Thursday, February 25, 2016

Songs to play to get you through the day!

Do you ever find yourself listening to a song at work and then you have to stop yourself from singing or bobbing your head obnoxiously? Yeah, that's me currently with these songs. I had to share some favs that get me through the day!

Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream


Empire Of The Sun - We Are The People


Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away With Me (seeing/meeting her on Saturday so HAD to add her to the list)! #noshame


Holly Golightly - You Have Yet To Win


The Dead Weather - Be Still



The xx -Crystalised


Lana Del Ray - Brooklyn Baby


Lana Del Ray -Art Deco

Robin Schulz - Sugar (feat. Francesco Yates)


Sleigh Bells - Straight A's

Martin Solveig & GTA - Intoxicated 



Enjoy!


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Vegan fashion/beauty boutiques I love!

As we all know, since I was a little girl I have been obsessed with fashion. The art, sewing, designing ( I once made a ballgown out of newspaper!) and everything in between. You may also know that I am not comfortable buying items that have caused harm to animals or have any animal ingredients. As a fashion lover, at first I thought it would be impossible to still find the latest trends that were created ethically but boy was I wrong. Check out some of my favorite Vegan brands/online shops below! I apologize to your checking account in advance ;) 

1. Bead and Reel - An ADORABLE online boutique that prides themselves on creating fashion that is eco-friendly, cruelty-free and sweatshop-free! Me likey. Aside from the fact no little guys were harmed in the making of the items, the boutique is freaking awesome/adorable! They have formal wear, active wear and everything in between. Also, if you sign up for their emails you get 15% off your first order! 

Check out their page here to see why this boutique is so great!



2. Grape Cat - This is your one stop shop for all things vegan. Not only is it PETA approved (and we all know they mean business...) but it has items at all sorts of price points! They have a variety of designers and sell everything from wallets to dresses! If you sign up for their emails you get free shipping on your first order!




3. Matt and Nat - If you want some stylish purses that don't come at the cost of any animals you'll want to check out Matt and Nat. They are also sold in Nordstrom! I have one of their bags and I'm obsessed. I see so many people in San Francisco with their bags and it makes me so happy. The quality is AMAZING and it could pass for real leather (without the guilt). You'll be so glad you picked up one of these bad boys!




4. Petit Vour - Lastly, for all my fellow subscription/beauty junkies I give you Petit Vour! This is a vegan beauty box (you can buy per month which is $15 or buy a couple of  months at a time for a discounted price). You can also buy the vegan beauty products without getting a box each month. So everyone with commitment issues, you can breathe easy! They have so many great reviews of all of their products and a company mission I can stand behind! 





I love learning about new vegan brands so let me know below where you shop!

-Em

Monday, February 8, 2016

Why this heart information is huge for women! (and men)

When I was 17 I lost my mom to a sudden heart attack. I came home from track and found her lying on the bedroom floor, this is an image that will stay with me forever. I called 911 and my Dad took over while I hid in my brother's room. She passed away that night in our house.

My mom was 50 years old (barely, she turned 50 just a few months earlier). To say this was a surprise was and still is an understatement. I often wonder if my Mom had paid more attention would she be around with me today? That's why I want to share some important information in regards to heart health so you can always be prepared! 


Cardiovascular diseases and strokes cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.Let that sink in, this is an INSANE number.
  • An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases.
  • 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke. That percentage should make your jaw drop, mine sure did.
  • Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.
80% of heart disease and stroke may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education
  • Prevention starts by scheduling a visit with your doctor today.
  • Collecting your family health history – More than 95 percent of Americans consider family health history important, yet just over a third actively collect this information.
  • Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack. My dad survived his first attack, my mom died...
  • Try adjusting you life to these 7 rules: (1) Manage blood pressure, (2) Control cholesterol, (3) Reduce blood sugar, (4) Get active, (5) Eat better, (6) Lose weight and (7) Stop smoking
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to facts and stats about Heart Disease!

Make sure you get a yearly checkup, listen to your body and make the healthy lifestyle changes so that you can live an amazing (long) life with the people that matter the most to you.


american heart association source 

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Quick life + blog update!

Hey! 

It's been a hot second since I've posted to my blog - life has been a little crazy since the summer. I got a new job, my brother moved back East, my other brother is moving out West and so much in between. 

I'm really excited to get back to it - get a new website of my own and slowly but surely open up an online boutique (for now- goal would be a store one day)! I have some great companies to review, fashion posts to write about and some yummy meatless recipes to share so hold tight- it's about to get pretty exiting on that 20 something!

Stay tuned :)

Em


Monday, July 13, 2015

Meatless Monday - Meatless Meatloaf

As you may or may not know I am a vegetarian (and proud of it). I am always advocating people to educate themselves where their food comes from. I mean, you would think people want to know what they are putting in their body. Most meat eaters will always eat meat and that is your choice. I never judge. Although, giving up a little meat, even just to participate in Meatless Monday has so many benefits aside from saving some animals (I will list some of them below). I decided that every Monday I will post a yummy meatless option that is super easy to make, doesn't break the bank and can let you rest easy.

Benefits of Meatless Monday:

Reduce Heart Disease and Stroke—Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains have been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease. One study found that each daily serving of fruits or vegetables was associated with a 4% decline in coronary heart disease, and a 5% lower risk of stroke. 

Limit Cancer Risk—There is convincing evidence that red meat and processed meat consumption increases the risk of colorectal cancer. There is also limited but suggestive evidence that red meat increases the risk of esophagus, lung, pancreas, and endometrium cancer and that processed meat consumption increases the risk of esophagus, lung, stomach, and prostate cancer. In contrast, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables decreases the risk of several types of cancers, including mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and stomach, evidence suggests.

Fight Diabetes—Research suggests that plant-based diets, particularly those low in processed meat, can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Curb Obesity—Several large studies in Europe and the United States have demonstrated that people on plant-based, vegetarian diets tend to have a significantly lower body weight and body mass index (BMI). This may be in part because plant-based diets are rich in fiber (which is not found in animal products). 

Live Longer—Evidence suggests that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and a limited amount of red meat can increase longevity, whereas red and processed meat consumption is associated with increases in deaths due to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Improve The Nutritional Quality of Your Diet—Going meatless encourages consumption of plant-based sources of protein, like beans and peas. Consuming beans and peas results in a higher intake of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Also, diets high in beans and peas are associated with lower intakes of saturated fat and total fat.
Curb Healthcare Spending—Each year in the United States, chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes cause 7 in 10 deaths, and account for 75% of the $2 trillion spent on medical care.

Cut Weekly Budget—Many people save money by adding meatless meals to their weekly menus. Meatless meals are built around vegetables, beans and grains—instead of meat, which tends to be more expensive.

Minimize Water Usage—The water needs of livestock are much greater than those of vegetables and grains.

– Approximately 1,850 gallons of water are needed to produce a single pound of beef.
– Approximately 39 gallons of water are needed to produce a pound of vegetables.[15]
Americans consume nearly four times the amount of animal protein than the global average. When compared with current food intake in the US, a vegetarian diet could reduce water consumption by up to 58% per person. That is crazy you guys!

Reduce Greenhouse Gases —Studies show that meat production produces significantly more greenhouse gases than vegetables, including carbon dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide – the three main contributing sources of greenhouse gas. 

If all Americans participated in Meatless Monday, it would prevent 1.4 billion, yes billion, animals from being factory farmed.

Meatless Meatloaf - a favorite for all my Nor Easters when winter times come around. I love to pair it with mashed potatoes and a salad.

What to get:
1 (12oz) bottle of barbeque sauce
1 (12oz) package of vegetarian burger crumbles. You can find these at most grocery stores. Morning Star makes a good one!
1 green bell pepper chopped up
1/3 minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced 
½ cup soft bread crumbs. I use gluten-free ones but itlian seasoning regular ones would be super yummy!
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ( I opt out of cheese)
1 egg, beaten
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon parsley flakes
Salt & pepper to taste

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 1hr
Ready in about 1hr 20 mins

Direction
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
In your bowl, mix 1/2 the barbeque sauce with the vegetarian burger crumbles, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese ( I skipped this since I don't eat cheese really), and egg. Season with thyme, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the loaf pan. It's go time.

Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Pour remaining barbeque sauce over the loaf, and continue baking 15 minutes, or until loaf is set. 

Sunday, June 7, 2015

{Rompers & jumpsuits oh my}

Lately I have become a little obsessed with rompers and jumpsuits. Not only are they the most comfortable thing in the world but you can dress them up or down in a flash and I love that. Take a look below to check out some of my favorites ones this season and even a discount code to save some $$!



First off let's chat about this Coastal Dreams Jumpsuit from Red Clover Boutique. It's super lightweight and looks killer with some wedges! I styled my Lucky Brand wedges with my Swanky J Boutique clutch and necklace. You can snag them below!






I ADORE this romper. The hot pink color is so fun and the pattern is really pretty. I paired it with some black booties, my black leather bag and my awesome Swanky J Boutique Gimmie The Neon Tassel Necklace. You can snag the look below!



 There is something about a simple black jumpsuit that will forever be classy and chic. I paired mine with a pink strappy sandal, J.Crew clutch and my favorite Swanky J necklace -- the Houston Necklace. You can snag this necklace in a gorgeous darker color as well.






 Lastly, I had to feature this look. I love my high top converse so I try to incorporate them into any outfit I can. I have on the Caroline Romper from Swanky J with my high top. This is the perfect outfit to go run errands or meet up with your friends. It's insanely comfy!



 Make sure to use the discount code swankyemmy10 for 10% off all of your orders at www.swankyjboutique.com!!!

Friday, May 29, 2015

{Friday Five - Things from the South that make me happy & trendy fashion addition}


1. Little Southern Boutiques - anyone who knows me knows I am a southern belle at heart. I feel like growing up I spent my summers in some adorable southern towns along the east coast. I love the Braves and I will convince Gavin to move to Savannah. My first little boutique is Swanky J Boutique. This is an online only boutique based out of South Carolina. I love that 80% of the site is under $50, it's fantastic quality and so trendy and fun! I knew I had to become a Brand Rep for them and wa la, it happened! There are new arrivals twice a week and you will swoon over it all, I promise. WWW.Swankyjboutique.com and use code: swankyemmy10 for 10% off all your orders, it never expires!

The second boutique is Red Clover Boutique located in Savannah, GA. They have a great shop and have a site but there is limited product online. I think I have gotten all my friends addicted to this boutique (and SJB)! This boutique was voted the best boutique in Savannah so check them out! www.shopredclover.com

2. Atlanta Braves - I have been a Braves fan for practically as long as I cared about baseball. Although, I am guilty of being a Yanks fan for a few years because our dad is a die hard fan - I was a daddy's girl. They are playing the San Francisco Giants tonight so I HAD to go! Let's go, Braves! *insert tomahawk chop & then some Giants fan yelling at me*

3. 26th birthday - I decided that I want to spend my 26th birthday (oh my goodness typing 26 just gave me the chills) in Savannah, Ga. Do you guys see a trend here? Like, maybe this chick reallllly is obsessed with Savannah? It's true. I am going to book our hotel next month and we will stay for one awesome week. I am feeling adventurous and want to do an overnight in Disney. Fun fact - Disney was where I took my first steps (according to my parents but I'm sure they made that up to make it sound more magical). I had my third birthday in Savannah once so I thought why not go back…23 years later and party it up…aka shop, ghost tours, beach and enjoy a break from the corporate world I live in 5 days a week. And oh yeah, eat A LOT of unhealthy southern food. It's okay though, because I will just do Pure Barre at PB Savannah to work those fried green tomatoes off. I went last October and had so much fun at their location.

4.  Trendy Jewls - If you know me I'm pretty conservative with my jewelry. I rarely wear it partially because I'm lazy and forget and partly because I'm too picky for my own good. Lately though, I've been stepping out of my comfort zone and sporting some really fun, trendy pieces. I have a new addiction to tassels and want to keep learning to make them. I tried once and gave up but I am going to try again sometime soon when I have time! But if you are like me and have yet to master jewelry making you can shop this look I put together below at SJB!


You can buy this necklace and so much more at www.swankyjboutique.com and use code: swankyemmy10 for 10% any order you make! *the top is from SJB, too...I had an addiction you guys*

5. I <3 Rompers - I always thought rompers only looked good on shorter girls but I finally purchased one from Swanky J Boutique and oh my goodness…now I have four rompers haha. It's all about the style you get. Again, I'm a little more conservative so I opt for long sleeved rompers. Plus, it's so cold in San Francisco so this lets me still wear them without completely freezing. Although I do have some fun ones that are for warmer weather when I travel to San Diego or back home in the summer.


What are you guys loving today?!