Friday, January 30, 2015

Seconds



I had a real insightful and thought provoking blog half written for today, but I can't even get that deep.  I'm happy, I'm getting over a cold and I get to help my big sister start to look for a wedding dress this weekend.  

I don't need to ponder the ways of the world.  

I just need to have a good Friday.

xoxo,
Erin

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Big Fella

 
Happiest Birthday to this guy who completes my sister. I still can't believe she found someone silly enough to agree to spend forever with her.  You are the best new addition to our family!
 
Happy Birthday big brother!
 
xoxo,
Erin

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Comfort Clothes


OK real talk, I'd take comfort over fashion 89% of the time.

Luckily, I usually find a happy middle ground most of the time.  Thank god for jersey and cotton.

This fun fact is also the reason why I love accessories, you can dress up any outfit by slapping on a statement necklace or piling on an armful of baubles.

I get away with wearing my favorite "I Woke Up Like This" sweatshirt this way a lot of the time.

Red lipstick is still something I have yet to conquor.  There's still that part of me that screams "I'm wearing my mother's lipstick" that I can't quite get over yet.

And yes, a beanie is my answer to never having to actually brush my hair.

xoxo,
Erin

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Face Palm


Right about now I will be drifting in and out of a cough syrup coma on my couch surrounded by piles of Kleenex and mugs of tea.  The snow will be on the ground outside and I will be wrapped in a blanket, until I get the hot flashes and then I will kicked said blanket off, before the chills come back to visit.

I'll be online shopping for things I don't need, like dozens of mason jars and movies I haven't seen since 1994 (hey Blank Check).

I'll be catching up on my favorite blogs, dreaming of a time in the near future when I can actually get in front of the camera and make this thing happen.

I'm having a sick day, and it's not the sick days I remember as a kid.  

Where's my mom with the grilled cheese when I need her?

How many Real Housewives shows are too many housewives shows?

Why does ESPN just go on a loop?

Didn't that chick on Days of Our Lives die like 5 years ago?

Get. Me. Out.

xoxo,
Erin

Monday, January 26, 2015

Link Love


SAG awards were last night and to be quite honest, I didn't really watch.  I've been fighting off a cold all weekend and just didn't have it in me to concentrate on one thing for three hours.  I did catch the red carpet and was blown away by Ms. Nyong'o.  I love how different this is for a red carpet, but still stunning.


  • I need to start getting into these and not a bag of pita chips.


  • Cathy styled this Talbots sweater I bought too and now I'm trying to copy it for an easy weekend look.

  • Due to the plague I got over the weekend I was reading this like it was my job.

  • Annie shared a beautiful picture if a Charleston sunrise, I miss that place so much but she keeps me feeling like I'm still there.

Anyone have any great suggestions for flu remedies?  I'm getting desperate here.

xoxo,
Erin


Thursday, January 22, 2015

Comfort Food


I don't know about you but there's something about the winter months that makes me want to completely hibernate under a blanket any chance I get. 

Snow is threatening to make another appearance this weekend, so basically I'm running through websites to make my house smell like heaven during my couch cuddle sessions with Damon Salvatore.

I have a few ideas, and the majority are chili of some sort, but if anyone has any suggests please help.


Skinnytaste has a buffalo chicken and bean chili that looks amazing.

Eat Yourself Skinny claims to have the best turkey chili recipe, we shall see.

Or we can switch it up and try a Greek roast chicken or really go hard and do her rough tough gentleman's pie?

Lets be honest, all of these will happen at some point, but the real question is when.

xoxo,
Erin

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wednesday Wishlist


When you were little did you ever pile into your parent's bed with a huge bowl of popcorn and get to stay up late watching old movies? 

If not I highly recommended doing the adult version by adding wine, ASAP.

My mom was a huge fan of old movies, and Elvis was a favorite.  I watched endless amounts of Elvis movies when I was younger and remain a fan to this day.  The music, the antics, the gorgeous man.

That's why this Old Navy tee is perfect.

There's something about the dark hair and the effortless voice that just gets right to me.

Speaking of mothers, how perfect is this cuff?  My favorite blogger Rosie, her mom has a jewelry company of these unique pieces. This is one I think is made for me.

xoxo,
Erin


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Club Members Only


Someone important in my world lost a parent over the weekend and I had no idea how to help her.

You would think as someone who has gone through the loss of a parent themselves I would have all this insight and comfort to offer once they go through it too.  

Truth of the  matter is I have no clue.

Nothing makes it better, nothing eases the pain, especially when it just happens.  People say they're sorry and that time will help, but the truth is nothing helps, you just learn to adjust to the pain.  

It's as if your heart breaks and then learns how to survive without a piece of itself.  You'll always miss them, you'll never be the same, but you have to keep going because there isn't an alternative.

Take your time, let yourself feel the moment, cry all day and then start to survive and live again. 

I promise you will think of them every day, I promise you will never forget the way they made you feel, even if the specific details fade a little, and I promise that you will really be happy again.

xoxo,
Erin








Monday, January 19, 2015

Link Love


This weekend didn't turn out as expected (shocker), but none the less I got my day to spend with my newest obsession House of Cards (thanks to my sister for the Netflix hookup) and cuddling on my couch.

Now it's Monday again (ugh) and time to round how to distract yourself if you're actually at work, like me, on MLK day.


  • One of the first bloggers I ever consistently read, Grace, has a new website and it's inspiring.

  • My BFF CBK and I have newly launched a plan for a Euro trip in the coming year, any fun tips would help.  I read up on Mary's post about traveling with friends for ideas.


  • BaubleBar is having their MLK sale, so you know what I'll be doing all day.

In celebration of MLK day let's all have a peaceful Monday.  Take a minute to put any kind of hatred or  negativity aside and remember what makes our country a great one.

xoxo,
Erin


Friday, January 16, 2015

Love at first question?

I was catching up with one of my favorite bloggers Hallie the other day when she was recapping a NY Times article about the 36 questions that can help you fall in love with anyone.

Now if you're new to my little world, welcome, and I'm a busy girl but I like to spend a lot of my time doing this:


Love has not been something I've been good at, so this caught my interest.  The questions are intended to "accelerate intimacy" when answering with a partner, something that makes me start to sweat just thinking about it (commitment problems party of one).

Deep breathes, pretty skies, back to my happy place, and we're going to run through a couple of these bad boys.

Do I have a glass of wine while I'm answering, yes.


When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else? In the shower every day and probably karaoke with the girls to bar.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? Turn back time (cue Cher) to go back and spend more time with my Dad.  Not to even change what I did really but just to look at him longer, hug him longer. 

What do you value most in a friendship? Loyalty, ride or dies only. I've made a few mistakes in my judgement of friends (College), and I haven't taken it easily but I got through it. Most of my friends have been in my life for more than 10 years. 

If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are living now? Why? I would sell the house and everything in it and travel, endlessly, then come home and stay with my mom.  I don't think I take the chance to see the world enough, I work and focus on paying the bills and what is in front of me thinking there will always be that "some day" and don't take enough chances.

How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people's?  My family is my everything, we're unbelievable close, warm can take some time, but usually yes.  We all have strong personalities, and very different traits.  I can 100% say I had a happier childhood than most other people's. I was always happy, I wanted for nothing, and I knew I was loved every single day.  I'm lucky.

Complete this sentence: "I wish I had someone with whom I could share....."  My life, my everyday without wanting them to go away.  My fun.

If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for  him or her to know.  I'm really OK with being on my own, I tend to prefer the quiet to the noise, and if you try to talk to me in the morning before coffee you might lose an appendage.


Sigh

Well I'm uncomfortable, but I think that is the point.  The questions push you to reveal yourself to the person you do them with in order to create that closeness.

Some of them are far too personal for the world to know, but a lot of them force you to open up in ways you would not even think to.

OK so who's in love with me now? Don't all jump at once.

Thanks Hallie!

xoxo,
Erin

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

BB and Cuffs


With the weather in my area in recent years I find it astounding I don't own a pair of Hunters, honestly how did I miss that? 

I know I'm disappointed in myself.

I am fascinated with BB cream and have heard this Stila one is pretty fantastic.

I'll tell you a secret: when I barely made any money and had no responsibilities I would cash my paycheck on a Friday and drive an hour to Nordstrom to spend that at the make-up counters, and specifically at Stila.  

I was so in love with the luxury of it all even at 16.

Ear cuffs are something that have grown on me, I got a sneak peek at BaubleBar's sample box for testing a few months ago and turned away from an ear cuff, but this guy looks like something I have to have.

I'm just not trying to look like a Game of Thrones character.

Or am I?

xoxo,
E

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Link Love


This about summed up my weekend.  Obsessed with the banana bread and luckily I had 2 slices and gave the rest away.  10 month pre-wedding diet began yesterday, the way I figure I've eaten everything for 28 years, 10 months won't kill me.

And there still will be wine.



  • I follow this chick on IG and I've been contemplating getting this guide.  I feel like this is a tax refund investment, huge body makeover commitment which I need.

  • Might need this ABD notebook to get me organized, or at least looking like I'm organized.

  • Jessica has inspired me to put a little more work into my work wardrobe, and she makes it look so easy.
xoxo,
E


Monday, January 12, 2015

It's getting hot in here



I love awards shows. I love the glamour, the award speeches, the men in tux's.  

Of course, I love the fashion.  

I love seeing the risk takers (Emma), the show stoppers (Kate), the classically gorgeous (Joanne) and the softly stunning (Chrissy).

I felt like there was a lot of skin this year, yes I'm looking at you JLo, and also a lot of boring, Katie Holmes.  

Tina and Amy killed again, per usual.  I love these women, I love the strength of them.  I loved loved loved Maggie Gyllenhaal's speech.

Is anyone else concerned about how hot the room must have been?  I mean I was going to suggest that Jared Leto, Matt Bomer, Matthew McConaughey and Adam Levine simply take off their shirt to give the ladies to blot themselves.

Oh wait that was just what I dreamt about last night.

xoxo,
E




Friday, January 9, 2015

Cuddle me in


This weekend I finally have a huge event: cuddling in my bed all weekend.  

Yes, I'm overly excited.

I will get out to use my new bright and shiny French Press and grab a slice of Rachel Zoe's Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, and maybe work out.

I know you're as shocked as me that I've never owned a French Press since coffee is my longest love affair.

Other than that I am devoting my weekend to shutting down, taking a break to recharge and get myself ready for the big year that is 2015. 

I am going to seriously plan the future of this blog and where I want it to go, along with organizing my life a little more.  

And by life I mean closet and my watchlist on Amazon Prime.

Wish me luck.

xoxo,
E

P.S. My Twin/BFF/One D sister-wife has re-entered the blog world.  Go check her out she's adorable and funnier than me.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Hustle


So the holidays are over and you have a little extra cash in your pocket?  Now is the time to jump on those things you've been dying for, mostly because a lot of retailers are putting everything on sale to begin the spring clear outs.  

Or you're thinking about getting up the guts to do your first outfit photo shoot.

Did I say that out loud?

OK either way, start stalking your favorite brands and styles because now is the time to hoard what you want.

xoxo,
E

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Big White Room


I have these walls that are starting to stare at me. I have been living in my house for almost three years and have yet to hang a thing on my bedroom walls.  I can't quite figure out what I want to do. I know I want to do some kind of wall of photos and signs.

OK real talk, I want walls that are all mismatched like the ones in Harry Potter, so if anyone is selling pictures with people who talk send them my way.

I'm thinking walls just covered with my favorite sayings, song lyrics, photos of my family all splattered everywhere to take up the whole wall.  I kind of want to keep it the room for me, where as my basement and first floor are more coordinated and classically decorated. 

My room can be the place for the framed postcards from my dad, Taylor Swift lyrics, and pictures of my best friends.

Still trying to figure it out though.

xoxo,
E


Monday, January 5, 2015

Soldiers of the Light

Ella's album is out in the US January 13th!


  • The dress section of Asos right now is dreamy.


  • Rosie has a new recipe, get excited. And a new bright and shiny website!

  • This guy is the new love of my life. My mom's fiance got me one for Christmas and there is nothing like the gift of music!
One of my closest friends was in town over the weekend, it's amazing how when you grow up with someone nothing really changes.  It was so good to have her and my whole family at my house on Saturday!

xoxo,
E

Friday, January 2, 2015

Steeler Nation




My love for the Steelers is something you should know by now.  I'm from Pittsburgh, even though I'm a Maryland girl now, and the tradition runs deep.  My grandfather was a steel mill worker, there have been season tickets in my family for a couple generations now.  

The Black and Gold is part of who I am.

Now when it comes to being a Pittsburgh girl in Baltimore, things get a little crazy.  I love my team, I'm proud of my roots, and that doesn't go so well in Baltimore.  

Ravens fans are passionate about their hate for my Steelers.  They make it known, and I try to remain calm because that's what my Dad taught me, but they push it man.

I usually only have to deal with the drama twice a season, but tomorrow night is a playoff AFC game.  I have been to a few, the championship a few years ago with my sister was a game I'll remember for the rest of my life, what I can remember of it.

So many of my loved ones are Ravens fans so I try to stay calm, use my words, and realize it's just a game.  


My family is coming over for the game, and this should be interesting to see who survives.  I'm not lighting any candles or using a glass, so hopefully everyone makes it out alive.

Hopefully.

xoxo,
E

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Blank Space


The new year creates a clean slate.  You get the chance to start again.  Some people take this really seriously.

Then there's me.

I like a blank slate, but I'm not a person who leaves the past behind.  I like to learn, I like to evolve, and I like to carry the good with me.

2014 brought so many good things into my life.  I'm getting a new brother via my sister's engagement, I'm getting a second father via my mom's engagement.  I had adventures with friends that will stay with me forever.  I started on a path that with further my career starting grad school.

2015 will bring so much happiness into my life, I am staying open and creating a positivity around myself.  There are so many new beginnings to come and I can't wait.

And I will keep drinking too much wine, laughing at the wrong time, navigating how I fit into the blogging world, and dancing with my favorite people anywhere I can.

xoxo,
E