Currently

I hope you're all having a great week! I am so tired lately, I haven't been sleeping well (again!) If anyone out there has suggestions for relaxing before bed I am all ears. I am longing for the long weekend & my upcoming vacation in November. But for now here is a quick post of things I currently love:

^^I literally got chills when I saw Allison walk down the aisle this past weekend at her wedding. So gorgeous! 

^^My room is my favorite place. It feels nice to have a place where I feel totally me.

^^I've been grocery shopping a lot more. I even picked up some pumpkins to decorate my apartment. 

^^I've also been cooking! I made skinny spaghetti with squash & homemade pasta sauce. Yum!

^^A gorgeous day spent with friends at Union Market.

^^I am obsessed with Korean tacos from Takorean. 

^^I had such a blast seeing White Ford Bronco! I danced my ass off to 90's music (my favorite!)

^^Obsessed with my new pillow from Garbella Design that I got at the Crafty Bastards Festival. 

^^I enjoy spending Friday's making dinner at home with friends.

^^I love taking long walks down these lovely streets.

What have you been up to lately?

Xo,

Emily

P.S. Say hi to us on Instagram!

Tuesday Eats: Overnight Oats

I am not a huge breakfast person, I never have been. But I've finally decided to get in the habit because it's the best meal of the day for your body. It wakes up your metabolism to get you ready for the day. A typical morning for me includes: waking up, getting ready & running out of my apartment to get to work. I need something that is easy to grab & that I can throw together at the office. Well, I've discovered a great solution!

I've seen several recipes for overnight oats around the web & I have always wanted to try them. After looking at several recipes I decided to go with Lauren Conrad's because it seemed simple! Several people asked for the recipe after I posted this picture. Well friends, you're in luck because I am sharing it with you. After many attempts I figured out the perfect combination of ingredients.

I modified the original recipe a bit to fit my taste buds, so here it is:

• 2/3 cup almond milk (unsweetened from Trader Joe's)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (Trader Joe's)
• 2 spoonfuls of Greek vanilla yogurt (Trader Joe's)
• Cinnamon to taste
• Brown sugar to top it off

To make:

1. The night before you want the oats mix all of the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
2. Place them into the fridge overnight in an airtight container. 
3. In the morning they will be ready! Grab them to go or eat them at home. I like to sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on mine & grab whatever fruit I have at home while running out the door. Once I get to work I mix it all together.

My favorite combinations so far have been:

• Banana, brown sugar & walnuts
• Apple & brown sugar (so good! It's perfect for Fall.)
• Granola, apple & brown sugar
• Granola, banana & brown sugar

I hope you enjoy! Do you have a favorite go-to breakfast?

Xo,

Emily

Motivational Monday: Inspirational Videos

Lately I've been lacking inspiration & I've been in need of some motivation. This happens to everyone but, when I find myself going through a slump I love to watch videos that inspire me. My sister & I are obsessed with watching dancers on YouTube we could do it all day. I also love watching acting videos or really good scenes from movies that make me go "WOW!"

Via

Here are some of my favorite videos. Enjoy!

1. French Dance Trio Shake It to Ariana Grande
I recently found this video but um WOW. These guys can dance & they are doing it in heels. Love the way the are hitting all of their moves & they seem so passionate. I also love this video of the trio.

2. Kyle Hanaagami, Climax by Usher
Kyle's choreography inspires me! He is so young & goes around teaching dancers. I think that in itself is inspiring! This video showcases his great choreography, the dancers he teaches & I just love it. You can check out more of his videos on YouTube. I highly recommend it!

3. My old acting teacher Jim Jarrett
So amazing! Easily one of the best teachers i've ever had. I took the Meisner Technique while going to school in San Francisco where I studied acting. Hearing him talk about the technique is so inspiring & reminds me of his amazing class. I really need to get back into acting classes & put my technique to work. It's the best therapy there is. He is also coming out with a movie about Meisner, I can't wait to see it! Literally tears will be brought to my eyes.

4. Rachel McAdams Auditioning for the Notebook
I love watching actors audition. The acting is so raw & real. Rachel does an awesome job at this audition, am I right? 

5. The Actors Studio with Robin Williams
The Actors Studio is an awesome show that goes into the craft of acting while speaking to actors. This episode with Robin Williams will always be one of my favorites. To say the least he was such an inspiration for actors everywhere, he truly will be missed. So talented & gifted! 

I hope you enjoyed my round up. I would love to hear what inspires & motivates you, feel free to share below. 

Happy Monday everyone!

Xo,

Emily

Pure Barre Review

When I found out that Pure Barre was coming to Arlington, I knew I had to try it. I heard so much about the exercise & my friend Jessica recommended it to me. In SLC I did Pilates all the time through my school & I LOVED IT. I am not a huge workout person but when I find a workout that works for me I get really into it.

Via 

Pure Barre Arlington opened & they were offering five weeks of unlimited classes for $100. So I bought it! I thought, why not? If I hated it I wasn't making a HUGE investment. I went to my first class unsure of what to expect but let me tell you, I had no idea it would be so hard. Barre combines Pilates, aerobics, stretching, ballet barre work & weight lifting. 

What I love

1. The class requires a lot of focus in order to get a proper workout. During the class I can totally zone out & focus on what my body is doing.

2. The teachers are awesome! If you don't understand a move you can easily get the attention of the instructor to help. They want you to get the most out of the workout.

3. I get stronger every time. The first class was really HARD for me, I wasn't sure I could make it through but you find a way to push yourself. This workout isn't easy & you have to tell yourself "you're stronger than you think!" The last class I went to (last week) I felt a lot stronger. I was proud of what I was able to accomplish by the end. 

4. You get a really great workout & see results! After five weeks of Pure Barre I can see changes in my body. My abs are a lot stronger, my arms are a bit more toned & my butt is a tad more lifted. If I continued to do Barre, I have no doubt I would get even better results.

5. The music keeps me motivated! Unlike my Pilates class back home, Pure Barre plays great music that keeps your heart pumping throughout. My favorite part is the body bridges at the end, they dim the lights & turn up the music. It keeps me motivated & helps me end class on a strong note!

What I Didn't Love

1. The classes fill really fast. I was often placed on a wait list & then if other people cancelled I would get bumped into the class. The only problem with the wait list is you don't find out until the day of. But I got into several classes this way!

2. Not enough classes being offered. The studio is really small & they really need to offer more times for classes since they fill up quickly.

3. Too expensive! I love Pure Barre but for a girl on a budget (me) it's not reasonably priced. I could see myself going for a drop in class every now & then. But unfortunately a month pass isn't in my budget.

All in all this is a great workout & I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about trying it. I got addicted & I am sad my trial period is over. Hopefully I can keep my momentum going by attending a class once in awhile & sticking with regular workouts. 

What workouts do you like to do? I am always on the lookout & one of my goals is to try a new one. 

Xo,

Emily

27 Things Before 27

I recently came across the 26 & Not Counting blog, I read Jess's post entitled 27 Things Before 27. I was immediately inspired to create a list for myself. I love reflecting on things I want to accomplish & I thought this went along nicely with my post 26 Things I've Learned at 26. So I decided to create my own list of things I want to accomplish before turning 27 however big or small they may be.

Although I don't turn 27 until May, I need to get started!

1. Post at least three times a week to this blog. Update: I know I haven't recently but when I was really hardcore about it I did!!

2. Visit Amy & Will in Boston. Update: I know this isn't technically before 27 but I am going in August (can't wait!!)

3. Finish book club books on time & not read them after (oops!)

4. Cook at home three times a week (this is big for me, I never cook!)

5. Lose 5 pounds. Update: lost 13 pounds

6. Host a dinner party

7. Hang up the pictures in my living room

8. Pay off my credit card

9. Go to Monticello

10. Write my friends a letter at least once every three months

11. Try a new workout: I tried Orange Theory with my work. It was a hard workout but really good! I burned over 600 calories from one workout. Crazy, right? Update: I workout everyday for 30 minutes at home and have learned how to have a healthy lifestyle (more to come on that.)

12. Go kayaking

13. Collaborate with a blogger in the DC area

14. Learn more SEO

15. Create social icons for this blog that are cute

16. Go apple picking

17. Eat out less (see #4 about cooking more)

18. Register for an acting class

19. Continue to grow out my hair without cutting it off (this is tough!)

20. Skype with my parents once a week

21. Skype with Amy & Will once a week

22. Continue to volunteer for Alpha Chi Omega

23. Schedule blog posts on the weekend for the week (see #1)

24. Invest in new pots & pans

25. Start doing yoga

26. Go to a free barre class at Lulu lemon

27. Volunteer at a children's theater

I will update this as I go along with my progress. I am a bit behind since I was technically supposed to start this when I turned 26 (oops!) But no worries, I can do this.... right? Stay tuned!

What are goals that you want to accomplish?

Xo,

Emily

P.S. Thanks Jess (26 & Not Counting) for the great idea! 

Sunday Edition

Sunday Edition

What is Sunday Edition?

A Sunday Edition post is a single image that represents your feelings for mental state for that week.  It can make you feel happy, nostaglic, inspired, etc... as long as it makes you feel something. No words are used on Sunday Edition posts -- the image speaks for itself.After all, a picture can say a thousand words.

Linkup with http://www.letitbebeautiful.com/

Snippets of Summer

Summer is officially coming to an end. I've been in regret since the beginning of September. Don't get me wrong, I love fall but I am sad to kiss the summer goodbye (until next year!) I stayed pretty busy & have no idea where time went! I took lots of pictures to document the fun & I wanted to share them. Let's give a proper ode to summer. Here it goes!

I kicked it off at Bonnaroo with Jordan.

Went to the Gay Pride Festival with Zach & friends.

Explored the city.

Played lots of bocce with my team #ourballsjusttouched.

Stood up for discrimination with Inter Milan.

Realized I can't play badminton at Emily's house. But we all got a good laugh out of it!

Saw an old colleague/ friend from Boston.

Discovered shaved ice at the Bayou Bakery. I still miss the snow shacks back home...

Saw Key Largo at Screen on the Green.

Went to lots of Nats games (including the University of Utah night!)

Met up with friends for movie night in Rosslyn.

Went to Jazz in the Garden.

Celebrated Allison's upcoming wedding.

Went to lots of brunches but LOVED this one at Barcelona. 

Other highlights: Amy coming to visit, going to Great Falls, Emily coming to visit, the National Harbor, going to Le Diplomate finally, visiting Theresa in NYC & everything in between. These photos are from all over the place (phone, camera & friends.) 

I will miss the warmer days but I look forward to the crisp fall nights. I hope you all had a lovely summer! What did you do?

Xo,

Emily

The Liebster Award

I am so excited! Emily from the Vivre Blog nominated me for the Liebster Award, thank you! This blog is my outlet & I love dreaming up new content to share with all of you. 

“The liebster award is a cyber award (it exists only on the Internet). it is given by bloggers to other bloggers. liebster could mean anything from dearest, sweetest, lovely to kind & valued. it was created years ago to discover new bloggers and is awarded to newbie bloggers. once awarded you have to nominate newbie bloggers to receive the award and link back to the blogger who nominated you.”

Emily from the Vivre Blog has asked me 10 questions to answer to give you a bit more information about myself & my blog! I hope you enjoy, here they are:

1. Why did you start your blog?

Amber & I started this blog after graduating from college. We were both going our separate ways & wanted a place where we could share our journey as "Twenty Somethings." This blog has turned into much more than that for me. It has become an outlet to express myself, share my thoughts, ask for opinions & hear from others.   

2. What is your favorite quote?

"Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what your put on earth to do with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling" -Vincent Van Gogh

3. What does your perfect day consist of?

Hm... This is a tricky one! A perfect day for me is spent with family & friends. We could be exploring a new city, traveling, relaxing by the pool, hanging out playing games or trying a new restaurant. It doesn't matter what I am actually doing as long as I am with people I love.  

4. What are your pet peeves?

Hair on the floor or in the sink. Clean it up!

5. Do you have any guilty pleasures? if so, what are they?

Um of course I do! I have a HUGE sweet tooth. I love ice cream & candy. It's really hard for me to turn down both of these things...

6. Who inspires you?

I have lots of amazing people in my life who inspire me everyday. But I think one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the chance to meet, work with & learn from is my old acting teacher, Jim Jarrett. The story of his acting career, how he became an acing teacher & what I learned from him has always stuck with me throughout my life. Even after I decided not to pursue acting full time I will never forget how much he inspired me. I can still hear him telling me "talk is cheap!"

7. What is the best book you have read recently?

I have been terrible at reading lately. But right now I am reading This is Where I Leave You, so far I am enjoying it. Stay tuned for a review!

8. What is your favorite childhood memory?

Many of my childhood memories are of my sister trying to kill me (haha!) No but really, the girl hated me when I was a baby. She was jealous of me ;) & wanted to be an only child. But I think the funniest is when she convinced my babysitter I knew how to ride my bike. Long story short I ended up on the top of a hill (I didn't know how to ride a bike.) I basically ended up in the emergency room but, I got lots of Popsicles & Amy was super jealous. She was sad that her plan failed... But now what we are best friends. We look back on those memories & laugh. Although, we probably scared the living crap out of my parents (sorry mom + dad!)

9. what is your favorite restaurant in the city where you currently live?

Well this is really hard because I have a lot of restaurants I love here... I would have to say my favorite is Bourbon Steakhouse. I can't deny a really good steak dinner. I don't get to go here often but it's pretty much delicious. 

10. if you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why?

If I could travel anywhere I think I would go to Greece. Because I've always wanted to go & I want my mom to come with me because she would LOVE It. 

Now here are my nominees for the Liebster Award:

1. Erica from Sweet Endeavors

2. Sarah from Her Pursuit of Sunshine

3. Kim from Eleventh & Sixteenth

4. Emi from Well Traveled Wife

5. Brittany from Be A Floyd

6. Katie from KD Today

7. Brynne from Something of the Like

Here are my questions for you:

1. When you're not blogging, what do you like to do?

2. What's your favorite season & why?

3. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

4. What is your dream job?

5. What’s one of the scariest things you’ve ever done?

6. If you could meet anyone, who would it be & why?

7. Would you rather live in the country or a city? 

I can't wait to read all of your answers! Link back so I can read them & get to know you better.

Xo,

Emily

Far Far Away

Come November my sister, her husband & I are going on an adventure! We are going to be traveling to Rome, Prague & Thailand. I can't help but to think of all the things I am going to pack + how I am going to make it happen.

I've been saving money like crazy which cuts my budget back for spending on clothes. But since I will be transitioning my wardrobe into fall, I wanted to share some of my favorite picks + what I am craving for my vacation.

Rome & Prague

I've never been to Italy or Prague but I seriously can't wait. I can only imagine what these beautiful cities will be like in November. When it comes to traveling I like to be comfortable & stylish. I try to pack items that can be mixed & matched.

Day: Converse/ Striped Top/ Scarf/ Jeans
Night: Stripe Sweater/ Floral Tee/ Dress/ Flats/ Booties

Thailand

Coming from Rome & Prague in November, Thailand is going to be a nice treat. The packing is going to be VERY different. Swimsuits, light weight dresses & sandals are on the list.

Beach: Floral Two Piece/ Floral One Piece/ Palm Two Piece
Cover up: Palm Cover Up/ Pink Cover Up/ Embellished Sandals/ Yellow & Cream Sandals/ Beach Hat

Have you been to Rome, Prague or Thailand? I am knee deep in planning so, fire off your suggestions below. 

Xo,

Emily