Tag: fun

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My Wonder Woman Obsession

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Happy Wednesday, friends! This is going to be a short post, because who wants to spend lots of time reading a post in the middle of the week?

Have I ever shared with you all that I love Wonder Woman? Like, really, really love the character? You may have picked up on that fact when I did my current wish list post, but I don’t know if I was clear.

I wasn’t always obsessed with her, but as I’ve gotten older, I really identify with her story and her personal power (both literal and figurative).

It’s time to admit that my obsession has spilled over into my workspace:

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Yes, I have all of these on my desk at all times (though generally arranged in a more aesthetically pleasing way).

No, I’m not ashamed to be a grown woman with Wonder Woman toys in my workspace. We’re all entitled to our favorite little trinkets.

My biggest goal in life is to own every item on this Mashable list. Because you can never have enough Wonder Woman paraphernalia.

 

 

culture · travel

A Day at Edisto Memorial Gardens

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A few days ago, I was able to put my staycation plans on hold and take a REAL mini-getaway to Orangeburg, SC. One of my lifelong friends – my sister born of another mother – lives nearby and I was needing some time with my bestie.

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So, I hit the road and spent a few days with her. Just getting away for a little bit really did wonders for my soul. Even more soul-enhancing was my trip to Edisto Memorial Gardens.

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Despite visiting this area several times, this was my first time at the garden. And it didn’t disappoint! Beautiful greenery (courtesy of the rose garden), the picturesque Edisto river, and the perfect weather made for a wonderful trip.

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I’m hoping I can return around the holidays: the gardens are already set up with lights for the Christmas season. I’m sure it will be a wondrous sight when they’ve put the finishing touches on the light displays.

If you’re ever in the area, make sure to visit Edisto Memorial Gardens. You will love it!

food

Review: For the Love of Chocolate

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During my last Carytown excursion, I went to Xtras Cafe and tried the delicious crabcake entree. However, the trip wasn’t just for the sake of trying a new meal. I wanted to also get some candy from my favorite chocolate shop, For the Love of Chocolate.

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The shop is small but packed with delicious options. I’m always impressed with the variety of chocolates and high quality service. The only downside of the shop is that they don’t have online shopping capabilities.

This trip, I focused on truffles. And boy were they delicious!

When I get a little more time, I’ll do a more in-depth review of specific truffles and other chocolates available there. In the meantime, check out the mint chocolate truffle that I enjoyed.

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Have any of you been to this chocolate shop? If not, it’s worth a trip! It’s located at 3136 West Cary Street, in Richmond, VA. I’ll see you there!

life curation

Creating a Staycation

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After experiencing several intensely busy months at work, I had intentions of taking a vacation to the warm, sunny island of Puerto Rico. I saw myself walking the beaches, touring Old San Juan, and getting the tan of a lifetime.

Then Hurricane Maria happened.

So, needless to say, my dreams of soaking up the Caribbean sun were dashed to pieces. No beaches, touring or tanning for me. However, I count my blessings: my Puerto Rican friends are safe and healthy, the island is starting to recover and I’m positive that they will rebuild and be better than ever.

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(Photo courtesy of WeClipArt)

That being said, I still have a few scheduled days off and no concrete plans.

What’s a girl to do?

Time for Operation Staycation! I started getting everything I need to have a fantastic time at home. Here are some of the elements needed for a restful and restorative staycation:

  • An itinerary. Just because you’re staying at home doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan out how to spend your time. The reason why most staycations fail is because there is no clear plan in place. Trust me, a good staycation involves some sort of planning.
  • Tools of relaxation. Clean sheets with high thread count, a fluffy robe and comfortable slippers, plush towels, and luxurious bath products are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tools of relaxation.
  • Limited distraction. Lesser amounts – or complete elimination – of social media, television, phone calls from annoying people, no checking into work email accounts should all be the goal. Whatever distracts you and makes you feel stressed or tired should be minimized or completely removed during the stay-cation.
  • A commitment to relaxation. Be clear on what it will take to make you feel rested and relaxed then DO THAT!

If you all can’t go somewhere fabulous during the holiday season, at least commit to enjoying a little bit of staycation time. You won’t regret it!

life curation

Words of Wisdom: Josephine Baker

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Happy Monday! As we start a new week, I thought this would be a good time to tap into some words of wisdom. One woman that inspires me tremendously is Josephine Baker.

The effervescent Josephine was talented, stylish, graceful and perfectly poised. The trailblazing entertainer left behind an abusive, impoverished childhood and eventually went on to achieving global acclaim. She decided to live in Paris, France where she experienced the happiness and peace that eluded her during her formative years.

Josephine was not just an entertainer: she was also an activist and doting mother. I find her life and perspectives to be so inspirational. Here are a few Josephine Baker quotes that I thought you may enjoy. Vive La Baker!

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(Photos courtesy of Pinterest, APassion4Jazz, and Izquotes)

 

 

art · beauty

Time for Costumes . . .

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Yay! It’s Saturday! I’ve been waiting for this day all week!

Halloween is upon us, so you can expect a lot of people to be out and about as they gather some last minute items.

In the spirit of the season, I’m posting links to incredible Halloween makeup tutorials. Even if you don’t celebrate, you’re bound to find something fun that you can incorporate into your everyday look. Enjoy!

 

 

 

food

Review: Xtra’s Cafe

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While cruising around Carytown (a quaint neighborhood in Richmond, VA), I stumbled upon Xtra’s Cafe, a sleek, vintage-inspired restaurant quietly tucked away on Cary Street.

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The hostess was warm and charming, and getting a seat was a quick process. While I sat near the stairwell (that takes you from the ground level to the actual dining area), the seats facing the bar was full.

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Painting closest to the patio

I loved the vintage paintings on walls and the abundant light streaming from the patio. The paintings really enhanced the classic, speakeasy feel of the restaurant.

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But the real star of this restaurant is the food. Honey, the FOOD! I tried the crabcakes with asparagus and jalapeno macaroni and cheese. When I tell you that the food was delicious … My mouth waters at the thought of it! I can’t wait to go back and try some of pita pizzas as well as the other entrees.

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Y. U. M.

If you’re ever in the Richmond area, Carytown is a must-see, and you should definitely stop into Xtra’s Cafe (3322 West Cary Street). You won’t be disappointed!

food

Review: Tempo di Pasta Food Truck

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Before the autumn weather gripped the Mid-Atlantic region, I regularly got out and went to the food trucks throughout the city. The trucks still come out, but I’m not eager to take in the chilly weather just to get something to eat. This time of year, I’m much more inclined to either bring my meals with me, or to have food delivered to the office.

However, while the weather was still warm and I felt like taking in the sunshine, I tried a truck I’d never seen before. Tempo di Pasta is an Italian food truck that stops at different points in DC every week (though I’m not sure if they are maintaining this schedule during the fall). The truck offers an array of meat and vegetarian entrees, all featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients.

I tried the crab and lobster ravioli ($12). The food was generously portioned: there were 8 large stuffed ravioli and I was satisfied eating half for lunch and the other half for dinner. Here’s the dinner portion, plated and made pretty for your viewing pleasure:

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I found that the ravioli was delicious and perfectly seasoned. The sauce is flavorful and rich, but not overwhelming. This was, by far, one of the tastiest Italian meals I’ve ever had, from a truck or otherwise. I loved it! I can’t wait to try more of their dishes. Here’s hoping they come out on a few of the remaining warm days, so I won’t have to wait until next summer to try Tempo di Pasta again!

life curation

The Best Love Affair Is . . .

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. . . The love affair you have with yourself.

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(courtesy of Pixabay)

Take time to nurture yourself, embrace the beauty of every moment and BREATHE. You’ve got this.

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(courtesy of Pinterest)

Take time to relax and do the things that make you feel ALIVE!

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(Courtesy of Dreamstime)

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(Courtesy of VideoBlocks)

Have you gotten into the habit of getting into an amazing love affair with yourself? If you haven’t, I encourage you to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

 

luxury

An Eye for Gemstones

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Happy Friday, my friends! I’m eagerly looking forward to the weekend, as there are a lot of events going on and I’m ready to enjoy the last, lingering bits of warm weather.

But, if the weather should turn chilly, I have an online course I can check out to pass the time. I recently found a gemology course that I think will be great for increasing my body of knowledge. The woman that created the course, Barbara Smigel, is a college professor that knows her gems inside and out.

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Even as a child, I was enchanted by gemstones. The sparkle, the colors, the amazing cuts … I can’t help but find myself hypnotized when looking at high quality gems. So it only makes sense that I would be drawn to this kind of course. I’m looking forward to going through the materials and learning more about gems!

Other than that, I don’t have much else going on this weekend. I hope you have some fabulous plans in the works! Talk to you all tomorrow!