Weekend

I figured what better way to reintroduce myself to my blog and the blogging world then by kicking off a weekend post before a great long weekend ahead. I apologize for the silence around here, I can't believe I let my blog go for so long without 1 post. I thought seriously about deleting it but in the end decided I wasn't ready and while I may not post a lot, my blog and the blogging community still mean a great deal to me. Today's post just includes a few finds from this past week and possible options for this weekend...

// I love every inch of this apartment and wishing I was calling it my own home for the weekend

// There are some really great Memorial Day sales out there and I am thinking of scooping up this top, these jeans, and these fun sunglasses. 

// I am planning on having a pretty low key weekend and can't wait to spend some time outside just relaxing but with this heat, you better believe I will have my new favorite cocktail in hand. If you haven't tried this yet you are seriously missing out. 

// I picked up a few avocados from the store yesterday that are perfect for this recipe. 

// This quote is perfection for me right now and some personal things I have going on. I will leave it at that just say praise the lawd its Friday! 

Hope everyone has a lovely long weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Currently...

Being that I have totally let this blog get away from me, I am going to attempt to share a bit of what has been going on. I feel like every week I mean to sit down and schedule a post or two but then I get caught up doing a million other things and to be honest the blog is often the last thing on my mind.  But who isn't busy these days, without continuing to give excuses... here's whats been on going on currently...

Listening to:

I can't get enough of The Lumineers newest album. Sleep on the Floor is my favorite but it has been on constant repeat since it came out last week.

Eating:

Last week I had a bad cold and since I haven't gotten my appetite to fully make a recovery. I did however whip up a version of this Greek Quinoa salad to have as an easy lunch of dinner option. 

Wearing:

The weather in Raleigh this week has been absolutely amazing and dare I say the word hot at times! The past 2 days I've worn a dress to work which has been such a nice change. I also have been wearing this peplum top nonstop and would highly recommend...

It's currently on sale for just $9.00!

Drinking:

From busy days at work to a lot going on in my personal life, my sleep has totally fallen to the way side, therefore coffee has been my drink of choice lately. I am majorly hooked on 4 shots of espresso over ice with a pump of caramel and a dash of milk... so yummy. 

Reading:

I've majorly stepped up my reading game over the past few weeks and have been loving it. I forgot how relaxing it is to settle into bed with a book and just zone out. Last week I finished Luckiest Girl Alive and while it wasn't my favorite, it was still a good read. I also just picked up a few books I had on hold at the library inculding...

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Summer Secrets by Jane Green

Barefoot by Elin Hinderbrand

and my current read that is so good so far- 

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica

Needing:

I am majorly homesick for my family lately and can't wait for some time off next month and a trip down to Florida to spend time with them. Life has gotten so hectic lately that I am having a hard time staying focused and think some time away with my family is just what I need. A few beverages on the beach won't hurt either! For those curious, we are heading to Palm Beach and the Keys for a few days- recommendations welcome! 

Wanting: 

Naturally since I am going on a vacation, I want some new pretties including a new bathing suit, some comfy shorts and I wouldn't hate a few new dresses. Tomorrow's post will include a few things I have my eye on lately.

Thinking: 

Without going into too many details, my persona life is a bit of a mess right now. This quote is exactly what I needed this week and I am looking forward to getting back to myself and back on track. 

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Lately/ Life happenings + Confessions

Hello long lost blogging world. I can't believe it has been 18 days since my last post... not good on my part. Life has been so busy lately that I can't believe it is about to be April, summer will be here before we know it. In an attempt to get caught up, I am sharing a bit of what I have been up to as of lately + a few confessions....

Named as one of the best bars of the South, I treated T to a few drinks at The Crunkleton as part of his Valentines gift. He was able to try a few different bourbons he hadn't had before while I sipped on a yummy martini. While it's not an every weekend spot, it was definitely a fun experience and something we will do again. 

A shamless fitting room selfie. A few weeks ago I wondered into Forever 21 after seeing a few things on their website I loved. While I am still kicking myself for not getting these fun fringe heels, I did come home with the black shift dress. One can never have too many black dresses, at least in my book. 

Dress / Shoes

While I was at the mall I also came home with a few new goodies from Sephora. It has been a long time since I tried any new beauty products so I was eager to try out these fun masks. So far I have loved both and will continue to buy the individual pod sizes. Tip- these pods have more then enough for one application. I have saved mine in zip block bags and have been able to get at least 5 uses out of each. 

As part of my point rewards, I also was able to pick up this Bobbi Brown face moisturizer. I have never used a Bobbi Brown product but knew I would love it. So far it has made both a great moisturizer and primer.

I also picked up a new beauty blender that I have been using for my under eye concealer as well as my foundation. It has been an absolute game changer in my makeup routine and I love the way it blends everything in and makes it look much more natural. 

Another mirror selfie of a sweater/scarf/necklace combo that has been on repeat lately. 

Now for some confessions...

+ I have totally fallen off the work out wagon. I mean y'all I woke up at 5:30 this morning and literally played on my phone looking at instagram until I got out of bed at 6am. Emily a few week ago would have been up and out the door to the gym by 6 and home around 7:15 to get ready for work. 

+ My Starbucks addiction is real and also a huge problem. I've received a few gift cards lately and so far this week have already had Starbucks 3 times... this needs to stop.

+ I am going home this weekend for Easter and can't wait to be back in Annapolis. If the weather is good, I am hoping for a walk/run around the water and then am hoping mom will treat me to a little shopping. 

+ I got a pedicure the other day for the first time in way too long. My feet were literally embarrassing and I am so happy with the way they look now. Definitely something that needs to be in my monthly rotation. 

Hope everyone has a great Thursday! 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Saturday Shopping

While unfortunately I am working this weekend, I am wishing I were out shopping for all things spring and fun. I am officially over the cold and ready for dresses, sandals, and even more ready for summer. Here's a few things I have my eye on...

ASTR Lace Trim Romper

I am on the hunt for a long sleeve black romper to have for the spring and summer. I think I would get a ton of use out of it but I am having the hardest time finding one I like. While I do like the one above, I still think I could find a better one. Suggestions? 

ASTR V-Neck Crepe Shift Dress

Same brand as the romper above but I absolutely love love love this shift. I have a friends engagement party in may and think this would be perfect, possibly paired with...

Forever 21 Ankle Strap Sandals

Y'all I saw these in the store last week and can't believe I didn't get them. They are perfect and a steal for less then $40! 

Suede Fringed Sandals

Also by Forever 21 are these amazing fringed heels. I have a few weddings/events over the spring and summer and these would be perfect paired with almost anything. 

J.Crew Factory Sleeveless Flouce Top

Perfect for work on paired with white skinnies in the summer, a statement necklace and some sandals. 

Pieces Round Sunglasses

These look so similiar to a pair of Karen Walkers I have been lusting over for quite some time but not ready hit go due to their price. These are a steal and so cute. 

Hope everyone is having a lovely Saturday!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Happy Friday loves! Today really feels like my Tuesday since I was off the beginning of this week and will be working over the weekend but Friday is here nonetheless. I have lots of updates to share next week including a few favorites as of lately and my Asheville recap. As for today, lets keep is brief and to the point with this weeks finds...

// I am pretty much a creature of habit and do best when on a routine. As of lately, I have not been on a routine and my body is starting to notice from not eating as healthy and not sleeping as well to not working out as much. Next week I am vowing to get back on track and plan on using this guide as inspiration. 

// Looking for your next read? I am hoping to try one if not all of these out [1] [2] [3]

// Home trends to look out for in 2016

// As if I could love Target anymore, this might need to be scouted for on my next run, love the bright green color for spring. 

// A good reminder. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend Recap

Happy Tuesday loves! I am back from a lovely weekend spent catching up with good friends and no shocker here but I am already for the weekend to be here again. This past weekend I headed back to my college town to celebrate my good friend and bride to be at her Monogram and Mimosa shower. Everything from the flowers to the food was absolutely amazing and I am thrilled to be apart of her special day in August. I didn't do a stellar job of documenting throughout the weekend but here's a few snapshots...

The bride to be and her honorary bridesmaids. 

All of us girls before dinner. We ate at a new Greenville spot, The Rickhouse. While we did have to wait a good while for our spot, everything from our drinks to our dinner was great. 

How adorable is this decoration for a baby's room? The host on Saturday had an amazing home and I made sure to get a picture of this to save as a gift idea. What a great idea for anyone that is expecting a little one and definitely something easy to make and affordable. 

Lastly, over the weekend my friend Sarah had this gorgeous necklace from Z.Zdesigns. While I haven't yet figured out where they sell them in Raleigh, I can assure you one will be mine soon. Be sure to check out their instagram account, so many cute pieces and I am a sucker for anything oyster related. 

Hope everyone has a great week!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Weekend

Happy Friday friends! I apologize for dropping the ball on posting this week, it was a busy one and I am looking at a busy weekend ahead. This weekend I am heading to Greenville to celebrate one of my good friends wedding showers and will be staying the night for some girl time and catching up. I can't wait to celebrate the bride to be as well as be back in my college town. Here are this week's links and finds...

/ Tonight will be a low key dinner at home and movie night. We are going to make homemade pizza and I am thinking these two recipes [ one & two]  will be making a debut. Any recs for a good redbox?

/ Trader Joes is my weekly grocery stop, from their flowers to their frozen food selection, it's by far my favorite grocery store. Check out this list of favorites and things to try next time you stop by. 

/ I have an unhealthy obsession with Fixer Upper and anything related to Joanna and Chip Gaines. Anyone else? 

/ Old Navy has so many cute things for the spring, I am love this top, these sandals, and this dress. 

/ My favorite as of lately. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann