Irene's Aftermath

August 30th, 2011
Photo #319
If you haven't heard because you've been living under rock, which now has most likely been blown a few miles away, Hurricane Irene took an immense toll on the north eastern coast over this past weekend. New York was hit terribly and so much damage has been done it's hard to keep watching all the devastation. My hometown area was hit extremely hard. Trees were uprooted, roads and bridges collapsed, and entire houses have been washed away. It's really hard to understand the seriousness of it all being so far away, but from what my parents and friends have told me and photos like this, which by the way this is or was my backyard, it really is insanity. People have been without power for days and it is nearly impossible to get anywhere without having to take a super long detour. I wish there was something I could do but unfortunately the sending of my love and positivity is all that I can do from where I am at, as well as fully understanding how lucky my family was to not have any irreplaceable damage to our home and belongings. We are all extremely grateful!

Xx
-E

Hippie Chick

August 30th, 2011
Photo #318
Apologies, as always, for the missed post yesterday. This week has been the craziest and most exciting whirlwind imaginable. But I am loving every second. This photo I got by means of text message and absolutely adored it. My gorgeous Momma was in her natural environment at the Blues Festival in my hometown. Look at her in those too fabulous for words pants. I told her she was one very lucky lady that those pants are safely in her closet back in NY because they would be mine and on my body otherwise!

Xx
-E

Weekly Update

August 29th, 2011
Photo #317
We have a precious little board on our fridge that gets updated each week on the activities the #houseoflove are up to. This week is equally the most exciting week for each member of this glorious house. We are returning home, starting new amazing careers, having visitors, football is back, and celebrating a big 25th birthday. Mazel tov all around to the #houseoflove!

Xx
-E

Roadside Market

August 28th, 2011
Photo #316
It was a serious struggle getting back to Nashville today. We didn't leave ATL until like 5pm because getting off the couch was nearly impossible. Although it does indicate that we had one epically successful weekend. So during our journey back north we made a little pit stop to refuel the tank and our hungover selves. During this little stop we came across a storybook type roadside stand full of peaches and other kinds of produce. The fresh local fare was rather delectable and the best part was this sign that accompanied the perfect Georgia peaches. Despite the teensy spelling mistake it was just too darling not to capture and blog. I also has my first experience with southern boiled peanuts. Give myself an A for effort for trying them but they are just not something I'm into. Overall, great weekend and despite the struggle great trip back. Back to reality tomorrow but it is the beginning of the most exciting time of my life!

Xx
-E

Saturday Motto

August 27th, 2011
Photo #315
To continue off of the make up post intended for yesterday, enjoy your Saturday night. Rock high heels and have high hopes.

Xx
-E

Southern Belles

August 26th, 2011
Photo #314
I'm loving life in Atlanta this weekend and having a blast as usual. Although last night was an absolute fail due to food poisoning, and the reason why there was no blog post yesterday. But we are making it up tonight don't you worry. We had a fabulous dinner as you can see by this photo and the night is only going to continue in the epic direction. Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday.

Xx
-E

Pre-Weekend Inspiration

August 25th, 2011
Photo #313
Friday is just a few hours away and the weekend is upon us. I'm off to ATL for another girls get away celebration with my fave Carrollton beauties which I am extremely excited about. I'm having a little loss for blogging today so I'm leaving you with this little inspiration to start your weekend off on the right foot. Positivity and gratitude to everyone!

Xx
-E

The Perfect Hump Day

August 24th, 2011
Photo #312
Today was a great day. First of all I had the day off so I got to sleep in, do some yoga, paint my nails, relax and go for a run. Then I had the absolute pleasure of dining with The Wedding Date at an amazing sushi place outside of the city. As you can see by this photo, the sushi was incredible. Ive eaten sushi in millions of places and this just might be a top contender. We've decided to broaden our horizons and cause a scene at other places besides weddings. So after dinner we went miniature bowling. It is exactly what it sounds like. A regular game of bowling but all miniature sized. It was a total hoot and I had a blast!

Xx
-E

Library Treasures

August 23rd, 2011
Photo #311
I've been on a serious library binge lately. There is just somewhat about wondering through a library with no intention of finding a certain book and then stumbling across something in the stacks. I will walk around for hours in the fiction section just pulling books out based on the title then I read the back and choose from there. I recently took out "Needles and Pearls" which is off to a good start. But I noticed the greatest thing today while I was reading. On the bind of the book, the initials EP were written in pencil. I thought it was such a fabulous coincidence that the book I randomly pulled from the library would happen to have my initials written on it. It's the little random things in life that really make you smile and can just make your day. And it's yet another reason why I love the library.

Xx
-E

Twinsies

August 22nd, 2011
Photo #310
Yes I bring to you another photo from the reunion weekend. But this one is just too pretty not to share. We snapped this one mid-dinner and game session. Chlo Chlo was my first friend when I moved to Nashville for the first time two years ago and we attribute our instant connection to the fact that we are both crazy Gemini twins. We just get each other and love it. Which of course is the same with all my Nashville soulmates and the reason why I am one of the luckiest girls ever. Oh and side note, red lipstick and sparkles makes everything better.

Xx
-E

Soulmates

August 21st, 2011
Photo #309
I can't even believe this weekend had to come to an end. I'm seriously going through a bit of withdraw. We had the absolute best time in the world celebrating our friendship and Lizard's bachelorette. Not that we would ever not have a great time together, but this weekend was just so overly epic I didn't think it was real at some points. Every moment, especially at their height of ridiculousness, was incredible. It made me realize just how lucky I am to have people like this in my life. There is no way I would be where I am right now if it wasn't for these four women. The reason I'm in Nashville living my dreams all started from meeting them and our friendship becoming what is it. And yet another beautiful photo was captured in the midst of the amazingness of last night. I wish I could have them with me every night, but the fact that we are away from each other so much makes our weekend reunions that much better. The friendship we have is truly on the level of soulmates because it doesn't matter how much time has passed or how many miles are in between us, it changes nothing. We pick up right where we left off last time and if anything is ever needed in between I know they are the first to be there. We are on a whole different level above the rest, from now until always.

Xx
-E

Pink Bachelorette Princess

August 20th, 2011
Photo #308
Tonight is the official night of the bachelorette party. We went all out with every obnoxious party favor ever. Lizard is the quintessential pink princess and all our goodies just enhanced her look even more. We are having the absolute best time at dinner playing themed card games and talking about everything under the sun that is inappropriate. Once again I could not be happier and there is no other place in the entire world I would rather be. Tonight we are making a serious scene and loving every single second. Amazeballs, pun intended.

Xx
-E

Best Buddies

August 19th, 2011
Photo #307
My life is so complete I can not even tell you. Look at my beautiful soul mates. And how perfect that we got this photo around this "Best Buddies" sign. Amazing and so perfect. This day has been so life changing but I can't blog about it right now. When I have a moment to myself where I can really write and articulate I will explain more. But all I have to say is that I am the luckiest girl in the world, so blessed, and all my hard work has paid off. As I said, my life is complete.

Xx
-E

Bachelorette Reunion

August 18th, 2011
Photo #306
I can't believe I haven't brought this up sooner! This weekend is a full force Socialites reunion for our little Lizard's bachelorette party. We have had this weekend planned since March and kept it a total surprise until the last minute for the bachelorette. I've blogged many times before about the five of us only getting the chance to reunite as all five once, maybe twice, a year. And now that this an actually legitimate bachelorette party we have even more reason to celebrate. This weekend is going to be insanity. To start it off on the right foot, as per usual, LJ created these oh so fabulous signs that we will be adorning at the airport as Lizard ad Chlo Chlo get off the plane. I told you, insanity. But I am oh soo excited! These four are my absolute soul mates and I would in no way shape or form be where I am today without them. These reunions make my entire life and this weekend will be no different. Nashville, you've been warned.

Xx
-E

Bombshell

August 17th, 2011
Photo #305
I know I know, she's smoldering hot. But she's my sister so you may or may not have to go through me first for approval. My darling sibling is off galavanting around NYC in honor of her big birthday celebration on Friday. There is the biggest part of my heart that wants nothing more than to be right there with her knocking people out with good looks in the health food store. But she knows more than anything that I am there in full spirit laughing and dancing my heart out for her. It takes a special someone to pull off such a unique and captivating look, which is exactly what T is. Beautifully unique and I uh-dore every ounce of her. Love ya sis!

Xx
-E

Gobble Gobble?

August 16th, 2011
Photo #304
We aren't even going to address my missing yesterday's post. But check this photo out. I was driving to work and ran into this little road block. This doesn't even do it justice as to how many turkeys were crossing the road. Not your typical every day run in here in Tennessee so I could not resist being that girl and whipping out my iPhone to snap a photo. Personally I think they we are smart. They come out to show face in the summer so around November they just happen to be really hard to find.

Xx
-E

Childhood Memories

August 15th, 2011
Photo #303
I was at a loss for a photo today. But after going through some things I came across this one. To set the scene, this was when my cousins and I were about five vacationing with the families at our beach house. We have been going every year since I was two and I have the most amazing lifetime memories from that magical place. I did not know this photo existed until I moved down here to Nashville a few months ago and my mother brought this out of the memory box to reminisce on just how far I've come. It was an amazing motherly moment, and so sweet. She had to see her baby, and only, girl off and set me free into this crazy world when I'm sure to her it was just yesterday that I was wearing denim on denim learning to ride a bike for the first time. My mother has been my rock throughout it all. I've given her praise on the blog before, but I don't think I could ever give her enough. I wish I could remember every detail of the moment in the picture, but I can bet a million that my mother does along with everything in between. I hope that in fifteen more years she has a picture of me now, in this chapter, and feels nothing but the same swell of immense pride she does today.



Xx
-E

Iconic Woman

August 14th, 2011
Photo #302
Most of my followers and closest friends know all to well my support for empowering women and my proud identification as a feminist. I consider it a huge aspect of my every day life and it's something very important to me. It's not like I go around preaching and screaming my opinion on women's rights in people's faces, which is the common misconception of feminism as a whole by the way. But if someone asks I proudly say I'm a feminist and if they want to have a civil and enjoyable conversation I will gladly talk to them. This evening I've been perusing around the internet looking at various different things and as I was googling quotes about empowering women, yes I google things like that to get insight and motivation. Marilyn Monroe was one of the first to pop up when it came to her quotes about being a beautiful woman and embracing every aspect. She was such a spectacular and flawless beauty of her time and really did set and change a lot of standards for women. Unfortunately today, our culture and standards of beauty have lost sight of that so I wanted to pay homage to her. This photo is from her 1962 photo shoot that ran in Vogue. Most of photos of her that made Hollywood and fashion history were of her captivating the camera with her curves and stunning face, but I love this photo because it catches just a beautifully perfect moment off guard. In a moment of contemplation you see a truth. It's pure and it's real. Exactly how all women are and should be seen. There aren't enough Marilyns anymore to give the peace of mind that being a whole, sexual, determined, and ambitious woman is more than ok, in fact it should never be questioned. Don't get me wrong, there are numerous women out there who carry and execute this message wonderfully, but they aren't seen as often or held to the same height that someone like Ms. Monroe was. It's really important for everyone, not just women, to remember that beauty is more so within than it is an exterior concept. And if you don't apologize for who are, female, openminded, experienced, willing, and whatever else that makes you stand out of crowd (all the things Marilyn stood for) you are absolutely golden, even in the moment's when you are simply sitting alone and wondering about anything and everything.


Xx
-E

Take Me Out

August 13th, 2011
Photo #301
Atlanta has been proving to be a fabulous time. We have been venturing around the city, meeting new people and partying just a bit. And tonight we got some oh so awesome nose bleed tickets to the Braves game. I'm typically not a huge baseball fan and I've only been to a few MLB games before but this a great Saturday evening. Plus we just had the best $5 ice cream brownie sundae. Oh wow this is so American and I may or may not be loving every second. I just need some peanuts and cracker jacks.

Xx
-E

BFFL

August 12th, 2011
Photo #300
I'm getting weird in ATL this weekend for a little get away with LJ and some of her hometown friends. Honestly it feels good to get out of dodge for a little while. Plus on the 3 hour drive down here I got to have a serious catch up and heart to heart with my best friend from back home. She is coming to visit Nash for Labor Day and I couldn't be more excited. It felt so good to get so many things off my chest and get real honest advice from someone who knows me through and through. I went to the very beginning of my iPhoto album to get this amazing photo for today's post. Which ps, where have the last 300 days gone??! I cannot believe I only have 65 more days left and one year will be complete. I don't even know if I can talk about this right now. One year is almost come and gone and what has changed, and who I have become will be saved for that last hoorah of a blog post. Until then, I will enjoy myself with the girls in ATL this weekend, look forward to the amazing reunions to come, and be so grateful for the friendships I have in my life.

Xx
-E

Wedding Spectacular

August 11th, 2011
Photo #299
I was tagged in this beauty on FB today and could not help but laugh out loud. I've blogged about my fabulous wedding date before and how much fun we always have. I kid you not when I say I am his go to date for weddings. We will be attending our third together next month. And as you can see by this picture that came from the actual wedding album, we know how to put on a show. Yes, that is his tie on my head and yes we are fist pumping. If you want incredible dancing entertainment at your next event I think you know who to call. We dress up all fancy and stuff and the dance our little booties off with no shame whatsoever. Blast in a glass.

Xx
-E

Trailer Park Garage

August 10th, 2011
Photo #298
If you haven't exactly caught on by now, the #houseoflove is filled with wild animals. You've all met Henry who is the most precious man in our lives, but we have new cuddly addition Fred The Red Fox. He was the most random gift one can ever receive but there is no place like the #houseoflove to take him in with open arms. He lived in front of our fireplace next to Henry for a while. Then resided on our kitchen bar to give some separation between rooms and be up off the floor. But when I pulled in our garage this evening I drove right up into this scene. No big deal, just inflatable gators and guitars plus some taxidermy creatures and other random things hanging out in the garage of young beautiful women in their twenties. Quite the oddity if you ask me. But such is the #houseoflove in retrospect. I have an inkling that little miss Baina went on a cleaning spree before leaving town and resorted to putting the fine men of our household in the garage. Hmm debatable. But now when you walk into our house from the driveway you get a pretty good idea of just what we are all about. Classy classy ladies if you ask me.

Xx
-E

Party Hats

August 9th, 2011
Photo #297
So before I contracted this horrendous stomach bug, I had a ridiculously fabulous night out with the #houseoflove. This was the first night since our July 4th holiday that we have all been together kicking ass and taking names. Of course being the wild bunch we are, we found ourselves at the birthday party of a girl who we didn't particularly know. We had some mutual friends and did have an official invite from some attendees, but we still chalk this one up as crashing a party. I mean real talk, do you see this photo? Amazeballs. It takes a certain group of young women to pull off looking this fabulous in that ridiculous of costumes and props. You gotta love the #houseoflove!

Xx
-E

Stomach Bug

August 8th, 2011
Photo #296
Ugh I've been sick as a dog for the past 24 hours. I literally could not move or function yesterday due to a lovely stomach bug, hence the no blogging yesterday. The last legit meal I ate came off of this plate. I'm putting the full blame on this one for how terrible I am still feeling.

Xx
-E

Brunch Feast

August 7th, 2011
Photo #295
The #houseoflove had an extremely successful Saturday night out. I can't even begin the divulge the details but it was absolutely amazing. We loved every second. And of course after a Saturday night out comes a Sunday brunch recovery. We hit our fave spot around noon and the menu is so fabulous that we ordered almost about one of everything. Feast your eyes, pun intended, on this spread. Mind you, we finished everything on all those plates. It took me until about 7pm this evening to be able to actually eat again, but it was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend. Well actually, what we are about to roll up to tonight might be the cherry on the sundae. What better way to end an epic weekend by celebrating the birthday of an absolute rando of mutual friends. Mazel tov!

Xx
-E

Vintage Roadkill

August 6th, 2011
Photo #294
I am a sucker for anything vintage. The 60s and 70s are my fave era to pull pieces from but the 80s always bring some fabulous gems. Exhibit A, this fabulous leather clutch. This is DD's Mommas and unfortunately you can't see from the photo but there is a legit tired tred mark across the back. That just gives it so much more character. And it it's also a precursor for the night that is about to ensue. The #houseoflove is out and free for a night of celebrating. Maybe my fringe shoulder bag with come home with burn hole or something.

Xx
-E

Rainy Day Blues

August 5th, 2011
Photo #293
The weather has been pretty lame all day today. Lots of rain and thunder storms. Now don't get me wrong I love a big loud and roaring rainy storm to stay in my bed and snuggle all day long, but summer is flying by way to fast and all I want to do is soak in all the last bits of sunshine before the cold comes in. The rain is nice for a little while. But I'm ready for the sunshine and a day like this one now.

Xx
-E

Slap It To Me

August 4th, 2011
Photo #292
And here I am again apologizing for missing yesterday's blog post. I think I've told you all the reasons in the book, so let's just leave it at I forgot. But what I did get yesterday was this absolutely fabulous leopard print slap bracelet. Yes, I said slap bracelet. Remember those? They were the coolest of the cool in any birthday party goodie bag. I was given this wonderful jewel as a precious gift from a dear friend. It's all about the little things in life that pick you up in the simplest ways.

Xx
-E

Inside Joke

August 3rd, 2011
Photo #291
If you have seen the hilarious movie Bridesmaids you know what part of the movie this photo refers to. LJ and I discovered this while reading over the requirements to audition for the bachelorette. That in itself is a whole different blog post entirely. But this was one of the best parts of the movie. I about peed my pants and imitate this part all the time. Not to mention this movie gives big props to female screenwriters and successful women comedians. All the more reason to go see it now if you haven't.

Xx
-E

Officially Official

August 2nd, 2011
Photo #290
After living here for three months, and sitting at the DMV for 3.5 hours today, I have relinquished my NY state license and am an official resident of Tennessee. Today's photo has been cropped and edited to protect the information of the innocent, but this is the new license and identification. It was all a mix of excitement and sadness at the same time, well and some serious impatience. But this real and this is legit. I am here and here to stay. I made the biggest step and move of my life to date out on my own and the next chapter is beginning to settle and carve it's way into my story. Sometimes I do get this overwhelming feeling of wanting to be back in upstate NY living out the summer, wild and free. But there's that part of me that knows all the things I want it to be and all the people I'd want it to include wouldn't be there or be quite right. I made this move for me, to learn and to grow. And I can be just as wild and free on my own than I would be if I didn't take this chance, maybe even more so because I did. I always tell people I moved down here because there was nothing keeping me in NY, but truth be told and realistically, there will always be things keeping you tied to where you grew up. Those things are what gave the support and courage you needed to be set free to where you are now. But there are also things that keep you from moving on and missing the beauty of the new adventure. And those are the things that need to be let go of and relinquished. So maybe now that this is all settling in and I am aware that I am here and I have arrived to this current state, it is symbolic I had to give up my NY license and gain my TN identity to hold on to the feelings that keep me motivated and moving through this new chapter, and set free those few other things that hinder this incredible process and adventure. I'm a New Yorker at heart with a southern soul.

Xx
-E

Bookworm

August 1st, 2011
Photo #289
I became I member of the Davidson County library today. Yes I am a nerd and I love to read. The library is so calming. And now that I have some more free time I stocked up on some good ones. August is a new month, which I can't believe is here already, and I'm ready to start it off on a better foot to enrich my mind and soul.

Xx
-E