2009, I shall miss thee...

It's hard to believe that 2009 is coming to close, and the beginning of new year is commencing, I'm still in shock that it's not January of this past year. So much has happened, and yet at the same time so little has been accomplishment, something strangely I have so much happiness and peace about. I say this because by my very nature I'm an anxious and worrisome person, with many a complexity, so I delight in the pure joy of growing leaps and bounds from points of fearful anxiety and darker days to a place of comfort and joy. With this new found freedom, comes, well, a little bit of oversight on some things, including unmailed but written Christmas cards (Emily Post is rolling over in her grave as we speak), updating this blog, and so, so much more (including forgetting to mail in a hefty rebate for a certain phone, errrr). I wanted to take the time now, to reflect on my amazing year.

In 2009 I celebrated milestone birthdays..
...and weddings...

...enjoyed summer concert season...

...traveled to the Bahamas...

...and New York...
...saw Britney for the first time,

...practiced being a party planner...

...developed a new crush...

...went to my first SEC football game (yay Bama!)..

...founded new friendships...

...and nurtured old ones...
and loved bonding with my work buddies,


and so, so, so much more.

2010 is sure to be an amazing year, full of much promise. I'm excited at the prospect of new beginnings (such as going back to school for Interior Design), continuing to grow into my adult self (paying off my Car AND moving out of Mom and Dad's), and finally taking that step towards living a healthy life (bring it on Weight Watcher Wednesdays). As much as things change, and trails come my way, I'll continue to seek the Lord's direction in my life, and grow in the peace I have in Him and who he has created me to be. Happy New Year all!

Dear Anthroplogie, I love thee soo...

...yet I do not love thy prices. If you could perhaps box and ship this little delight as a humble peace offering I will gladly take it and have a delightful cup of tea and delight in it. Earl Grey perhaps? With some honey and sugar?


(Octagon Tea Cup and Saucer-$18)

Thank you,
Emily dearest

The Blind Side..

...saw it. Loved it. Will own it immediately upon it's realize onto DVD. Enough said?



I think not. This film, based on the true life story of Baltimore Ravens player Michael Oher and defines the values of family, love, and what it means to do what is right and just in just in the world. While I was prepared to shed a tear or two, I internally did a few cartwheels and fist pumps of victory and glee that I did not. This did not mean the film lacked that certain quality to draw you in with the emotion, no in fact on the contrary it is full of the very emotion that audience's reveal in; joy, happiness, laughter, triumph and goodwill. The story, as many are well aware of at this point, follows an impoverished and hard on his luck Oher as he meets his guardian angel of sorts Leigh Ann Tuohy, played by the wonderful Sandra Bullock (please excuse the horrible drawl, she knows not what she did) who's act of spotantous love proves to be greatest definition of good smaratianship imaginable, as she provides and encourages a life for Oher that far exceeds any imagination or exception. I adored this film for far more than The Remember The Titans esque quality that the film held in regards to football (who doesn't love a good football film?) but for the good family values that it clearly promoted and supplemental messaging of loving thy neighbor. It's about time American films got back to the root of things and promote good family values with such films, and coming from a girl who craves a good independent, Oscar contenting film, this means, well, a lot. I highly recommend this film if you have not already seen it, as it surely will not disappoint.

Oh the things that make me laugh...

I mentioned in the previous post this delightful photo...


...how lovely. The photo was taken at our first annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party and just mildly captures the wild enthusiasm for what should clearly be a national holiday. While many a fun party will follow, sadly this year's festivities will not be able to happen as a crazy holiday season combined with a highly anticipated trip to New York City (woohooo!!) make it just too difficult to occur. However, in honor of the flood of fantastic memories that come with looking at the above picture I must share the following two terrific videos I found online last year via the events Facebook invite page (don't we all just love a good Facebook invite, thank you world of social networking). Please enjoy as clearly genius is marked all over them equally. Please try to limit the snorts in your laughter and the compulsive desire to run out a grab a bottle of Aqua Net, blue eye shadow and frosted pink lip gloss.

Our family Christmas photo..

This year a collective few will find this little beauty in their annual Christmas card from yours truly...


I think its rather fitting for the select crowd and I pray it draws a laugh, snicker, snort, or smile even from the Scroogest of Scrooges. Others will have to suffice with a sincere and personal comment of Happy Holidays while this crowd will be wonderfully reminded of the many antics that occurred Christmas past when all were dressed clearly not to impress in their craptastic tacky Christmas sweaters. Thought some might enjoy a good embarrassing photo, so in true Em fashion, enjoy!

Prayers of Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving has come and gone, yet our blessing are still being counted and our hearts still growing full with thankfulness. For myself I am abundantly thankful for all the good the Lord has bestowed upon me, with a wonderful family, enduring friends, a steady job, and so, so, so much more. This past Tuesday evening I was reminded of even more to be thankful of when I was the very distinct pleasure of hearing the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa.


The 24 member choir consist mainly of orphaned and "vulnerable" children (as described in their testimonies) of Kenya who tour the US and like to raise support and awareness for the ministry that essentially makes it possible for these children to live in their native country. What a humbling night to watch children who without a doubt have near to nothing in their lives, praise with wild abandon and thank the good Lord above for all the riches he's bestowed upon them in ways foreign to the naked eye.


I'm always a sucker for a good praise and worship song, and my heart was overfilled with emotion as I watched child after child raise their hands in utter praise and thankfulness, sharing scriptures that's touched their heart in a light that can't help but shine into your own. It makes me wonder if that is how the Lord looks upon us when we do the same, as if we were these young, pure, and blameless children filled with such joy in their moment of praise and admiration.


It was a wonderful evening, and yet again, another blessing of thankfulness. Below is a link to the website in which you may find out more about The Daraja Children's Choir, as well as the 410 Project (the organization in which the choir is a apart of), read their blog (truly wonderful) and discover ways that you can become a part of this wonderful ministry (which I have many prayers and plans to get involved soon!). It really is amazing to see and hear of these children's lives and their immense love for the Lord. During this holiday season I am powerfully reminded of the many things to be thankful of, and yet I'm blessed once more with another prayer of thankfulness, is life not good or what?

(Photos curiosity The Daraja Children's Choir of Africa and the 410 Project)

Once again I find myself in complete lust, this time it's for this beauty...


Yes the Candace Bushnell Sex and The City prequel novel The Carrie Diaries. When it comes to literature of course I would like to fantasize that my literary tastes are of an intellectual superior nature, however I fall completely guilty of judging a book by it's cover (I like to think that it serves as a testament to the creative marketing geniuses in the publishing world, thank you). And to judge this book by it's cover might rightly give it justice, how truly fantastic and Carrie-esque is it? I'm caught tangled between my lusting desires to read this book and my intense anticipation for the release of the second film, yet sadly I must unwillingly wait biting my un manicured nails until Spring 2010 to read of teenage Carrie and how even an permed, blue-eye shadow, Madonna Like A Virgin wannabe, teenage Bradshaw pales in comparison to my twenty five year old self. None the less I stand in awe and glee over this wonder.

The reason I read Perez...

.... you get to little gems like this brighten my day.



I think this man stole all my dance moves. Happy Halloween y'all!

Happy birthday to me...

How did I let 100 blog posts escape me without knowing? Even more so how did one year of blogging creep up on me like this? Either way, happy one year bloggeraversy to me! I will be partaking in a very sweet and sugary cupcake in honor and celebration of the a fore mentioned achievements. I entered in the blog world unknowingly and still consider this domain foreign beyond reasonable words, yet still I venture on, almost impressed that my journey has continued, and with fingers crossed and many a well wishes will continue on trotting for time and time to come. My little home here in the world wide web has exceeded the confused and unsure to find it's niche right here, where I plan to blog and blog away to my little hearts content, where perhaps not many eyes will gander, but a place non the less I exist. So thank you if you have tagged along on what most certainly feels like a brief journey, I do adore you (Pink Chick and Cameron dearest), and to those new and those who should be reading (you know who you are, insert obvious names here), hold on tight because my wild ride in the blog world is just beginning.

Call me crazy...

I discovered this Country Cottage room below while pursuing some of my favorite design websites online, in desperate need of some inspiration.


Well I found it. Call me crazy, but I am simple in love with such an untraditional idea of the swing bed. Growing up I wanted nothing more in the world than a good old eighties classic water bed. Mom and Dad firmly said no. I then somehow develop an odd fantasy of a trampoline serving as the same kind of comfort. Again, a firm no. Now as I'm thankful for the traditional mattress but cannot stop envisioning the wonders that could be this amazing swing bed. Think realistically as a place to lay your sweet little head during an afternoon siesta on the porch. Such a delightful thought...

Roll tide roll...

...I couldn't think of an inventive or catchy title to go along with this particular post because I knew none could compete with the pure amazingness and wonder that was a mini road trip the weekend before last to Tuscalossa, Alabama where we cheered on the Crimson Roll Tide in their march for the number one team in college football (correct me if I'm wrong on that one).


To begin I'll just simply state, that as an ACC girl, my exposure to the world of southern college football was far too limited, and consists mostly of cheering on my Carolina Panthers (fairweather fans need not apply). For us North Carolians, college basketball is our glory sport, yet for a state pack full of transplants, we have our roots planted sadly in further away states (I get sick every time I hear Hey Snoopy at a local bar because I know I'm in for an overzealous round of spelling O-H-I-O). To put it mildy, I was not prepared in the very least for the fandominum that is an SEC game, let alone a Alamaba Homecoming Game. Yet, I was in for a real treat.



After driving for a lengthy seven plus hours, we got a personal tour through Paul W. Bryant Stadium, where we got to bask in the the unadultered glory of the Crimson Tide pride. Above is a quick picture of us as we stood underneath the very place that the players run onto the field from. Unreal.



A close friend of ours (who shall remain nameless, picture less, and may in fact be imaginary due to a strong conflict of interest) is very involved with the school's athletics, and treated us to a wonderful weekend, pack full of Crimson pride and excitment down to every little detail. Below are some of the many pictures we took over the course of our fun weekend, including a jam packed Paul W. Bryant Stadium on game night, to a too chilly evening of cheering on our new favorite team, to so, so much more. A great weekend of SEC fun, that can't wait to be repeated.

The mystery is now solved. Last night I helped coordinate an event of epic proportions that hopefully will never be forgotten (although many may beg to differ), the surprise celebration of a my beloved and entirely too dear to me friend Kyle's 25Th birthday. The bister, myself, and our dear friends helped make the evening a smashing success, as we left our typical party location and instead headed to Monte Carlo for a night at the Casino Royale, James Bond style, where no detail was overlooked or untouched, down to the musical selection, games of choice (old maid a personal favorite I hear at most casinos), and drink selections (yes Vesper Martini's were served, with a lemon peel coiled on the brim). Below are some of my favorite pictures from the evening, where I sadly left my position as photographer to help play hostess and non stop party dancer, although many a good friend decided to step in and capture the incredible and equally unforgettable moments of the evening.


(Here is the birthday boy, Agent 0026, moments are we surprised him, along with the ever so lovely Hannah).


(Here is Mr. Bond with all his lovely ladies. Don't worry there were plenty of guys there to keep the hormonal balance in check, even some surprises from far away).


(The true reason for celebration, if it wasn't for this hot mama, we would never have met Bond. Plus, how adorable does she look?)


(The invitation called for attendees to come dressed to impress in their finest Bond attire, so it was no surprise that Nikki came as a super cute Bond, while Laura delved into the more casino, Vesper, side of Bond. For myself? I was Mad Men inspired, and took it back old school all the way).

It was a fantastic evening, Happy Birthday Kyle, err I mean Bond!

I'm sorry I'm not sorry...

I will give you one hint as to what my friday evening entails, and one hint only..



Can't wait to come back and report once the mystery is over. Until then ladies, enjoy this one me;)

I just haven't met you yet...

...that's the song that has been stuck in my head for the past two weeks, and not a single fiber of my being wants to fight it. I read on a few blogs, the mounting anticipation for Michael Buble's new CD and I nearly died once I got my hands on it and listened to track after track with glee and overwhelming felicity. This man has charm with his soothing voice, that sideways green, and I feel like his eyes sing to me, "Emily, I haven't met you yet." Cheese yes. Do I care? Not a single bit. Here is the video below, enjoy, and know that even if the adorable girl in the video with poor dancing skills can charm his heart, so might we who know how to bust a groove (Note to self, never say bust a groove ever again in my life, it is highly unnecessary in any and all situations, including this blog.)

I'm in complete lust...

...over this Parisian office of designer Ines de la Fressange. Is this not complete beauty and wonder?


Urban Grace designer and blogger Erika posted this on her blog in honor of breast cancer awareness month, and I must say an abundance of overwhelming thank yous to Erika for hand feeding me my new dose of eye candy. Have I mentioned how in love I am? I am not even sure where to start, except that the pink, gold, and plethora of details in amazing beyond belief. Please enjoy as I have, and thank you again Erika, I am in looooovvvvveee.

A weekend so nice, Sunday must be spent in bed...

Yes, you read that right, I spent my entire Sunday laying down enjoying some R and R, which given my jam packed weekend, it was rather refreshing to be extremely lazy. I juxtaposed work with play, beginning with a fun Friday night out with my girl Cameron and our friends Joanie and Renee delving back into our high school roots with a, wait for it, a Reliant K concert. Reliant K (the pop meets rock teeny bopper band with the way too catchy song, "Sadie Hawkins dance...in my khaki pants...nothing better, ohhh ohhhh...") were rather good, although the song selection exceeded my music saviness and for a brief moment in time I had this strong pang of desire to my sixteen year old self again, where I once blasted this driving around in Mom's Honda accord with the windows rolled down, screaming with lyric with an extreme amount of glee and giggles. Below is a fun little snapshot of the girls and I taken by Cameron's super cool little camera.



After a busy work weekend (where we bid farewell to one of our favorite managers Abby as she left us to go to our sister company) the usual gang of trouble makers gathered for our inaugural girls sleepover (why we haven't thought of this before escapes me) where we dined on heavenly munchies, watched Rosemary's Baby and Hocus Pocus, and questioned the reality of bearing Satan's love child. It was fun none the less and hopefully the picture below captures just that (we missed Bister!).



My favorite part of the whole weekend was laying in bed on Sunday and catching up on my favorite TV shows, including the one and the only Glee. It's a must see, where my words and probably poor description won't give it proper justice, an Ugly Betty meets show choir meets any pop song ever sung in the past 20 years meets borderline inappropriateness meets well as the it is so perfectly titled, Glee. Hopefully the clip below gives you a hint of the pure awesomeness that is Glee.

Cannot wait to see this...

I've been dying in anticipation for the release of this film for over a year now, and as the days creep by slower and slower, I'm getting more and more restless inside, it's agonizing. In the same light as my almost favorite foreign film, Paris, Je Taime (Russian Dolls is and will always be my favorite, nothing can nor will ever replace that), the film follows 12 plus directors as they discuss in little vignettes the ins and outs of love in New York City. And with this star studded cast, it is sure to be nothing short of amazing. I simply cannot wait a minute longer!

The September Issue...

...saw it, loved it, plan to live it. I cannot tell you where my sudden burst in anything and everything fashion related has come from, but consider this a gift from God, as I'm surrounded by my weekly and much appreciated overdose of Project Runway, The Rachel Zoe project, my Gossip Girl (yes, Serena Van Der Woodsen is a fashion icon in and of herself...Blair my darling, not so much), and now, with out further ado my new love the documentary The September Issue. This film follows Anna Wintour in the five month creation of the highly anticipated September issue of Vogue magazine, and is often referred to as the real Devil Wears Prada. I loved this film beyond measure for too many obvious reasons (the amazing photography, the clothes, oh dear the beautiful and richly designed clothes, the overflow of creative juices) but most importantly the no bars hold Wintor has on the fashion industry and the idolist reverence the world holds for her (I believe at one point in the film she was compared to, no lie on this one, the Pope). Yet Wintour, who admits her decisiveness is her best quality, almost becomes muted in the film as we follow who I believe to be the true star of the film, Grace Coddington, and her extremely amazing talent as both a stylest and a true artist who's canvas we purchase at the local newsstand for a little over five dollars. The love for this obvious protagonist grows immensely throughout the film as we discover that even the high up powers of Vogue magazine are not excluded from the cut throat world of fashion. I highly recommend seeing this film, if for anything the amazing artistry that is created by Coddington and alike, I doubt you will be disappointed. For a peak at the film check out this trailer below.

Oh Halloween I do adore adore thee...

I just purchased an insane amount of Halloween cards, discovered a hidden box of decorative pumpkins, am currently in the mist of creating what I'm sure will be the most decadent pumpkin shaped cake, and of course I just devoured a handful of candy corn to spoil any appetite. You could say I'm embracing the season just a wee bit. During my insane consumption of all things fall related, I discovered this gorgeous and ever so slightly carved pumpkin at Sunset Magazine's website, and am a bit envious and also inspired to get started on what I'm sure is a highly ambitious pumpkin project. Maybe I'll what a few weeks and build up the courage. In the meantime check out this tutorial which explains how to create this orange beauty. Good luck!

Fall, oh fall...

It's official fall can begin now, it's October 1st. This month is perhaps my favorite and most beloved, for the obvious reasons that it marks the celebration of harvest and of course, Halloween. Be on the lookout for many an obsessive posts about my passion for this time of the year, but for now, I'll simply savor this Pumpkin Spice latte and enjoy the ever so slight dip in the temperature,

Kate Gosselin, Mama of 8

A few weeks ago I went to the Southern Woman's Show here in Charlotte and much to my dismay I actually enjoyed myself. Perhaps it was my choice of company (I love my friends Nikki and Lauren almost too much), the plethora of southern goodies that I have no shame being in love (excessive monogrammed goods and David Yurman knock offs), an abundance of free food (I've become that old woman at Sam's Club who lingers by the free sample tables), or it could be that my mounting age means I, gasp, enjoy doing this type of "thang." With all that aside, I believe the true reason I enjoyed myself so much is the fact that Kate Gosselin, the mama of those adorable eight little babies, was highlight speaker of the show, discussing almost anything and everything, with a few (okay several limitations).



I'm a huge Jon and Kate fan (let me edit that a bit and say wasa huge Jon and Kate Plus 8 fan, before public messy divorce) and was anxious to hear what Kate had to say, but sadly I must report, it was pretty tame. I did get this wonderful shot of her though, and the caption on my facebook reads, "This is when Kate discovered there was a world wide shortage of self tanner...tragic."



The rest of the woman's show was fun, as I grabbed a little too many goodies (worth every penny) and even had a few celeb sightings, like this one below. Nikki and I couldn't help but express our love for Mateo, he's such a charmer.

Bahama Mama

Sadly, I'm back from my entirely too brief mini vacay to the Bahamas. However I'm happy to report that is was amazing, and I had a wonderful time soaking up the sun, getting my stomach full of Conch Fritters, making a few Bahamanian boyfriends, becoming a thrill seeker, partaking in some pairasailing and snorkeling (big time fears overcome), perusing the impressive knock offs in the Straw Market, losing some money in the slot machines, feeding the aquarium sea life candy while it clearly reads do not, and bonding with my eldest brother and his grown step children. It was a wonderful time, and I'm sad I wasn't able to stay for longer than four days, but I'm already planning my next vacation here, and I believe it will be a cruise with all my favorite people. Below is a snippet for y'all of what sister christian had to endure for an afternoon of fun in the sun, the good old male speedo modeled by my fabulous brother, his step son Jayson, and his step daughters other half Gavin. Their patriotic arrival on the beach was greeted with applause. Forgive me for this picture, but I thought it was at least good for a little chuckle or two, and the sad reality is this is tamest picture I got, the rest are pretty in your face brutal, but worth some good laughs.

No Shoes, no shirt, no problems...

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems



"I've been up to my neck workin 6 days a week
wearin holes in the soles of the the shoes on my feet
been dreamin of gettin away since i dont know
Aint no better time than now..Bahamas!

No shoes, No shirt, No problems
Blues what blues..hey i forgot them
The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
and no shoes, no shirt, and no problems!
No problems

Want a towel on a chair on the sand by the sea
want to look thru my shades and see you there with me
Want to soak up life for a while
In laid back mode
No boss, no clock, no stress, no dress code

No shoes, no shirt, no problems
Blues what blues hey i forgot them
The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
and no shoes, no shirt, and no problems

Babe lets get packed..tank tops and flip flops if u got them
No shoes, no shirt, no problems
No problems."

Kenny Chesney could not describe a more perfect song for me right now, "I've been up to my neck working 7 days a week..." and couldn't more ready for some rest and relaxation. What better timing than now to begin a fun mini vacation in the Bahamas with my oldest brother and his family. We plan on doing a little anti-rain dance so we can sit beach side soaking up the sun and the ever gorgeous surroundings, and so, so much more. I can't wait to come back and report my fun times, but for now I must tackle the dreaded last minute packing. It's okay to be jealous right now ;)

Blues, Brews, and BBQ

I once again cannot believe that the weekend has come and gone and we are heading into yet another one (although this could not come quick enough for me because I will be beach side in the Bahamas!). I'm starting to wonder what exactly a weekend is, because to me it's just a title you put on Saturday and Sunday, not the rest and relaxation many may experience. Despite my insane work schedule this weekend, I did make a special trip to downtown Charlotte for our BBQ and Blues festival, where we chomped down on gyros, BBQ, funnel cake, and saw plenty a crazy and wonderful sight. Below are some fun pictures of our fun evening out.

Here is Hannah and Nikki highlighting the necessity of some after dinner antacids...you will need this after taking part in the overwhelming amount of southern cuisine offered.

The food was of course yummy (will empty your pockets, but of course it is worth it). Our dear friend Kyle wore this during the festival and the fun downtown afterwards to remind everyone that it is in fact fall, and that we must begin to bundle up, starting with our heads of course. Kyle, kyle, kyle...

The best part of the festival was the animals, a whole petting zoo full of llamas, camels, rams, ponies, and this little lamb.

At last a reminder that fall is here, and thus we must document with a worthy and may I say very cute picture.