a teaser to spark your curiosity...

I've been working on a little project... 

Still working on development, so more information about my "project" isn't available yet. It's going to be a little while before I am able to officially "launch" the site... I've been working on this project between working, finalizing details for my move, job hunting and homework, so it's taking a little longer than normal. 

I'm so excited to reveal exactly what this project entails so I've got a teaser to spark your curiosity.
 
Thoughts?

 

roommate lovin'

Quite the busy weekend in Central Virginia this past weekend. My Princess Julia and Kristen came to visit for the weekend. Unfortunately, I had to work most of the weekend, but we were able to enjoy a Saturday morning social morning sipping coffee from our roommate mugs, watching television and catching up. 

Saturday night, we met with friends over drinks at Mangia...  the neighborhood wine bar which happens to be one of our favorite places to go in town. The beautiful hardwood floors, small candlelit tables and established wine collection set the mood for a classy atmosphere throughout the quaint rooms. Larry, our favorite {and most outrageous} bartender was quite pleased when we walked in, as it had been weeks since our last visit.

I'm looking forward to catching brunch on the patio at this very same place sometime this Spring. 

And for the record, I still hate goodbyes. 

I hope you are enjoying your week, dear readers!

#wah #immawimpygirl

My brain and body have literally not stopped for about 3 weeks straight now.

No, but really...

*If it's not some underlying issue with my car, it's the internet/cable (and thus cell phone since the connection is powered through my internet when I'm at home) being down for an entire week (all my love to the winners at Comcast)

*If it's not the sp*ders that I killed last week that have been lingering in my bedroom window giving me nightmares for 7+ months, it's the mouse that is now leaving poo trails behind in my bathroom (insert #wah #immawimpygirl here)

*It's catching up on job applications but falling overwhelmingly behind on my homework 

I have NO idea how some people do it all... seriously. However, dear readers... here are 4 things to which I am desperately thankful for tonight: 

1. IT'S THE WEEKEND (enough said!)

2. although it was insanely inconvenient trying to diagnose the issues with my car, it has all been affordable and I've managed to NOT have to put a dime on my credit card

3. Advocare's Spark energy drink (bounce off the walls much?!) I believe I am becoming a believer...

4. Elizabeth Hanlin and the handful of "real" girls that I have been in contact with who have inspired, motivated and kept me going with my recent life-style change. I could never thank you enough.

I hope your Valentine's week was just as lovely as you, dear readers! xo

well that was fun

This past weekend, my cousin Tracey and her boyfriend Jack came to visit me in Virginia! There is nothing I love more than when people visit. We hung out on Saturday and went skiing and snowboarding on Sunday at Wintergreen Resort here in Virginia.

  Top of the mountain... it was COLD! 

I wish I could have captured the view from up here...

 One of the slopes!

  Tracey, Jack and me... clearly truggin' but guess what? The slopes weren't the runway :)

 Tracey and Jack on their boards 

(I want her pink gear!)

Elsa (Mike's dog) look-alike! She was so precious. 

Hands down the BEST weekend in a long, long time 

(besides a few others...)

:) 

 

 

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...

Day 1

I have lovely news for you today, dear readers!

I have FINALLY been able to lock down a personal trainer. Meet Elizabeth Hanlin, my personal trainer who lives 3,000 miles away. 

I first "met" Liz when I found her fashion blog a little over a year ago. I instantly fell in love with her- she was transparent about her feelings, wasn't afraid to show emotion about real-life-girl-world situations and blogged about the prettiest shoes and clothes ever.

If you remember, my mom gave me personal trainer sessions to me for my birthday in December, leaving me with the simple task of finding a trainer of my preference. It hasn't been easy- school and work have been absolutely kicking my tail this semester, not leaving much time to devote to finding a trainer and gym. Somewhere along the lines, I stumbled across Liz's new site, "It's not just about being skinny" and knew she was the one.

Some of you are probably skeptical- a trainer that is 3,000 miles away? Yeah... that's motivational and a game plan to fail since she won't be there at the gym with you. I suppose it would be pretty easy to "cheat" and say that I ran 3 miles when I only ran 1... or that I did 300,000 sit ups when I only did 10. There could be a day where I tell her false information about when I ran or what I consumed that day. But guess what? Where would that get me? Definitely not back into my "skinny jeans," that's for sure.

This is something that I want, both for myself and for my future health.  Like Liz says though, it's not just about being skinny... it's about changing my life and maintaining health. This is something that I am determined to accomplish... I want my skinny jeans and pretty Ann Taylor clothes back in my life. and I want my confidence back. I don't want to hide behind loose clothes anymore... or pass a skinny girl and wish that I was that size again. Will my skinny jeans alone bring that confidence back?  Not entirely.... Will it be a quick, easy journey... probably not at all. But I know that this is something I need to work at, much more than what I am doing right now.

Greg and Jill's wedding is coming up in June. This is the perfect even to plan to wear a figure-forming, killer little black dress and a confident attitude to match. When I asked Liz how realistic this goal was, her response was, "absolutely realistic. you're going to look insanely different by then my lady." I literally smiled at my desk today when I read this.

I will be posting pictures and writing as necessary. I'm not going to promise weekly posts of my progress... my schedule is entirely too busy for that. But I will promise pictures and I will promise progress. It's about dang time to get this under control.

goodbyes

One thing is for sure: 

I absolutely hate goodbyes. 

My roommate and one of my very best friends left for an internship in DC today. While I am so happy and so proud of her, her presence will be missed every day while she is gone.

Great memories still linger in the air at Princeton Circle. They always say to never live with your best friend, but we never seemed to mind. 

My favorite memories: 

social mornings

mac and cheese snack time

PM alarm clocks

wine and trash television nights

 curfews

girl talk

white boards (the way we all communicate on a daily basis)

 {Jules, me, Vanessa}

This was her last weekend in town for a while. I can honestly say we had a blast as we painted this little town in Southwest Virginia... Northern girl style.

{J and I with our wonderful boyfriend Jorge}

J's friendship is so dear to me; she was the first to rush over at almost 1 in the morning on that devastating weekend in August 2009. I still remember that night like it was yesterday as she held me and told me that everything was going to be ok. She has laughed with me, cried with me and smacked me in the face when I needed it most over the last year and a half.  We have both been through thick and thin as individuals, but she always remains a constant in my life, and for that... I am truly thankful. 

I know you're reading this, J! Remember this until you return to the South: 

I love-a you-a!

the perfect Saturday afternoon

Today was such a lovely Saturday afternoon... One of my absolute favorite things to do is go for a ride with no destination in mind. It's relaxing and gives my mind a chance to wind down and focus on nothing but the scene painted around me and good conversation... a perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

In the 5+ years I've lived in Southwest Virginia, I have never ever taken a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but today... that changed!

A dear friend and I spontaneously started driving around town and ended up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a picturesque road that parallels the James River and Blue Ridge Mountains. I couldn't get over the scenes!

While I love the swanky city life and high rise lights, nothing says relax like a ride in the country.

ps. I've been miserably sick, lovelies. More posts coming this week. :)

12908198213 bajillion left to kill

I was reading in bed last night when I happened to glance out of the corner of my eye and notice *this* thing lingering on my comforter.

 GROSS!

I'll admit- I did squeal in terror, but only because I thought it was a certain other 8 legged creature of which I am deathly terrified.

I calmly gathered him and quickly flushed him down the john. 

ema: 1 

stink bug: 0

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?

funny texts

I could not help but laugh the other day after I got this text from one of my best friends back home {his texts are in gray}.

There are about 10 more "why what's up" messages after this!
And then say men can't get a word in otherwise! Ha!

I can always count on him for a good laugh after a tough day and I am thankful for the way he looks out for those he is closest to. Although we are prone to our tiffs he has taught me a lot about friendship and respect- both self-respect and respect for others.

Check out a few of my favorite pictures/memories below!

The first two were from a weekend trip the three of us took together... his expressions were priceless as Erica and I danced around Starbucks that morning acting like total girls!

The last is a picture of us with his best friend and fiance- the 4 of us went on a cruise together! More pictures coming soon!

Xo,
E

Where I've Been: here and there and everywhere!

Well... here it is in pictures.

Because pictures are always more fun...

Opening night for the Phillies April 2010
BEST time with friends that I love:

{love that city skyline}

{best of friends}

THEN {also in April}... I was SO kindly invited to paint DC our favorite color {see flowers below} one weekend when T, an old college friend invited me to stay at her uncle's sweet pad {also see below}

{we went for the cherry blossoms, but I fell in love with these pink tulips more. go figure}

We talked and we shopped and we walked around. Then we were chauffeured around for a personal tour of the entire city.
Then we ate. And ate. And ate.
Then we stayed on the 15th floor of *THIS* building where we drank some wine and admired the city lights. The living room had a panoramic view of the city.
Those lights, they captured my heart.

Then, in May... I photographed my first wedding in over a year with my Mother. Haven't seen her work? Check it out, you won't be disappointed. It's always a BLAST spending the day with her while working. This was my first wedding since, well... you know... and guess what? I'm still alive and happy and breathing.

June was Sister's 21st birthday.
Where better to celebrate than the famously trashy Atlantic City?!
We took a group, but the best company was my siblings:

Sister and I danced the night away. What fun!!!

July?

Oh, that's the time that we scored front row seats {at a packed out 4th of July game} at our city's junior baseball league game. Here, we met Gerald, who gave us our front row seats. Why didn't get a picture with Gerald? {Jules, on that stat} We topped this night off when I caught a baseball that the boys threw at us with their number and invited us to play "Call of Duty" back at their hotel room. Talk about klassy.

I enjoyed the evening with these two fabulous ladies, Brit and Jules:

Also in July?
Daddy officially announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives.
This is him. I am SO proud!!!

Somewhere in here, I started collecting Silly Bands. Thanks Julia.
I thought they were dumb. I still do.
But yet the coolest thing I have ever collected.
My silly band collection went from this:

TO THIS:
{you can award me my earned cool points later}

One of my favorite things to do with my ladies is visit one of our local Mexican restaurants for Friday Night Mexican/Margarita Night. {aka FNMMN} Is there a better way to start off a weekend than with Margaritas? Our friend Jorge makes ours special, for his favorite guests of honor.

and no, we didn't drink the whole thing ourselves. there are multiple straws

{holy cow, my hair got long. when did that happen?!}

Speaking of our friend Jorge, the girls and I seem to meet the most wonderful people whilst out painting the town. Below is a picture of Julia, myself and our new friend Ann.

Ann is going to Vegas with us in October. Ann also more or less offered me a job at a Wedding Publication company. Although I don't think she remembers doing so...

Ann was fabulous. Although we don't have a picture, we also met Kay. Kay was adorned with Tiffany's. Hence the beginning of our best-friend-ship.

And lastly, on a more serious note... I coined this phrase to be my new phrase in life for the moment:

This phrase, found on the back of a Dove Chocolate wrapper sits on my keyboard at work. I look at it everyday. It reminds me, every day... to dwell in my past. I have the brightest, most promising future in front of my than I have ever had in my entire life. I will only move forward.

One of these days, I'm going to finish my story of how/why In My Red High Heels began.
I promise.

Until then, you should go thank Sam for the most gorgeous layout that she put together for me. Cuase God only knows... I have NO time to work on my own design stuff. Why is that?

Love you all. Thrilled to be back.
Tell me how your Summer has been, loves.

Hello, Blog

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written; I’ve missed writing my thoughts, sharing my life and have thoroughly enjoyed the comments and emails I have received from you- my lovely

readers asking where I’ve been.

I don’t really have an excuse for where I’ve been. I avoided my blog for a while because I was redesigning it {still not completely done, work with me people!}, redesigned a blog for my mom, and am now currently lining up some design work for my dad, as well as a few people who have asked me to design the stationary for their wedding {SO excited!}. Somewhere in here, I’m also working to launch a new blog soley devoted to the design work that I’ll be offering soon as I get better at learning the ins and outs of web design.

I also moved to another state, started a new job, traveled all up and down the East Coast during the weekends and have been pretty busy occupying my thoughts as to what my next step in life is going to be. Looking back, it’s been a pretty exciting, yet highly intimidating few weeks.

I have so many things that I want to write about, and I think I’m going to- which means you’re {hopefully} going to get 2 post in one night, as long as I can gather my thoughts and make logical sense of them.

I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA. I’ve missed you. And I’m making a commitment to start writing/posting/reading again. So here’s your invitation back to my blog- and a sneak peak to several posts:

The Friend Connection:

I’ve known this girl for HOW LONG?!? And wait... now she’s my BOSS??
Just how thankful I am for this girl...

We had a mother/daughter photo sesh.

Here’s a sneak peak at the 2 women I adore and absolutely could not live without. More from that morning coming soon!


Trust: no one can fix your issues but yourself.

Another chapter in my story.
Looooong over-due.

You can guarantee those topics will be discussed. In the mean time, I stumbled across this. For
the record, I would probably give my Sister’s right arm for a closet like this... (squiggles and hearts, Sister)



Love you all,