Weekend

Thank goodness the weekend is finally here. This week while I had Friday off just seemed stressful and rushed. While I wish I had the weekend off, I am heading to work both Saturday and Sunday but no plans other then to relax and enjoy the last bit of summer. Here's some finds from this week...

\ I love every inch of this apartment. I live for looking at The Everygirl's apartment styles and this one I absolutely fell in love with this one. From the prints to the pillows to the book case design... I am obsessed. 

\ I have heard nothing but RAVE reviews about this overnight cream. Once fall comes around my face tends to need a bit more moisture and I am thinking this will be perfect to add my bedtime routine. 

\ Anyone else beyond obsessed with seasoned pretzels? This recipe looks too easy to pass up! 

\ In one of my latest Target runs I found these set of sheets and am thinking I may need to go back and get them. They are an absolute steal and would match perfectly in my grey/navy room. 

\ Gap is currently having their Friends & Family sale, there are a ton of great pieces for a steal including this scarf! 

\ This quote is spot on. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Mid Week Muse: Chairish Decor

Mid Week Muse: Chairish Decor by ead0724 featuring brass candle holders

This week I am switching it up a bit for Mid Week Muse and focusing on home decor. I was recently contacted by Chairish Furniture and Home Decor to do a product design. Once I perused their website I was absolutely smitten and am still drooling over this design. I love the mix of the pattern and colors in the Turquoise Tuft Barrel Chair and wanted to use basic gold and cream accents throughout the rest of the design. All of the above pieces can be found on the Charish website. Also be sure to check our their selection of vintage accent chairs- they are to die for!

A few other items I might add to my coffee table might be...

The Perfect Candle

Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle

A solid collection of "coffee table books"

How would you design your living area?

Hope is everyone a great week so far!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend Report

This past weekend could not have been more needed. This was the first weekend in I can't remember how long that I was in town AND off work! The only plans I had all weekend was to do a training hike on Saturday, which pretty much kicked my butt for the rest of the weekend. Here's a bit of how my weekend looked...

Friday started out with a spin class and breakfast with my friend Carrie. It's been a few weeks since one of our Friday dates and it felt great to be back to the routine. Lucky for me I am off this Friday and looking forward to doing it all over again! If you are in the Richmond area, I highly suggest you check out Boho Spin Studio AND Lamplighter Roasting Co. Both are amazing and make Fridays even better.

The rest of Friday I headed into work for a few hours before heading home and relaxing. Leftover spaghetti and Bravo were the only activities of Friday night which was totally ok in my book. 

Saturday I was up entirely too early to head to the mountains for my first training hike with members from Ultimate Hike. I was a bit intimidated before starting but so happy I was able to finish the hike and got to meet some amazing people. 4 of the people we hiked with were in their 70s and may have been in better shape then me! 

The views were absolutely amazing and this shot was taken at the top of Stony Man Gap in the Shenandoah Valley. 

A few of the people I will be hiking with in a few weeks for Ultimate Hike! 

Saturday night was spent recovery and relaxing watching movie with a friend and taking it easy. 

Sunday I had homemade brunch with friends along with some pretty delicious bloody marys and then spent the day by the river! It was beautiful out and it felt so good to relax my feet in the river and lay out on one of Richmond's famous rocks down the James. Sunday night I went to a cookout at a friends and whipped up some Texas Caviar, always a crowd pleaser and so easy to make! 

Overall it was a great weekend full of time relaxing, time with friends, and enjoying the beautiful weather! 

On board for this week is a few work outs, trying out a few new recipes, and attending a fundraising dinner! 

Hope everyone has a great week! 

Weekend

Happy Friday friends!

I am so excited this weekend is finally here! After putting in a few hours at work today I will be off a tad early and ready to enjoy a weekend with minimal plans. After a crazy few weeks traveling and being busy at work, a little R&R is just what the doctor ordered! Here's a random assortment of finds from this week...

+ Spinach pie is one of my favorite dishes and this recipe looks amazing! 

+ The Every Girl is always putting out fun and interesting articles to read. I really enjoyed this one perception and being authentic. 

+ One day this week I had a little extra time on my hands and decided to swing by Anthropologie to check out the sale section. I stumbled across a few gems and still can't believe I didn't bring them home with me.

This sweater reminded me a lot of the J.Crew Factory Swing sweater and I am still kicking myself for not getting it. It was so comfortable and I loved that it slit at the side and was longer in back. This would be perfect for fall paired with a fun necklace or scarf. 

I finally got to try on the beloved coverup everyone has been raving about and much like the reviews, it did not disappoint. Unfortunately I needed one size smaller but for those who I haven't tried it yet, run to your nearest Anthro!

+ Of course now that my hair has finally gotten back to its originally length after chopping it 2 years ago, I am itching to make another cut. I loved my bob and think I would love it even more now that I really know how to curl my hair- this look is too cute and has me wanting to run to my hair stylist. 

+ Thank you all so much for your opinions the other day on what to treat myself to. Everyone had such great points about each about but in the end I decided on this...

I apologize for the plain nails but definitely wanted to share with y'all after everyone's great recommendations. I am so excited I bought the ring and know I will treasure it for years to come. 

+ This quote is the winner of the week and so very true. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous and relaxing weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Thoughts for Thursday

Thank goodness it is Thursday! This week has seemed incredibly long given the fact that I only worked 2 days last week in between beach trips! I am beyond ready for this weekend and given that the week has been a little crazy, I have an array of thoughts to share for today's link up...

The weather has been absolutely beautiful in Richmond this week and reminded my entirely of fall! I may have taken it a little too far by adding a dash of cinnamon in my morning coffee AND having my first glass of red wine of the season, cheers!

I'm dog/house sitting this week and had a minor incident the other night which ended in me being so scared and in tears I had to call the police to come check the house. Yes you read that right. I was convinced a few things in the house were misplaced and that someone was hiding inside that I actually called the police to come check everything out. Everything was fine but my goodness I was a mess!

During my downtime this week I managed to watch a movie on Netflix per Allie's recommendation- The Importance of Being Earnest. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a great easy watch. 

Thank y'all so much for your comments and suggestions on what I should treat myself to for my 25th birthday! After lots of thinking I have officially made up my mind and can't wait to share with y'all what I ended up choosing- look for the reveal in tomorrows post!

I have yet to hop on the La Croix trend but am seriously considering trying out this popular drink- any suggestions on what flavor to try first? 

It's hard to believe that in just a little over 2 weeks I will be hiking 20 miles in one day! Ultimate Hike is getting closer and closer and this weekend I will be hiking 15 miles... prayers appreciated. 

Tess from Tea Time with Tess recently posted that she would be going carb free for 30 days. Ever since she posted about it I have not been able to stop thinking about it and how much I want to try it for myself. I'm going to think about it the rest of the week and maybe even begin next week!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Opinions needed- What Should I Treat Myself To?

Today I am reaching out to everyone for their opinion on what I should treat myself to for my birthday. This birthday was kinda big for me and overall not the best day in general. I've been working really hard at work lately and have even picked up some second little jobs to bring in a little extra money which has left me wanting to treat myself to a little extra something. Obviously I still have my monthly expenses and am looking forward to putting a bit in savings but also looking forward to buying myself something nice that I know I worked for. 

I essentially have 2 options- one nice more expensive item or two less expensive items...

Option 1-

David Yurman X Crossover Ring

I've had my eye on this ring since college and for some reason have never bit the bullet and just bought it. I love the simplicity of it and that it could be worn every day. 

Option 2-

Sam Edelman Penny Boot

I am definitely due for a new pair of boots this fall and I love the look of these. 

J. Crew Factory Quilted Puffer Vest- Black

This is another piece I've had my eye on since last season and know I would wear it throughout Fall and into Winter. I've seen different bloggers style it and know I would be able to wear it with so many different things, bonus that it's on sale right now! 

So now the decision- the David Yurman ring or the two items for Fall/Winter? 

What do you treat yourself to?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend recap: Celebrating 25 at The Beach!

Thank you all so much for all the sweet birthday wishes last week and over the weekend! For those that didn't know, I celebrated my 25th birthday last week and had the pleasure of celebrating with these wonderful ladies at on of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. 

Celebrating with wonderful friends

Candid while singing Happy Birthday

Unfortunately late Thursday night/ early Friday morning something did not agree with my system and I wound up getting food poisoning. Having never had food poisoning I wasn't really sure what was going on but I don't remember getting so sick so quickly. It was honestly miserable and I totally feel for anyone that has ever had it. Friday I was due to head to the beach to spend the weekend with my best friends from college and though I was feel less then great, my friend Ellen drove and I relaxed and slept on the way down. Friday was a bit of blur as I spent most of the day/night sleeping but I woke up on Saturday feeling better and ready to relax on the beach. 

So thankful for these girls and the times spent with them!

Myself and Ellen, another July baby!

The whole crew at Jacks in Morehead

Overall the weekend was a great time and I am so happy I was able to rally and spend time with everyone. This week I am hoping to get in a few work outs but lay low before a weekend with NO plans... I can't wait! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann