march day thirty one: bliss

What a great Saturday!

This morning, I slept in a little bit before heading off to Dunkin Donuts for my favorite weekend coffee. While drinking it, I wandered around a few stores and picked up a couple new belts. I then came home, grabbed some lunch and headed to Bliss for my birthday present from Brad-- a massage. I have been looking forward to this massage for months. I am so happy I finally booked it and went! 

I got to Bliss a little early (even after getting caught up in a police chase for a hit-and-run van) and changed into my robe. I tasted their amazing brownies and waited for my name to be called. I ended up having one of the best massages of my life. I LOVE Bliss. I even scheduled pedicure appointments for when my mom arrives.

After my massage, I stopped by a couple stores on my way home. I had very little luck but I love just wandering around, especially on nice sunny days like today. I then came home, painted my nails and just relaxed while catching up on my DVR. Such a nice day!

march day thirty: classic

Jeans: Rock and Republic

Top: Hinge

Sweater: Banana Republic

It is much cooler outside today so I decided to wear something very classic (read: simple) and comfortable for a Friday in the office. I was getting ready and was about to take photos of my outfit when and my cat decided she really wanted to be in the pictures. She would not leave me alone so I decided to include a photo of her instead of just one of my basic outfit today.

march day twenty nine: stripes and flowers

Scarf: Banana Republic Similar Style

This is not the most flattering picture I have taken-- but I love this scarf! It is one of my favorite items in my closet. It took me forever to find but when I did, I knew I had to buy it. I actually fell in love with a similar one on Pinterest-- which inspired the search for the scarf.

Where is your favorite scarf from?

march day twenty eight: roti

Today I found out that I am now an Ambassador for Roti! I am so excited!

I received the email this afternoon and have not stopped talking about it. I still have not received all of the details, but I do know that I have already won free food for a month, 50 free food passes for my friends, a hoodie from American Apparel, the opportunity to meet with the manager this summer to create a special Menu item to benefit my charity, cooking classes and more! I had no idea how great it would be! I am so glad I submitted an application.

The next step I have to take is sending them a photo for the National Ambassador competition. The photo I submit will then be turned into a poster which will hang in my local Roti. There will be a QR code on there for customers to scan in order to vote for me to win the national competition. How exciting! Once the link is up for people to vote, I will be sure to post it on here. If I win the national competition, I win free food for a year and a day to host an event where all of the money will benfit the American Diabetes Association-- my charity of choice.

I am so, so excited for this opportunity and I can't wait to share this journey with everyone!

march day twenty seven: thrifty

Today's theme: Thrifty

I wanted to show off my latest thrift store purchase.

Sadly, my local thrift store has recently discovered my secret. The store has been known to have some amazing brand name deals. My best find to date: a $7 BRAND NEW United Colors of Benetton blazer. Last time I went to the store, I noticed a remodel and a new section: the Boutique. Fancy name... fancy price. The Boutique now includes all the brand new items. When I looked through the rack, the items included J.Crew dresses, Ann Taylor dresses and Loft pants-- all in my size, all with original tags. Very tempting, but the new price structure was quite a let down. I am so bummed they figured out my secret.

My purchase: this purse. Similar style here

It is EXACTLY what I have been looking for. Brown, leather-like, (long) removable strap and big. I am so happy I found it!

Total cost after tax: $9.43

march day twenty six: red

Pants: Rock and Republic

Top: H&M not available online

Sweater: Ann Taylor similar style

Watch: Urban Outfitters

Bangles: Bauble Bar similar style

Happy Monday!

I decided to break out my red jeans today to brighten up a cooler Monday. They are not as bold as my yellow jeans, but I love them. They are great shade of red that is good for Spring and the holiday season. Depending on the light, they are almost a dark pink. Exactly what I was looking for!

I am also wearing one of my favorite watches. I discovered it through the Daily Spark-- the blog by Matchbook Magazine. If you don't subscribe to this, you should. It is one of my very favorites!

march day twenty five: in memory

Today is a very sad day: my mom had to put our dog of 13 years to sleep. In her memory, I took a photo of one of my favorite trees on my street.

When I was in seventh grade, my mom and I scheduled a road trip with my grandparents with a family reunion in Albuquerque as our destination. About a week before the trip, my grandpa was working in the garage where he was bitten by a black widow. He ended up in the hospital and was very ill-- too ill to go on vacation. Instead of going without him, we ended up canceling the trip. My mom had money saved up for our vacation and we decided to spend it in other ways. We bought a new computer… and a puppy. (When I was younger I would always convince my mom it was a good idea to go look at animals at the humane society.) But this trip was different… we found a little black puppy who had the sweetest face. We took her into the room and I fell in love. We had to have this dog. 

After making arrangements to pick up the dog later in the week, we went straight to Barnes and Noble to look at baby name books to pick out the perfect name. I came across the name Darbi (with an i) and was sold. A few days later, I had a new puppy named Darbi.

She was a great dog from the start. Always a little scared of others, but a great dog for me and my mom. 

I will miss that little puppy.

march day twenty four: movies

Like the rest of America, we went to see the Hunger Games.

It was a gloomy Saturday with lots of rain and very little motivation. We met up with with some friends and went to the movies to see one of the most anticipated films of the year. I have not read the books, but after seeing the movie, I really want to. I (secretly) loved it. 

What did you think of the movie?

march day twenty three: shoes

Shoes: Kensie Girl Similar Style

I ordered these shoes on Monday and they got here earlier this week. I absolutely love them! They are really tall, match everything and just scream summer. They are pretty comfortable and I just want to wear them everywhere.

What are your favorite summer shoes?

Happy Friday: Shoes.

march day twenty two: surprise

One of my favorite people ever got engaged yesterday.

It is still a secret so I can't really say much about it… but I am so so so happy for her!

Love you!

march day twenty one: transportation

Today I snapped a photo of one of the longest escalators in the DC Metro System. It is not a great photo as I was feeling terrible, but I tried. Fun fact: DC has some of the longest escalators in the country.

I took this picture this morning on my way to the doctor. My allergies have done nothing but get worse over the past week so I decided a trip to the doctor was in order. After meeting with my doctor, she confirmed that I am not sick and that I just need different allergy medications. She wrote me a prescription and gave me a new spray. As I was about to walk out of the office, she stopped me and asked me to go back in. She wanted to draw blood for an allergy test.

The Phlebotomist (first one I ever met!) came in and asked me a few questions. I told her I had never had my blood drawn before but she told be I would be fine. Minutes later, I had a needle in my arm and thought I was good to go… until I passed out. Oops. I never really thought I had a problem with needles/ blood/ etc but today proved me wrong. It turns out you need to eat before blood is drawn-- no one told me! So, I plan on heading back Friday and I am hoping for a much less eventful trip.

march day twenty: TOMS

I recently purchased my first pair of TOMS. Since I am still feeling a little under the weather, I thought today was a perfect day to pull them out. I mean, I wear them all the time on the weekend, but I try to dress it up a little more in the workplace. 

If you don't know about TOMS, I recommend taking about ten minutes out of your day and doing some research. I was very hesitant at first, but the more I read, the more I respected the company. They say that for every pair of shoes you buy, one pair is donated to a child in need. There are different opinions on how the shoes are made, but I will let you come up with your own. 

Last week, I read a press release at work that really made me start thinking about how much of a difference one company can make. After seeing the picture in the release (and sharing it with many others) I couldn't believe that so many issues arise with not being able to wear shoes. It is crazy to think that diseases can be prevented just by wearing shoes. 

So many of us take wearing shoes for granted-- but take a few minutes and just think about those that don't have the same opportunities that we have. 

march day nineteen: bloom

For today's photo, I decided that a photo of a tree in full bloom would be fitting due to the crazy allergy problems I have been having.

Yesterday, I was convinced I was sick all day and just sat around the house, watched movies and ate chicken noodle soup. Today, Alberto mentioned that it could be allergies-- and boy was he right! I picked up some Claritin at CVS and I am now feeling so much better! I didn't even consider allergies- I just assumed I was sick. I love seeing all of the flowers and trees but I prefer to do it while not sneezing.

Happy last day of Winter!

march day eighteen: festive

Yesterday was St. Patty's Day-- the one day of the year everyone in America wears the same color: green! I loved walking around Virginia and seeing so much green. I think there should be more holidays that require everyone to dress in the same color. 

We met up with Rhett and Nicole yesterday to enjoy some green beer in the sunshine. I love the idea of green beer and had to take some pics. We ended up just staying in the neighborhood all night but we had a great time. 

I hope everyone had a fabulous green holiday!

march day seventeen: green

Happy St. Patty's Day!

march day sixteen: cakes and clothing

Last night, Brad and I got inspired to go get an ice cream cake at Baskin Robbins. I have been talking them up for months now so we finally broke down and got one. We ended up getting this little bunny full of mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate cake. Needless to say, it was delicious

This morning when I woke up I noticed it was rather gloomy outside. I thought it was a good day to pull out my glasses and maybe try out one of my new necklaces. I think the gloomy weather inspired my black shirt-- I am not in the only one in the office wearing dark colors. What happened to the summer weather we had yesterday?

I much prefer taking photos of things that are not me for my blog, but the necklace photo looks a little creepy without a head (see below). I really like this new necklace and I am glad I finally found some fun new jewelry. It helps dress my outfit up a little on this casual Friday.

So happy it's the weekend!

Jeans: Joe's

Top: H &M Similar Style

Necklace: Jewelry Bar

Bracelet: Bauble Bar

Purse: Michael Kors Similar Style

Glasses: Coach

Tomorrow is St. Patty's Day (and mom's birthday!) and I can't wait to wear green! Hopefully the weather is less gloomy than today!

march day fifteen: stripes

Sweater: Ann Taylor

Dress: Target

Heels: not pictured or available online

Today I decided my photo of the day would be stripes.

The temperature outside is currently 80 degrees and rising. It definitely feels like summer.

I stuck with my neon theme from yesterday-- I am really into the bright colors this year and want to flood my closet with them. They are so fun!

march day fourteen: necklace

I decided to switch things up.

As you may have noticed, in my last post, I talked about taking pictures of things that are more meaningful. Instead of waiting until April, I am starting now.

Last night, Kristin and I went to Girls Night Out. We were not really sure what to expect other than we knew that we paid $15 and were told it was free drinks all night. Well, it was better than that! For our $15 ticket, we got a bag of goodies (snacks, sample beauty products, etc.), free drinks from 5-10pm and a night of shopping from cute vendors not in the DC area. We wandered around for a few hours sipping cosmos and picking out new clothes and jewelry. I came home with a few new necklaces and a new ring. Kristin bought a couple of dresses and some jewelry. We had a great night! I mean, how could you not? Drinks and shopping? It was pretty much heaven. 

I took a picture of my neon necklace I bought last night and I am using it as my photo of the day. I love how bright it is. It is hard to capture with my phone, but it is neon. The necklace, along with the 80 degree weather today, definitely puts me in the mood for summer. I can't wait for beach trips, pools and warm summer nights.

march day thirteen: a sign

Again, not much to say about a sign. I really think I may start posting things more relevant to my life. No more inanimate objects unless they have meaning.

march day twelve: fork

There is not much to say about a fork.

I am considering switching up my photo a day ideas. I don't always like the ideas on the list I post at the beginning of the month (i.e. a fork) so I may do my own thing for April. We will see how it plays out.

march day nine through eleven

March day nine: something red.

On Friday, Meg, Ashley and Kristin and I decided to go out for a fun dinner. We ended up making reservations at Mala Tang in Arlington. It is a hot pot restaurant that is delicious. We got to dinner about 8:45 and proceeded to eat for awhile. I took a picture of the chair as my "something red" picture. 

After dinner, we stopped at the store and got a few things for the rest of our night. We then met up with Brad and his friends and we out in Clarendon. 

On Saturday, we woke up and went  to the American History Museum.

We spent the afternoon looking at Lincoln's hat and first lady dresses. We were disappointed to find out that Julia Child's kitchen AND the Wizard of Oz ruby slippers are currently not in the museum for cleaning reasons. Very sad. The photo of the day for Saturday is "loud." I wanted to take a picture of all of the tour groups full of children for my picture but I am not sure how I felt about snapping photos of strange children-- so I went with a photo from the museum. Museums are strangely louder than I thought. We spent a few hours at the Amerian History Museum before heading over to the Natural History Muesum to see the Hope Diamond. 

 Then, this morning, Meg and Ashley had to pack up and head home. So sad! I hate when vacations end.

Today's photo of the day is someone you talked to. I picked these pictures of Megan from this past weekend. It has been so long since we have spent any amout of time together and I was so happy to catch up. I love this girl.

march day eight: window

Windows are boring. Friends are not.

march day seven: something you wore

Top: BCBG similar style

Jeans: Ann Taylor coral is the only color left

Shoes: Jessica Simpson find them here

Purse: Kate Spade currently unavailable

Sunglasses: Coach buy them here

Today I got to pretend that I am a fashion blogger. I dragged my friend Kristin up to the roof of our building to take pictures of "something I wore." I picked this nice (windy!) Spring day to debut my yellow jeans. They are the loudest pants I own. I have been waiting for weeks to bring them out of the closet and here they finally are! They are so comfortable and I am quite happy with this purchase.

Do you have a new favorite for Spring?

march day five: 5pm

This is a photo of my desk at 5pm- not quite the end of my work day.

march day five: smile

Today's photo: smile.

I decided to make a list of five things that make me smile today:

1. Bradford

2. Going to Ali Wentworth's book signing tomorrow (see photo)

3. My friends are coming to visit this week

4. Cookies and milk

5. My family

And more.

Much more.

Ps. Happy International Badge Day!

march day four: before and after

Today's photo of the day is supposed to be my nightstand. I decided I would rather show off my project of the day. March 20 is supposed to be "before and after" so I will just post my nightstand that day. Unless of course I have another project that comes up.

Today, Brad and I were driving home from picking up some Indian food for lunch and we saw a sign for an Estate Sale. We noticed it was two houses down from ours and I convinced him we had to go. I never seem to have any luck at these garage/ estate/ yard sales but today I got inspired. There was a mirror hanging on the wall for only $3. I decided I could paint it and make it much cuter than it was originally. I ended up buying the mirror and coming home. 

As soon as we walked in the door, I began taping it. I am not sure why I have painters tape lying around, but I found it and immediately covered the mirror portion:

Then, I took the whole thing outside and spray painted it. Luckily, I just have random bottles of spray paint laying around the house. I really wish I had a room for all my crafts, rather than just boxes under my bed, but that is another story. I was debating what color to spray the mirror and decided black would probably look best and match the decor of the house. I looked up some photos online and ALMOST went with white, but I just kept thinking how much better black would look.

So, I painted the mirror and let it dry. While it dried, I convinced myself that the only way I wouldn't keep trying to touch up the wet paint would be to shower and get ready for my day.

After I cleaned up, I took the tape off the mirror and hung it on the wall:

I am pretty happy with how it turned out. It may not be perfect but I like to think it was a pretty good $3 purchase. And if I decide I want to switch the color later, all I need is a new bottle of spray paint! 

So easy! Yay for fun weekend projects.

Before and after:

march day three: your neighborhood

Today's photo: your neighborhood. 

I absolutely love my neighborhood but it was hard to capture everything I love about it in one photo. I am down the road from public transportation, the mall, bars, high rise apartments, my gym, everything! I can even walk to the grocery store, the nail place, a tanning salon, Panera bread and more! 

I do miss living in our fancy apartment but at least we still live in the same neighborhood. 

I love Virginia.

march day two: fruit

Today's photo would not be possible without the help of my friend, Kristin. She randomly had a plethora of fruit in the kitchen which made my photographing much easier.

I think fruit can be really fun to take pictures of. Today is obviously my first time, but the colors are so bright, I love it. I guess I have just never had a reason to photograph fruit.

What is your favorite thing to take pictures of?

march day one: up

The first photo for March: up.

I chose to interpret this as an image from somewhere high. My favorite place to take photos like this: the roof at my office. I love this photo and could take it 1,000 times and still not be tired of how cool it is. It is a view of the tops of buildings, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument (my favorite building in D.C.)

Whenever the weather is nice, I try and enjoy lunch on the roof. Today was one of those days. It is sunny and 65 outside... a perfect day for a rooftop lunch on top of the city.