Currently...

Reading // Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I know I'm a little late to the game but I am determined to read the entire Harry Potter series this Fall! 

Listening to // Thirty Seconds to Mars, the Civil Wars, & Jack White just to name a few. 

Feeling Thankful // For all of life's different seasons and the start of new chapters. 

Thinking About // Blogging. I am working on some big and exciting things for my little internet space but at the same time I am also feeling drained and uninspired. I know as bloggers we all go through this ebb and flow but I am really racking my brain trying to think about things to write about. 

Eating // Smartfood White Cheddar popcorn. This stuff is addicting and dangerous to have around. I also enjoyed a pumpkin chai latte last week that was divine!! 

Watching // My sister and I watched The Fault in Our Stars this week. It was beautiful and just like the book and I cried my eyes out. 

Bummed out on // The fact that summer is officially over but I am also looking forward to fall and sweaters and pumpkin flavored everything!!

Loving // The fact that the Orioles are going to the Play-offs and that they're the A.L. East Champions! If you didn't know already, I am a huge baseball fan. And after 14 years of losing seasons I am so excited that Baltimore is doing so well!!  

Peace and Love, 

Em

Currently...

Reading // "Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald" by Therese Anne Fowler. I've just started this book so I don't know what to make of it yet. Fitzgerald has to be one of my favorite authors though so I'm excited to learn a little bit more about his lady. 

Listening to // Anthropologie's playlists on Spotify. The music is always so cool and chill- I love listening to it at work! You can find all the playlists here. 

Feeling Thankful // For time spent with friends and family. I'm so thankful that I've been able to spend quality time with my dearest friends and family over the summer making memories and living life. 

Thinking About // Future goals and plans. There's so much I want to do in life and I just need to figure out how to get started. Working on making plans and getting things organized for some big adventures.

Eating // Golden Oreos. There aren't too many sweets that I'm addicted to but there's just something about Oreos that always makes it hard to just have a couple. Lately I've been a fan of the Golden Oreos- they are just so yummy! My sister also had me try the Birthday Cake Oreos- ummm, delicious!

Watching // Old episodes of Psych and Grey's Anatomy. Also, NY Med has become my guilty pleasure (do you watch this show? I don't know why but I love it). I'm also thinking about re-watching True Detective before summer's out. 

Bummed out on // The fact that summer is almost over. But let's not dwell on the fact....

Loving // Coconut-scented anything and everything! I've always loved the scent of coconut but lately I just can't get enough whether it's a candle, body spray, or shower gel. It's all SO good and perfect for summer! 

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

Currently...

Reading: "Crash the Chatterbox" by Steven Furtick. I am about halfway through this book and it is fabulous! It contains so much encouragement and the messages are all scripture-based. I definitely recommend it! Next on my reading list is this little gem.  

Listening To: Coldplay's latest single, "Magic". I could listen to this song all day long. It's simply perfection. 

Feeling Thankful: For girl's nights out, conversations with good friends, and netflix binge-watching marathons. All just some of life's little joys! 

Thinking About: Furniture! Ha, I'm starting to pick out things for my future apartment so I constantly have interior decorating on the brain. But honestly, I love it and am having so much fun with it all! 

Eating: Chocolove's dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt. This stuff is heavenly! Lately I've been treating myself to a square or two at night and it is definitely satisfying my sweet tooth. There is nothing better than dark chocolate and sea salt in my opinion! 

Watching: Modern Family. After the first season of the show I short of just drifted away from watching it but now I am back at it and loving it -it's so darn funny! 

Bummed Out On: How often I let negative thinking get the best of me. I think it's something that everyone struggles with to some degree but some of us more so than others. I'm working on it though! 

Loving: The sunshine and warmer weather that we are starting to get around here! I cannot wait for sundresses and sandals!! 

That's it for today! I'm wishing you all a very fabulous Monday!  

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

Currently...

My mom has been asking me to do one of these "currently" posts for a while now so without further ado:

Reading: I had been interested in reading the "Matched" series by Ally Condie this summer (I guess I was on a little sci-fi kick. Strange.) I started the first book a few weeks ago and I have to say that I'm not loving it. There's not a lot of depth to the story and I'm just not that interested in seeing what happens to the characters. I'm going to finish the first book but I don't think that I will go on to read the other two. I have a whole list of books that I want to read this Fall/Winter so I need to get started!

Listening to: All of my Fall favorites including Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Volcano Choir- the list goes on. In terms of new music, I love "No. 1 Party Anthem" off of the Arctic Monkeys new album. It reminds me so much of David Bowie and "Space Oddity."  

Feeling Thankful: For time spent listening to records and doing homework by candlelight. I'm starting to realize that even though I spend most of my free time doing schoolwork I can still find ways to make it a little more enjoyable.

Thinking about: Crisp Fall days that involve Pumpkin Spice lattes and a trip to my favorite bookstore. Hopefully I can fit in a day like this sometime soon!

Eating: A little bit of everything. I have been eating more eggs and salmon lately. I'm trying to think up some more creative healthy lunch/dinner ideas. It's easy to get tired of sticking to the same old thing and I'm ready to change it up.

Watching: A whole lot of stuff! The few hours that I have free during the day are usually late at night and so I have really been taking advantage of Netflix. Lately, I have been loving "Bored to Death" with Jason Schwartzman (he's one of my favorites!). I've also started watching "Sleepy Hollow" and "Nashville" with my sister.

Bummed Out on: Just thinking about how fast this year has gone by. It makes me realize how I really need to cherish each and every day. Before we know it it will be 2014. Ahh!

Loving: The fact that Domino magazine is back! I've ordered my copy and can't wait to get my hands on it. 

Currently...

Reading: I am trying to make a conscious effort to make time to read for my own personal enjoyment in between reading for college. Last week I started Everyday Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. I am not very far into it but so far my eyes have been opened to so much! It's so sad to see church attendance declining so heavily and this book offers a lot of great ideas for demonstrating Christ to those who don't attend a service on Sundays. 

Listening To: A whole lot of stuff! I have fallen in love with Keane all over again and have been listening to their newer records a lot lately. Also, the new EP by The Colourist is pretty brilliant. Lately I have really been loving my Rhapsody App and the fact that I can just download and save a ton of albums to listen to. I have a lot of stuff in my queue that I am really excited to hear. 

Feeling Thankful: For sleep. Now that I am working two jobs and going to school I don't have a whole lot of free time. Not just that but I am really tired. I am really cherishing my down time and have started to work in little naps here and there. I just can't get anything done when I am exhausted. Sleep is a wonderful thing!

Thinking About: The future. And just life in general. I have plans for my future and what I want to do, but ultimately I know that God is in control. Who knows if I will be living in Nashville next year? Who knows what kind of career I will have? Right now I am trying to just takes things one at a time and giving it all to Him. 

Eating: As I mentioned in my latest "10 Things I LOVE" post I am currently addicted to Luna Bars in the chocolate dipped coconut flavor. I am still cutting out a lot of sugar but these things only have 11 grams and are so dang delicious. They are also pretty good for you. I would have to say that they are my guilty pleasure at the moment :) 

Watching: The Saccone-Jolys. I was recently introduced to this vlog and I am loving it. This little Irish family is adorable and their daughter is the cutest! Each episode is about 20 minutes long so it's like a little show in and of itself. I watch the new episodes each night in bed and have really been enjoying them. I bet you will too!

Bummed Out On: The fact that I haven't seen one of my best friends in weeks. Going back to school and working has been rough on both of our schedules. We have made a point to chat on the phone at least once a week but some much-needed girl bonding time is in order!

Loving: My new Essie nail polish in "Sand Tropez." My mom was the one who really talked me into buying it and I am glad that she did. It's neutral and I think it looks so pretty for this time of year! 

Wishing everyone a very happy Thursday! 

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

Currently...

  

I really enjoyed doing a "Currently" post last week so I decided to do it again this week :) 

Reading: MWF Seeking A BFF. I'm about 1/3 into this book and am enjoying it so far. It focuses on a woman's journey to make new best friends after moving to another state. Some of the ideas presented in this book are really interesting and I find the author's approach to making friends fascinating. I also really enjoy reading about all of her "friend dates." 

Listening to: Ok, so I am going to get on my soapbox here for a minute and just tell you how great the new Hanson album is. Anthem came out on Tuesday and I think it might be the band's best album yet. I know that most people are easily turned off when they hear the word "Hanson" because they still picture three little long-haired boys singing "Mmmbop." Their music has changed so much since then and this album really proves that. Anyway, I am loving this record and it's in heavy rotation. 

Thinking about: friendships. Maybe it's the book I'm reading or maybe it's something else but recently I have really been caught up in thinking about friends. I am the type of person who likes to have a few close friends. I don't need to hang out with a mass of people- I think that can lead to a lot of drama really fast. I am not the type of person who is constantly going out. Sometimes though I start to wonder as to whether I need more friends or not. Is it a bad thing that I have a couple days a week where I really have nothing to do and can just read a book or hang out and have time to myself? I am open to making new friends, but I just really don't know how to go about doing it. What about you? Do you like hanging out with lots of people or do you just keep a close group of friends? 

Watching: HGTV Star. I really got hooked on this show last Summer and I love that it is back on. I have always been a fan of interior decorating (my Aunt is an interior decorator) and I love seeing all of the different creative styles that are displayed on this show. It's also a great place to gather inspiration and diy ideas. 

Bummed out on: the fact that Chick-fil-a apparently doesn't make the caesar salad wrap anymore! This was always one of my favorite things to get there because even though it's still fast food it was a healthy option. Plus, it was delicious. Guess I will have to find a new favorite. I've heard that they have a whole new salad menu.  

Loving: the fact that I will be in Nashville, TN in less than a week. I am so excited to head down south and spend some time with my family exploring a city that I love. It has also just hit me though that I have so much to do before I leave. I haven't even thought about what I need to pack yet. Ahhhhh!  

Peace and Love, 

Em

Currently...

  

I got the idea for today's post from Dani over at Sometimes Sweet.  I love it when she does these kinds of posts and thought that I would try it out for myself :) 

Reading: Right now I am finishing up Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close. This is a pretty quick & easy read for summer. I would have to say that it's entertaining but it's not one of my favorites. Some of the writing seems choppy and the characters aren't fully developed. However, it is a nice chick book and a fun little read. 

Listening to: I am beyond excited to finally be listening to new music from The Civil Wars. When I first heard "The One that Got Away" it wasn't what I was expecting but I instantly fell in love with it. They still have their old sound but this is definitely more rock and roll. Lovin' it! 

Feeling thankful: I'm so happy that I got to meet up with my friend, Megan, for Starbucks this week. We just sat and caught up for about three hours. We sat outside and soaked in the sun while we sipped on iced vanilla lattes. It was so nice to see her and reminisce about our high school days. 

Thinking about: I have been starting to open up and work on writing music again. It's been a long time since I actually felt like I was capable of writing something, anything. Every once in a while I would pick up my guitar or journal and try to produce a song or a lyric and nothing would come out that I liked or was inspired by. This past week or so I have actually found myself writing things down and working on little melodies that I am really excited about. I'm just glad that I am back to a place where I am actually wanting to write. 

Eating: Blueberry mini wheats. I am still trying very hard to stick to my diet but when it came to breakfast I was starting to get tired of cheerios. I like the mini wheats because I know that they are a good source of fiber and the blueberry just adds a nice flavor in there. There is more sugar in them than cheerios but it's not an outrageous amount so I can handle that. 

Watching: We've rented two movies in the last week. First, we watched Identity Thief. I already liked this movie before I saw it solely because Jason Bateman was in it. (I love me some Jason) This movie wasn't great but I thought it was good. There were multiple times when I laughed out loud. I thought some scenes were unnecessary but all around it was a movie that I would watch again. We also rented Oz with James Franco and Michelle Williams. This movie wasn't really what I expected. There were a lot of parts that seemed trippy and strange and some things were just straight up weird. I did think that the last 45 minutes of the movie were very good and I liked a lot of the special effects. I'm happy that I saw it but I really don't need to watch it again. 

Bummed out on: At the moment I am not going to any concerts this summer. Either the bands that I love aren't touring or they aren't playing at any nearby venues. I am still trying to coax someone into going and seeing Hanson with me. I've even offered to buy the other person's ticket and I still have no takers :( 

Loving: The new VSCO cam app. I have been playing around with it a lot this week and I can't get enough of it! It gives photos a dreamy film effect that always leaves me smitten. I am so happy that they finally made this app available. I know that I am going to be using it non-stop.  

Peace and Love, 

Em