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! 

E is for... Excellence?

I had to take a bloggy break last week... but no worries! I am back!! I traveled home for a long weekend last week... I hate taking my computer out when I'm visiting home, so I left it in my bag for most of the trip. 

I wanted to share the Ritzy Misfit monogrammed necklace that came in last weekend! I love coming home to find packages were delivered that day!

Brooke did a great job getting exactly what I wanted. I am not ashamed to admit that I love this piece so much, I have been wearing it under my shirt even at the gym! 

 

Princess Presents

One of my favorite pastimes with my roommate/bff Julia is having what we call a "social morning."

They usually happen on the weekends because of our schedules. We set out alarms for about 9:30/10am. One of us gets up and makes coffee. We grab a bite to eat for breakfast and then head back to bed to read or talk for the rest of the morning. 

I love sharing coffee with Julia. We always have the best conversations over coffee, no matter where we are or what we are doing. Since she recently moved for her job, we have changed it slightly so that we are drinking coffee and either talking on the phone or tweeting each other. :)

I spotted these monogrammed coffee mugs at Anthropologie at Christmastime when I was shopping with my mom. Since then, I haven't been able to get them off my mind! I think I'm in the middle of an obsession with everything being monogrammed with an "E."

I decided to get a mug for me and a mug for Julia as the perfect compliment to our social mornings! I am IN LOVE with them!!

Then again... who doesn't love anything from Anthropologie?! 

Happy Sunday, dear readers!

my $10 argyle sweater

I have always loved the classic look of argyle, but have never been able to find a piece that flatters my figure. While bustling around Target finishing {actually, *starting} Christmas shopping last week, I saw a cute sweater and decided to try it on, thinking it would look nice with a white button-up underneath.

I felt classic, simple and pretty at work on Tuesday and am determined to find more argyle that flatters. It was comfortable for a day around my office and as a bonus, I scored it for only $10. I wore it with my classic pearl necklace and my new gold KS bag that I got for my birthday.

{I also felt like I should have been on my way to prep school}

{have courage}

I've stated many times before, but Kate Spade is my all-time favorite designer. I love her for her whimsical and playful, yet classic and functional pieces.

I also love her for her quotes that she tucks away in secret places throughout her products. On the inside of my cell phone case, you can find the simple words "have courage" imprinted inside, only noticeable if you take the entire case off. I love that because it's like a message for me, a reminder to "have courage" to face life's daily trails.

This year, my brother treated me to 2 KS bags {what a lucky sister I am!} Here is the one I got for Christmas. When I saw this bag in the store, I immediately fell in love. I love the classic look of this bag.

Kate's message on this one is "have a point of view." I love this reminder, as one of my hardest struggles is to have a backbone or my own point of view... and if I have developed my own point of view, I am usually too passive to state it. Thank you, Kate for the reminder! I always keep your little message cards in the bag they came in!

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.

Trust: no one can fix your trust issues but yourself

I’m sitting here tonight, writing through tear stained eyes.

I’ve been enjoying a good glass of red wine on my porch tonight, {yummm! Liz, come join me!} intimidated by taking some time alone for myself {but still comforted in the fact that my roommate is just on the other side of that sliding glass door}.

It’s been such a mixed up week. One hour, I was happy as a little cucumber, the next- my heart was heavy and I was desperate to rip it out so I wouldn’t feel anymore.

Then it hit me tonight: how/when did I ever get to where I am in life right now? Scared to death to spend time alone, without the company of any other person- by myself, with my own thoughts. So afraid to trust anyone for fear that whomever I trust with my emotions, they will turn around and betray that trust that is given to so few.

I’ve been thinking a lot the last few days. People hurt people, sometimes unintentionally, sometimes intentionally in an effort to protect themselves. People are people though and sometimes things don’t work out the way you pictured them to. Sometimes people end up hurt. It’s never simple, never easy, never ever a clean break. And it’s very rare that we can fix things that go awry. We end up pushing people away, all as part as effort to restore peace.

That’s where we, as individuals have to pick up- move forward. Offer peace, and if it’s not accepted, move forward. It’s not fun to hurt, it’s not fun to have your anxiety shoot through the roof to the point where you’re literally shaking, afraid to think about the next hour and the potential emotions, pain and hurt that it might bring. It's not near as much fun drinking a glass of wine by yourself, and it's not fun waking up each morning wishing you didn't have to face the day.

But if there is one thing I’ve learned over the past 8 months, you have to move forward. Move forward from hurt and do whatever it takes to not hold onto it. Moving forward will bring peace over time. You gain perspective. Holding onto hurt is only breeding ground for bitterness. And bitterness brings misery only for the person who is bitter- no one else.

As my Aunt would say, this is when you put on your red high heels {and pearls, as a reminder to stay classy} and face the world with a bright face.

When I’m ready to trust someone, allow myself to be vulnerable with someone again, that person will be provided in my life. I'm not saying they will magically fix my trust issues, no one will fix my trust issues and the 10 foot walls that I put up but myself. It's a personal issue that I will work through, and will overcome with time. But I do know that they will have patience with me when I'm PMSing, and they will be patient with me as I work through these personal issues. They won’t toss around my emotions and heart like a hacky-sak. They will protect it and cherish it and respect me with up-most importance, because that's what I deserve. I won’t have to chase after them. Peace will fill my heart. And everything will be ok... it always is...

I’m so happy to be writing again. It’s such an emotional outlet.

And hey, Queen Bee Swain, I’m finally reading “Someday My Prince Will Come, and ohmygosh, I’m obsessed! It's not a typical, "wait for prince charming to come sweep you off your feet in your white horse" kind of book- just read the first chapter on Amazon and I know you'll be just as obsessed as I am! I spent most of my Sunday morning in bed reading!

My next book: I can’t wait to order this online!

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??

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?

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?