Tell Me Something Good!

I loved starting off last week with a happy up-beat bang so why not do it again? Good news, good news, read all about it! I started off this week a bit earlier than usual but it was for the best reason. Want to know why?!  Well keep reading to find out... and then spill all of your good news too! I wanna hear! So my Monday good news? Well...

1. // This weekend I spent my days slowly roaming the streets of Milan and I got the chance to really take it all in and enjoy a slow weekend in the city. One last time, eep!

2. // I picked up a killer Pomikaki bag for only $40. The Milan sale season is no joke! Talk about a steal!

3. // I tasted the world's BEST pizza on Sunday. Well, it's not on any official lists but it's on mine and that definitely counts for something!

4. // Beautiful weather is good news! A week with a drop in temperature and a hint of a breeze is something to celebrate!

5. // Oh and did I mention, MY BROTHER IS HERE! My brother arrived in Italy this morning and it still hasn't truly hit me! Getting the chance to live in Milan for the summer, let alone getting the chance to travel with my brother in Europe, is something I never ever dreamed would happen. I'm so so happy and very grateful for this experience of a lifetime. 

So what's your good news? Happy weekends or big plans coming up? In the words of Mia Thermopolis, "shoot"!

Emily

Tell Me Something Good!

Let's start Monday off right! Tell me something good! 

At home there is a morning radio station that features a segment where listeners call in to tell them any and every bit of good news they've recently had. So why not have that here?! Monday's aren't the best but they're at least a little bit better with some good news tucked in your back pocket! So here's my good news to start off this Monday!

1. I visited Venice this weekend for the first time and it was incredible! 

2. We stumbled across a fireworks show so I finally got my fix from the fourth of July!

3. We have a surprise class field trip to a museum I've been wanting to see!

4. I celebrated National Ice Cream day with some great peach gelato!

5. And lastly, I learned my brother is coming to Italy next week!!! Eeep!

So, tell me something good! What's your good news from this weekend or coming up?!

Emily 

#FridayFinds: Links I'm Loving!

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It's Friday, Friday! (Sorry if I got the song stuck in your head...) But seriously I love Fridays. Everything feels so sunny even if it's still a day in the office. Treat yourself today! And by that I mean to these links of course. Want a laugh from Amy and Tina or revamp your wardrobe? Well then check out these links!

{Link} // Let's start off with a bang shall we? So the French Garance Doré has paired up with Equipment to launch a small collection called Garance Doré Capsule and it is perfection. This shirt {link} is everything I've ever dreamed of and more. I'm loving the fact that small silk scarves are coming back in style. Is there anything more chic? Get ahold of yours now. You can console your wallet later.

{Link} // Have you seen the new trailer for Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's new movie Sisters? Well if you haven't get on it! This is absolutely hilarious and I'm counting down the days till it hits theatres!

{Link} // It's no secret that I love Humans of New York. I'm constantly screenshotting posts and sending them to my friends. It's always a nice reminder to think of all the stories going on around you and sometimes that you're not alone when you're going through some struggles. And the kid posts never fail to make me smile. I came across this one the other day about "Mr. Ferrari" and his happy story about a celebrity encounter. Seriously read it and start your Friday off with a great start.

{Link} // Summer sales are everywhere right now and of course J. Crew Factory is flaunting a great 40% off as well. I'm drooling over so many things in their clearance section. Like can this maxi dress {link} please get in my closet? Also check out their new header sporting "the online home of J. Crew Mercantile. Read my post from earlier this week {link here} to get the inside scoop on this new change-up!

{Link} // Ann Taylor's Instagram is killin' it. I'm a sucker for a great Instagram feed and I actually love seeing the way that brands incorporate their social media to really make a personality for their company beyond the physical stores themselves. So check out @anntaylor for pics of their latest adorable clothes, inspirational quotes and overall beautiful pictures to get you through your day!

TGIF! What is everyone up to this weekend?!
Emily

Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies!

If there's one thing I've been seriously craving since my time in Italy it would be chocolate chip cookies! Believe it or not, gelato, cannoli and tiramisu can only go so far. Yes, I was surprised too! But man. I've been craving those hot and gooey cookies that melt in your mouth and I'd do anything to smell a homemade cookie kitchen right now! I bookmarked this mouth watering recipe {link} the other day and you better believe it's one of the first things I'm making when I'm back in my kitchen at home. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to bake and 5 seconds to gobble up a cookie!

P.S. A helpful hint when storing cookies! Make sure to store them in a sealed container with a slice of sandwich bread inside! It maintains their softness and keeps them gooey for days! I'm not sure why this works but I promise it's a miracle!

I have great summer memories of running inside to eat fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookies, rinsing off chocolate chip hands in the hose and heading out to play again. Try out this recipe for me and let me live my homemade chocolate chip cookie cravings vicariously through you! (Or feel free to send me some!!) But I'd love to know what you think! Does anyone else have a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe?!

Emily

10 Things I Can't Live Without in Europe!

{links}

Packing a bag for a whole summer was a fairly daunting task. I would be lying if I said it didn't take me a week to finally finish all of my little decisions, even down to choosing between taking my black or brown heels. (Spoiler: I took both) But I ended up doing it and I only carried two suitcases onto the plane. With all of my belongings for the summer totaling 50 pounds combined it really made me choose my most practical and essential belongings. I've made a list of the 10 things I absolutely could not live without during my time here. Seriously they've been lifesavers!

Neutral Flat Sandals // {Here} Wow, flat sandals are saving the day. Definitely make sure you pack comfortable shoes that you can wear for days at a time. I brought both a brown pair and a black pair to go with all of the clothes that I packed. I've gotten so much use out of my embellished Target sandals and have held up amazingly through cobblestone streets and surprise downpours. Unfortunately the exact ones aren't available anymore but here are the same style only with turquoise embellishments {here}!

Simple Dresses // {Here} It's no secret I'm a J. Crew a-line dress fanatic but these are seriously saving the day. Did I mention it's consistently over 100 degrees here? Dresses are the main thing keeping me sane and simply styled on these super hot days. I made sure that I only packed dresses with versatility that were appropriate for a day in the office but also to throw on over a bathing suit for the beach!

Sunglasses // {Here} I really wanted a pair of matte black sunglasses before I came on my trip. I like the chic simplified look and it's definitely on trend right now. I've seen so many amazing sunglasses since my time in Milan and the Browser glasses {here} by A.J. Morgan definitely hold their own. And guess what? They were only $20!

Small crossbody // {Here} With all of the walking that you do in Europe it's definitely a pain to have to lug around a giant tote bag. I got this Kate Spade cross body for Christmas and it's the perfect size to fit everything I need. I like the bright red pop of color that it brings to many of my simpler white and black (but versatile!) outfits. Oh so "European".

A Great Bathing Suit // {Here} Did I mention it was hot here? Well the best way to survive the heat is to head to the shores! Just narrow it down to one suit that you really love and save some space in your suitcase. This J. Crew one is to die for. I'm loving the bandeau cut and the classic stripes!

Superga Sneakers // {Here} These are "the people's shoes of Italy" and there's a reason why. I have the color Pink Peach and they were one of my best buys before the trip. They go with absolutely anything and the thing I love about European style is that they match scuffed up sneakers with formal dresses for just a day look. This is definitely something I'm hoping I have the guts to bring back to the USA for but now I'll just keep rocking it here!

Pocket Umbrella // {Here} European weather is notorious for being unpredictable. I'll head to work in the morning with a beautiful sunny sky outside and end up walking home in a downpour. I have already made the mistake of underestimating this unpredictability and got absolutely drenched so now my little umbrella goes everywhere with me. Throw one in your suitcase, I promise it will come in handy.

Texturizing Spray // {Here} With minimal access to a hair drier and straightener I've been air drying my hair almost every day. At first I'll admit I was terrified of this predicament. I try to stay away from doing this at home because the combination of my short hair cut and my naturally frizzy texture that can never decide to be either straight or wavy very rarely turns out to be an acceptable look; however, I've learned to deal with it. This Bumble & Bumble texturizing spray gives my hair sea-salt texture that creates softer waves and body without the use of styling tools. I can get the effortless Italian look and my hair is getting the added perk of some much needed relaxation from constant heat!

A Good Read // {Here} With long train rides and a commute on the metro every morning I've loved being able to have a book to pull out of my bag and pass some time. I started the trip reading Nine Stories and the short stories allowed me to easily break up the book into small segments for shorter reading periods. I just finished the book but I've recently found an American bookstore only a block away so I'll keep you posted on my next train read!

Camera // {Here} Obviously this one is a no brainer. You can't travel without a camera, especially with the unbelievable views in Italy. I invested in a Canon EOS a few years ago and I've never regretted it. These cameras are quite an investment but with proper care they will last forever and their pictures are unparalleled.

Oh hey look! These photos from the beautiful Lake Como has 6 of these essentials. (Shamelessly counted my bathing suit hiding under my dress, my book on the train and the camera that took the picture of course!) 

What are your ultimate travel essentials?
Emily

January Favorites!

I really can't believe that I'm already writing about my January favorites! It's crazy to think how fast 2015 is already flying by! Then again, time flies when you're having fun right?! January started with a break and ended back in the grind of school but I really can't complain. The break was nice but it's good to be back in a groove. My January favorites really show how I'm back into this routine grind hitting of some new and some old favorite go-tos. You know I always love a good go-to!

J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket // {Here} This is the ultimate cool girl jacket and I'm glad I made the plunge last year to invest in it. For one, it goes with absolutely everything and two, it's perfect for that brisk temperature that's too chilly for a sweater but not quite cold enough for a coat. It's the quintessential transition piece and I know it's already going to be one of my spring staples. I'm eyeing the black version!

Gap High Rise Skinny Jeans // {Here} I took a much needed trip to Gap over winter break to invest in some new jeans (sans unintentional holes and not completely stretched) that were much needed. I scored a few pairs on crazy-sale and these were my absolute favorite snatch. They're a higher rise version than I've ever had as well as skinny verses straight but I've been converted. The proportion is perfect with the rise and makes my 5'4" legs look a few inches longer (praise the jeans Gods), the darker wash is super flattering and the leg is fitted but not overly tight. These jeans and my field jacket have been my January uniform and I'm not regretting it one bit.

New Yorker Calendar // {Here} On one of my many trips to Joseph Beth over break I picked up this calendar to keep on my wall at school. I always have an agenda but this has bumped my organization up ten-fold. I keep it by my mirror and scan the week as I'm getting dressed. The classic illustrations also brighten up my room! If you haven't gotten a yearly calendar, get on it!

Clarisonic Mia 2 // {Here} This is truly a miracle product. I had wanted one of these for a while but could never justify paying so much for it. Thankfully I was gifted one during Christmas (thanks Mom) and it is life changing. Not lying. Within a week I had seen a change in my skin and now after three weeks I swear my face has completely transformed. I use it every night before I go to bed and it had completely cleared up any deep blemishes, brightened my skin and softened it without changing any other part of my routine. Trust me, this is worth the investment!

Essie Nail Care // {Here} Yes, I love to have my nails painted and I fell in love with two perfect colors over break {here} and {here}. However, after battling the inevitable chippage and keeping up a shiny top coat I decided to take a break and give my nails some breathing time. I 've been using this base coat about two times a week just to clear up my dry, overpainted, nails and strengthen them in their much needed off-season. Treat your nails to a break too!

What was on your list of January favorites?
Emily

Get it Done! To-Do Lists!

{Links}

Whew, has this year already started off with a bang! Meetings from week one, new books to get, forms to turn in and emails to send have created a hectic frenzy of things to do. In order to combat the constant go-go-go I use lists. So many lists! I have a list by my bed for the things I remember I need to do as I'm falling asleep. I keep a list of my homework, a list of my meeting times and a constantly growing grocery list of healthy snacks that I never get around to picking up. With so many things to be constantly ticking off it's a must to have some personality in your to-do lists and I'm a definite believer that you can never have too many!

There are great options for to-do lists on Etsy with all price ranges and customizable options! Then there is always my favorite, Rifle Paper Company as well! For Christmas, I received a Rifle Paper Co. Weekly List {here} and it's amazing! It consolidates my pile of lists into one little place and helps me keep track of the whole week with one view! Also, if you're looking for a low-cost option there are a ton of options for printables online like this rad monster to-do list {here}! Click {here} to see the links to all of the adorable lists in the image above!

So add this to your to-do list - get cute lists! Are you a list person? 
Emily

Unplug and Engage!

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It's crazy how connected I am we all are to technology. I sat back the other day to calculate how much I use any form of technology throughout the week and (without counting my phone) I would honestly say that it is easily 40 hours a week. Now, if I were to add the time on my phone, this number would be even more outrageous and pretty frightening. The benefits of the internet, social media and messaging are amazing for staying connected however there are downsides that a lot of times we fail to acknowledge. I know that I am definitely guilting of missing the little moments around me because I'm desperate to grab my phone and snap a picture. This year I'm working on making a change, stepping back from the screen and making a sound effort to unplug.

I'm a self-proclaimed Instagram addict. I love challenging myself to see the "little things" in my day, and I will always get a kick out of a good photo; however, there is beauty in wholly engaging in the moment and there's also a refreshing respite in keeping a little bit of mystery. I'm not saying to completely fall off the face of the earth, but not everyone needs to know every great moment in your life and every great moment in your life doesn't need to be photographed. 

I definitely have a subconscious habit of picking up my phone and scrolling through Facebook, Pinterest, you name it. Half the time I'm not even looking at the photos, it's simply a time filler. Walking to class I know I'm glued to my phone answering emails and text messages and doing other mind-numbing and truly insignificant things. I know that I need to take more time to engage in the things around me and clear my mind without the clutter of messages, notifications and bright screens so I've challenged myself to make little changes.

There are so many little things that we can do to take a step away from our electronics. Personally, I need to make a few times in my day (key point: "a few") that I sit down to answer emails instead of constantly checking for that little red bubble to show up on my phone. I need to acknowledge when it's necessary to close my laptop and skip out on streaming music to immerse myself fully in homework. I need to chose to schedule a movie night with friends and popcorn instead of binge-watching Netflix alone and I need to leave my phone at home when you go to dinner and to keep my phone in my backpack as I walk to class. Heading out for the day doesn't always need to require keys, a wallet and a phone. Engage in the day and immerse yourself in the people, places and memories around you. We'll all be thankful for it down the line. 

What do you think about unplugging? 

Emily

New Years Resolutions / Reminders

The turning of a New Year is a great chance to sit down and reflect. It's known as a time to start fresh and clean and make new renowned change in your life. I mentioned in a post earlier {link here} about how this year I want to focus on continuing the change started in 2014. I'm happy where I am right now however there are things that I need to remember moving forward. I finally got a chance to sit down today and really think about these little reminders and it turned out to be quite a hefty list. Here they are!

Relationships

Write more notes // Good stationary and happy thoughts can make anyone's day

More one-on-one dinners // Friends and food and good conversation

Acknowledge thankfulness // Don't take relationships for granted

Plan a roadtrip // Take advantage of friends and a full tank of gas

Blogging

Reach 1,000 followers on Instagram // Hopeful to see where my new insta account will go!

Have blog posts scheduled two days in advance // Less stress and earlier posts!

Work on more blogging relationships // Get connected to this great web community

Consistent Link-Ups // What's better than one blogger? Two!

Look into guest posting // Mixing it up is always welcomed!

Fashion

Invest in high quality neutrals // Grey, black and camel will never go out of style

Wear more hats // I like hat people. Let's be hat people.

Take more risks // Be who you want to be that day. No apologies.

Nail an all-black outfit // It's classic and chic. It doesn't have to be emo. 

Beauty

Face mask once a week // Treat your skin as well as you want to be treated. 

Don't skip washing your face // No excuses.

Discover drug store products // Make up is good. Cheap good make up is better.

Diet

Don't drink your calories // Cake > Coke

Drink four glasses of water a day // Starting with realistic goals
Think Green // Green is good!

Fitness

Morning stretches // Start each day fresh.

Work out daily // Keep up with daily worksheets. Your body will thank you.

Rediscover running // Some addictions can be a good thing.

Spending

Curb spending // Any more to say?

Start saving  // Milan ain't cheap. 

School

Visit professors 3 times a piece during the semester // Even if it's for one question. Go. 

4 hour Off-Days // Four hours of work between Friday & Saturday. Sunday will thank you

Read the news // Break out of the bubble. Come out from under the rock.

Unplug

Tech-free days // Step away from it all for 24 hours at least once a month.

Walk to class without looking at your phone // De-clutter your mind before class.

Read for fun // This doesn't just have to be a break privilege.

2015 Jar // Collect the little things throughout the year. 

I hope to come back to this periodically. It's important to revisit and revise these little reminders. What's on your list of New Years reminders?
Emily

Years that Question & Years that Answer

Well, happy 2015 everyone! It's crazy thinking that another new year is upon us. Usually I see the new year as a fresh start, a blank page and a place to start completely from scratch but this year I see that last digit change in the date a little differently. I truly was happy with how last year turned out. I had a lot of changes that I did not see coming and they all had a funny way of really working out. So today, and this year, I only want to continue on that path of change and see where these opportunities take me. This year, my New Years Resolutions are more of New Years Reminders and when I finalize my list I'll share them but for now I'm just focusing on enjoying this bright new day. 

I did want to take the time to share something that I stumbled across the other day. I saw this quote while I was on Pinterest (of course) but it really stuck with me. There are years that go along steadily and then there are years that push us out of our comfort zones and make us make changes. Both are good and both are needed. I definitely experienced the latter in 2014 and I'm excited for an answering year to see how the questions raised in this past year are really going to play out. 

In the meantime, I will continue to be stubborn with my goals. I will continue to work hard, be kind, stay humble and laugh often. I will continue to keep trying to make the most out of my everyday. And I will continue to believe that life has a funny way of always working out. 

Here's to an answering new year. What's your favorite new year quote?

Emily

A Year In Review: Oh the Places I Went in 2014

One of my favorite things to do is to open up my iPhoto and click on 12 months. It's always neat to see what I was doing exactly a year ago. Well, on January 1, 2014 I was on a plane and, honestly, it's only fitting that this year started off on a plane. I really feel like I went places in 2014. Not only did I have a year full of physical traveling but I also had a year of personal changes and life altering opportunities and I'm the proudest, most confident and most happy that I think I have ever been. So 2014, you were great to me and I can't wait to see what happens in 2015. I'm thankful for a day to look back on my 12 months of photos and remember all of the amazing things that this year had to offer. Here is my list of the 20 things that I learned, the memories that stuck out to me and the things that I'm truly appreciative of in 2014.

1. I started the year on a plane and shockingly learned that I actually like flying. Now airports are another story.

2. I learned that there will be people that come in and out of your life. And I learned that this is okay.

3. I realized that I truly picked the best school for me. And that, is a refreshing, humbling and glorious feeling.

4. I learned that I'm addicted to traveling. Seeing new places, new people, new cultures, new artwork and new adventures is something that I have to have. I'm lucky for the opportunity to travel and I can't wait to see where this itch takes me.

5. This was the year that I discovered Oreos. And there's no turning back now. 

6. I'll never forget the first moment stepping out into the Brussels streets. My first steps abroad will always stick with me. And that first sandwich will also always be the best. 

7. I learned how to run, and to keep running and to get up the next day and do it again. 

8. I added more black to my wardrobe and yes, I am proud of that. 

9. I took an Art History class and fell in love. Art will be a subject that I will always strive to continue educating myself in. 

10. I dropped to my knees when I learned that I'll be working in Milan this summer. I've never been more shocked, honored and unbelievably excited in one moment of my life. I didn't know it was possibly to cry so many happy tears. I'll always remember that moment. 

11. I can truly say I know how to study. It's good to know your strengths and your weaknesses and how to use these to learn the most you can. 

12. I've learned to evaluate my investments. It is important to me to recognize and evaluate my rate of return on my organizational involvements, business ventures, relationships and of course clothing. I blame my major but it requires due thanks. 

13. I've worked harder at getting to know my city. Grizz games, new restaurants and trolley nights. I've only got four years in this soulful city of Memphis and 2014 was the year I started making them count.

14. I've learned how to let it go. Some stress isn't worth it. Type A can take a rest every once in a while. 

15. I've learned that I'd rather spend $15 on a dinner out with a friend than a new shirt. Sometimes its okay to put your money where your mouth is.

16. I've learned my limits. Sometimes after a long day it's time to throw in the towel and drive to get a donut. The work will always get done. 

17. My friends and family have found my blog and (although at first I was pretty embarrassed) I'm excited for them to see a different side of me. Welcome aboard guys.

18. I've taken me-time. I know what makes me happy, what calms me down and what inspires me. Taking a few months to figure this out was something that I will be thankful for the rest of my life. 

19. I have selected a subject that I am truly passionate about. Marketing and business makes sense to me and the opportunities that have already opened up in this area only prove that it was the right decision. 

20. To end where this year really did start - Emily and Dot took off. A blog I started on a whim turned into a business venture and a personal place to reflect and share. Thank you to all of my followers. Every comment, Instagram like and page view really makes me proud. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone and everything that made 2014 so spectacular. Here's to hitting the ground running in 2015!
Emily

My Christmas Eve Playlist!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Today officially kicks off the festivities at my house! Our Christmas Eve traditions revolve around a short drive to visit family where we start with an overly-filling dinner and end opening a few gifts! For today's drive I've curated a short Christmas playlist to settle into the Christmas spirit! Click the link here {listen to my Christmas playlist on Spotify} to play directly off Spotify!

Also, I want to Congratulate Rachel from {Seashells & Sparkles}for winning my Marley Lilly Giveaway! Thanks for everyone that participated and I can't wait to show you what I have up my sleeve for the future!

Merry Christmas Eve!
Emily

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Here's to Treating Every Day Like Christmas!

 I mentioned in a post {here} about how Christmas always sneaks up on me now that I'm at school and I'm not constantly surrounded by garland, string lights and carols. I've been trying to get into the Christmas spirit while I've been at home by catching up on all of my favorite holiday movies. I recently watched Elf (one of my all-time favorite movies ever) and it reminded me of something really important.

Amidst laughing about syrup covered pancakes or angry elves, there is a short scene about the code of the elves and the number one rule is: Treat every day like Christmas. There's something to be said here and it is this. Getting into the Christmas spirit and preparing for this holiday shouldn't' be as stressful as it inevitably turns out to be. Rushing around trying to find those last minute gifts {hope I can help with this post!}, throwing the baked apples in the oven and scouring the house to find one more bow to throw on top of a gift can really make us forget the real purpose of this holiday. Getting into the Christmas spirit isn't about cramming all of your last minute movies or listening to Jingle Bell Rock for the 300th time, it should realistically mean simply taking a breath and enjoying this time around family and friends. Yes, Christmas is just another day. But it is so special because everyone is relaxed, happy, festive, smiling, full with calories they didn't even try to count, warm off of age-old hot chocolate recipes and giddy because they finally got that present they've been eyeing all year. Christmas is about simply enjoying the day and treating every day like Christmas is about constantly looking for ways to give, things to be happy about and moments to celebrate.

So the conclusion that I've come to. I need to chill with my Christmas-cramming and understand that getting into the spirit isn't about making sure I remember all of the words to Feliz Navidad. It's appreciating the family and friends around me, the fact that we have gifts wrapped under the tree and making sure that I get the most out of my time at home. I really should take my life lessons from Will Ferrell more often.

Here's to treating everyday like Christmas!
Emily

P.S. Only one more day to enter into my Christmas giveaway! Click the Rafflecopter below!!!

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Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide!

It's coming down to the wire to buy Christmas gifts with only three days left! I always have that one person left on my list around this time that I just can't figure out what to get. I put together a gift guide here for those last few people on your list. From a classic Chanel lipstick to C.O. Bigelow body cream to a Rifle Bond Paper Co. calendar these are simple and reasonably priced gifts that will still put a smile on their face! (And they won't even know you picked it up the night before!) Click {the link here} to see where all of these goodies are from!

What are your last minute go-to gifts?

Emily

P.S. Remember you've only got two more days to enter for the Marley Lilly bracelet! {here}

Plucked from Pinterest: Holiday Edition!

I always get so wrapped up in finals at school that I genuinely forget all of the holiday festivities going on around me! Trapped in a library for hours on end doesn't give me the time to scout out the best Christmas lights in a car packed with blankets, hot chocolate and my parents' holiday tapes. So to get myself in the holiday spirit (and to take a break from studying) I took to Pinterest! Here are some of my recent holiday pins!

Christmas is the perfect time for plaid and I am head-over-heels for the latest plaid pants trend! Find the pin to these swoon-worthy pants {here}!

I love creative and festive wrapping paper. Look how simple yet chic these gifts are! Want to know exactly how to do it? Check out the pin {here}!

These peppermint cookie dough bars have me absolutely drooling. I always get into a baking kick around the holidays and right now, these babies are first on my list! Recipe {here}!

Ban.do keeps the sparkle all year round and this photo doesn't disappoint. It would look great as a print framed above a mantle to make for some glittery holiday decor or set it as your desktop background and bring some cheer to your computer! Check out the pin {here}!

I'm loving this photo especially. It perfectly captures the holidays: warm, festive clothes with the yearly tree confusion. Love it. See this holiday pin {here}!

Here's to getting in the holiday spirit!

Emily

P.S. There are two cheesy puns in this post. Enjoy!

The "Good' In Goodbye

Mondays are rough. Mondays are especially rough when you're having to say goodbye to your best friend for more months that you would like to count. There is always the inevitable packing after the end of the fall semester. Most students are packing their bags for a trip home for break while other students are packing their rooms to take off across the pond next semester. Studying abroad is an absolutely amazing opportunity that comes with exotic foods, beautiful architecture, lively discotheques, and countless memories but if there is one drawback, it stems from your semester of independence away from friends and family. This is a wonderful thing, and one of the reasons that I would really encourage any student to pursue traveling abroad, however the initial goodbye is not so equally wonderful.

After being in a long distance relationship, I'd like to think I've become a pro at goodbyes, but if I've learned anything, it's that for those who truly matter, the goodbye is never easy. We're not expected to be good at goodbyes, and we're not expected to all handle them the same. You're allowed to freeze up, you're allowed to be silent, and you're allowed to cry like you just got socked in the stomach. It's okay.

For those saying goodbye before a semester abroad, there are a few things to remember. First, remember the reason that saying goodbye is so difficult. Friends and family, and the memories that make goodbyes so bittersweet, will be there forever but also remember that we cannot wait to pick back up right where we left off. Second, find comfort in the technology of the 21st century. With Skype, Facebook, iMessage and Snapchat you are only a button away. The phone works both ways and communication never has to be an issue. Staying up till 4 in the morning to FaceTime will never be a burden. Third, remember that your friends and family will be waiting for you with open arms to hear the stories of your travels and see the photos of every Spanish churro you ate. School will be here waiting for you in the Fall, and your roommates will be more than ready to knock off the rest of your tasks on your college bucket list. Lastly, don't let the goodbye overshadow the amazing experiences you are about to encounter. Everyone truly is excited for your adventures and cannot wait to see where you will go in this world.

So yes, goodbyes are the worst but I would say that there is some "good" in goodbye and it is this. In saying goodbye, we discover how truly lucky we are to have people who are hard to say goodbye to. And I'm lucky that today's goodbye was a hard one. So for my best friend leaving next semester I urge you to take an unreasonable amount of photographs and never forget the pure joy that comes from receiving a postcard. I can't wait to hear about your exotic travels, European men and scroll through Instagram photos of food in the air. I already can't wait to see you in five months in Europe.

Only goodbye for now,
Emily

White Hot Chocolate Recipe!

{Image via}

There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with hot chocolate. I have great memories of snow days spent sledding and walking down to the local coffeeshop where I would get the best white chocolate hot chocolate. Today I'm bringing you a super easy recipe to make it yourself! This is a great one to have up your sleeve for a holiday get together or even just a night in with a cozy blanket and your favorite Christmas movie!

So here's what you need:
4 cups of milk of your choice
1tsp. vanilla extract
8 oz. white chocolate chopped
whipped cream & marshmallows or peppermint

Now to make it!
1. Stir together milk, vanilla and chopped pieces of white chocolate in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasional
3. Continue until the white hot chocolate comes to a simmer (don't let it boil!)
4. Remove from heat and pour into mug
5. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows. You can also ring the mug with peppermint crumbles!
6. Cuddle up and sip!

Try out this recipe and let me know what you think! Does anyone else have a great specialty hot chocolate recipe?!
Emily

This post is part of the December #MMLinkUp: Sparkle, Spice & Everything Nice!

This Year's Christmas List!

So what's a better time than Black Friday to post my Christmas List. To preface this extensive list, this is much, much more than I would ever expect to be under the tree but it's the list of all the things I've accumulated on my want-list over the past few months. This is definitely the most random list that I've ever had but each item has it's reasons! All product links can be found {at my Polyvore account here}!! Without further ado, and in no particular order, I'll dive right in!

1. Quality leather sandals: With a extended trip to Milan coming up this summer as well as my focus on really investing in shoes these three are next on my shopping list. They each three would be staple shoes that go with any and everything and I'm particularly eyeing those silver Seychelles. The thick heel and the neutral color are a safe bet with a twist.

2. Evelyn Henson Prints: I saw these prints a while ago and I'm loving that her store is extending cities. These map prints of Lexington and Memphis have my heart in a nostalgic way and would be perfect for any room! If only she had an Antwerp print!

3. J.Crew Barrettes: I love J.Crew's hair accessories. I have collected a few tortoise shell hairbands that I use constantly but I'm in need of some barrettes with a currently growing bob and these are perfect!

4. Olay Skin Brush: One of my roommates has a Clarisonic that she absolutely swears by but I see the price to be utterly unreasonable. I've searched around for other brushes that have the same basic function, without moisturizing pads that would do the trick. The Olay brush has great reviews and is only a fraction of the price of the Clarisonic. My face is begging for this under the tree!

5. Compact Point & Shoot Camera: I have a SLR Canon that I invested in during high school and it was one of my best purchases I've ever made. While it's a great camera, the sheer size has it's drawbacks. Especially when traveling abroad this summer, I wished I had a smaller more portable camera for those times that I had a tiny cross body or needed to be able to sneakily take a photo in a no-photozone cathedral! This would be perfect for nights on the town, more active adventures and the ability to throw in a small purse!

6. Small Crossbody: I'm in need of a good-quality purse to carry around with me everywhere. I love these simple structured cross body purses from Kate Spade and Fossil. I'm looking for a bright pink or turqoise color or a neutral gold!

7. Camp Socks: These socks are from LandsEnd and have great reviews but I'm also a fan of my tried and true Camp socks from J.Crew. Who said getting socks for Christmas was such a bad thing? I love these around the house and tucked into boots to be more cozy and warm!

8. Dave Matthews Antwerp Print: This print has all of my favorite things. It's the poster for the DMB concert in Antwerp a few years back and it has so many memorable symbols of the city that I love. What a cool addition this would be to a room!

9. Italian Lessons: Wow, never thought I'd be asking for this but I'm really looking for some Italian lessons. With a summer spent by myself, in a city with a completely foreign language, I need to know some basics. I'm not sure if Rosetta Stone really is the program that I would learn best in but there are some General Italian Lessons in Memphis and some geared specifically for business in Italy. I'm keeping my eye out for some of these and to have these as a gift would be so appreciated!

What is making your list this year?
Emily

This Thanksgiving: 10 Things I'm Oh So Thankful For

Thanksgiving is good for us all. Not just for the acceptable day of an overindulgence of carbs but, more importantly, because it gives us a time to think of all the things we're thankful for. Even if you don't go around the table and formally state these things it's still in the back of your mind. We all need to do this every once in a while. It's easy to take for granted the great things in our life. Here's the list that I've been thinking about the past few days and it came out to a perfect number 10. So in no particular order, here are 10 things that I am oh-so-thankful for during this past year.

1. Family // Family is important and I'm lucky to have the family that I do. Being in college really makes me appreciate the time that I spend with my family even more and I'm always thankful for the time to relax around such a supportive and loving group.

2. The Very Best Friends // I'm not sure what I would do without my best friends. I know I would have a lot less blackmail-potential photos and way less embarrassing stories but I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm thankful for my the best friends that have at school, the best roommates that I get to live with daily and the best friends I have that are only a phone call away. These goobers are for life and I'm so appreciative.

 3. Kappa Delta // It may sound cheesy but KD has given me so much more than I would have ever thought. Not only did it give me an extensive collection of t-shirts but it also opened up to me a network of 200 amazing women, introduced me to the above mentioned best friends at school and gave me the opportunity to have a hands on role in leadership. AOT to all of my sisters. I'm so thankful to be apart of this incredible organization.

4. A Happy Home // Thanksgiving is a time that I do reflect on some of the things that I am lucky to have like food on the table and a roof over my head. I am so thankful for a happy home both in Lexington and Memphis where I feel safe, welcomed and loved. A bed is a beautiful thing and shouldn't be taken for granted.

5. Opportunity to Study Abroad // It might sound cliche but studying abroad truly changed my life and I will forever be appreciative of such an amazing opportunity. Not only did I get a chance to learn in Antwerp classrooms my favorite subjects but I learned of my independence, unquenchable curiosity and a passion for travel. I'm thankful for all of the things that made this possible and all of the alterations that this experience had on my outlook on life.

6. My School // To keep it simple: I picked the right one and it's a great feeling to be completely sure of that. The opportunities that Rhodes has opened up to me has been unbelievable and something that I hadn't expected. The chance to live in a soulful city, the ability and financial aid to study abroad, the chance to work at the core of some of the campuses main operations, one-of-a-kind classes with incredible professors and brilliant students have made my 3 years spectacular and I cannot wait for the fourth. I'm so thankful for this beautiful campus and the amazing opportunities that it has offered.

7. A Time to Date Myself // This summer I finally got the chance to focus on solely me and this summer I started a great relationship with myself. I learned the importance of treating myself, taking care of myself and really getting to know who I am. Just like the feeling of knowing I picked the right school, it's even better to know exactly who you are and feel completely you. I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to make my own decisions purely for me and to guiltlessly live out my dreams. I'd urge anyone to take the time to date themselves and I'm appreciative of the chance I've gotten to do this.

8. Road trips // The road trips that I took this summer, besides the big one across the pond, really stuck out in my mind when looking over this year. Whether they were a 30 minute drive to a hike, an hour and a half drive to a concert or a six hour drive to a much needed lake weekend I'm so thankful. The chance to get away and take your mind away from routine is always needed and the soul-searching that also comes along with these drives and mini-vacations is a much appreciated added perk.

9. A Good Pair of Running Shoes, Some Concert Tickets and a Netflix Subscription // These are luxuries that I am so happy to have. I'm happy to know the little indulgences that make me happy and I'm happy to have them in my life. I'm thankful that I found a free therapy in running. I'm thankful for the chance to go to concerts this year with my favorite people and I'm thankful for the mini treat once in a while that is a Netflix binge. I'm lucky to have these luxuries and on Thanksgiving I'm giving them their much needed appreciation on my list. 

10. Emily and Dot // Last but not least, Emily and Dot has made the list. I started E&D at the beginning of this year and it's completely blown me away by, first that I've actually stuck with it, and secondly by what it's grown into. What started out as a way to jot down random thoughts has turned into a daily ritual, a business venture and a way to meet other amazing bloggers in this crazy little universe. I'm so so happy and so very thankful for what Emily and Dot has become and I'm thankful for the readers like you that have made this happen. 

So here's my list and I guarantee I have left many things out but I'm lucky to have the things in my life that I do. We always need time to sit down and reflect upon the things that we're grateful for.

What made your list this year?
Emily

Pause: I'm Living in Milan?!

A few weeks ago I wrote a post {here} about going for your dreams even if they sound far-fetched. A little while after I wrote this I got some big news, good news but big, and it was one of those moments that really stops you in your tracks. I made a big step towards my dreams for the future and I'm coming to the conclusion that even though it sounds cheesy, everything I said in the post really is true. Sometimes you just have to jump in and go for it. Honestly, most of the time it will fail but those times that they pay off are unbelievably magical. I've laid a few hints around E&D about my plans in my post about applying for internships {here} and relentless wanderlust {here} but this past week all of these things came together.

So what's the big news? Let's start at the beginning. Recently, I applied for a scholarship provided by my school that would fund an internship abroad, anywhere in the world, for the entire summer. Historically, my school has sent students to the same cities with many of the same companies. I started writing my application for one of these programs but in the middle of it,  I figured if I was applying for something so far-fetched anyways then I might as well go all in. I decided to throw in all of the cards and take a risk. I wanted to ask for my ultimate dream, many people's ultimate dream, knowing that I was possibly diminishing my chances for the scholarship. I applied to intern in Milan for a fashion creative agency. Crazy, I know.

It was risky.  Honestly, as soon as I turned in the application I regretted it and told myself to start forgetting about it because I was sure it was impossible. Fast track a few weeks to last Thursday. I finally got the much dreaded email but, here's the good news,  I've never been more blown away in my life. It paid off. I picked the ultimate dream, working in the fashion industry in Milan, and now I'm headed there this summer. I threw in all of the chips and, holy crap, I'm going to be living in Milan!

It's been pretty neat to see the culmination of all of my hardwork and right now, I'm having a blast seeing how my life is unfolding. It all does pay off. Keep working your butt off and amazing things will happen. It just comes to show that one of my favorite quotes really is true: the harder you work, the luckier you get. I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that Emily and Dot will be written out of Milan this summer but I couldn't be happier.

Life is good,
Emily