grabby hands

I admit... since the iPad debuted last Spring, I have been dying to get my hands on one myself. Partly because it's an Apple product, partly because it's pretty, partly because it's a cooler version of the Kindle and partly because they now have a PINK cover for it. All legitimate reasons, right? Moving forward...

Here's what I keep going back and forth with... 

If it's just a bigger version of the iPhone... do I truly need one? Is it a bigger version of the iPhone just without the "phone" option? 

Would I be smarter to "invest" my money in a new MacBook rather than this pretty little gadget? 

If there are any iPad users out there, please share your opinion/thoughts on it! 

falling in love...

Today marks the day that 2 years ago, I naively said yes to a man who asked me to marry him. Little did I know then that I would be where I am today. That man is no longer in my life in any way and for that, I am so thankful.

His current life is irrelevant to mine; we are now two very different people living two very different lives. And who I was 2 years ago and who I am today, February 21, 2011 are two completely different women. I was once dangerously dependent, unable to make decisions without his input, naive and loved and respected that man more than I loved and respected myself. It was a tornado within a hurricane.

Every day is still a battle and every day I have to make decisions to continue to improve, to change, to grow... but who I am today is something to be proud of. With the exception of paying my own car insurance (my Dad helps me out because I'm in school), I am completely, 100% dependent on my income and my income alone. I pay my own insurance, my own bills and am working hard to reduce  debt. I'm a part time Master's student and full-time employee. I make big-girl decisions daily that will directly impact my future and most importantly, I am learning to fall in love with myself.

That is why I have decided {after much hesitation} to purchase this pendant from Ritzy Misfit's Etsy store. Because it's more than just a pendant, it's a symbol of who I am. The artist explains what I am trying to explain perfectly: "No one is perfect, but we are all beautiful. These pendants give the feeling of being beautiful, unique and rough around the edges at the same time. My work reflects the wonderful, flawed idiosyncrasies in us all... and it makes us all breath-taking."

 

 In an "E" of course :)

This is a treat for me... for getting where I am today and committing to becoming even more in the future. It's a reminder to learn to fall more in love with "me" everyday... character flaws and all.

I would love to hear if you own a piece of jewelry that shares a story!

share it in a comment!

ps. many emails and a few comments this weekend about sharing recipes and my secrets... first, THANK YOU for the encouragement. Second, recipes and secrets of staying on track coming this week!

pps. quoteable monday still coming today!

starbucks mugs

As anyone else who loves design would agree-Starbucks does a darn good job of designing classic pieces for their mug collection... especially their annual Valentine's Day collection. Every year, I cannot WAIT to see their new designs...

 

{kiss me} Italian

 

 The first two mugs, I used to own... my favorite mugs I have ever owned. Somehow they got lost... probably sometime that one year that I moved 5 times.

I picked this one up last year for my bff from home Erica, after I had promised she would be my 2010 Valentine. I packed it in with packs of Starbucks Via and a bag of coffee.

 

This one is part of the 2011 Valentine's Day collection that I picked up today with a gift card from Christmas. The back has "love" written in cursive. My newest favorite mug that brings warm, fuzzy, sparkly feelings to my heart. 

My mom gave me this mug for Christmas this year. It's currently the one I use at work- it's ceramic, so it keeps my beverage of choice warm for a while. I love the damask!

I would give anything to get my hands on the white one with pink letters (or the first one again that says "kiss me"... I'd love to have that one back). I absolutely love love love this one though... it's so pretty!

I don't know what it is about Starbucks' mugs... but man alive, they are one of my favorite things ever. It's the little things. :)

birthday sparkles!

I had the best day today!

My 25th birthday was filled with plenty of princess sparkles...

new gold kate spade bag

simple black leather pumps

(needed these, mine are shot!)

cell phone cases and a martini glass from sister!

I also got some cash...

(more on how that it's going to be spent later)

As well as a "gift certificate" for sessions with a personal trainer!!

The gym/personal trainer is something that I've always wanted to do... I always get discouraged when I feel like I'm working my tail off, yet I'm not getting anywhere. This fall, I wanted to join a gym, but the money to fork out on joining fees were just never there.

I'm super stoked about this endeavor and cannot WAIT to start researching more about personal trainers when I return to Virginia.

Today was wonderful. I am so happy.

Xo,

E

ps. one of my friends also sent me this picture today of his dad's pup and I just couldn't help but share. his name is Chance- how precious!

Things that I would enjoy...

"I should unsubscribe from Kate Spade's daily email to my inbox."

-tis a common thought that crosses my mind every morning when I open my email.

I can at least drool though, right?

Dear Kate,

I love your new "34th Street Printed Treesh". You blended the leopard trend with a classic flawlessly.

I also need to replace my classic black bag and would love to add this to my collection.

Black patent leather. Classy. Chic. Modern.

I also found your new books to be quite adorable. I would love to add these to my bookshelf. I also am in love that you incorporated "she is quick and curious and playful and strong" somewhere in each of these books. I look forward to adding these to my collection.

Oh Kate, you never fail to impress me. You are classy and modern, yet vintage and playful. You bring out the best in me and no matter how many times the fateful thought to unsubscribe from your emails crosses my mind, I will always be faithful to your daily correspondence.

Love always,

Kate Spade + Office Supplies = LOVE

Does anyone else out there have an obsession with office supplies?

Probably one of my all-time favorite movie quotes is: "Don't you just love New York in the Fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address..."

Anyone know what movie that quote is from?

In my daily email from katespade.com, they featured their new 2011 calendar.

What isn't to love about this gem?

Kate Spade + office supplies = love

This WILL be going on my Christmas/birthday list.

IWF {I Want Friday}

Today's post is all about a few things that I'm just dying to add to my wardrobe for spring/summer.

I should really get my life together and post more often... I miss it...

On the list for I Want Friday:

BCBGMAXAZRIA drapefront dress found here
perfect for a spring/summer night on the town

I've also been wanting to add some basic nude pumps to my collection.
I think these would do the trick. Hmm?

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Patent Leather Pumps found at saks.com

I've also had my eye on several new bags for spring, including this beautiful blue
marc by marc jacobs bag.
The blue just makes me squeal in excitement for springtime!!

And my favorite part about spring? Adorable new flats that let your feet BREATHE after being cooped up in boots all winter!! I'm loving Tory's sandals...
and would LOVE to have a pair in
every single color!!

And last, but not least... I misplaced my favorite black flats. Since it's such a staple to any girl's wardrobe, and my go-to shoe when I need something comfortable, I think it's about time I replace them.

Tory Burch's black patent reva ballet flat
would do the trick just perfectly.

What are some things that you're eyeing for this spring?
Share with me some links!!
What are you most excited to be able to wear again??

New Years Resolutions

I don't normally make resolutions in January.

But I did this year.

They include:

Lose those last 20 pounds.
I'm hoping to accomplish this by the end of February.

Let go

Redefine my happiness.
In my own terms.

Make even more friends. Laugh with them.
Cry with them. Be true to them.
Hold an actual friendship with them.
Take a leap of faith, even though they might hurt me.

And one of these days-
I want to learn to trust again.

What about you?
Did you make resolutions this year?
What are they?

These are also tickling my fancy.
Thank you Valentino.

Valentino's Side Bow Peep-Toe Pumps
beauty
:)

Christmas Time is Here

Mom left a note for me today that said... "Christmas list today or you ain't gettin nothin." That's my mama for ya. I decided to share with everyone what I'm wishing and hoping for this Christmas. So without further adieu:

Ema's Christmas List 2009

Starbucks Christmas Blend
{whole bean preferably}
And a pack of the Starbucks Via Instant Coffee
{which is uh.maaaazing, you should go purchase some}

{I would also like to have my Keurig back so that I can brew some of this loveliness as well, please and thanks}

I've heard this book is really comical and a good read... so I'll go ahead and ask.
Someday My Prince Will Come
True Adventures of a Wanna-Be-Princess
by Jerramy Fine

These gorgeous Tory Burch Cat Eye Sunnies.
I am obsessed.
{wishing and hoping these are on ebay by now}

And speaking of Tory,
I really, really REEEALLY want a set of her cosmetic bags
{Which I'd be willing to bet you can find on ebay, hint hint}

Then I saw Coach's new purple tote and immediately
fell in love
with her perfection.
Ok, this one is up there in the "want" list, too...
{Mom, talk to Ana about how to get this, bigger tote preferably
...if I do get it}

I'd really like a pretty pair of booties, too.
Here's a few styles that I like:

Charlotte's Buckled Peep Toe BootiesCharlotte's Suede Ruffle BootiesAnd even though my dad will say these are hooker's shoes,
and will probably object to me owning a pair,
I'd really like a pair of strappy booties, too.
Here's Charlotte's as well.Also, a massage would be nice, indeed. I've never had one.
{I know right, who am I??}

I'm also on the hunt for the perfect perfume this Christmas.
Suggestions of YOUR favorites are highly welcome.

And now I will be practical. What I really need is a new power adapter and battery for my MacBook. How boring. Both can be found at Apple.

And lastly,
for kicks and giggles, Mom and Dad
{and anyone else who has $725 sitting around...}
I would love to have Christian's Peep Toe Glitter Pumps.
{you can stop laughing now, Dad, and no... they don't do anything other than look pretty}
Ahhh... this, people... if perfection could be summed up in a shoe, this would be it.

What about you, lovelies?
What are you hoping and wishing for this
Christmas Season?

My List Just Got Longer

Can I just say that I had a flippin' b.l.a.s.t today!!

I literally shopped till I dropped. Good company, good shopping and good food to finish.

I decided to save my money for my little adventure today, and if you followed by twitter today, you may have heard of some of the stores we visited. ALTHOUGH, I am just slightly disappointed that I didn't indulge in the tanning package... Can't have my cake and eat it too, I suppose. That will be my next thing I indulge in... after bills, but before Christmas fo'show.

I ended up snagging a few pieces from Banana Republic, {at to die for prices, you'd be so jealous} but since I found them at the factory story, there's no pictures. You'll just have to wait for an outfit post to see them.

For your viewing pleasure though, here's a few other things I fell in love with today:

Kate Spade's Rainy Day Blakely Purse Bag
can be found on the 'bay here

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS ORANGE!!

{check it in the red and pink too!}

And Kate's Guilia Heel
can be found here

{omg, I HAVE to have these shoes- they look so fab on my footsies}

And remember said post about these fab shoes from Miss Lizzy Marie? Guess who found an EVEN MORE fab.u.lous pair that had a bonus peep toe and adorb bow?? And for $16 {after an employee discount} at the Charlotte Rouse FS, who can pass these hotties up?

Holllerrrrrr.

What did you find this weekend, lovelies??

And is anyone with me when I say that this has always been my favorite season to shop... for myself???

I walked away before I got into trouble.

Girls... I took myself window shopping last night just for fun in an effort to pick up my less than glorious mood... AND... look what I found!!

I'm from a place where we have a TON of factory stores; you name the store, it can be found. Coach, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nine West... all these just to name a few.

Since it was later in the evening, I only had time to run into a few stores, Banana Republic Factory Store being the first. LOOK at the this beautiful coat that I am IN LOVE with.

I think I should have it for my birthday, no??