Medicine & Manicures

Sunnies for the Guys + Giveaway!


Well, it’s officially here. Wedding season is in full swing and somehow we always get more and more each year, probably because we’re just getting older and everyone is settling down. Anyways, one of my favorite things about a wedding is dressing up (and seeing my handsome fiancé in a nice suit!). 





Ryan and I attended a wedding in Florida last weekend and the ceremony was outdoors. What’s the single most important item to bring to an outdoor wedding.. besides a present??? Sunglasses, of course! I have teamed up with MyEyeDr. to take about styling sunnies for the guys. Ryan received these Ray-Ban Classic Clubmasters (they’re polarized too!) and the wedding was the perfect place to take them for a spin! 









Banana Republic Factory suit // Charles Tyrwhitt white shirt // Ray-Ban clubmaster sunglasses


polka dot tie // Kenneth Cole oxfords, similar





Ray-Ban may be our favorite brand of sunglasses because their classic styles have stood the test of time. I love the vintage/retro look of these and the gold rims are a fun touch. I have to say, Ryan was a little iffy on them at first, but I think he looks pretty handsome in them, don’t you? Protecting your eyes from the sun is super important so we always keep a pair of sunglasses (or two!) with us at all times.





Thanks to MyEyeDr., one lucky reader will win a pair of sunglasses for that special guy in your life- and you get to pick the pair! There are always tons of giveaways for us girls, but now is your chance to surprise your guy with a fresh pair of shades that will keep him looking cool all summer! Ps. Sunglasses would also make a great gift for dad since Father’s Day is coming up. The giveaway will go through Monday, April 13th and I will announce the winner the next day… good luck y’all!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Linking with Shanna & Morgan.





photo 5d243fd3-6aea-4d6d-96dd-f82b32986fb3_zps33cdf692.png

Kicking Off Wedding Season


Hello, lovelies! Don’t you just love long weekends? 





Luckily my office was closed on Good Friday so I was able to make the long trip down to Florida for Ryan’s cousin’s wedding! We spent a long 10 hours in the car (which was supposed to be 8) because people love to slow down and look at cars that are pulled over on the side of the road for no apparent reason. Just… why?!?! We finally got to Tampa at 7pm and got to have dinner with the family before we headed to the hotel and crashed.




The next morning, Ryan & I snuck in a little trip to TopGolf. Basically, it’s a golfer’s playground. It is a triple-decker driving range where you can play several games for points while working on your golf game. The golf balls all contain sensors so you know exactly where the ball goes- it pops up on the screen beside you! It’s like a combination of bowling and darts… but golf! There are shaded tables right by the tee so you can enjoy food and beverages as you play. I just hung out (because watching me hit a ball is pathetic) but Ryan absolutely loved it!

















That afternoon we headed to the wedding at Southern Hills Plantation Club- the venue was gorgeous! It couldn’t have been a nicer day and it was great to mix and mingle with everyone, and of course make a stop or two at the photo booth. This was the fist of 5 weddings that we will be attending this year and it makes me even more excited for May 7th next year!! 


Since 18+ hours of my weekend were spent in the car, I was able to squeeze in some good studying. I recently discovered the Physician Assistant Exam Review podcast on iTunes and it has been such a great tool for reviewing topics for the PANCE and is perfect for those long commutes! Ryan & I finished the weekend with some Thai takeout and caught up on SNL. 





I’m pretty excited for this Monday because it’s the official start of my birthday week!! That’s right, your girl is turning 26 on Friday and I can’t wait to celebrate with all my favorites. Hope y’all have a fabulous day 🙂






Linking with Biana & Meghan.





photo 5d243fd3-6aea-4d6d-96dd-f82b32986fb3_zps33cdf692.png

Birthday Wish List


April is officially here!!! I’m partial to April because it just so happens to be my BIRTHDAY MONTH… 9 more days to be exact! I still don’t have any concrete plans, but I will most definitely be celebrating with some of my closest friends and can’t wait for the festivities! I’m one of those people who loves any excuse to celebrate and believe that each and every birthday should be special… never ignored. To be honest, I don’t really need anything for my birthday, but it’s always fun to put together a little wish list and all of these picks are on my radar for this spring!


coral wedges // floral dress // mint espadrilles // scalloped tote
navy flats // turquoise earrings // Triangl bikini


As you can see, my list includes a few items from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection. One word… obsessed! It’s got all of blogland buzzing and I have no doubt that these pieces will fly off the shelves. The dresses (and pretty much all clothing/shoes) are all under $40 which is perfect for all of us Lilly lovers who don’t want to break the bank. Actually… I might still break the bank because I  literally want everything! Ps. they even have Lilly nail files… ahhhh!





You can also see the espadrille theme. Wedges are my go-to summer shoes and these coral Vince Camuto espadrilles are on the top of my wish list. I need to get out of my neutral shoe rut (even though they’re my faves) and add some fun colors to my closet. I love the fun stripes on these!





Last, but not least, I always like to get a new swimsuit for summer. These Triangl neoprene bikinis are popping up everywhere and I love the cute styles and the fun color combos. If only they were sold in stores and didn’t have $20 shipping. Ugh!





Hope y’all have a great humpday! I’m treating myself to a (much needed) facial after work and couldn’t be more excited 🙂





photo 5d243fd3-6aea-4d6d-96dd-f82b32986fb3_zps33cdf692.png


Spring Crochet


Floral cardigan c/o Lookbook Store, sold out (love this similar top) // white denim


Kate Spade bag // Tory Burch sunnies // Gorjana necklace


J.Crew wedges, old (love these) // Lips: Bite Beauty in Palomino




It’s finally starting to feel like spring… again!! I don’t know about y’all, but I’m so ready to finally pack up my winter stuff and make room for more spring clothes. This crochet cardigan is such a great springtime transitional piece- it’s not the warmest thing (notice the holes haha), but it’s super cute to throw on over a tank or t-shirt on those cool spring days. And I’m all about the florals these days- whether you choose to wear a floral print or more of a texture like in this top- I’m always looking to add more to my closet!





Ps. Did anyone else watch the Justin Bieber roast last night? I only stayed up for part of it because it was so late, but what I did see was some pretty good stuff. I don’t know what I’d do if I had a million insults being hurled at me, but it was hilarious nonetheless!







SHOP THE POST





photo 5d243fd3-6aea-4d6d-96dd-f82b32986fb3_zps33cdf692.png

Cooking with Hello Fresh




I’ll admit it. Cooking is not my forte. 







I can make a mean breakfast, but for lunch and dinner I usually find myself cooking the same ol’ things. Ryan recently discovered Hello Fresh, a company that sends you great recipes, does the grocery shopping for you, and ships everything so you can make fun new meals at home. I was intrigued and now I’m hooked so naturally I had to do a blog post about it!!









The meals come packaged in an insulated box with ice packs, so your food stays nice and fresh. Everything is packaged very neatly so staying organized is easy. Grocery shopping is a chore (to me at least) and the thing I really love about this service is that they send you all those random ingredients that you may not use frequently or have in your kitchen. It’s also a great way to experiment with new foods and flavors, and maybe discover a new favorite dish! 








On Friday night, Ryan and I made the Steak Tagliata with rosemary sweet potato wedges and watercress salad. It was delicious!! (Plus we had some steak left over for steak & eggs the next morning). An organized recipe card is included so you know exactly what ingredients to get if you want to make the dish again. It’s super easy to follow and includes nutritional and calorie info. Y’all- it actually made cooking fun! And coming from me, that says a lot 🙂










Saturday, we made the Pistachio-crusted Basa with Za’atar brussels sprouts & dilled couscous. If you read this post, you may be thinking- wait, she doesn’t like brussels sprouts?! Well, I might be a changed woman. We used a spice called Za’atar with salt, pepper and olive oil and they were actually pretty tasty. The fish was so flavorful and once again I was so impressed with this fancy little meal that we created. 









I can’t wait to get our next box and step up my culinary game! A box with 3 meals for 2 people is $69 (including shipping) which comes out to about $11 per person which is great for the quality and variety of the food that you get. You can choose to keep the meals coming weekly or simply suspend them until you’re ready for the next one. If you want to try this fun & delicious service, use the code JBAS4K for $40 off your first box!! Trust me, you’ll keep coming back for more 🙂









Linking with Biana & Meghan.







photo 5d243fd3-6aea-4d6d-96dd-f82b32986fb3_zps33cdf692.png

Four


Happy Thursday, friends! This has been a busy little week and last night was the first time I just got to lay around and chill. This little post has been floating around several of my favorite blogs so naturally, I had to join in! Hopefully you can learn a little more about me and also write one for yourself because these are some of my favorite posts to read… here goes nothing 🙂




Four of my nicknames





1. TT – Ryan somehow came up with this one. TT stands for multiple adjectives of “Tina.” His two favorites have to be “Tiny Tina” and “Tired Tina” (but FYI, no one calls me Tina in real life).






2. Tina – Ok so… some people can call me Tina, but only my besties get that privilege. I think my friend Logan started this one, which stemmed off of K-Tina (back from the high school days).






3. Puddin’ – Another one from Ryan. We love the silly nicknames around here.






4. Giggles – Ryan is cuddles. We’re so weird 🙂










Four jobs I’ve had







1. Sonic – This was my very first job as a senior in high school and I absolutely loved it! I got to skate around on roller skates, make tips, and yes… I did wipe out a few times.






2. Babysitter/Nanny – This was seriously one of my favorite jobs. Getting paid to hang out with kids- how awesome is that?!






3. Medical Scribe – After college when I was trying to get some experience for my PA school application, I worked in the ER as a scribe. Basically, I would follow the doctor/PA around to see each patient and I would chart for them. 






4. Patient Services Specialist – Otherwise known as a receptionist, I worked the front desk at OrthoCarolina for two years before I got into PA school. This was my first full-time job (aka “big-girl job”) and I absolutely loved working there. I’m even more excited about doing my ortho rotation there in June… can’t wait!










Four movies I’ve watched more than once




1. Mrs. Doubtfire – I know pretty much every line and can also do a mean impression of a hot dog. I even found the famous house in San Fran!






2. Wedding Crashers – Probably my favorite comedy of all time. I still remember going to the movies in high school and getting some random people to buy our tickets because we weren’t 18 yet. Ahhh, the good ‘ol days.






3. Titanic – I mean, it’s a classic! Yes it’s long, but I swear it never gets old- such a well made movie! 






4. Sex and the City – What girly girl doesn’t love this movie? 










Four things in my purse


1. Lip products – Whether it’s lipstick, Fresh Sugar lip balm, or Vaseline, I have to have something to keep my lips looking smooth and hydrated. You could say I’m addicted.








2. Tic-Tacs – Gotta keep that breath fresh!! I have to pop one of these babies in anytime after I finish a meal.






3. Mini hair brush – This is a must have when I wear my hair straight (it tends to get stringy) and when I need to apply lipstick on the go. Basically, I feel lost without this thing! I recently got a new one from Sephora and it’s even more compact than my old one. Love!








4. Emi-Jay hair ties – I hate wearing my hair up, but you gotta be prepared!










Four places I’ve lived






1. Moscow, Russia – In case you didn’t know, I wasn’t born in the US and am 100% Russian. So that means I can speak it, right? Sadly no, but I can understand my mom so I guess that counts for something!  






2. Marion, NC – This would be my good ‘ol hometown. It’s located in the foothills of NC between Asheville and Hickory and is super small. Like one high school small. I don’t visit too much because there’s not much to do but the best thing about Marion would have to be Lake James- it’s beautiful!






3. Charlotte, NC – I love this city so so much! I moved here in August 2006 to attend The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated in 2010. After that I moved right outside of uptown and lived with my roommate Whitney for 3 fun years. After that, I briefly moved in with Ryan until August 2013 when I moved off to Buies Creek to start PA school!






4. Garner, NC – Conveniently located right outside of Raleigh, the roommates and I thought it would be best to get out of Buies Creek for our clinical year and be a little closer to civilization. What’s the best thing about living there? Having 2 Targets that are only 5 minutes away… heaven!










Four places I’ve visited

1. Dominican Republic – Beautiful beaches, beautiful weather, what’s not to love? I have nothing but good things to say about the DR (stay at Secrets Royal Beach… it was amazing!!)


2. San Francisco – San Fran is absolutely beautiful and has some of THE best food I’ve ever had. From the trolleys to the Golden Gate Bridge to the gorgeous victorian homes, it’s a city like no other.





3. Charleston – I never get tired of visiting this place. Beaches, shopping, and the best southern food you’ve ever had.






4. Boston – I went there last May for the national PA conference and loved every minute of it!






Four places on my travel bucket list






1. St. Lucia – We are considering this as our honeymoon destination, but no official plans yet. The island looks very “pacific” to me with its large Pitons and lush green landscape. 






2. Santorini – Greece looks amazing and like something straight off of a post card. Those white houses and the cobalt blue water… I will be visiting there sometime in the next few years.






3. Italy – I feel like Italy would be so romantic and can you just imagine the food?? I’ve never been to Europe so Ryan & I are definitely planning a trip in the near future.






4. Thailand – Another possible honeymoon spot- Thailand looks absolutely gorgeous and I hear you can get a lot of bang for your buck. It’s so far away, but hopefully I’ll make it there at some point!










Four things I don’t eat (this is a hard one because I eat pretty much anything)





1. Spicy chicken wings – Me and spicy foods don’t get along. I just don’t know why anyone would want to sweat while eating?!? 





2. Licorice – Just… eww!





3. Refried beans – It looks like mushy you-know-what. Sorry… but it’s true!





4. Brussel sprouts – I like my greens, but I’ve never been a fan of these.








Four TV shows I watch





1. The Bachelor/ Bachelorette – I only started watching this show when I graduated college and I was hooked! I’m sad to say that the seasons just aren’t what they used to be, but somehow I always keep coming back for more!






2. Revenge – I’ve been watching since the very beginning and I still love it, even though it is so out there. I just love to hate Victoria.






3. Tosh.0 – Sometimes you just want to get a good laugh out of people doing stupid s**t! 






4. Grey’s Anatomy – The obsession is real!! I re-started the series after PA school because I thought it would be cool to know what all the medical stuff was and now I’m seriously invested in their lives. 








Four things to look forward to in 2015  




1. PA school graduation!!! Oh my gosh, it feels like I have been waiting for this day (December 12th!) to come for so long and I’m so ready to become a PA and officially start my career in medicine.  I can’t express my excitement enough!!!!






2. Wedding planning – I feel like I have already planned so much but there are still several things we have to figure out (like hopefully a videographer and day-of-coordinator). The nice thing about having a long engagement is having plenty of time to figure out what we want and don’t want. Only 407 days to go!





3. Wedding season – To go along with the wedding theme, Ryan & I have 5 weddings this year. Only one of those will be in Charlotte so this means lots of traveling. I’m so excited to see some of my best friends tie the knot- I can’t wait!! 





4. Tropical vacation – I’m super duper excited that me & the fiancé are heading to St. Maarten at the end of May!! We love to travel and explore new places together and I’m so ready to get some R&R on the island and soak up the sun (wearing SPF of course!). 





Linking with Annie & Natalie.







photo 5d243fd3-6aea-4d6d-96dd-f82b32986fb3_zps33cdf692.png


Never Miss a Post!