Weekend

Friday Friday Friday I am so glad you are finally here. This weekend I am hoping for warm weather after some pretty chilly days this week. Saturday I am heading to ECU to cheer on the Pirates with friends. We are in need of a serious win and I am hoping the home game will do just the trick. Sunday will be spent getting ready for next week and then heading to a friends for "Friendsgiving." Now onto some finds throughout the week!

/ If there's one thing you do this weekend, make sure you swing by Sephora and pick up this mask. So far I have used it twice this week and am already in love. Both times after using it my face has looked brighter, refreshed, and like I've just slept 10 hours. 

/ Last night my roommate and I were both craving cookies but disappointed to find we didn't have any flour. After googling a few recipes, we decided on this recipe. Instead of peanut butter we used almond butter and they turned out so good, a definitely try if your looking for an easy cookie recipe!

/With a few friendsgiving get togethers coming up, I am thinking this sangria will part of my contribution. 

/Around this time we all start thinking of New Year's resolutions and what we will focus on for the upcoming year. When making these resolutions it's hard not to think of past resolutions and become down on ourselves for never fully checking them off our list. This article is spot on about not being hard on yourself, picking yourself, and focusing on what's important. 

/ This is 100% true and such a good reminder. 

Here's to a good weekend ahead, cheers!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

This and That: Planners, Wine, and More

Anyone else counting down the seconds until Friday? I swear last week flew by and this week didn't seem to move at all. Today's post is a random assortment of catching up + some mid week thoughts...

 (one)

A few weeks ago Kristina over at Medicine & Manicures posted about May Designs and how they were recently featured as one of Oprah's favorite things. As someone who takes their planners pretty seriously, I decided to check them out and absolutely loved what I found. Not only are there so many covers to choose from, you are able to customize just about everything. These would make the perfect gift for the upcoming Holidays and are super affordable. 

(two)

Hot Chocolate + being snuggled in bed... my favorite as of lately.

(three)

I am still on the hunt for a camel "poncho" sweater. I originally wanted this one but was so sad to find they sold out in my size. I stumbled on the one pictured above but still don't know if it's exactly what I am looking for or if there is something better out there. Opinions?

(four)

I am currently reading this book and loving every page. I believe I will be finishing in the next few days and am looking for my next read- suggestions welcome!

(five)

This week I tried out Whole Food's brand of wine, Three Wishes. I would say the concept is similar to that of Trader Joes and the Two or now Three Buck Chuck. If your in the south or NC region, I've also heard Harris Teeter is also now offering their own brand of wine, Oak Creek for a similar price. While I can't speak to the Oak Creek, I can say that I tried the Three Wishes Cabernet Sauvignon and was very pleased. It was very smooth and for just $3 would definitely buy it again and try the others. 

(six)

My best friend Alison has decided to join the blogging world and I could not be more excited. Alison and I met in high school, attended different colleges, and now live in 2 different states. Even though we haven't lived in the same place for years, she has been and will always be my closest friend. Alison just recently passed the bar exam and is a lawyer living in Baltimore, MD. Please be sure to stop by and check out her new blog, Barred in Baltimore!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Wednesday Eats: My New Favorite Black Bean Burger

When people ask me what I miss most about not eating meat my answer is always the same- burgers. It's been about 3 years since I have had a good juicy cheesy burger and boy do I miss it. Choosing to not eat meat is 100% my own choice and I do not have a problem with people that do by any means. My decision is simply a personal choice but also not something I think will be sustained for years and years to come. Due to my love of burgers, I am always trying to find the next best thing and have been highly satisfied by a variety of veggie/black bean burgers. I've tried multiple recipes over the years but I think I have finally found a favorite...

Pioneer Women's Black Bean Burger 

(Source)

This recipe is hands down amazing and I can't wait to make it again. The recipe makes 4 large patties and left me with enough for different lunch and dinner options throughout the week. I also plan to make these again and freeze a few for last minute options. 

Ingredients: 

2 Cans of Seasoned Black Beans, drained but not rinsed

1 cup of Breadcrumbs

1/4 cup of Grated White Onion ( I actually didn't measure mine and probably used less)

1 Egg

Splash of Chili Powder ( I added a bit more then normal because I like things spicy)

Salt and Pepper

Hot Sauce (I used Sriracha because it's what I had on hand)

Empty your drained black beans into a large bowl, using a fork begin mashing the beans until most are broken but leaving a few whole. Once most of black beans are mashed, add in rest of ingredients. Mix until well combined and form into 4 large patties. Add a bit of olive oil or your choice of nonstick spray and place patties in pan. Cook each patty about 4-5 minutes on one side before switching to the other. I waited until mine had a little charring on each side and then took them off the pan. These can be added to a bun like a normal burger, or eaten plain with just a slice of cheese. You could also add them to a salad and create a taco salad! 

I promise this recipe will not disappoint and is too easy to not try!

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Emily Ann

My Favorite Things- Christmas Wish-list

Happy Tuesday friends! Before I talk about my Christmas Wish-list, I have to mention this past weekend and how amazing it was. I have become horrible about documenting my weekends but truth be told I don't mind it. There's something nice about not paying attention to your phone or worrying about taking enough pictures, simply because your enjoying the moment. 

Friday night I didn't get out of work until late and was so tired I knew it would be an early night. On my way home I stopped and got a personal pizza from Whole Foods and a bottle of wine. I caught up on Greys and Scandal from the night before and was asleep by 10... totally OK in my book. 

Saturday morning I hit the gym for Muscle Pump then ran a few errands and did some cleaning around the house. That afternoon I headed to my friend, Mackenzie's house for some relaxing before a fun girls night out. Mackenzie is my little in my sorority and I am so thankful we are finally living in the same area. Saturday night we headed out for a fun dinner at Sushi Blues and then grabbed a few yummy cocktails at Clockwork. We had such a fun night catching up and enjoying each other's company, it was just what the doctor ordered after a stressful week at work! 

Sunday we continued our girls fun and headed to the mall for a little shopping. We spent nearly forever in Sephora, both being makeup junkies and walked out with some fun new makeup. Next we hit a few more stops before grabbing a late lunch. The rest of Sunday was spent cleaning around the house and getting ready for the week. Like I said... a wonderful weekend!

Now onto my Christmas Wish-list! 

This year I am so anxious to get home for the Holidays and spend time with my family. I normally have a few things in my that I want to ask for but this year I really had to think and do some research. I pulled a few things together and this is what I was able to come up with...

My Favorite Things- Christmas Wish-list by ead0724 featuring gold wristwatches

(One) Nars Cheek Set- Lately I am all about contouring and learning the art of what products to use and wear. I absolutely love Nars and currently use their blush and bronzer. This would be a great product to add to my collection to play a bit more with highlighting and definition. 

(Two) Paige "Huxton" Skinny Jeans- Paige is one of my favorite brands of jeans, they are soft but structured and don't need to be washed after every wear due to stretching out. I am a bit picky when it comes to my jeans and prefer them higher waisted, as well as super tight throughout the leg. 

(Three) Sultra The Bombshell Curling Iron- A friend of my mine has this wand and I can't wait to have it as well. It gives the perfect large barrel curls and looks so natural. I also think that using this wand holds better then using a regular clamp curling iron. 

(Four) Tory Burch Caroline Patent Ballet Flat- Call me absolutely insane but I do not own one pair of Tory Burch flats. I also bought a pair a few months ago during one of the Tory Burch sales but for the life of me could not decide which pair I wanted. I've decided on this pair and couldn't love them more, they go with nearly everything and actually look comfortable. 

(Five) Sam Edelman Penny Boot in Black- When it comes to riding boots, I have always stuck to a brown or cognac color. Black boots have never looked quite right on me until I tried this pair. My favorite thing about these boots is how plain and simple they are, nothing too extravagant, just a basic black boot with button detail. 

(Six) Kate Spade Gramercy Grand Watch- My gold watch broke a few months ago and I still can't believe I haven't given in and bought another one. I love this watch and think its incredibly elegant with the pearl background detail. 

(Seven) Steve Madden Galleryy Pump- Probably one of the things I need most on this list are these nude pumps. They are perfect and would go with so much and are just tall enough without making me nervous I would fall over. Also a steal right now at under $50!

(Eight) GiGi New York Uber Clutch- I have admired these beautiful clutches from afar for far too long now. I love this deep magenta color and would definitely add a gold monogram in the center for an added touch. 

What's on your Christmas wish-list?

Yours truly,

Emily Ann

Weekend

I am literally in shock that Friday is already here, this week absolutely flew by and I am so happy the weekend is here. On tap for this weekend includes catching up on sleep, relaxing, and staying warm in the chilly weather we are supposed to be getting. I haven't had a weekend in a few weeks with no plans and I must say they are my favorite. Here's a few finds and favorites from this past week!

/ Last week I whipped up some of Christina's Easy Pumpkin Bread. It was so easy to make and made for the perfect sweet treat throughout the week!

/ These booties... I need. 

/ As someone who battles dry dull skin all winter long, I can't wait to check out some of these masks. 

/ Tips on shopping in your own closet and making the pieces you have work. I am so guilty of having a closet full but nothing to wear. 

/ Truth. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

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.