2015 and life lately

Happy New Year everyone!

I know I'm a little late to the game as it is now January 8th - but the holidays have been crazy, and my schedule is finally getting a bit back to normal. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years - I've been keeping up with all your posts and it seems like everyone did! 

I started back at work this week after a lovely 12 days off - it was hard to come back, you get so used to being off and having all of that free time! Although, I didn't get much of a chance to catch up on sleep since the pups got us up between 5:30 and 7:30 am EVERY SINGLE DAY. Those of you who know me, know how hard this is for me since I covet sleeping. It's literally one of my favorite things ;)

We had a great holiday though! Lots of time with family, friends, and even some quite days where Aaron and I just got to veg out all day watching Netflix with the dogs...those days are perfect sometimes!! 

Here are a few snaps from the past couple weeks...

 // New bottle of Flowerbomb from my man! He knows it is my favorite and I was running low.
// Got my hands on the fabulous plaid blanket scarf from Target, and have been wearing it on the daily!
// My favorite Christmas gift - new MK tote (also from Aaron)...he spoils me ;)
// These babies finally arrived on my doorstep the other week! But then it dumped tons of snow in Columbus, so I haven't gotten to wear them yet...

I also got the Restoration Hardware faux fur blanket that I have been lusting after for over a year now! But this little man instantly Debo-ed it and is under the impression that it is his...and he's just too cute for me to tell him no ;) On another note - little man isn't so little anymore! He's nearly 40 lbs (and not even 5 months old) so I think we are gonna have a big boy on our hands!

As for NYE - Aaron and I were super lame and fell asleep on the couch with the dogs around 9:30 pm haha! We woke up at 11:30 pm, went straight to bed and missed the ball drop completely - 26 years old going on 60! 

Hope you are all having a great week and staying warm! It is -6 here right now...I was hoping for a "snow day" but Ohio State almost never calls off, so I'm here in my office with my space heater blasting! xx

friday finds

one // I caved. I know this time of year we are supposed to buy things for others...BUT....these babies that I posted about a couple weeks back are on their way to my door step as we speak!

two // New found favorite makeup products! I was in need of a new concealer the other day while shopping at Ulta, and just happened to grab these two NYX concealers and they are both awesome!! Who would have thought? Awesome coverage for only $5 a piece! I am shade 03 in both.

three // After seeing this image on Biana's blog, I instantly went to the Kohl's website and have these two items sitting in my shopping cart just asking me to hit "Checkout". I've never really shopped at Kohl's, but this adorable LC collection has me reconsidering that!

four // AHS Season 3 just came out on Netflix and I will be binge watching over the holiday break! I just watched the first two seasons about a month ago (2 seasons over like 5 days - I became slightly obsessed). I didn't like season 2 as much as the first, but I've heard season 3 is really good, so I'm excited!

five // One of my favorite parts of this season is hot mulled cider! My dad made it for my Mum's birthday party this past weekend and I had like 4 glasses - it is so delicious!

six // Ahead of the game! I've already got my 2015 planner - this cute Sugar Paper one from Target.

... And lots of funnies for you this Friday!! ...

Or let's be honest, any store really...

Lost it when I saw this one - immediately was sent to my sister and about 5 other people ;)

 Did any one else think this too?? I legitimately feel stupid that I didn't realize this in my whole 26 years...

Smart ass...

 I'm pretty sure Aaron gets this face from me on a regular basis - I have an attitude problem ;)

Wouldn't you just love to have natural shimmer built into your face?...but alas...

Amen.

Happy Friday ladies!! Can't believe we are only 6 days away from Christmas - I still have SO much to do!!

Join some lovely ladies in the Friday link ups here...

friday favorites

Happy Friday ladies! I will be so happy in a couple of days...Tuesday to be exact, because the fall semester will be over and I will get three whole weeks off of school before spring semester starts back. Plus, 13 days of those three weeks, I will also be on vacation from work - it is going to be glorious!! ;)

// Favorite Meal

I've been loving lavender tea along with toast with eggs and avocado for breakfast or lunch.
I add a little extra sharp white cheddar to mine :)

// Least Favorite Moment

Those of you who follow me on Instagram (@emiliestorey) know that the other morning we woke up and Deeds face looked like this! :( We rushed her to the hospital - and they are almost positive it was a bad bug bite. Lots of benadryl and a day later - her face was back to normal, but I hated seeing her like this!

// Favorite Snuggles

One of the best times of the day is when this little guy finally calms down and crawls up onto me for snuggles. 

He is such a sweetie! (when he isn't being totally rotten ;)

// Favorite Drink

Love this Luk cider than Aaron got me. I was supposed to drink it with Thanksgiving dinner, but it ended up behind things in the fridge and forgotten about until this week. Was a nice surprise to find though after a couple stressful days!

// Favorite Spot

If you can't find Dexter, chances are he can be found hovering over or laying on top of the heating vent while it's running. He loves his "warms" as we call them :)

// Funnies

And of course, no Friday post would be complete without a few funnies to brighten your day!

A hard lesson to learn...

Notes to mom...these two had me almost crying

Find more on Buzzfeed

 

I know mine can for sure...

Ah, the days of playing countless hours of Oregon Trail in computer lab. Can you still get the old version anywhere? It would be so fun to play again :)

Have a great weekend!! xx

unique holiday gifts

Yikes!! Slack much?! Life has gotten the best of me and I can't believe I haven't blogged in nearly 3 weeks :( But no worries - I am still here! Just knee deep in finals week at school and scrambling to get all sorts of things done for the holidays like decorating, shopping, wrapping, etc. I tell myself I'm going to be on top of it every year, yet somehow - that never happens and it always is down to the wire :)

There are quite a few people on my list of friends and family that are hard to buy gifts for...I struggle every year to think of things to get them.  My dad is one of the hardest to buy for - he seems to have everything already! Are any of you in the same situation?? 

I've looked around and come up with some great ideas that can work for those "hard to buy for" people on your list...here are some unique gift ideas for when you are stuck!

1// For the Beer-Lover in your life...a personalized wall mounted bottle opener

2// Love the custom iPhone cases from Treat! A perfect gift for anyone on your list, as so many of us now have smartphones. I would love one of these with pictures of my pups :)

3// For the sports fan on your list...you can get framed patents of different sports items from footballs, to helmets, to golf clubs!

4// Custom canvas prints would make anyone on your list smile - turn a photograph you love into a three dimensional work of art for the home. This is a great alternative to a typical framed photo gift!

5// This wooden iPhone alarm clock is a great gift because it's functional, but will also look attractive on anyone's nightstand!

6// The stylish ladies in your life would definitely appreciate this gorgeous personalized clutch purse by Gigi New York - and they come in a huge range of colors, from black and neutrals, to funky brights too!

7// For those that love to entertain and / or cook...what about this unique platter for cheese and crackers? A funky new way to serve your guests!

8// I fell in love with these adorable Scrabble-inspired throw pillows from Etsy. A great decor gift for anyone...you can get someone's initials, or even spell out names or words with multiple pillows!

dream decor ~ bedroom

I've been really inspired lately to start to get our home closer to the "ideal" I have in my head - piece by piece, since I know it is a process and can't be done all at once. I thought I'd put together a little series sharing what I am thinking for each of the major rooms in our house...starting with the master bedroom. 

I love our master bedroom - it is the entire third floor of the house and has vaulted ceilings in a pyramid shape and lots of light from the dormers and windows.

When I think of how I want the bedroom to be, what comes to mind is a place of complete relaxation. Whites and neutral tones are very calming to me, which is why I've picked pieces and decor that fall into those color schemes.

// Lots of candles in scents such as Eucalyptus Spearmint or Lavender

// Mirrored tray for holding decor like white picture frames and candles

// White china jewelry and trinket boxes - love the gold handle detail on this West Elm piece

// Eastern inspired decor - I've expressed my love of Buddha figures before...I'd love to add a silver bust piece to my collection

//  Succulents...because you always need a bit of green and nature incorporated into every room, and they are the best plants :)

// Cozy and comfy throw blankets - you can never have too many! 


Due to the way our ceilings are - there isn't much space for art (or full length mirrors - which is a HUGE problem, but that's another story ;) So I found a couple calming pieces that I would like to hang on the limited space that we do have.

Two pieces are by Etsy artist Clare Elsaesser and one is by local Akron artist (and a friend of mine) Bernadette Glorioso...both ladies are extremely talented and I just love their work!

What decor and design ideas / artwork have you incorporated in your master bedrooms? 
Please share!!