Brown paper packages tied up with strings

Salutations friends! I missed you while I was off in lazy land all weekend (er, Monday as well) doing absolutely anything but being productive! And when I say lazy I mean that I was in my PJs by 4:30 Saturday afternoon lying on a mattress (in my living room-don't ask) enjoying movie time. Doesn't get much lazier than that my friends. I did make it out of the house for a few hours for a FANTASTIC brunch with the ladies (and Mike). The food was incredible, the company unbeatable and the bottomless mimosas dangerous. Exactly what one wants in a brunch, mais oui? And in continuation of the lazy, I am foregoing editing any of the multiple sets of outfit shots just itching to make it on to the blog, and sharing with you a few summer essentials I have been ga-ga over lately. Enjoy!

Images from Google

I'm not sure why, but this summer I have been obsessed with nail polish! It wasn't something I ever really cared about but lately I want to keep my nails painted at all times, and try to change colors on a weekly basis. I am in love with the fun summer shades Essie is offering, and picked these two (Braziliant and Trophy Wife) up recently on a late-night Target run.

Img. Credit: woodbridgeliving.wordpress.com

Lately I just can't get enough of sushi! I crave it all the time, and definitely over indulge whenever I am lucky enough to have some. This past weekend I was able to order from my favorite sushi place (in my hometown) and enjoyed this delicious Tokyo roll along with a Godzilla roll and spicy salmon roll! It was mm mm good!

Img. Credits: ModCloth, Shabby Apple, Polka Dots, Spots and Stripes and TheBudgetBabe

Anything that can make me feel like I am drifting off to sea has captured my heart this summer! Perhaps it is because I would not-so-secretly rather be out on the ocean (or lake, really just body of water) than just about anywhere else. Ok, maybe not Paris. Basically, take me to le Seine tout de suite, s'il vous plait!

Images all from pinterest

The braid has always had an alluring appeal to me. Something about its simple, boho-chic vibe instantly makes me feel "summer cool." No wonder all three of these braids (or slight variations of) are sitting in my inspiration folder on pinterest. And no wonder I beg roommate to learn how to do them, since we all know I am worthless when it comes to hair!

Image from pinterest

So basically what I am saying here, is I need to give myself a braziliant mani/pedi, throw a vintagy bathing suit and floppy hat in a nautical inspired bag, have roommate whip up a fantastic braid concoction and head to the water! Oh, and perhaps grab some sushi on the way. Wait a minute... I am spending 4th of July weekend at the lake... Maybe this post was secretly my weekend packing list masquerading as a "things I love post." I guess you'll never know...

Bisous!

La bonne vie

Salut mes amis! Happy Thursday! I am like a giddy girl on Christmas eve hoping she got a Barbie dream house excited for this weekend! I hope you followed that lovely little simile. (P.S. English major over here almost called that a metaphor, but I stopped myself just in the nick of time!) Yes, basically I have been living for the weekend all week. Not because it wasn't a good week. Quite the contrary, it was a productive and successful week. But productive and successful just don't quite compare to the awesomeness that shall be this weekend. Shall we discuss? Ok, Friday: Wake up late, cuddle with puppy all day and probably veg out and let brain decompress from all the productivity this week. Then... Girls night out with two of the best ladies I know! Watch out DC because we are giving you our best stuff tomorrow. I'm not sure you are even ready for it. Saturday: Brunch with more amazing ladies who I do not see nearly enough of (unlimited mimosas. Enough said), backyard BBQ party at a family friend's house and then (hopefully) a half-way to Christmas party in Baltimore with a college friend. C'est la plus parfait Samedi, mais oui? Just answer with a loud, resounding "oui" if you aren't sure. I promise you that is the right answer. And Sunday: Well Sundays are just always nice because for some reason you just don't feel the guilt you would feel any other day of the week when you do absolutely nothing before 11 am, and then proceed to stay in your PJs all day and watch movies. Ok, so I'd do that any day and not feel guilty. But roommate wouldn't! And I can always convince her to join me in my slothdom on Sundays. So how you do like them weekend bananas? I like 'em!

So I think I covered the awesome for this segment of awkward and awesome Thursday. What's the awkward you say? I got one that takes the cake. Allow me to set the scene for you just a bit. I am sitting on my bed, writing you this post. Eli (cutest puppy in the world for any new comers) is sitting contently in his favorite corner of the bed chewing his favorite little bone, not phased by my fervent typing at all. All the sudden he waddles over, licks my hand and whimpers a bit, totally melting this puppy-momma's heart. I pick him up and set him in my lap. He curls up. He gives me this look...

And then he farts. On my lap.

Top/Bag/Sandals: Kohl's, Skirt: too old to remember, Necklace: c/o Towne and Reese, Jewelry: Gifted

Sometimes you just need to take it back to the basics. And does it get any more basic for an evening stroll down M Street with your roommate than an older than dirt miniskirt, a striped tee and sandals? I think not my friends.

So I am realizing that my scrunchy hair look doesn't translate well to photos. Such a bummer since it is has looked like this all week. C'est la vie!

This hill previously served no purpose in life to me, other than annoying me every time I would spot it perfectly empty while I sat stuck in unmoving traffic below it, but unable to escape the madness via it, as it is a down only hill. But who in their right mind would go down this thing! But my creative genius roommate discovered the perfect purpose for this otherwise useless lump of a hill (hehe get it?). PICTURE time!! It worked out perfectly because, like I said, no cars even dare to go down. Thus, we had plenty of time to shoot and reshoot (because we all know I am a total diva like that) to our (read:my) heart's content!

Is it wrong that I like this accidental, kinda blurry shot because it has a paparazzi feel to it? If secretly wanting the paparazzi to love you is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Remember how I promised to repay you for your outfit ideas? And how I suggested the repayment would most likely be embarrassing? Voila. I have no explanation. My face has a mind of its own. Hmm faces having minds? Now there is an interesting concept. I think my one crazy mind is enough to deal with. I just can't factor in two minds to contend with at this point. Face mind, try back later and maybe I'll have an opening for you.

Btw, I've got to put in a plug for the oldest trick in the book. You know how they say whenever you are suffering from writer's block, you should just start writing whatever comes to your mind without thinking about it? Well, it works. At least it works to get you writing again. Whether or not it works to get you writing anything interesting is another story.

Enter this post. 

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook for additional photos, sneak peeks and Deal of the Week features! 

Bisous!

 

Welcome to writer's block

Bonjour babes! I hope all you lovelies had a relaxing, enjoyable weekend and didn't have too bad of a case of the Mondays yesterday. I didn't have a case of the Mondays but boy do I ever have a lovely case of writer's block. Grr I hate when that happens. I think I have used up all my creativity penning genius guest blog posts. Kidding. Well, kidding about the genius part. That is yet to be determined. I can't wait to share them with you though! I'm also thinking that it is very possible that I am just in such a euphoric state after WINNING TRIVIA (!!) for the first time, that I am incapable of stringing together sentences for you to read. Because basically this is what is going on in my head right now. No black and white bodysuits going on up in here though. No worries.

So you know how my favorite game to play when I have no clue what to write is find an excuse to let my readers do all the talking? Ok good. Because I found a perfect one. I need le parfait summer BBQ outfit. I'm definitely looking to impress, if you know what I mean. But at the same time, I don't want to look like I'm trying to impress. Again, you know what I mean ladies. So, I'd love to hear your ideas, see your inspiration, whatever you'd like to give me. I'd be suuuuper greatful. And don't worry, I'll find a way to repay you! Feel free to leave suggestions for how I can do that as well. Right now, I'm thinking some super entertaining (ie embarrassing for moi) video. Ready, set, dress me up!

Black tank: White House Black Market, Striped tank: Urban Outfitters, Skirt: J. Crew outlet, Shoes (unseen): Payless, Bag: Kohl's, Sunnies/earrings/necklace/rings: Gifted, Bangles: Personal Accents, Juicy Couture and Georgetown Flea Market

There is nothing better than a loose fitting, breezy tank paired with a simple navy skirt to spend a Saturday morning hopping from outdoor market to coffee shop to outdoor market.

One of my fashion goals for the summer was to try and change my nailpolish color every week. So far, I have been doing a pretty decent job. Though, I like the brightness of this OPI polish, it reminds me a little too much of my grandmother's nails. But the next polish I have planned is way too "out of this world" for my grandmother! Can't wait.

I've talked about how serendipitous the finding of this tank was, but that was forever ago so let's recap. Shopping at Urban Outfitters (aka sifting through the sale racks) I think I see the word "mode" out of the corner of my eye. I race over, yank it off the rack before anyone else has a chance to snatch it away from me, immediately fall in love with the fact that part of my blog name is printed on a striped tank (um obsession?) with a drapey fit that I adore. Glance at the price tag and actually jump up and down out of giddiness at the fact that it can be mine for a mere $9.99! Oh the joy.

Ok, so I'm not usually one to post a photo, just because I like the way I look but that is basically what I am doing here. I just liked it!

I went jewelry crazy with this outfit! When roommate saw me she said, "You know that rule that says you should take off one accessory before you leave the house? You should follow it. Times 5." But I didn't listen. They kind've all went together, so I went for it.

Best coffee of my life!! DC locals/visitors to DC head to Peregrine Espresso immediately!! Order the cappuccino to get the best bang for your buck. And how sweet are the hearts?

Bisous!

Lessons only a daddy can teach

 10. Where to find the best worms, and how to put 'em on a fishing hook. 

9. How to charge a ground ball and swing a baseball bat

 8. Everyone has something to offer this world, so don't ever think you are above learning from certain people.

 7. When choosing a partner remember that looks will fade and passion will fizzle, but humor lasts a lifetime.

6. When to reach for the next branch and keep climbing the tree, and (equally important) when I'd gone high enough.

 5. The Red Sox are always, always superior to the Yankees, even if the standings say otherwise.

 4. Real men aren't afraid to dance, and I'm not talking about that bumping and grinding silliness.

 3. Rollercoasters are only scary when you close your eyes.

 2. When it is more important than anything else to stop and smell the roses.

1. Most importantly, the way a man should love and respect a woman and make her feel like the most beautiful girl in any room.

Dad- I love you more than words can express, and that is saying a lot coming from a writer! You were my first teacher and you taught me all the truly important things in life. You helped me face my fears by overcoming your own. And you never let me think that anything was out of reach if I worked hard enough. I will always remember the best piece of advice you ever gave me: The only person who can truly stop you from getting what you want is you. On that day you taught me that if I only believed in myself and my dreams enough I would find a way to make the world believe, too. You always quietly reminded me that whenever my heart was hurting I could always make my way home to the first man who had ever loved me, and the one who would always be there waiting arms wide open ready for a hug. We're traveling along somewhere in between the second and third verse of Bob Carlisle's song and I can't even wait to share that special third verse with you some day soon, even though you can't get through it without crying. Thanks for teaching me the practical life skills along with the whimsical. You're the best fishing buddy, dancing partner, rollercoaster riding, baseball coaching dad a girl could ask for. And don't worry, I'll make sure any other guy in my life knows that my first love set the bar really high. I love you forever and always, to the moon and back and with all my heart and soul daddy. Thanks for being my guy and happy Father's Day!

Love, 

The girl who'll always give you butterfly kisses

Take me out to the ball game

Evening dolls! Happy almost weekend :) If you ever wonder why I always seem to be celebrating the "weekend" on Thursday nights, it is because that is when mine starts! Having Fridays off is a glorious, glorious thing my friends. I highly recommend it if you can swing it. Although, working Sundays (especially on nice weather Sundays) is not so glorious. So maybe it is a wash? 

I kicked my weekend off right tonight, by heading out to the ball park with my family to go see our local Nats kick some Cardinal butt! Well, that and to have my traditional "only at a baseball game" hotdog. Come on, girl's got to eat. Or she'll end up on the street... Ok singing of Moulin Rogue stops there. It was quite the game with 5 home runs slammed between the two teams. And did I mention all the cute butts that were spotted?? Don't judge me - you know that is what you are looking at too when they wear those tight little pants and are bending over all the time! Ok seriously, I think it is time for me to put these dirty-minded little fingers to bed for the night. We'll pretend this entry never happened and meet same place, earlier time tomorrow.

Top: Paris (somewhere), Tank: White House Black Market, Skirt: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's, Flats: American Eagle, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Ring: Jewelry stand outside restaurant in Florida, Bracelet: Georgetown Flea Market, Wallet: Balenciaga (won in Facebook contest)

Ok so I am not usually the girl who dresses up for a baseball game. But I am the girl who gets stuck in really bad traffic on the night that she actually has plans and thus has no time to change in between work and game. My bad.

So I wasn't sure if the drapiness of the shirt would be too much with the ruffles of the skirt, but I am kind of loving it. I have a feeling I will be turning to this skirt a lot this summer in times of closetal distress.

The necessary roommate shot!

Say hello to Screech!

If you have happen to be in DC you should stop by for a game. It is a really nice stadium, and since they aren't the best of teams, tickets are cheapo. And I'm talking $6 cheap! Oh the advantages of having your home team suck...

 Oh pssst, I'll do Awkward and Awesome Thursday... tomorrow. That way you know up front that it will be awkward. You're welcome. 

Bisous!

Scatter brained boring color wearer

Aloha mamacitas! Did you all have a magical Wednesday, unicorns and flying ponies included? Oh sheesh, I really must remember not to blog after 11, especially during particularly tired weeks because my loco side is really all you get. And yet I continue to type. C'est la vie! I am pretty sure my body is running solely on endorphins right now, since sleep has been sorely lacking from my life. But I'm enjoying my life, so what can I say! 

I feel like I owe you all a bit of an explanation for my rather scattered posting of late. I promise, I'm not losing my love of blogging or anything serious like that. I have just been very busy and by the time I get home from work I am usually frumpled and all I want to do is go for my run to work off the stress, and then crawl into bed. I don't talk often about what my job is, but it is kind of necessary to explain everything. For the past year I have been participating in a fellowship with USA Today. It has been wonderful, and amazing and every other over used adjective under the sun. Seriously, I mean it. You can tell by my italics. And no, I'm not just saying that because my coworkers might read this- I really and truly have learned more in a year than I even thought possible. Sadly, the position was only for a year and my year expires July 1. Aka I am about to be unemployed. Unless one of the hundreds (ok, I exaggerate. More like dozen) of people who has my resume magically calls me within 2 weeks and tells me I am hired. Needless to say, I have been stressing quite a bit about "what's next" and where I'm going and such. Whenever I'm not working, I am scouring job sites and hoping that my dream job will jump out of my computer screen and bite me on the nose. No such luck yet. I definitely have a couple things in the hopper that are exciting, but nothing is nailed down yet and if there is one thing I really, really dislike it is uncertainty. Basically, this is all just a long way of saying pretty please bare with me if my posts/comments are less frequent right now as I try and manage this transition. Oh and cross your fingers that this "unemployment" is more along the lines of a short vacation, rather than anything prolonged. Because I will go stir crazy.

I have been in a major color rut lately. Yesterday (which I guess didn't happen in blog language since you didn't see it) I wore more shades of brown than anyone has a right to. And here I am today in black and white. Although let's be real: My white is really more of an eggshell/cream than pure white so maybe that means I am not as color-boring as I thought. Hmm something to ponder. Try not to lose too much sleep over it.

Dress: BCBG, via Hautelook, Belt: From another dress, Wedges: White House Black Market, Necklace/Earrings: Gifted, Watch: Michael Kors, Headband: H&M, Purse: Kohl's

Is it just me or do my legs look progressively less tan the further past my knee you go...?

I love how my hair has looked really good the last two days, and then one day I finally have time/energy to take photos after work, it looks like this. Boooo.

So this is not the belt that came with this dress. That belt appears to have gone into hiding. Along with one of my favorite skirts. Hmm maybe they are canoodling somewhere? Buuut I think this belt worked well as a substitute, and it gave an under-appreciated accessory a day out of the closet.

I'm not sure I am quite ready for purse with outfit shots yet. Maybe that is a level above me. It just seemed to get in my way.

Ok so it's not a perfect match to the Foley and Corinna Jet Set, but when I saw it this weekend my heart skipped a beat. I have been drooling over the Jet Set for months now but it is definitely not in the budget for me right now. But a $35 pretty-darn-close-looking bone colored over-sized tote, and a 30% off coupon? Poke me with a fork, I'm done!

Oh, I almost forgot to say a big congrats to Kimmie for being the winner of the Towne and Reese giveaway! Kimmie, I hope you will enjoy your beautiful necklace, and thank you for participating. And of course, a HUGE thank you to Towne and Reese for making the giveaway possible! Keeping on making rocking jewelry Christi and Jessica!

 Bisous!

Going to (Georgetown) Market!

Ello poppets! I hope you all had a super de duper weekend! I can't say enough good things about mine. You know how sometimes all you really want to do is just crawl back home to mom and bask in the glory of family time? Right, well that is exactly what I did. My baby cousin was graduating high school this weekend and we had some other family members coming into town for the occasion who were staying with my mom and that I wanted to spend time with. Brought roommate with me and the two of us were completely spoiled by my mom with great food, time with family including fun family games and even some SHOPPING! My mom really is the best. Not because she takes me shopping, I mean, but because she is this incredible woman of strength, optimism and joy. I really miss her all the time, now that I am living on my own, and value every moment I get to go home and spend with her. Thank goodness she only lives an hour away! :)

After a fantastic family-filled weekend, roommate and I hopped over to the Georgetown Flea Market to check out what they offered, and found ourselves pleasantly surprised! I think we had both loved Eastern Market so much that we were afraid nothing would compare. But the two markets have a very different feel, allowing you to enjoy both, and have totally different experiences! I even ran into an old high school friend, who I knew lived in the area, but still hadn't seen. That is exactly the kind of down to earth, homey vibe you will get at the Georgetown Market.

Georgetown Flea Market: Every Sunday 8 am-4 pm; 1819 35th St. NW (right across from the big Glover Park Safeway if you are familiar with the area)

This woman had a gorgeous collection of jewelry from India, that I could have swooned over all day. I fell in love with the red bracelet with white flower detailing on the top row, in the center. But I wasn't looking to spend $15 that day, so I passed.

Even though I never wear brooches, I love looking at them. They just seem so old fashioned and romantic to me. I really want a vintage serving tray like the one these brooches are sitting on, so that is on my flea market hunt list this month!

Ever since my journey to China I have been in love with jade, or any sculptures that remind me of China. As you can probably guess, I had such fun checking out this vendor stand! I might come home with a little jade dragon one day soon... Or maybe one of the green jade bracelets in the back.

Roommate and I really enjoyed this market, and felt that it had a different feel to it than Eastern Market. We like both equally though, and would say it really depends on what mood you are in (modern or vintage) and what kind of experience you want. At this market we found ourselves striking up conversations with most of the vendors, asking about the history of certain items, etc. It was really fun!

Visit if you like: Great deals, vintage jewelry, unique furnishings, vintage prints, comic books/toys, local artwork, and a dog friendly outdoor experience. 

What you won't find: Well, I'm not sure I can do this section justice this time, as the vendors are different every weekend you go. But the only thing I would say wasn't really represented here were clothing options.

The pictures above may make it seem like this market only offered jewelry, and while it does have a fantastic selection of vintage jewels, it is also a haven for cute antiques and furniture. If I had a deck, you can bet this charming set would have come home with me!

Don't worry: this market isn't selling sweet little old men! But this particular character is part of the charm! He was selling some of his artwork outside the market, apparently saving up for his upcoming trip to Italy. He saw me taking photos and said "Pretty lady, why don't you take my photo??" I obliged of course and then talked with him for a while about his work. He informed me he only "paints for pretty girls" and "doesn't talk to the ugly ones." I think that was supposed to make me feel special :) I just got a kick out of him altogether!

Of course we brought little man with us to enjoy some time outside, but unfortunately the pavement was too hot for his little paws and we ended up carrying him the whole time. I think he may need a pair of little booties before we hit the next market!

My treasures! I absolutely adore bangles, even though they are pretty impractical for work since I type on a computer all day. But I still love them and particularly love collecting them from fun places, so I have a story to go with the bracelets. I started this collection when I found two gorgeous bangles at an outdoor market in Barcelona, Spain. I was only planning on getting one of these bracelets (the top) but then the vendor told me he would sell me 2 for $10, when just one was going to cost me $8. Never being one to turn down a bargain, I scooped them both right up and happily hurried on my way. I also scored a miniature, antique copy of one of my favorite plays of all time: The Importance of Being Earnest- for only $3!

 Once again, I give this market two enthusiastic thumbs up! If you happen to be in Georgetown and enjoy browsing flea markets, make sure you check this out! You can get more information about the history of the market and vendor info here.

Bisous!

The transformer girls

Hi lovelies! I hope this Tuesday is finding you fine and dandy. I am feeling pretty dandy myself, after another rousing round of Tuesday Trivia. Alas, we lost to The Government again, but I finally was able to contribute something useful to my team tonight! I am lucky to have very smart teammates who seem to have vastly larger brains than mine. But tonight, my average sized brain was able to be utilized when it just so happened that an entire round was on one of my all time favorite comedies: The Hangover. Yes friends, you can only imagine how thrilled I was to be able to put to my obsession with The Wolfpack to good use! While my teammates contemplated African geography and the location of major cultural monuments, I had thoughts of "Black Doug" and Alan discussing better names for roofies. I am not sure whether I should be embarrassed or proud of the fact that I can tell you exactly what suite the gang stayed in at Caesar's Palace and the name of the actual suite that inspired the movie set version... Or that tigers love pepper, and hate cinnamon. I think for tonight, and tonight only, I will be proud. Tomorrow, my Hangover nerdom will get tucked back in to its properly hidden secret spot in some distant corner of my brain.

In other news... roommate and I finally got our much needed haircuts last weekend! It only took us like 3 weeks of schedule coordinating to make it happen. *Sigh* But, it doesn't matter because we both love our new hair! Roommate loves hers so much that she agreed to let me show you before and afters! Enjoy the fresh new face on the blog, why don't you :)

Doesn't she look amazing?? I've always loved her long locks, but you have to admit that the new length looks incredible on her! I really think it makes her look more grown up.

I didn't go with anything nearly as dramatic as roommate- just some needed touch-ups to the highlights, layers and bangs. Nothing major, but I really like the difference. And I meant to post my pre-cut to the market outfit photos with my Eastern Market post, but I wound up with so many shots of the festival, that I didn't want to overwhelm you completely with pictures.

Shirt: La Befana (via Rue La La), Skirt: Old Navy, Shoes (not seen-sorry): Nine West, Earringa/Sunnies: Gifted from mom, Watch: Michael Kors, Hairstyle that I was in love with: c/o roommate!

There are many, many benefits to living with my roommate: her amazing cooking, her dedication to fitness that pushes me, her attention to cleanliness (a skill I sorely lack) and her wardrobe! But one thing I had no idea I would get out of our incredible friendship is a hair stylist! I have always been a down and straight , boring hair kind of girl. It looked the same everyday, unless I was too tired in the morning to dry it in which case it went in a bun. But roommate is super good with hair, and always likes to style hers (and others) differently as often as possible. Et voila my built-in hairstylist! Since I wasn't supposed to wash my hair before getting my haircut Saturday morning, but I still wanted to shower to be clean, I needed a hairstyle that worked for wet hair, and would hide the fact that it hadn't been washed. Once again, roommate came to the rescue with a braid into a side bun. I admit- I was obsessed with it! I just hope I can do it again with my newly layered hair.

I was trying to find a pose that got the braid and the side bun in one shot, but it never really worked. I guess you'll have to take my word on it that it looked cool!

So what you don't know about this top is that I have kind of been living it. Summer rolls around, and this shirt becomes my go to, quick and easy summer uniform. Something about the geometric pattern, high collar, pseudo halter top fit and button detailing has always made me crave this top as soon as that temperature edges over 70. And since we are way past that, I am certain you will be seeing a lot of this top my friends!

Oh and because roommate's hair looked so cool that day, and she said it was ok to feature her you get a rare bonus roommate photo!

I loved her hair, too, and begged her to try it on me next time! I'm telling you, I'm like a little girl asking her older sister to pllllllease do her hair. I'm so lucky she obliges my inner child!

I think roommate was kind of the star of this post: awesome new haircut and excellent styling skills on both our pre-cut hair! Way to go roommate. Keep on rocking with the hair, please :)

Don't forget to enter to win a gorgeous piece of Towne and Reese jewelry!

Bisous!