celebrating family

The only thing on my mind as of late is moving home. Home to celebrate, be with and make memories with my family.

Closer to my Daddy, who protects me from everything, even the sp*ders in my window.

Closer to my Mommy- bike rides, downtown walks, beach days, design days or even just enjoying lunch on a Summer day on the patio together. 

Closer to my Sister- very much closer, as we will be living and making memories together that will truly last a lifetime.

Closer to the ferocious beast- so we can play fox more often. 

Closer to my grandparents- for their lives are precious and days numbered.

Closer to my cousins, aunts and uncles- so I can join in on family gatherings more often. 

me and and amazing man of character, my grandfather

 

 

"Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. 

It means you are loved and will be loved for the rest of your life. 

No matter what."

What are you celebrating this Spring?

picture perfect

The spring and summer months are my absolute favorite time of the year. The budding plants, the warm weather, the birds chirping, the longer evenings, the smell of a cookout in the distance and children playing after school... Spring is so promising- so fresh- especially after the drab, cold winter months.

I am currently obsessed with the view outside of my window. There is the perfect budding Dogwood tree, a budding purple tree and a green bush that have all begun to bloom. I have found myself stopping almost daily to just take in what I see outside. Often times in the morning, I open the window, grab a cup of coffee and my computer and crawl back into bed to apply for jobs and/or work on design work... truly one of my MOST favorite things to do. Such a relaxing way to start off each morning. Granted, this isn't the "real" world, but it's something I am able to enjoy this season and will soak up every moment I can.

This is an iPhone photo of the view I see every day, non-edited. I wish I could bottle this up and keep everything about this forever.

What is your favorite season? 

and ps: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the best parents in the world!
Thank you for always making things work. 

observing the ant

My mom sent me this in an email in response to Tuesday night's post.
I thought I would share...

Written by LB Cowman in 1925 after facing dry places in her life:

"Observe the ant," the great Oriental conqueror Tamerlane told his friends. In relating a story from his early life, he said, "I once was forced to take shelter from my enemies in a dilapidated building, where I sat alone for many hours. Wishing to divert my mind from my hopeless situation, I fixed my eyes on an ant carrying a kernel of corn larger than itself up a high wall. I counted its attempts to accomplish this feat. The corn fell sixty-nine times to the ground, but the insect persevered. The seventieth time it reached the top. The ant's accomplishment gave me courage for the moment, and I never forgot the lesson."

I resolved never to stop until I had come to the goal and achieved my purpose.

{david livingston}

Set your goals. Define your purpose. Strive. 

{cynthia gayle rust}

That's exactly what I am going to focus on every time I have a night like Tuesday night: I'll set my goals. Define my purpose. Then strive.

I love my mommie. Words cannot express how truly thankful I am for such a selfless influence in my life.

Note: Mustangs are not considered "snow" cars

Today definitely didn't start out as the best day of my life.

Due to a freak snow storm, I was snowed in at my parent's house for an extra day. Hooray! But when I went to leave early this afternoon, I unfortunately threw my car in a ditch. Typically, I don't leave the house since my car isn't particularly "snow friendly," but I didn't really have a choice considering I had to be back to work for my job in Virginia.

I was a nervous wreck this afternoon/evening driving, but am thankful for a Dad who {once again} saved my day.

Did anyone else on the East coast get slammed with the storm?

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!

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.

{and I love you for giving me your eyes, now stay back and watch me shine}

So I never did a Mother's Day post.

Although I wasn't able to spend the actual day with my mother, I was at least privileged enough to talk with her from 6 hours away.

I can't listen to this song without tearing up thinking about my Mother. It defines my mother to the core.

My mother is my hero. She's held me on the floor as I've bawled my eyes out- emotionally, mentally and physically raw after being hurt deeper than I've ever been hurt before.

She's loves me regardless of the times I've emotionally smacked her in the face. She's loved me after I've rejected her advice. She encouraged me every morning for months when I wanted nothing less than to just stay in bed and sleep away any emotions. She gave me her strength when she had none herself. She's sacrificed. She's love unconditionally. She's put my needs above her own...

And that's just for one of her three children.

I am so proud of my mother. Now, at 47 years old, she's pursuing a dream she's had since we were kids. She's pursuing a completely new career, teaching herself the "ins and outs" of running a business and polishing her photography skills. How many of you can say that your Mom has taught herself a new career at 47? I have never been more proud of her! Think I'm lying? Check her out for yourself.

Thank you Mom, for teaching me the importance of family, faith and unconditional love. I would be lost without you. You are my rock.

Tell me something about your Mom. Because after all, who needs just a day to celebrate your mother?

of this I am determined...

Without uttering a single word, my sister reminded me of something that my parents taught me growing up. They used to always tell her and I to “choose a man who would swim through shark infested waters to bring you a lemonade.”

Think about this for a moment- there’s more to this than what you read. What they meant, and what took me a while to grasp is that I should choose a man who is willing to lay down his own life for me and our future family. A man who is willing to do everything in his power to provide for my needs and for our family’s needs. A man who would do anything for me, without thinking about himself first. Granted, hopefully I’m not selfish enough to nonchalantly ask him to risk his life in an effort to quench my thirst, but you get what I’m saying...

So guess what I decided tonight? I’m done making excuses for the men that I choose in life. I want a man who will willingly swim through shark infested waters to get me a lemonade. Why? Because that’s what I deserve. I am a passionate woman, and when I love someone- I love them without holding anything back. I am faithful and loyal and will do back-flips trying to make the one that I love happy. I cherish them, care for them and support them. I deserve that kind of treatment back.

...not somebody who wants to move on to “bigger and better” things because they think they are called to a “bigger and better life”. And definitely not anyone who is willing to leave me trampled on in the dust as they run on to chase what they think they are called to do. I want a team, a selfless, balanced team. I will have that. And this man will love me for who I am and will appreciate the unconditional, loyal love that I offer. This man will swim across an ocean of shark infested waters to bring me a lemonade.... Of this... I am sure. I will not settle or make excuses for the rest any longer.

In other news:

Confession:

I love love love coffee mugs, usually cute ones from Starbucks...
but check out these adorable ones I found from
Paula Kathlyn’s Etsy shop.

I bought the lips mug for me...


...and the mustache one for my dear friend, Erica.


Are you just as obsessed with these as I am?

Because a girl always NEEDS one more thing...

I read tonight that girls can never stop buying.

That's a true story.

Whether it's picking up a Dove Chocolate bar because I can't afford the new shirt that I reeeeally want... I'm always buying something... even if it's groceries (and yes, at one point in my life... I looked forward to grocery shopping just because it meant that I got to browse the store and shop. Don't judge.)

I forgot to add a few things to the Christmas list, and since Mom and Dad aren't going shopping till Sunday... I think I still have time to add a few of those last minute requests:

A few new make-up brushes. MAC has some great ones in their holiday collection, as well as Target's Sonia Kashuk (they're so soft!). I definitely need a new blush brush, as well as a powder brush for mineral powder. Maybe one or two for eye shadows...

And, since I'll probably give my dad an early heart attack if I mention another pair of shoes... I'll stick with asking for a few books found on Amazon that I've been wanting for umm... about 3 months now but just can't seem to take the plunge and purchase them. (College kind of turned me off to the whole "I actually enjoy reading for pleasure"can I get an amen?)

All can be found on Amazon and were previously mentioned here.

Other news:

after being dead-set determined that I wouldn't get sick this season, my immune system finally broke down. I've got a nasty cold... the kind where my eyes water about every 5 minutes, my voice sounds worse than a pre-teen boy and when I sneeze... welll... I'd rather not draw a mental picture of that for you. I might lose a few followers by doing so.

Hopefully I'll be able to kick this as quickly as it came on....
*sigh*

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?