Friday Favorites

We made it! It's Friday, which means the weekend isn't too far. This week was tough! It's been busy & I haven't been sleeping well. When I get a restless nights sleep I feel like my whole schedule is thrown off. Needless to say I hope to catch up with sleep among other things this weekend.

Anyway, with the week coming to an end I wanted to share some of my favorite links from around the web. Grab your morning coffee & continue reading!

1. She For She (Cupcakes & Cashmere)

I love Emily's perspective on Emma Watson's inspiring speech. If you haven't heard it yet I highly recommend listening to it. As women we don't have any more time to lose & the time to stand up is now. This subject is very important to me, I am so happy that Emma is bringing it to light.

2. 25 Things No One Tells You About Growing Up (Buzzfeed)

I think we can all relate to this article. Pretty much sums up most of my adult years. It's a good little reminder for life & let me tell you growing up isn't easy!

3. 5 Minute Oatmeal (A Beautiful Mess)

I shared my recipe for overnight oats this week. But with the cooler weather I will be trying this recipe. The flavors sound delicious- I really want to try the carrot cake recipe & will be doing so this weekend. I suggest you do the same!

4. DIY: Gold Bar Cart (A Touch of Teal)

It's no secret that I have been wanting a bar cart for quite some time. After meeting Katie earlier this week at the #CapFabbAcademy I immediately looked at her blog. I am happy I did because it's now one of my go to blogs. She also inspired me with her DIY bar cart. This is my next home project but first I have to hang my pictures (haha!)

5. How to Save Money: 6 Tips for Planning a Spending-Free Weekend (Apartment Therapy)

If you know me you know I've been saving money like CRAZY for my upcoming trip. It's been tough but after reading this I got some great ideas. I may not have a completely spend-free weekend but I've limited myself to one night out on the weekend. This isn't easy because I am very social. But there are tons of free things to do in DC that can keep me occupied. It's also encourages me to think of new things to try with friends!

I hope you all have a great Friday & a nice weekend. Do you have any fun plans?

Xo,

Emily

P.s. We are now on Instagram, follow us!

Texas Brunching

Like Emily & her friends on the East Coast, we like to do brunch down in Texas too! I have been so swamped every weekend since I moved to Austin, that I haven't been able to make it in my new hometown until this past weekend.


I finally made it to brunch at Haymaker in East Austin. It didn't disappoint. It was Haymaker's 1st Anniversary, so we even went home with some free swag!

Matthew sporting some of the free swag **We didn't take this particular item home**

Haymaker's version of an open-faced cheeseburger, smothered in AMAZING Gruyere sauce

Pecan Bacon Burger...No explanation necessary

A few weekends ago I also met up with some law school friends in Dallas to do brunch at The Cedars Social. 

Too bad I missed some of the funnier photo opportunities due to bottomless mimosas. I don't think I'll need a mimosa for quite some time.

Until next time. 

Xo,

Amber

Fall Fashion with Sheinside

Alright guys, I've finally realized that summer is over. The weather in DC is starting to feel more like fall. Today I wore one of my favorite sweaters, I was shocked when I pulled it out of my closet. Where did summer go? It flew right by... dang!

Now it's time to embrace all things fall. One thing I love is wearing chunky sweaters, boots & feeling comfy. Who doesn't? To welcome this season I picked out some of my favorite sweaters for you to shop! Don't worry if you're on a budget because the price is right. You can also get 25% off with the code: sweater25 (more details below.)

Top: White Orange & Black Sweater, Floral Knit Top, Black & White striped Knit Sweater

Bottom: Beige Side Zipper Sweater, Pink Long Knit Cardigan, White Long Sleeve Striped Knit 

You can shop the entire collection here. Don't forget to use the code: sweater25 for an extra 25% off. You have to act fast because the sale ends tomorrow!! I know I will be stocking up for the colder months ahead.

What's your favorite part of fall?

Xo,

Emily

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

I'm Back!!!

Hello Lovelies!

(Is that a real word? As I typed it, I started to wonder but went ahead anyway...)

I have survived law school and the bar exam. I'm now just awaiting my bar results. I join you once again as a twenty-something with a real life. 

Here are some photos of what I have been up to. I will be posting on the regular soon.

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