Look-Alike: Kate Spade Clutch

Like many women, I love Kate Spade! You may have seen the post about the gorgeous watch that Sam got me last Christmas. The way that her designs combine classy, fun, and modern all into one piece is beyond me. With that said, my entry-level paycheck doesn't often allow me to purchase very much. But just because I can't afford something doesn't mean that I should miss out on having something cute—no, I don't mean stealing. What I mean is this look-alike purse by South Moon Under that is a quarter of the price! It's a steal—but not literally...

South Moon Under Street Level Snap Front Crossbody Clutch

Kate Spade Cedar Street Monday Bag

Write That Down

So I have kind of dropped the ball on keeping up with this blog, which I will chalk up to learning how to adjust to post-graduation life. But since it has officially been a year since I entered the grown up world, I am making it my mid-year resolution to jump back into the game!

In order to make sure that I keep my creative juices flowing and that I am keeping of track new topics to write about, having a notebook handy at all times is going to be key. I am a huge fan of notebooks, notepads, stickers, and post-its. At work I have probably 10 different notebooks floating around, there is a drawer full at home, and there is almost always one in my purse. I love writing lists about anything and everything, from cute things that Sam (the boyfriend) says, to new music artists to check out, to shopping lists and of course to-do lists.

You never know when you will need to jot something down real quick, so I encourage you to get a notebook today. Here are some cute ones that I will probably be adding to my collection soon.

1. Fashion Flap Journal by Urban Outfitter | 2. Geometric Circle Notebook by Paper Source | 

3. Botanicals Notebook Collection by Athropologie | 4. Gold Dot Journal by Kate Spade 

Sippin' Coffee Flawless

Last December, Beyonce surprised the world by dropping a secret album, and coincidentally broke our iTunes accounts as we all scrambled to download it. Since December, I have been listening and re-listening to her album on repeat. As I listened to her album while holed up in my apartment during the snow storm, I got the urge to be crafty.

So here are some very simple instructions for how to make your own DIY, Beyonce inspired coffee mug...

1. Gather your supplies:
    - One Coffee Mug
    - Colorful Selection of Sharpie Markers
    - A Notebook
2. Practice your design on the notebook until you've made it perfect
3. Draw your design on the coffee mug (hint: if you mess up, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can help undo any mistakes you made)
4. Bake you mug for 30 minutes and 350 degrees
5. Let your mug cool and enjoy!

I went to Target and was able to find a bunch of cute, all white coffee mugs for under $5

I practiced my design several times before actually drawing the design on my mug, I wanted to make sure the design was "flawless"

Then 30 short minutes later, it was finished

"Flawless" by Beyonce

Snow Storm Causes a Weekly Covet

Happy Snow Day D.C!

Last night, a little bit of white stuff fell out the sky, so of course, the district is in a state of panic. So close all the stores, board all the windows, and make your last minute grocery store run for milk, bread and toilet paper. (P.S. Humans, milk is one of the most perishable things in our fridges, so what are you going to do when you lose power and can't keep your milk cold? Think about it.)

But let me be clear, I am not complaining! The capital's exaggerated freak out means that I get to work from home...WIN! So right now I am under my duvet in my old sorority t-shirt and faded yoga-pants.

Though as I lay in bed and do my work, I can't help but covet a comfy pair of PJs to make this whole snow day even more relaxing. And what I have my eye on is this pair of incredibly cute and classic J.CREW Vintage Short-Sleeve Pajama Set,

Also, lets talk about how Zoey Deschanel sported these on New Girl Season 3, Episode 3 "Double Date." So not-so-secret secret, I wish I was Jess from New Girl. But anyways.....

If you are also in the district experiencing this "state of chaos," I hope you can cozy up to your laptop in a comfy pair of pajamas!

Not so Saintlike at Saint-Ex

So this weekend I might have spent a little too much time at one of D.C.'s neighborhood watering holes. Name of this fine establishment: Saint-Ex.

What was the occasion you ask? Well it all started with brunch...at a different bar. And after abusing the $15 bottomless Mimosas, Poinsettias, and Bloody Mary's that our lovely bartender kept supplying, we were eventually kicked out. But what else was there to do on a beautiful Saturday afternoon except find another bar serving brunch! (My dangerous habit of brunch-hopping took over me)

Thus we made out way over to Saint-Ex for Brunch Round 2. I had been to Saint-Ex before, but I guess I had not realized the true wonderfulness that was this bar. I started this wonderful experience by ordering a "Bees in the Beer" and my tastebuds buzzed with delight as they were covered with a carefully mixed combination of a smooth IPA, bourbon and touch of honey. 

The tasteful experience continued when my oh-so-gracious boyfriend let me steal a bite of his "All Natural Beef Brisket," which included tender beef chunks paired with eggs over easy, cheddar harsh browns and cloaked in the most delicious gravy. So. Good. Needless to say not a bite was left. 

After finishing our meal and our drinks, we decided it was probably time to go home and pretend to be responsible adults who don't drink the day away. Plus I needed a good nap before my friends birthday party. 

But to my surprise, the birthday girl's party destination of choice was none other than Saint-Ex. While it was the same address, I would have to argue that Saint-Ex turns into a completely different bar when the clock strikes midnight - kind of Cinderella-like. If you make your way downstairs, you will find a huge dance floor, dimmed lights, and great music that kind of makes you reminisce  about your good old college days when you partied in some frat's basement. 

Great Brunch. Great Bar. All with Great Friends.   

"Bees in the Beer"

Sam finishing off the last of the beef brisket

The girls before a night out at Saint-Ex