January in Retrospect...

I can't believe that January has already come and gone! It feels like 2014 just started and we are already a month in. January was pretty mellow for me but I thought that I'd go back and share some of the highlights of this month! 

1. I read this book and fell in love with it.  

2. I went back to bangs.  

3. We had a few magical snow days. 

4. I finished my internship and had my second article published for Bayside Bride which you can read here.  

Here's to a fabulous February lovelies! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

My Beauty Wishlist...

I'm no beauty guru, but boy do I love makeup! Most days I just wear the essentials: foundation, mascara, blush. Still, it's always nice to have a few fun and daring things in your makeup drawer. Lately I've been watching a lot of beauty vlogs and reading blogs to hear what some of my favorite ladies love to use. I have a few things on my list that I'm just dying to get and I thought that I would share them with you :) 

Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in "Rosy" // NARS 'Final Cut' Blush in "Sex Fantasy" // Butter London Nail Lacquer in "Fruit Machine" // Wink Cream Eye Shadow in "Twigged" 

What are your beauty must-haves?! I would love to hear! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Meal Planning...

Let's be honest: I rarely cook. However, with the possibility of me moving out on my own this year, I thought it would be a good idea to start cooking more often for my family. I've been going through some of my favorite Martha Stewart magazines and my lovely new Kinfolk Table book and putting together a list of some meals that I would love to make. I've also been loving Lauren's Sunday Soup posts and James' Weekly Bread posts! I'm excited to explore cooking and build up my skills. 

I'm also open to any recipe recommendations you might have! Was there a recipe that you loved to make when you first moved out on your own or that you love to make now? 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

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1. A morning cup of coffee.  2. Hands in the air.  3. A glassy river.  4. Jared Leto.  5. Rag & Bone perfection.  6. Paris doors.  7. Cute booties.  8. Felt hats & florals.  9. A darling little ring.  10. Succulents. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Staying Warm...

We had quite a snowfall here yesterday! The snowflakes were huge and I loved feeling them fall on my eyelashes and cheeks as I took it all in. And yes, I went outside in my pj's but you're supposed to stay cozy on snow days, right? I spent the rest of the day indoors doing some online shopping and listening to James Taylor. We probably won't have another heavy snowfall like this for a while so I was trying my best to soak it all in. If you got hit by a lot of snow I hope you spent the day with a hot cup of tea and a cozy blanket. Stay warm lovelies! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

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1. Pretty gown. Pretty picture.  2. The most magical words from Phoebe Wahl.  3. A bouquet of the most beautiful wild flowers.  4. Take me there.  5. These boots are to die for!  6. Be your own kind of beautiful.  7. Such a gorgeous vintage ring.  8. She is flawless.  9. A beautiful way to keep warm.  10. A stunning view of one of my favorite cities. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

On My Reading List...

Many of you know how much I love to read. There is nothing better than curling up with a good book or reading the latest New York Times Bestseller at a local coffee shop! This year I've actually started making a proper reading list and am super excited about it! Throughout the year I hope to share what I'm reading as I make my way down the list. Here are just of few of the books that I am planning on reading so far (I can't wait for Diane Keaton's second book!!!). 

What are you reading? Do you have a reading list? I would love suggestions! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Currently...

Reading: Right now I am trying to finish up a few books that I had started before the holidays. One is by Mary Kay Andrews and the other by Oliver Potzsch. They are both great reads but ever since I finished "The Fault in Our Stars" I have been on a John Green kick and am wanting to read all of his stuff. Next on the list is "Looking for Alaska".

Listening To: My friend, Todd, recently put out a new album with his band, The Excentrics, called "Some Assembly Required". It's a fantastic record that I have been super into! Also, I must say that I am slightly obsessed with Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home". This song has a great beat to it and it never ceases to relax me.

Feeling Thankful: For life, in general. It's super easy for me to stress out and worry about things, no matter their magnitude. I'm trying to focus on the here and now- the big picture. I need to tell myself that I'm exactly where God wants me and that I need to trust Him completely. And also, just breathe.

Thinking About: Ugh, the fact that classes start back up in a little more than a week. I am not looking forward to going back at all so right now I am soaking up as much free time as I can and seeing as many friends as possible :)

Watching: The Saccone-Joly's daily vlogs. I can't get enough of this family! In terms of actual TV I am so excited that the new season of Psych has started. And then, there's always the Vampire Diaries :)

Bummed Out On: I'm still sad that Christmas is over. I feel like it rushed by this year. Luckily, we have a few neighbors who haven't taken their lights down yet so there is still a little bit of the holiday season lingering in the air.

Loving: Oh, so many things. My new record player, my fujifilm instax camera, and my "Flannel" candle from Bath & Body Works just to name a few.

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

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1. A clean look for clothing storage.  2. Loving the elegance of this photo.  3. C. S. Lewis never fails.  4. I wish I knew where this was from. I need some new rings and this one is just fab!  5. This homemade tiramesu looks divine!  6. A room filled with beautiful details.  7. A darling, natural look.  8. Butter London nail polish in "Lucy  In the Sky".  9. Such a cute photo!  10. Straight out of a Wes Anderson movie! Loving this room! 

New Year, New Hair...

I did it! Thank you all so much for your feedback on my hair inspiration post. I went in and talked to my stylist and we went with the Taylor Swift look in the end. And guess what?! I absolutely love it! Granted, it will probably never look as good as when the stylist dried it (I'm not very good with hair) but I can't wait to play around with it. Eeeek!

Peace and Love, 

Em

Decisions, Decisions...

This girl is ready for a change! In other words, I'm ready to cut my hair. I haven't had it cut since early last year since I am trying to grow the length out but it needs a little sprucing up. I think I have decided that I want bangs. I've had bangs before and liked them but this time I want them a little more styled. I still haven't fully decided on what type of look I want but here are a few photos that show what I'm leaning towards. So far I think I like the Taylor Swift look the best. What do you think?! Any thoughts or suggestions?

Peace and Love, 

Em

Thoughts & Goals For 2014...

I normally don't make New Year's resolutions, in fact, I typically find New Year's to be a depressing holiday. I'm not sure why...the day just makes me sad. However, this time around I tried to look at the new year with optimism and excitement. I found myself jotting down goals and ideas for what I wanted to do in 2014. There are potential major changes that could take place for me this year and I really want to work on improving myself as an individual during that process. I want to become more dedicated to my art, to blogging, writing, photography, etc. I want to live each day to the fullest (not to sound cheesy) and I want to be healthy. I want to push myself to do things that will make me happy and I am going to remind myself that nothing is impossible. 

It's going to take a lot of effort to accomplish all of these goals but I am open to the challenge. You may have noticed that the layout of the blog has changed which was step one in my plan to improve my blogging. The design still needs tweaking but it will get there soon enough. I have been in bed with a killer migraine for the majority of the past week which has put some of my plans on hold (yeah, the whole staying healthy goal hasn't really kicked off to a great start). 

Anyway, I'm excited for a new year and a fresh start. I can't wait to share 2014 with all of you! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

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1. Winter in the Woods.  2. Coffee for two.  3. I know that I posted this one already but I loved Elsie's December Daily scrapbook. I want to do more crafty things like this in 2014.  4. Time spent in devotion.  5. Back braids.  6. "The Fault in Our Stars." This book blew me away.  7. Tiny tree tattoo.  8. It's true.  9. A simple place to create & work.  10. Pretty drawn deer. 

Peace and Love,
Em

Ringing In the New Year...

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." - Neil Gaiman  

I couldn't think of a better quote to start off this year with. Here's to a fabulous 2014! 

Peace and Love, 

Em