Heavier Things...

It's that time again for me to get a little sappy here on the blog. Maybe not sappy, but emotional.  

Let me start off by saying that the point of this post is not to whine about all my little problems and beg for attention or sympathy. It's merely meant to put my feelings out there and express where I'm at right now. I know that compared to many my struggles are quite small. Your support means the world to me and I simply feel like there are things that I need to get off of my chest. 

Lots of little challenges have been coming my way lately. Things that will seem stupid and trivial one day are pushing heavy on my heart at the moment. Right now I find myself going through a time of transition that I did not anticipate. And although I may not be happy with the way things are right now I know that God has a plan for my life and that everything happens for a reason; everything He does is for a purpose. While I may find myself constantly criticizing my appearance or obsessing over questions like Will I be single forever? and Where will I be in 5 years? I am also trying to look at this as an exciting time in my life. I'm tired of just stewing in negative thoughts and stressing about things that are ultimately out of my control. I need to keep reassuring myself that I am right where God wants me right now. It may not be the most exciting of times but this chapter in my life will lead to something else. I need to focus on growing in myself and becoming the woman that I want to be rather than comparing myself to others and speaking negatively to myself. I know these are things that every girl goes through and I am happy that I can look to other women as sources of inspiration at this time. Some seasons of our lives just seem awful, but I know that this season will lead to another and that all things are working towards His plan. 

I think that's about it. I just needed to put all of that out there. If you actually read all of this post, thanks for bearing with me. I will be back with something happier tomorrow. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Bloom...

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk it took to bloom." 

- Anais Nin

7/29/13...

Today was a day for beach pants, a beatles' tank, and round sunglasses. The weather was fabulous and I wish I could have sat in the sun forever. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

1. I just adore James' pictures from her family's trip to Chicago. 

2. Great pictures from Emma & Trey's wedding. 

3. Something wonderful to do on a summer day. 

4. All black. 

5. Everyday. 

6. These homemade pop tarts look super yummy! 

7. Moorea Seal has opened up her new shop with lots of goodies. 

8. Sara's drive-in post.  

9. "Show & Tell" posts over on Treasures and Travels.  

10. Honest Tea.

Peace and Love,
Em

Happy 18th...

Happy 18th to a little sister who has been there for me through it all, who can make me laugh and cry, and who has been my partner in crime since '95. Thanks for being such a rad sister, Maddie. Happy Birthday! 

Peace and Love,

Em

Catch Up...

  

Hello all! I hope everyone has had a great Monday so far! It has been so hot here lately! Last week there were a couple of days where it was around 106 degrees- not my favorite! I've been trying to stay cool by wearing sundresses and drinking lots of Fiji water but sometimes the heat just gets to you. It's days like these that I wish I had a pool.  

In other news, my dad, sister, and I took a trip to Ikea yesterday. I ended up buying a unit to store my vinyl and use for my record player. I hadn't planned on spending any money but it's something that I needed and I fell in love with what I got when I saw it. I'm hoping to post pictures of it soon! 

Finally, I love the picture of the flower above. The they are from my grandmother's garden. We went out to visit my grandparents last weekend and my grandmother took me on a long walk around her garden. Her flowers are gorgeous and I think it's so cute that she loves to spend so much time gardening. I have decided that if I ever get married one day my grandmother with be in charge of the bouquets. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

1. Love the colors in this- it makes me miss the beach!! 

2. Some beautiful photos over on Jen's blog. 

3. Adore the exterior of this house. 

4. Little messages written by Minna May. 

5. True love. 

6. Sir Paul. 

7. Been listening to so much Coldplay this week!

8. Beautiful Essie colors for summer. 

9. Ruth's recipe for Pavlova looks divine. 

10. This book looks so cool to me. I can't wait to buy it!

Peace and Love,
Em

Happy Friday...

"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult." -E.B. White 

Wishing everyone a happy & fab Friday! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Currently...

Reading: I just started the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver and I am loving it! It's a dystopian novel and not something that I would normally read but I had heard so many good things about it that I decided to try it. I'm glad I did!! I've been reading it before I go to bed at night and it's just so good.

Listening to: I just discovered Kodaline the other day and I think I am in love. They only have an EP and a few singles out but everything they've done is magic! I like listening to them when I'm getting ready in the morning because they have a fun mellow sound. Plus, they have great lyrics.

Feeling Thankful: For the friendships that I have. And for all of the sweet comments that get posted on the blog. You don't know how much they mean to me <3 nbsp="" p="">
Thinking About: New England. The picture above was taken a few summers ago when I took a trip there with some friends. We spent time in Connecticut, Boston, and Newport. I'm missing those beautiful places right now. They are the perfect places to visit in the summer. A summer in Maine sounds just lovely, doesn't it?!

Eating: I know that I mentioned that I was bummed that Chick-fil-a changed their menu but they have a delicious salad that I am hooked on. It's not like I eat there all the time or anything but when I do go there I have been getting the Market salad. It has chicken, blueberries, strawberries, apples, bleu cheese, and an apple cider dressing. It is just so yummy!

Watching: Wilfred. I have been a fan of Elijah Wood for a very long time and I love him on this show. Before I started watching it I thought that it looked like a really weird show but I started with season one and I have been hooked ever since. It's funny & a little weird but I still watch it every Thursday.

Bummed Out On: It was so said to hear about Cory Monteith over the weekend. I loved the first season of Glee and then didn't really watch much after that. Finn was always a favorite of mine though. So sad for someone so talented to pass away so young.

Loving: I rearranged my room over the weekend and I adore how it looks. I was ready for a change and I have SO much more room now! Also, loving the fact that my sister and I and our friends are going to see Jimmy Fallon in Aug. I cannot wait!

Peace and Love,
Em

Observed: The Road Home...

 

 

While driving home from TN I got to enjoy some pretty gorgeous scenery. I loved seeing all of the farms and cows and horses as we passed by. Not to mention the mountains- I love the mountains! Getting to look at pretty things definitely made the long drive enjoyable. Part of the fun of traveling is getting to where you are going and soaking up your surroundings. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

1. I cannot wait for this book from Elsie + Emma!  

2. Another great Worn post from Bleubird.  

3. A touch of Robert Redford inside a small boutique.  

4. Using old candle holders to store make up brushes.  

5. Just too cute!  

6. Hanging an American flag on the wall.   

7. A fun beach bonfire post from Samantha.   

8. Kinfolk magazine is now digital!  

9. Lollia perfume in "Wish." I have been wearing this all week and can't get enough.  

10. My hair looks like this at some point every day of the week.  

Peace and Love, 

Em

Nashville...

 

I can't believe that it's been almost two weeks since I got back from my trip to Nashville! I already miss the city terribly and can't wait until my next trip down there. On this last trip we took a tour of the Ryman. I have always been in love with this church-turned-auditorium and it was so cool to walk around and explore it. We also did a little shopping and stopped in at The Hatch print shop- one of my personal favorites! We had lunch at Merchant's which was delicious and one of the coolest restaurant's I have been to! If you ever find yourself in Nashville I definitely recommend it. All in all, it was a fantastic trip and I had so much fun exploring the city.  

Peace and Love, 

Em