We survived Saola & went to the mall!

Move to a tropical island, they said. It will be sunny all the time, they said. Well, apart from the gigantic tropical typhoons that swing by occasionally and are a bajillion times bigger than said tropical island. We are on day 3 of our new life in Okinawa, and I have to say that things have already been quite exciting.

We have spent the last couple of days with our sponsors going to housing briefs, exploring the area, and stocking up on necessities for our temporary housing while we begin our search for a home. Honestly, it has been a complete whirlwind and it feels like we have been here for a lot longer than 3 days! Yesterday, I got my first (and hopefully last) bout of food poisoning from sushi but after 24 hours of puking we are good to go again. Although I may hold off on the sushi for a couple of days...or weeks.

Today, the weather as finally good enough for us to leave base and go explore, so after a big brunch at the Officer's Club we went to the local mall to see what was up! Since it's the weekend before halloween, all the of the local children were at the mall and dressed up in their costumes for special events happening there today (so cute!) We were excited to get off of the base and visit a giant, Japanese, 4 story mall, but mostly I was just super stoked to visit the Miyazaki store and bathe in a sea of stuffed soot sprites and totoros <3 I'm only like 13% kidding...

Tomorrow, as we enter in to our first full week here in Okinawa, we begin our search for our new home. I am so ready to be out of temporary housing and the realtor in me is itching to get into these houses and check them out! Two dogs, two people, and seven bags worth of stuff do not fit well in a 500 square foot hotel suite. Especially one where the fire alarm goes off randomly during the day, the bathroom ceiling leaks when it rains, and dogs aren't allowed on the furniture.

Hopefully in the next couple of days we will have a few homes to choose from, our cars will be picked out, and the end of temp housing will be in sight! And HOPEFULLY, I will be able to share some pictures of blue water, green mountains, and beautiful scenery with you all here soon. We just need these clouds to go away :)

A New Chapter: NC to FL to TX

Ya'll. I made it to North Carolina and J made it to Texas. It has been a long couple of weeks getting ready for this move, but we are both settling in nicely and appreciate everyones help with the move both physically and emotionally!

I have never been good with change. I love the idea of it and crave it when things get too monotonous. But when it comes time to actually pick up and go, I dig in my heels. This move was no exception, and the added stress of not being able to move together didn't help. But after unpacking and getting into the swing of things again around here I've started to appreciate that we made the right choice.

Today was my first day back in the office. I even got to go show a house with my mom (a REAL HOUSE, not a trailer) PRAISE!! I am not made for the life of a housewife, at least not right now. The last three months have been so incredibly tough for me not having a career, and I can't believe how motivated I am to work 24/7 right now. At least now I can hit the ground running and make the most of my months here in Durham so that J and I can save money and I won't drive us both crazy with my bored antics! I'm definitely a lucky girl to be marrying someone who appreciates my mania and encourages me to do whatever makes me happy <3

There are already so many things going on...Wedding appointments are on the books as we only have 3 months until the big day, the Trinity Park House Tour is in a couple of weeks, the Durham housing market is not slowing down anytime soon, I just got my Durham Pure Barre Membership up and running, and this Saturday I am 'running' a 10k (if I die, Brittney is to blame). I can not wait to get back into a groove again. The moving process really throws off any chance of having a normal schedule, and I am a planner so that never works out well for anybody.

So, here's to the next chapter of our crazy, peripatetic life!

Stay tuned...

Picture that James texted me when we first started dating haha

Some Fall Wardrobe Favorites

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful book recommendations after my last post!! One of my life long goals has been to start a book club that doesn't immediately fail due to lack of organization and time haha so thanks for helping me keep the dream alive!!

One of my biggest chores of the week, in preparation for our move, has been to go through all of my clothes and shoes so I can get rid of all of the things I don't wear anymore. After being in Florida this long I definitely feel like my work wardrobe has dwindled down to flip flops and sundresses, which we all know will not cut it in a NC winter.

So, out come the three organizational piles! The donate pile. The keep pile. And the trash-it-before-anyone-sees-it pile. My favorite part about the changing of the seasons is being able to switch up my wardrobe. As someone who is constantly trying to focus on the NOW but who is always thinking way too far ahead, I get sick of the seasonal fashion trends really quick. After like 3 weeks of bikinis and short shorts, all I can think about are sweaters and jeans. After a month of so of hoodies and tights, I am ready for flip flops and rompers.

It's really hard work being this basic.

With all of that being said, I have been gearing up for fall by creating a list of my fall fashion staples. My favorite part about fall fashion is the juxtaposition of all of the textures and patterns. I love mixing a huge, chunky knit sweater over opaque black tights, with some Frye boots. And seeing all of the rich, jewel tones people mix in with their work blazer through scarves and accessories. Everything is so comfy but so interesting to look at. In my opinion, a perfect, oversized, knit sweater is the equivalent of your favorite blanket you curl up in on your couch. Except the sweater is not frowned upon when you wear it in public.

Speaking as someone who is obsessed with always making everything as cozy as possible, the fall is my absolute favorite time of the year for fashion.

Must Haves:
Black Tights: they go with everything.

Boots: ankle, over the knee, etc...all of the boots!

Nice Jeans: I prefer dark wash, but a nice pair of bf jeans are amazing for a more casual look.

  

Flannel Shirt: the fitted flannels from Madewell and J-Crew are perfection. They are very flexible and can be tucked into a skirt or worn over jeans to a tailgate.

 

Blazer: a fitted, fresh blazer is perfect for going from the office to dinner.

Sweaters: I love a chunky, off the shoulder knit that can be layered or worn in its own.

Flats: A dressy pair of flats can be worn with jeans or a dress and they always look good

There are so many awesome fall outfits to try and so little time to try them all. You could always turn the A/C down and completely jump the gun like I did this morning! What are some of your fall wardrobe necessities?? 

Let Me Just Be Basic For A Minute...I'm Ready For Autumn.

I've reached that point at the end of the summer where ALL I can think about are the cool days of fall. Anything to get some relief from the stifling, timeless, stuffiness of summer.

I want to be able to turn off the A/C and throw the windows wide open so that the smell of wood stoves and crispy leaves fill the house. I want to wake up and have that moment where the air is so chilly that getting out of bed seems impossible, until you remember how amazing that first sip of hot coffee is. I want to come home from work and be able to get cozy and curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, knowing that outside the world is slowly going into hibernation but I am warm and safe inside.

For the love of god, I really just want to be able to walk to the mailbox without having a heat stroke.

There is something so alive and exciting and comforting about the autumn. Even the names of the months; September, October, November carry a specific, cozy promise in the way they sound when they roll off your tongue. The nights get longer, the evenings chillier, and you can hear people going for walks and laughing on the street only to stifle their noise abruptly and disappear into the night. There is something about the fall that makes you want to whisper so as not to disturb nature as she slips into her yearly slumber. Not fear, but excitement and expectation. For me, it borders on awe as this colorful burst of life happens before everything slips into rest mode for winter.

Needless to say... my autumn Pinterest boards are overflowing, I'm trying to wear sweaters prematurely, and I'm getting the urge to start re-reading Harry Potter. The signs are all present. Now I just need that first leaf to turn...

10 Of My Favorite Things Right Now

In the spirit of the holidays I've been thinking about all of the things I'm thankful for. Of course the list is insane! There are just too many wonderful, kind, and amazing people in our life to forget how lucky we are :) We have made so many friends down here in Florida and even though we're going through our first wave of friends PCS'ing away from us I am so thankful for these friendships and know that we have a support network that distance cannot break. (All the feels!)

So, with that being said AND with the obvious exception of friends and family, here are 10 of my favorite things right now...

One: Essie's holiday glitter nail polish <3 
Two: Sipping delicious christmas blend coffee
Three: Re-watching all the episodes of Peaky Blinders before season 3 comes out!
Four: Getting to spend time baking in our amazing kitchen
Five: All of the beautiful holiday posts from my favorite bloggers :)
Six: It's finally cold enough to wear hats!
Seven: The folksy holiday music channel on spotify
Eight: Shopping for the perfect gift for all of my people
Nine: Watching christmas movies with J in the evenings (even though I ugly cry during each and every one)
Ten: The incredible support EM Realty has gotten from our community!

What are your "10 Things" this cozy Friday evening?
<3 EM

Cold Weather Fashion Favorites: Party Time

One of the best parts of the holidays is getting to see friends and family that you don't normally get to spend time with. And a perk of these reunions is that you get to see each other at holiday parties! Now, I've been known to go out in sweat pants when highly unmotivated, but the fashion this time of year is just too fun to pass up! With that being said, here are some of my absolute favorite holiday party looks...

1. Faux Fur: adding some faux fur accessories is a great way to dress up an outfit. It's also super comfy to wear if you decide to take a little catnap at the bar...

2. Sequins: You know where I stand with sequins. We love each other and have been in a committed relationship for years. To keep it from getting out of control, try pairing one sequined piece with something more casual like a fitted T, jeans, or a skirt. 

3. Texture: holiday parties are a great place to play with different textures and fabrics like feathers, or tartan, or chunky knits. Mix them all up in crazy ways and see what works for you! A nice, classic black blazer is a great way to keep it in check when your mixing everything else up ;)

Happy Holidays!!

xo Em

Cold Weather Fashion Favorites: Shoes

Now that the weather has finally turned, and the nights are crispy and cool, it is officially time to whip out those comfy knits, warm scarves, and awesome booties that have been sitting in the back of your closet all year! This is probably my favorite time of year as far as fashion goes because it is so easy to be comfortable and cute...most of the time.

You can literally put on black tights with any outfit and you will immediately be warmer and dressier. And of course, there are all of those wonderful holiday parties to dress up for! Anyone who knows me will tell you that if there is an opportunity to wear sequins or glitter of any kind, I am 100% in. So, this season provides ample occasions for me to whip out the holiday bling ;) Sorry, not sorry. 

With all of that being said, I've decided to compile a list of my holiday fashion must haves for all of your cold weather needs, but since the list is really long, let's start with SHOES!

My go to shoes during the winter season:

1. Bean Boots: these boots are not only super comfy and warm, they are also adorable when you pair them with jeans and some funky xmas socks. I wear them when I'm showing houses so I can tromp through construction sites easily. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't also just wear them with jeans around town because I love them so much. They are kind of pricey but last forever and are totally worth it! (Also, the J-Crew camp socks are perfect with these boots.)

2. Holiday Heels: my favorite go-to heels are a pair of nude Madewell Mira pumps that James gave to me. They go with everything and are super comfortable. I liked these heels so much, I bought them in a bright red too. I also think it's important to have a pair of crazy party heels that are covered in glitter. Some people may argue against me on this one, but they're wrong. Every girl needs glitter pumps. It's nice to have a pair of great black heels that you can wear with jeans and a nice dress. Sidenote: if you are wearing peep toes in the winter PLEASE, for the love of god, don't wear tights! 

 

3. Frye Boots: I wear my classic harness boots with everything, from tights and dresses to jeans. Frye boots may be expensive but I bought mine in high school and they are the only pair I've ever had. They get better looking with age and after breaking them in are really comfy. I do recommend buying a half size up though because they are tight at first and if you're like me, you will usually have big socks on with them. 

4. Moccasins: I LOVE my moccasins, unless its wet outside and then I hate them. Not really, but I definitely don't recommend wearing them in wet weather unless they are made for that, which mine are not. They are cute with leggings and jeans, and are great casual go-to shoes because they look good with funny socks ;) They are also fun to wear with tights and a little dress or skirt. 

5. Cute Everyday Flats: Flats are always a staple for any season. They are easy to wear with any outfit, can be dressy or casual, and are much more comfortable if you will be on your feet for a long time. 

So, there you have it! My cold weather shoe favorites :) Of course, no shoe is complete this time of year without an assortment of awesome fluffy socks, great patterned tights, and maybe a couple of pairs of sequined leggings...but that is a story for another day!

Hope everyone is as excited about the holidays as I am! Remember, as important as the fashion is this time of year there are bigger things the season helps us to focus on. There are tons of great charities which allow you to donate your gently used or older clothes to those in need! So before you head out and go shopping, go through your closet and give the things you don't wear anymore to someone who needs them :)

Peace & Shoes

E

Happy 240th Birthday Marines

This weekend we got to take a break from the packing fiasco and celebrate the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps at the annual birthday ball. It was such a good time (even though we only made it to the pre-ball) and it was nice to let loose and celebrate with friends, both new and old. The music was good, everyone looked beautiful, and we all ate and drank more than we should have! 

It's nice to get super dressed up every once in a while and spend the day pampering yourself. I don't normally go all out on things like this but on Saturday I did the whole shebang; spray tan, hair, makeup...I even shaved my legs. You're welcome. Haha. Seeing J in uniform is definitely the best part though. I'll tell you one thing, I've never in my life been a uniform chaser, but seeing him in his dress blues makes me understand where they are coming from! Soooo handsome <3

We had a great evening, and ended the night at the whiskey bar, eating french fires as a night cap. Not too shabby ;) 

Today, after recuperating and having a huge brunch with friends, we tried very hard to 'adult' and went to look at appliances for the new house. It is insane how long the list of things you need in a new house is. We had to completely leave the store to regroup! I've worked with enough first time home buyers to know that this process is overwhelming but being on this side of the transaction I'm learning that the actual purchase is just the tip of the iceberg as far as making a house a home goes!

But we are SO excited! The countdown is at t-2 days! That's insane. It's also insane how much we still need to pack. Of course instead of packing right now I'm making home made buttermilk biscuits and blogging, and J is playing Fallout 4. We're very productive and can't be disturbed right now, obviously. 

The next couple of weeks are going to be incredibly busy and hectic but I'm going to diffuse my holiday oils, listen to christmas music, pack like a mad woman, and get it over with as quickly as possible so we can start my favorite time of the year!!

Woo-hoo! Hope everyone else had a great weekend, stay tuned for the next bit of madness...

E

Monday Motivation

On days like today; rainy days, cold rainy days, cold rainy MONDAYS to be specific, it can be nearly impossible to get out of bed and face another week day no matter how much you love your job. With the blankets so warm, the air chilly after leaving the windows open all night, and the rain pouring down outside, it almost seems like the world should just stop and go back to sleep. Alas, that never seems to be the case. With that being said, here are a few things that motivated me to get up and moving this morning...

Coffee. That and the short amount of time in the mornings where I get to drink my coffee and read a little, or catch up on my favorite blogs before heading into the office.

Putting on some warm, cozy knits and a pair of leggings, because you know what? I don't care if they aren't 'pants,' my sweater covers my butt anyways. 

Listening to NPR or a good podcast. This helps me get out of my head in the morning and hopeful learn something new that I didn't know before, whether it's a world event, how a piece of technology works, or just a good book I haven't read. 

Diffusing peppermint oil. I love the way this oil smells and it definitely helps alert your senses in the morning! Sometimes I diffuse a blend by adding lavender, tangerine, or eucalyptus. 

And lastly, knowing that at the end of the day I get to come home, put my sweatpants on, make a hot cup of tea, and curl up on the couch with some huge, fluffy blankets and a good book!

What makes your Monday go by quickly?