Weekend Report

This past weekend was good for the soul, spent with good people and good times, I can full heartedly admit this Monday is a bit rough. However my favorite Holiday is just days way and while I have to decide what I am going to do, I am sure it will be a fun filled weekend. In the mean time, here's a look at how I spent this past weekend...

Friday I was able to get out of work on time and was on the road to Richmond for my friend Jess' surprise going away dinner. Jess is becoming a travel nurse and I am so excited for her and this new opportunity. For dinner we went to a great little spot in Richmond called Blue Goat, known for their relaxed atmosphere and yummy cocktails, this place was amazing. We shared a few of their appetizers  and overall had an amazing experience. 

All the girls + Jess celebrating her new adventure. 

After dinner we headed to a few different spots including the Portrait House and to Sine. Call us old or maybe just exhausted but I was so happy we called it an early night and was in bed before 12. 

Another excuse to break out my new favorite palm shorts! This week I am hoping to stop by Old Navy to get them in black as well. 

Saturday morning I was up early with coffee and breakfast in the car and headed to the lake for the rest of the weekend. While I can't say the weather was ideal, the afternoon ended up clearing up and made for a beautiful evening.  We whipped up fish tacos for dinner and one of my favorite cocktails- spicy jalepeno margaritas. We ended the night with a few of the neighbors at the lake playing dominos and cards against humanity. 

Anyone else have a terrible time sleeping in? I always seem to wake up around 7:30 if not earlier even on weekends. Being that I was up before anyone else on Sunday, I decided to enjoy the quite time with coffee and a new book. A friend lent me this book and while it's been a bit slow moving, I am already half way done. 

The rest of the day was spent laying out by the lake and enjoying the gorgeous weather. 

Here's to hoping this week is a short one! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Happy Friday friends! I am so thankful Friday is finally here and I have another relaxing weekend ahead. These plan free weekends are where its at and I am really looking forward to a weekend at the lake starting tomorrow morning. Tonight it's off to Richmond for the night to bid farewell so one of my closest friends that is becoming a travel nurse. We have a fun surprise dinner planned and then plan to spend the night out for a fun night of catching up and maybe a little dancing. Here's this week's round up of links and finds!

// Good list of helpful hints and tips for your next decorating adventure. 

// This weekend's cocktail- done. 

// Shoe love. 

// I couldn't help but laugh and relate to over half of this list. 

// Preach. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Current Wishlist

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Mid-Week Confessions

This week moving at a snails pace for anyone else? Lord have mercy lets just make it to Friday already! We are still having temps in the 90s and 100s here in North Carolina and I am officially over it. The only time I am ok with it being that hot is when I can be parked in a chair on the beach with my toes in the water. Back to the point, here are a few confessions of mine to share on this too hot Wednesday...

// I have gotten into a habit of not doing my hair and letting it hair dry for work. While I don't hate the time it saves me, my hair has been turning out a bit crazy looking. I hardly see myself changing this habit, especially over summer but at least I acknowledge my hair looks not at its best. 

// This Friday I am traveling to Richmond just for the night to send off one of my closest friends before she becomes as travel nurse. While I can't wait to be reunited with some of my best friends, sometimes going back to Richmond is bittersweet. While I do love Raleigh and my new job, sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision in moving here and leaving my old job and old life. 

// Ever since getting back on my working out before work kick I have been going to bed so early, almost too early. Last night I found myself wanting to get in bed even before 8! I also started making dinner around 5:45, talk about early bird special. 

// Someone tell me that in your 20s your supposed to be chronically poor? Between student loans, traveling for weddings, and having to buy a new car I am quite sure I will never have a savings account. Help!

// Today is June 24th which means my birthday AND my cousins bachelorette party are officially one month away. Let the countdown begin! 

Hope everyone is having a great week so far! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend Report

This weekend was just what the doctor ordered, lots of relaxing, sleeping in, laying out in the sun, and time spent with friends. I did a bit of a lousy job taking pictures throughout the weekend but here's a bit of what my weekend looked like...

Friday my day was spent finishing up some last minute Father's day crafts from my patients to their amazing dads. I love the way they turned out and can't stop looking at their sweet little feet. 

Friday night was spent grabbing dinner at one of my favorite oyster bars in Raleigh, 42nd St. If you are ever in the area, it's definitely a spot to try out. After dinner we had a few drinks at a local craft beer shop before calling it a night and heading home.

Saturday I spent the day at the pool with friends and wished I could say I lasted all day but boy was it a hot one. The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging around watching Orange Is The New Black and doing a bit of cleaning. 

That night I headed out to meet friends for a cookout and finally broke out my new favorite palm shorts. 

Sunday called for coffee and pancakes, a true treat in my book and my favorite way to start the day. 

Next it was off to the pool for the rest of the day. Spending the day at the pool allowed me to make some serious headway in my new book and I am hooked. If you haven't checked it out yet, I would highly suggest adding it to your beach read list. 

I wrapped up the weekend with a good catch up session with a friend, a yummy dinner, and a little rose. 

All in all it was such a great weekend and I am already counting down the hours until Friday. 

How did you spend your weekend?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Thank goodness Friday is finally here. From temps in the 100's to long days at work and not enough sleep, I am beyond ready for the weekend. I am happy to report I have almost no plans over the weekend and plan to catch up sleep, watch a bit of OITNB, and run some overdue errands. Here's a few of my favorite finds from this past week...

// With a little extra time on my hands this weekend, I am hoping to do some baking and thinking about whipping up a batch of these treats. 

// Be sure to check out Anthro's Summer Tag sale, this scarf is currently on sale and I am loving it. 

// One of my favorite parts of summer. 

// I'll take one of everything on this list. 

// Vibes. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Easy Summer Makeup Routine

When it comes to summertime, I am all about having an easy routine and using the least amount of products. For scorching temps to days at at the beach, the last thing I want to worrying about is my makeup melting and looking a mess. This week the temps in NC have hit an all time high and my thermostat has read 100 degrees every day. With that being said, I have officially switched to my summer routine in an attempt to make things easier and worry free. The above products are what I use on a normal day going to work and it takes me less then 5 minutes to apply. Note- the white liner I apply just at the very upper corners of my eye to bright then up a bit, perfect for days when I need a little extra something. Typically if I am heading out for night out with friends or to an event I will spruce things up a bit with a bit of liner, shadow, and lip color. On weekends all bets are off and you can normally find me with just a touch of mascara and under-eye concealer. 

What does your summertime routine look like?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Catching up + Exciting News

Today's post is a bit picture heavy but includes a bit of what I have been up to, including this past weekend on my trip to Philadelphia. 

Thursday I was able to head out of work a tad early and hit the road home to Maryland for the night in order to break up the trip a bit. Unfortunately my parents were still out of town on vacation but I was able to get in some good snuggles with this guy...

What better way to start the morning then coffee and playing ball with my favorite furry friend. I ended the morning with a sweaty but great 3 mile run. One of the many reasons I love coming home to my parents is they have a treadmill in their basement which makes working out almost too convenient. 

While I was home I also snapped some of my favorite areas of home. I absolutely love our porch and also how my mom has chosen to decorate it. 

Another favorite spot of mine is the entry way wall or mirrors. This was an idea my mom had and I have to compliment her creativity. This would be a great idea if you have a small entry way and are looking for a way to open things up a bit. 

Friday afternoon I headed up to Philadelphia to spent the night with one of my best friends that was in town from California. The last time I saw her was my trip out to San Francisco over a year ago so needless to say, it was wonderful to see her. We spent the night hitting up a few different bars in Philly and had a great time. 

Saturday I was up early and headed to the shore to enjoy some time on the beach. My family has a home in Avalon and I hate that I am so far away and can't enjoy it as much as I would like. It was such a great day spent laying out and relaxing I am already trying to plan my next trip up!

Sunday it was time to hit the road for a full day of driving. From the shore back to Philly, then a stop at home in Maryland before it was back on the road and home to North Carolina. Now the exciting news- all of this driving was possible because I finally got a new car! I am happy to announce I am a happy new car owner and have loved every second spent in the new car, even if it was for almost a whole day. 

How did you spend your weekend?

Yours truly, 

Emily ann

Monday Inspiration

Call it the Monday blues or pure exhaustion from driving almost 8 hours yesterday but today's post is a short one. I had a great time this weekend in Philadelphia seeing family and friends and even got in a little time at the beach. While I am a bit sluggish today and already looking forward to being back in bed, this extra inspiration is necessary. 

Hope everyone has a great start to the week!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Anyone else always seem to have the Rebecca Black Friday song in their head first thing when they wake up on Fridays? I am so happy Friday is finally here and I am officially heading to Philadelphia to meet up with one of my best friends that lives in San Francisco. It has been over a year since I have seen her and I can't wait to catch up and spend the day with her. Come Saturday it will be time to head to the shore and I can't wait for some relaxing time in the sun followed by cocktail hour on the patio. Happy Weekend friends!

// Check out this list for your next beach read. 

// The perfect earing for summer. 

// Swooning over everything in this home tour. 

// Might need to try out this cocktail this weekend. 

// Truth. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Please & Thank You

Happy Thursday friends! Today is officially my Friday and at the end of the day I will be headed home to MD for the night before its back to Philly for the weekend. Today's post is a quick one but includes some things I've had my eye on as of lately...

//One//

I recently ordered a few things from Shein and I am hoping that if the quality and fit are good, I might snag this striped tassel beauty. Perfect to throw on after the beach. 

//Two//

Perfect lightweight ruffle top to go with anything over the summer. I would love this with some white jeans, wedges and pop of turquoise. 

//Three//

Run, don't walk to your nearest Target.

//Four//

Loving this bow clutch- perfect to dress up any outfit. 

//Five//

Slightly obsessed with these palm shorts- also on major sale right now! 

//Six//

This dress looks comfortable enough to live in. Perfect as a coverup or to throw on with a necklace and head to a cookout or get together. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

My Mother's Make-Up Drawer

I can remember since I was a little girl the excitement in going in my mother's makeup drawer to see what new products or trouble I could get into. My mom has amazing skin and it's my hope those genes pass down to me because she looks not a day over 30. For today's post, I thought it would be fun to share some of the products my mom uses on a daily basis, as well as ones she swears by. I do apologize for the quality of the pictures, they are not the best but you'll get the drift...

First up is her actual makeup drawer. Organized into categories, you will find anything from brands such as Chanel and Bare Minerals to alternatives that can be found at the drug store. 

Makeup wise- this is one of my favorite blushes and one that my mother has used for years. It's made by Chanel and although the price tag is a bit expensive, the color is one that I haven't been able to find in another brand. Unfortunately I was unable to find it online and it doesn't look like they make it any longer. This shade looks pretty similar and one I might give a shot. 

This one may seem like a silly one to include but it's another one my mom has used for years and continues to use to this day. For less then $3 at the drugstore, it's kind of a no brainer. 

Like I said before, my mom has pretty flawless skin. She is religious about keeping to her routine and washes her face every night. While she's used a few different brands throughout the years, Roc has been a constant and something she always comes back to. She uses bother their night and day cream, in addition to their eye cream. I also started using Roc in the winter when my skin was a bit dryer and needed some extra love and moisture. 

If you have not heard of this product or are not using it- buy it now. Both my mother and my grandmother use this product and both attribute their flawless skin to this gem. While I have to admit it's very thick and can feel uncomfortable the first few times you use it, I did get used to it and love how soft if leaves my skin feeling. It completely removes any makeup, including eyeliner and mascara but also leaves your skin feeling like it's been slathered in lotion. You can find it at most drug stores for less then $15. 

One of my favorite parts in exploring my mom's makeup drawers is always finding what new lotions she is using. She has never been much of a perfume gal and has always preferred receiving the lotion version of a scent. These are currently in rotation: 

Hope this has been helpful! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

TGIF friends! Lord have mercy, did this week drag on for anyone else? It was my first full week at work in almost 3 weeks and I felt every minute of it. I am so happy Friday is finally here and even happier to say I have almost no plans. I am hoping the weekend will consist of good weather, sleeping in, and catching up with friends. Here's a few finds from this week...

/ Such a good reminder. Summer is always such a busy season, between weddings, vacations, and plans with friends. I loved this article's take on slowing down and savoring life. 

/ Loving this weekender- gold and stripes, sold. 

/ It's been awhile since I baked anything and with some extra time on my hands this weekend and some bananas that are getting ready to be past the point of eating, these will be perfect. 

/ Swooning over this outdoor space, anyone else love the look of white brick?

/ Preach. 

Cheers to the weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Can We Go Back To The Weekend

This past weekend was one for the books and one I am wanting to redo all over again. With traveling the past 3 weekends before, I couldn't wait to spend the weekend in Raleigh just relaxing. Here's a bit of how my weekend looked...

Friday nights are now for staying in, whipping up a dynamite spread, and being in bed by 10... it is glorious. Long gone are the days of going out on a Friday and Saturday, by the end of the week the only thing I want to slip into is a big tshirt. My roommates and I took a lovely trip to Trader Joes after work and stocked up on some essentials; cheese, crackers, pepperoni, olives, spinach and jalepeno dip, pita chip, and last but not least wine. It was great to stay in and catch up with my roommates, we even watched one of my all time favorite movies- Cruel Intention. 

Saturday I was up early and off the gym. I have really been trying to get back in to running and can finally see a difference in not only the time I able to run but my speed. I did a quick 2 mile run and then headed to strength class. After the gym I came home and my roommates and I headed to the pool to enjoy a little time in the sun. While it wasn't the greatest day and was mostly cloudy while we were there, I still managed to get a bit of sun and was happy to relax and do some reading. 

My best friend form home sent me the sweetest care package last week and inside was this book. I started Saturday at the pool and was finished Sunday... aka go buy it. 

Saturday night we decided to venture out for a bit...

Sunday we slept in a bit and then decided it would be nice to get out of the city for the day and headed to the lake. While driving an hour just to layout may seem a little silly, I can tell you it was absolutely perfect. We spent all day laying out and in the water and had the best time. 

Sunday night we grabbed italian take out on our way home, watched a few episodes of Friends and then it was off to bed. Side note- I can't believe it is already the first of June! It feels like just yesterday it was Spring and here we are basically at the start of Summer! I am really looking forward to June for the sole reason that I am pretty plan free. May was full of weekend trips and a few working weekends. June will be for relaxing and hopefully more weekends just like this one! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann