TJ Maxx - Valentine Mug

I always enjoy seeing holiday-specific items in stores, and right now there are so many cute Valentine's day-themed goodies at HomeGoods/Marshalls/TJMaxx!  I love all of the different kitchen items most of all, like this salt and pepper mug I saw on the shelf recently.  Those little faces on the shakers are too cute :o) If you're a fan of pink/red/heart decorations be sure to get over to these stores soon because Easter items are already starting to fill up the shelves!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I love how the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day there are hearts and cute things everywhere haha.  This new Starbucks sleeve design is so cute!  I hope everyone has a great day with lots of love all around :o)

USPS - Love Skywriting Stamps

These "Love Skywriting" stamps came out in January and they are so fun!  I always like when there are creative designs for the newly issued stamps.  If they aren't available at your local post office - buying them online is very easy and the shipping costs are minimal.  And of course, these are perfect for mailing out Valentine's Day cards which is coming up next week! 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

The Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palettes have long been fan favorites, and there are currently three full-sized sets (plus a smaller set) available.  I own the Naked Basics palette and Naked 3 palette as well, but I find that I keep coming back to this Naked 2 palette above.  I luckily was able to snag this one during a Sephora member sale, and I'm so glad I did!  

Admittedly, I'm not really one to go crazy with eye shadows, but I LOVE every color in this palette and find it to be the perfect day-to-night collection.  They're all based on neutral shades which makes them great for everyday use.  It's a pretty hefty product (compared to carrying one or two pots of shadows), but I guarantee you'll get a lot of use out of these shades, and it's a perfect range of colors to travel with.  If you're in the market for a new set of eye shadows definitely take a look at this one! 

USPS - Vintage Rose Stamps

I recently saw these Vintage Rose stamps on the USPS website and had to order them ASAP! I actually thought the flowers were peonies at first, but they are very pretty stamps nonetheless.  I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the flowers are textured, so the stamps aren't completely smooth and you can feel the lines of the flower petals - how cool!  These are a very pretty design, and I'm sure I will be using them up very quickly, haha. 

Target- Doughnut Sweater

As soon as I saw this doughnut sweater on the rack at Target, I stopped right there in my tracks to check it out, haha.  It's a lightweight, soft grey sweater with a GIANT PINK SPRINKLE DOUGHNUT ON IT.  There are a few other cute designs in this same style, but of course I think this one is the cutest.  If you're in the market for some new doughnut goods for fall, definitely check this one out at Target! 

Anchorman: The Exhibit in DC

One of my all-time favorite movies has a special exhibit in the Newseum starting today!

Anchoman: The Exhibit sounds like a super fun exhibit for anyone that is a fan of the movie.  Of course, my favorite part of the description has to be - "I'm literally trapped in a glass case of emotion," said Burgundy about his inclusion in the museum's exhibit.

This exhibit is scheduled to be at the Newseum until August 2014, so be sure to jog (with a soft J) on over to check it out before it closes! 

Love, Love, Love: Andy Cohen

Of course I couldn't mention Andy Cohen's book signing without talking about it after it happened!!

First - of course some element of couponing had to take place, haha.  The site said books be available to buy at the signing, but I decided to save some $$ (surprise surprise).  I received a 20% off coupon via email from Barnes & Noble the day before the signing, so I figured that was a good time to pick up the book.  With the 20% new hardcover discount, 10% member discount, and my 20% off coupon, I got over $10 off the retail price, woohoo!

And... on to the signing!!  I hustled over to Bethesda Row on Friday, and there was a HUGE line snaking around the Bethesda Row area.  It was well-organized and monitored by security though, which was nice to ensure no line-cutters or confusion.  There were also some restaurants handing out mini panna cotta cups, sandwiches, and brownies, which was a nice touch.  It didn't take long for the line to move through, and I realized why - they had set it up so we had our books open to a specific page for him to sign, as well as two people specifically in charge of taking people's cameras/phones to snap a quick photo before moving on to the next person.  That being said, OF COURSE I still talked to Andy as much as possible without getting escorted out.

And now, a non-dramatic-but-disturbingly-specific retelling of our interaction:

Me: Hi!! So nice to meet you! (reaching out to shake his hand... I have no idea why I did this, he did seem a little surprised, but oh well).

AC: Hi there!

Me: Do you mind adding a "MAZEL" to my book?

AC: Sure.

(Photo being taken, AC starts signing the book as he is smiling for the photo).

Me: So are you a pro now at signing names while taking the photo?

AC: Yes... but not with your name!

(We laugh, and totally have a MOMENT)

Me: Thank you!!!

AC: It was nice meeting you, thanks!


LOVE. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE ANDY COHEN.  I wanted to run back and ask him 2983479823743938974 questions about Housewives gossip, if he actually likes Jeff Lewis or hates him, why they decided to have that stupid Work of Art show, and why I have never been able to get through on the phone to Watch What Happens Live, and so on.  Alas, I could only have about 20 seconds of talking to him, but it was still so much fun!!

Love, Love, Love: Madden Girl Sookie Glitter Pump @ DSW

Photo courtesy of DSW

Looooooooooooooving these Madden Girl Sookie Glitter Pumps, which are currently available at DSW.  Let me count the ways:

- As you may already know I love the Madden Girl brand and own approximately 29387492374932743 pairs of shoes by that brand.

- They are sold at DSW, meaning they are cheaper, and I can use DSW gift certificates towards them.

- Platform front = my BFF.

- GLITTER. And not in the horrific Mariah Carey movie sort of way.

- Adjustable heel straps are always a welcome detail.

All in all, a fabulous pair of shoes - I just need a reason to get them!  And no, I don't think I can convince myself (or my company) that these would be good work shoes, haha.

Shake Shack DC Opens Today!

It's here, it's finally here!  Shake Shack opens its DC location today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's more info via Thrillist DC - mmm, those special DC concretes sound delicious.

Some of you may recall my redonk love of the Shackburger - here, and also here, if you needed a refresher. 

OMGSOGOOD.  I cannot WAIT to eat at the DC location. All the time. Heart attack pending. Get me some Pepcid AC. SO worth it.


Shake Shack - Dupont Circle
1216 18th Street NW
Washington, DC

Love, Love, Love: Zentan Restaurant's Singapore Slaw

 

Of all the dishes that people talk about at Zentan in DC, the one that kept coming up was the Singapore Slaw- I knew that I had to order it on my first visit.  During the last season of Top Chef Masters, I always enjoyed seeing Chef Susur Lee's dishes, and I had high hopes for Zentan.  I'm really happy my friend R thought to snap a photo of the Singapore Slaw during our recent dinner there, because describing it in words would not be sufficient!

The dish consists of 19 ingredients, which all add specific layers of flavors and textures.  Not to mention it makes the dish really pretty to look at.  This dish was DELICIOUS.  I would recommend anyone going to Zentan to get this dish, definitely!  I also had the Salmon Lover's Roll, which was fresh and tasty as well- but the highlight was definitely this slaw.  I would absolutely go back and have this dish again.  To put it another way, if I lived closer, I would go there and sit at the bar JUST for this dish.  Side note: If anyone is feeling extra adventurous and wants to try making this dish- here's the recipe.  And if you do make this- invite me over!! :o)

Zentan - Donovan House

1155 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20005

202.379.4366 // On OpenTable

"Born This Way" Music Video

Lady Gaga premiered her music video for "Born This Way" yesterday at 11am EST.

Holy.............................................. wow.

Verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry interesting, to say the least.  Definitely a lot going on, haha.

Also, her body looks AMAZING in the bathing suit scenes.  Hello, inspiration to work out A LOT.

Lady Gaga: Born This Way

I'm assuming by virtue of being my friend slash not living under a rock, you've heard Lady Gaga's new single, "Born This Way" by now.

AMAZE.  LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.

And before you start talking about the whole "Madonna/'Express Yourself'" comparison, yes, she is aware of it, and yes, she addressed it on Jay Leno on Valentine's Day. 

Anyway, the song is amazing and just super fun, and I cannot WAIT to see her perform it live next Saturday in Pittsburgh!

Happy Hearts Day!

Just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day! 

It's easy to get jaded/annoyed at all of the cheesy ads, cards, and pressure to buy a million dozen roses for the one day in the year, but I for one have always been a fan of the holiday.  It's a nice time to send cards out to friends and family, letting them know that you are thinking of them, plus it's a holiday that is mostly about flowers, chocolate, and cute things! 

No matter what your plans might be for today/tonight, hope it's fun and yummy desserts are involved!

Marc By Marc Jacobs Bag

 

Just wanted to share one of my Christmas presents this year- a new Marc By Marc Jacobs bag, woo!  Marc By Marc Jacobs accessories are some of my favorite pieces- always cute, fun, and just a little different from other brands.  

This one is a little smaller than my normal gargantuan tote bags, so it's forcing me to be a little more organized.  Aka, don't throw anything and everything in my bags, haha.  But it's a great everyday bag, and the leather is as soft as buttah.

 

Love the cute little turnlock detail that a lot of Marc By Marc Jacobs bags have!  It doesn't actually work as a lock for the bag, but cute nonetheless.  What are your favorite handbag brands?

Love, Love, Love: Apple Cider Donuts

Can I just tell you how excited I was to FINALLY get my hands on some cider donuts over Thanksgiving?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!!!!!!?!?!?!!?!

Ok, but seriously, cider donuts are AMAZING and anyone that's never had one is totally missing out.  Which might be the majority of people I know in the DC area, because they apparently don't have these tasty gems at any of the apple orchards/farms around here!  Blasphemy! 

These lovely cider donuts above are from the fabulous Terhune Orchards in NJ, LOVE them!!!  They have a cute little store with two giant dogs hanging out on the porch- for as long as I can remember, they've always been around, haha.  They sell plain cider donuts, cinnamon-sugar sprinkled cider donuts, and now also sell cider donut holes, yum! 

If anyone's looking to make their own (and if you do, send me some), here's a recipe for cider donuts that I recently found on Serious Eats.  

New Motto?

 

Best. Mug. Ever.

(PS: I found this at TJMaxx if anyone's interested :o))

Love, Love, Love: Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream

 

Calling all pumpkin fans- run, don't walk, to your nearest Trader Joe's and pick up a pint (or 10) of this Pumpkin ice cream!!  As soon as I heard about this, I knew I had to go and try it out immeeeeeeediately.  

The pumpkin flavor is strong but not overly spicy or fake-tasting at all.  It's a really rich ice cream that is super creamy and delicious.  And how can you not love something called "Pilgrim Joe's" haha.  The ice cream is great on its own but would also be fantastic on top of warm pies or any dessert, really.  Or you know, just straight from the carton.  I'm not sure how long seasonal items last in Trader Joe's stores, so get there quick :o)

Love, Love, Love - Bath & Body Works Fall Soaps

Holy cow... RUN don't walk to your nearest Bath and Body Works store, and get yourself some of their Fall soaps!!! 

The fall soaps that I'm currently obsessed with are, from left to right: Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Creamy Pumpkin, and Caramel Apple.  If you're a fan of fall scents like pumpkin and apple, these are awesome!  I'm not sure exactly when they'll be selling these until - the store employee I asked said they should be available until the holiday items roll out - so get some NOW! I bought a ton during their 6/$20 promotion so I can use them well into the winter, haha.

Treet Shop Goodies!!

Not too long ago, Treet Shop had a "Name Our Brownie" contest, where they were looking for name submissions to rename their "Treet formerly known as a Brownie + PB". I was super excited to find out that my entry, "Nut N' Better", qualified, and eventually WON as the new name of their delicious brownie!

Aside from having the name that I came up with on the product, Treet also gave me enough goodies for a party for 10 as part of winning!  I knew I'd love anything they sent me, but I wasn't fully prepared for just HOW MUCH they'd be giving me.  So thank you Treet Shop, you guys are fab!  Check out the goods below:

Cute packaging/color scheme

THE Nut N' Better brownies!

Three different Whoopie Pies

Beautiful Arnie P (Green tea + lemon) and Southern Bell (Red velvet) mini cupcakes

The Treet formerly known as a Brownie (these freeze REALLY well, by the way)

If anyone's looking for cute, delicious baked goods to send either yourself or as a gift to someone, definitely give Treet Shop a try.  They are friendly, helpful, and make FANTASTIC goodies!!