Nice to Meet You, Where you Been?

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It's been a really tough week.  There have been a lot of tears, carbs, and couch time.

I've neglected this little part of my world because, well, there was too much other shit going on and I didn't feel like dumping it all somewhere for the world to see.

The week is almost over, and I think I have a hold of it again. I'm not accustomed to feeling overwhelmed or anxious in my life, and this new feeling hasn't been an easy one for me to deal with.

It's one of those times in my life where I just feel like I'm never going to get where I want to go, and everyone is taking steps forward, but I'm stuck.

Time to regroup, reorganize, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Whew, that was a nice pep talk for myself. 

Now it's time to apply it all. There is so much I want to do, so it's time to start doing it.

xoxo,

Erin

29 by 30

Me a few years ago, sober.

Yep, today I'm the big 2-9.

Nothing cool happens at 29, other than people making almost 30 jokes. 

There are a ton of things I want to accomplish this year. 

I want it to be a year of evolution and start out 30 feeling accomplished. 

I could make a list of goals, but I don't want to box myself into them.

This needs to be my year of "yes". I want to be overwhelmed and scared and still do it anyway.

I want to push myself so far outside my comfort zone I don't remember what that is anymore.

(Disclaimer: This still bans online dating, I'm still traumatized from AIM Catfishing)

Time to step my game up entirely. You can sleep when you're 30.

First step:plan an adventure. 

To be continued....

xoxo,
Erin

Four Letter Word

Lace print/Basket-weave/Red cocoon/Black tie/Layered tweed

I'm going to say the dreaded four letter word: fall.

Yes y'all, summer is coming to a close and it's time to start thinking fall.  As someone who hasn't had sand between her toes all summer, I'm about ready for it.

Luckily for me, fall means wedding life kicks into overdrive.  Since both my sister and mother decided to get married (weirdos) I have to find a bunch of dresses for all the festivities.

There are so many rules. 

Don't wear white.

Don't wear anything close to white.

Don't look prettier than the bride.

Look gorgeous since you're the MOH/daughter and will be in tons of pictures.

On the bright side, I get to shop for a bunch of new dresses. 

One of the above I already have lined up for one of the events.

Any rules or tips I'm missing? I'm a novice wedding person here so I need all the help I can get.

xoxo,

Erin

Young

This weekend was a combination of all my favorite things: friends, family, beer, and holiday.

Not a lot of sleeping, a lot of long talks, and enough giggling to last me a lifetime.

Thursday was life changing seeing Magic Mike with my 2 besties.  GO, GO NOW!

Friday was one of the good old days, at my BFF's mom's house for a cookout and some good old college drinking games. Catching up on life, love, and everything in between.

Doing this whole family thing is new to me, and spending Saturday night with my new extended family was what I needed.  We sang to a couple of birthday kids, drank a lot, lit some stuff up, and had a deep 1AM convo.

Sunday I barely moved from bed. Not even sorry about it.

The only thing missing from this weekend was my sister, who is still on the road to recovery.  She is my family, my friend, and my bestie all rolled into one.  Soon she'll be back to being my partner in crime.

Follow the disaster on Snapchat @ejohns20.

xoxo,
Erin

Make My Heart Work

Every once and a while there's a song you can't stop listening to.  You can't get it out of your head.  There is a definite summer jam.

This is mine.  We all know I love Brit pop music, and Tinie Tempah is no exception.  Last summer it was him and Cheryl on Crazy Stupid Love.

This summer, it's this song.  Try to get the beat out of your head, try to not dance whenever you hear it.  I dare you.

Hopefully everyone has a lovely long holiday weekend if you're in the USA.

Happy 4th of July!  I know so many people love this holiday, it's not in my top 3, but any time off of work I'll take.

As always, I planned to have an extra long, relaxing holiday weekend, which is quickly turning into something on every day.

OK that sounds obnoxious, I promise I'm not that exciting.

Please download this song.  Please don't blow your hands off lighting fireworks off. Please wear an embarrassingly patriotic shirt and say ""Merica" too many times. Please play a lot of Toby Keith.

Please report back.

xoxo,
Erin

College Kid

OK, straight up, my weekend had a lot of drinks and not enough work. I spent it catching up with my oldest best friend, who I literally can't imagine my life without. 

We've been best friends since second grade, she knows where the bodies are buried. She really is my sister and there's so many exciting events coming up in her life I'm just thrilled for her.

I ran a few errand with my mom for my sisters wedding. That shindig is right around the corner and it's starting to scare me. 

I drank wine before noon.

I watched the first Harry Potter.

 

I didn't do enough homework. 

I regret nothing.

Xoxo,

Erin

Ready, Steady

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It's here!  After the snow and the polar freeze it's finally here!

SUMMER Y'ALL!

Break out the shorts, flip flops, cold beer (well more of it) and sundresses!

Spend the time outside of the office laying by a pool or taking a trip to the beach.

Go day drinking and watch a baseball game. 

Grab a friend with a Jeep, take the roof off and drive with your hair whipping around.

Call out of work to lay out on the deck so you don't look like a vampire. Oh, that's just my summer plan.

Enjoy the long weekend you all are hopefully getting while celebrating Memorial Day.  

And all the beer.

xoxo,

Erin

I'm Not Dead

It was a bit of a whirlwind of a week. A lot of driving, a lot of waking up early, and a lot of stuff.  Getting back into the groove of the usual week was not easy and I'm more than happy to see the weekend.  

Craving carbs after a long week made me turn to this super healthy alternative.  I added chicken meatballs and pesto instead of the other things.

Hallie helps outline the realities of making a blog a job.  Oh hey poetry Friday too.

Having dreams on how I could pull off this dress Courtney rocked in my life and not look like Ursala. 

These dainty babies finally came back in my size so I ordered them as quick as my fingers could click.

Being full on obsessed with chia seeds and Bethenny Frankel I feel I have to try this ASAP.

xoxo,

Erin

Irish You the Best

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St. Patrick's Day has always been another holiday I loved, thanks to my mom.  All meals were green, other than dinner which was usually corned beef and cabbage.  We watched Darby O'Gill and the Little People (still gives me nightmares) and got all kinds of fun cookies.

As an adult it meant all day drinking, dancing, and waiting in line at bars.

As an older adult, it's just fun.  I have green eyes and the name Erin.  It's a no brainer everyone makes comments to me.

Grab some Guinness and/or Whiskey, throw on The Departed and celebrate with me.

• This Rosie bread recipe would make the house smell lovely and it's appropriate.

• If I didn't have a loyalty to red bags I would add this guy to my life.

• My sister loved St. Patrick's Day for McDonald's Shamrock Shakes.  The smell alone made me sick but she loved them. Here is a boozy version.

• You know I'm always looking for bling, and this is perfect for the holiday.

• Finally a corned beef and cabbage recipe for your crockpot.

xoxo,

Erin J

Kiss Me

This week had it's moments.  

This year is going to be one of the craziest years of my life.

This weekend I get to spend some quality time with two of my best and oldest friends.

Oh and it's St. Patrick's day celebration time.

No one loves a good Irish holiday like a girl named Erin.

So have a good weekend.

Go dancing, work out, laugh until your stomach hurts because Monday is right around the corner.

xoxo,

Erin

Vitameatavegamin

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It's that time of year when us Catholics (or somewhat Catholics) stop eating meat on Fridays because of Lent.  I try to remember whenever I can.  

I might not be the perfect Catholic, but I like a challenge.

To help I've been looking up a few recipes to make on Friday's to maintain.

• This is one of Rosie's I haven't tried that I'm making for dinner tonight.

• Vegetarian enchiladas?! Sign me up!

• For those Friday's when I'm craving wings.

• And this Rosie recipe that is an indulgence and veggie friendly!

• Skinny Fish sticks? Yes please.

Other than some of these, I will be living on eggs and avocado toasts on Fridays.  

And to think I was once a vegetarian for 11 months.

xoxo,

Erin

La Lalalalalala La Love

PJs/Bag/Flats/Headphones/Bracelet

OK, I'll admit it.  When Valentine's Day rolls around I do have that ting of a feeling when people around me are getting dates and flowers.  

It's not always the easiest day to be single.  I've been lucky enough to always take it as a day to celebrate love.

I am a lover of all things red.  I haven't bought another color purse since I was 16.  I love the pop of color red brings, and it is almost universally flattering.  

I also love a sassy pair of PJ's.  Who says you can't buy something sexy to strut around the house in?  Who says that you can't wear lingerie while you dance in your kitchen to Taylor Swift?  

No one.  Do it.  It feels amazing.

If you have a significant other in your life, take this as the day to celebrate that you have each other and this feeling right now.  

If you're single, take the day to celebrate having love in your life.  

If it's with a cat, a dog, a BFF or your mom!  Grab a bottle of wine and go sit on your girlfriends couch and watch trashy TV.  Go grab breakfast with your mom and catch up.  Watch Netflix wearing red lipstick and throw a couple extra treats at your cats.  

Just be happy. And look cute. Duh.

xoxo,

Erin

....He Loves Me Not

Pants/Bucket bag/Shirt/Booties/Necklace

Holidays were always a big deal in my house.  My mom would decorate in advance, you could guarantee there would be surprises waiting for you at breakfast and your lunch would color coordinate to the holiday colors.

Yeah, even the bread in my lunch would be colored. I told you my mom is the best mom.

This has fostered a healthy love for almost all holidays.  I love, love, love Valentine's Day, always have.  

What? The forever single girl can't love Valentine's Day?

I love red, I love hearts, and I love love.  Just because I don't have a date doesn't meant I can't get dressed up and celebrate.

Now this might be the half bag of dark chocolate Hershey kisses I just ate, or the wild optimism (probably the first) but I have a feeling this Valentine's Day might be one of my favorites.

This is following a tradition of mixing champagne with wine to make sangria and demolishing a platter of sushi with the girls a few years ago.

 FYI: I don't recommend this combination followed by all the Bud Lights you have in your fridge then waking up early to go to a two year old birthday party.  It hurts.

xoxo,
Erin

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.

• Do I need this?

• 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

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

10, 9, 8, 7......

Peplum shirt/Bauble/Heels/Joggers/Clutch

New Year's Eve, to me, is one giant pain in the ass.  I always make plans, I always find the "perfect" outfit and once the night rolls around I hate where I'm going and I'm uncomfortable all night.  This huge night for a 10 second countdown has never thrilled me.

I'm not one to pass up a chance for a new outfit and a drink, but this is one holiday I could do without.

This year I finally get to do what I want, absolutely nothing.  I will be on my couch, drinking a jug of wine, probably watching The Office.  For the first time in about 6 years I won't go out and even deal.  

This is a little reverse psychology, maybe if I don't go out and party this year will bring me a tall boy with light eyes full of mischief and dimples.

 

Fingers crossed.

xoxo,

E

Home for the Holidays

This Christmas was a little out of the ordinary.  Mom had knee surgery last Monday, my sister came down with the flu, and the significant others were all away.  

I spent the majority of the week on the couch with my mom, watching movies while she passed out from the pain killer.

It's odd to think that was potentially the last Christmas I will spend in the house I grew up in for the past 20 years.  It didn't really hit me, but it's the truth.  

This house saw my life for the past 20 years, I grew up there, and fell apart there.  I was put back together there too.  

I'm sure when it comes down to it actually letting go of the house is going to be rough. The thought of not going there next Christmas is strange, but my home is my house now.  My home is wherever my mom and sister are.  

Christmas is about being with the ones you love the most, and being holed up in the house with my mom, with a special guest appearance from my sister is that.

xoxo,

E

On the third day of Christmas

Y'all Christmas is in 3 days!  How did that happen? Honestly I don't know where the year went, but so much has happened, and 2015 is shaping up to be action packed too. I have goals and ideas for my life changes in the next year, all exciting. Closing out 2014 is going to include a lot of drinks, a lot of laying on the couch, and a lot of live.

• Hallie's piece 29 Lessons I've Learned in my 20's was one of my favorite blog posts I've read all year.  "When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

• Have you guys seen my Wildcats this season?! I mean I don't think they're indestructible but they are sure looking like they are.

• Emma Watson's UN speech on Feminism has created such a dialogue around the word that it is opening the door to so many discussions for younger generations. I love it and I love her.

• There are few things I love more than a good Rosie recipe, and this Christmas drink is no different. Hot-tail time.

Mom is getting knee surgery this morning, it's an out-patient procedure but I'm still nervous.  Good vibes this way please, and I'll be spending the holidays with my favorite people watching my mom on pain meds.

Hark the herald

We had a "name that tune" Christmas contest at work and it's shocking how many people don't know the other truly amazing Christmas songs. You won't find these on a Bing Crosby album, but they're Christmas legends.

Duh

Yep Swifties, we have an anthem for the holidays.

Still a top favorite. Look how young they were!

The last and best.  Nothing says Christmas like TLC.

xoxo,

E

Merry Christmas, every one

Christmas for me will always be this picture.  I would get a brand new dress with all the matching accessories and go tell Santa what I wanted with my sister.  

It took me a while to warm up to Santa.

We got over it though. (Notice my sister, not even effected a bit)

My family would always go to this Christmas kids party at our country club in Pittsburgh and dance our hearts out.  I was that lucky kid who always had a perfect Christmas.

Christmas after my Dad passed away didn't feel the same for a while. The last Christmas when he was sick was excruciating and I didn't want a happy thought near me for a few years after.  

Luckily, my wonderful mother pulled us through and now Christmas is this time of love for me again.  I love buying things for my loved ones. I love drinking mimosas and watching movies all day.  I love having the time off to be with my family.  

I feel lucky for what I've had more than what I miss.  The ones we love aren't really ever gone, they're alive in our thoughts and our memories and Christmas is a celebration of that.

OK, can we take a moment to admire the hot pink overalls I was rockin? I knew even then a statement color in an outfit was important.

xoxo,

E