaller style home, I realize there may not be a ton of space for a dining room. However I am fairly obsessed with this one...

I love everything from the wall lined bench, unfinished style table and woven chairs. 

Next up, lets chat bathrooms. 

I would love to have a black and white themed bathroom, from the floor tiles to the cabinets and especially love the look of the above door. I've never been a huge bath person so would be totally find with walk in shower and overhanging shower head. 

Last but not least, the bedroom!

Anyone else love the idea of a dark accent wall for a bedroom? This girl definitely does. Other then the accent wall I'm fairly open to different decors and could see myself either doing a mixture of blacks and whites or various textures and patterns. 

That about wraps it up for my ideal house tour!

What are different looks and styles you like?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Happy Weekend

TGIF y'all. I am officially on vacation for the next week and can't wait to spend some time at the beach with my family. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, work has been so draining lately and I am really in need of some good R&R. Here is a round up of this weeks links and finds...

+ If you are looking for some healthy meal inspiration look no further. 

+ The Lilly sale officially begins on Monday and I can't wait. Last sale I snagged this romper and I absolutely love it, you can dress it up and down and it's so comfortable. 

+ My friend Katie's house was recently feature on I Suwanee, it is absolutely stunning and a must see. 

+ Anyone ever try Rent The Runway? I was thinking of ordering this dress for a wedding I have this fall, thoughts?

+ Before we headed to the beach we loaded up all our favorites at Trader Joes, including this cheese, this dip and my favorite coffee. If you haven't tried any of these, be sure to grab them on your next TJ trip, they do not disappoint. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Thoughts for Thursday

Thank goodness it's Thursday y'all, I honestly did not think we would make it. I started off my week by working 14 hours on Monday and the week has continued to be draining and long. Today is my last official work day of the week before I am off for 11 days... yes 11 days. This afternoon I am heading up to Maryland and then will be heading to the beach tomorrow with my family and I can't wait. Some good time with my family and time in the sun relaxing is just what the doctor ordered and I am so ready to relax, catch up on reading, and spend some time with my family. Today's post is just an assortment of thoughts I've had throughout the week...

+ Anyone else pretty excited for Taylor swift's new release? I can't wait to hear her next album, I am totally guilty of loving her songs an being a big fan. 

+ This week I didn't grocery shop and ate almost every meal out or just snacked on things... not ok and I had Starbucks almost every morning for breakfast. 

+ Speaking of food, last night for dinner I had a hot dog with no bun and stawberries... real adulting going on over here. 

+ After lots of travel in July and August I need to go on a serious budget for a few months. Anyone have any good tips for making a budget and actually sticking to it?

+ The other night I was trying to wind down and wanted to just mindlessly peruse the internet but couldn't think of any sites to go to. What are some of your favorite websites to surf and peruse?

+ I have 3 books that I am taking with me to the beach and I won't be surprised if I finish all three ina week. I am a ferocious reader when I have time off and definitely when sitting on the beach. 

+ Yesterday I had a new teacher for my strength class and man did she kick my butt. We're talking multiple sets of clean and presses, squats on squats on squats and so many lunges I can barely feel my legs. 

Hope everyone is having a good week so far, only one more day until Friday!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Wishlist Wednesday

Happy Wednesday friends!

Today I am sharing a few things that have caught my eye over the past few weeks. I recently went to my local Gap and tried on these joggers and immediately wanted them for more casual days at work. They were so comfy and would also be perfect to throw on for weekend errand running. Next, I am all about these peep toe booties, I think they would be super cute with white jeans transitioning into fall or even leather leggings when the temps get cooler. If anyone is looking for a new foundation, this needs to be your next go to, it is seriously amazing. I received a sample a few weeks ago and I kid you not, it lasted all day, even through my gym session after work. I am also loving this cuff set by Treasure & Bond, perfect for everyday wear. Last but not least, this card pouch. I love being able to throw all my cards and some cash in one of these and stick in a clutch so that everything is kept together and neat.

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Blog Poll- Prioritization, How do you do it?

Happy Tuesday friends! 

Today's post is a little different from what I normally post but for the past week or so I have really been struggling with my time management and making time to blog again. It was something I really wanted to get back into and still do but man am I having a hard time finding the time to post. I have a normal Monday-Friday work schedule and tend to work from about 8 A.M until about 5 or 6 and then normally hit the gym and make dinner. By the time my night wraps up it's normally around 8 P.M. and I am ready to wash my face, check email and hit the hay. I wanted to poll people to see when they post and what type of schedule works best for them? Do you do drafts on weekends and finish things up the night before a post or write a new post every morning or something complete different? 

Like I said, I would really like to get back into the swing of posting every day but having the hardest time making time to come up with actual content and putting it together for a post. Please comment and share how you best prioritize posting and if you follow a schedule or how you think works best for you. 

xoxo

-Emily

Happy Weekend

Happy Weekend Y'all! I am happy to report that I am safe and sound in the Keys and thoroughly enjoying the next few days of relaxing with my girlfriends. We have a lot of fun activities planned and I can't believe my oldest friend from going up is getting married in just a few months! Here's this weeks links and finds...

+ I have tried a few podcasts finished a few like Criminal and S-Town but ultimately haven't been able to find any others I like. I am hoping to check out a few on this list, any recommendations? 

+ Natalie always has the most amazing recipes and I was so excited when she posted this Baked Mexican Corn. It looks too yummy and easy not to try. 

+ Y'all... this home is perfection. I am ready to move in. 

+ I always think it's interesting to see what other people eat in a day, whether it be other friends, or bloggers, or even celebrities. Sometimes it gives me a little motivation to try something new or change up what I am doing. Check out what this nutritionist eats throughout the week. 

+ I brought this book along on me with my trip and it has been so good so far, definitely one that keeps you on your toes and engaged. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

N Sale Picks

The Big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends in just a few days so I thought I would share my picks above. A lot of items have sold out but I hope they will restock a few things over the next few days. I have heard nothing but amazing reviews about the High waisted Zella leggings, anyone tried them? Also a good time to stock up on Voluspa candles while they are on sale, I always give them as gifts or love having them around the home. I also am in major need of some new basic tees and thought I would give these Lush ones a try, they look so comfy and that they could be dressed up or down. 

I am officially on my way to the Keys today but hope everyone has a great rest of their week!

Yours truly. 

Emily Ann

Mid Week Thoughts

Happy Wednesday guys! I can't tell you how happy I am that it's Wednesday, this girl has been working since last week, including the weekend and I am officially off until next Tuesday. Cheers to that! I am also super excited because tomorrow I am heading to Key West to celebrate one of my oldest friends for her bachelorette party. I have never been to Key West and even though the weather is looking a bit iffy, I can't wait to relax, spend time with old friends, and hopefully get some time in the sun. Today I am popping in to share some random thoughts and happenings from this week and last...

- I just finished The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn and would highly recommend it. I stayed up until after midnight last night finishing it and couldn't put it down. 

- While packing for Key West, I realized I don't really have any matching pajamas or pajama sets. I am a big tshirt and boy shorts type of gal but figured I may need to step my game up for a weekend away with girlfriends. Enter Target's sleep shorts- so cute and comfy and I officially feel like I have adult pajamas. I picked up the above stripe pair and also a palm print. 

- The weather has been absolutely amazing in North Carolina this week that I am dreading it going back to being so hot and humid. Monday morning I was able to enjoy my coffee on the porch and actually felt a little chill in the air, dare I say I'm ready for fall?

- If you are looking for a new background on your phone or computer, The Everygirl just released their August backgounds. 

- Since getting back into my workout routine I have definitely increased my frequency of lifting weight as well as went up in weights and I would be lying if I said I couldn't tell a difference. Each week it is so satisfying being able to go up in all areas of weight including arms, legs, and back. If you are feeling apprehensive about lifting like I was and just lost in general, I encourage you to try it, I am loving the results. 

-  This week I tried out a new Trader Joe's product that did not disappoint- Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage. Holy yum y'all, these were amazing. I sliced mine, cooked them in a skillet and tossed in zoodles and marinara and was so pleased with how it turned out. 

Today I am planning on running a bunch of last minute errands for my trip and counting down the minutes until I am wheels up and headed to the Keys!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann