{Resolutions for 2014}

I can't believe it's already December 31st! Wow, this year has gone at lightning speed and it's been a crazy busy one! I still haven't done a Christmas re-cap post - eek! Oh well, I guess doing that in January isn't totally unacceptable, right? Look out for that post soon ;)

In 2013...

- Celebrated my 25th birthday

- Started my new job at Ohio State

- Finally decided what I want to do with my life (career-wise)

- Applied (twice) and got accepted to grad school

- Bought a house with my partner in crime ;)

- Got my first puppy

Now that 2014 is just around the corner, I thought I would share some of my goals/resolutions. I have never been one to stick to these (don't think I'm alone in that ;) but I am really going to give it my best effort this year.

1) The almost universal NY Resolution - Get fit!

I am the maid-of-honor in my best friend's wedding this coming Memorial Day - so "Operation Hot Stuff" is underway as I will be photographed many times over...and of course, I want to be healthier too (less shallow reason ;)

2) SAVE SAVE SAVE

Major goal this year - I already have it planned out. Instead of focusing on buying "stuff", I am going to save my money and work on paying off that ugly little word...debt.

3) Kick ass (or just survive) my first year of grad school

This starts in t-minus 6 days and I am not gonna lie, I'm stressing about it. I am working full time and going to school part time, and the idea of the work load is already making me a bit panic-y. But I keep telling my self I can do it! 

4) The Unrealistic One

And one that probably won't happen {maybe in my dreams} but we'll throw it on the list - what the heck!

See "Pieces of Me" in Vegas! I can't help it - I love me some Britney!

What are your resolutions for 2014??

And the hits keep coming...

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a lovely holiday last week :)

Just wanted to do a quick post to why I have been pretty much MIA...

Apart from the holiday festivities/family time taking up most of my week, we had a few more "scares". Doesn't it just seem like bad things always happen in multiples? I swear, I thought we were past it after the health issues earlier this month, but looks like we had more in store.

After a snow storm occured, and then it warmed up and the snow melted, we discovered a huge issue with our house (joys of owing an old home ;) and water was practically pouring in through the second floor bay window. Total nightmare, which we are still in the process of getting fixed through the insurance co.

Then, the worst day ever happened. Just a typical Saturday...and the weather was actually nice, so we took Deedee to the park, like we have so many times before. But this time was different...as soon as we got in, a huge dog came barrelling at her (to play - not in an attacking way) and completely pumpled her. She screamed so loud, it broke my heart. Aaron and I rushed over so fast, but I knew something was wrong...she wouldn't stop crying.

We immediately went to the vet hospital and it turns out she has a broken ankle. Bigger problem - the fracture is into her growth plate. She got a cast put on for Saturday and Sunday, but had to go back and sleep over Sunday night to see the orthopedic surgeon for a consult and CT scan this morning - and about an hour ago it was determined she needs surgery to have a pin put in.

This whole thing has been so upsetting because she has been so scared. I hated not having her home last night - Aaron and I didn't know what to do without her, and now she will be gone even longer because of the surgery. I probably have an ulcer now from how sick I've been over it.

Prayers for my little fur baby for fast healing and that she will be home very soon! <3 <3 <3  

Cheers to a New Year: July, August, and September

Time for another "Cheers to a New Year" post - linked up through one of my favorites...Laura!

July

Started the month off with 4th of July celebrations. My parents anniversary is actually July 4th {which is super helpful to remember} and it's cute because they get fireworks every year in celebration!

We spent the 4th with our best friends at a giant cookout in the country. I love every minute I get to spend with Abby ("Big Sissy").

Abby and her husband, Zack (one of Aaron's besties) live in Akron - where I used to live. But in May of 2012, I moved in with Aaron in Columbus.  Abby and I worked at the dance studio together in Akron for like 5 years, and I went from seeing her and hanging out almost everyday of the week, to maybe seeing her once every couple of months. It's hard, because I miss her, and my other besties in Akron, SOO much...so whenever I get the chance to spend time with them, I am sure to soak it all up!!

July was also when my life changed forever...because this little sweetheart {and dofus} was adopted! I can't imagine my life without her now!! She is now 7 months old and whooping 50 lbs already - gonna be a big girl - I hope!

August

Nothing major to report for August...just started {slowly} to transition back into the life of a student.  I took one class - 3 nights a week - to "warm up" for grad school.  I have to say, it's really hard to get back into the swing of things when you have been out of the classroom for awhile. And working full-time on top of it does not help in the slightest.

September

Excited that one of my good friends here in Columbus opened a dance studio! I hadn't danced since moving and missed it so much - as it was a huge part of my life all through high school and college. It's hard to find time to take more than one class a week, but I'm so happy to even have that opportunity!

My gorgeous besties in the new purple studio!

Owner Leyla {center}, her daughter Babette {left} and my old boss/dance teacher Andrea {right}

Of course, the start of NFL Football can't be ignored...as it takes up {what feels like} my entire Sunday for 16 weeks. Aaron is a bit more die-hard than I am, but I do love that it's something we enjoy doing together. Go Brownies!

Link up to share your July - September recaps!!

xx

Health Scares and a Happy Ending

Well, this week has been a stressful one...but I got through it, and it has all ended well, which is what's important :)

To start off, the other night, Aaron looked at me while we were watching TV and said, "Babe, I can't feel the left side of my face". After a few minutes, he mentioned his eyesight was now going (in the left eye). We dropped everything and rushed to the hospital. I was panicked, because these are all signs of a stroke (but it couldn't be that - I kept thinking - he's way too young right?). 

We spent a good 6 hours at the hospital in the ER from 8:00 pm until almost 2:00 am. It was rough, but we were kept entertained by the drunk man across the hall who had fallen and busted his face open - but couldn't remember any of it, and kept trying to get his friend to stitch him up ;)

After CAT scans, blood work, etc...we came away with the doctor telling us Aaron was fine - no stroke, no tumors - and they think it was possibly a severe migrane. I had no idea they could be so intense! But, we were happy to hear it wasn't anything major. Needless to say, we slept in the next day (2 am is WAYY past my bedtime ;)

Later in the week, I had chest imaging done due to a lump they found during my annual exam. This took me a long time to schedule - as I was petrified to go. My mom had breast cancer twice, and I didn't want to face this appointment in fear that something was wrong. But, I finally made myself do it - and turns out it is nothing to worry about. Whew...hugh sigh of relief.

So, after all this stress was over, we got to celebrate Aaron's birthday!! He turned 37 on December 10th (almost 40 babe - yikes! ;) Many people don't know he's actually 11 years older than me. What can I say? Age is just a number...and I'm an old soul. When we met, the difference didn't matter in the slightest - we just fit.

I had all his gifts planned out (have to be organzied since he bday is only 2 weeks before Xmas) but my plans were ruined when he accidentally found one of his Xmas gifts (Keurig he's really been wanting) in the basement! I was so bummed, because I work really hard to buy gifts that are thoughful and I hate when surprises are ruined...but he felt so badly for finding it since he knew I would be bummed... so I just decided to adjust my gift plans.  He got the Keurig for his birthday, and the orginal bday gifts have now become Christmas presents.

Deedee wanted to help unwrap - but then she was scared. Haha she is going to have a hard time at Christmas! ;)

We both hate store-bought cake and icing - so I got him a mini apple crisp.

The birthday shenanagins continue this weekend...maybe he will get a home-made cake then! (probably not ;)

Happy birthday to the love of my life! The most handsome, and goofiest guy I know, and my best friend <3

{Sorry for the mush!!}

xx

Cheers to a New Year: April, May & June

Happy Thursday! {It's almost Friday!!}

I am linking up with some lovely ladies for Cheers to a New Year post...

APRIL

I started blogging again after a bit of a hiatus...and came back in April with this post here.

Took the GMAT {ick}...final step to applying for grad school and getting on my way to an MBA!

Aaron and I also went up to Cleveland to brew beer for the first time - something that he has spent a lot of time doing since (I created a monster ;)

MAY

Spent time a Franklin Park Conservatory, attending the Asian Festival on a gorgeous day.

On May 17th - One of the biggest accomplishments of my life {thus far}...we bought our house!

JUNE

Aaron and I celebrated our anniversary on June 3rd <3

On June 16th - Celebrated Father's Day with my dad and went to the Columbus Art Museum :)

What a fun link-up! Can't wait for the next three months...

Be sure to check out Laura's blog if you want to join in!

xx

December Favorite Things: Christmas List Edition

Hey ladies!! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and families :) I'm sorry I don't have any pictures to share...my long weekend was mainly spent in the car - driving back and forth to various family occassions, so I really didn't get any pictures. I need to get better at that!

Since it is now December (crazy! Wasn't it just the beginning of fall like yesterday??) ...I am linking up with Emily and Kylie for "Favorite Things" and, in the holiday spirit, I decided to post about my Christmas Wish List.

Some of these things are items I have bought/ordered/purchased for myself recently, and a couple are things that I'm hoping Santa might leave under the tree ;)

VS Fireside Long Jane Jammies - I have already professed my love of thermal pjs, and this wintery print is just too cute!

Naked 2 Palette - whoa. I am wayy behind on this one (as the Naked 3 just came out)...but I love the Naked 1, and these shades look right up my alley!

Clarsonic Mia - not getting any younger, and this face needs some TLC after working/going to school 45+ hours a week.

Real Techniques brushes - scooped some of these up in Ulta's Cyber Monday sale! Super excited because they are a GREAT price and I have only heard wonderful things about them. I'll let you know what I think once I use them a bit!

DERNG bracelet - can't remember what blog I spotted this on...but it's sparkly, chunky, and I love it!

Bip&Bop Initials Necklace - saw this on the lovely Ashley's blog and instagram (Turqouise and Teale) and fell in love with it! Been dropping some major hints to Aaron about this one ;)

Thierry Mugler "Alien" - finally picked myself up a bottle of this, after wanting it for years now. Such a deep, interesting perfume!

Crystal Head Vodka - my drink of choice, but also, this bottle is just so awesome - I just need it.

Nepali Medicine Buddha - good energy and healing via home decor, I've always loved having these around my house.

New Bedding - isn't it funny how when you get older and buy a house, you end up asking for stuff you need that is kind-of boring? Example, last year, Aaron's parents got us a dishwasher. Such a generous and amazing gift... but you don't really understand getting excited about a dishwasher until your well into your "adult" years hahaha Anyways, this year's "home" related need is bedding for the master bedroom (all white - I have a vision) ;)


What's on your Christmas Wish List this year??

xx em

Wednesday Ramblings

This weekend I broke down and started decorating for Christmas.

I honestly usually wait until after Thanksgiving...but now that Aaron and I own our house, I have been getting really excited for holidays...and I want to start building a collection of decorations! 

But I already ran into the first obstacle...when did Christmas decorations start costing an arm and a leg?

I went to Target with great ideas - and could have executed said ideas, if I felt like spending $300...and that's not even including the tree! Yikes - I guess I was naieve, since I have never really decorated anything more than an apartment before.

I did end up getting a few things and it turned out pretty well, I think ;)

BUT come Janurary, you bet your ass I am going to be there buying up all the discount/clearance Xmas items for next year! ;)

Decorated banister and pathetic tree.

Funny story - Aaron 'Googled' how to prune my hibiscus tree for the winter and this happened...pretty sure it wasn't supposed to look like that, and it cracks me up every time I look at it. He still thinks it's going to grow back ;)

More garland and lights on the bookcase.

  

The mantle - SO excited to finally have a fireplace to hang stockings on!

I snapped a quick picture of the Target coat I posted about last week...

(Please excuse the ugly work bathroom and the fact I look like a bag lady - I had class after work that night ;)

And to wrap it all up...this little gem!

Three cheers for today being the last day of the work week!

This will be me - running towards the door at exactly 4:30 - if not earlier ;)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! xx

Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend felt so short after the long weekend and short week we just had!

Aaron and I got a lot done though, and still found plenty of time to relax before heading back to work on Monday.

Thanks to the lovely Laura at Happily Ever Parker - I found the winter coat I've been looking for!

I needed something classic for work, that will last a long time, but wasn't "boring". I feel like so many coats are just...blah. Either cheap looking, or not the exact style I am looking for...

I really wanted to find something a bit different, but that wasn't too trendy either. Always asking too much aren't I? ;)

Anyway...Laura posted this gorgeous jacket a week or so ago and I was so excited! It was even from Target (which = no scary price tag)...I couldn't get there fast enough haha! I think I went out and tried it on the next day. I ended up getting it in black (for some reason the camel color didn't look as nice in person) but I ordered it offline because there were two coupon codes - 20% off and free shipping!

It has been so perfect - I'll post some outfit pictures with it soon :)

While ordering my jacket I stumbled across the CUTEST thermal pj set - so naturally, they made it into my shopping cart as well (it's ok, there was 20% off, remember? ;)

I've been eyeing the Victoria's Secret thermal pjs for awhile, but haven't bought them yet, as they are like $60 (really? for cotton pjs?)...so I was excited that these were only $20!

If you can't tell - those a little foxes all over the leggings.

And those awesome socks are from Forever 21 ;)

Date night consisted of pizza (shocker). We got Yellow Brick again and decided to try their new special for November called "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner".

Now, I was very skeptical, because this pizza consists of some odd ingredients...chicken (duh), corn, red onion, cranberries, mashed potatoes (as the "sauce") and then gravy after being baked. But I gave it a chance because some of their pizzas that sound the weirdest, actually taste the best.

This was AMAZING. Basically, it tasted like Thanksgiving dinner on a pizza. I couldn't shut up about it and we will probably have to order it again this weekend ;)

I also grabbed myself a treat at the grocery store - something that I love, but don't each too much.

Crusty french bread, brie, and blackberry jam.

Bake the cheese in the oven until warm and melty - add some jam - dip in pieces of crusty bread.

So simple and just DELICIOUS.

You need to try if you haven't!! It's the perfect snack for girls night, my friends and I always end up making it when we get together.

Finally, just wanted to share that I made a button for my blog - it's over on the side bar if anyone wants to "grab" it! I've added some buttons of my favorite daily reads too! :))

Have a great week!! xx



Current vs. Dream Makeup Storage

Well, I have been wanting to update my makeup storage for awhile now...so I thought I would do a post on how it is currently organized, and then I'll do an updated one once it is re-organized :)

I have a "nook" in our bedroom where I put my vanity (stool is missing - currently needs reupholstered, so I don't use it) and store my makeup. 

The left drawer holds my face products, pencils, mascara, lipgloss, lipstick, and random tools.

The right drawer houses all my pigments, eyeshadows, palettes, and false eyelashes.

And I keep my brushes in a glass jar on top of the vanity.

Random shot of my little winter socks - haha :) aren't they adorable? 

But this isn't how I want to keep it.

I could really use the 2 extra drawers for clothing storage as my other dresser is way too full...so I've been thinking of what I would like to do and looking for inspiration.

This is what I've decided:

These ladies have my ideal set up as far as makeup storage goes...

Image via Sugar Magnolia

Image via Turquoise and Teale

I love Muji acrylic organizers, and one day I am actually going to take the time to pick some out and order them ;) I don't want too many, because then things can start to look cluttered. And since this is going to be out, and visible in my bedroom (until the master bath is finished) - I want it to look as "pretty" as possible!

I have been a makeup artist for years... and for awhile there, my makeup collection was totally out of control - hundreds of products that barely/never got used. But now, I focus on just buying high quality products that work the best. That doesn't always mean the high end department store brands either! There are some really great drugstore brands/products out there that I swear by! (with the exception of eyeshadow - I hate drugstore eyeshadow and will always use higher end ;)

Anyway, I have significantly downsized my collection and would like to probably get one set of drawers (maybe the 3 drawer? or 2 - 2 drawers? ugh decisions, decisions...) and one of the skinny drawer units (for pencils, mascaras, etc). Anyway...I'll be sure to post lots of pictures one I get it all done!! 

What do you use for makeup storage? I always love to see how other people orgainze their collections! xx