Welcome 2017!!!

Welp, it's officially 2017! I feel like I say this every time I write a post but, I CANT BELIEVE HOW QUICKLY TIME FLIES!! So much has been going on with wedding planning, the holidays, work, and just crazy old life in general.

December was a complete blur. My mom and I have been spending a lot of time on the last few details before the wedding which IS NEXT WEEK. Wut. It's insane. I feel like J and I just got engaged and picked a date, and now the wedding is here and I am soooo excited. We are officially entering into 'wedding week'. And what would the week before our wedding be without Snowmageddon Part II. This weekend Durham is under a winter weather state of emergency and we are expecting to get up to 8 inches of snow (which is a HUGE deal for us southerners!) I'm so excited, I hope we get a ton of snow but that is manages to melt by like Wednesday of next week haha. After all, we can all remember what happened a couple of years ago when the OG Snowmageddon hit...

Okay, so the AT-AT walker wasn't really there but that is a legit car fire. We just can't handle our snow down here, but hopefully people will remain a little calmer this time since most of the snow wont hit until after 5 today. Will keep the (un)interested masses abreast of snow progress on snapchat as it occurs ;) You're welcome.

Christmas this year was spent in Port Angeles with my wonderful in-laws. I had never been to Washington state before and was absolutely blown away with the beauty of it. I've never seen so much green in my life! Even in areas where snow covered the ground all of the moss, and trees, and plants were still alive with breathtaking greenery. It was incredible. It was also the first time that all 8 of us kids were together, and I can honestly say that I have won the sibling in law lottery! It was such a wonderful time and our hosts (Kevan and Rebekkah) were incredibly brave and generous to put up with all of us for the holidays, especially since they have spent the last year renovating their beautiful victorian home. They also organized a photoshoot out at Lake Crescent and the pictures are so wonderful (special shout out to M. Krueger Photography). Here are a couple of my favorites:

Coming back after our Washington trip and ending up with a horrible flu was not the way I wanted to ring in the New Year but I'm relieved that I am finally over it and ready to go into our Wedding Week with full steam ahead, aaaand maybe do some midnight sledding tonight!! Unfortunately, J and I did not get to spend New Years together since he had to get back to TX for training and I had to get back to NC for last minute wedding stuff, but I got to go out with friends for a little while and spend some time with them. The night ended and I was unimpressed, especially since I was sober due to the amazing quantities of cough syrup i was taking. However I still managed to karate kick someone in the face and stay up till 3 so there's that. Helloooooo 2017! 

Now, I am going to make some soup and bake some cookies while I wait for this snow to begin!

Happy New Year everyone!!!

E

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...

Weekend Update

A big cup of reheated (multiple times) coffee in my Durham mug, Harry Potter playing on the TV, and snoring pups at our feet. Not bad for a 3 day weekend in Milton. The weather down here in Florida is incredibly volatile in the winter, so yesterday it was seventy degrees and sunny but today it is in the 50's and super chilly outside! We had plans to maybe take a trip somewhere for the weekend but there is something so easy and comfortable about a good old fashioned stay-cation :) Especially since as a realtor there isn't really such a thing as a three day weekend. 

I plan on spending this weekend catching up on some reading, trying out a couple of new recipes, and showing houses to some wonderful new clients. Not too shabby!

In honor of Valentines day we are going to make...drumroll please...DONUTS!! I have no idea why but I really associate valentines day with eating donuts, and according to Pinterest I'm not the only one who feels that way. 

We are going to try several different recipes and combinations so hopefully they taste awesome and we don't burn down the house! As an amateur in the kitchen that's really all one can hope for...

Keep an eye out for our V-Day donut adventure tomorrow... ;)

Post Christmas Update

I'm sitting here on my floor, back in our house in Florida, after an amazing, whirlwind of a Christmas. Spending a whole week with my family was incredible. Getting to be back in my hometown with my friends and loved ones was such a breath of fresh air and truly rejuvenated my heart in a way that I didn't know I needed. I think it's easy to get caught up in life and just fall into a pattern that allows you get by but does nothing to feed your soul or excite you. One of my big goals for this new year is to make sure I fight that easy, yucky pattern and do things that take me outside my comfort zone and allow me to live each day in a fulfilling and passionate way. 

I don't know if it was being around my family and friends, or getting out of Florida for a couple of days, but it took this trip up to NC for me to jumpstart my mental enthusiasm again, and I'm not going to let go of that! So, with my heart a little fuller, my mind a little clearer, and my ring finger a little heavier (!!!) I am excited to jump headfirst into 2016! 

This year is going to be another doozy for a lot of reasons, but the best one being that James and I got engaged over the holiday! I am so happy and pumped for our life together. We have already been through so much and built such an amazing partnership that I can't even imagine the crazy, awesome things that lie in store for us. I can't wait to take this next step together and continue down this winding road of ours :)

As I write this post, I have a huge load of laundry going, a pot roast in the crockpot, there are four sleeping pups covering my furniture, I'm looking through my new cookbook that my parents gave us for christmas, and the only sound is Chef's Table playing in the background on Netflix. It is heavenly. Our home has been a little crazy the past couple of days because two sets of our good friends are moving in the next couple of weeks :( I want to spend as much time with them as possible before they PCS so we've been a home base for all six of us, and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. It will be so sad to see them go off on their next adventures but part of the beauty and sadness of the military life is watching your friends leave but knowing they'll always have your back. 

So, while everyone is off running errands and doing last minute moving things, I volunteered to hang out with the pups and have a few minutes of quiet time to reflect on the past couple of weeks and try to get our home in order so we can move into the new year seamlessly. It's always crazy to me when the end of December hits! Where did this year go?? So much has happened and changed but at the same time all of the important things have stayed the same. You know, the things that truly matter like family, friendship, and love. We're all a little older, maybe a bit wiser, but still the people we were this time last year, just better! 

I hope that everyone has a beautiful New Year! See you on the other side...

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

November First

I feel like I say this every month but, how is it already November?? I love this time of year, it has all of the best holidays, the weather makes everything cozy and romantic, and there is just something about the holiday season that makes the important things in life come to light a bit brighter than usual. Family, friends, love, hope, random acts of kindness, helping others, selflessness, warmth, good food, cozy decor...I love it all!

Also, I feel like after halloween it is finally acceptable to start thinking about Christmas. I know, I know, many of you just cringed and almost threw your computer. BUT, I already promised J that I wouldn't start really getting into the full swing of things until after Thanksgiving. Which, is completely fine with me considering all that we have going on right now. We are finally moving out of our tiny, dank apartment and into a real house. Maybe J never stood a chance with a Realtor as a girlfriend, but he has decided to buy a house down here and hopefully we will be moving into our new home in the next week or so!

Of course, I'm over here pinning like a madwoman and coming up with decor and paint for each room even though its not going to be our 'forever home'. That's one of the tricky parts about military life, you don't want to invest too much money, time, or energy into a place you won't be living for very long. But, at the same time, each place becomes your home because of the wonderful people so it's hard not to want to have that feeling spill over into the place you're living. With that being said, I'm moving forward at full speed ahead, but in a thriftier than usual style. This house will become a rental for us so we want it to be nice and homey for ourselves as well as those who rent it afterwards. 

So, before I jump the gun on interior Christmas decor I'm going to focus on FRIENDSGIVING! Friendsgiving is the Holiday that comes either directly before or directly after Thanksgiving. It is a time to celebrate with your friends, eat a bunch of good food, and remember how thankful you are for the good things in your life. It will be so wonderful to start life in our new home by celebrating with friends and filling our home with good juju. Here are some decor ideas for our new place from my Friendsgiving pinterest board. 

r e m i n i s c i n g

slush is everywhere. melting off the trees in huge slops, running down the sidewalks in rivers, everywhere. my love of this 'snow' business is fading quickly...

so, to get over my ebbing enthusiasm for our lovely snowmageddon i have been reminiscing about summer all day. luckily my bedroom gets that amazing, white-gold sunlight throughout most of the day, and baby D and i were able to relax and take a snooze in there while pretending it was summer. 

as we took our cat nap i realized that this time last year i was in miami with my girlfriends celebrating my 25th birthday. talk about a change of scenery! we lounged by the pool, tanned on the beach, drank pisco sours by night and daiquiris by day. lots of rum was involved. and LOTS of cuban food. it was nice to remember that this cold season won't last forever and we will be warm again! with that being said, here's to the last few weeks of winter (hopefully) and a great summer full of lots of new adventures to come! 

Miami Girls Trip 2014