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May 22

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Creating Your Own Spa

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When my husband and I moved into our home, we had a bathroom that was all beige. The beige color coupled with the beige tile made the room “blah” and uninspiring. I repainted the bathroom in a very light green mint color (Benjamin Moore Woodland White), but I didn’t stop at a new paint job. Since this bathroom is adjacent to our guest room, I wanted to make it more spa-like with all the amenities guests would appreciate. Here are a few simple ideas to incorporate into your bathroom to create that spa feeling at home.

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Linens and towels are everything when it comes to bathrooms. I like using Turkish hand towels, they add an extra bit of glam with its tassels. They can be expensive but places like West Elm have affordable ones. Another great source is Etsy, which is where I found mine.

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I use a lot of cotton balls and swabs to remove make-up, apply toner, etc. Therefore, I like to leave plenty for guests in glass jars. Additionally, I found a good use for all the Bliss products I have collected from my hotel stays by leaving them as emergency shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and soaps for individual use.

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In addition to the Turkish towels, I love fluffy, soft, white bath towels. I found that the ones from Pottery Barn meet all my criteria for a reasonable price. Since they are guest towels, white is totally doable. For my own bathroom, I opted for a more practical gray color.

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Instead of hanging additional artwork, I re-purposed a ladder meant to hold towels into a magazine holder. I chose only my nice magazines (read: hearty with beautiful front cover magazines) to display for others to see and enjoy.

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Having fresh smelling hand soap and lotion by the sink are a must. I like rosemary mint and lavender scents. Also, having a hand brush and pretty soap dish are nice finishing touches.

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Lastly, take a step back and enjoy your hard work.  Then reward yourself by taking a bubble bath or giving yourself a facial.  Go ahead…you deserve it!

May 20

Savor the Small Stuff

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[Lighted sign sharing my mantra]

I found myself in a role reversal situation this past weekend. Usually, I am the one who is gone for work and returns home after three nights away. However, it was my husband’s turn to work and be away from home, leaving me to my own volition. Work has been stressful lately, so I really savored the time to myself and recharged. I spent my time discovering little things like finding new beauty products, brunching, and going to the hair salon. These activities may seem mundane, but it’s very important to take care of yourself. If you are happy and healthy then you are better prepared to take care of your loved ones. I hope everyone has a great week!

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[Oh-so subtle highlights]

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[Having fun with a temporary tattoo pen]

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[Getting my dose of Vitamin D before the rainy weekend]

May 17

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Meet Me In Kyoto

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Silk pajama pants are all the rage and I was immediately drawn to this pair from Zara. At first, I was a little reluctant to wear something in public with the word “pajama” in it, but this pair is more tailored than sloppy with the its pleating and pockets (oh how I love pockets). In addition to fit, the color and pattern on these pants are simply beautiful and reminiscent of Japan. Lastly, it has a wonderful shade of blue that perfectly matched my “instant arm party” wrap watch. All together, I kind of wish I was in Japan right now…meet me there?

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The Goods: Theory Shirt (similar here) / Banana Republic Sweater / Zara Pants / J. Crew Shoes (similar here) / Derek Lam Handbag / La Mer + Target Watch / Ray Ban Sunglasses

May 15

High Low: Pointy Flats

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I have been seeing the Jenni Kayne flats everywhere these days. I usually prefer a high heel to a pair of flats but I like the pointy toe and d’orsay style of this particular shoe. While I love the original version, and all the assorted colors it comes in, I am not ready to spend $450 to $600 on one pair! Fortunately, I found a similar pair on ShoeMint that gives you the exact same look but for a much lower price, now discounted to $60 to be exact.

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I opted for the ShoeMint version with an Ikat pattern. It will go perfectly with cut-off shorts, boyfriend jeans..the list goes on and on and on…!

May 13

Skin Regimen

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Recently I was asked by someone to give them the name of my dermatologist. Now, I could have taken offense by what was implied in that question but instead took it as a compliment and an opportunity to share my skin regimen. Other than obvious things like drinking plenty of water and staying away from direct sunlight, I found a routine that works and helps conserve the products I use by alternating their use for day and night.

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In the morning, use a toner after a hot shower or rinsing your face. Facial cleanser and toner are redundant, so use only one in the morning and then moisturize with a facial moisturizer with an SPF 15 or more. Don’t forget to also do the same for your neck.

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At night, taking off make-up and washing your face is probably the last thing you want to do but it’s very important to go to sleep with a clean face (so that you can have an abbreviated process in the morning). Start with make-up removing wipes to do the dirty work and then a cleansing brush to throughly wash your face. I like the Clarsonic Mia because it’s compact and timed for one minute so I don’t even have to think about how long to wash. It’s also okay to go rogue and use a different brand of facial cleanser. To finish the routine, apply a night-time serum…and again don’t forget to apply some to your neck!

If some of these suggestions are too pricey for your budget, I also like Aveeno and Neutrogena. They have similar products at a more accessible price point.

May 10

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Leather Shorts

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I am normally a “dress and skirts” kind of gal, but would easily pass them up for a pair of leather shorts.  I found a great pair from Zara that has a looser fit and cinched waist.  To keep it sophisticated, these shorts are best worn with a billowy top, a pair of chunky platform heels.  Also, wear a minimal amount of jewelry, a cuff bracelet or dainty rings but that should be it.  This way, the overall effect keeps you lady-like instead of “lady of the night”.

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The Goods: Top (found in Israel) / Zara Shorts / Barneys Co-Op Shoes / Banana Republic Clutch / Gold Bangles (found in Israel, similar here) / Gorjana & Griffin Rings / Urban Outfitters Sunglasses (similar here)

May 8

Music That Keeps You Moving

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I used to be a workout fiend.  My motto was if I couldn’t run at least five miles before work then don’t even bother.  Boy, how times have changed.  These days I feel pretty accomplished if I log five miles in a week!   I am now a procrastinator when it comes to exercise.   To keep me heart-healthy, I have turned to yoga, 30-minute circuit routines, and an occasional Tracy Anderson DVD.  Additionally, having a high-energy music playlist can really motivate lazy bones.  Here are a few of my favorites for working out.  

1. Hang With Me, Robyn

2. Baby I’m Yours, Breakbot

3. Sea Lion, Feist / Chromeo Remix

4. Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5 (my guilty pleasure)

5. Yeah Yeah Yeah (Crass Version), LCD Soundsystem

May 6

Le Sweet

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[dainty and colorful macaroons]

I finally had the chance to try out a new bakery in my beloved H St. NE neighborhood. The Batter Bowl Bakery opened up in early 2013. It comes from the owners of Ethiopic (which is located just next door) and has a wonderful rustic and French feel. Their pastries and breakfast items are deliciously sweet and satisfying. In one weekend, I managed to sample the chocolate croissant, puffed pancake, apple turnover and the Belgian waffle. I highly recommend all of them! Perhaps I’ll try the savory items next week…but no promises.

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[puffed pancake with berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup]

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[soy latte to wash it all down]

May 3

Moto Jacket

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A black motorcycle jacket never goes out of style. It is a versatile piece that can go with almost anything. I like to wear mine with dresses creating a ying-yang between masculine and feminine. These days, leather jackets come at every price point so there is something out there for everyone. I found mine at TJ Maxx. It was one of those days where I went in to kill some time and found this lovely piece at a great discount. Don’t you love it when that happens?! I have many other leather pieces, but this one is turning out to be one of my favorites. Sometimes, all you need is a rockin’ jacket to make a statement. Fortunately for me, it didn’t also rock the bank.

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The Goods: Black Leather Jacket (similar here) / All Saints Dress (similar here) / Steve Madden Boots (similar here) / Timex Watch / Susan Shaw Bracelet

May 1

Same But Different: Necklaces

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Does anyone else get chills when they see that J. Crew “Extra 30% off sale items” or “Take 25% off new arrivals” email in their inbox?! Well, I do and while I try to refrain from clicking on the link, I inevitably give in and peruse the latest sales, new arrivals, and everything in between. I encountered this situation last week and found the Sunflower Necklace for a reasonable $50. After admiring its sparkle, I realized it looked like a necklace I received as a gift from my sister by Spike the Punch. The Rainey Necklace, also priced at $50, comes in a variety of hand-painted colors. These necklaces are very similar in style but the details make them different.

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Here is my necklace in the Mint and Mushroom color. I absolutlely adore it. With an equal price point, which one would you prefer?

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