What's In A New Start & Getting Real

Forewarning- this post is extremely personal but I felt like I couldn't jump into the new start of the blog or go on and on about how healthy I plan to be, without talking about what has been going on...

In yesterday's post I mentioned I was hitting a bit of a rewind button after spending too many months living unhealthy and being unhappy. The past month I have worked really hard on getting back to the things that make me feel my best, including living a healthier lifestyle. It's tough to say what really sparked my slump but all I know it I was not myself. I wasn't cooking or eating healthy like I normally do, pizza or drive-throughs became all too familiar, as well as having a glass of wine or two a night. I had stopped working out, was sleeping terrible and just generally felt not myself. The most frustrating part was that making changes and getting back to myself seemed like a daunting task and just nothing something I was up for or had the energy to do. 

Fast forward a few months later on a Sunday and I decided enough was enough. I signed up to try a new spin studio and have been going 3-4 times a week for about a month now, I started meal planning and prepping, and turning to books for further help and inspiration. I can honestly say I feel like an entirely different person then I did a month ago, I feel comfortable in my own skin again, I look forward to every spin class or workout class, and one of my favorite parts of the week is meal prepping for the week. One of my favorite books I have read so far during this turn around time and that I highly suggest is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. While I know a large part of my turn around was my attitude and outlook, I think this book really gave me the words and tools I needed to hear at the time and I honestly can say it's one of the best books I have ever read, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Now onto what I am doing daily/weekly to keep up these changes. Sundays are an extremely part of the week, I normally spend Sunday morning in bed with coffee perusing through Pinterest or other food blogs on meals and recipes for the week. Once I have my recipes, I head to Aldi and Trader Joes to stock up for the week.

Here is this weeks sample menu for you to see:

Breakfast:

2 egg cups with tomato and feta

Mini whole wheat bagel with peanut better and banana 

Morning Snack:

Cottage cheese with berries

Lunch:

Zoodles with turkey meatballs

Chocolate chip granola bar

Afternoon Snack:

Peach

Dinner: 

Pan roasted veggies (broccoli, red onion, cheery tomatoes, and zucchini) with chicken

In terms of working out, here is my schedule for this week:

Monday- Barbell Strength

Tuesday- Spin

Wednesday Barbell strength or Barre (still deciding)

Thursday- Spin

Friday- Yoga in the A.M, Spin after work

Saturday- Barbell 

Sunday- Yoga or Rest day (still deciding)

As for reading, I am really excited to finally read one of Gabrielle Bernstein's books- The Universe Has Your Back. I will report back with a review shortly. 

I would love to hear anyone's tips or tricks for meal planning or incorporating different workouts or even what helps you feeling your best. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Hitting Restart

How is it been November since the last time I posted? I knew I had intended to take bit of a blogging break but I think I let a litttleee too much time go by. Excuse the silence around here, to be honest I was feeling less then creative and started to look at the blog as something I dreaded which is something I never wanted. I originally started this blog while I was living in Charlotte working at my internship almost 7 years ago- so crazy. Since then I've moved to two new cities, worked for 2 amazing organizations, and most importantly been figuring myself out.

Being in the blog world it's so easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to everyone else and thinking your not as good or you should be doing better or really just being so hard on yourself. Enter- my blog break where I decided enough was enough and I needed some time away. After taking these past few months off, I am feeling much better and looking forward to picking things up around here. I can't say a whole lot has changed since the fall in terms of my personal life, still working the same job, still surrounded by the same amazing friends, however I did move homes mearly blocks away from our old home. So all in all, still the same me and if your still reading this rambling, thank you for sticking through it! 

Being that I've been gone for some time, it seemed appropriate to do a little getting to know me again, so here's a little background and a fun fill in the blank....

+ My name is Emily, middle name Ann, my mother also has the same middle name and it is my grandmother's first name.

+ I live in Raleigh, North Carolina and moved here almost 3 years ago from Richmond, VA.

+ I currently work at a Children's Hospital as a Child Life Specialist. I absolutely love what I do and consider myself lucky to have found something I look forward to doing every day.

+ I went to East Carolina University, Go Pirates!

+ I love music of all kinds, cooking in the kitchen and could spend every day at the beach if I could.

+ My biggest pet peeves are bad manners and rude drivers.

+ My guilty pleasures include mani/pedis, a good glass of wine and cheese plate, and binge watching shows on a lazy Sunday morning. 

Now for a fill in the blank....

Favorite song: Cry to Me by Solomon Burke

Book I am currently Reading: The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn

Favorite Thing to Cook: such a tough but probably Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs or salmon!

Women I admire: My grandmother and Jacqueline Kennedy

Things I can't live without: coffee, under-eye concealer, Spotify, and pizza.

Drink of Choice: Sauvignon Blanc or Vodka soda with lime 

Favorite Beauty Advice: ALWAYS wash your face at night

I also want to mention that I am going to try and steer my blog more towards living a healthy lifestyle and what that means for me. These past few months, I really gave myself a break from working out, eating healthy, and just taking care of my body in general. The past month I've spent a lot of time getting myself back into a routine and couldn't be happier. I feel my best when I am taking care of myself, working out 4-5 times a week, cooking and eating healthy meals, and mostly importantly setting aside time to do the things that make me happy and grounded. I decided this go around I would also create an instragram account directly related to my blog. You can follow along here.

Hope everyone is having a good start to their week and thank you for reading through all this blabbing!

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Catching up

Now that I have a few days off for Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good time to catch up on the  'ol blog. As I mentioned in my post a few weeks ago, life has really been crazy and I feel like I've barrely had any time to relax since ending summer and it now being Thanksgiving week! Here's a bit of what I have been up to...

Watching:

I need a new show to get into but I have watched a few episodes of This is Us as well as The Crown on Netflix. I also thought of hopping on the Gilmore Girls bandwagon as I have yet to ever watch it so stay tuned. Anyone have any show suggestions?

Making:

Lately I've definitely kicked up my cooking lately and have been so happy to try a few new recipes. These are a few of my favorites I've tried out recently...

Sausage and Kale Saute with Polenta

White bean pumpkin turkey chili 

Buffalo chicken chili 

Wanting:

So far I only have a few things on my Christmas list but am hoping to get some more ideas while I'm home. So far I have my eye on...

Patagonia Classic Retro X Fleece Vest

Fitbit Charge 2

Black Monogrammed Sunshine Satchel 

Gifting:

With Christmas only weeks away ::insert shocked emoji face:: I am trying to get as much of my Christmas shopping done this weekend as I can. A few of the things I plan to gift include this amazing earring rack (for someone who has everything), this staple clutch,  these cozy pajama pants, and this classic looking tray. 

Reading: 

I have read so many good books lately, most of which I've gotten from the Reese Witherspoon Book Club. Last night I started The Couple Next door and stayed up entirely too late reading it but am already half way done, it's so good. Next will be The Truth About Jellyfish and The Girl in Cabin 10,

Loving:

Having five days off to relax and hang out with my family and catch up with friends from home. The past few times I have been at home it's been super quick and only been an overnight stay which hasn't left me much time to spend with friends or family. This trip, I took 4 days from work and can't wait to just relax and spend time in one of my favorite cities, Annapolis! 

Drinking: 

I am in full red wine mode lately but seriously having a hard time figuring out what I like. I'll try a pinot noir and like it and then a merlot and also like it and then a cab sav and like it too. I tend to like something not try at all, super smooth, and pretty bold. 

Any recs?

Needing to hear:

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Back to Blogging: Weekend Things

I know what you're thinking, "oh that blog still exists." So sorry for the long overdue posts but life has just gotten away from me and I have been feeling less the inspired. Who knows how long the posts will continue this time but this morning I felt in the mood so I am just going for it. How the heck is it November? I've been nonstop at work for the past few months and am really looking forward to this month and next for a little less craziness and hoping to enjoy some serious downtime. On tap for this weekend includes grabbing dinner tonight while my dad is in town at one of our favorite osyter spots, catching up on some shows and reading, and possibly catching a football game. Here's to hopefully being back in the blog world and to a fun weekend ahead!

Finds and picks of the week...

// I have been on a major recipe kick lately and was so happy to find this article on how to make more things with one of my favorite foods, sweet potatoes!

// These booties are supposed to arrive today and I can not wait.

// Other plans this weekend include starting this new series, I am majorly looking forward to it, anyone else? 

// Sephora's VIB sale is just around the corner and I plan on scooping up a few things including this moisturizer, my go to under eye concealer, and this new lip shade. 

// And in case you need a reminder...

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Lately...

Being that it's been quite some time since posting regularly, I figured a "lately" post was in order to catch everyone up on what I have been up to. I can't believe it's already almost mid- July, where did the summer go? My birthday is just next week and August will be here before you know it and then it will be time for one of my all time favorite parts of the year- college football! But but before we get too ahead of ourselves, here's little bit of what has been going on in my world...

Wearing:

(I apologize for the quality)

A few weeks ago I hit the jackpot at TJ Maxx and walked out with this dress, 2 rompers, and a pair of Lucky brand sandals. I had been looking for an asymmetrical hem dress and was majorly excited when I found this black one as an option for a friends upcoming wedding. 

Weekend errands have been spent wearing these Paige denim shorts and an over sized pullover I've had for forever. 

Eating: 

Yesterday I made a big batch of shredded chicken to have for the week to add to salads, wraps, or just to eat plain. I couldn't believe how easy it was and followed this recipe. 

Reading:

I am almost finished reading this book and I can't recommend it enough. It had a bit of a slow start but once you got into it, it really picked up and I have been reading it nonstop. A few weeks ago I also finished Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave and Barefood by Elin Hilderbrand, both of which I would recommend. 

Listening:

If you haven't listened to Sturgill Simpson yet, do so now. He has been on major repeat and I don't hate it. 

Wanting:

With my birthday just a little over a week away, I have definitely had my eye on a few things, including this Native Look necklace piece

These are made right in Raleigh, NC and I love how different they are. I think it would be perfect thrown on with a black casual dress or even a white top and jeans. 

Watching:

Ever since picking up on my reading, my bedtime routine has completely changed and while I once used to wind down with Netflix, reading has become the new pre-bed activity. Every once in awhile if I am bored or just wanting some down time I've been watching, drumroll please and hold the judging...

Don't ask me how or why I got sucked into this show but I am already on season 2 and love how mindless and easy it is to watch. 

Needing: 

Maybe it's related to stress or sunscreen but my face has been all kinds of broken out lately. My roommate loves this I Image Clear Cleanser and swears it has cleared up her skin dramatically. I am hoping to check it out in the next week or two and will report back. 

I think that about does it for everything I have been up to lately! Check back tomorrow for more things on my birthday wishlist! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Monday Vibes

Happy Monday friends! 

After working all weekend and continuing into the week, I am less then thrilled for this week but hoping it will pass by quick because my mom will be visiting this weekend! I haven't seen my mom in almost 2 months and while that may not seem like a long time, for us its probably almost the longest! I can't wait to relax, shop, snag some yummy meals, and possibly take a day trip to the beach. Here's to hoping this week is a quick one! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Sunday Shopping

Happy Saturday friends! 

I am back this Sunday to bring you a few things I've had my eye on. July is officially my birthday month and when my mom asked me what I wanted, I decided to take to the web and see what I could find. And what else happens when you take to online shopping... you find all too much. This weekend I am working both Saturday and Sunday, womp womp but hoping to grab some time outside once I get off and also drinks with friends. Enough about that though, here's a few picks and finds...

White Cold Shoulder Ruffle Sleeve Top

I have pretty broad shoulders which unfortunately makes it hard to pull off anything off the shoulder that looks decent. I love the strap detail of this top and its less then $20 price tag.

Cold Shoulder Cami Top in Black

Very similar to the other but a little more flowy.

Swing Crew Neck Tee

I am all for a good tee and these have been a favorite as of lately. I love to pair them with jeans and sandals for running errands. 

Teal Print Romper

This is a little different for me but I am all about a good romper. This would be perfect thrown over a bathing suit from the beach or perfect for warmer weather and a summer concert. 

Sam Edelman "Gemma" Lace Up Sandal

I have yet to really hop on the gladiator sandal train because I am not really sure its the right look for me. However these look like just the right mix of edge, comfort, and trendy that I could do. 

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann