25 before 25: Update

Well folks. It's the last day of February. Where is 2013 going? What's more scary is my 25th birthday is quickly approaching. There are a lot of new ladies here since I last talked about my 25 before 25 project, and in order to keep myself accountable for these last two months I want to quickly check in and update y'all on my progress. My last update was on New Years Day (here are some older updates from August and June). 

1. find a job that makes me happy. {I have decided to make law school my new job. Hope it makes me happy}

2. clear out my closets {definitely would like to do more, but I've been making a conscious effort to reduce the closet clutter}

3. learn how to sew {100% done. I've made pants, scarves, place-mats, skirts. Yay! Huge win here!}

4. read 25 books {16 of 25-- got some work to do}

5. take time for projects {I'm going to count all of my sewing projects. so yes!}

6. work to make new friends {absolutely. I've made a few new friends in the last 10 months that will be around for the long haul, not to mention my hundreds of new blog friends}

7. show up for the ones I have {I could be doing better, but trying}

8. do a spending freeze for a month {working on a modified version- I gave up buying lunch for lent, and have curtailed the shopping since February 3}

9. practice meditation/yoga {not so much}

10. do something unexpected {Dropped everything to go work on a Presidential Campaign}

11. go to New York {not yet, but lets get something on the books!}

12. fill my walls with art that I love {not yet}

13. save money {working towards a goal before law school. Hoping that I'll make it}

14. focus on fitness {not as much as I would like}

15. get enough sleep {definitely succeeding}

16. take the LSAT {10/6 DONE}

17. host a themed dinner party {Not yet}

18. volunteer {Definitely did some political volunteer work, but I want to do more}

19. treat myself, because I'm worth it {treated myself to a post LSAT massage}

20. upgrade the camera {Not yet...}

21. make 25 things found on pinterest and blog about it. {{1, 2 + 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 getting close! }

22. practice making fun cocktails {here}

23. do a 5k {Hahah. this one will most likely not happen. Maybe I'll go on a 5k walk around the city during cherry blossoms}

24. take a cooking class {Any bloggers out there want to do one with me?}

25. Blog every day for a month {December 2012. yep}

26. commit to continuing these goals once 25 comes and goes

So that's where I am. Some of these goals aren't a simple activity I can cross off, but more lifestyle changes. I also know that some of my priorities have changed since I put this list together, so if I don't make it, I don't make it. That's okay.

February Beauty Favorites

As a girl constantly battling shine the Urban Decay Setting Spray has been a life saver.  Lightly mist it on your face before you apply your primer. Then again once you've put on all of your makeup and you'll be solid for hours.

While I've been loving the dark lip trend this winter, I just haven't been able to pull the trigger and wear anything too deep on myself. Lately I've been loving Revlon Lip Gloss in Peony. We all know I love anything revlon does for a lip, and this gloss is a little bit milky and has some glitter. I absolutely love it!!!

Thanks to my roommate Becca for introducing me to the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation last year. I recently finished my third bottle of the stuff and I'm so obsessed. It's a medium coverage liquid foundation, and is definitely buildable. I love to use a damp sponge to apply it (like the beauty blender) for an airbrushed finish.

So I've been using theBalm Hot Mama Shadow/Blush solely as a blush, and then I actually read the cover and tried it as a shadow and now I'm even more obsessed. I've been using it as a crease shade with a nude over all shadow for a neutral look. You NEED to try your blush as a shadow y'all! Go home right now and do it.

I received theBalm Put a Lid On It Primer in my January Birchbox, seen here. At the time I still preferred a creamier primer to this more liquidy version, but this product has completely changed my mind. I can't even believe the staying power of this primer. I'm completely obsessed.

I'm kind of loving NYX Cosmetics The Smokey Shadow Palette. The pigmentation is insane for the price. I've been loving these shades too. 

Insta-Rewind

It's time for a little February rap. This was my life via Instagram. If you're not already following me, and why wouldn't you be, click here.  

Crafting with burlap and a monogram. 

Pizza with Friends

brunch with bloggers.

Casual Sundays.

A little label love. 

Showing off my handy work. Scarf #2!

Saturday at Union Market

Snuggling with the Kitty.

Free Hugs with my other half. 

Bright nails for the dull weather. 

Emerald everywhere and a sock bun for good measure.

If you're Instagram obsessed like I am you need to link up with my favorites Emily, Kimberly and Angie. It's an Instagram link up--- so stop by one of their blogs, link up and meet some new instagram friends! This is how I've found most of my insta-favorites. Love it. Also linking up here. Happy Tuesday Gals!

Oscar Fashion

I was beyond obsessed with the red carpet last night. I mean the ladies really brought it. Old hollywood glam at its finest. 

My pick for best dressed is:

Jessica Chastain

Her dress was simply perfection. The hair. The lips. And you know I've always got to root for the pale girls! Absolutely stunning. 

Charlize Theron

I don't know about y'all, but I was kind of obsessed with her hair.  I also loved that she kept it simple up top. No crazy necklace or earrings. She let the dress do all the talking. 

Naomi Watts

I mean wow. The sparkle and the neckline. She absolutely killed it. KILLED IT.

Jennifer Hudson

I love this sparkle. The hair was a tad bit long for my taste, but the dress is gorgeous. 

Amy Adams

Well that is a dress. We all know that I love grey... and fluffy ruffles? Obsessed. I wish she would have gone with a bright lip just for a pop of color, but everything else was gorgeous!

Oliva Munn

I love a red dress on the red carpet. The corset on this Marchesa gown was just absolute perfection, with love how she was styled. 

Nicole Kidman

I am obsessed with all of this sparkle. She looked absolutely stunning. 

Reese Witherspoon

Is there anything better than a gorgeous blonde in a beautiful blue dress? As a blonde who often wears royal blue, I don't think so. Reese looked perfect.

Also. I had a fabulous blogger weekend. I hung out with Lauren on Friday and Saturday. Jaime, Besty and Brea for Sunday brunch. Then coffee with Alana. All of it was perfect. Please go be their new bffs, because I'm officially more obsessed with each of them. 

Quoted: Possibilities

Friday's Fanices #20: Red Carpet Ready

Friday's Fancies is here again, Yay! And this one may be my favorite to date, why you ask? Isn't this what all of us "fashion bloggers" dream about? Dressing for the red carpet? I know I do. I love reading posts of over the top hair, lusting over stunning makeup far too dark for everyday. and then there's the sparkle aspect. Lord knows I'm obsessed with sparkle and glitter (not quite sure when I became that girl, but I'm okay with it) and aren't sparkly jewels kind of a red carpet requirement? I think so.  

Jenny Packham Gown / Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps / KOTUR Clutch / Cartier Ring / Vintage Earrings

If there was ever a Friday's Fancies to go all out this is it. I mean, come on gal's this is the oscars. This is probably this most expensive outfit I've ever put together... but it's one of my favorites too. This weekend we will see hollywood glam at it's finest, and when I saw this dress I couldn't help but gasp. Grey. Sparkle. Vintage. Glamor. What more could you ask for? I wanted this dress to be the spotlight of the whole look, so I went with neutral accessories. Beautiful grey pumps. Just enough vintage jewelry with out over doing it. Plus just a hint of color with the clutch.

A beautiful intricate up-do and a perfectly crafted smokey eye. I'm dying. I need this outfit. Can I please go to the oscars and wear this? I'm sure I could give Anne Hathaway a run for her money.

So what do you lovelies have in store for the weekend? This girl and her hubby are in town tonight, but other than that I'm not sure. I feel like I need to take advantage of living in dc more... so I may go be a tourist... who knows.  Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

Color Crush: Poppy Red

I'm still loving all the pantone colors of 2013. After talking about Emerald, Dusk Blue and Grayed Jade I'm jumping to the other end of the spectrum: Poppy Red.

I went to The University of Georgia, our colors are red and black, so red has a special place in my heart. Not to mention my closet. By the time I graduated I'd managed to build up quite the collection of red clothing. Unfortunately they were mostly t-shirts and a few gameday dresses, so I haven't had many chances to wear the color since. Lately I've been feeling the urge to invest in a few new items. I picked up a poppy red coat last year, and its so lovely. A few new accessories and I'll be set. 

Dress / Top / Coat / Shorts / Flats / Bag / Bracelet / Ring / Hat

So what color are you crushing on?

February Birchbox Brag!

Guess what I'm bringing back?

Yep. That's right. It's been a hot minute since I've linked up with Katie and Tara, but like I said yesterday, I am refocusing the blog a bit-- back to basics if you will. Well, I have a makeup obsession--- and that's really why I started this blog--- but you wouldn't know it if you've been reading lately. #Fail. Oh well. There's no time like the present. So here's what I got in my Birchbox this month! 

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Birchbox says: To fully appreciate this dermatologist-quality scrub, a mini skincare lesson is in order. Let’s start with enzymes: these potent ingredients actually dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Microderm crystals, on the other hand, are ultra fine minerals that buff away tired skin. Vasanti’s multi-action exfoliator includes both enzymes and micro crystals, plus healing natural ingredients. The result? Renewed, decongested skin without any redness. A single tube will last you four to six months.

Blue Dog Belle says: I adore this stuff. I have been using it daily since I got it and I can tell such a huge difference. The micro-scrubbing power of this stuff is like nothing I've ever come across. It's definitely expensive, but a little seems to go a VERY long way. I'm so happy with this! I'd definitely recommend it!

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo

Birchbox says: if you’re a devoted Birchbox reader, you’re probably well aware that we have a serious infatuation with dry shampoo. Our latest obsession is this game-changer from hip brand TIGI. A couple of quick spritzes instantly zaps excess oil, perks up flat locks, and lets us go an extra day (okay, four) without shampooing.

Blue Dog Belle says: game-changer is not an understatement. Smells amazing. So effective. Dare I say it even lets me rock day 3 hair. Eww. I know. But its happened. I will DEFINITELY be buying a full size. 

Juicy Couture Couture La La 3.4oz

Birchbox says: Created with the fearless free spirit in mind, this brand new scent from Juicy Couture is a punk rock update on the original Juicy Couture. One part fruity, one part tart, and one part floral, it’s neither too sweet nor too girly. Plus, the glam bottle is worthy of a front-and-center spot on your vanity.

Blue Dog Belle says: I'm a big fan of Juicy perfumes, and this one is lovely. But it's not my favorite. It's a little youthful for me, but I think the birchbox description is definitely accurate. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

Birchbox says: Ever since we discovered Jouer’s best selling Luminizing Moisture Tint, the skin perfector has been our secret to getting a healthy, glowy complexion. We never thought anything could come between us and our beloved LMT—until we met this brand new mattifying version. The oil-free formula controls shine all day long and gives skin a soft, velvety finish. It blends in easily and keeps your face protected with SPF 15. We don’t see anything wrong with having two favorites.

Blue Dog Belle says: again, love the brand, not this particular product so much. I like fuller coverage foundations so this product is automatically not what I'm looking for. I felt that the pigment wore off quickly (with in 6 hours or so) and it didn't really keep me matte for long. If you're looking for a matte verion of their tints, this is definitely it. Just not the right formulation for me or my preferences. 

Ghirardelli Milk & Caramel SQUARES

Birchbox says: As Mary Kate and Ashley, Simon and Garfunkel, and Mickey and Minnie would probably attest, it takes two to make a thing go right. Enter our latest Birchbox Find: Ghirardelli’s melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate squares filled with velvety caramel. The individually-wrapped squares are perfect for snacking, and each is just under 75 calories. If you can be convinced to share, they make thoughtful treats for fellow chocolate-lovers.

Blue Dog Belle says: Okay. LOVE these, and I guess this month was valentines with lots of chocolate around, but I really want my birchbox to introduce me to new PRODUCTS not random chocolate I can buy at any corner store in North America.

That's all she wrote. I was a little disappointed in my box this month. I had some really great finds, but I'm not sure, I just wasn't wowed.  What did y'all think? Do you get birchbox too? 

Cocktail Hour: Honeyed Ginger

Happy Tuesday y'all! I'm a bit overwhelmed with everyone's responses to my post yesterday. I didn't actually make any decisions about following/unfollowing blogs, but I really appreciated your feedback and support! Sometimes I feel very alone in how overwhelming and time consuming blogging can be. Good to know I'm not.

Do y'all read Kate's blog? She designed my beautiful new blog, but she's also a blogger herself and announced  she's doing a Creative Cleanse this week and I loved the idea! I've decided to get back to basics a bit in attempts to get my blog juices flowing again. I realized it's been far too long since I've done a Friday Cocktail post... in fact I'm willing to bet the majority of you didn't even read this little blog back when I used to do them. I love my Friday Fancies link up too much, so I've decided to bring the Friday Cocktail series back under a new name: "Cocktail Hour." Today's the first installment! Yay! Who doesn't need a mid-week cocktail pick up? I know I sure could (don't worry, I'll at least wait until 6:00).

Last night I was thinking about what to make for this inaugural cocktail post I was flipping through an article about cooking with honey, and thus this delicious baby was born!

via

So, pretty right? I totally stayed up all night making this look pretty. Ha. Fail no... I threw this together in a plastic cup... not worthy of photography so I borrowed this picture from one of my favorite blogs. Calling a fail on myself here. Sorry. Never the less... you can make it pretty! Here's what you need...

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP fresh grated ginger
• 1 TBSP honey
• 1 jigger of gin
• 3 oz of gingerale
• lemon peel and 1 wedge for garnish

Directions

Warm the honey for about 30 seconds in the microwave for a thinner consistency. Muddle with the ginger and a lemon peel. Add gin. Strain over ice. Top with ginger-ale. Garnish with lemon. Enjoy

So easy right? So delicious. The spiciness of the ginger is absolutely perfect with the subtle sweetness of the honey. I'm thinking this could also be good with bourbon... If you try this let me know what you think! I promise to get my act together and actually take pictures next time.  

Currently I am....

I feel like it's another day for a currently post. It's just that kind of a day.  

Currently I am... 

Annoyed that I have work today while the rest of Washington, D.C. is sleeping in, brunching and galavanting around the city. 

Listening to an ethical training class online so I can maintain my FEC certification. It's super fun, let me tell you. 

Watching CNN. Duh what else is new? Is it normal to know the daily line up on CNN by heart? well... I know it's not, but this is my life. 

Reading blogs... so... many... blogs... I never realize how many I follow until I get on google reader for the first time in a few days. 400 new posts to read since Friday around noon-ish.

Wondering is it okay to purge my reader? I really only comment on like 1/4 of the blogs I read, maybe I need to refresh a bit. Touchy subject in blog world. I know I hate when I lose followers... but still... it' tricky. How do other bloggers handle it when you get overwhelmed? Help please! 

Feeling sad because my favorite person ever has returned to Connecticut. At least we still have snapchat. My other favorite person ever is leaving me this week to move to New Zealand and travel the world for 18 months. I'm super jealous, but super sad. 

Loving how much fun this weekend was. 

Missing my bed. We didn't spend as much time together as I would have liked this weekend. #toobusyforsleep

Looking Forward To my bff is coming to town this weekend! 

Wearing one of my new scarves I made myself! Yay for learning how to sew.

Obsessing over Union Market. DC friends, have you been there yet? I went twice this weekend and I am  so obsessed! It was amazing!!!

Friday's Fancies #19: Pink and Red

Happy Friday Gals! Is it just me or was this week brutal? Ugh. So glad it's almost over! I'm loving today's theme of pink and red, a combo. Y'all know I can't resist a sequin!

Also--- Thanks to Kat for consulting with me on this outfit.

No big plans for the weekend. Just going to galavant around the city enjoying this lovely icy snowy weather. Fun times.

Happy Weekend Gals

Happy Valentines Day

This is my valentines day wish list. Hope you all have a fabulous day with lots of love!

Perfectly Pink

Happy Valentines Day Week! All this week I am going to feature some of my favorite fashions that come in the lovely color pink!

 1/2/3/4/5

Did y'all survive Mardi Gras last night? I'm not a cool as my blog might suggest. I didn't even end up drinking all night. I know. What is wrong with me? Well... I have good reason. I was hard at work on my fancy new scarf! I made a pretty chiffon infinity scarf from some fabric I picked up after class on Monday. I've already made a tote bag, and am working on some pajama pants, but this scarf was my first totally solo project! I'm kind of obsessed with how easy it was, and will probably be making a million more in the coming weeks! Yay!!!

What do you think? I'm kind of obsessed!

Happy Wednesday!

Happy SOTU and Mardi Gras!

Today is quite possibly the most epic Tuesday ever. Do you know why?

It's Mardi Gras! A day devoted to over-indulging. So eat that chocolate with a side of king cake, drink an extra bottle glass of wine tonight, and have some beer waiting because guess what else....

Tonight is the State of the Union!!!! Woohoo! Quite possibly my favorite political night of the year. (I'm a nerd I know. Judge away). 

For those politico-dc types that read this blog, if you don't know about Cloture Club, you need to. It's one of my go-to sites to find out what's happening on the hill, you know all the fun stuff not that boring business of legislating. 

Anyways, they put out this fantastic idea of a SOTU (State of the Union) drinking game! How fun is that?  So here are the rules...

via

Or if drinking isn't so much your thing, maybe try playing SOTU Bingo! Here or Here or Here.  I'll probably print off a few boards and attempt both, while wearing plenty of beads, duh. Fun times right? I think so.

Happy Tuesday Gals!

Grammy Gorgeous

Did you watch the Grammy's last night? I DVR'd it and fast forwarded through the majority. Ha. Priorities people. Real Housewives of Atlanta was on too! How do you choose? Anyways, I wanted to recap some of my favorite red carpet looks, but I have to say I was terribly underwhelmed. I'm not really a fan of the high slit and it seemed like ever psuedo star and her sister were rocking the look.  No thank you. 

So here are my top three looks of the night. I'm normally a color fan on the carpet, but for some reason all three of these looks are dark. 

Loved the deep sparkle of Carly Rae Jepsen's beautiful gown and the deco elements of the beading on the top. So pretty. 

Carrie Underwood rocked a very similar silhouette, So loving the lace details, her classic hair and flawless makeup. Nailed it. 

I seriously think this was the first time I've ever seen Kelly Osborne and actually gasped at how beautiful she looked. First of all, this dress is so flattering on her, and she looks SO skinny! But I love how she styled it with minimal hair and just enough jewelery to really let her gorgeous figure come to the forefront as the star of the look. 

So what did y'all think? Who were your grammy favorites?

Friday's Fancies #18: Lovely Layers

I can't believe I missed Friday Fancies last week. So lame.  But don't you worry--- I'm back again! Still loving green (did I mention my new kate spade bag is emerald? So excited), and I once again worked it in to one of my looks. I'm definitely a layering girl in real life. It rare that you'll find me with out a cardigan. I may have a problem actually. I wear sweaters in 100 degree weather in the DC summers. Crazy.

Hope all of y'all have a great weekend!!! Stay safe for those of you in the snow up here in the Northeast! Thankfully we are just a little wet in DC. No snow for us!

Oh and congratulations to the lovely ladies behind Wil.Harris on winning the Mardi Gras Giveaway! Send me your mailing address ASAP gals, so I can get you some beads before Tuesday!