INSPIRATION
I am still new to the area, so everything -- new, or new new or old news new, is new to me. I went with my sister to <enter correct type of new here> Right Proper Brewing Company last weekend and was pleasantly surprised that a bustling place four blocks from my house could be well priced, have great food, a fun atmosphere, beautiful art walls and delicious beers. We were also seated in about 10 minutes on a Friday night, which is amazing. A favorite that won't get old anytime soon.
Can we talk about spring yet? The weather likes to play games with us here in DC. We'll have an absolutely AMAZING weekend, sunny & warm enough to make you think that spring has sprung. Then we'll have a snowday, and it's bitter cold all over again. It's quite frustrating, but hopefully this vicious cycle is almost over! It's practically the middle of March already, Spring can't be thaattt far away. Right?
We've turned our clocks an hour ahead, and i'm trying by best to positively think our way to sundresses and rooftop bars. So, I give you my Love / Lust list: Spring dreaming edition
On the left, are a few things I've acquired over winter that I LOVE / On the right are their spring accompaniments that I LUST.
1. Capitol Bikeshare: Thanks Santa! Now I can bike everywhere & never worry about my bike being stolen. Also, beach cruiser. / 2. Heritage backpack: Purses and messenger bags are too dangerous when biking. I need a new backpack for commuting to work and carrying picnic essentials.
3. Relay Foods: Our new favorite way to buy local, organic groceries. It's online shopping for things you actually need (food). / 4. Lunchbox: Isn't this the perfect lunchbox? I'm dreaming of days when my quinoa, hummus, apples and granola bars all have their own special space. Oh, and all make it to work for lunch without spilling in my bag.
5. AIAIAI earphones: These make everything sound a million times better while still being small enough to use on a run. / 6. Gym Bag: Now that I actually want to run so I can listen to music on these headphones, I need a new bright, cheerful gym bag. Morning gym time is the best gym time thanks to Vida Fitness!
7. Planner: A gift from my best friend. The ultimate grown-up planner to plan for things like trips to Disney World and best friends' weddings. / 8. Clogs: Confession: I've dreamt about these for so long I already purchased them. Yes, they do look great with every sundress I own. and yes, I wear them around my room already in anticipation of long walks around the city.
What's on your spring wish list??
Every year i have this existential criss about the thing I carry around everywhere. In pursuit of the perfect handbag, I find myself pondering the makings and functions of the purse. Why do I carry a purse? What do I have to carry? Can't I just minimize the things I lug around? Why are purses so ugly? When will purses be less shiny and more matte? Why isn't this bag stronger, prettier, less gimmicky? When will I find something sturdy and luxurious, functional and elegant?
I've dreamt of a basic, tote like bag that has minimal, or better yet--no hardware and enough space without being chunky. I've imagined sturdy thick leather straps and a simple interior pocket. I've gone so far as to thinking about how to make it, how to price it, how much the labor would cost and who would do it best...but right when I started getting serious about making my dream tote, I found one. I've been following the brand Cuyana for a while and I'm entirely glad they beat me to making my dream tote, because now I own a piece I love without having to have developed it myself. Best part--it goes perfectly with the Etxe wallet, which I did design, to solve the problem of digging in my purse for my metro card. Now I have two leather pieces I used to dream about as my daily companions.
It's March 10th! Which means my March Birchbox is on its way!
As a girl that can easily spend hours in Sephora, and truly enjoys testing new products, Birchbox is the ultimate gift. Birchbox delivery day feels like Christmas morning every month. Knowing I'll get my March box any day makes this week infinitely better!
But first, let's talk about my February box... 
1. L'eau de opale perfume: * * *
A light, fresh, spring flower kind of perfume. I like it and I'm enjoying the sample! Just not in the market for a new scent quite yet.
2. Face Spotlight: * * * *
It makes my skin smooth, glowing AND has SPF. I would definitely be interested in purchasing if it weren't so pricey!
3. OPI tinted top coat : *
I needed a new top coat and was excited to try OPI's new tinted top coats. It gave a fun candy tint to my Revlon red nail polish, but did not preserve my polish any longer than normal. One star, not worth a purchase.
4. Breath treatment: * * * * *
Who needs gum when you can have Pop Rocks for grown ups! These popping crystals freshen your breath, not just turn your tongue red (strawberry Pop Rocks were everyone's favorite right?). These may find their way into my cart...
5. Half-up: * * * * *
The half-up provides the extra help to achieve the perfect half up bun, low bun, or top of your head bun! Stephanie liked it so much I ordered her one too! (shout out to Birchbox customer service for sending her a free one to the correct address after I ordered it to the wrong shipping address!!)
Here's my first half up bun attempt.. layers are tricky..
And here's Stephanie's beautiful low bun (yeah, I know, she wins)
On Saturday, we both showed up to brunch with half-ups in our hair! (Best top knot I've ever had btw).
Thanks Birchbox for such a fun February!!
We were sitting in a Lululemon goal setting session at Whole Foods about to envision our lives--our lives ten years from now. It's hard and scary and audacious, but we were doing it. Writing and dreaming and starting to plan it all out when we noticed a low voice, a muffled pop sound, a growing crescendo and the sounds of feet slapping and bodies twirling. It was like a play had just burst out in the middle of Whole Foods, which is completely ridiculous. We tried to focus on the task at hand, but who can dream about a future without embracing the present?
We all ran to the railing and looked down below to the produce section of Whole Foods Market on P Street. A group of young dancers and singers were dancing amongst the organic carrots and pre-washed kale. We pushed our way to the front, to see the commotion, to experience the thrill of live entertainment. It was like a flash mob, but with really talented people that had clearly rehearsed together and were poised for the stage. When it was over we walked back to our tables, to our blank white pages, to our boring pens and water bottles, and rethought out the next decade of our lives, with passion, spunk and the creativity that we almost forgot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URwIRxb-7Rs&feature=youtu.be
And that's how we heard about the upcoming production of Howard University's The Bubble Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (by Kirsten Childs). Whoever the main character is, that girl can sing. They can all sing, and dance, and be generally fabulous. And I know that from their 5 minutes of guerrilla marketing at the grocery store.
March 5 - 8, 2014 at 7:30pm Howard University, Ira Aldridge Theater 2455 6th Street, NW (located next door to Cramton Auditorium on Howard University’s campus) $17.00 General Admission; $10.00 Faculty/Staff/Senior Citizens/Alumni; $7.00 Students (with valid ID)
I'm still getting used to the notion of a snow day. It's kind of crazy that everything just shuts down--and strange how unprepared DC is for any amount of snow. I suppose it's just so unusual. Things I did today while snow whirred and swirled around me:
Hope you had a great day--snow day or not!
