Maryland Pink and Green

$16 Dress Perfection

2022-06-23T08:43:00.004-04:00

How has your week been? After getting back from vacation, this week has been relatively calm. I started working with summer school students on Monday. It's a partially online experience, so I only meet with students once a week.

This summer, while I have the time and things are quiet, I've set a goal to organize and clean one room a day. I took everything out of the china cabinet, and then returned it to its original spot. It feels so good to give things a deep clean every so often.

Like many of you probably do, I spend a lot of time on Amazon, picking up everything from household basics to last minute items that I need quickly. But lately, I've discovered that so many clothing items on Amazon are high quality, in addition to the amazing price.

This adorable gingham dress is on sale right now for $16.50 and is available in 9 different colors. It fits true to size, and I'm wearing a size small. With no zippers, buttons, or ties, it's easy to wear and get dressed quickly.

I paired the pretty grey color with a Lele Sadoughi headband and pom pom slides.

Now that summer is officially here, I'm spending as much time as I can outdoors. All of the flowers around the neighborhood are in bloom.

This weekend, we're going to get together with some friends for a party by the water. I'm making my standard no bake graham cracker cake that I bring to most summer gatherings. Easy and delicious.

How are you enjoying summer?

Sale Dresses You Need Now

2022-06-21T17:57:00.001-04:00

Hello! Hope that you're having an amazing week. Last week, John and I celebrated our wedding anniversary, so stay tuned for some updates from our trip.

Today, I have to share an incredible deal with you. Lately, I've been living in smocked dresses. The stretch around the bodice is forgiving, comfortable, and cool for summer. So when I saw this dress from Sea New York on super sale, I knew that I needed it. Honestly, I'm debating buying the other color, because the dress is that fabulous.

If you're familiar with Sea New York, then you already know the excellent quality of their clothing. The smocking details are exquisite and the dress fits true to size. It's not too short, and I felt comfortable in it all day. The dress zips in the back and offers lots of stretch.

Depending on the day's activities, the dress can be casual or more elevated in style. Today, I paired it with some basic earrings and one of my favorite Lele Sadoughi headbands, the Veronica Bow Mixed Crystal Headband.

To top off the outfit with a bit of elegance, I picked the Perfect Emma Shoes in Gold Saffiano from Sarah Flint. Between the inset block heel and added paddinng in the footbed and anatomical support arch, I could walk for miles in my Flints. If you use my link, you'll get $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint Shoes. Enter the code BABETHANYB at checkout or click the link above. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about fit or sizing.

What dresses are you wearing this summer?

Brunch at the DC Wharf

2022-06-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

DC offers a seemingly neverending array of brunch options. Now that the weather is warm and beautiful, I opted for a brunch spot at the DC Wharf. Parking can be a bit complicated, especially on a beautiful, busy weekend day, so it's a good idea to reserve in advance if you can.

We had already enjoyed an incredible brunch at La Vie, but the look and vibe of Mi Vida, located right next door, intrigued me, and I'm already a fan of many of the celebrity chef's other restaurants. The decor is bright and inviting. We sat inside along the window in a booth with a water view and beautiful pink wall of butterflies on the other side.

While we perused the menu, our friendly server brought water and offered us drinks.

Everything on the menu tempted our tastebuds, so we decided to get the Sabores de Mexico tasting menu. What a wonderful decision. For the first course, we got the naranjas enchildaas, guacamole, and chips. The tiny orange pieces come alive with flavor with a spritz of lime juice and a sprinkle of tajin. This is one idea that I can re-create at home. The generous serving of guacamole equally impressed us, although our waiter warned us not to fill up on chips, because more food was on the way.

The food was brought out in perfect time intervals, not too quickly, but we never had empty plates or seemed to be waiting for the next course. Service was attentive and flawless. Initially, I have to confess that I was a little disappointed that we would each only have one chicken enchilada suiza, but the portion was perfect. The salsa verde was creamy and bursting with flavor, and the enchiladas were stuffed with delicious shredded chicken.

Just as I was finishing the enchilada, one of my favorite dishes arrived. Whenever I'm in Mexico, I eat shrimp cocktail as often as I can, because it's so hard to find authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail the way I like it. The shrimp were large and plentiful, but the twist that I loved, were the crisp strips of jicama entertwined among the shrimp. The spice level was perfect, and I appreciated that it was served with crackers.

After brunch, we explored the area around the wharf. I'm still wearing clothes that I bought on super sale during the pandemic; today, this little dress from Tuckernuck took her maiden voyage. I'm also wearing my Grear sandals from Sarah Flint on repeat. The reverse detail on the sandal is so playful and fun. Get $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flink shoes with my code BABETHANYB.

I've saved the best for last. Dessert. The dessert course on the menu was listed as "French Toast" and "Churros." Words don't do justice to the beauty of the french toast. It's a sugar coated baked loaf, topped with cajeta, caramelized pecans, and bananas. The brown sauce is basically melted sugar, and you better believe that I dipped each morsel in that delicious sauce.

After all, as a dear friend says, "Dessert is not for the stomach; it is for the soul."

What's your favorite brunch spot?

6 Reasons Why I Wear Dresses All Summer

2022-06-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Summer is my season. Sunshine, vacations, and lots and lots of dresses. Believe it or not, besides a handful of rompers, I do not own any shorts. None. Not a single pair.

Why do I wear dresses all summer?

Easy morning routine. Getting ready in the in the morning is effortly stylish. No complicated decisions to make; slip on the dress and you're good to go.
Feel the breeze. Even on the hottest day of summer, a dress lets the breeze flow through and keeps you cool. I especially love midi and maxi dresses for this reason.
Nothing to tuck in. Forget about tucking in shirts, or worrying about belts. Even if you cinch a maxi dress, it's still easier and more comfortable than the alternative.
Easy to fit. In addition to being very figure flattering, many summer dresses are not sized numerically, especially knit and cotton fabric dresses.
"You look so nice." I receive compliments from strangers almost every day when I wear a dress, even if it is something that I consider to be so simple. You'll look polished and will be perfectly dressed for almost any occasion when you wear a dress.
Twirling. Who can resist the urge to twirl in a fabulous summer maxi dress?

Last weekend, we went to a graduation party for my cousin, who just graduated from high school. It was so incredibly hot that day, almost 100 degrees, along with the swampy Maryland humidity. But this Lilly Pulitzer dress kept me cool all afternoon.

What's your go-to summer wardrobe?

Why You Need a Midi Dress this Summer

2022-06-02T07:00:00.003-04:00

As long as I can remember, I've always preferred a more conservative and modest approach to my wardrobe. I know that I'm not getting taller, but some hem lengths sure seem to be getting higher and higher.

Luckily, I've found the perfect solution - the midi dress!

What is a Midi Dress?

Technically speaking, the midi dress falls about mid-calf, although since I'm petite, at around 5'2", I find that most midi dresses actually fall just below mid-calf, giving a slimming look to my leg.

What's the Shape of a Good Midi Dress?

Midi dresses come in all shapes and styles, perfect for any season. For my petite, pear shape, I find that spaghetti straps or ruffles at the sleeve are very flattering. A fit and flare shape, cinched waist, or belt also helps to give shape and movement to the lower part of the dress. A full skirt provides fabulous spin value; making any outfit instantly elevated and classic.

How to Style a Midi Dress

A midi dress works for any occasion, whether you're spending the day at home, out on the town, or even attending a formal event. For casual every day looks, pair a midi dress with a jean jacket or cropped sweater for air-conditioned buildings. Choose tulle, silk, or lace midi dress for a more formal event, pairing it with strappy sandals.

Lilly Pulitzer's Midi Dress I Have on Repeat

Lilly Pulitzer knocked it out of the park this season with this gorgeous midi dress. Immediatly I noticed the high quality of the dress. With adjustable shoulder straps, a built-in bra and elastic back, the dress is comfortable and flattering. Additionally, the dress is fully lined, giving extra flair and pouf to this classic midi dress. Best of all, the dress has deep pockets. I love a dress with pockets.

For a casual look, I paired it with a simple jean jacket, my headband of the day, and platform slide sandals.

How are you wearing your midi dresses this summer?

Draper James Pajamas Under $25

2022-06-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Why are nice pajamas so important?

After a long, busy, tiring day, there is something so luxurious about putting on something pretty to go to sleep. It makes your night time rourtine just as pretty as your daytime outfit.

And these days, pajamas, ahem, loungewear, may be your go-to choice. Curl up on the couch with a good book and a sweet drink, and you're cute and comfortable.

I absolutely lived in my gingham set from Draper James for the longest time, so when I spotted these Draper James pajama sets an such an incredible price, I knew that I needed them ASAP.

Pick up a 2 piece set with a top and matching pants for $24.99. A top and shorts is only $14.98. If you prefer a nightgown and robe, that's another excellent option, also priced at $24.99.

All of these set are available in three of Draper James' most iconic prints, navy floral, coral floral, and pink stripe.

What kind of pajamas do you prefer?

Be sure to check out my LTK Shop for more app exclusive content and discount codes. Heart items that you like now and get alerts when they are on sale.

Summer Ready

2022-05-31T13:42:00.004-04:00

Splish splash! Pools opened their doors to eager visitors this weekend, and sun seekers set up shop at the beach. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite must-haves for summer season, no matter what your day includes.

Unfortunately, this weekend COVID spoiled my plans. Natalia and I packed our bags to take the train to New York for the weekend. Show tickets, wonderful restaurant reservations, and a beautiful hotel. All cancelled.

Believe it or not, during the entire pandemic, none of us has tested positive for COVID...until now. Thankfully, Natalia's symptoms are manageable, and I am negative as of right now.

But moving on to sunnier thoughts, summer officially arrived this weekend. So many times I've admired beautiful furniture at beach front resorts, but never found anything quite like it in stores. When I stumbled upon this exquisite beach umbrella, my heart skipped a beat.

Paired with a luxe quick-dry, oversized beach towel, and upcycled beach bag, you're ready for the perfect day at the beach.

If you're a fan of blue and white stripes, this umbrella is another winner, with an even better price tag.

Check out some of my other summer favorites to get you beach ready!

Hopefully, I'll stay well and my sweet Natalia will improve quickly so that we can enjoy the sunshine.

What did you do this weekend? Have you been to the pool or beach yet this year?

The Most Decadent Dinner in Charleston

2021-08-13T07:00:00.002-04:00

For me, food is an experience. I love to eat, but won't eat something that I don't enjoy. After so much time without being able to enjoy a meal in a restaurant, it's a treat to celebrate and come together for a delightful meal. If you happen to be in Charleston, South Carolina like John and I recently were, you must make a reservation to go to Halls.

When you mention that you're going to take a trip somewhere, people recommend sites of interest, hotels, and other activities, but without any doubt, the first recommendation that everyone had for us was to make a reservation at Halls.

We stayed in the Historic District, which is within a comfortable walking distance to the restaurant. We enjoyed good weather during our trip and took a leisurely stroll to and from the restaurant. Upon our arrival, the owner greeted us warmly. As the hostess led us up the beautiful staircase, we enjoyed the piano music and ambiance of the restaurant. The restaurant lends itself beautifully for any special occasion.

After a celebratory toast, we took our time to explore the menu. Luckily, our server explained the multiple options and answered questions for us. The service is absolutely impeccable, from the person who refills the water, to the server; everyone makes the meal an enjoyable and delicious experience.

John decided to try the bone-in filet mignon with truffle butter, while I settled with the smaller grass-fed filet mignon with gorgonzola. At the recommendation of our server, we ordered half portions of the pepper jack creamed corn skilled and the loaded baked potato. The half portions were so generous that we couldn't finish them. I especially enjoyed the corn! The steaks were cooked to perfection and practically melted in our mouths. Without a doubt, it was the best meal that I have had in years.

Difficult as it may be, try to save a little bit of space for some dessert. After all, dessert isn't for the stomach, it's for the soul.

The restaurant makes you feel right at home, but I recommend dressing up for the occasion. I wore a Lilly Pulitzer maxi dress with a matching Lele Sadoughi headband and paired it with some Gucci sandals. Most of the people in the restaurant were dressed in a similar manner. Although the restaurant is not uber formal, you may not feel comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans.

Much to my surprise, today I received a hand written note of appreciation and thanks for our visit. In this day and age, I appreciate and applaud such a kind gesture.

Tips for your visit:

- Make reservations in advance on the restaurant website through Resy

- Come with a good appetite

- Enjoy a drink at the bar before or after your visit

I noticed that the restaurant offers brunch, so on our next trip to Charleston, we're going to plan to go to brunch.

Dresses for the Dog Days of Summer

2021-08-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

Even though I'm swooning over gorgeous jewel tones for fall and eagerly await tartan season, the temperatures dictate another plan. Today marked my first official day back at school and temperatures hit 100 degrees. Working in a large school building where temperatures are difficult to maintain, especially with lots of warm bodies, poses a challenge when it is so hot.

A maxi dress keeps me cool on the hottest day, but offers versatality with a jean jacket or simple cardigan if the air conditioning works overtime.

Today as part of our professional development team building, we participated in a scavenger hunt that had us (literally) running from the baseball field, to the press box, to the gym, and a myriad of other places. Being slightly competitive in nature, we completed all of the tasks, but I looked slightly "wilted" and crashed immediately after arriving at my house.

I curated a list of some of my favorite maxi and midi dresses to help you enjoy the final dog days of summer in style. Best of all, all of these dresses are on sale right now; and some are quite a steal.

Gingham dresses always top my list. Timeless in style, you'll reach for these dresses season after season. The pink gingham dress shines with flirty ruffles and a fun slit in the front. The blue gingham dress features a halter style top and semi-ombre type effect with several shades of blue. I love everything about the ruffled wrap dress with the tie detail in the back, too.

If you're saving most of your clothing budget for fall shopping, don't despair. These options are super friendly on your wallet. The sky blue dress is a steal at only $20 and the other blue dress is an additional 50% off of the regular price right now.

How are you keeping cool during the dog days of summer?

Princess Culture Isn't Toxic: I Could Have Told You That

2021-08-03T08:22:00.002-04:00

Recently Brigham Young University revealed results of a study that show that "Princess Culture" is not toxic. In my opinion, I didn't need a study to know that. What you are about to read is not-scientific, nor is there a study to support my opinions. Rather, it is an example from creative, imaginative lives.

When I played princess as a child, I was never a "damsel in distress." Putting on a plastic or paper crown instantly made me stand a little bit taller, transforming me into a regal child. I've also seen my own daughters' behavior change instantly when they put on a dress with a swirl.

Imagination and creative play as a child greatly influences who we become as adults. Our childhood experiences and ability to dream and pretend pervade everything that we write, create, or say. Creative play and imagination is not childish; it is a key component to our success as adults and influences our ability to lead and innovate.

People who can dream, imagine, and pretend don't put limits on themselves. I was fearless as a child, and remain that way today. Whether it's moving to another country, traveling solo, or simply being unafraid to take on any task that I can imagine. I never hesitate to share an idea and don't shy away from discussions.

People who dream have empathy, understanding, and experiences that are not their own. By imagining myself in other worlds, I could see things from multiple points of view. Even during this pandemic, there were moments when I felt trapped, but then remembered how truly terrifying Anne Frank's time in hiding must have been. My cabin fever or pandemic fatigue pales in comparison.

In every classic fairy tale, there is a battle between good and evil. Disney princesses faced some pretty scary situations. A stepmother who wants to kill you? Being kidnapped and locked in a tower? Being poisoned by a witch? Yikes! Some of Grimm's fairy tales aren't for the faint of heart, and are actually quite terrifying when seen in the most literal context. Children being eaten by a witch, check. Children being led off of a cliff to their death, check. Someone stealing your first born child, check. But from an early age, I knew that there was good in the world, but I also knew that there was evil, too. It's not all roses.

I'll never forget a staff development meeting from a few years ago, the curriculum specialist asked us to share our childhood dream profession. As the responses around the room went from firefighter to astronaut to dancer or actress, you could have heard a pin drop when I responded. "I wanted to be First Lady of something." My supervisor repeated the question and said, "You wanted to be what?"

To which I replied, "First Lady, or Queen, or something along those lines. I would be able to help people and work with children and help the sick and needy, but I'd have an incredible wardrobe while I got to do that."

My dream is somewhat fulfilled, but life is a work in process and imagine never dies. And I'll never be a damsel in distress unless I need a tall person to help me get something down from the top shelf.

Embrace your inner princess and be strong, no matter how old you are!

4 Fall Dresses Under $25

2021-08-02T07:03:00.001-04:00

It seems like summer just started, but I'm a sucker for the rich textures and soft fabric of fall clothing. These four fabulous fall dresses transition perfectly to colder temperatures when paired with tights and boots.

This adorable green spotted print dress features a ruffle bib front and has excellent swing factor. I'm going to pair it with navy tights later this fall. I got a size 2 in this and feel that it fits true to size in the arms and shoulders and generous through the hips. The length is just above the knee, which is perfect for teaching. It's a steal at $25.

Pictures don't do justice to this broderie front detail sweatshirt dress. The rich cream color is a perfect neutral for fall and winter. The fabric is substantial and does not lose its shape. I ordered an XS in this dress and it is perfect. Right now, this dress is on sale for $24 with an extra 25% off with the code 25LOVE.

The bold yellow floral embroidery details on the shoulder and cuffs on this long sleeve dress are exquisite. You would mistake the quality of this dress far beyond the $25 price tag. Feel free to size down in this dress, because the fit is generous. The back of the dress has added interest with a keyhole button.

Finally, round out the neutral palette in your fall wardrobe with this shirred yoke ruffle dress in beige. Run, don't walk and order this dress now. It's on sale for $16! The frilled trim accentuates the high neck line and the sleeves have just enough puff in them to add interest. The waffle knit fabric feels like you're wearing a blanket. So cozy and soft. The dress fits true to size.

Have you started shopping for fall?

#HHQNYC and visit to Lele Sadoughi Studio

2021-07-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

At some point during the pandemic, I encountered a lovely Facebook community for fans of Lele Sadoughi headbands. I've participated in many groups for Lilly Pulitzer, for my neighborhood, and other interests. This group still remains one of the most positive, small communities. One of the fabulous members, Mary, event planner extraordinaire, organized an incredible 3-day VIP event for members in New York City.

When I registered for the event, to be honest, I was a bit nervous because I had never met any of the ladies in person the way I had met some Lilly Pulitzer friends at warehouse sales and other local events. But I couldn't have imagined a more kind, welcoming group of ladies. The event far exceeded my expectations and I am eagerly awaiting more events in the future.

We met in Times Square where we explored the area quickly before enjoying a special edition donut from the flagship Krispy Kreme store, presented in a keepsake box.

From there, we continued to explore the city, including some spots I'd never visited. After a photoshoot with a professional photographer, we popped into a carefully curated list of boutiques on the Upper East Side, including Frances Valentine. I'll share more about that in another post, but in the meantime, you can peruse the website for swoon worthy sweaters and embroidered tops and dresses. Click here and take $25 off your first Frances Valentine purchase.

No NYC trip is complete without a trip to a visit to Ladurée. I treated myself to a stop in the Upper East Side store as well as the Soho location, which features a lovely restaurant and garden area.

Other VIP experiences included visits to other boutiques and stores like LoveShackFancy and Stoney Clover Lane where everyone happily welcomed the group. But without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was a visit to the Lele Sadoughi studio. After meeting her dynamic team, we had a special FaceTime with Lele herself.

We had the unique opportunity to shop at the studio, where we found special editions and items that were never produced. To speak for the camaraderie and good spirit of the group, no one grabbed or hoarded items like other sales I've encountered. Everyone helped each other to find the perfect headbands, earrings, bags, and other accessories. I found many treasures to add to my collection!

A million thanks to everyone who participated in this special experience, especially the staff of Lele Sadoughi and Mary, who organized the event.

Sale on Sale

2021-07-29T07:00:00.002-04:00

Shopbop is one of my favorite places to shop because you can find so many unique brands in one spot. Best of all is that Shopbop regularly puts items on sale that are not on sale at the designer's webpage.

Right now, they're having a blowout sale with amazing discounts on some things that you can wear now, in the fall, and in any season. You won't have to wait long for your purchases, because Shopbop offers quick 2 day shipping.

I've curated a little boutique with some top picks from the sale.

What are you shopping for this week?

It's Hydrangea Season

2021-07-19T07:30:00.001-04:00

When we moved into our home about 8 years ago, I knew that I wanted to have a front patio full of hydrangeas. The first few years, we didn't have many blooms at all, but every year has gotten better and better. Some years, I'd really focus on special Miracle Gro or something along those lines, but this past year, I didn't do anything to them and they look so beautiful.

Although my hydrangeas are a mix of blues and pinks, that almost look purple, my favorite hydrangeas are blue. I've compiled my favorite hydrangeas that you can take with you no matter where you go, no matter what the season.

This terry fleece turtleneck transitions perfectly between seasons and makes an excellent addition to your beach ensemble, especially if you're on the East Coast like me, where some summer nights can be quite chilly. The turtleneck fits true to size and if you've been waiting on this one wondering if a Dudley is worth the price, trust me that you'll quickly become a fan. Personally, I love the shorter Park Slope style on my petite frame. Take $25 off your first purchase with this link.

Since I am a teacher, I tend to choose 17 month planners and agendas that start in August and go through the next year. When I saw this hydrangea planner, I fell in love. Just adding items to my to do list and the calendar will make me happy with this. There's plenty of space to make notes for the week and the agenda even includes adorable stickers.

If you're like me, you're looking for an eco-friendly way to take water with you wherever your travels lead you. Whether you're drinking water or wine, there's a perfect hydrangea cup for you. Check out this stemless wine glass or 16 ounce canteen.

Make a bold statement on your most casual day with limited edition hydrangea tennis shoes! Too cute for words.

Shop the slide show or the image for even more of my favorite hydrangea picks. If you're planning a wedding, shower, or other social event, be sure to check out Dollar Hydrangea. I ordered from them for a graduation party and was so pleased with the flowers and delivery.

Savannah: Equal Parts History, Flavor, and Fun

2021-07-16T08:29:00.003-04:00

Savannah is a magical, multifaceted city with something for everyone. For me, it was equal parts history, flavor, and fun. During a search on Google Flights, I put in the amount I wanted to spend on a flight, rolled the dice, and Savannah appeared.

Savannah is absolutely adorable, if it's possible for a city to be adorable. Even the airport is sweet, with welcoming rocking chairs and beautiful interior design. My flight arrived fairly late, so when I arrived at the Bohemian Hotel Savannah and they said that there was music on the rooftop, I dropped my bags, and headed up to the roof. The vibe of the bar was incredible, with people of all ages dancing and enjoying the music.

The next morning, I set off to explore the city's tree lined squares. I walked along Bull Street, taking a few detours here and there. One of the most beautiful streets that I encountered was Jones Street. With all of the flags and beautifully adorned entryways, it is heavenly. I dressed for warm, humid weather, picking this comfortable mini dress for my first day.

Even in the summer heat, the trees and gentle breeze made exploring on foot enjoyable. I paused many times in different squares to take a break and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Forsyth Park seems like it is along the edge of the historic area. It's a large park with many benches and activities. Although this gorgeous Forsyth Park Fountain has become an iconic Savannah site, I learned that this same fountain graces other city squares in New York, Peru, and France, and that it was ordered from a catalog! Lately, I'm loving the return of the romper. This pink romper is light and airy, keeping me cool despite the high humidity. My hair didn't fare as well against the humidity, despite my vailent attempt with a pretty headband.

Where to Stay: Bohemian Hotel Savannah

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah boasts an excellent riverfront location, offering an incredible view and is within walking distance of pretty much everything in the city. I didn't rent a car during my stay and walked everywhere. In addition to the rooftop bar, Rocks on the Roof, there is another restaurant on the river front that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I ate at both restaurants and enjoyed them both. If you have a choice, I highly recommend choosing a river view room. From my balcony, I watched a steady stream of cargo ships glide down the river. Paintings and sculptures line the hallways and common areas of the hotel; and I believe that you can purchase them, too.

Where to Eat:

First and foremost, I highly recommend making reservations before your trip. Many of the most popular restaurants book quickly and others are rather small. The Olde Pink House offers a gorgeous backdrop for a photo, but the food makes this restaurant a winner. For dinner, I recommend the fried green tomatoes to start and the pecan crusted chicken breast. Save room for the praline basket, a scrumptious treat of almonds and pecans, vanilla ice cream, mango-citrus puree, and fruit. After all, dessert is not for the stomach, it's for the soul.

Speaking of sweet, I opted for the same brunch menu at two different venues. I had the intention of finding chicken and waffles, but ended up with chicken and French toast at Collins Quarter and Huey's on the River. The powdered sugar on the top is the best part. I especially liked the spicy sauce for the French toast at Huey's.

Where to Explore:

After my hearty eating adventures in Savannah, some walking helps to mitigate these adventures from landing on my hips. Just down the riverfront from Huey's, I saw the famous Waving Girl statue, a tribute to Florence Martus, who greeted ships as they entered Savannah.

As previously mentioned, the Historic District of Savannah is easily explored on foot. From the riverfront area, along Bull Street, and to Forsyth Park, there is so much to see and do. If you'd like to map out your own plan, I recommend the app GPSMyCity, where you can select from multiple self-guided tours. If you're looking for a guided tour, check out Genteel and Bard.

Savannah is an excellent pick for a romantic vacation, girls' weekend, or celebration. Looking forward to another visit to Savannah soon!

Mad for Madras and Major Lele Sadoughi Sale

2021-07-15T07:27:00.002-04:00

Craftsmenship and quality is hard to find these days as most clothing items are mass produced at a rapid fire pace. A well constructed, timeless piece in your wardrobe is something to treasure. So when I saw this sewn madras blouse, I knew that I needed it in my life. Each madras square is carefully stitched to create the beautiful blouse. The ruffled collar and mother of pearl buttons add interest, too. At first, I wondered how I would feel about the puffy sleeves, but it's perfection in every way. It's a boho chic style that works in 1971 or 2021, and will always be in style.

The fit seems to be very generous. I'm wearing a size 36, which is an XS, and it is very roomy, both in the shoulders and at the hip.

Paired with white jeans and a few key accessories like wooden bangles, this madras patchwork blouse makes a statement. The beautiful plaid includes almost every hue imaginable, but I chose to pair it with one of my favorite Lele Sadoughi headbands, pink belt, and navy clogs. I bought the belt at the Gucci outlet in Clarksburg Outlets before the pandemic, but sadly, the store closed.

As an aside, I found an incredible deal on some Lele Sadoughi favorites that I had to share with you ASAP before they're gone. The velvet bow is $18 and the headband is $37, originally $150. The beads are hand sewn and the quality is incredible. The headband is comfortable to wear all day; I forget that I'm wearing a headband some days.

Have an amazing day!

Fall Fashion Capsule Wardrobe

2021-07-13T07:30:00.004-04:00

As you probably already know, Nordstrom is gearing up for their annual Anniversary Sale. For as many years as I can remember, I've eagerly awaited this sale. For a long time, it represented the return to school, because I would buy school shoes for my daughters. Now, I'm looking forward to a lot of travel after missing it for so long during the pandemic.

It might surprise you to know that when I travel, it’s usually with a wheeled carry-on bag and tote. Traveling light saves time and money by avoiding checked bags. For summer, it’s amazing what I can fit into a suitcase...multiple outfits and pairs of shoes.

But sometimes packing light can be a challenge, especially with bulky fall clothes. So creating a “capsule wardrobe” for the fall and winter gives versatility and interest to your wardrobe, while saving space while traveling. Everyone is talking about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale right now, but I dug through the wide selection to find a few key pieces that supplement clothes that I already have in my closet.

The Coat

The Sweater

Check out all of my picks for a capsule wardrobe for fall by clicking the picture or widget at the bottom of the page.

What are your essential pieces for a fall wardrobe?

Why I Need Older and Younger People in My Life

2021-07-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

On Friday, we celebrated my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Originally, they had wanted to have a big party and I looked forward to organizing everything. I even booked a venue. But then COVID changed everything; our priorities, our plans, and even our outlook on life. As it turns out, a small, intimate dinner felt much more special and meaningful to me, and I think for my parents, too, than a large blowout party would have been. My parents were high school sweethearts and have been together since then. They're such an example of love and genuine care. They're such a blessing in my life and in my daughters' lives.

The pandemic made me think about people who represent the word “essential” to me. I don’t mean essential in the sense of essential workers, I am talking about the glue that makes our society what it is. I’ve come to the conclusion that young children and the elderly are the most essential members of our community.

Growing up surrounded by adults gave me life experiences that I treasure. To this day, I enjoy the company (and the stories!) of the elderly. They’re honest, real, and possess wisdom that I hope to be able to share with others one day. Until I was 7 or 8, I lived right next door to my great-grandparents. I spent hours in the attic of their house, marveling at all of the books and treasures tucked in each niche. My love of language and travel began in that attic, playing solo games of Parchesi, “the ancient game of India” and trying to decipher books written in Latin and Greek. I spent hours on the swing, talking with my Grandma.

We lived in a small town, and I enjoyed being able to go back and forth between the two houses. Even though the front door was almost always unlocked, I knew that the same skeleton hanging in my kitchen would open anyone’s door. I walked to my piano lessons by myself every week, and knew that a treat or warm smile would greet me at any door. My Uncle Clark lived next to the piano teacher and was another fabulous conversationalist and storyteller. He told things like they were and had high expectations for himself and everyone around him. An elderly person has the time and the desire to share and talk with others.

As a teen and a young adult, I confidently believed that I knew about life. But now, I realize how much wisdom comes with age and experience. The stories and life experiences of the elderly give us an example and guide for life.

At the other end of the spectrum, children bring a different kind of joy and innocence to our society. Children are honest, and sometimes it’s not pretty, but it’s honesty in the purest form. A child makes friends easily and instantly. A child loves freely and unconditionally. As an adult, it’s difficult to cultivate new friendships. But just like the elderly, children possess a certain openness to share, to befriend, and to engage with others, without judgment.

Pre-pandemic, I found myself being “too busy” to take time to enjoy life and the company of others. I spent more time texting and scrolling than talking. The past year and a half has helped me to realize the value of relationships and living joyfully. Now, I prefer to talk with people. Making time for myself and for others is a priority. Experiences and joy bring happiness. My priorities have shifted...for the better.

Elderly people and children remind me to stop and smell the roses. To enjoy and savor every moment. To live life fully and take a twirl every once in a while.

Anniversary Brunch at La Vie DC

2021-07-09T07:30:00.001-04:00

You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun! John and I recently celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. It seems like we were married a only a few years ago. The pandemic has thrown all kinds of curve balls to everyone, and I would be lying if I said that everyone working and going to school online didn't cause some stress to our lives (and our horrible internet!) But every challenge presents an opportunity to grow and learn, and we've really learned so much about each other over the past year and a half or so. I'm more in love than ever, and appreciate every day.

We're enjoying being mostly empty nesters, and have lots of travel plans and little weekend getaways planned now that things are opening. Almost every weekend in the fall is booked for some kind of adventure, and I'm really looking forward to it.

We wanted to try something new for our anniversary brunch, so I asked my friend Patty for a recommendation, because she always knows the best places to go. Neither John nor I had ever been to the Wharf, so we booked brunch at La Vie DC. Impressive does not even begin to explain the incredible view, service, and food.

As soon as you enter the reception area, you know that La Vie offers a special dining experience. After checking in, an elevator whisked us to floor 4.6, an interesting location with an enviable vista.

The hostess led us to a delightful table with an incredible view of the wharf (and my cute husband).

A sweet anniversary card and branded hand sanitizer awaited us at the table. I brought my appetite, because I had heard amazing things about the brunch. Luckily I wore a comfortable pink tiered dress, paired with some gold floral sandals, to brunch. Brunch is served in small plates, starting with small bites, moving on to savory selections, and finishing off with the sweets. The mimosas are bottomless and portions are unlimited, leaving you free to ask for an extra serving of your favorite dishes.

Here are some of my favorites.

If you're looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, or just want to experience an unbelievable brunch, reserve a spot at La Vie DC. I promise that you'll love it.

Pro Tips:

- Make reservations in advance

- Make parking reservations online because parking is at a premium

- Request a table beside a window

- Check out the bathrooms and the fun art (seriously!)

Nap Dress - Not Just for Napping

2021-07-08T07:30:00.001-04:00

For as long as I can remember, I've loved wearing comfortable dresses as opposed to a shirt and pants or a skirt. For starters, it's much easier to get dressed in the morning with only one piece to consider, but it's always polished and dresses make me feel special, even on a casual day.

If you're like me, you've probably seen the Hill House nap dresses all over social media. When I saw that Hill House was launching a mermaid print, I knew that I had to be ready for the release because they sell out very quickly. The pre-launch party online kept me entertained with sizing information and the most incredible Spotify playlist.

I knew that I wanted something in the mermaid print, so I decided on the Athena dress, since I already had a long Hill House dress. Although the website says to size down, I feel that the sizing is pretty true to size in this dress. I am 5'2" and have a small bust, so the XS worked perfectly for me. The length is not too short, and is perfect for summer. The fabric washes and dries beautifully. I didn't actually take a nap in this dress, but there was not a single wrinkle in the dress at the end of the day, even though I ran errands all day.

After a weekend of relatively cool summer temperatures, the heat returned in full force. The dress kept me cool and I pulled my hair back with a headband to combat 94 degrees with humidity. I paired this fun print with some cork wedge sandals and cork bag.

Save $20 off your first order from Hill House with this link. Then create your own link to share with friends and you'll earn 20% off your purchases. It's a win-win!

Summer Hair! 4 Ways to Tame Your Mane

2021-07-07T09:30:00.015-04:00

Simply put, this 4th of July holiday weekend shined like no other. The temperature never rose to an uncomfortable level and the rain stayed clear of our path. My daughters are not living at home this summer, but made the drive home for the holiday and to celebrate my birthday a little bit early. On Saturday, we went to a local festival and heard one of my favorite 80s tribute bands. Later that evening, we saw fireworks from a distance in two different places. On the 4th we celebrated with a small group of dear college friends and later with family. The icing on the cake was a baseball game for our town’s minor league team. The home team won by one run and the fireworks after the game amazed the crowd and brought tears to my eyes. It felt so good to have a “normal” holiday and to see everyone enjoying themselves, but a good Sousa march, perfectly timed to the rockets, gets me everytime.

So, moving on to today’s post. Let’s talk about summer hair. My hair naturally twirls and curls, but not in an organized enough way to make me happy, especially not in the summer. And during the humid Maryland summers, my hair transforms from mermaid to sea hag in a matter of minutes. So today, I’m going to share four of my favorite solutions to help tame my mane.

For decades I’ve adored wearing headbands and love it that they’re “back in style.” I used to have a bunch of Laura Ashley headbands to match my dresses. But in 2021, headbands are back in full force. Headbands pull back just enough of my hair to keep it neat, even on a windy day. A jeweled or beaded headband instantly frames your face and elevates any look to luxe, especially a summer dress.

This black neoprene headband stays in place, making it a perfect addition to your workout or beach ensemble.

Hats do double duty in the summer, protecting your face from the sun, and keeping hair out your face. My sweet friend, Patti, made this hat for me with my initials on it. She’s so talented. Whether you pick a bucket hat, a bolero hat, or one with a wide brim, hats save the day.

Other practical throwbacks to the 90s are claw clips and scrunchies. Judge if you want, but honestly, how else can you tame your mane and match your outfit? One of my first jobs as a teen was at a popular store in the mall (which one do you think it was?) and we always had to say, “Would you like the matching socks and scrunchie to go with that?” Today’s claw clips and scrunchies work in almost every situation. Sometimes, I’ll pull my hair back with a scrunchie or clip, and top it off with a hat or headband.

How do you tame your summer mane?

$1 Gift for Disney

2021-07-05T07:30:00.003-04:00

As you probably already know, I never miss an opportunity for a trip to Disney. Luckily I was able to renew my annual pass, even with the craziness that happened with passes after the parks closed. Although we are fortunate to visit Disney often, I discover something new with every visit.

Just like the rest of the world, Disney cast members faced significant challenges with their jobs, with a year full of uncertainty and chaos. So, for this trip, I turned the tables, so to speak, and gave a little bit of magic to Disney cast members, to thank them for the magic that they give to others every day.

I found these adorable Disney keys that double as a bottle opener (bonus!) and wrote little notes on the tag and tied it up with twine. The keys come in a set with enough materials to make 25 gifts to share the magic on your Disney trip and come in copper, rose gold, and silver. At less than a dollar per gift, it's an easy and inexpensive way to share a little magic with Disney cast members. Use the keys for other Disney parties, favors, or weddings, too!

Every cast member appreciated this small gift so much and showed so much surprise! My favorite interaction was with a college student who was "earning his ears" and shared that he had just arrived at Disney a few weeks ago as part of the college program. I loved seeing the big smile on his face and hearing how much his colleagues at the slushee stand marveled at the key.

Now that my daughters are in college, I really appreciate the time that I'm able to spend together with them and hope to continue my adventures with them even after they have graduated and have families of their own.

If you visit Disney in the near future, be sure to check out the cool photo pass tiny world picture at Animal Kingdom. You'll find the photographer for this special picture at the exit for the "Bug's Life" ride.

Red, white, and blue!

2021-07-02T16:58:00.001-04:00

Hello! Long time, no posts. So much has happened in the past 5 years, that it will take a few posts to share all of the exciting details with you. Right now, I'm really feeling like an empty nester, with my girls working away from home this summer. They'll be juniors in college this year; it seems like just yesterday that I was finding matching bows for them to wear.

For the 4th of July weekend, I'm excited about being out and about around town. We're planning to go to a festival tomorrow, listen to an 80s tribute band, and see some fireworks. One of the things that I've missed the most during quarantine was live music.

Wearing red, white, and blue seems almost obligatory for this weekend; luckily there are a myriad of options in my closet. If you're still searching for the perfect outfit for this weekend or any other patriotic holiday (Hello, Labor Day!) I've curated a list of my favorites...all less than $25 right now!

With a sweltering summer forecast, a dress keeps you cool, and looks polished. Get dressed in minutes and you'll be the belle of the ball. If you're a fan of gingham like I am, you'll love this red gingham square neck dress. It's flattering and works for a picnic, party, or fireworks.

White always looks so crisp and clean in this summer. This shirred ruffle sleeve dress features a cute ruffle hem. It's under $25, too!

Here are some of my other top picks for showing your best red, white, and blue this 4th of July! The best part of all? Everything costs $25 or less.

Tory Burch Outlet

2016-11-03T05:56:00.003-04:00

For months, I eagerly awaited the opening of the Tory Burch outlet at Clarksburg Premium Outlets. According to the news, traffic surrounding the outlets during the grand opening was pretty ferocious, so I decided to take a back road to the outlet instead of the highway.

When I approached the store, I noticed that the line already stretched quite far in front of the store. A uniformed security guard and a man in a suit managed the line. Quickly, I realized two things. First, the store appeared to be quite empty. Very few people were actually inside the store. Second, I was going to be waiting for quite a while. The "crowd" in the store was not even close to reaching the fire code limit, so I'm not sure why security was limiting entry to such a small group of people at a time.

Some people approached the line with "returns" and a Tory Burch bag. From the line, others noticed that these people were not returning items and used the "return" as a ploy to get in the store. Another person who had a "return" actually turned out to be a shoplifter! People watched her in action from the window and alerted security personnel.Waiting women ratted out the people making fake returns and security told them to make a return or to get in line to shop or browse.

Finally, after about an hour in line, I finally entered the store.

I had hoped to pick up some shoes, but there were not many shoes in store. If you're in the market for flip flops, you're in luck.

The entire store was 40% off marked prices, with a few select items an extra 25% off. Baskets of flip flops organized by size dotted the sales floor.

The store offers a good selection of clothing in a wide variety of sizes. Prices for these polo tops were standard retail price minus the 40%.

Bags, totes, and small accessories lined the walls of both sides of the store. Again, the prices included a savings of 40% off retail.

I especially liked the little orange cross body bag in this picture. It was one of the few items that was reduced in price from the original retail. With the extra 40% off the marked down price, the little bag was just under $100.

The Tory Burch outlet store at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets is quite large and I have good hopes for future shopping experiences. Outlet prices matched offers that I can find online or at Tory Burch at the Galleria, so little incentive to wait in line and deal with the crowds exists right now. Hopefully in the future, an extra percentage off marked down prices and a larger inventory of certain items like shoes will sweeten the pot.

Happy Halloween

2016-10-31T09:21:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween! What are your plans for tonight? In my neighborhood, children trick or treat on Halloween, no matter what day of the week it is, so I'm looking forward to seeing a couple hundred visitors tonight. Our first year in the neighborhood, I completely underestimated how much candy I needed and ran out after only an hour or so. For several years, I bought so much candy so far in advance that the temptation to sample the sweets won so off I went to buy more bags of treats.

Finally I found a solution. Stickers and temporary tattoos. I eliminated the temptation to eat anything before Halloween night.

The weekend brought unusually warm temperatures and I didn't need to wear a coat all weekend. Of course, on Saturday the weather triggered both heat and the air conditioning. Welcome to fall in Maryland. I just brought out a few finishing touches for the Halloween decor for the porch.

I'm loving the leopard print shift tee shirt dress for fall. It's so comfortable and fits true to size. Although it's technically a dress, I felt much more comfortable with a pair of leggings under it.

Dress // Leggings // Bag, Longchamp // Shoes

Between the girls' school, sports, volunteer, and work activities and my busy schedule, our calendar bursts with activity. Yesterday, I thought that Natalia and Alexia had to babysit at church. They both told me that they didn't have babysitting, but I insisted, so off we went to church. As it turns out, the girls were correct. We enjoyed two delightful hours in downtown Frederick, walking around and taking pictures. Here's one of my favorite pictures, captured with my phone!

Enjoy Halloween!