5 on Friday- Five Things That Make Me Happy

This wasn't the most eventful week and I did a terrible job of taking pictures throughout it, so rather then share moments of the past week, this week I am trying something different. This week I want to talk about the top 5 things that make my happy. While there are tons of things that make me happy and make me smile, those listed below are my top picks! 

{One}

Time Spent with my family 

I'm only child, and no I promise I do not have only child syndrome... my mom made sure to knock any notion of that when I was younger. Being that I'm an only child I'm incredibly close with my family and absolutely cherish any time I get to spend with them. Getting away for a weekend at home and spending time with my mom and gram is the best medicine for anything and I can't wait to see them this coming Sunday for Easter!

{Two}

Cooking

There is nothing I love more then heading into the kitchen, a little Van Morrison, glass of wine and a recipe. Cooking is something I have always loved, its therapeutic, something I do myself and can forget about everything that happened that day and put my mind to making something yummy. I'm more of a cook then a baker but definitely love to whip up something sweet every now and then. Recipe or no recipe being in kitchen and either trying something new or making one of my favorite dishes, cooking will always be something that brings me joy. 

{Three}

My friends

I have no idea what I would do without my friends. They never cease to amaze me with all of their amazing accomplishments. We all live in different cities and I love when we get the opportunity to get together and spend the weekend laughing and catching up. I miss them terribly and wish I got to see them more but can't wait to them soon for our big San Francisco trip in May!

{Four}

My patients

I am beyond blessed to work with such amazing patients and families every day. Working with hematology/oncology patients definitely has its moments and there are days when I don't think I can do my job.However there are others when I can't imagine doing anything different. The children I meet and interact with on a daily basis are so resilient and over come everything from chemo to amputations. They are the reason I get up every day and go to work and for the most part the reason I am constantly smiling throughout the day. 

{Five}

"Me" Time

I am huge believer in making time for yourself. I normally have Fridays off and whether I am running around doing errands, shopping or going to Barnes and Noble I love that time by myself. Working in the field I do, it can be emotionally and physically exhausting, taking time to relax and refuel is key in making sure I can actually do my job and do it well. "Me" time is essential and definitely something I make time for every week.

What makes you happy? 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Your truly,

Emily 

Shopbop Sale picks!

Shopbop is currently offering an amazing sale- 25% off everything using the code "INTHEFAMILY14". They have tons of great stuff right now and here are a few of my picks...

Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini 

I've had my eye on this for a few months and think I am going to end up ordering it in the black. It is such a timeless classic looking bikini!

Susana Monaco Crew Dress

You can never have too many little black dresses and this one is killer. I love black dresses and how versatile they are- paired with a pair of nude pumps or fun wedges and a statement necklace. 

Only Hearts Pixie Pointelle Sleep Shorts

I am a sucker for anything comfy to sleep in and think these would be perfect for those warmer summer nights. 

Kate Spade Brigit Sunglasses

I normally don't spring for sunglasses on account of how much I lose them but these are stunning. At just a little over $100, they are definitely something worth the investment and would be perfect come summer time!

Club Monaco Amber Shorts

Love love love these cute scallop shorts. 

Today is the last day for the sale so make you check it out and be sure to enter the promo code! Hope everyone is everything a great week so far- one more day until Friday!

Yours truly, 

Emily 

Weekend Recap

This past weekend I traveled to Cleveland OH for a conference and was definitely looking forward to getting away and having a bit of "me" time. I arrived Saturday afternoon and checked into my hotel which was located right downtown in the Tower City area. Once settled into my hotel room I headed out to explore a bit and grab a drink as it had been a long day of traveling. I decided to try out a place nested along East 6th St. called Lolas. It had a pretty good crowd and a bar that looked like it was made out of Himalayan rock... pretty cool. I ordered the Grapefruit Gimlet... shocker with my grapefruit obsessed but it was amazing.

I've never been a big go to the bar by myself kind of person and would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous. I ended up sitting next to an older couple and had the best time talking with them. They were absolutely adorable college sweethearts and the best part was turns out she's an older Alpha Xi Delta. This led to more talking, more drinks, and before I knew it I had had a few one too many. Not the great idea before a conference when you have to be up at 6 but I don't regret it one bit. It was so interesting talking to her and her husband and learning about her chapter and how the sorority was when she was a member. 

Saturday was long long long and made for a pretty early night that consisted of finishing my book and ordering room service. 

If you haven't read this book, I highly suggest it! I actually started it Saturday morning while waiting for a my flight and polished it off that same night!

Gotta love a good room service meal, I ordered the Caesar salad with herb encrusted salmon... seriously amazing. 

Sunday was more sessions at conference followed by an evening flight and making it back to Richmond around 10. Overall the weekend getaway was great and filled with lots of relaxing, networking, and taking in a lot of new information from the conference. 

As for this week I have some flex time due to attending the conference which leaves me with extra hours to leave early a few days this week! I have a few spin classes planned, a catch up date with a friend, and fun outdoor music event to end the week on Friday. 

Here's to what I hope will be an easy quick week!

Yours truly,
Emily

Monday's Mantra

Yours truly, 

Emily 

5 on Friday

Happy Friday friends! I am so happy that Friday is finally here and this long week has come to an end! I was terrible about documenting throughout the week but here's a look at this week and upcoming weekend....

{one}

One of my favorite things about Richmond is that it is definitely a "foodie" city. Every week new and exciting restaurants pop up and become the "it" thing to try out. Being that food is such a big deal here, it's no surprise we feel pretty serious about food trucks! This past Tuesday I had a hellishly long day at work, aka almost 13 hours and couldn't have been happier then when I passed food truck food court on my way home from work. Lucky for me, food truck food court is happening just a block from my house EVERY Tuesday  night. I am beyond excited and can't wait to try out some different carts other then my standard go to - Boka for some yummy tofu tacos. 

{two}

This past week a group of girlfriends and I reserved a house in Charleston for the beginning of September. I couldn't be more excited about this getaway and think it will be the perfect trip to unwind after whats looking like will be a crazy busy summer!

{three}

(source)

This week I made another fritata to have for breakfast throughout the week! It has become one of my favorite things to whip up on Sunday nights and love adding various ingredients. Look for my new recipe next week!

{four}

This weekend I am off to Cleveland for a work conference! I will be staying downtown and while at first I was a bit nervous to just be on my own, I am actually looking forward to a little "me" time and exploring the city. I've looked up a few restaurants to try out, where the good shopping is, and even a few good parks in case the weather permits for some reading outside. If you have any Cleveland recs I am all ears!

{five}

Loving this quote right now. Sometimes its so easy to get caught up in where we think we should be or compare ourselves to others. Relax, keep your head up, and know everything is just as it should be.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily 

Obsessions

Anyone else having a major desire to go spring/summer shopping?! I have been absolutely broke the past few weeks and with all the warm weather and pay day arriving, I am finding myself wanting to do some major shopping! Here's a few things I have been eyeing...

J.Crew Factory Exploded Eyelet Skirt

It's beyond me why I haven't actually bought this dress yet. It's by no means expensive and would be perfect to wear to wear with flats to work or paired with wedges for a fun night out. If anyone has this skirt, I would love to know the fit/ how you like it!

Old Navy Ponte Knit Shift Dress

Last week I did bit the bullet and buy this dress, it was on major sale and I couldn't help myself. I had tried it on in black at the store but felt it was a little long and was unable to find a petite size. I was so excited to see they offered in petite sizes online and ended up scooping it up!

Rent the Runway Wild One Dress by Nanette Lepore

I have a few weddings coming up and have been wanting to try out Rent The Runway. I spotted this Nanette Lapore dress and am thinking it could be perfect paired with some nude pumps and gold jewelry. Anyone have any good experience from working with Rent The Runway?

J Brand Anja Jean

I've heard really great reviews about J Brand jeans but have yet to buy any! These look perfect for chillier summer nights and could be great dressed down with flats or jacks or up with wedges and pumps!

House of Harlow Mini Starburst

I have the larger black Starburst pendent and wear it constantly. I am loving the look of this smaller one and think it could be worn just as much as my larger black one!

Wouldn't it be a dream if I could afford all of these things! Sadly some will have to wait but I am loving all the above. 

What are some things you have been shopping for?

Yours truly, 

Emily

A Little Q&A... Getting To Know Me

Happy Wednesday friends! I was having the hardest time thinking about things to post for the week until I saw Christa's post yesterday from Forever Young! I have always loved the idea of doing a Q&A and love that it gives you a deeper look into someone's life and allows you to get to know them a little better. Christa was nice enough to let me use her format and I am excited about today's post and the opportunity for my readers to know a little bit more about me! Enjoy!

What brings you the greatest joy?

Seeing my patients and their families happy, spending time with my own family and friends, and spending just with me doing the things I love (i.e Barnes and Noble, long walks, or shopping)

2. What are your vices? 

Netflix, wine,  and checking Instagram (by far my favorite form of social media)

3. What is on your nightstand? 

Girls in White Dresses, Rosebud Salve Lip Balm, and a candle 

4. Do you have a secret talent? 

Yikes, not that I can think of!

5. What is your greatest indulgence? 

Wine or going out to nice dinner

6. What should every woman try at least once in her life? 

Going on a vacation by herself, I have gone on work conferences by myself and they have been very relaxing. I would like one of the next vacations I take to be solo and spent just having "me" time.

7. What makes you laugh? 

Talking with my friends or grandmother, late night talks with my roommates, SNL

8. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I never learned how to ride a bike when I was little. My friends in college tried to teach me but it was unsuccessful. 

9. Were do you dream about traveling?

I am beyond excited about going to San Francisco in May but would love to eventually make it to Greece! 

10. What is on your feet right now? 

Flats

11. How did you make your first dollar?  

I started babysitting when I was 14. I couldn't even drive but either my parents or who I was babysitting for picked me up and dropped me off. 

12. What superstition do you believe in? 

In the hospital we fully believe if you say a patients name while they are not admitted, sure enough they will be later that day or the next. 

13. What items in your closet do you wear the most?

Blouses or match stick black pants 

14. What is the best gift you've ever received? 

I've received so many special gifts from my family but probably my favorite have been from my patients, mostly just little drawings and things they have created but they are so special to me.

15. Favorite television show?

I don't think I have a favorite but I love Scandal, Girls, or Orange Is The New Black

16. What is on your kitchen counter? 

Our kitchen counter stays pretty clear, a knife holder, toaster, and bowl of fruit.

17. What would you never leave home without? 

My phone. I'm sure it would be nice to not have it for a day but it's also my pager at work.

18. Favorite part of the day? 

My drive home from work. It's not a surprise for me to stay at late much later then I should or for me to have a work day that is both physically and emotionally exhausting. My drive home from work is often my time to process everything from the day, blast the music, have the windows down and let it all out before I get home. 

19. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? 

If Jackie Kennedy was still alive, she would most definitely make the list in addition to Jennifer Anniston and Julia Roberts, they'll forever be my favorites.

20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger? 

Don't take things so seriously. Half the things we worry and stress about won't matter a year from now and if they do, they have a way of working themselves out. 

Yours truly, 

Emily