Guess what? The Cherry Blossoms have finally decided to start blooming! Yay! They should start peaking in a few days, and since I'll have quite a few visitors in town this weekend I'm sure we'll do our best to get out and explore! To celebrate, I'm going to make a few of these concoctions this weekend to celebrate all the pink prettiness around town!
Obviously this little game of tag has been floating all over the blog world for a few weeks now, but who doesn't like to learn more about the girl behind the blog? Alissa and Shannon both tagged me last week, so here we go...
1. I'm a texture freak. I cannot stand something if it as a strange texture. It's mostly a food thing: grapes HAVE to be hard, peaches have to be super soft, tomatoes are terrifying (I've only been able to eat raw tomatoes in the last year). But then I also get the same way about fabric: sheets and bedding? Have to be super soft and smooth right out of the pack.
2. Mayonnaise grosses me out more than I can handle. I like both ingredients in Mayo, so one would think I'd like the stuff. But there's just something about that thick gloppy cream that just freaks me out. I made deviled eggs for Easter this weekend, and normally I would use Greek yogurt for creaminess (it's great I promise), but I was out. Literally the only thing in my fridge was mayo. So I used as little as humanly possible. Then I tasted one. They were great, but I just couldn't bring myself to eat them because I knew they were "packed" with mayo. eww... so gross.
3. I'm addicted to sleeping. I really am starting to think it's a problem. I really think I need 10 hours a night. But I just don't have that much time in my day. I've tried cutting down caffeine, upping my exercise, shutting down all electronics before bed. Nothing works. 8 hours is just not enough. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
4. I'm messy. Like my room is never clean. I've improved significantly in recent years, and am generally able to contain my mess to my own room (though my roommates may tell you otherwise). I've come to terms with the fact that my vanity will never ever be clean, but my bedroom also doubles as my closet (DC living) so clothes just seem to end up all over the place!
5. I'm terrified of law school. The scary amount of work-- like 12+ hour days every days for the next three years? eek. Getting caught unprepared in class and looking like an idiot in front of my soon-to-be-peers? inevitable but still not fun. Oh and then there's the amount of debt this is going to put me in. I'm definitely not one to live beyond my means, so living more or less on loans for the next three years is making me sick.
With spring officially here, I'm loving transitioning out of my darker clothes into something a little brighter. But sometimes I can go a little overboard with the color.
That's why for this installment of color crush, I'm loving Linen. It's enough of a color to not completely wash me out, but still is a classy neutral for a new season.
I love that shirt dress, and almost picked one up this weekend at Nordstrom Rack. I'm still thinking about it... so I may have to go back. I'm also loving the idea of a linen colored bag for spring.
Let me just preface this post by saying, "Happy April Fools Day!" But my announcement is not a trick... though I thought about fooling you.
Today is April 1 aka deposit deadline day for many law schools. I hinted this weekend that I've made a decision, but now I'm ready to let you all know where I'll be spending the next three years of my life...
Yep. I'm heading south to Cajun Country. I'm going deep into the heart of Blue Dog country to New Orleans!
I can't thank y'all enough for taking this journey with me. Reading all of my many posts and tweets about the LSAT, my concerns about where to in these recent weeks. I got so many encouraging emails, tweets and comments from y'all, and I honestly don't know that I could have kept my sanity without y'all.
Now this news is definitely bittersweet. I'm really terribly upset about leaving the district I've called home for the last three plus years, but this is the best fit for me. Plus don't you worry, I plan on returning to DC frequently to visit. I really can't believe that I'm leaving, but I'm going to make the most of the four months I have left here, and I hope you'll join me!
Also... I don't think I read any NOLA blogs. Do you write/read any blogs from down there? I'd love to make a few blog friends before I arrive this summer!
While Spring is itching to arrive in DC, easter is here! And you know what that means... Easter dresses and lots of candy. Since I won't have an easter basket this year, I'd much prefer that the Easter bunny bring me a basket full of these goodies.
I did a slightly brighter take on "Pretty in Pastel" but I absolutely love it. Plus I threw in a little color blocking, and who doesn't love that? No one. duh.
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Let me know what you get in your easter basket!
Well March is almost over, crazy! So I can't believe there still aren't any real cherry blossom sightings around here! This post is supposed to be my march "beauty" favorites, but it's apparently all about the hair this month!
1. Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner. I've been using this for color treated hair and I absolutely love it! I really think my hair is more manageable and shinier! I occassionally suffer from dry scalp, especially in the winter, and I'll tell y'all I haven't had any issues since I started with Clear. But it doesn't make me overly oily either. Loving it!
2. Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express Mascara. I picked this up a few weeks ago and I'm absolutely thrilled. While I wish it lengthened a little more, the density it provides is great, without being overly clumpy. *I have the shortest eyelashes of anyone I've ever met... so length is a constant problem.
3. Ojon Reparative Serum- I got a nice little sample of this serum in a birchbox a few months back and it's fabulous. I've been growing my hair out for the last year or so, and the ends were starting to look a little brittle. Put a teeny tiny bit of this serum on the ends and they look good as new. It's on the pricy side, but I haven't found anything quite like it.
4. TRESemme Tres Two Hair Spray. My lifelong favorite hairspray hands down. I absolutely love this stuff, and as a southern girl who loves volume this stuff is a godsend. Don't buy anything but level 4, and the aerosol is my fav. (Sorry environment--- I promise to save you, but I can't give this stuff up).
5. Philosophy eternal grace perfume. I have loved another scent in this line, amazing grace, forever. But I was at TJ Maxx this weekend and spotted a 4 oz bottle of this stuff for $20 bucks. (Normally it would cost $90+) so I went ahead and grabbed it. I'm so glad I did because this is my new go-to and will be for years to come. Like most philosophy scents its very clean and feminine. It does have a few citrus notes and is ever so lightly floral. I think its a perfect balance for daytime. Another plus with this brand, more than any of my other perfumes, I feel like the staying power is fantastic.
Included in this palette are three satin powders that have great staying power. Then there are two fabulous glitter gels. The products are geared towards cheerleaders and competitive dancers, but I'm not going to lie, I kind of loved the glitter!
plus, BA Star is nice enough to offer Blue Dog Belle readers a 50% discount to get this and any other palette from their site. Just put in "BBSMOKY" at checkout, then let me know what you think!
So let me know, what have you been loving this spring so far?
*Note the smokey palette was supplied to me free of charge. All opinions voice here are always my own.
Remember when I showed y'all this cool chart about wines last week? Well, I found another one that may be even more helpful. How to choose a bottle of wine. Click through to see the full size image, but this chart is hilarious!
Lately I've been looking for a new way to spruce up the house and fill up some empty frames. I'm loving the idea of fashion sketches as art. They are beyond gorgeous, and so much fun! Here are a few I've been crushing lately (I've even ordered a few of these!)
Don't you just love these? I went on a pinning spree this weekend so check out my board here.
Also, don't forget to link up here for the instagram hop!
Today I'm over on Going the Distance filling in for Jenn while she's relaxing on the beach in Puerto Rico. So not fair, but I'm happy to share my beach bag essentials and live vicariously through her. So come visit!
Then I'm also part of the lovely Tara's giveaway over on Penniless Socialite. So visit me there too!
Well, it's offically the third day of spring. But no one seems to have let mother nature know, because goodness has it been chilly in DC this week. We even had snow! So as much as I'm itching to put away my winter clothes for good, I may need to postpone that project for a few more weeks. Understandably, I think you'll forgive me for planning two outfits. One for this cooler weather we've been having, and one a little better for a 70 degree day.
Well it's Thursday, that time during the week where writing a full blog post with pictures seems extorindarily difficult, because I'm tired and ready for the weekend. But I still have stuff to say, so blog post in bullet form it is!
Y'all were awesome yesterday! I got some really thoughtful insight and emails which I'm still in the process of returning, so if I haven't already told you, thank you!
Today is kind of my friday, because I'm taking tomorrow off to go look at a law school here in DC. What???? yes. Woot!
I listened to the whole S Club 7 album last night, and it was awesome. Remember them?
I also went to the gym last night for the first time in I don't even know, and it wasn't that terrible yay! Maybe I'll even go again tonight.
I have the WORST senioritis right now, and it's bleeding in to all aspects of my life. I'm just so checked out of everything. ie. I'm super lame and quiet on social media this week. sorry folks.
I plan on spending a ridiculous amount of time in my bed this weekend. I'm even debating about putting paper over the windows and sleeping in a masque and ear plugs to keep out distractions. I'm serious when it comes to sleep.
I really am feeling an intense need to go shopping for beauty products and I even need some refills... but I don't trust myself at target. What's a girl on a budget to do?
How are you guys liking bloglovin a week post google reader? I loved it at first, but now I feel like it takes me SO much longer to get through my daily blog roll b/c I have to load every single page. Is it just me, and my slow internet connection?
I made cheese burger mac hamburger helper for dinner on Tuesday, and realized how freaking gross that stuff is! WHY did I ever buy that crap? never again.
I really loved this post from Betsy on Tuesday. I can't wait to see what she says in her response.
Is it normal that I'm really sad at the thought of leaving my DC blogger friends? I don't know where I'd be without you girls, and even though we don't hang out irl as much as we should, I don't want to leave you!
Is it weirder that I'm considering how many blog friends I have in other potential cities as a factor in my law school decision? (ATL is looking pretty good, blog friends-wise. You know who you are).
Well that's all I've got for you today. No pictures. Just my witty randomness to keep you occupied. See you tomorrow for Friday's Fancies (everyone's favorite day of the week).
As most of you know, I'm in the throws of deciding where to go to law school. I am often indecisive person when it comes to big life choices, so I can tell y'all I'm absolutely terrified about this decision.
I'm very fortunate that I've been accepted to six pretty great schools, and many of them have given me a considerable amount of financial aid so that's great. But sometimes having options makes things harder. There are so many factors that accompany each school, and multiply that by six (plus five potential additional acceptances), it's becoming a bit overwhelming to say the least. Oh. And I have to decide by April 1.
I'm not quite ready to share what my specific school choices are, but I want to give y'all a few hints. I know that so much of law school will be spent studying, but I'm a city girl and I'm sure I'm going to need some entertainment. So of course I've been doing some research on life in my potential new homes. Some, I know well, others not at all.
After reading my blog, you may have noticed I'm a girl who enjoys a cocktail. While I've been known to overindulge every now and again, I'm not one to love a sloppy night or the aches that accompany the next morning.
In 2008, I did a semester in Spain where I was officially introduced to life as a wine-o. While I've strayed away from the beverage lately, I've decided to educate myself on the subject of wine in efforts to grow my love. I found this print on pinterest a while back, and I'm absolutely fascinated.
How cool is this? I think I'm going to order a full size print for my apartment. Maybe hang it up near the bar? I think yes.
It's interesting to see what wines I already prefer in relation to one another. Apparently I'm a fruity red girl who loves anything with cherry notes. My go-tos are Pinot Noir (california's especially), Cabernet Sauvigon, Tempranillo, and Cotes du Rhone.
If you're not a wine person, sorry for this post, but if you are, what do you think? Do you have a favorite type of wine?
I'm thinking this poster would be great for a tasting dinner party. You could explore fortified wines for a night or even better... sparkling wine.
Well that was a whirlwind of a weekend! I have a ridiculously busy week ahead, so I'm just going to let the pictures speak for themselves. Hope y'all had a fab one too!
Trying to convince friends to come out in their green dresses.
Best response ever.
I'm also coming to realize that I need to upgrade the iphone to get better front camera quality.
Well one year ago today I wrote my very first post here. A year later I can't believe how much this blog and my life has changed. I have so many new friends and friendships that I'm sure will last for years to come. I'm actually kind of "in" to fashion now... not something I would have said a year ago. The blog has forced me to focus on what I want in my life, what I don't. It's kept me accountable, and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Some days I still don't really know why all of you lovelies stop by here and read my opinions on the random happenings in my life, but you keep coming back. For that, I am forever grateful. I'm sure those of you that blog can share in my sentiments.
And seriously, what better day to have a Blogiversary than on my favorite day of the week! Friday's Fancies!
Did you see my post yesterday? I shared some of my feelings about the big google announcement. Needless to say I'm going to make the transition to bloglovin, so don't forget to add me!
And if you're new to BL, like me, check this post out from Whitney on how and why to change your comment form!
I'm heading out tonight with #DCCallie and many of my favorites to celebrate the Blue Dog Belle's big day! Thanks again to everyone who has come by, left a comment or followed me over the last year, it means so much to me!
So I updated my blog during lunch today after I found out about the death of google reader. Well, I have more to say. I'm beyond frustrated with the amount of time and effort I've put into growing this here blog all to have it essentially go by the way side (though the friends I've made here will have made it 100% worth it).
I went and read the official google reader blog post about it, and the reasoning just seems ridiculous. They are cancelling the service to to waning interest. I'm sure that just about any other company would be thrilled to have the user-ship that reader does. It seems absolutely absurd to throw that to the wayside, not to mention anger so many "influential" people.
As someone who has had an on and off love affair with the blog world for years, I loved google reader/blogger for keeping me linked with old friends. Now it seems that link will be disappearing. All of this change is forcing me to strongly consider moving to a self hosted page. I don't want to deal with google or these antics any more.
So yes Google, I'm "sad to see reader go", but I've learned my lesson. I want to own my blog, and my readership.
I will personally transfer my feeds to both bloglovin and feedly. I'm still new to both, but bloglovin seems to be better for blogs, feedly for news and magazines. While I'm frustrated that I will now have to rely on two platforms to handle what reader did, I'm happy to support two companies that appreciate their users and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. In the meantime lets make some new blog lovin friends! Link up below and post the code on your page.
UPDATE: So before we get on to the main show, I'm late on this whole google reader/gfc retirement. I, like so many of you, am furious with this development. I have only 1/6 of my readers on bloglovin... so this is a hit to say the least! I had several other feed sources linked to my reader, so I'm not sure if I'm going to make the transition to bloglovin or another rss feed reader like feedly. What are y'all planning on doing?
In the meantime, I'm adding all of my blogs to blog lovin so I don't lose anyone! So add me! I have a button over on the side (looks like the feed button, but it's really bloglovin... I should probably change that) or just click here.
For my next installation of color crush I'm featuring African Violet. This is such a pretty color and makes me so ready for spring time!
How pretty is that Oscar de la Renta dress? Oh my goodness. I'm absolutely dying, in love. I want to wear it every day and twirl around Capitol Hill.
Growing up I was more of a pink girl, as opposed to a purple one. In my house there were three girls and we were each "assigned" colors to differentiate between our possessions. My color was pink, Sara's was purple, and Beckie got whatever the other option was. Ha. Sucks to be the youngest. Now that I think back on it, those assignments were even reflected in the walls of our rooms. Mine was pepto-pink and I loved it. Sara's was a lavender, and Beckie had white/blue.
Anyways, back to African Violet. I've totally been crushing on this color lately. I love it paired with Emerald. Anyone else?
Another month, another Birchbox. I can't believe it, but we're coming up on my two year birchbox anniversary (something else has an anniversary this week too, stay tuned)! I was absolutely thrilled with this month's box! So many great products and fantastic samples!
This is a blueberry scented shaving cream. Perfect because spring is coming, so I need be a tad more vigilant about shaving. It's super creamy and smells SO good. Plus my legs stay super moisturized after I use it! Loving this stuff so far, but not sure it's really worth $20 price tag for the full size, but I'm loving the sample!
I got this sample in the gorgeous grey color called: great lakes. Now we all know how much I love grey, so this is perfect! Plus I don't have a single mid-toned matte grey in my collection. Thanks Birchbox! I really love the formulation of this shadow. It's not hyper pigmented, but it blends well and is very buildable for more color impact. Plus 30% of every MAKE product goes straight to charity! Love that.
More MAKE stuff. I'm really impressed with this new brand because this primer is right up my alley. I love that it has 30 SPF, because this girl doesn't want any more wrinkles or skin cancer while were at it. This primer is awesome. It's kind of tacky when you apply it, so it doesn't blend super well. You need a decent amount to properly cover your face, but I feel like the texture really binds with my foundation, so that stuff is not moving! Definitely considering buying this in full size.
Once again, birchbox knows me so well. I'm almost out of my super expensive shampoo that I was talked in to last summer. MAN was I stingy with that stuff. 1-2 times a week MAX. Anyways, I'm super excited to try this stuff out!
Plus they send me a great floral emery board! and lord knows I always need more of those. So what did you get in your box this month? Have you gotten it yet?
Listening to my favorite Pandora station, "Tupelo Honey." It's the perfect mix of southern and classic rock, with some motown thrown in for good measure. I'm obsessed. Go add it now. Watching CNN. Y'all are shocked I'm sure. But, I do have a new favorite show. Do y'all watch Duck Dynasty? Oh my gosh. It is hilarious and my DVR is filled. So glad there's a new season right now Loving daylight savings time! It's so light outside when I get home. Yet another sign that spring is here! Reading The Secret Life of Bees. I don't know why I haven't read this sooner! I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm absolutely loving it so far. Wearing my first piece from Gwynnie Bee. I'm so obsessed with this red pencil skirt. I may have to buy it! Promise I'll take some pictures for y'all. Thinking about where the heck I'm going to go to law school. Right now I have 5 pretty good choices. And I still have to hear from 6 schools! Jeez. Making life decisions is hard. Feeling a slew of mixed emotions. Excited to start the next chapter, explore a new life, but so sad to leave the one I have behind. Excited for one of my favorites, #dccallie, to come to town for the weekend. It's going to be an epic St. Patty's Day, are you excited yet? Any fun plans around DC?
Wondering where the heck I'm going to go to Law School. I wish I could hurry up and decide, but I'm still waiting to hear from several schools.
Realizing how much I love DC, my friends, and my life here. I'm really going to take advantage of my last few months of pre-law school DC life. Even if I stay in the area, I'm sure I won't have quite as much play time.
Well, if your weekend weather was anything like mine, you know that spring is here! We are in the glorious part of spring with warmer weather but no pollen yet, so I actually got to go outside without having an asthma attack. It's the small things in life, right?
Anyways, now that my shopping freeze is officially over I've started compiling a list of pretties I'd love to invest in this spring.
Clearly there is some pattern here. Black. White. Pastels. I'm so loving soft springy colors right now, and I love the classic black and white combo (especially in stripe form).
I wrote about watch in a Friday's Fancy post a few weeks ago, and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Should I make the switch to a leather watch?
Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Happy Monday!
Wow... did this week feel crazy long? or is it just me? No matter. Friday is here! One more day of work then I'm free and have a super fun weekend planned. Plus spring is well on it's way! Sunday is going to be 58 and sunny! YES!
This week's Friday's Fancies theme is Lace Love. Now I know what your going to say... this dress doesn't look lacy... more shiny. I know, I know the sequin has made another appearance. But when I saw this dress by Dorothy Perkins, how could I say no? Lace and sparkle in one? Yes ma'am.
I was a little conflicted on how to style it, so I went two ways. Day and Night (because a sequin/lacy dress is totally appropriate for work).
I'm so loving the metallic cap toe look... I picked essentially the same shoe, I'm okay with it. And that watch? Oh my gosh. Don't get me wrong, I love my chunky Micheal Kors, but it may be time to branch out a bit... and my birthday is only 7 weeks away. Hmm. Anyways, hope y'all have a fabulous weekend! If you want to follow along find me on instagram or twitter.
Well, In my part of town the #Snowquester was not so much. I'm talking a gross drizzle all day long, but snow... nope. More than anything the dreary weather and slow day at work left me dreaming of summer time. I know that peaches are few and far between this time of year, but good news! All you need is peach tea for this one!
Spiked Peach Tea
Ingredients
Two bags (or two TBSP of loose) peach tea
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
1 jigger of your favorite bourbon
Ice
Directions
Basically you're going to heat the water then steep the tea bags until it becomes a deep brown color. Remove bags and return to heat, adding the sugar to create a syrup. You will need to heat the liquid until the sugar fully dissolves and begins to thicken slightly (5 minutes or so). Let the mixture cool. It will create more than enough syrup for your cocktail--- so store the leftovers for a rainy snow day. Once the syrup is cool, combine with ice and bourbon (add water if you need a little less bite), and enjoy your peachy drink in the middle of a "snow storm."
This yummy cocktail was also inspired by my lovely roommate BW who had been enjoying lots of peach tea lately, and the wonderful Mr. and Mrs. LWW who are returning to DC this weekend! #DCCallie needs to join us!
