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!

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,

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
:)

It's My Party... and I'll Cry If I Want To

okkk... so I really don't want to cry at all!

I'm too happy for that.

{via we heart it & made you blush}

It's my birthday!!

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?

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???

Can I have these? Please and Thanks.

I found these today on It's Unbeweavable.

Despite the fact that they are highly impractical, I think I should have these, no?? I can TOTALLY see myself in these beauties...

But then again... let's really think about it...

FACT: I trip and fall while walking in flats {on completely flat/level ground}. Maybe I should master the flats first. ;)

{results from most recent trip/fall.
lovely bruise on my right shin to match the bruise on my
left shin from kayaking this summer. ouch.}

ps. I really do love heels and I can successfully walk in them. you will find that I am ridiculously clumsy though. i mean, seriously.