Friday Fun

Happy Friday!!! Anyone else beyond excited for the weekend?! I know I am.  Because of the excitement, I've decided to post some things I'm currently loving - to keep the cheerfulness going!  Hope you had a great week and hope you have an even better weekend!

You guys - it's finally happening!!! I own this beautiful bar cart thanks to PR's amazing sister.  I'm still currently decorating it and adding finishing touches, but thought I would finally share an update since I've been talking about it since, hmmmm, last September??

How gorgeous are these black Zara pumps? 

HELLO SPRING! Let's see - leopard + neon colors + sandals = I need immediately. Thanks again Zara

Labeled "Mom's Banana Bread" on Pinterest - my mom makes the BEST banana bread, so seeing this makes me miss her even more

I'm over seasonal depression! I want to feel the sun, I want to lay on this patio, and I want to swim in the blue/green water!

Having a rough day - looked down at my feet and felt a smidge bit better seeing these sparkly bows!

Social Butterfly

One of  my favorite restaurant's in Arlington is Cava Mezze.  If you like tapas and Greek food then you'll love Cava.  When PR informed me he made a reservation there for Valentine's day I was so excited - even contemplated not eating the whole day so that I could order one of everything on the menu (okay, there's no way I can not eat all day).

The menu has a wide variety of options, like most tapas places do - soups and salads, cheeses, meats, veggies, etc.  Since it was Valentine's Day I decided to spice things up and order something different to drink (not my usual prosecco or riesling).  I decided to go with the Social Butterfly - a mix of hanger one vodka, vermouth, lemon juice, lavender, and prosecco.  Okay, honestly best drink I've had.  Not only did it have a flower floating in it, but it tasted unbelievable.  I hate sweet drinks, so I was happy to discover that this was not too sweet at all. If go to Cava, order this drink ASAP.

My mouth is watering just looking at this. I need to recreate these immediately.

When you're seated at your table the waiter kindly brings over fresh pita, olive oil, olives and harissa (Tunisian hot chili pepper paste ).  I LOVE the harissa but if you're not into spicy dips, avoid this one.  I also love the addition of olives!

A great way to start the meal - warning though, it's easy to fill up on the pita!

For dinner we started out with my favorite appetizer, the dip tasting.  It comes with hummus, tzatziki, roasted eggplant, skordalia, crazy feta,  grape leaves, more pita to dip, and sliced cucumbers.  My favs are the grape leaves, hummus and roasted eggplant - so good! 

I want this every night to start my meal!

After licking the plate clean (not literally BUT it appeared that way because the plate was empty after) we order the next round.  PR went with the very popular lollipop chicken and I went with the rocket salad.  Here's the best part about both of our dishes: PR's chicken is deliciously fried and set atop a mixture of greek yogurt and honey; mine is filled with arugula, poached pears, pistachios, and feta.  The combinations that made up both of our dishes was divine.

Arugula is my fav type of lettuce!

I love how the lollipop chicken are plated

For the final order we went with the Kokkinisto.  Have you traveled to Canada and tried poutine?  It's basically the greek version of poutine.  It's fries with feta and shredded beef coated in a tomato, cinnamon, and burgundy sauce on top.  Sounds so weird,but it's actually one of my favorites now.  I tried the fries, and I tried the sauce and I would definitely eat that combo again!

Maybe fries do make everything better

Thank you Cava for hosting a lovely Valentine's Day dinner!

Is Your Butt Comfy?

This past weekend I ventured over to Tysons Corner Mall to do a little shopping.  Not searching for anything in particular - more to check out the President's Day sales.  Of course, not searching for anything in particular, always leads to buying something in the end. BUT I must say PR and I's purchases were absolutely needed and are so amazing!

One store I have to stop by while there is Z Gallerie.  It's a furniture store that I am absolutely OBSESSED with.  Every piece in the store is exactly my taste and style and I want to buy everything immediately - of course if funds were endless. I currently live in a two bedroom apartment and most of the furniture that I do own comes from Z Gallerie - my favorites being my headboard and a beautiful silver Eiffel Tower Candle (sounds cheesy but is a cute decorating piece).

I love looking at furniture and thinking of decorating ideas.  I can't wait to have a place of my own so that I can decorate it exactly how I want! Some people's outlook on furniture is, "Is it comfortable to sit on?"  Mine is a little different - while I love comfort and want my future guests to be comfortable, I'm all about look.  I want pieces that are pretty to look, so pretty that you don't really want to sit on them.  I'm a bit obsessive compulsive when it comes to things like that anyways, so it works right?? 

Below are pictures of what PR and I walked away with and pictures of furniture I hope to walk away with one day!

Sorry - know you saw this on all social media accounts, but is this America themed puffer jacket by The North Face not the most amazing thing you've seen?? If you love America you should get one, too!

Because the vests did not prove how American we are - PR had to YOLO these backpacks, and I am SO glad he did!

Obvi you already know about my leopard obsession, so when I saw this bag I knew it immediately needs to be on my arm.  This Tory Burch bag is so great for transitioning seasons and for everyday wear!

Z Gallerie Finds

This coffee table is everything! Gold, cute pattern, mirror top, amazing

Loving the mix of color in this picture - that champagne and blue look so great together!

Um this trunk style coffee table is so major.  I love that it's the perfect mix of masculine and feminine

This screams comfy!!!!

Honey, That Weave...

As follow up to my previous post, I decided to do a post about hair products.  It might come as a surprise, but I'm not as obsessed with hair products as I am with certain face/body products.  I do, however, still have my loyal favorites.  Everyone's hair is completely different, and I'm a firm believer that you should pick products that correspond with your hair type.  For instance, I specifically buy shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair (I know, I know....I'm not a real blonde, can you believe?!) I also ALWAYS use a leave-in conditioning spray when I get out of the shower because my hair is thin so it knots like crazy.

Taking care of your hair is so important.  When you get your hair done and you walk out of the salon with a fresh blow out, don't you just feel like a million bucks?? Well, you should! And while I can NEVER blow dry my hair like they do at the salon I can certainly try.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Biolage is the best! My mom always kept this line in stock at her house.  They make different lines according to what you need - color damage? hair repair? extra volume? They've got it! Plus it always leaves my hair silky smooth

Leave - In Conditioner

As I mentioned earlier, my hair is thin, so it tangles extremely easy, like ridiculously easy. So I definitional splurge on detaingler spray because it's worth every penny! My mom also always used to use Biolage leave-in conditioner on my hair and it's still a go to today.

Need to Try Product - ASAP

While quite pricey for conditioner, I've heard AMAZING things about Davines LOVE conditioner. I've always wanted to try it, but never remember to order online.  I hear Jen Aniston uses it - so it has to be amaze balls right??

Shiny Hair Product

My aunt works in a fab NY hair salon and she actually got me hooked on Moroccan Oil. It sounds weird - adding oil to your hair? But trust me, just a dime size drop in color treated hair and your locks become so shiny and smooth!

Haven't Tried Yet - But Want To

Do you envy the Victoria's Secret model's beachy waves as much as I do? Unfortunately, I have pretty straight hair so it doesn't really hold a curl; HOWEVER, when I go to the beach it becomes wavy because of the salt water, and I love it! I've also always read amazing reviews of Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray, so I can't wait to try it out!

Brush It Out

When styling my hair, my routine is pretty basic - a blow dryer and a large curling brush are my go to styling equipment. I prefer a large brush made up of ceramic and boar bristles. I sectioned my hair off using claw clips and go step-by-step blowing drying each section.

Pump It Up

This is essentially what I look like (jokes aside) after blow drying my hair.  I once again pull my hair into different sections and then roll the sections into sponge curlers.  Leave those in for about 25-30 minutes and when you take them out you've got volume like a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader...or Adriana Lima??

Little Bit of This..Little Bit of That

I have to admit, I'm that girl that is obsessed with products -- make-up, hairspray, lotion, tanning creams, etc.  I've tried quite a few to say the least, but I definitely have my go-to's, the products I use on a consistent basis. I love the motto: if you find a great pair of jeans that fit you perfectly buy 10. It's tough to find a great pair of jeans, just like it's tough to find great products sometimes. Everyone is different, especially when it comes to your skin, so it's important to find that one face lotion or that one lipstick that works for you.  Today, I'm sharing my fav face and make-up products.  Hopefully, these will become your soon to be favs, too!

Face Cleaning Regimen
My skin is very sensitive - one day it's oily, the next dryer than the desert.  After years of going to numerous dermatologists and trying out numerous products, I've finally found the best skin care regimen for me.  And surprisingly it's super easy and affordable.

Face Wash

I've used this specific Oxy face wash for probably the past 4 years.  It contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, so it fights bacteria and dirt! I work out pretty much every day and sweat A LOT so I need something that cleans off all of the sweat/dirt/make-up

Face Cream

Because I have combination skin, it's important for me to moisturize daily.  I've also used Oil of Olay classic face lotion for years now and love it.  It's super light, not greasy at all

Eye Make-Up Remover

I first started using Pond's cold cream to remove my eye make-up when I saw my friend do it.  I definitely have to wear mascara every day, and it's so important to make sure to remove all of your make-up before going to bed. Pond's is gentle on my eyes and removes everything!

Eye Cream

I started wearing eye cream when I turned 20 (when the fear of wrinkles registered).  My mom has me addicted to Avon Anew Clinical eye cream.  I LOVE the feeling of wiping off all of my make-up and slathering this stuff on my eyes. Fun tip - in the summer I put it in the fridge - the cool lotion instantly de-puffs my sometimes sun burned eyelids

At-Home Facial

Another Avon product I'm hooked on is the Anew Clinical Peel.  They look like cleansing wipes, except one side is texturized.  You wipe this over your face every other day and the top layer of your skin starts to gently scruff off.  Sound scary?  It's painless, there's only slight redness and drying right after, and you know it's working when your BF says something about your silky smooth skin

Four Products I Use Every Day

1. Under Eye Concealer

Under eye concealer is at the top of my list in terms of products.  Using this Bobbi Brown concealer under your eyes instantly wakes you up and hides any sign of a late night.  One side is the actual cream that covers dark circles, and the other is loose powder that you put on top so that everything stays in place the whole day! Win win

2. Face Concealer

I don't like wearing foundation every day, so instead I use Bobbie Brown's concealer stick to cover up any redness or dark spots. It's so light  you can barely feel it on your skin or even tell you're wearing it.  Oh and it actually matches my skin tone which is a maj plus

3. Mascara

I'm not super picky about mascara, just as long as it meets these requirements: has to provide extra length and fullness, needs to be dark black, and it can't be water proof (a biotch to take off).  I usually use Maybelline's Colossal mascara because I love how it elongates my lashes and makes them extra thick.  The Bigga The Betta Honey

4. Lip Gloss/Stick

Back story - I once saw a girl in a photo wearing this lipstick and the caption was just Snob.  So, I immediately Googled Snob Lipstick and this MAC lipstick appeared.   The next day I went and bought it and have been hooked ever since.  Add a little gloss on top and you're good to go.

Can you tell I only wear pink lipsticks? Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  A huge thanks goes to my mom who introduced and actually gave me this MAC Pink Noeveau lipstick.  Again, a little shimmery gloss on top and you're out the door fabulous

Other Products

One thing I am picky about - foundation.  Bobbie Brown hands down makes the best foundation.  This compact is the new version of liquid foundation.  It's extremely lightweight but it actually does it's job and covers everything.  The color matches my skin perfectly, too.

When I do wear eye shadow, I have a few go to's.  I either use these Avon eyeshadow quads or MAC eyeshadow.  The quads are so great because they have so many color options and they are so inexpensive.  If you're looking to spice up your eyes, which I always am, I would recommend buying a few of these quads in different colors.  If you're looking for specific colors, MAC has great single options - and a ton to choose from!

In the end - you can have the BEST make-up but if you don't have equally great brushes you might be SOL. You can find great make-up brush sets in so many different places - Target, Sally's, Bobbie Brown, MAC, etc.  It's important to also keep your brushes nice - wash them with a gentle cleanser and don't mess with the bristles too much.

Absolutely LOVE adding a highlighter to my skin after putting on foundation.  This Nars Multiple stick is so ideal - you can use it on your face, lips, eyes, and body.  I choose to wear it slightly under my cheek bones, straight down my nose, and around my hairline (the places we're you are most likely to receive color if you're in the sun)

If This is Getting Older, I'm Okay with It

This morning I was reminded of just how lucky and blessed I am to have a family and friends that love and care for me so much!  Birthday's are always great reminders of this, and I've truly felt the love from everyone today.  This past weekend my friends and I celebrated by going to brunch at Liberty Tavern.  I would recommend this brunch in a second - great buffet with a ton of options and even better drinks! My sip of the day was a pomegranate mimosa -  not too sweet, just right! I feel beyond lucky to have such great friends and it meant so much that they came to brunch! After a few bottles of champs and a few bacon bloody mary's, we headed to another one of my favs in Arlington - Fuego. If you're a fan of chips and salsa and margarita's then this is a must for you! Their rita's can be a bit pricey, but they are seriously delish and so worth it!

Oh and if you don't know already - PR helped to plan the surprise of the year...my mom flew in for the day to attend brunch with my friends and I!!!! Can you believe?? She flew in, we went to brunch, and then she was gone with the wind fabulous! If that doesn't say I love my daughter, I don't know what does!  SO THANKFUL to you both!

So after this weekend, I thought everything would die down and that the bday celebration was coming to end. WELL I woke up to the most amazing pic stich from my bestie NG.  She's so good at creating these and included some throwback photos that put me in tears.  They always say you meet some of your best friends in college, and I couldn't agree more.  She's quite the gem!

To top off my day, PR bought me Chipotle for lunch and my co-worker decorated a bday treat bag for me - one side with soccer on it and the other Modern Fam!

Inspired by NG I decided to put together my own little trip down memory lane - and no it's not pics from my 27 years of life..just a few classics!

Thank you for this NG! Bottom left corner=my fav!

Gina - the woman never ages! Dress, Zara; necklace, JCrew; boots, Vince Camuto

#FRIENDS

Last year's brunch bday!

The big 2-5

Brunching in Paris for my 25th!

NG's 25th - hummer limo and all!

My first bday in DC - my co-workers made me feel like I was at home!

Pretending it was my bday in college - because hey why not??

Celebrating my bestie's bday - she's in the white dress in the front (also a bride to be)

My lovely Carly's big 2-1! What better way to celebrate then in London Town?!

Nothing say's Colleen's 21st like those faces!