KeVita Probiotics

I am the first to admit that I often find myself in the "crazy drink" aisle searching for a new go to health drink. I stumbled upon the KeVita Sparkling Probiotic drink in Strawberry Acai Coconut and I'm officially obsessed. Before I explain why I love it so much, let me give a disclaimer that I am in no way a health professional and everything I am about to say  is solely based on my experience, opinion and some research. 


What's to love....

1. The taste. The ingredients are what first attracted me to the drink. Strawberry, coconut and acai... sign me up! It taste like sparkling water with a hint of coconut and a strawberry base. It is light and refreshing, making its easy to drink with meals and a refreshing option to cool you down. 

2. The benefits. As soon as I realized how much I enjoyed the drink,  I wanted to make sure it's as good for me as I assumed. I knew the label showed low sugar (1g per serving), low carbs (2g per serving) and only 10 calories per serving... but what does it actually do?

Probiotics are used to help with digestion, so I figured it would help speed up my metabolism and lose weight - is that true? I'm not sure but I can tell you that after my research I found multiple other reasons to drink the probiotic, mainly from the blog post 10 Reasons Everyone Needs Probiotics.  Some of the reason include:boosting your immune system, good bacteria to ward off unfriendly female infections, lowers bad cholesterol, lessens the harshness of a detox cleanse on your stomach, alleviate allergies and helps manage stress. Again, I am not a doctor but I can share that in my experience, this drink helps to boost my energy and leaves me feeling healthy and strong. 

3. The cost. Health drinks can be pricey, some reaching the $10 mark. This drink will give you the benefits without breaking the bank. I typically purchase the drink at Wegman's for about $3.50 with tax. 

What you should know: There are live culture in the drink, so when you see things floating around- don't be alarmed.  The drink is lightly carbonated, so shake the it lightly to blend the ingredients and avoid overflow when opening. 

Personalized Glassware

I recently started apartment shopping and as tedious and exhausting as looking at apartments and neighborhoods can be, it is so exciting! I can’t wait to find my new space so I can pick a color scheme and start shopping for furniture and decorations! One of the things I’m looking forward to the most in my new apartment is having my girls over for dinner and drinks! Especially my Baltimore friends- I can’t wait to show them DC!

I've been obsessing over glassware and table settings.  My favorite site for customized glassware is White Elephant Designs. I love their stem-less wine glasses with state outlines. I chose to order the Maryland glass with a heart over Baltimore, my family is in Baltimore, I went to college in Baltimore and I met my boyfriend in Baltimore. It’s a special place that I want to keep close while in DC.

I opted for a Navy blue state with a gold heart (like the Texas one shown below). They offer a great selection with 16 different colors to choose from and plenty of design options as well!    

(Photo credit: White Elephant Designs)

Designs to Choose From:

(Photo credit: White Elephant Designs)

Colors to Choose From:

(Photo credit: White Elephant Designs) 

Dove's Choose Beautiful Campaign

The new Dove advertisement is gut-wrenching beautiful. It broke my heart to watch women walk through the “average door”. I thought… what is average anyway? What is beautiful? Who gets to determine what is beautiful? ...You. In today's society with images of 'perfection' and 'beauty' being skewed with photo shop and unobtainable bodies it can be hard not to compare yourself to others and feel inadequate. The truth is everyone is different and true beauty lies within your uniqueness.

You determine how you feel. No one can make you feel any other way unless you let them. #ChooseBeautiful

Check out the video here

2015 White House Easter Egg Roll

Forgive me for lack of posting lately. Between apartment searching, an increased workload at my full time job, and grad school it has been difficult to find time to blog. However, this experience is something I have to share!

This past Monday, April 6^th was the 137^th White House Easter Egg Roll. The tradition began in 1878, making the Easter Egg Roll one of  the longest traditions in White House history. This year’s theme was #gimmefive to support the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative, marking its 5 year anniversary.

The first question everyone has… how do you get tickets?

Every year the White House holds a ticket lottery in February. You sign up, rank your desired time slots and cross your fingers you will win. If selected, you will receive an email in March with instructions. My jaw dropped when I received the congratulations email , I received the 7:30-9:30 am time slot. The most tickets you can receive are 2 adults and 2 children.  I invited my sister, nephew and little cousin. We stayed at the Westin, City Center, D.C.  the night before to make it feel more special. It was a little difficult staying in a hotel with a 2 year old after a Sunday full of Easter celebrations, but totally worth it. The Westin is only 5 blocks from the White House, so it made our early morning walk easier. 

It was an incredible experience. I think it’s safe to say that all Washingtonian still get chills when walking by the White House and I was lucky enough to stand on the South lawn (I am a Scandal addict and I kept thinking about Smelly Melly on the balcony eating fried chicken :) ) . There were so many activities including:  games, crafts, dancing, exercising, live music, animal information centers, basketball, egg hunts and of course, the Easter Egg Roll!  I wish I could say I got to see the live taping of Kelly and Michael or the Today show but it was still pretty cool to know they were there when I was!  

With 350,000 tickets sold it was a bit crowded but worth every line we had to wait through! I hear the President and the First Lady arrived around 10:30 am so we didn't get to see them in person (man!). When we left, we received the wooden 2015 Easter Egg Roll Egg, so special. The whole experience is something I will cherish forever.  I've already ordered a ton of photo's from shutterfly and a new image mouse pad to keep in my office.

Share in the Experience:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/06/politics/michelle-obama-easter-dance/

(Here's my mouse pad from shutteryfly.com Notice the Snipers on the roof!) 

Dominic(2) and Reganne (9)

Reganne enjoying the Arts and Crafts Table! 

Farm to table 'Eggs'ibit! 

Affordable, Comfortable, Functional, Fashionable Workout Clothing

Let’s face it… as good as your post- workout feels, it can be hard to get motivated and fit in a workout with your busy schedule. Like the rest of the world, I decided my New Year resolution was to make 2015 about being healthy and fit.   To help stay motivated, I purchased new workout attire and hit the gym. Fashionable workout attire can make you feel confident and excited to work out. What I quickly noticed is that I was spending an insane amount of money on workout clothing that I wear for an hour and then put in the laundry bin (Unless of course, I wear them to run my errands like Starbucks, the grocery store, etc.). I was in search of workout clothing that is affordable, functional, comfortable and fashionable.  It’s no surprise that I am in love with the lululemon brand (as we all are) however, I am not so in love with their prices. After shopping around I quickly found an alternative to the lululemon price with the same general look and comfort.

Over the past year or so I began shopping at Old Navy again. I quickly found that they have been modeling their clothing line after JCREW and workout line after lululemon. The active wear meets all of the criteria: affordable, functional, comfortable and fashionable. At workout classes friends would say “Oh, cute top. Is that lulu?” and when I responded with “No, It’s Old Navy!” their jaws would drop. A pair of pants that would costs $100+ I could purchase for only $30. Don’t get me wrong, I splurge on expensive workout attire here and there for statement items but I purchase the majority at Old Navy and sometimes Target.

I suggest deciding what items are a must have and which one that you can purchase for less. For example, my lululemon must have is sports bras. They had a firm hold and allow me to only wear one sports bra (normally I need 2), there is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable during a workout. I also like their headbands. Yoga pants, spandex, workout tanks, and half zips I all purchase from Old Navy. 

Compression Pants vs. Light Speed Tight

      

Patterned Compression Capris  vs. Wunder Under Pant *Full-On Luxtreme

Ruched Tanks vs. Run: Swiftly Racerback

 . 

Side-Stripe Fleece Pants vs. Skinny Will Pant *Full-On Luon

All Photos are taken from OldNavy.com & lululemon.com 

drybar Georgetown

I've wanted to try drybar since it opened in Georgetown and figured Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion. It was  a huge relief to not have to worry about my doing my hair for my Valentine's Day date. After researching, I decided the $40 blowout was worth a try! I wasn’t sure what to expect for pricing and after shopping around it seems about $25-$30 is typical. While drybar may be more expensive, I was going for the experience.

The Build Up

I called in advance to discuss the texture and length of my hair to make sure the 45 minute appointment would be enough time. A few friends of mine have gone to drybar and advised me to be very specific when telling the drybar stylist what I wanted. I looked at drybar’s menu online and Pinterest to find picture to show to my stylist. I went for the Cosmo, I fell I love with the picture online and showed it to my stylist. I love the way the loose curls and waves shape her face. 

The Experience

 I arrived about 10 minutes early and the Stylist took me right back. The salon looked exactly as I imagined, full of whites and clean lines, it is beautiful. First the stylist washed my hair then got start on the blow dry.  After drying my hair, the stylist used a curling iron to get the curls. My stylist was extremely nice and friendly, she made me feel  comfortable and it was fun to watch her technique.

The Georgetown location doesn’t serve alcohol; this was a bit of a letdown for me. I was looking forward to a glass of bubbly to go with the drybar experience. The front desk representative informed me that they are the only location that does not serve alcohol (note to self: go to Bethesda).   They did serve me a refreshing glass of water with lemon.

The Finished Product

I was a bit disappointment in my blow out. When my stylist turned me around to see it and said “Let me know if you want me to do any tweaks.” I thought, I don’t even know where to begin.  Yes, my hair looked great but it wasn’t what I expected. I expected the shaping to be more… well, shaped. The long drawn out waves did not match the tight layers I had hoped for. I think I may have had too high of expectations. 

        

Photo Credit: www.drybar.com

My friend, Sabrina, went for the Mai Tai and her hair looked a-ma-zing. Seriously, out of this world. It matched her picture exactly. On this note, I am willing to try drybar again, preferably the Bethesda location. All in all, it was a fun experience and I didn’t have to worry about doing my hair that day.

Photo Credit: www.drybar.com

After my blow out, I purchased the treatment oil for $35. I have extremely curly and dry hair so I use oil in my hair daily. I was running out on my current product and thought, why not? So far, so good… it smells great, the packaging is adorable and it leaves my hair shiny and frizz free! 

Photo Credit: www.drybar.com

Valentine's Day for Him

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a holiday for women but it’s also a time to show your appreciation for your man. I've noticed a large trend in male pampering among Washingtonians.  My guy friends are constantly discussing their newest obsessions mostly including pricey clothing and pampering. Below are a few gift ideas that will help you choose your guys' special Valentine’s Day gift.

Me Undies  Let me start by saying, I have never felt more comfortable underwear. They are extremely soft and smooth for wearing under clothing. The catch: they are pricey. About $20 a pair however, I have yet to hear anyone complain about the price instead, they instantly purchase another pair. It’s worth the splurge.  They also make clothing, which is consistent with the brands comfortable material and stylish wear. Did I mention they make women’s styles as well?

Photo Credit: MeUndies.com 

Dollar Shave Club For just a few bucks a month, your guy will receive a new razor delivered to his door step! How does it work? Pay a monthly fee of $1, $6 or $9. The quality of the razors increases with the price, upgrades are available at any time and there are no commitments or fees for cancellations. They sell additional shave products products as well; their Shave Butter is a must have!

Photo Credit: DollarShaveClub.com

lululemon – My guy friends have been singing the praises of lululemon clothing, specifically the extreme comfort of their shirts. It’s no secret that lululemon’s clothing is on the pricey side but, hey! It’s Valentine’s Day! We want our guys to be comfortable (and stylish)! The versatile look can be worn for a casual day running errands or a night out at the bar.

This is one of my favorite looks:

 Photo Credit: Lululemon.com

A Bliss Spa Day at the W Hotel Who doesn't love a massage? This trendy and historic location is perfect for you and your guy to relax and reconnect. After your massage head up to the rooftop terrace, Point of View (POV), with specialty cocktails and an unbeatable view of the White House. Throw in a little history by sharing with him that a scene from the famous movie “The Godfather 2” was filmed there! 

Photo Credit: WWashingtonDC.com

Port City Brewery Tour Port City Ale is locally brewed in Alexandria, VA. The Tasting Room tours are open to the public Thursday- Sunday every week. On the tour, you will see how the brewery works and taste the fresh tap brews. The tour cost $10 per person and includes 6 tastings.

Location: Port City, Alexandria (About 2.5 miles from Old Town, Alexandria)

Photo Credit: PortCityBrewing.com

City Sports, Georgetown City Sports sells t-shirt at each location with the city’s name on it. Each comes in an assortment of colors, materials and sizes. The shirts are available in short sleeve and long sleeve. They’re great for a workout, running errands or hanging out around the house. Bonus: they’re currently on sale online! 

Photo Credit: CitySports.com

The Grooming Lounge This trendy spot has all grooming covered: shaving, beard, skin care, hair, etc. You name it- they groom it! I suggest purchasing a gift card and letting your guy select the service and product of his choice. You can shop online or in store. 

Take a look at their Valentines Day Gift 

Finding Your Soul in DC

A couple months ago, a good friend introduced me to SoulCycle, a spin class that is innovative, energetic and addicting. SoulCycle takes a whole new spin on spinning (pun intended). No two classes are ever the same- this is one of their values and I can tell you- it is so true. A class at SoulCycle includes crunches, modified push-ups and an arm workout with weights all while spinning to the beat. The room is dark, the music is loud, the energy is contagious and the instructors are motivational and inspiring (looking at their abs alone makes me want to work out!).  Each class has a different playlist, selected by the instructor that you’ll move to beat to. Throughout the 45 minute workout the instructors will push you, encourage you and challenge you.

The classes are a bit on the pricey side (about $30 a class, plus the DC exercise tax and shoe rental fee) but worth every penny. I go once a week to take a break from work, school and traveling to take the time to focus on me. I leave feeling renewed, refreshed and almost always find a new song I add to my workout playlist.

Some fun facts I learned in the 12:45 class with Garrett...

Today, 2/8/2015 is the 6-month anniversary of SoulCycle DC!

DC is one of the busiest SoulCycle studios. (It may even be the busiest. I can’t remember the exact wording; I was too busy trying not to fall off my bike after a kick ass workout.)

Yesterday alone, SoulCycle DC had 640 riders! (Incredible!)

Look out for more SoulCycle studios in DC.  I am super excited about this. I love taking classes and it can be difficult to get the time/ bike you want with so many riders signing up.

What to expect…

1.       Sign up for the week begins Mondays at noon. Popular times (weekends in particular) and instructors classes fill up fast. I suggest signing up right away.

New Riders: Sign up through the website and create your account.

2.       You purchase “rides” in advance. When you reserve your bike, the ride will come from your cart of previously purchased rides. ( Note: rides are location specific,   make sure you select the correct region when purchasing)

3.       You select your bike in advance. If you’re going with friends and want to ride together, plan the bikes ahead of time.

4.       Arrive 15 minutes early. Most classes have a wait list; if you’re running late you risk your bike being given away. If you find yourself stuck in traffic or parking, etc. give the front desk a courtesy call so they can save your bike for you.

5.       Setting up the bike. You will need to adjust the bike to make it fit you. The SoulCycle employees will be able to do this with/ for you.

6.       Mix it up, take classes with all instructors. It’s popular to have a “favorite “but try everyone. Each instructor has a different style, workout, music and tempo.

7.       Bring water. You’re going to sweat like crazy, you want to stay hydrated.

8.       The bikes require clip in shoes you rent at the front desk. Shoe rental cost $3. Unless you purchase your own, you’ll do this for every class. Tell the front desk representative your shoe size and bike. The $3 will be charged to the card you added to your account when you signed up. You have the option to pay cash as well.

9.       The locker room.  The studio has plenty of lockers for you to use while riding. You select a code and lock them- so no need to bring a lock.

10.   Did I mention you get to shop? SoulCycle sells clothing and it is a-ma-zing. Every month new designs are introduced so if you've been eyeing something for a while- don’t wait too long. It comes in a re-usable SoulCycle bag. 

 See for yourself: https://www.soul-cycle.com/shop/  

Hello there,

Welcome to The Champagne District!

I’m excited to begin this journey and hope you follow along. 

I am a mid- twenties weekend- Washingtonian. I work full time and am currently studying in a MBA program part-time. I am Baltimorean who fell in love with Washington, DC after college. 

It’s hard to explain what it is about DC that has me so captivated. Maybe it’s its charm with a mix of history, class, power and beauty. I can’t wait to share my personal beauty picks, new workouts, trendy date nights and more in the Nation’s Capital!

 Coming soon...