Make up your heart

This cover is everything. I'm heavily stalking this girl now. 

So I've been MIA lately.  I could say there's been a lot going on, because there has. I could say I'm unbelievably stressed out, which is sort of true.

But honestly, I haven't been proud of myself lately. I've been hiding out trying to figure out how to relax, which has made me all around lazy.

Finding comfort in food for a thick girl isn't the best idea. I've never been ashamed of my body, I've never been someone who thought they could be a size 2, but I know when I'm getting unhealthy.

Too much beer, too much junk, not enough exercise and eating right.  It's not a difficult equation, but there's always an excuse to not do the right thing.

I'm exhausted, I'm overwhelmed, I'm hungover.

I've had my picture taken a lot lately for different celebrations, and I honestly don't recognize myself. You know when girls look in the mirror and see a fatter version of themselves, well I seem to have the opposite problem.

I'm not saying it's time to go all nutzo, I'm saying it's time to make the girl in the mirror reflect the badass chick I really am again.  I've always struggled with my weight, but I know where I should be and this isn't it.

I'm not mad at being slightly chubby, but I'm mad at seeing that I've let myself get to a point where I am embarrassed to even smile for a picture. It's not about feeling I need to fit a certain mold, it's about being the best version I can be, and I'm not comfortable with the person I am showing right now.

Whew, that wasn't easy, because I fancy myself Wonder Woman, but I can still be that and say I'm not happy with where my health is at right now.

All these Drake ITunes shopping sprees are about to pay off, it's time to get my Ronda Rousey on.

And no more beer. OK for a month. OK for a few weeks, but wine is basically a fruit.

xoxo,
Erin

And I'll be me

Everything that's broke

Leave it to the breeze

A great cover by one of my favorite songs by one of my new favorite artists.

xoxo,

Erin

Reset

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Life has been a bit stressful.  There has been a lot of changes in a small amount of time and it's actually starting to get to me.

My house is packed full of stuff, people seem to be everywhere all the time, and time is spinning out of control.

Usually a pretty laid back person, this feeling of panic isn't something I'm used to.  

Hence the reason my stress coping mechanisms are lacking.  I need to be able to handle high levels of stress at my age, but in my life stress hasn't been something I've had to deal with often.  

OK, high stress, like someone give me a Xanex stress. 

I finally bit the bullet and got the waterproof iPod and jumped back into the pool.

Literally, not figuratively.

Let me tell you y'all, life changing.  The world literally goes away, and it's just you and your jams.

I'm writing this, barely keeping my eyes open, but calmer. 

I didn't walk into my house, see the stacks of stuff everywhere and immediately start freaking out.  

Step in the right direction, I'm working on the rest.

xoxo,

Erin

Realized I loved you in the fall

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I know September has barely shown it's face, but I'm all in for fall.

Give me pumpkin everything, give me leaves, give me sweaters and boots.

First up, buying every pumpkin coffee I can get my hands on. Slightly terrified of the idea of making it in a crock pot. Could it taste like chili if I do this?

These distressed skinnies look like the answer to my budget woes.  And a fall staple.

Seeing these booties on Dana has given me full on shoe envy.  

When I think of my dream outfit to rock in AC for my sister's bachelorette party, I think of this Courtney jumpsuit.  I would need industrial duck tape for my boobs, but a girl can dream.

How many black drapy shirts is too many? Honestly? This one looks important.

Maybe it is time to give bootcut jeans another whirl.  They seem to be everywhere.

What am I missing for fall?

xoxo,

Erin

I"ma let you finish

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Ok I'm not even 30 and I didn't get this year's VMAs.

I got Tori Kelly.

(Go download her album, trust me you'll listen to it everyday)

I love me some Kanye West. I really think he's this misunderstood public figure who lost his mother and is still trying to process grief as an artist.  He really is a genius. Promise.

But I didn't get it. I want those tan Yeezus 350's, but I didn't get it.

I'll still vote for him over Trump.

Still love him and own every album, and love Kim. But didn't get it.

Didn't get A$AP's performance. Didn't get Miley's because, well I don't do drugs.  

 

I miss Britney with the snake, and NSYNC with the school background. 

Kanye should've performed. Taylor should've had a whole song. 

We missed a huge performance.

Kelly Clarkson in the rain, huge.

Beyonce medley huge.

JT reunion with NSYNC huge. 

No one is going to be talking about anything other than naked Miley or cray cray Kanye tomorrow.

I'm still #onlyhereforKanye and he deserved that award 110%.

xoxo,

Erin

Link Love

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Currently obsessed with trying different recipes for cauliflower buffalo bites-this one is happening tonight.

Fellow Virgo's, how Virgo are you? At least Queen B is one of us.

On the verge of doing a makeup overhaul, do I go Naked or Chocolate?

Hallie compiled another outfit I'd like to wear all day, every day.  AMEN to being surrounded by boxes.

My love for BlackJaguarWhiteTiger's IG account is  unparalleled. I'm in love with what this foundation does, and these big cats. Why not support the cause?

Tequila in my chicken? Yes please.

Finished Ronda Rousey's book.  It's refreshing to read an autobiography by someone as famous as she is who write with honesty.  There are moments she sucked, and didn't do the right thing, but it's about the journey, and it's a good read.

Need a laugh? Cut to 5:15 in Sprinkle of Glitter's vlog. After a sobfest of a day Saturday, I discovered this gem in "My Suggestions" on  Youtube, and thank god for Louise.

I have a 3000 page paper to write tonight by midnight, so prayers would be accepted.

xoxo,
Erin

Mug Off

Potter/Mermaid/Boss/Empire/Woman

If you know two things about me you know:

1. I love my family more than anything.

2. I consider my coffee family.

Remember in 7th grade when you wanted to rebel when your mom told you not to drink coffee, so you'd wait until she left for work and brew a pot for yourself?

No?

Just me then.  I've had a long love affair with this drink, and it just is more fun when you have something extra special to put it in. 

I have several of Ashley Brooke's mugs, and this Boss one is at the top of my wish list now.

And I've been stalking this Harry Potter mug, trying to justify spending the money on it. 

You guys the words appear when you pour the coffee in! 

HOW COOL IS THAT?!

OK, I'm totally chill.

xoxo,

Erin

Something Big

I've got that feeling again everyone.

Maybe it's because my family's wedding madness is about to kick off.

Maybe it's because professionally a lot of changes are happening.

Maybe it's because I turn 29 in a few weeks.

Maybe it's because I can hear the postman getting as shipment of September Issues and I can't wait to get my hands on them.

But I just have that feeling something is brewing that is going to alter my life again. I had this feeling last year and my mom and sister got engaged.

In the meantime, I'm stress baking this tasty treat from Rachel Zoe, and watching too much Bravo.

xoxo,
Erin

Mom the Meatloaf!

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Summer eating is one of my favorite things.

Farmers markets, veggie stands, fresh everything.

Trying to turn a corner on healthy eating should be easy, but nothing is easy.

I've been searching for those easy recipes for a busy gal, that are perfect for that summer night.

A Greek salad is probably my favorite thing.  The feta, the olives, the light dressing.  Here's an easy recipe I plan on duplicating.

Of course Rosie, The Londoner, has the perfect alternative for your pizza cravings.

Jessica over at My Style Vita has a perfect, flavor packed Mexican dinner I can't wait to try,  With a jalapeño marg on the side.

Anyone else just crave a smoothie on a summer morning?  I have been so hard lately, here are another few ideas.

Holy pesto and tomatoes! YES PLEASE. And like 3 ingredients.

And for desert, chocolate chip zucchini bread.

Any ideas, please share.

xoxo,
Erin

DNB

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"There’s not a single muscle on my body that isn’t for a purpose, because I’m not a Do Nothing Bitch.”– Ronda 

If you know anything about me you know I'm a girl who stands for girl power.

I blame it on growing up with the Spice Girls, but whatever.

The newest example I've found is Ronda Rousey.  I've never understood fighting, or the sport of it and I honestly have always felt it was gross.

Then I caught the hype of Ronda Rousey, YouTube-ed a few fights, and I'm in big.  She's a BADASS. Got her book, completely motivating and inspiring.  

Her story supplements the argument that she really is the greatest in the world at what she does.

You have to respect someone who puts her money where her mouth is, and these shirts are on my list.    

Not only do they stand for something that means so much to me with women empowerment, but a portion of the proceeds go to an organization to support mental health and women with body issues.

Now I want to kick someone's ass.  

xoxo,

Erin

Girl Power

When you enter into a blogger world, either as a reader or a participant, you find those people/posts that inspire you.

I'm a loyal reader of a few blogs out there, they are my everyday.  I check them out of outfit inspiration, food porn, or just some fun.

Lets start with who I started with, Rosie over at The Londoner.

I remember stumbling across her on my search for breakfast food, where I found the ultimate egg recipe and then fell in love with her along the way.  She is witty, gorgeous, and takes some of my favorite photos.  Following her around the globe is inspiring, and the food choices never fail, except one for pancakes I'm convinced was my fault.

When it comes to style icons in reality I always go back to Mary over at So Then They Say. She has this simplistic, yet striking style and fashion choices that stop me in my tracks every time.

She is also well traveled and has an eye for interior design that just sucks you in.

When I want my daily reality check I go to Hallie at Corals and Cognacs.  She is real, unedited, and hilarious.

Her style is forward but attainable, and if you follow her on SnapChat, her daily schedules make you want to move your ass. Oh, and girl can walk and SnapChat like a BOSS.

When I want to get business motivated about blogging I go to Cathy at Poor Little It Girl and Jessica at My Style Vita.  Both are the boss ladies for the Southern Blog Society, which is a task I can't even wrap my head around.

If you are ever lacking in inspiration, head over to check them out, the level of organization to not only execute their own blogs, but keep together regions of bloggers blows my mind.  Oh, I'm impatiently waiting for the Northeast chapter to open.

Finally, we have Dana over at Pink Champagne Problems.  She's just the cutest.

Caught my eye as a Pittsburgh Penguins fan (duh), and kept it with her relatable writing and fashion.  Plus I think she likes a cocktail as much as I do, so I feel supported.

I keep getting inspired by these girls, and with my school/work/everything else schedule I am trying to find time to create a space here I'm really proud of.

Good things are coming.

xoxo,
Erin

Weekend Magic

This weekend was pretty perfect.

Spending the weekend meeting up with one of your oldest friends for a gorgeous dinner doesn't suck.

Heading to Hershey Hotel and Spa with your family for a weekend of pampering was the thing dreams are made of.

I was rubbed, scrubbed, and painted.  Celebrating my sister's upcoming wedding in only the way we do, together.

Now it's time to kick this week's ass.

xoxo,
Erin

That girl

This girl.

This girl was my first real best friend.

This girl is the one who has known me at every stage of my life.

This girl is the one who loved me when I had headgear at sleepovers.

This girl has stood by me for over 20 years.

Happy Birthday Joynesy! My life would not have been what it is without having a best friend like you in it for the whole ride!

xoxo,
Erin

Link Love

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I cannot stop raving about Amazon Prime Day.  I was skeptical, but was able to grab some essentials, probably my favorite being the Fire TV Stick.  

Being a longtime Amazon user, I've been watching Prime videos on my little Kindle, being able to access them on my TV is a luxury I didn't realize I was missing.

Next would be these Nikes.  I rarely invest in sneakers, for some reason I never see the need when I'm not training for a half marathon, but the price I got on these was embarrassingly low. 

Leave it to Ms. Kerr to illustrate how much I need a pair of girlfriend jeans in my life. I am still on the search for the perfect white T-shirt.

We all know I love my time in the kitchen, but with school it's not easy to find time.  Giving these guys a whirl.

Leave it to Hallie to introduce something I never knew I was missing in this bath caddy. Oh, it's $19.99 and my birthday is in a month.

Can someone point me in the direction of some magic skincare?  My late 20's is creating a monster that I never had, even in my teenage years.  Mary has a suggestion I may be looking into.

Not ready to accept this happened.  I can't talk about it yet. RIP Shelbert.

xoxo,

Erin

OK

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This is an issue we have to deal with. This is not an issue that people have to die over.

For me, I've always known who I am.

I've never looked in the miror an felt uncomfortable or unsure.

I'm a strong, independent, blonde haired, green eyed woman who loves her family.

I've never had to define my sexuality or gender.  If I had to, luckily, I have the best family support in the world who would love me regardless.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype, the tabloids, the coverage.  You forget that Caitlyn Jenner is an American hero, an athlete, a child, a father.

You see the transformation without seeing the realization.

She is finally, after 60 plus years, who she always was.  

Imagine a Freaky Friday happened when you were born, and you spent your whole life opposite who you weren't in the mirror.  Then add the pressure of being an athlete, a husband, a father, a reality figure, and a gender icon.

Then turn it left.

I don't know if I would have the strength, but I thank god for all the people out there, and all the future people out there, that someone did.

That someone is Caitlyn Jenner. Making the world a better place.

xoxo,

Erin

P.S. There are certain people in my world who have opened my eyes wider recently, and just a reminder, I love you unconditionally.  Always.

Have another beer

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I feel like this summer it's officially summer.  I'm going to a concert, it's July, and it's hot as hell.

So what do you do when it's hot as hell?  Find new cocktails of course.

I've never been crazy about coconut, but tequila I love.  So mix it all together.

Heading to the tail end of shark week. Get it? Tail end? OK, well there's a blue cocktail for that.

Spicy and tequila. Where do I sign up?

Porch Crawlers.  It's a cocktail and a challenge. And there's beer.

Oh, I'll try all of them and report back.  If I can still read and/or type.

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

Sunshine, Tanlines

Red/Black/Tortoiseshell/Mirrored Tortoiseshell/Mirrored Aviators

I've found myself in a bit of a rut lately.  All black everything with my favorite statement baubles.

It's summer for Christ sake, it's pattern time.

I have been totally guilty of being  boring with sunglasses.  Three pairs of Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses run my life.  They always look fab, they're classic, and they're versatile.

Maybe it's because I spent my high school days trying to be Mary-Kate and Ashley with my sunglasses that I feel the need to stick to a classic.

First rule of summer, step outside your comfort zone, where do you think the term "summer fling" came from?

OK fine I threw a pair of mirrored aviators in there just for a comfort blanket, but I don't have a pair of gold ones.

xoxo,

Erin

Link Love

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I'm not afraid to admit I have a full on girl crush on Gigi Hadid.  I mean how can you not?  Her style is ridiculous and she's that perfect California girl who is killing it in high fashion.  She's the basis of my summer style inspiration.

If you are lacking a summer vacation, like me, hop on over to The Londoner and live through Rosie's Australian adventure.  Her last few posts have me wanderlust.

Feeling like Morticia Adams lately with my color choices, so I'm turning to a classic favorite to throw some paint on the canvas.  Picked up this guy from Talbots yesterday, among other things.  

I don't know what is more fab about this, the brow game Caitlyn Jenner is rocking or Kanye looking happy.

Charleston has been a place I've called home almost every summer since I can remember.  The recent tragedy is devastating and my heart goes out to the Holy City.  Annie did a fantastic post on the strength this southern landmark has. #CharlestonStrong

This Baublebar necklace just does things to me.

Happy Tori Kelly album release day! Just do it, buy the damn album, she's ridiculous.

xoxo,

Erin

They Are the Hunters

I saw Taylor Swift this weekend.

You guys.

It was the closest thing to church I've been to in a long time, if your church resembles a middle school sleepover.

It was wall to wall sparkling little girls with signs with lights.  There were costumes I had to spend a lot of time explaining to my mom. I saw choreographed dances to each song, I saw screaming, I saw a grandmother with a walker singing every word.

This is what Taylor Swift does to us.  She makes it impossible to not be drawn in to the feelings, the feelings we all have at some point.

She sparkled, danced her butt off, and brought Olivia Benson. The person, not her cat.

It was perfection, and I had no voice today.  If you can, go immediately!

Oh, I was SCREAMING to this song.

xoxo,
Erin