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