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! 

a color-coded car engine... BRILLIANT!

Note: I am not an auto mechanic. 

I live 6 hours away from my Dad right now, who has always taken care of and fixed my car whenever necessary. I know nothing about my car. And when I say nothing... I mean I barely know how to pump gas.

January was a rough month for my little Pony... she was towed twice, once because she got stuck in the snow and once because she broke down on the side of the road after the car completely shut off from all power sources (scariest driving experience of my life). She also got a new battery, new radiator, new thermostat and various other new accessories (none of which are fun to buy).

Above is the picture I drew for my Dad when trying to explain to him the apparent "leak" that my mechanic in Virginia told me about. Go ahead... laugh away... Dad and Michael both did. 

Now a letter to the auto-part makers:

Dear Auto-part Makers, 

I would like to formally propose an idea. I think that instead of making every single engine part black or silver, you should start color-coding the various parts. Please note the following conversations for an example: 

Ema: "Dad, the blue box in the engine is seeping purple fluid."

Dad: "Oh, ok. That's the radiator and the coolant. Check the purple fluid level."

This conversation makes much more sense than the following:

Ema: "Dad, the black box that is attached to the black cord on the right hand side if you're looking at the engine is seeping out yellow, brownish water/oil looking stuff... it's seeping out of the black pipe that is attached to the black box."

Dad: ".........."

Please consider making this an industry-wide change. 

Kind regards, 

A confused young woman who knows nothing about cars

Genius, I know...

cha cha cha chaaaaanges

Note: 

I hate change. 

Almost as much as I hate goodbyes. 

No matter what I do to my hair... I always revert back to my "classic"... long, blonde hair. Then sometimes... when I really feel like a fun little change (and have time)... I roll it with hot rollers for kicks and giggles. But don't get excited too quickly, it happens maybe once a month.

Second note: I also have "hair anxiety." You know... when you're afraid to get your hair cut because you're afraid they're going to jank it all up {yes, I just said jank}. Well this, dear readers... is the reason why *I* have hair anxiety...

I have psyched myself up for almost 3 weeks about going to get my hair trimmed. Then I finally went. I was so tense, my stylist could tell, so she told me to "relax." So I closed my eyes. And then I opened my eyes and my hair was gone. As in... it was on the floor, no longer attached to my head.

BEFORE:

{I posted this picture a few weeks ago, but it's a good shot of my long hair}

AFTER:

{yes, this was taken at my work desk. 

Yes, those are pink Christmas lights up in the background... 

but hey, I'm there for 8+ hours every day, so why not make it pretty?}

I feel like I look like I am 5 years old. This is not ok. 

ps. on a good note, my brother is the best. He is the one who got this picture first via email. And then proceeded to tell me everything I could possibly want to hear and more. I am so lucky :)

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?

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,

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
:)

Snow Days

Today we had a snow day.

Work was closed.

And we were snowed in completely.

So, what better day to dress up and take some pictures?

Thanks to my awesome Mom photographer...

We had a last minute photo sesh outside

{while it was still snowing and of course, in heels}

Sister in Blue

Me in Pink

To see more, click here.

Other news:

I've decided to write. In a series of stories, kind of like a book... I'm going to write my story... right here, right on this very blog. It won't be readily accessible all at once, and probably won't be written over a week or two. Every post won't be about it, and it might be a few weeks in between posts about the story.

I'm not writing because I'm bitter.

Or because I want him to somehow, someway discover this blog,

read it and rethink his decision.

I'm writing because it's therapeutic for me and also, one day... I'd like to help someone else out. I want to be strong for someone because of the women that were strong for me. I also want you along for my whole ride... to cry with me, to laugh with me, to encourage each other. I want you there, because your love and support and the emails that I get encourage me like you wouldn’t believe.

Tonight with my Mom and Sister,

we watched Julie & Julia...

the cute movie about blogging and cooking.

It brought back a lot of memories. I used to cook alot. And I blogged alot. And the relationship between Julie {the girl who kept the blog about Julia Child} reminded me a lot of us.

Instead of saying that I wish life was more like the movies, I’m going to erase those thoughts and remember that my life is the movies... it’s just taking longer than 2 hours to see the ending.

It will be perfect in the end, and the experiences that I’m facing now will make me a stronger woman for my husband, my children and my friends.

I believe that with my whole heart.

I fried an egg this morning. It’s the first time I’ve cooked breakfast since August. I used to cook breakfast for him on the mornings he had off. One time, I even cooked him breakfast and served it to him while he was playing video games. But enough about that... the point I’m trying to make is that I’m taking {baby} steps to get back to my normal self. I’m not avoiding things anymore because it reminds me of him.

It was delish.

All 70 calories seasoned to perfection with salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Did you get any snow??

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?