Royal Wedding

Yeah, definitely watching TLC royal wedding recap. One year ago, the world witnessed one of the most beautiful weddings ever! Seriously, can I please have her dress?!

Absolutely love this photo!

Hahaha love the Cinderella reference!

Yes. I'm obsessed with the royal family. Yes. Kate Middleton is one of my fashion icons. I'll admit it.

Have a great Saturday!

xo,
eMr

Decorated Graduation Cap

I got an email this morning from the medical sales company and they want to set up a phone interview with me on Monday! Woohoo! I'm glad it's not anytime soon so I have time to mentally prepare. This is my first phone interview and I'm SO nervous.

Have any of you had a phone interview before? Any advice for me?

And as promised, my decorated graduation cap! I still need to put two more pearls at the top for the border, but other than that it's finished! Y'all are the first to see it besides my roommate!

I used Lilly Pulitzer wrapping paper in Bloomers that I glued on card stock to make it thicker, I got the pearl border at Hobby Lobby (they're half pearls that are sticky on the back and are in the scrapbook area), and I cut out the Sigma Kappa and my monogram from card stock that I glittered with Martha Stewarts Crystal Fine White Glitter.

You can find how to create your own monogram using Microsoft word by going to my Crafternoons page and clicking on monogrammed tag. I then printed the monogram on card stock, cut it out using scissors and an exacto knife, modge podged the glitter on and voila! I'm sure you could use color card stock or colored glitter to match your cap as well.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and I feel like it suits me (LP, monogram, pearls, glitter, & sorority letters? SO me haha.)

Have a fabulous Friday!

xo,
eMr

Oh Happy Day

I just turned in my last paper for my undergrad! My eyes burn from looking at my computer screen so long, but I am so happy to be done! done! done!

 I was a little pissed discouraged earlier when I found out that the bookstore was buying none of my books back, I mean really? You make me spend $50 to close to over a $100 on used books, and then you won't even take them back?! Oh well, I can probably get more money for them online anyways. Don't college books drive you crazy with the cost? Another bad part of college I won't have to deal with anymore haha!

So while I was upset about not getting any money for my books and writing my third ten page paper in the library, I got an email from Jasmine at Jasmine's Reality asking for my address because.....I won her Stella & Dot giveaway! I am ecstatic! This is the first giveaway I've won and it happened to come at just the right moment!

I'm happy to say that these gorgeous earrings are soon to be mine! They are going to find a wonderful new home on my ear lobes and will be great for summer! 

I am so thankful! Oh, and be sure to wish my sweet friend and sorority sister Ashley at According to Ashley a happy birthday! She turned 23 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY! I love you my sister :)

Hope y'all have a wonderful Wednesday! 

xo,
eMr

She Said Yes to the Dress!

I went wedding dress shopping today with Liv and I'm so excited to say that she said yes to a dress! It is absolutely GORGEOUS on her and fits her so well (yes, I cried haha). You'll just have to wait until after the wedding when I post pictures to see what it looks like, but I will give y'all a sneak peak into what kind of bridesmaids dress I'll be wearing :)

Liv is having her wedding in December and her colors are light blue, purple, and grey. More of a winter wedding than Christmas one. Here's the two we all like:

The dresses are from Bari Jay and I am in love with dress #1!

(both dresses are in Misty Blue, but the last one looks brighter for some reason). I honestly can not wait for this wedding!

Also, thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers about this job. I just had my email interview and am waiting to hear back to see if they want to have a phone interview. If so, I will then have an in person interview, communication assessment, meeting with CEO, and then, hopefully, hired! (told ya it's a long process haha) I can't tell y'all how many times I've held my breath today when I saw my phone light up with an email, but it was so comforting to read your encouraging comments and to know that you were all thinking of me! 

I really can't express into words how much it means to me to have such amazing women, who I have never met in person before, say such encouraging and kind things to me through this whole process. I would give you all hugs if I could and I will definitely keep you all posted on my job journey! 

Hope y'all had a great Tuesday!

xo,

eMr

Fingers Crossed and Double Crossed

I have some news! 

I applied for a medical sales position in Nashville and was lucky enough to start going through the interview process. It is so nerve wracking! Their interview process is extensive, plus when I looked at their website a majority of the company was older men. Hopefully they're looking for a young 20 year old woman who is ready to get to work! I know that if I don't get this job, God has something better in mind for me, but that doesn't mean that I still don't really really really want this job haha.

Please pray that my interviews will go well and that they will be able to see past my age!

Oh, and I started decorating my graduation cap! I'll give y'all a sneak peek sometime this week :)

Have a wonderful Monday!

xo,
eMr

" I Got This God, I Got This"

I just thought I'd share with y'all what I read when flipping through my devotional this morning. It's from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling, which is one of my favorite devotionals! So if any of you are looking for a good devotional to read in the morning this one is fantastic. It was just what I needed to hear this morning and I'm sure I may not be the only person who needs to hear it today. As you all know I've been stressing out a lot lately. It always seems that everything has to happen all at once (finals, graduation, finding a job, moving back to Nashville, ect.) and at times like these I can be a huge worrier. Why should I worry so much when my Father is holding my hand the entire time and already has a great plan for me? Seems silly to worry really. This little devotion just reminded that everything is going to be ok.

"Come to Me, and rest in My loving Prescence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you -- now and always. Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way! Instead, come to Me, and relax in My Peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust. " Matthew 11:28-30; Joshua 1:5, 9

After reading this, I realized I need to get out of my three year old "let me do it" phase because in reality I cannot to do any of this alone.

It made me think of this time when my friend Allison helped me with moving. She was grabbing my huge nightstand out of the back of the truck when my friend Matt and I looked over at her. We saw little Allison pulling this thing that weighs almost as much as she does and she was planning on carrying it! She said "I got this guys, I got this" being somewhat sarcastic, but also completely serious. We of course ran over and helped her and to this day Allison and I will joke and randomly say, "I got this guys, I got this" haha.

How often do I tell God, "I got this God, I got this" when I'm really taking on something way bigger than myself and am in desperate need of His help to carry the load? If I ask Him, He will run over and help me. All I need to do is ask. He has already been through every pain and difficulty I have and will ever face and He will  strengthen and prepare me for every trial. How comforting is that?! Just remember "Gods got this!"

I hope you have a peaceful Saturday!

xo,
eMr

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This may be strange, but I woke up craving Emily's, from the Life of EmCain, buffalo chicken dip. For those of you who don't know, Emily and I were roommates for a year before she was married. She used to make this yummy goodness all the time and I haven't had it since she moved out! So, today I took a trip to Wal-mart and cooked it up. Let me tell you, it was just as good as I remembered! It made such a good little meal while writing papers and having study sessions haha. This also makes a great food for football season!

Here's the recipe, but you can also find it on Emily's blog.

What You Need:
2 (9 3/4 ounce) cans of drained chicken
1/2 cup hot sauce (I used Frank's)
16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ranch
16 ounce cream cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Drain canned chicken and place in oven safe dish. Mix ranch, hot sauce and softened cream cheese with chicken and place in the oven. Cook for 12 minutes. Mix ingredients then add cheddar cheese mixing in a majority of the bag, but leaving some to put on top of dip. Cook for another 13 minutes. Take out of the oven and serve with Tostitos (I like Tostitos scoops best!), Fritos, or celery sticks. Best served hot. Enjoy!

Well, I'm going to get back to snacking and finishing my media analysis paper.

Hope y'all have a wonderful Friday!

xo,
eMr

Versatile Blog Award

First of all, let me just tell you that today is my last day of classes! Oh my goodness. Crazy. Next week is finals and then graduation is on Cinco de Mayo (perfect day right?).

I also wanted to share with you how much I have been stressing out about finding a big girl job. God has blessed me so much and has literally dropped one job right into my lap working at a Christian childcare center in Nashville with one of my best friends, but that is hopefully just temporary. I know His timing is perfect and that there is some reason that I'll be working in childcare, but its still stressful. If y'all could pray that I'll either find a job or that I'll be patient and rely on His timing and plan, not my own. I'd really appreciate it!

Anyways, back to why I titled this blog "Versatile Blog Award" and not "Emily's Stressing Out About Finding a Big Girl Job" is that one of my best blogging friends Kelsey over at Just Another Blonde Princess and new blogging friend Danielle Marie at Danielle Marie awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award!

Each Nominee Should:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award

2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award

3. Thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link to their site

4. Share seven completely random facts about yourself

5. Include this set of rules

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination

My Random Facts:

1. Cupcakes are my Kryptonite.

2. I own every season of Friends. It's the only show I can watch while falling asleep because I already know what's going to happen.

3. I love stationary. I always send Thank You notes and I've sent Christmas cards to my friends  from high school every year since graduating.  

4. I am OBSESSED with Essie nail polish. It's the one item that tempts me every time I walk into  Target or Walmart. I own way too many! 

5. Cinderella is my favorite Disney Princess. I think its because we both have a love for shoes.

6. I used to be a figure skater, but I quit before high school. 

7. I am a proud alumnae of Sigma Kappa Sorority at UTC (yes, I just added a link to our chapter website haha can you tell I love my sorority?). I led their Bible study for two years and it was the best decision I made in college. This is actually a picture of girls from my chapter (you might have seen them floating around pinterest!)

and the nominees are:

1. Emily at The Life of EmCain

2. Ashley at According to Ashley

3. Madilene Lake at Classy Collegiate

4. Sweet, Pink, and Preppy

5. Ali at Monogrammed Scrubs and Strings of Pearls

6. Brooke at Brooke

7. b. at The Secret Life of B. 

8. Allie at Allie's Bubble

9. Samantha at Off Fifth Avenue

10. Alex at Sparkle and Swoon

11. Chelsea at The Life and Whereabouts of Chelsea

12. Chelsea at As Chelsea Sees It

13. Jessica and Whitney at Fanciful

14. Katie at Katie Blogs

15. Sara Grace at Dutch and Me

Congratulations ladies! Everyone be sure to check out these girls blogs! They are all great and some are new to blogger so show them some blog love!

Have a fantastic Thursday!

xo,

eMr

Queen of Hearts Approved

So as I told y'all before, my good friend Olivia is getting married! My friend, Meagan and I have already gone into full bridesmaid mode....bridal showers, bachelorettes, girls trip, lingerie parties, ect. ect. We're thinking about taking a girls trip over the summer to either Hilton Head or Charleston and I am SO EXCITED!!! I love these girls so much!

Liv, me, and Meagan in the Cayman Islands!

We all went out for sushi last night and started talking about what kind of bridesmaid dresses we should wear (Liv's thinking long flowing light blue dresses since the weddings in December. Beautiful!) and of course, bridal shower ideas! Meagan came up with the idea of doing a Mad Hatter Tea Party theme....meaning cute dresses and big sun hats for us girls. I'm all over it.

Here are some pictures I found online that have given some great inspiration (yes, I started looking this morning. What can I say I'm a planner haha. I want it to be perfect especially when it's for such a close and dear friend!):

I love how there's an agenda to show guests where to leave presents and what events will happen throughout the afternoon. 

The stacking tea cups and Alice and Wonderland characters are adorable!

 Yummy finger foods!

The bright colors and tea pots as a favor is such a great idea!

And an invitation idea...

What do y'all think? Do you have any good ideas you've seen at bridal showers or that was at your own bridal shower? I would love to hear them and brainstorm with you! 

xo,

eMr

Closing a Chapter

This is my last week of classes in college...EVER! How crazy is that?! I was walking through one of the buildings I have practically lived in all throughout college and thought how weird it's going to be not being in this building anymore.... or no longer being at UTC or in Chattanooga at all.

Not going to lie to y'all but I'm having somewhat of a panic attack. It's so scary closing this chapter in my life and not knowing what lies ahead or not knowing what the next step to take is. I know it will all work out, but I guess this is one of those times I'll look back on and laugh at how everything worked out.

Also, about my last post, I was so happy that it was something that some of you needed to hear. It is so hard waiting for a good man, especially when you've been hurt and heart broken, and to be honest dating gets to be exhausting! haha. Just take comfort in this:

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed" -Psalm 20:4

God gave you the desire to be married or to be with someone, so He will provide for you unless He has some other master plan for you! How awesome is that?! And I will tell each and everyone of you this over and over again, you are all more precious than rubies (Proverbs 31)! 

xo,
eMr

A Good Man Really Is Hard To Find

Last night I found out that one of my best friends got engaged!!! I'm so excited and happy for her. And this weekend I will be going to Chelsea's wedding (that makes number 3 in weddings I've attended this year!). I can't tell you girls how strange it is to see your friends get married.

This made me think though of how hard the dating scene is today. Do you know what our generation is called by sociologists...the hook-up generation. Did that just make you cringe as much as it made me? Our generation is the first to all together skip dating and go straight to hooking up with someone. No strings attached. And the saddest thing is that most women think that this will lead to a relationship! Girls let me tell you that is a lie. Don't believe those movies with Ashton Kutcher and Justin Timberlake haha.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellsprings of life." 

Proverbs 4:23

I thought I'd give you a list of the type of man worth waiting for. This is for all you who are single, dating, and even married. I got it from the book Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendal and Debby Jones and I highly recommend every woman to read it.

1. Spirit- controlled Christian (Ephesians 5:18)

2. Jesus is number one in his life, not just an ornament. (Mark 12:30)

3. Broken; understands how to rely totally upon Jesus. (Philippians 4:13)

4. Ministry-minded, wherever he is, he is available. (1 Corinthians 4:2)

5. Motivator; man of vision, concerned about lost souls. (Romans 10:14)

6. Sensitive spirit; in tune to the needs of others (Galatians 6:2)

7. Understands the awesome responsibility of a husband to his wife. (Ephesians 5:25-31)

8. Humble enough to be a disciple (teachable) and able to disciple others. (Matthew 28:19-20)

9. Man of prayer; he knows the key to his success is his private time with God. (Colossians 4:2)

10. Family man; he desires to have children and raise them properly for God's glory. (Proverbs 22:6)

11. Puts the needs of others ahead of his own. (Philippians 2:3-4)

12. Rejoices in his relationship with Christ. (John 15:11) 

13. Maintains proper relationships. (Hebrews 12:14)

14. Refuses to jump ahead of God's timing. (Psalm 37:7)

15. Seeks to meet the practical needs of others. (Ephesians 4:32)

16. Stands for what is right. (Romans 2:9-10)

17. Follows through on his God- given responsibilities. Realizes "he + Jesus = adequacy for any God- given job." (1 Corinthians 4:2)

18. Understands the importance of feelings and emotions. (Colossians 3:12)

19. Flees temptations to compromise. (Proverbs 25:28)

20. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." -Galatians 5:22-23

I hope y'all have a fabulous Friday!

xo,
eMr

Liebster Blog Award

Sweet Allie over at Allie's Bubble was kind enough to award me along with four other bloggers the Liebster blog award! The Liebster is an award given to up and coming blogs, having less than 200 followers. The word "Liebster" is of German origin, meaning "Beloved, Dearest, or Favorite."

I'm so flattered that she thought of me and I can't believe I've reached 100 followers in just a few short months. That is SO crazy to me!

Here are the five lovely blogs I enjoy reading and am passing the award to:

Kelsey at Just Another Blonde Princess

Jessica at Sweet Simplicity

Ashley at According to Ashley

Emily at The Life of Em Cain

Jasmine at Jasmine's Reality

In order to accept the award you must do the following:

1. Link back to the person that gave it to you.

2. Post the award to your blog.

3. Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers.

4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have been offered this award.

Also, while checking out Jasmine's blog be sure to check out her stella & dot giveaway! These GORGEOUS earrings are up for grabs! But hurry up, it ends April 22!

Have a great Thursday!

xo,
eMr

DIY Card Holder

Yesterday, I took on a what I thought would be a little project. I've been wanting to go through my box of cards for a while now and decided while procrastinating I'd do it last night.

What You Need:

Binder

Hole Puncher

Cards

I have a box of cards underneath my bed that go all the way back to when I was 14. I can't tell you how happy I am that I kept all of these, especially when some were from family members that have passed away. Some were also given by friends from high school and they were absolutely hilarious! I had completely forgotten about half the inside jokes in them. 

(The birthday line! Holy moly, maybe I'm a pack rat haha)

I first organized and stacked my cards from ages 14 to 23, then stacked up other piles with Christmas cards, graduation, Easter, and Valentine's Day. This is what by far took the longest in this whole process. 

I then hole punched them and placed them in a binder from top to bottom and overlapped them. 

and Voila! 

The cover is a free printable from Monograms and Manicures blog. She has the cutest printables! I'm in love with this pink chevron pattern. 

Am I pack rat or do you keep all of your cards too?

I'd highly suggest it, especially to all of you girls still in high school. It melted my heart reading the stuff people wrote about me, some even brought me to tears. This is definitely one of those, "if there was a fire and your family (and dogs haha) were safe, what are some things you'd grab" item for me. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

xo, 

eMr

Birthday Re-Cap

My birthday was Thursday and it was wonderful. My friends and I went out Wednesday. We ate sushi then saw Titanic 3D, which was fabulous! Then Thursday I went home and spent the day with my family.

Here's the card my little sister got me. Anyone with a younger sibling will understand.

I like how it says, "Awkward childhood photos never die." haha so true. It reminded me a lot of this photo...

I guess I was giving Amy a new hairstyle with bubbles...or trying to hide her from the camera because she's cuter than me...who knows?

And my parents got me two different birthday cards this year, unlike last year...

yes, my parents have been divorced for a few years now, but I guess old habits die hard haha. 

She also got me this bag from Marley and Lilly. I am obsessed with it! I'll probably tie a cute colored ribbon around the handle too.

And my parents got me.....

a PANDORA! I was so surprised! I didn't think I was getting one until graduation! I am one happy birthday girl!

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

xo,

eMr

Happy Easter!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and a great time spending it with your family! He Has Risen! 

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Matthew 28:1-10

xo,
eMr

Aren't You Charming

First of all, I want to thank all of you so much for your support and prayers! Even though we may not be sorority sisters, we are all sisters in Christ and that is a much deeper bond by any means (come on, we will be spending eternity together!). I haven't been able to talk to her yet because we are both so busy, but I will definitely let y'all know how it goes.

On another note, my birthday is tomorrow! whoop whoop! 23! My mom and I were talking about what I wanted for my birthday and graduation, so here's what I came up with for graduation: I either want a Pandora or a David Yurman bracelet. My mom threw out the more practical ideas like an ipad or a new computer, but my computer works fine and unless I get a job that requires an ipad I don't plan on getting one soon. They come out with a new version almost every month! I'd much rather have a classic item that won't get ruined in a few years... so obviously jewelry is the right choice.

I'm really leaning towards a Pandora bracelet so I'm going to get my wrist measured this weekend and pick out a few charms I like. Here are a few charms I loved on the website:

What kind of charms do you like if you have a Pandora? What type bracelet and spacers do you have or like? 

I felt overwhelmed when I looked at the website. There are so many choices! So I could use y'alls advice as always haha. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

xo,

eMr

Can God's Way Be The Greek Way?

Yesterday, I got a text from one of my good guy friends asking me if I would be willing to talk to a college freshman girl who has just joined a sorority and feels that she is at a crossroads on how to follow God whole heartedly in the college atmosphere.

I'm flattered that he thought I would be a good person for her to talk to, but it is still kind of nerve racking.  I don't even have everything all figured out, nor would I claim to have it all together. This may come as a shocker, but I'm not perfect haha. I have definitely made my fair share of mistakes in college and know that I will continue to make mistakes outside of college.

But all this got me thinking, do you think joining a sorority can help or hinder your walk with God? I think it most certainly can go both ways from my own personal experience, but it also does depend on the type of people you surround yourself with whether you decide to go Greek or not. I know that joining a sorority was part of God's master plan for me and that He was able to use me and shape me into the person I am today there, but I also know that this may not be the right choice for everyone.

I know there are a lot of sorority girls in the blogging world so I'm interested to hear what y'all think, but also those of you who are not. Is that one reason you didn't join a sorority?

Can y'all please pray for me that I will have the wisdom to know what to say to this girl.

Hope y'all have a happy Monday! :)

xo,
eMr