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

True Love

source

I'm so lucky with the group of girls I have in my life.  I have those friends you see in TV shows.  They're loyal, they listen, and we tell each other the truth.  There's no room for bullshit in my life and my friends have the same philosophies.  We aren't afraid to kick each other in the ass if needed.

I had dinner with 3 of my girls last night and we can literally talk about anything.  It's refreshing to be around the people that have known you at your worst and at your best.  I don't even know how we end up on some of the topics, but it's a never ending conversation.

I'm never afraid if they're going to judge me, I would never judge their choices, and we aren't pretending with each other.

I don't know how people go through life without that kind of support system but I'm damn lucky I have it.

Side note, if you are ever in the Bel Air, MD area check out the Steelefish Grille.  Other than a small snafu on a waiter, we had fantastic service and the food was really good. The atmosphere is calm and they left us alone enough to never stop talking, but still made sure our glasses weren't empty.

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

Eat, drink, and be merry

Bacon making kit/Paderno spiralizer/Mug/Twinkie Maker/Beer kit

We're getting to D-day here people and last minute gift ideas are like trying to write a novel in a night.  If you have anyone in your family who is a kitchen dweller like me these are some outside of the box ideas that would make someones day.  

I'll tell you a huge secret: everything is under $50 and everything you can get in a mall. 

And who doesn't want a bacon making kit? If you know a person who doesn't you shouldn't be buying them a Christmas present.

Trying to make it easy for you people because I've been that girl thinking that buying your Mom that flat iron from that stand in the middle of the mall is a good idea.

xoxo,
E

Hold on we're going home

source

• If this doesn't make you laugh at your desk you're hopeless. Phoebe Buffay is one of my favorite characters ever.

• I'm 100% addicted to this guy's IG.  He has a foundation that rescues big cats and you immediately fall in love with these guys, but realize why they'd be such terrible pets. Cielo is my favorite.

• Emily is the cutest and this sweatshirt is to die for. I love any kind of comfort clothing you can pass off as dressy.

• This dress and boot combo on Jessica is STUNning! I've been dying for some above the knee boots and this is exactly why.

One more final paper to submit and I'm free for a few weeks!  So many things to get started in the new year!

xoxo,

E

Anchor's Away

This weekend was pretty great.  I didn't expect to be as blown away by going to the Army vs. Navy game as I was.  

I've been to a lot of sporting events, and some pretty epic battles, but there was just a different feel to this one.  It was like everyone was so full of pride for both teams, and people were there to celebrate all together rather than see a battle.

I saw a lot of loved ones reunited with their kids in uniform.  My best friend cried at least 3 times with the moving moments during breaks in the game.  

I just felt like I was in a room full of heroes, people who were willing to do so much more for our country than most of us, and they're just kids.  It's moving and overwhelming, but more importantly it's something I will never forget.

I may have cried twice but I'll deny it if you tell anyone.

xoxo,

E

My country, 'tis of thee

source

This weekend my lovely city of Baltimore is hosting the Army vs. Navy game.  I'm lucky enough to have a BFF who scored tickets so I will be spending my Saturday surrounded by some of our county's finest and watching a live football game.

Wait, am I dreaming? 

Nope still here, OK yes it's a dream day.

If you don't hear from me it's because some gorgeous man in uniform has swept me off my feet and I'm never looking back.

xoxo,

E

Baby you're the ultimate

Shoes/Record player/Bag/Bib/Dress

Did you ever get to see Santa when you were little and ask him for the things you never in a million years thought you'd get.  Well this list is basically my adult version.  

I mean if you think wanting Christian Loub booties is reaching for the stars, if you don't I want your life.

The record player is something I've been seriously thinking of getting back into.  I remember looking at records when I was little and I would kind of love to see the quality found in old vinyls compared to my IPhone.

The bag, bib and dress are not too far outside the box, but I doubt I would find it within reason to get these for myself. 

Girl's gotta dream right.

xoxo,

E

 

P.S. I wouldn't say no to a couple of plane tickets with blank destinations either.

Have yourself....

You are welcome.

xoxo,

E

It's beginning to look a lot like.......

This weekend I officially have Christmas spirit.  I took my annual trip to NYC for my sister's birthday and nothing can get you into the Christmas spirit like New York City.  I remember a time when I used to dread this time of year but not anymore.

• Hallie has some epic winter coats.

• I wasn't feeling ear cuffs until my favorite ladies at All The Wire released this bad boy. Where do I sign up?  I'll also take this if you're shopping for me.

• One of my favorite girls Dana is a Pens fan like me, and she rocks the look on her Instagram.  It's not easy to make a hockey jersey fashion, she kills it.

• Leather and a red skirt, really? Thank you Gap.

• This piece about retaking the word "feminism" is a game changer.

This weekend I had news that stopped my world.  When someone was part of your life, in any way, for any amount of time, they leave a mark.  Hearing news that person has passed away literally took my breathe away.  I can't imagine what their loved ones or family were going through having suddenly and tragically lost them.  I knew them as a light, as a source of fun and humor. 

Tell everyone you love that you love them.  Keep going and moving through life because it's too short to sit still.  Breathe in the moments.

xoxo,

E 

There were never such devoted sisters

My sister turns 30 today, which is insane because I still feel like we're 5 and 7 most of the time.  I know most people aren't as lucky as I am.  I have this big sister that has been my built in companion my whole life.  I can't say we're best friends, because we're not, we're sisters.  

I've loved her beyond belief my whole life.  I used to wait around for her to get home from school like a puppy waiting to be let out of a crate.  When she gets a shot from the doctor I would immediately cry with her.  To this day when I see her cry I start crying, regardless of the reason.  She is literally the other half of who I am.  

We aren't alike, we barely even look like we're related, but she is clearly my sister.  I know what she is thinking by looking at her, and she knows me better than anyone.  We don't go out together all the time, we don't spend every free minute together, but she will always be the most important person in the world to me.

I might appear to be this strong badass, and I can be, but when push comes to shove she's the one that holds me together.  

She's the most charismatic person I've ever met, she walks into a room and everyone wants to talk to her.  Her smile can change and alter an atmosphere, it's HUGE!

I'm so proud of who she is.  I'm so proud of the person she has chosen to spend the rest of her life with, because he's pretty great.  I love her beyond belief and I can't believe she's officially an old lady.

Had to get that one in there.

Happy Birthday Dack Dack!

xoxo,

E

New York, New York

source

This weekend marks our annual trip to NYC for my sister's birthday.   

We have been taking frequent trips to the city since we moved to Maryland when I was 8, yet my mother continues to marvel in the tourist traps and is a sucker for a brochure.  This weekend will include me on a bus (sleep on the way up, drink wine on the way back), Christmas in full effect (Macy's and a show), and my mom playing tourist(again).  

I love New York this time of year, or really any year.  My mom and I have spent full days at the Metropolitan Museum of Art getting lost and sitting in quiet.  I have marched down the streets like I know where I'm going.  I have eaten in that restaurant Miranda Presley in The Devil Wears Prada insists her steak lunch comes from.  

I used to thing this city is where I would end up after college, but that hasn't happened.  I love having it within driving distance, and living my Blair Waldorf dreams out whenever I want to take the 2 hour drive.

Making memories.  Making traditions.  Falling in love with the lights and the life every single time I go.

Welcome to New York.

xoxo,

E

Any Man of Mine

Shot glasses/Buffalo plaid shirt/Hat/Sandlot T-shirt/Beer glasses

Shopping for boys can be challenging.  Every guy is different and since I'm not a boy (if you've been paying attention) I have nothing really to relate to.  I have a few go-to stores when it comes to buying really good boy gifts: Macy's, J.Crew, Urban Outfitters and Pottery Barn.  Each of these stores has something for anyone that is a boy on your Christmas list.

What guy doesn't need a Sandlot t-shirt or "Good idea, Bad idea" shot glasses?

xoxo,

E

Does that make me crazy?

source

Is anyone else completely overwhelmed with life right now?

Anyone?

Bueller?

OK, admittedly school is kind of kicking my ass.  I forgot how much I hate statistics.  I've been so used to going on with my life without the obligation of school it's hard to get back into that grind.

I have so many goals for this next year.  I have so many things I want to accomplish with my career, with the blog, and with myself it someones feels daunting.

I'm trying to carve out time for everything, starting with school and health.

Have y'all heard of Tracy Anderson?  She's the lady who kicks JLo into shape, yep right there I was sold.  Her DVD's are dance inspired, but don't let that fool ya, this lady will kick you ASS.  She is cute and always smiling so it's hard to get too mad at her.  I'm using her as my motivation to get my ass moving towards that better me.

I'll keep you updated if my statistics homework ever lets me see the light of day again.

xoxo,
E

Cyber Me

source

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  Mine was filled with champagne, kitchen dance parties, and tons of food.  Next thing up is my favorite thing, shopping for the ones I love.  Cyber Monday has created this place in my world since I didn't participate in Black Friday.  

• Macys is having some  great deals if you can't figure out what to get that person on your list.  They have tons of options at great price points. Plus free shipping for anything over $50.
• J. Crew has 30% off full priced items and 40% off sale items with using the Holiday promo. Amazing cashmere sweaters for the men and women in your lives.
• Old Navy has 40% off basically everything, same with Gap and Banana Republic.  Go here for anyone, you will find something cute and at a fantastic price point.
• Kendra Scott has 15% off everything and free ground shipping with the code BFCM2014. I'd like one of everything.
• New York & Company has 50% to 80% off of everything (I grabbed a coat).
• Talbots has 50% off the first regular priced item and 40% off the entire order.  Go here for Mom or a sassy pair of shoes. 
• ASOS has 20% off everything with promo CYBERWKND20. I'll take one of everything.

Happy bargain shopping! 

xoxo,

E

Let Me Chairish You

A little while ago I was contacted to create my own bar using the lovely vintage pieces the online site Chairish.

Well the same lovely people contact me because now they expanded into jewelry and accessories, yep they know my weakness.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from a furniture company, but wow there are some amazing pieces.

Now with the holidays comes holiday events.  I'm not always able to grab something bright and colorful so my accessories have to give me life.  Grab a black swing dress on Asos or H&M and get bauble shopping.

Snake Necklace/Black pendent/Flower earrings/Lion Head bracelet/Tiger bracelet/Multicolored necklace

Y'all the top left is actually a vintage belt from the '60's that doesn't have a fastener anymore so now it's a necklace.  How dope is that?  I would rock this with a simple black swing dress, or with a button down.

Black chain/Envelope clutch/Rhinestone Box/Silver mesh/Python chain/Black Rhinestone

I constantly have a difficult time finding the perfect party bag.  Every time I need some fun, sparkly party bag it seems impossible.  These are all high quality, and all are neutral enough to go with any party dress.  

I'm secretly, completely in love with the rhinestone box bag.

The dress doesn't have to pack a punch, if you have the right accessories you can wear the same dress for everything and switch up the baubles that no one will even notice.  

Given you wash the dress after every time because soon enough you will start smelling like the wine you dropped all over yourself.

Check out Chairish for these and so many more.  I had such a hard time choosing my favorites!

xoxo,

E

#BBN

I've been a member of Big Blue Nation my whole life.  I had a Kentucky onesie as a baby.  My daddy was a graduate of Kentucky, and his father before him.  My dad's Kentucky pride ran deep, even the year he died he marked when his college finals would be and sat listening to the UK games on the radio that weren't televised. 

 One of my earliest memories is staying up late, my ear pressed to my door listening to my dad screaming at the game.  He would record games on VHS, which I thought was silly until I found myself watching the 1998 Duke vs UK game on YouTube.

It's hard to put into words what this tradition meant to my dad, and what it means to me.  It's a tradition that is overwhelming.  My basement is a testament to how far my love for the tradition goes.  

The last time I went with my dad to visit the school I wasn't even in high school, and it just happened to be freshman visit week, which I don't believe was a coincidence.  My dad literally shoved me into a lecture hall and held the doors closed so I had to sit in on a class.  He lead me into Memorial coliseum to watch a practice, convinced since he was an alumni that no one would bother him, and no one did.  He loved the experience and the family that was Kentucky, that I quickly fell in love too.

In another world, with my dad alive, I believe I would've carried on the tradition, but I will be a forever fan and a loyal part of BBN.

My Wildcats currently sit in the #1 spot in the men's basketball polls, and it's early. 

I love Coach Cal, I believe he was meant to be at the school.   He is a Pittsburgh guy with a daughter named Erin, clearly perfection.  I have seen a few coaches at Kentucky in my lifetime, and I have to say that Coach Cal gets what the school is about more than any of the other.  I trust him.

 I think we have a long way to go but you bet I will be on the edge of my seat every time my guys in blue come onto the court.  

I keep thinking of all of the kids sitting with their dads, listening to them scream at the college players, and building their own traditions.

Welcome to the family.

xoxo,

E

Angry Girl Music Monday

source

This is how I feel about it being Monday.  

Did y'all see my girl go crazy train at the Ama's last night? If my ex-boyfriend was in the audience looking hot I'd want to stab a person too, so it's cool.

Nothing is better than seeing Ms. Swift dance like she means it at an award show.  

Lorde may have looked like she was getting chased by a bee for most of her performance but I love the chick too. 

This is an angry girl music Monday.

xoxo,

E

I Know Places

I miss summer

The 50 Shades of Grey trailer has been out for a week and I still don't know how I feel about it. 

Mary is in London, so I'm living vicariously through her travels, per usual.  Do I need purple hair?

I have been a fan of bulletproof coffee for a little while now but I've never bought the actual coffee grinds themselves.  Worth it or no? 

Are y'all traveling for Thanksgiving? I'm trying to figure out the most functional outfit for a long car ride/kid playtime/wine drinking.  

What is the best planner for the cost?  I always intend on getting my ass more organized but never do and I think a nice planner would help motivate me, maybe.

Why am I just now hearing about RocksBox?  A company that's the netflix of baubles? Someone needs to get me this for Christmas, I'm looking at you. (Thanks Emily!)

Have a good weekend y'all! I will be hibernating and preparing for the nutzo weekend ahead!

xoxo,

E

Santa can you hear me?

1/2/3/4/5/6

The older we get, the more realistic we get about Christmas presents.  We scale our expectations back because we know that even Santa has a budget.  I rarely, if ever, make a Christmas list anymore, my mom is just that good, but there a few things I would love under the tree this year.

Is anyone else dying for a jumpsuit?  I saw Rosie rockin one at an event recently and have been dying to find one as an alternative for the usual dress/sweater this season.  Asos has a few very good options!

xoxo,

E

Black All Day

This is the first year in many years I will not be participating in the crazy that is Black Friday shopping. I will be spending the holiday in New Jersey,  yep, New Jersey.  This whole getting a new, big family thing comes with sacrifice and believe me these people are worth spending Thanksgiving in Jersey for. I will be missing out on some of my favorite sales, or will I?  I'm trying to be the proactive gift buyer this year and I have been having some help from my favorite brands.

My favorite online brand ASOS always has a sale going with some of the best holiday pieces.  Up to 70% off for some!

My loves at BaubleBar have some gift sets perfect for your fashionista BFF.

Gap has free two day shipping before Thanksgiving for those of us who can't figure out what outfit to wear to the holiday festivities.

Every girl's all time beauty mecca Sephora has some epic gift sets on sale for the ladies in your live, of yourself.

xoxo,
E

Monday, Bye Felicia

source

This weekend was a bit of a doozy.  Traveling with the whole family in a car isn't something we do often anymore, and believe me I was happy for the technology I brought with me.  Now that I'm home and unpacking (who am I kidding that suitcase will be in my hallway until January).

• The weather seems to finally have switched onto winter so I need these babies.

• If you grew up loving MTV Challenges you are as heartbroken as I am to see that Diem Brown died over the weekend.  I refuse to see it as a "loss" since she kicked cancer's ass for years.  Diem started a "gift registry" for medical bills and needs called Medgift that will continue her legacy.

• I'm always trying to find ways to make my work clothes feel like sweats whenever I can.  Thank you Gap for this.

• One of my favorite bloggers Dana, author of Pink Champagne Problems, has a couple great sales for those of you who have the shopping bug, and if you don't I don't know why you're reading this.

xoxo,

E

Step Right Up

Last weekend I got to attend a lovely event in downtown Baltimore called The Boulevard of Chic.

There were trucks full of trinkets and fashions, there were vendors with sangria, and there was this beautiful Saturday in Baltimore.

This necklace had my eye, but I'm ballin on a budget people.

This truck had hardwood floors and a Grace Kelly movie on, it was my favorite.

I love local and independent businesses, so this was a perfect opportunity to get familiar with some of the fashion ladies in the area.

Hello

My BFF and I wandered around, taking a peek inside every truck before deciding to head out for the day.  On our stroll out my nose caught my favorite smell.  COFFEE!

Of course I gave the "Filthiest Chai Alive" a whirl because how can you not with that name?  It was amazing!

Such a fun event, Alyssa, who contacted me, could not have been sweeter and the gorgeous Baltimore weather didn't hurt!

xoxo,

E

Pretty Cold

1/2/3/4/5

The weather drops 30 degrees, we start bundling up and even getting lazy sometimes when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. Don't you just want an easy dress you can throw on with your favorite necklace and feel like you made the effort?  Well I have the answer for you.  

Grab the cute, textured tights and a huge statement necklace, pull on the booties, zip up the parka and be the cutest girl at work.

You know you'll strut around the office all day when the rest of the girls are wearing their pants and bulky sweaters.

xoxo,

E

p.s. All of the dresses are under $80, ballin on a budget baby!

There's Nothing You Can't Do

Belief

source

• I have a deep rooted belief that a good hamburger can change lives.

• I think the greatest inspiration for a girl are other girls.

• When you lose someone you love that you never really get over it, you learn to deal with it.

• The book is always better than the movie.

• You never really can be a fan of someones music until you see them perform live.

• Leopard print goes with everything

• Mondays are created to torture people.

• Days shouldn't start before 10am.

• Coffee was created by the Gods.

• Love is meant for everyone, but people don't wait for the love.

• You'll never feel worse than you do before a workout, and better after you finish.

• Think before you speak.

• There is never enough closet space.

xoxo,

E

Somethin' Bout Platinum

source

source

source

I've been a massive Miranda Lambert fan forever, but I haven't always loved what Miranda wears to events.  Lately, my girl has been KILLING it!  I'm obsessed with this blush color myself with my own blonde hair and green eyes, but on her it's epic.  I love the dark lip for winter and the structure of the dress makes her look like a movie star!

Does anyone know why Arianna Grande was at the CMA awards last night? That is going to keep me up at night.

xoxo,

E