Weekend

TGIF friends! Today's post is coming to you from new city for a few months- Durham! I am officially moved in and can't wait to start my new career on Monday. This weekend I am looking forward to exploring my new city, checking out a bluegrass festival with friends, and preparing for the upcoming week!

Here's a few things throughout the week past...

- This kitchen could not be more perfect, I love the country style sink and marble countertops. 

- Three of my favorite foods combined in this recipe that is too easy not to try. 

- I've been on the hunt for new eyeglasses and I am obsessing over these. 

- This is the bluegrass festival I will be checking out this weekend, can't wait for a beautiful day filled with live music and local vendors. 

- Truer words have never been written.

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Reflecting

It's hard to believe that today I had my official last day at my job before starting my new one. This job was my first in my field and turned out to be more of an opportunity then I ever imagined. To think of how much my job has evolved and changed in just the 2.5 years I was there amazes me and I am beyond thankful. As of tomorrow I will be heading to a new city to start a new career and while I beyond excited, I couldn't help but think about the past few years and all that has happened. 

Get ready for a picture overload...

My first day of work at VCU!

Officially passed my exam and became a Certified Child Life Specialist

Turned 23 surround by friends and family

Attended my high school 5 year reunion

Successfully baked my first apple pie after apple picking

Moved into my very own apartment

Had the best time at a girls getaway to Carolina beach

Attended a conference in Denver, CO 

Studied and took the GRE for my masters 

Spent 4th of July to what has now become a tradition with some of my best friends at the shore

Blessed to celebrate 24 at my favorite Richmond restaurant, Pearl

Moved out of my 1 bedroom and into an apartment with 2 amazing girls

Hosted my first Stella & Dot party

Fell in love with the South of The James farmers market

Traveled to ECU for game weekends with these ladies

Threw a fun pumpkin painting and wine night

Visited some of the most beautiful wineries in Charlottesville

Enjoyed the beautiful Richmond fall weather

Fell in love with spin classes at Boho Spin Studio

Many fun nights spent with fellow Pirates

Celebrated Christmas with my roommates 

Traveled to Miami for my cousin Jill's beautiful wedding

Nights spent babysitting these two cuties

Gathered some of the most amazing gifts from very special patients

Weekend visits spent with mom

Warm weather happy hours overlooking the city

Traveled to Wilmington, NC to watch the first of my best friends get married

A fun reunion weekend with friends at the beach

Celebrated 25 with the most amazing group of friends that has turned into my Richmond family

Treated myself to a special birthday present

Trained and completed the Ultimate Hike

It's been a busy and amazing few years in Richmond and I can't even begin to describe how much I am going to miss the amazing friends I have met since being here. Good thing Raleigh is just a quick drive because I know I will be back to visit frequently! 

Here's to the past few years and the new adventures that are to come!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Treated myself to a special birthday present 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Shower Essentials

Shower Essentials by ead0724 featuring a dove hair conditioner

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo- I've been using this shampoo for about a week now and I officially love it. It doesn't leave my hair feeling dry and stripped of all it's natural oils but also doesn't leave any residue. 

Dove Daily Moisture Conditioner- This conditioner smells so good and leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft. I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to condition because I want something that wont leave my hair feeling heavy but that will also leave the ends feeling healthy and smooth. This one is great and doesn't break the budget by any means. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle- This is definitely not my first time mentioning this miracle worker but I continue to buy it because it's amazing. I use it about one to two times a week and love the way it leaves my hair feeling. 

Aveeno Daily Body Wash- I have pretty sensitive skin and love the way this leaves my skin feeling. I use just a drop each time and love how much it suds and bubbles up.

Neutrogena Natural Face Wash- I'm pretty basic when it comes to my face wash and normally don't stick to the same type or brand. I am currently trying this one out and so far so good but nothing too special. 

Clarisonic Mia- Also not my first time mentioning the Clarisonic but a true favorite of mine. Like I mentioned, I have very sensitive skin and was super nervous to use the Clarisonic, fearing it would be too harsh on my skin. Boy was I wrong, it turned out to be just what I my skin needed! There is a variety of different brush options but I am currently using the one for larger pores and have seen a difference in my face and appearance of my pores. 

What are some of your favorite shower products?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Life + Changes

The past few weeks and weekends have felt like an absolute whirlwind and while it will continue into next week I thought I would share a bit of what's been going on! 

I have officially moved out of my apartment in Richmond and moved most of my stuff into a storage unit in Raleigh. For the next few months I will be subleasing a place in Durham while I get my feet on the ground and started at the new job. I am fortunate enough to have 2 of my closest friends also moving to Raleigh that I will be moving in with in just a few short months! Most of last week was spent packing up my apartment and deciding which to go in storage and which to take with me. My packing essentials included Oktoberfest and Steve Winwood pandora. 

Mid last week I took a break from packing and had a fun night at Allie's house for bunco! I had never played before but am so happy I went and loved every minute. Allie had everything set up perfect and had quite the food spread and even made a yummy raspberry champagne punch. It was such a fun night filled and made even better by the chance to finally break out a bit of fall apparel.

Boots: Banana Republic, Jeans: Express, Top: TJ Maxx, Scarf: Francescas, Bag: South Moon Under

(Pardon the mess and boxes in the background)

Allie's adorable sunroom and probably my favorite room in her house! She has done an amazing job decorating her whole house but the sunroom is filled with girly fun details. 

Possibly a combination of lack of sleep and stress, I also decided to get a cold last week that left me snuggled on the couch with my favorite pumpkin tea. Harney & Sons Tea is one of my favorites and every season I look forward to breaking out the pumpkin tea with a bit of honey and dash of cinnamon. 

I also didn't want to leave Richmond without one more run to my favorite running spot- Bryd Park. This has been my running destination since I first moved to Richmond over two and a half years ago. Although it was cloudy and a bit misty it made for a good run and always a good view. 

Now that moving day has come and gone and I have a week before starting the new job, I am spending some time at home with my family. It's been over a month since I've been home and I can't wait to see and catch up with friends, not to mention enjoy the pleasures of being home in Annapolis. 

Other items on the agenda for this week include one last trip to Richmond for my "official" last day of work, followed by a fun happy hour with friends and my hem/onc team. It will be a sad week with lots of goodbyes but also the start of a new adventure in a new city! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Obsessions

Obsessions by ead0724 featuring gold candle holders

Just a few things I've had my eyes one lately...

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann