Medicine & Manicures

Weekend Snaps

This weekend, I kicked off my 2.5 week break with a bang. It is soooo nice to know that I have nothing to study for (even though I should probably be reviewing… I’ll get to that). Sleeping in, working out, lounging poolside. It’s okay… you can be jealous!

First things first, I talked Ryan into getting a Ninja. We have one at the “three’s company” house, but since I’m going to be in Charlotte for several months I decided this was a must for my smoothie obsession. I think these are so much better than blenders because of the simplicity- no crazy buttons or annoying clean-up. This one actually came with a pitcher and a little chopper which would be great for making your own salsa or chopping up veggies.

I wanted to share with you my smoothie recipe. I don’t like milk/ice cream in my smoothies or anything green/leafy. I keep it simple – strictly fruit. You could always add some protein powder to give it a little extra oomph if you wish!

Friday night, Ryan & I met his sister Jessica and her fiancé Ryan (yes, two Ryans) uptown for a nice dinner at Fleming’s. We went for Charlotte Restaurant week, where you can order 3 courses for $30… what a steal! In my opinion, they have one of the best steaks in Charlotte (Del Frisco’s and Ruth’s Chris are up there as well). The quality of these photos aren’t the best, but it was dark!

Saturday was spent by the pool and in the gym with Ryan as my personal trainer (aren’t I lucky?!?). I’m still feeling the soreness but I’m sure he’ll whip me back into shape soon. That night I headed to Nolen Kitchen for a much needed & overdue girls night with Katie, Lindsay, & Ashton. After our yummy dinner we hung around to chat until 11:00… told you it was overdue.

I leave you with some snaps I got on our balcony- with no flash I might add. So in love with this camera! Ps. this is the last week of July… holy crap time flies! Have a great Monday y’all 🙂
Linking up with Biana & Meghan for weekending!

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5 Favorite PA School Moments

12 months. 3 semesters. 73 exams. PA school was everything that I thought it would be and more. Actually it was better than I thought it would be.  I learned a ton of material, practiced clinical skills on real patients, and still managed to have a life. First semester was like “drinking water from a firehose” (we sure heard that phrase a lot). Second semester we got the hang of the tests. By third semester we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Here I am talking like I’m finished with school or something! Our didactic (bookwork) year is finished and on August 18th we will go our separate ways to different clinical sites in North Carolina.  I won’t be sitting in class anymore or seeing the same faces every day, which I guess could be both good and bad.  I will honestly miss it though and I thought about some of my favorite moments from my first year.

1. Meeting my roommates

Let me just tell you, I was a little very nervous to live with two complete strangers. I obviously hadn’t done that since freshman year of college but I honestly love my roommates so much. Last year we moved into the Kivett house/Three’s Company house by campus and 3 weeks ago we made the move to Garner. Yes, we get on each others nerves and we all have our little quirks but I don’t think PA school would be as fun without my roomies Sarah & Jeff. 

2. White Coat Ceremony

Holy crap, I’m actually a PA student!! That’s exactly what I was thinking when I received my white coat at the end of the first week of classes. So much time and hard work had gone into my application and to know that all the hard work had paid off was such an amazing feeling.  Ryan was there to cheer me on and he has supported me so much throughout this program.. I couldn’t ask for a better guy! It was exciting to be surrounded by 43 other people who would all be going through this with me, and doesn’t that white coat make us look official?

3. NC State Fair

Even though we studied like crazy, we knew how to have a good time.  My classmates planned lots of fun events throughout the year and going to the state fair was one of my favorites. I even had my first fried snickers! I guess it made the list because fall is my favorite and I had never been before.  Anytime my classmates go somewhere, we roll deep and I’m glad that we got to experience this NC tradition together complete with fried food & the Ferris wheel!

4. Save the Last PANCE & Spring Fling Mixer

We had our fair share of social events. Save the last PANCE was a Christmas party that we threw for the graduating class and we’re hoping it will become a tradition. The spring fling mixer was my baby. Our class wanted to plan something for all of the graduate health programs and let’s be honest, this girl loves any opportunity to get dressed up! Somehow I took on the role of social chair with my friend Kaley and we made this thing happen. It was held at Gregory Vineyards (wine=classy right?) and was a great time to mingle and dance of course.

5. AAPA Challenge Bowl in Boston

Thousands of PAs and PA students running into one room with “Turn Down for What” blasting. That is how this year’s challenge bowl started out and I was so happy to be a part of it. Just being in Boston was pretty amazing but this was the big party/nerd fest that we had all been looking forward to for a while. Even though we didn’t make it on stage (sad face) we still had a blast and Campbell had one of the largest groups in attendance!

Okay, so I had to add an honorable mention.  This wasn’t really an event but I was so very proud of mine & Sarah’s EKG cookie creations!  We decided to make them for the class during our cardiology unit. If you know me, you know I’m not really a baker, but we had so much fun making them. They were super delicious & adorable and were a big hit with the class & faculty!
Here are some shots from our last day of class celebration & pig pickin!

I’m super excited/nervous to start my clinical year and hopefully I’ll have lots of fun stories for y’all once I start seeing patients on the reg. Vacation is feeling oh so good right now and I’m excited to celebrate restaurant week tonight- we will be having juicy steaks at Fleming’s!  Have a great weekend y’all 🙂

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#Trending Tuesday: Easy Breezy + Giveaway

I’m all about easy, breezy dresses in the summertime.  Pants in 90 degree weather = my worst nightmare! This fun little summer dress is thanks to Simply Dixie Boutique.  They are the perfect place to get your Southern, contemporary clothing at affordable prices. They also have a large selection of Piko tops and tunics (will definitely be looking to those in the fall!).

This coral & teal number is fun, bright, and captures the essence of summer.  When I saw the pattern & color combo I fell in love! I mean… they are the colors of my blog.  Not to mention that it’s so soft and comfy and I love the button detailing on the back.  For jewelry, I stuck with gold and layered my trusty monogram necklace with my fun little giraffe.

I wore this out to dinner this past Friday when Ryan & I went to get sushi at Emzy (conveniently located by the Knights stadium) and I got this yummy lychee mojito.  Don’t you like the “his & hers” theme we have going on here?

If you love fun & bright outfits for these hot summer days, you’re in luck!  I’m partnering up with Simply Dixie to give away a $30 gift card to one lucky reader.  Enter until 7am EST on Friday and I’ll announce the winner that day on my post…. good luck y’all!

Ps. All of these cute pieces are under $40!  Which one is your favorite?

Medicine & Manicures
Link up with Amanda, Katie, Zelle and I every week to talk about the latest trending topic!

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Oh Hey, Justin Timberlake!

  
Ryan has been full of fun surprises lately and was trying his best to find some lower level Justin Timberlake tickets that didn’t cost an arm & a leg (we’re talking $400+ for lower level, people!).  After dinner on Friday, he told me about this plan and how some Craigslist people were trying to scam him (typical) and how it was supposed to be a surprise.  Of course I told him that he was so sweet for trying, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world.  He didn’t think I’d want to sit in the upper level, but we went ahead & checked out those tickets on Saturday.  That night at 6pm we decided we were going (yay!)- we found tickets for $60 each so to the nosebleeds we went!

I was so very excited to get some last minute tickets at a steal but the night just got better.  During JT’s 3rd song we decided to get a beer… best decision ever! We literally just stepped in line when one of the staff walked up to us and offered to move us down to the lower level… UPGRADE!!!  I was thinking- OMG this is too good to be true… how did she happen to choose us?  Well, we followed her down and got amazing seats directly across from the stage behind the VIP section.  Life.  Made.

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Summertime Blues: Home Decor

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I love blues and I love patterns.  I’m sure most of you can agree that West Elm has some of THE cutest bedroom decor out there (and everything else, really).  Their duvet covers are chic and modern and the patterns are to die for.  I’m still holding on to my green one from my first apartment, but I would love this blue & grey ikat design- so serene and calming for the bedroom (plus it’s on sale!).
Another place where I always see the cutest home goods is none other than Target.  Yep, your credit card’s worst nightmare.  Every time I walk by the home section I always see a new pillow I want or a candle… or a fun new chair like the one below- you get the idea.  And anything from the Nate Berkus would be A-OK in my house… when I have a house to decorate, that is.  I’m always looking at/pinning home decor ideas but feel like I have to wait so long before I can put my decorating skills to the test.  There is no point to decorate this little apartment with mismatched furniture from 3 roommates.  And as for Ryan’s place, well… it’s still a little bachelor pad-esque but we will be updating a few things this summer once I move back in for a while 🙂

Speaking of pinning, here are some of my favorite blue-inspired home ideas.  Blue walls and accents are a great way to make a home feel light and airy.  I say that my favorite color is green, but I have to admit I’ve accumulated many blue goods over the years so who knows… I like ’em both!

To all my lovely readers out there- you rock & have a happy Thursday!
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#Trending Tuesday: Fit & Flare

Banana Republic striped dress // Sam Edelman wedges, old (similar here, here, & here– only $15!) // Sylvia Benson tassel necklace, love this one too // Kate Spade clutch, old (similar) // Kate Spade sunnies (similar) // BaubleBar ring // Bracelets, old (similar here & here) // Hourglass lipstick in Ballet // UV nails gel color in My Soulmate

I’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.  Tight fitting tops with flowy skirts – fit & flare dresses are everywhere right now.  These are always a classy option and are versatile, taking you from the office to Sunday brunch.  I wore this when I was visiting Ryan’s family in New York (isn’t Lake Champlain gorgeous?) and am super excited to wear it to clinical rotations in just a few weeks!!  It’s professional and fits me to a T (love that Banana Republic has petite sizing).  The fabric is soft yet a little on the thicker side, so it maintains its shape very well and I love the mixed striped pattern- black & white never goes out of style.  

Can we also take a minute to talk about my shoes?  Yes they’re simple, but I’ve had these babies for over 3 years and they are my spring & summer go-to shoe!  Your closet should definitely contain a pair of nude espadrille wedges.  Why??  Because they are comfortable and go with everything!  If you want a good steal, these are at Target for only 15 bucks!!

There are so many fun fit & flare options out there, so here are some of my current faves… happy trending!

Medicine & Manicures

Link up with Amanda, Katie, Zelle and I every week to talk about what’s trending and thanks for reading along!

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