Bullet Journaling

Remember how I was obsessed with planners? Well I have a new planning obsession, and its definitely going to stick. You know why? Because it’s one notebook, undated, that has everything in it. It’s apparently a big thing, and it’s definitely not new. Actually some of my engineering friends have done it for years, on their own before it became a “thing”.

I decided to wait until I finished my first notebook before I wrote about it. Because knowing me, I’d get bored and try to buy another planner or something (which I’m known to do, don’t judge, I like pretty notebooks and paper). But nope, I stuck to it and am pretty reliant on it. It comes in very handy, since I can’t use my personal phone at my new job. So no more digital notes, or calendars at my fingertips.

Basically its a journal that you can just dump your brain into, and organize it the way you want to. And since its a blank notebook, you can also get creative with it, with all the space you allow yourself. Currently, mine is mostly black ink, because I’m on the move so much I don’t have time to doodle or color code. But seriously, its no pressure! I love it.

For the official site and structured information on how to do it, visit BulletJournal.com. Then after you understand how it works conceptually, check out pinterest for more inspirations and collections you can use with it. The possibilities are endless. I write everything in my bullet journal…quotes I come across, meal plan, things to do, blog topics, random notes and numbers, keep track of bills, questions for the pediatrician… EVERYTHING. I also have a separate one that I use for work that keeps track of projects, and meetings and notes.

The best part is that you can use whatever notebook you want. So now I can go through and use up all the pretty journals I’ve been hoarding. Plus if you keep them, you can always look back and memories and notes for those days! I love paper and pens and this method is perfect. It can be anything you want it to be. There’s really no wrong way to do it. I even tape business cards or other pieces of paper related to that day in there to keep track of it.

Some of my “collections” aka brain dumps are things like.. books to read, movies to watch, brainstorms, event plans, home renovations, expense tracking etc. The index is helpful because now you know exactly where you dumped all your thoughts on a certain subject.

How about you? Have you tried it? Are you using it? What are some other planning methods you are doing to keep track of LIFE?

7

Pittsburgh Rick's

I like grilled cheese sandwiches. I think anyone who is American likes grilled cheese sandwiches. As a kid I would just make it with white bread, butter and slices of Kraft American in a skillet. I’ve since matured my palate and upgraded my kitchen tools, panini pressed sandwich anyone? So when my friend told me about a place near her, that Yelp says has THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE, I was intrigued.

On one my visits, we stopped in Old Town Leesburg and grabbed a bite (to go!) from Pittsburgh Rick’s. He allegedly has the best grilled cheese.

When you walk in, you walk straight into the counter, and who was there to take our order? None other than RICK himself. Pretty cool. He’s owned a few restaurants, and it was nice to see that he was there taking orders and talking to guests. He actually recognized that we were new there (how long as this place been open?) and made us feel welcomed.

Rick invited us to check out upstairs while we waited. There is a bar, and a tiny balcony overlooking the street below. Looks like it’d be a happening place in the summer. We definitely want to check it out when it gets warmer…wonder what the parking situation would be like then though.

We took the order home, because babies, so keep that in mind when I talk about the food. There were other type of sandwiches on the menu, but we were there with a purpose. I ordered the Loaded Grilled Cheese, which comes with bacon and 3 types of cheeses. All the sandwiches are topped with french fries, apple cider slaw and tomatoes. You also get this orange sauce on the side. Spicy, tangy and a favorite for my husband. I also got wings, because I LOVE WINGS.

When we got to her place the sandwiches were a little bit soggy. Maybe because of the ride home in styrofoam, or maybe because it was loaded with butter. It literally dripped when I picked it up. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, I personally didn’t think it was a bad thing, but then again I love butter, and I clearly don’t care about my weight or health. I started off with the wings, which were good, but they were wings, nothing special to write about. I forgot to ask for ranch, and I believe it comes with bleu cheese. Womp.

OH YEAH he ALSO FORGOT MY SIDE OF FRIES that I paid extra for. BOO.

The main event. Since I ate my wings, I could only down half of my sandwich. It wasn’t what I expected. Maybe because I don’t know what Pittsburgh style grilled cheese sandwiches are. The bread was only lightly charred with grill marks and the sandwich was barely toasted (again, maybe because it took a ride home with us). It was a BIG sandwich. Surprisingly though, I liked it. That’s saying a lot since, 1, I don’t like coleslaw, 2, I don’t like tomatoes in my hot sandwiches and 3 I like my bread super toasted. The flavors were definitely all there, and the crunch and tang of the coleslaw added another element to balance out the sogginess that it turned in to be (the fries were mushy too). It all tied together well with the sauce. You have to eat it with the sauce.

Altogether I’d like to give this place another shot, eat there, enjoy the view and have it come out at the right temperature and texture…as well as have my side of fries that I ordered and never got.

Kapnos Taverna

I love to try a little bit of everything, without putting myself in a buffet situation. Dim sum, tapas, hot pot, Korean bbq, forcing my dinner mates to order something so I can have a little bit of theirs…I clearly don’t like to be stuck with one entree. At Kapnos Taverna, they have mezze, which is the word that refers to Mediterranean small dishes. Perfect! I love small plates.

I stopped by for lunch one day with the hubs. There seems to be two levels, which creates an open air vibe full of plants (dead, fake, alive?) and very modern. Definitely liked the vibe there. The staff is very attentive, and our server was very knowledgeable, he even took the time to bring over someone to explain one of the dishes. Unexpected but appreciative. He knew it was our first time there and wanted us to really get a feel for the food.

They’ve got quite a selection of house made sodas. My husband went for it and chose the 5 Spice Ginger beer. I wanted to try to passionfruit one, but I’m not that big of a soda drinker and didn’t want to NOT finish it.

We chose the tzatziki and flatbread spread and the half spit-roasted chicken to share. Lunch is quite like and there was a generous portion for both.

The tzatziki was creamy, flavorful and was well, perfect. I’ve never had it like that before and I love it. Usually when I have it, its watery and yogurt-y and this was definitely a spread. It’s served with fresh hot flatbread. Like literally fresh. When we asked for another piece, it takes 4 minutes because they have to roll it out and throw it in the fire. Worth the wait.

The chicken is smoky, tender and full of flavor. It’s served over barley cooked with spinach in a risotto style (STYLE, not risotto). It was very lemony, and bright but paired with the chicken perfectly.

My husband thought it was too expensive, but I think it’s well worth the price. They also have “express” lunches which include a gyro a side and a drink for $15. I’m told it is a lot of food, but I prefer a bunch of small plates.

Apoterra Skincare

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Let’s be real, after (and during) my pregnancy my skin was horrible. I did not have this pregnancy glow that everyone was raving about. It was dry, yet broken out. When you are pregnant and growing a tiny human inside you, you have to think about everything that comes in contact with your body, so you can’t really use harsh chemicals on your skin. Then after the baby was no longer physically tied to me, I was breastfeeding, and still had to think about what I was putting in/on my body.

I couldn’t use normal acne fighting stuff like salicylic acid or even Mario Badescu Drying lotion. So then I had to look at au naturale ways to take care of skin. I landed on Apoterra Skincare among the million natural beauty companies and decided to give it a shot. I have weird skin. Normally oily skin gets broken out, so you use a range of “drying” concoctions to rescue it…but I was also super dry (maybe because my body is using every bit of moisture to produce breast milk) so if I only used acne stuff I’d probably just crumble and die.

With this skincare line, I was able to mix a system that worked for me. And now that I’ve used it long enough to EMPTY OUT some bottles, I figured, yeah, I should probably write about it, because I trust it on my skin!

At first, the pimples were my first priority. I’m too old to be breaking out like this. I used their activated charcoal soap with sea salt. It came in a black bar. Washed my face every night with it, then I used the moisturizing night treatment. In the morning I would use the rose oil, after washing my face with just water. This method worked so well. My skin finally rehydrated and calmed down.

Now that my skin is back to normal and not as broken out I’ve changed my system. I now wash with a moisturizing bar soap. If I have broken out spots, I use their toner on the trouble spots. And then I use their clarifying oil on trouble spots, then the night treatment every where else. When I wake up I still wash with warm water and use the oil under my regular spf. It might sound like a lot, but it’s really not, and I’m finally glad to have my skin back to normal!

apoterra

**All opinions are my own and I don’t even think Apoterra knows I exist. I bought all products with my own money and was not paid to share this honest review.

ColourPOP Cosmetics

After feeling and looking like a bum for a few months, I wanted to start my new job off right. Tucked in shirts, heels, and lipstick. After seeing so much hype about it on instagram, I decided to try out Colourpop Cosmetics.

The prices are super reasonable, so I decided to try a couple of lipsticks, eye shadows, their gel liner and cheek colors. And the result? I love it.

The texture is so cool. When you touch it, it feels.. soft and buttery? And you can apply with just your fingers. If you don’t mind getting your fingers dirty, this could be fun. I personally prefer brushes because I feel like its more precise. However, it’s easier to keep your fingers clean than your brushes.

Eyeshadow
I don’t really wear anything on my eyes except liner and mascara. I have oily eyelids and not much real estate there, but I got some anyways. I liked their summer look so I used that as my color guide. I got three colors for a tan golden look when combined. The pigment is really nice, but be warned their shadows with glitter in it is really…well. Glittery. Like it actually works. If that’s what you want. However, I’m a 30-something mother. This is not what I want. I haven’t really worn the eyeshadow on a regular basis, but I will bust it out for a date night.

Lipsticks
Love the color selection. And they last pretty long on me. I started user the lip primer. It really dries out my lips and doesn’t make it last any longer than it usually does compared to my normal routine, so I personally can do without. But everyone’s lips are different. I did a lipstick challenge and the matte colors had very little reapplication times, and I eat and drink a lot during the day!

Cheeks
Omg. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these. I use them every day. I use a blush, a highlighter and the bronzer. I love the all year round sun kissed look, and its easy to apply and really buildable. I can see myself using these three until they are completely empty. For the highlighter, I use Wisp, and I dab it on with my fingers. The other two I use my sigma brushes.

Gel Liner
This applies really smoothly…but my greasy eyelids turn it into a smudgy look not too long after. But its great for waterline…which is what I use it for mainly now.

Eyebrow Pencil
Love this. The shade I got, (brown/black) is perfect for making my eyebrowz “on fleek”. Love that the brush is at the end of it so I don’t have to go looking for it when I use it. 

Overall I personally think it’s a great product line for the price. I know a lot of people complain that its hard to only have them online because you can’t try before you buy, but it’s so popular now I’m sure you’ll find someone who already has it for you to check out and do swatches. Or its cheap enough to try it out for very little risk. Good Luck!

 

Kapnos Taverna

I love to try a little bit of everything, without putting myself in a buffet situation. Dim sum, tapas, hot pot, Korean bbq, forcing my dinner mates to order something so I can have a little bit of theirs…I clearly don’t like to be stuck with one entree. At Kapnos Taverna, they have mezze, which is the word that refers to Mediterranean small dishes. Perfect! I love small plates.

I stopped by for lunch one day with the hubs. There seems to be two levels, which creates an open air vibe full of plants (dead, fake, alive?) and very modern. Definitely liked the vibe there. The staff is very attentive, and our server was very knowledgeable, he even took the time to bring over someone to explain one of the dishes. Unexpected but appreciative. He knew it was our first time there and wanted us to really get a feel for the food.

They’ve got quite a selection of house made sodas. My husband went for it and chose the 5 Spice Ginger beer. I wanted to try to passionfruit one, but I’m not that big of a soda drinker and didn’t want to NOT finish it.

We chose the tzatziki and flatbread spread and the half spit-roasted chicken to share. Lunch is quite like and there was a generous portion for both.

The tzatziki was creamy, flavorful and was well, perfect. I’ve never had it like that before and I love it. Usually when I have it, its watery and yogurt-y and this was definitely a spread. It’s served with fresh hot flatbread. Like literally fresh. When we asked for another piece, it takes 4 minutes because they have to roll it out and throw it in the fire. Worth the wait.

The chicken is smoky, tender and full of flavor. It’s served over barley cooked with spinach in a risotto style (STYLE, not risotto). It was very lemony, and bright but paired with the chicken perfectly.

My husband thought it was too expensive, but I think it’s well worth the price. They also have “express” lunches which include a gyro a side and a drink for $15. I’m told it is a lot of food, but I prefer a bunch of small plates.

Celine Dion in Vegas

I didn’t realize how much a concert could effect me. My girlfriends and I had a girl’s trip for my adult best friend’s early birthday celebration. Having started a new job and a young baby at home, I literally was only there for activities for 24 hours. The main event for this 24 hours was to see Celine Dion and it was worth the long traveling, short trip and no sleep. This is a concert after the loss of her beloved husband, and seeing her dedicate her show, and how much love they have basically made me cry uncontrollably for the first 2 two songs. She is amazing.

  

There were times where it would just be her voice and I just let it wrap around me like a warm hug. Though there were probably thousands of others there, it felt very intimate. It was a magical experience, and to know that I was breathing the same air as her and hearing her live was indescribable. The night was perfect…almost. 

You would think that the Celine Dion crowd would be full of classy older people, who would sip their drinks and applause when needed and enjoy the beauty of her performance respectively. BUT NOPE. We had 4 obnoxious women and their bestie gays when them. THEY WERE SOOO LOUD, SO OBNOXIOUS. SO ROWDY. This is Celine Dion, not fucking Chris Brown. Read the room assholes. One even spilled their skunky ass beer down my back and all over the floor which seeped down to wear my feet were. I was torn between telling them to shut up, and trying to fully embrace and experience the wonder that is Celine. Many people in their row shushed them and told them to be quiet, which resulted in them getting even MORE louder and hostile. Also, “YASSSS QUEEN” and “BAE” and off key singing and CONTINUOUS CHATTER during her whole show. Seriously, if you conversation is so important, why even bother coming. Everyone paid a good chunk of money to spend the night with the Queen. Don’t ruin it for us. 

Despite that, I was still able to focus on her and relish in this amazing experience. 

I don’t know if I would ever go to Vegas again, unless it was to see Celine Dion again, or just eat (more on that later). Definitely not my scene. But I had a great time with my girlies, even though I missed my little family at home. 

db Brasserie

To start off our night with Celine, we had dinner at db Brasserie. It was a comfortable French restaurant, with guests in fancy attire. Not sure if that was the requirement or because people were all also headed to a show. But the outfits in Vegas all seem to be..basically naked or formal!

  
We began with a bottle of white wine for the table, and the charcuterie board. There were rillettes, a couple of terrines, some salame and prosciutto. Slices of baguette and some other loaf lined the board. For the most part everything was tasty, but the salame had a weird aftertaste, to me at least.

  
Then it was time for business. We all had the duck in some form or another. I chose the duck confit, because I will always choose the duck confit when I can. Duck fried in its own fat? How can I not? The duck was so tender, and the skin was so crisp. It was laid across some braised kale, pearl onions and white beans. So juicy…I am sure my eyes rolled back at some point. I ate the whole thing. Perfect portion.

  We had to end our meal quickly to catch our show so there was no dessert! If I had the chance, I would go again to try out all the other things on the menu. Scallops perhaps?

What are some of your favorite places and meals in Vegas?

Yardbird Las Vegas

When I think of Las Vegas, Nevada, “good food” isn’t what instantly comes to mind. I mean I know there are a lot of great chefs and restaurants out there, but when you think of Vegas you think, Sin City, not “din” city. Harhar. But since I don’t partake in excessive drinking, gambling or partying which is on the itinerary for most spring breakers, food (and Celine Dion) were the highlight(s) of my trip!

For a city that literally, never sleeps, (sorry New York) food places seem to operate 11-11. And since we were up on east coast time, by 9am we were HONGRY. Luckily for us Yardbird was opening at 10, so there wasn’t too long of a wait. It was also our first pick.

We had a southern style brunch…and it was everything you could dream it to be. At our table we feasted on flavorful, juicy fried chicken with honey hot sauce (it literally tasted like honey and tabasco). So crisp on the outside and hot on the inside with the flesh perfectly seasoned, I didn’t need the accompanying sauce. On the side, not on the menu, the chef had maybe the best collard greens in my life (sorry Mom2) with bits of celery and okra. Yummy, perfect cheddar grits, a thick slab of pork belly bacon, and eggs benedict. We had dreamy sausage gravy and biscuits with bits of their yardbird…topped off with mimosas. I still dream of this brunch, and I’m determined to recreate it for myself. Coming soon my dear friends, I will fatten you up just in time for bathing suit season!

I hear there’s one in Miami too. I think its on my MUST EAT if I ever go back, or if I go to Miami.

Girls Trip: Vegas!

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a “girls trip”. So for my Ride or Die’s 30th we went to Vegas to see the Queen, Celine Dion. Being that I started a new job, and I’m a new mom, I couldn’t take as many days off, so we will no refer to my portion of the trip, #24hoursinvegas.

Friday started off with a lunch with the hubs, and a flight from DC which put me in Vegas at 10pm. Got on the shuttle, and got to the hotel at around 11. We stayed at the Venetian, and it was glorious. Though, to be honest, it reminded me a lot of Atlantis in the Bahamas. Except they have awesome ceilings and grand hallways here. Made my way to the girls, caught up on what they’ve done so far, showered and slept.

Saturday morning started off with a search for food. Ended up eating brunch at yardbird, then shopped a little. After that, GONDOLA rides…cuz Venetian. We had a singer name Rosalina, who refers to us as bellas with a (fake/real) Italian accent and tells us stories of her home. One of my friends told me that shes fake and is probably just an acting student. Fairytale crushed.

Somehow the day escaped us, and it was time to grab a coffee and get ready for dinner and Celine! Since our suite was full of mirrors everyone seemed to get ready at the same time without a hitch.

Dinner was at db Brasserie and was yummy.

We ran down the street to Caesars Palace to get in line for a highlight moment of our lives! She was magical, she was wonderful, she is a unicorn, so much so that the show will get it’s own post later.

Afterwards we took a ride on the High Roller Ferris Wheel.

We got our tickets on groupon, 2 for 1 PLUS there was a 50% off groupon code. So in the end we only paid $39 for two people for a ticket for the ferris wheel AND open bar (which was useless to me because I was on antibiotics and couldn’t drink). After we boarded this tiny pod loaded with a bar and tvs…we decided that maybe it was a good idea that we didn’t pay full price. The floor was sticky, which makes sense, it’s a bar. The people that were in there were random, and some were young and annoying (jeez I’m an angry grandma now). Though I did enjoy our little squad, the view was somewhat similar to what we saw in our room…but I’d say I wasn’t as impressed and hyped as I thought I would be. Maybe if the music wasn’t terrible. And we were on the parking lot side of the pod. I think next time, if we try to do this again, get a big enough group of people you want to hang out with and fill the pod!

Overall, I had a great time, and it was a brief break and a chance to sleep in that was welcomed. I was ecstatic to come home and see my dancing baby and my sweet husband.

Where to next?!