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Wants: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

As I mentioned in my last post, I typically do not wear Lilly Pulitzer clothes, but man oh man am I excited for the upcoming release of the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection!! SO many cute things at such affordable prices.  Dresses for under $40 -- seriously??  And so many cute accessories!

Here are some of the things I'm currently eyeing ... Come on April 19th!!


Lilly 1



Lilly 2



Lilly 3


Life is a party, dress like it. 
~Lilly Pulitzer


Friday Favorites

Oh my I have been slacking big time lately with my Friday posts.  Remember when Fridays used to be pretty laid back days where you could just sorta chill and not feel too terrible about it?!  It seems to have been the opposite for me lately!  Anyways, I am excited to get back into sharing some of my favorite things from the week -- here are this week's five favorites:


One



Loving my batch of new workout clothes I bought this week.  Something I definitely do not need, but decided to treat myself to anyways.  I have felt like I've needed to spice up my workouts a bit and new clothes is the perfect way to do it -- I find working out is way more fun when you have new clothes to do it in :).  I picked up all of these items (two pairs of leggings, one pullover, one tank top, and an Under Armour headband) from Marshall's for only $43!



Two




"Bloodstream" by Ed Sheeran and Rudimental.  Trust me, you will want to add this to your listening stream.  



Three



Eliza J Print Jersey A-Line Dress from Nordstrom.  Welp, this is freaking adorable and perfect for a spring shower of any kind.  It comes in two colors/prints, but my favorite is the "multi" color.  Definitely will be getting this!



Four



Deep-Fried Sriracha Balls.  Enough said.  Seriously.  Found this recipe earlier in the week and cannot wait to try it for the next party I go to or host.  It's pretty hard not to like something that is deep-fried, and the fact that it's sriracha sounds all too good. 


Five




Lilly Pulitzer for Target Lookbook.  Mark your calendars -- April 19, 2015!  I've never been hugely into Lilly Pulitzer (it's a little too preppy for me), but after viewing the lookbook just released on Target's website I am totally swooning over some of the clothes.  I can't even begin to pick my favorites, but I love some of the accessories and maxi dresses.  I think there are a lot of people hugely anticipating this date!

Under $25

It FINALLY has been feeling like spring around here lately, so the hunt.is.on. for some new spring clothes & accessories.  There's only one small problem: that whole money thing ...yeah (sigh).  I promised myself I would do better with saving money this year (ugh, damn you adulthood!).  I love a good bargain (don't we all), but don't want to look like what I am wearing is cheap.  Who is with me?!

I'm not nearly fashionable enough to put together entire outfits, but here are a few of my favorite finds -- all of which are less than $25 each!


Untitled #1


1.   Abstract Tribal Print Romper // Forever 21 // $15

2.   Teardrop Fan Stud Earrings // Nordstrom // $12

3.   BKE Cuff Bracelet // Buckle // $13


5.   Long-sleeved Blouse // H&M // $22

6.   Metallic Strap Sandals // Forever 21 // $13

7.   Leaf-shaped Earrings // H&M // $9

8.   Jersey Shift Dress // Old Navy // $15


10.   Sleeveless Peplum Top // Forever 21 // $15

11.   Small Shoulder Bag // H&M // $12

12.   Tula Tribe Pendant Necklace // Prima donna // $20

13.   Striped Loafers // H&M // $15


Happy Shopping! :)

ClassPass

Have you heard about it?  Seems to be the latest fitness craze for cities across the U.S., and I think the "founders" are on to something.  I must admit, I have not signed up for ClassPass myself, but I have been reading up on it a bunch and am intrigued by the concept.  

Here is how it works: for $79-$99/month (varies by city) you can enjoy unlimited fitness classes at participating studios in your area.  From my research, it looks like most of the classes include pilates, yoga, cycling, and barre.  Sounds pretty great in theory, right?  It's not quite as glamorous as it sounds (in my opinion).  The catch: you can only visit each particular studio up to three (3) times per month.  Even if one group/studio has multiple locations throughout your area -- too bad.  Still can only attend three in a month across all locations.  So, if you love love loooove that one spin studio, you're kinda SOL when you use ClassPass because you can't visit it more than three times in a given month.  Now, it's great if you are up for trying different classes and studios and like the ones in your area -- there's no limit on the number of classes you take each month (subject to the previously-mentioned caveat, of course).  Another bonus: you can sign-up/register for most of the class(es) you want to take about a week in advance, so it's great for planning purposes.  Find answers to many more questions on their FAQ page.  

If you are a fitness junkie and there are several participating studios in your area/city, then I think it's probably a pretty good deal for you.  Presently, Baltimore/Annapolis has four participating studios: Rev Cycle, Pop Physique, Charm City Yoga, and Pure Barre.  Practically speaking, this gets me (at most) 12 classes per month.  Considering a single class at any one of these studios will cost me anywhere between $12-$22, financially, it is worth it for me to sign up for the Pass.  However, I hate yoga, cry in anguish every time I take a barre class, and I teach spin ...so, you can do the math.  

If you are interested in giving ClassPass a shot, you can sign up here.  If you are in the Baltimore/Annapolis area, find more information about the participating studios on the ClassPass blog, which I find very helpful for keeping up with what's going on and any new locations that are added.  If you do give it a try, please report back and share your thoughts/experiences!

Cheers to fitness!

Papi's Taco Joint: A Must Try


Papi's Taco Joint in Fells Point is a must try for anyone around the Baltimore area.  It is a casual and fun establishment with superb specials on any day of the week.  Even on a Monday night, Papi's knows how to attract a crowd.  I went for Margarita Monday, where all of their signature margaritas are just $3 all day!  Normally $7, this is a deal that you cannot pass up.  If you make it in time for happy hour, you can enjoy sangria, draft beers, tequila shots, and a few other speciality drinks all for only $3 each, and $1 tacos.  


The menu is huge (almost overwhelming) and has just about any Mexican-inspired dish you can imagine.  I had the Rajas con Nopales, which I still don't quite know what that is.  Based on the description ("roasted mild poblana chiles sauteed with cactus leaf, queso de Oaxaca, crema Mexicana, white onions, corn, and fire salt"), I was expecting something like a chile relleno -- wrong (but not necessarily in a bad way).  The dish was more like a Chipotle rice bowl.... without the rice.  I thought it was delicious and way more than I could eat in one sitting, so I brought the rest home and will have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.  Per usual, I filled up on way too many chips and salsa before the meal came out.  We also ordered the guacamole, which is about as fresh as you can imagine.  It allegedly is "prepared table-side," but it pretty much comes out fully prepared and the only thing that is done table-side is a final stir and some garnishing.  Didn't bother me -- the guac was fantastic.  The menu claims the guac is for two, but four of us munched on it and polished off almost an entire basket of chips, so I think it's safe to say it is a portion large enough for at least 2-4 people.  

I did not sample the tacos, but you have the option to customize your own from several choices.  Don't let the options fool you, though -- the tacos are pretty small but appropriately priced at $5 or $6 for an order (two tacos in one order).  I've heard the chorizo and the carnitas ones are good!

Didn't document too much of the meal tonight because I was more focused on catching up with some friends, but here are a few pictures from my meal.  I highly recommend Papi's!


           
 



Chocolate Chip Scones


What is a scone, anyway?  Some sort of muffin / biscuit / cookie hybrid - that's the best way I can describe a scone.  For whatever reason, I was inspired last night to bake some chocolate chip scones (gluten free, of course).  I pretty much used the first recipe I found on a simple google search and tweaked it juuuust a bit (I won't tell you how!).  They are d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s.  A little more dense than I maybe would have preferred, but I blame that on the gluten free aspect rather than the character of an actual scone.  They were very quick and easy to make and I encourage you to give them a try!  Here is the recipe:

First, you will need ...

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 4 T (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces (I cut it into large cubes)
  • 1 C milk
  • 1/2-3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (depending on how sweet you want to make them)

Then, you will need to ...
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients first: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Then, add the cold pieces/cubes of butter and "rub" them into the mixture.
  • Once the mixture is combined so that it feels like wet sand (I know this is not the most appetizing way to describe a treat you're about to bake, but it is the best I could do), and the cubes of butter are coarsely coated, add the milk, stirring gently as you pour.  
  • Stir until the mixture is completely combined - it will be thick.  Fold in the desired amount of chocolate chips.
  • Scoop batter in large spoonfuls and place about an inch apart on the baking sheet.  I chose to keep things extra simple and just dropped the batter in circles (more like blobs), but feel free to get as creative and fancy as you would like with shapes!
  • Bake for about 23-25 minutes, or until the tops and edges of the scones are lightly browned.  Remove from oven and place scones on cooling rack for about five minutes.  They taste best when served warm :)

March Favorites: Beauty

Hey, March!


Well, it's still freezing outside and winter finally has decided to bring us some snow (which now is like every other day it seems).  The extended forecast shows maybe some glimpses of spring, but I'm not holding my breath.  Have I mentioned that I am over winter??  They're calling for one more round of snow here tomorrow and then I am hoping we are D-O-N-E with the winter blast.  With spring hopefully in sight, I am ready to start restoring some color and hydration to my skin and brighten things up a bit!  Here are the beauty products I currently am crushing on ...



Paul Mitchell Express Style Quick Slip Styling Cream //  Looking to shave some time off of your daily hair routine?  This cream speeds up drying time and also works to straighten your hair without all the heat.  You only need to use about a pump or two (depending on hair length, of course), so this bottle will last for quite a while.  And it smells delish!




Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Nail Polish in Cardshark // Currently obsessing over this at-home gel polish that lasts just about as long as the nail salon's AND can be removed with regular nail polish remover!  I don't know why I ever wasted my time getting manicures before the gel polish craze came about, but I have been trying to avoid spending $30+ every few weeks to get them done.  I picked up this neutral color (Cardshark) at Target for only a few bucks and I am very pleased with it.  Looks just as glamorous as a fresh gel mani from the salon without the cost!




Read My Lips Lip Gloss in BAM! Pink //  I don't typically wear lip gloss, as I prefer chapstick or lip stick or a pencil, but this gloss is thick enough that it doesn't look too shiny.  BAM! Pink is just enough color to make a bit of a statement but not too much to look overpowering or tacky.  Plus, it's pretty thick so it stays on for hours. 




St. Ives Green Tea Facial Scrub //  I usually try to purchase a small bottle of skin care products to give them a try first before buying the full size.  Definitely will be picking up a large bottle of this scrub next time I go to Target.  It's super smooth and refreshing and leaves my face feeling like porcelain after use.  I am very particular about face washes and this one gets my full approval!  Love how gentle it feels on my face.  The exfoliating beads aren't too rough so it is a perfect balance of scrub. 




Laura Geller Glamlash Dramatic Volumizing Mascara //  Totally obsessing over this mascara I discovered recently.  My lashes are nothing to talk about, so I LOVE that this stuff separates while  also lengthening.  I don't typically care toooooo much about volumizing when it comes to my lashes, but I feel like this stuff is a happy combination of both lengthening and volumizing.  Plus it doesn't get all clumpy or anything on the brush.  TRY IT YOU WILL LOVE IT!




Instain Long Wearing Staining Powder Blush //  Oh look, another product from the Balm cosmetics ...can you tell I'm slightly in love with this brand?  I didn't really use blush until the last year or so, and this blush powder has been a God send lately (because I have been so pale and washed out with the winter blues).  You literally can use one swipe of the brush with this product and it will be plenty to add some color to your cheeks.  I use the shade "Swiss Dot" and love how it works with my skin tone.  If it looks a little dark in the picture, I promise it's not (^^ see above how I just mentioned how pale and washed out I am).  Several other shades are available to perfectly match your skin tone ...hoping I can go maybe a shade darker once I get some sun finally!




Daisy by Marc Jacobs //  I know I probably am not the first to introduce you to this scent by any means, but I am loving this fragrance at the moment.  It is a bit fruity but definitely not TOO fruity and overpowering.  I think it's a very sophisticated scent that's good for any occasion!




Gold Bond Extra Strength Medicated Body Lotion //  Nothing fancy here that is for sure.  My skin has been CRAZY dry lately, even more so than ever (THANKS, ARCTIC FREEZE).  Last week, my knuckles and hands actually cracked and started bleeding -- sorry, gross and probably TMI.  I picked up a bottle of this stuff because shit was getting REAL with the dry skin and this looked like it would get the job done.  Sure enough, it has and my skin already feels more hydrated.  I use it at night on my hands because it is pretty thick to sleep on.  As much as I love it, I will be glad when I feel like I don't need to use it as much anymore!




Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Chantilly //  Well, this is just wonderful.  Super light and blends really nicely.  I actually have been mixing a little dab of it with a dot of foundation so it blends even better with my skin tone.  You can swipe this under the eyes or use it as a normal concealer to cover up spots.  Little bit pricey compared to some other brands, but well worth it in my opinion.



Those are just a few products I am loving right now and I hope you try some out yourself!  Happy March and bring on the Spring :)  Cheers!