Welcoming Summer...

I am a big believer in list-making. I almost always make a list of things that I want to do each summer and this year I was inspired by James over on Bleubird Blog to make a different kind of list. It includes goals & activities that I want to accomplish over the summer. Sitting down and writing out things that I want to do often motivates me to do them even more. I hope that I spend my summer doing all of these things:

Eating / Fresh fruit, lobster rolls, and gelato. 

Drinking / Corona with lime. 

Practicing / A calm and loving attitude. 

Mastering / Meditation. 

Learning / To take deep breaths and to focus on the here and now. 

Trying / To take as many photos and videos as possible. 

Playing / My guitar. I haven't picked it up in ages and I'm starting to miss it. 

Finishing / A summer journal. 

Reading / I have about 58 books on my summer reading list. We'll see how that goes... 

Remembering / To live each day to the fullest. 

Wearing / Beach pants, sundresses, and rompers. 

Cooking / Something scrumptious from Martha Stewart Living. 

Working / On reading my Bible more often. 

Traveling / As much as possible. 

Wanting / To be more adventurous.  

Peace and Love, 

Em

Guest Post: Humming Right Along...

Hey there! I am thrilled to let you guys know that I am guest posting on Lacey's blog, Humming Right Along, today! Lacey did a fabulous job guest posting here last week and I am so excited that I get to be featured on her blog! She is such a rad lady and I hope that this isn't the last of us working together. So go on over and check out the post and if you don't follow Lacey already... get on it! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Summer Solstice Playlist...

Seeing as summer officially starts tomorrow, I thought it was appropriate to share a playlist of a few songs that are getting me in the mood for days at the beach and chillin' by the pool. I hope you enjoy! 

What songs have you been listening to that get you in the summer lovin' mood? 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Happy Birthday, Dad...

 

I just wanted to take today to say "Happy Birthday" to my dad. I am so thankful for all the love and support that you've given to me over the years. I love you- Happy Birthday!  

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things Lacey LOVES...

I am beyond excited to have Lacey guest-posting on the blog today! Lacey and I started following each other's blogs months ago and have become fast friends. One of the things I love most about blogging is that fact that it gives me the opportunity to meet some really cool people. Lacey is as sweet as they come! She has a great sense of humor, creates unbelievable playlists, and is a rockstar when it comes to crafting! She is an awesome lady and while our communication currently exists in blog comments and emails I hope there is an epic meeting in our future :) 

I've asked Lacey a handful of questions so that you all can get to know how cool she is and then she put together a lovely set of her very own "10 Things I Love". So, here's Lacey to take it away: 

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1. What's your guilty pleasure? // Space Jam soundtrack. So guilty. So pleasure.

2. What are your top 3 favorite albums of all time? // I am guilty of picking and choosing certain songs off albums and ignoring the rest, but there is definitely something wonderful and whole about listening to an album in its entirety. 

Maroon 5-Songs About Jane 

John Mayer-Room for Squares

Sylvan Esso-Sylvan Esso (maybe not technically a favorite album of all time since it's so new, but I can't stop listening to it and there is not one bad song on this album!)

3. A book that you want to read? // Tell The Wolves I'm Home. I've been wanting to read this book for a while now and while on vacation in California a few months ago, I found it at a thrift store for .50. How's that for confirmation?

4. Your favorite book that you've ever read? // I honestly don't know if i have an all-time favorite book, but I am in love with the writings of author Elizabeth Berg. Her characters are so relatable, and she captures thoughts and feelings in such beautiful ways that I never could. Her book Talk Before Sleep is a really wonderful book about friendship, love, sadness, and sickness. It will make you cry and then will make your want to call all of your close girlfriends and tell them how much you love them.

5. What's your must-have beauty product? // I have been going sans makeup a lot lately, and it's pretty freeing and wonderful! However, I absolutely love a good mascara, and I have found my mascara soulmate in Almay's One Coast Triple Effect in blackest black. It doesn't clump and gives my lashes great length. Plus, it's like $7. I don't understand people paying $30 for mascara. I mean how good can it really be? Does it turn your lashes into actual silk or something?

6. Where's a place that you want to visit and why? // Ireland! I think the countryside is so beautiful with all of its varieties of green, and it looks so peaceful. I'd love to take a trip to visit the quaint towns and also visit Dublin for the culture and pubs, of course. 

7. What's your recipe for happiness? // Making the most of where you ARE. Don't dwell on the past too much or let the future take up too much of your thoughts. Enjoy your current life stage. I used to think way too much about my future self/my future life and I missed out on enjoying how great my life was in its current state. If you're not content now, you won't be content in five years when this has happened or in 10 years when that has happened. 

8. Why did you start blogging? // I was unemployed for an entire summer and needed something creatively productive to do while I was applying and interviewing for jobs. I was so nervous to start one because commitment and consistency is scary, but I took the plunge and it wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it's been such a wonderful creative outlet for me and has allowed me to meet so many great bloggers (like Emma)!

9. What's your mantra? // Be kind to people. It's not that hard, people! We all have bad days. I get it. But you don't have to be outright nasty to every human being you come in contact with. Sheesh. Just smile. It will do wonders for your attitude and others around you. 

10. What's your comfort food? // Brownies and ice cream and tons of toppings! (This is also my last meal request if somehow I know I'm about to eat my last meal.) 

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1. My ultimate girl crush.  2. Sylvan Esso is my new favorite album to listen to.  3. Pretty abstract art.  4. Bulb lights indoors.  5. A punchy, colorful bracelet.  6. A good reminder to practice forgiveness and grace.  7. Loose peplum striped top.  8. Afternoon coffee.  9.  Andrew Belle lyrics.  10. Cut-out dresses. 

A huge thanks to Lacey for contributing and sharing a lovely set of "10 Things"! Everyone go check out her blog and follow her- she is a pretty rad girl!  

Peace and Love, 

Em

Father's Day...

Happy Father's day to one pretty rad guy! I love you so much and there isn't anyone else who I'd rather call "Dad." 

Happy Father's day to all the wonderful dads out there!

Peace and Love, 

Em

Currently...

Reading // "The Next Best Thing" by Jennifer Weiner. It's about a 20-something screenwriter trying to survive life in LA while living with her grandmother and dealing with a breakup. It kinda just screams "summer read" and I'm liking it so far!

Listening to // Lately, I've been listening to a lot of sermons by Joyce Meyer. I've read one of her books in the past and just really enjoy listening to her messages. I find her sermons to be encouraging but convicting, which I think is a pretty good combo :) I've also been listening to a pretty chill playlist that I put together for summer days on the beach (I plan on sharing it soon).

Feeling Thankful // Without going into a lot of detail, we've had a pretty stressful past few days at my house. It involves a 911 call and my dad being taken to the ER. Needless to say, he's going to be fine but I'm sure that most of you know how scary a situation like that can be. I'm crazy thankful that all of his tests came back normal and that God was watching over him the whole time.

Thinking about // Making grown-up decisions. I'm at a point in my life where I have a lot of choices and options as to what I want to do with my life. I want to be adventurous and start new chapters in my life but I also need to be realistic and smart with my choices. Oh my...

Eating // "V'nilla Almond Fit Granola" by Bear Naked. This stuff is so so good and it's good for you! I've had it every morning for breakfast for the past two weeks and it's still just as yummy as the first time I had it. I just add in a few bits of my favorite fruit and I am good to go!

Watching // I'm on the hunt for a show to binge-watch this summer and so far I've come away empty-handed. Any suggestions?!

Bummed out on // I've been struggling a bit with my anxiety lately. I had things under control for a while and then a combination of sad/stressful circumstances came bursting into my life and things just went downhill. I'm working hard at getting back to a place where I can be fully-functioning and not let my anxiety get the best of me. It just goes to show that I need to work hard everyday to keep my anxiety at a minimum. I'm giving this one to God.

Loving // The potential that summer holds. Day trips, vacations, summer reading lists, sun dresses, and beach time- there is so much fun to be had and I want to take full-advantage of it.

Peace and Love, 

Em

Happy Birthday, Mom...

Today, we celebrate a woman who has always been there for me and who continues to always inspire me. She has taught me to dream and to know that anything is possible if you trust God. 

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

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1. A cute little living space (it reminds me of my sister!)  2. All kinds of glasses- I adore all the colors!  3. I'm all about bar-carts these days (Lacey, I'm copying you!)  4. The cutest stuffed creatures.  5. The perfect poster for this dreamy film.  6. I'm not much of a runner but I am seriously digging these shoes.  7. The team from A Beautiful Mess posted some fantastic photos from their trip to Costa Rica. I can't stop looking at them!  8. A chill summer look.  9. Dive in.  10. Rhubarb and Rose cake.  

Peace and Love, 

Em

Rainy Day Coffee Date...

There's really nothing better than grabbing a cup of coffee (in my case a cappuccino) and having a long talk with a friend. Last Thursday my friend, Cynthia, and I went downtown to Annapolis to enjoy some of the local coffee shops and play around with her adorable new pooch! Unfortunately, the weather had other plans and it was pouring rain and in the 50s. We grabbed drinks at City Dock and found a spot underneath an awning close to the water and sat and chatted for a few hours. We talked about our summer plans, books that we're reading and books that we want to read, and our future goals. It was just what I needed and made for the perfect start to my weekend. 

Happy Wednesday! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

May In Retrospect...

A few fun things that happened this month: 

1. I graduated and got my Associates Degree! 

2. I talked about my obsession with LUSH products. 

3. We celebrated Mother's Day.  

4. I shared a playlist for the start of summer.  

5. I shared what's in my bag. 

I can't wait to see what adventures the month of June holds! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

10 Things I LOVE...

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1. Pistachio Ice Cream.  2. A great relaxed look for summer.  3. Messy.  4. These boots are perfection.  5. Love this view.  6. The perfect collection.  7. Vacation Ready.  8. Easter in LA.  9. Searching for treasure.  10. Tousled hair and a groovy vest.  

Peace and Love, 

Em