{Time to Detox}

Indulge in...

A Natural Detox

Are you trying to lose the few extra pounds you gained over the holidays? Perhaps your sleeping patterns are abnormal or you aren't feeling as rested as usual? Are you drinking more coffee in an effort to kick your sluggish mood? Is dry skin or dehydration an issue for you? Well folks, I have been dealing with all of these symptoms at one point or another recently...so I've decided it's time for a detox. Life simply won't slow down, but that doesn't mean I can't make time for a bodily refresh. I want to feel, look and be a healthier, sexier and more glowing version of myself. So here is a list of things I've added into my daily/weekly routine:

1. Drink more water. I like water, but I never drink enough of it. Part of the reason is because I find the taste of water to be downright boring. The other part is because I love drinking tea instead. So I've decided that I am going to consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Adding a slice or two of lemon, lime or other fruit makes drinking water more appealing...but the fact that it's a primary way of flushing out toxins makes it worth every sip.

2. Breathe deeply. Maybe this comes a little more naturally to me...because my desire to punch someone in the throat during stressful times has taught me to sit back, relax and take deep breaths. Breathing deeper allows more oxygen into the body and helps eliminate carbon dioxide. It also helps you to be more relaxed, alert, not punch someone in the throat, and so on. It's definitely worth paying attention to.

3. Exercise. A lot of sources I've researched list 'exercise' and 'reduce stress' as two separate ways to detoxify the body, but to me they are one in the same. Exercise is one of my most efficient ways to reduce stress; by getting my blood flowing, increasing my heart rate and sweating out the bad stuff, I feel more energetic and focused. It affects my mind, body and soul...so I'm happy to start going to the gym again and cannot wait to get back on that rock wall!

4. Dry-brushing. This is a unique exfoliation technique that I've recently discovered. The goal is to remove dead skin, but it also increases blood circulation, enhances detoxification through the skin & helps keep it glowing. Using a natural bristle brush or loofah, move in a soft, circular motion starting with the bottom of your feet, working your way up to your chest. Once you're finished, rinse off and shower as usual.

5. Eliminate refined sugars, saturated fats, alcohol and caffeine. Uh oh! And just in the midst of restaurant week season! I'm currently not a big indulger of saturated fats or alcohol, but I do crave sugar and caffeine to a certain extent. That said, I'm starting to decrease my intake of sweets and main source of caffeine, coffee.

6. Fill up on fiber. Consuming foods such as brown rice, nuts, fruits & veggies are a good way to help cleanse the body; they boost the digestion process and provide you with many nutrients. I love rice, nuts & fruit, so my biggest challenge will be to incorporate more raw vegetables into my diet. Time to get creative!

7. Antioxidants rock.  I mentioned here about many foods that are rich in antioxidants. Essentially, they help eliminate free radicals all while providing great side effects for the body. Green tea, for example, is a wonderful source of antioxidants and just so happens to be one of my favorite things to drink! You want to consume as many vitamins and minerals as possible...so the more antioxidants, the better.

8. Be positive. Transforming stress by exhibiting positive emotions really works (and is wonderful for the body), but it isn't always easy. I consider myself a pretty positive person most of the time, but I do think I could be a little less hard on myself. What do I mean? Well, instead of primarily focusing on my 'need improvement' areas, I plan to build myself up with positive affirmations every day. Pampering or spoiling oneself is different than uplifting oneself, and by doing more of the latter we can all better embody a truly positive persona.

“Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.”

-Leo F. Buscaglia

Images via Pinterest 

{Cheers to 2012!}

Today, I am loving...

My Recap of 2012

Where do I begin? This year has been incredible! So much so that I've been spending the last couple of weeks in semi-hibernation mode, taking in all that has happened and appreciating just how blessed I've been. I cannot thank my friends enough for including me in so many fun activities and for joining me in my adventures. My family has been super supportive in all that I've sought out to do and accomplish, and I am all the better because of it! Thank you guys. So in honor of the best year yet, here are a few of my favorite 2012 highlights:

Mardi Gras

Enjoyed: the Endymion ball, beignets & coffee, bead catching during parades, drinking Hurricanes and Grenades on Bourbon Street, meeting my first Brazilian love of the year, dancing along Frenchmen Street, visiting Oak Alley Plantation, taking a cocktail tour around NOLA, shopping on Magazine Street, being "adopted" by friends Mary & Tom, river-riding on the Steamboat Natchez

New Hobbies

As most of you may already know, one of the things I've taken up this year is indoor rock climbing. It's awesome! I've also dabbled in pursuing new things (that's what bucket lists are for) and have tried new ventures, such as archery and shooting.

Prague

Liked: walking around Old Town, writing on the Lennon Wall, seeing street performers on the Charles Bridge, clubbing at Karlovy Lazne, going on a comical guided city tour, checking out Prague castle, joining in a city-wide bar crawl, visiting the "Dancing House"

Bratislava

Fond of: seeing the President's palace, walking to the top of Castle Hill for a view of the city, eating Slovak dumplings with our friend Matus

Budapest

Loved: enjoying some R&R at the Szecheny bath house, walking along the Danube, photographing Castle District and St. Stephen's Square, forming a large group of friends - made up of Americans, Dutchmen and Germans - at Szimpla, satisfying my inner "foodie" at Central Market Hall, touring the Human Body exhibit, being convinced by our roommates that staying out all night at Morrison's until our flight the next morning was an excellent choice

Mont Saint-Michel

Adored: staying at a B&B on the rock, touring the monastery, eating crepes and homemade strawberry ice cream, seeing everything lit up at night, being the subject of pictures for a bachelor party (they were older, but hilarious!), shopping in the alleys

Nice, Cannes, Monaco

Relished: (Nice) staying in a fabulous apartment in Old Town, sunbathing on the beaches, dancing on tables at Wayne's with new friends almost every night (it's a must!), buying new sundresses, eating ridiculously good food, (Monaco) walking the Grand Prix track, watching the changing of the royal guard, admiring fast cars, seeing the Monte Carlo casino, (Cannes) checking out the red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival, relaxing on one of the only sandy beaches in Southern France

London

Appreciated: visiting the Tower of London, watching the changing of the guard outside of Buckingham Palace, goofing around in Diana's playground, checking out Westminster Abbey, patiently waiting next to Parliament for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee boat parade (we saw her!), going on an adventurous 'Jack the Ripper' street tour, walking around Olympic Park, meeting up with our English friends for a pub crawl, window shopping in Notting Hill

Canada

Savored: (Toronto) going to the top of the CN Tower, walking around the Distillery District, stumbling upon a music festival near our hotel, touring the Bata Shoe Museum, visiting Casa Loma, biking around the Toronto islands, (Niagara) wine tasting at Trius, overlooking Niagara Falls, shopping at Niagara-on-the-Lake

Beach Trips

Over the summer, I went on a few beach trips with family and friends to both North Carolina and the Eastern Shore. I enjoyed reading, eating crabs, going on long walks, drinking sangria, dancing the night away, people-watching on the boardwalk & relaxing in the sun.

Outdoor Adventures

Among my summer to-do items were jumping out of an airplane and organizing a tubing trip to Harpers Ferry. Both turned out to be extraordinarily fun!

Wine Tastings

Being the wine lover that I am, I planned a few girls-day-out trips to local wine festivals for the fall season. Sun, live music, wine, cheese, bread, olive tapenade, good company...I can't think of anything more enjoyable! And it was.

Concerts & Festivals

There is something magical about live music. Starting off the year with lots of jazz in New Orleans, I enjoyed attending many concerts & festivals such as Sweetlife, Augustana, Buckethead, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Florence + The Machine, VirginFest and the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Football

Maryland, Virginia Tech, Ravens...I was brought along to many fun tailgates & football games this year! We had pretty amazing weather this past fall, not to mention an abundance of awesome seats ;)

Wooded Escapes

Planning a camping trip for 12 people was interesting at first, but certainly worth it! Green Ridge is a great location and our group was a blast; we ate like kings, had a marine on hand for any potential crisis, went on nature walks and laughed for hours. Additionally, my family decided to get together for a long weekend at Massanutten Resort; hiking, playing basketball, competing in air hockey, spending evenings in the hot tub and going zip-lining were all part of our agenda!

Turning 25

For my birthday, I was joined by 15 of my closest friends for dinner at one of my favorite Baltimore restaurants, Pazo, and then ventured out to Fells Point to drink & dance with a few more friends and coworkers. The entire day and evening was extremely special, and I cannot thank my parents enough for being so thoughtful!

Holiday Celebrations

I enjoy holiday-related activities, like going on a pub crawl for St. Patrick's Day and watching Fourth of July fireworks with a myriad of friends dressed in red, white & blue. To celebrate the holidays & beginning of a new year, I always get a group of friends together for dinner at a local Japanese steakhouse. This past Easter, I hosted an "adult" egg hunt; it was a hit! For my sister's 21st birthday, we threw an Olympic-themed party and really got into it (outfits and all). I decided to glam it up as Cleopatra for Halloween and rally friends for a couple of fun events. Of course, I also had to find my inner 80-year old and get into the Christmas spirit via an ugly sweater party!

Cheers to Another Year!

And last but not least, THANK YOU for supporting my blog. It really means a lot! I wish you all a wonderful 2013 :)

Images courtesy of © 2012 Chateau de Victoria

{Favorite Things of 2012}

Today, I am loving...

Favorite Things of 2012

Last year at this time, I began a tradition of writing down my favorite things and happiest memories from the previous 11 months. I consider it a great way to reflect and appreciate all that has happened, and serves as a reminder that life is what you make it. This year was especially adventurous, and I cannot wait to share my 2012 recap with all of you! But until then, I'd like to channel my inner Oprah and reveal a few of my favorite things:



Hair & Skin

1. Ojon rare blend oil

2. Blue Copper 5 firming elasticity repair

Nails & Makeup

1. Essie nail polish

2. MAC colored eyeliner

Adventure

My passport. I was able to visit 6 countries this year!

Fashion

1. LC Lauren Conrad Collection

2. 7 For All Mankind

  

Media

1. BBC World News

2. Bravo TV

Jewelry & Accessories

1. Kate Spade

2. Francesca's Collections

Spirituality

Bridgeway Community Church

Lifestyle

1. Earth Treks Climbing

2. Merriweather Post Pavilion

Drinks & Eats

Cappuccino & gourmet pizza!

Images via Pinterest 

{Christmas in the Kitchen}

Indulge in...

Holiday Goodies

'Tis the season to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill your stomach with the most delicious of foods! Whether at work, home or a friend's, I am constantly surrounded by endless goodies (homemade banana bread, oatmeal cookies, chocolates, you name it I've eaten it). I don't feel guilty either. I enjoy eating, and I really like to try new recipes when I can. I had fun making apple pie and sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving, but sometimes it's nice to add new things to the holiday grocery list. So in addition to the traditional foods I indulge in at Christmas (king crab legs on Christmas Eve, monkey bread on Christmas morning, etc.), I'm planning on incorporating these simple yet tasty treats as well:

 

Rolo Sugar Cookies

I did a test run on these and they turned out great! To make a traditional sugar cookie even sweeter, just put a rolo in the middle of the cookie dough ball, bake 7-10 minutes in the oven and voila! Deliciousness.

Pomegranate Sparkling Wine

I've already stocked up on champagne, so this little number looks fabulous. Just take your flute, add pom seeds and a splash of pom juice, fill the rest of the glass with your [champs of choice] and there you have it...a tasteful toast!

Cheese Tree

Who doesn't like cheese? I prefer havarti, swiss, brie, mozzarella, cheddar...okay, I prefer most cheeses! So why not add baby tomatoes, olives, a little garnish and put it all into an adorable Christmas tree formation? Done and done.

Chocolate-covered Fortune Cookies

Yummy! I always love finding out what my fortune is, so why not make the experience even more scrumptious? I'm planning on adding this to our family "cookie decorating" night coming up!

Cocktail Sausage Wreath

Just looking at this makes me hungry! Wrap cocktail sausages in Pillsbury crescent roll dough, bake accordingly, place them in a circle, add some slices of red pepper for a bow and serve with your own toppings/dipping sauces. Mmm!

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

I'm a huge cheesecake buff (did I mention I like cheese?) and this is an enticing spin on your traditional recipe! Why not combine two delicious treats into one? Check out how to make these bars here. Bon appetit!

 Happy Baking!

Images via Pinterest 

{Holiday Office Decor}

Accentuate your space with...

A Cubicle Makeover: Home for the Holidays

My office space is slowly transforming...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Over the weekend, I had a lovely time celebrating my 25th birthday. Between family, friends & coworkers...I couldn't have asked for a more special day. It was full of surprises and was a strong reminder that God has truly blessed me. Now I am ready to indulge in everything Christmas-related! I have been holding on to my Christmas cards since my trip to Canada, so I can't wait to fill them out and send them on their way! Then it's time to scope out a couple of holiday party dresses, turn some cookie recipes into reality and start wrapping gifts. But not before adding some holiday cheer to the office as well! Check out these fun, office-friendly ideas:

Decorate a few pine cones with glitter, grab some extra ornaments & put them all into an old vase! Add a cute ribbon or bow for extra flair.

Spruce up an old picture frame or make one out of candy canes!

Wrap empty boxes and stack them on your desk! I also love the decorated letters to spell out a festive word or phrase.

Since real (and fake) trees are often frowned upon in the office, get creative and make your own! Opt for smaller wrapped boxes for a minimal yet colorful display.

Isn't this a cute idea for a coworker or Secret Santa gift?

Despite the government's endless rules as to what you can and cannot do in the office (seriously, what isn't flammable?), I like to decorate for the holidays. So far, I've added tinsel and snowflakes around my desk, along with an adorable little snowman that makes everything smell like cinnamon. A few coworkers already refer to my office space as my "home" and sometimes come visit my "room", so it's only appropriate that it looks festive! Since most of us spend more time at our desk than anywhere else, my philosophy has always been to make it as comfortable and tasteful as possible. Happy decorating!

Images via Pinterest