Monday, December 22, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 22nd, 2014


Shake Shack Coasters




Nothing like some Shake Shack home goods to class up my apartment, haha.  

I saw these coasters on Shake Shack's website while they were offering a Black Friday discount, and I knew I wanted to have these for my place.  They're a nice lightweight wood with cork on the bottom so they won't scuff up your table.  I love the engraved burger logo, it's such a fun way to show some Shake Shack love in my own home :o) 

Friday, December 19, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 19th, 2014


Starbucks - 40% Off Holiday Merchandise




I was VERY pleasantly surprised to find out that one of my local Starbucks stores was having a 40% off holiday merchandise sale until Christmas Eve - the perfect time for me to grab the items that I've been eyeing for a few weeks!

I love the Gold Dot tumbler - it reminds me of a Kate Spade or C. Wonder design, and it's very cute in person.  I heard some bad reviews about the ceramic lid (mainly that it doesn't stay on once the tumbler is filled), but since I plan on using this as a regular (non-traveling) mug, that shouldn't be an issue.  And of course I had to get the holiday cup ornaments - there were so many new ones this year!  I already had the rest (gold and the red holiday design) so these three will complete my collection haha.  I'm not sure that every store is offering 40% off, but be sure to check multiple locations if you're interested in any of the holiday items! 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 18th, 2014


Andy Cohen - DC Book Signing


I recently had my second opportunity to see the fabulous Andy Cohen - he made a stop at Sixth & I in DC during his book tour for "The Andy Cohen Diaries"!  I'm very happy to have been able to see him at signing events for both of his books - this one included a fun interview session by Wolf Blitzer, how very DC!



Although the book signing portion was very strict (and with good reason, there were hundreds of people waiting to get their book signed, haha), I definitely wanted to bring a little something for Wacha, Andy's dog.  I saw this super cute bagel with cream cheese, and I thought it was the perfect gift for Wacha that Andy would also appreciate, haha.




The employees working the event were in charge of taking photos with our phones/cameras, and luckily the guy took some photos as I was giving Andy my gift for Wacha.  As you can see I also wore my Target doughnut sweater to "coordinate" with the bagel, haha.  








It was so fun seeing Andy again, and I love his new book so far! Everyone should go buy it, or ask for it as a holiday gift! 






Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 17, 2014


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 16th, 2014


Starbucks - Ornament Mugs




I always love getting Christmas ornaments from some of my favorite stores (Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Shake Shack to name a few), and this year Starbucks really stepped it up with a LOT of little decorative items available during the holidays.  

The "Oh, what fun" mug is actually a functional mug - it's the same as this boxed demi cup online, just with a different design.  Since it really only holds espresso (which I don't drink at home), I thought it was a cute item to have sitting under my tree alongside some of the heavier decorations I have.  

The Washington, DC cup is actually an ornament, and part of the You Are Here collection.  I love the gold design, it's perfect as a holiday decoration and a gift for anyone that just moved to the area, or has a lot of DC-area pride haha.  I think these are a great addition to my growing holiday decorations! 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 15th, 2014

Turkey Hill - Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream




As soon as I heard about Turkey Hill's Pumpkin Pie ice cream, I knew I had to try it out!  Luckily, I was offered the chance to sample this flavor soon after I heard about it, which was especially good since I hadn't yet seen it in stores by me.

As you can see, this Pumpkin Pie isn't just pumpkin flavored ice cream; the dark lines are cinnamon graham cracker swirls.  I love the extra flavors that the swirls had, and it really made the ice cream taste like a pie, rather than just pumpkin ice cream.  Which isn't to say the pumpkin ice cream wasn't good - it was really a very tasty and creamy ice cream that any pumpkin dessert lover would enjoy.  Would it be too much to top a slice of real pumpkin pie with this ice cream? Perhaps, but it's a delicious idea nonetheless, haha.  This is a limited edition flavor, so be sure to check your supermarket ASAP if you're interested in trying it out!

Note: I was offered a sample of this Turkey Hill ice cream, but not paid or required to write a post about it. 

Friday, December 12, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 12th, 2014


Sugar Paper x Target




I heard about the Sugar Paper x Target collaboration last year, but by then they were already gone from the stores and not sold online anymore.  This year, I definitely didn't want to miss the chance to get some planners and calendars!

In addition to the two planners above, I wound up also getting two calendars and an additional monthly planner. I am SO excited to use these come January! Each one is so cute, very well organized, and reasonably priced.  Definitely check out your local Target, they should still be out on the shelves if your location carries them. 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 9th, 2014


Shake Shack - 2014 Ornament




This year's official Shake Shack ornament is soooooooooooo cute - as soon as I saw them advertising it online I knew I had to go and get one.  

They are currently running a promotion where if you buy a $25+ gift card you can get this cute gingerbread man ornament for free.  Knowing that I'll be spending my money there often anyway, I got my gift card and free ornament right when they were available, haha.  This wooden ornament is very lightweight, which is good for someone like me that has a very tiny tree that can't handle heavy ornaments.  The ornament on its own is also available for $9, and makes a great gift for any fans of Shake Shack! 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 8th, 2014


City Sports - Rockville, MD

I was recently invited to check out the new City Sports location in Rockville, Maryland as part of their Bloggers' night, and I was excited to check out this new store with my friend A.  You might think this is a little random for my blog... it is, but I always like checking out new stores in my area, and I always like fun workout clothes haha.  This City Sports is located in the new Pike & Rose complex, which is still under construction but coming along very nicely.  There's a big parking garage in the space, and already a few new restaurants and shops that are open for business.

The store is spacious, and I noticed something that I'm not sure was on purpose.  As far as I could tell, the shelves and signage weren't tall enough to block the rest of the store behind it - which is great for someone that is really short, haha.  Even I could look around the store and see each section easily.  Everything is laid out clearly so it's easy to figure out which section you're looking for.  The staff was very friendly and eager to help out, so be sure to ask any questions you have - especially about running shoes!




For the event, there was a Brooks rep at a table with different products displayed, and their different shoe designs (and each one's benefits) on the display board.  A lot of the shoes looked familiar because I regularly see them on The Hungry Runner Girl's blog :o)







You might notice a theme in the items I was drawn to, haha. I love the combination of dark grey/black with the bright mint/turquoise! I feel like these bright pops of color would actually make me happy to work out, haha. 




I also kept coming back to this SUPER SOFT Nike running hoodie (pretty much the same as this one online, I believe).  It looked so comfortable, and I maaaaaaay be going back to the store to take another look at it.  




Thank you to City Sports for inviting me, the delicious Del Frisco's Grille appetizers, and the super fun gift bag as well. Welcome to the neighborhood, City Sports! 

*I was invited to a blogger's night at this City Sports location but not required to write a blog post, I just wanted to share my shopping experience!*

City Sports - Rockville
11600 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852


Friday, December 5, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 5th, 2014


Starbucks - $3 Frappuccinos

Calling all Frappuccino lovers!  Starting today through Sunday (12/5-12/7) starting at 2pm each day, participating Starbucks locations are offering grande Frappuccinos for only $3!

This is a great little treat for the weekend, and a chance to try out a new flavor at a cheaper price. This might be a good time for me to try the Chestnut Praline Frappuccino, since I LOVE the latte version so much :o)


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 4th, 2014


Picky Palate's Perfect M&M Cookies



I saw this Picky Palate recipe for "Perfect M&M cookies", and I was intrigued by the use of instant pudding mix.  The recipe was very easy to follow, and the raw dough smelled even more delicious with the vanilla pudding haha.  

While my cookies turned out considerably rounder than Picky Palate's version, these cookies were soft and super delicious.  I highly recommend this for anyone that is looking for a new twist on a classic cookie recipe! 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 2nd, 2014


Shake Shack - December Custard Calendar

Seeing the custard flavors change each month at Shake Shack is always fun, but it's especially nice when it's the holidays and there's a theme to the month's flavors.  This month we have the following:

Monday: Christmas Cookie
Tuesday: Gingerbread
Wednesday: Eggnog
Thursday: Chocolate Pecan Pie
Friday: Jelly Donut
Saturday: Candy Cane Crunch
Sunday: Sweet Potato Marshmallow

Christmas Cookie is delicious, and I'm glad it came back again this year! I also look forward to trying the Gingerbread and Sweet Potato Marshmallow custards, yum!

Monday, December 1, 2014

Lunchtime Links for December 1st, 2014


Georgetown Cupcake - December Flavors

December always means a lot of fun holiday-themed flavors at Georgetown Cupcake- this year's lineup looks great!

- Chocolate Egg NogValrhona chocolate egg nog cupcake topped with a rum-infused frosting, a dusting of nutmeg and a light blue fondant snowflake.

- White Chocolate PeppermintWhite Callebaut chocolate peppermint-infused cupcake topped with a candy-cane striped white chocolate buttercream frosting.

- Chocolate PeppermintValrhona chocolate cupcake with a rich peppermint-infused Callebaut chocolate ganache icing topped with crushed peppermint candies.

- GingerbreadGingerbread cupcake topped with a cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting and a fondant gingerbread man.

- Snowball CoconutGeorgetown Cupcake's holiday inspired coconut cupcake topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes.

- Rudolph Red VelvetClassic red velvet cupcake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting topped with a fondant red-nosed reindeer.

- Snowy Vanilla and Buttercream: Classic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake topped with a vanilla buttercream frosting, sparkling sanding sugar, and a shimmering light blue fondant snowflake.

- Christmas CaramelCaramel cupcake with a salted caramel-infused buttercream frosting topped with a caramel drizzle and a green fondant Christmas tree.

- Holiday Lava FudgeValrhona chocolate cupcake with a rich fudge core topped with a vanilla icing, a fudge star drizzle, and a green fondant Christmas tree.

- Christmas Butterscotch Cheesecake: Callebaut butterscotch cheesecake with a graham cracker crust topped with a butterscotch frosting and fondant holly.

- Santa's Chocolate ChipVanilla chocolate chip cupcake with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting topped with a fondant snowflake.

- Sticky Toffee Pudding: Georgetown Cupcake's modern twist on the traditional English sticky toffee pudding - Toffee cupcake with a caramel core, topped with a toffee-infused frosting, and a caramel star drizzle and fondant holly.