Fab, Fun, Food- Arlington and 14th St.

Do you know what I love more than shopping? Hint, it starts with a nice restaurant, tasty drinks, and a banging entree. Yep, you got it, eating out and trying new food and restaurants is one of my guilty pleasures. I am definitely a self-proclaimed foodie. This past weekend a friend if mine who's also a foodie came to visit and we had an amazing time over food and drinks. Just a little look into my fabulous food filled weekend. 

All of that food over the course of 2 days and for the most part it was all great!!! I also had a chance to discover a new market in DC. Another FAV past time of mine is lane lurking (basically walking the aisles of supermarkets to see what's new). Take a look at this cute wine/mini market that I stumbled upon. I can definitely see myself coming back here for any of there goodies. 

I had to get the fresh milk, something about having milk in a bottle made me forget all about being lactose intolerant. And of course what's milk without a cookie. Let me know if there are any cool, cute, yet tasty and flavorful restaurants around that I should try.

Californ-I-a

This week I had the pleasure of venturing to the west coast (LA to be exact) for the very first time. I wish you all knew my excitement to visit a new area and see new things. It's sooo funny how a change of scenery can change your outlook. I believe that this particular trip did that for me. I returned back to work refreshed, in a better mood, and a new outlook on the future (go me). 

It was also good to get away from the cold DC weather and into some sun!!! I didn't get to do everything that I wanted to do but I really hope I get that chance to explore more at Coachella (I am claiming that I'll be there to see Outkast). 

My first stop of the trip was Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. It was everything and then some!!! I had the #9 The Obama Special (3 wings and a waffle) with a Sunrise (lemonade and orange juice mixture) on the side. This was sooo good that I went back a second time. 

Afterwards I cruised through Beverly Hills for some window shopping.

Finally, we were able to visit the Beverly Connection that housed all of my FAV stores: Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target, and CVS. I was in a bargain shoppers heaven!!! The City Target there was beautiful!!! There was this super cute sequin 2 piece that's on my list of things to get. I was also amazed at how they just let dogs walk in the stores with their owners; kinda made me miss Lyric.

Afterwards, I headed to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There was sooo much going on in the area.

The main reason of the trip was to attend the Championship game between Auburn and Florida State. Being in the atmosphere with all of the super alumni/fans makes me wish I would have attended a D-1 school. I also wish I would have taken a few 'street style pics'. There were sooo many cute navy and orange outfits. You definitely have to be a fashionista to make orange jeans look good. Florida State and Auburn both played awesome... Still, War Eagle!!!

My last day of the trip was spent in San Diego, since I couldn't fly out of LA. I enjoyed a bit more sun and some really good seafood.

My time on the west coast was short, but it definitely was a good getaway. I hope that this trip is a start to all things wonderful in 2014. 

Dear LA,

I hope that when I meet you again, I'll be in a drop top cruising the scene, wearing vintage shorts and a band tee. I hope that you'll allow me to walk your beaches and dine in some of your exclusive restaurants. 

Sincerely,

Missing Californ-I-a

Goodbye 2013... Hello 2014

 

 

Happy New Year!!! I am looking forward to 2014 and hope that God has something BIG in store for me. 2013 was a very rough year for me, but it definitely taught me the true meaning of the passage 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'. It seemed like everything worked out in just the nick of time, like right down to the wire. If I only told you half of the story you'd either be amused or amazed and not in a good way. I'd describe last year as disappointing growth spurt. I learned a lot about people, situations, but most importantly I learned a lot about myself and was able to grow in the process. I welcome 2014 with open arms, relinquishing all control. I haven't actually made any resolutions, but maybe by the 5th I'll have thought of something. What are you looking forward to in 2014?

Did you really think that I'd leave you without posting pics of my NYE outfit. Let me just say I had the perfect outfit (under $50) and we chose the perfect venue (under $25). 

Merry Christmas!!!

5 Golden Rings

I have to admit that as a single woman, I often think of future milestones in my life and how they'd play out. Now I haven't actually planned out everything, but I do have an idea of 5 Golden rings that I'd like to receive from my true love.

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If you know me personally, then you know just how much I'm obsessed with bows. I definitely want a bow engagement ring. Nothing too fancy because I'll definitely want a totally different ring on my actual wedding day. I want to keep the bow ring and give to my future 15/16 year old (seems like I do have everything planned out lol).

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 I have a thing for almost anything vintage so I'd definitely be ok with my future husband incorporating some type of vintage detail into my (new) wedding ring. 

 

 

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There is a part of me that is a bit simple, you know for those yoga/latte days. Just a little something to throw on to let the world know that I'm taken and can forfeit the bling for an hour or two lol. 

 

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I have like the smallest fingers (4 1/2) so I don't need anything that will overpower my hands. Give me something cute yet dainty.

 

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Now I don't want my hand to be overpowered, but one can never have too many diamonds, right? An upgraded version of cute yet dainty. Since I'm nowhere near a diamond ring, let alone a man I'll happily settle for 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree... less drama lol!!!

Tis The Season...

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Its the most wonderful time of the year... Holiday season officially kicked off last Thursday with Thanksgiving. And since I didn't post then, I will let you all know that I am thankful for life itself. I may not be where I'd like to be in life but I am happy that I'm still here and able to have another chance at doing things better.

This Holiday season I'm actually looking forward to everything that relates to Holiday Fashion, Holiday food, and Holiday music. Although, I've been lacking in my blogger duties I promise that the month of December will be merry and bright here at Handbags Hair and Heels.

A Case Of The Blues...

The weather last week and over the weekend has been horrible, rain, rain, and more rain. All of the rain made it super difficult for me to have my personal edition of 'House Hunters' and search for a new place. And aside from the dreariness Aunt Flo decided to come visit *side eye*.

I guess the rain did bring a bit of sunshine in the form of of a kool plus one RSVP from my manager. Since she loves Sephora, she was invited to their VIB Rouge. The Rouges (initial invites) were also treated to super cute bracelets from Bauble Bar. However, we all were able to take advantage of the menu which included exclusive services from Stila, Fresh, Benefit, and several other companies. We were also gifted with a $10 off Sephora purchase and a $15 off gift card to Bauble Bar. You know it had to be totally worth it for me to attend a beauty event early on a Sunday morning. I totally took advantage of the Stila makeover and gave the artist free reign to do whatever. His look was perfect for a night out, but who says you can't be glam'd at breakfast lol!!! I should have taken note of the exact red lippie he used because it lasted forever!!! I also got the Formula X 5 minute manicure, well I cheated a bit and used Marc Jacobs new nail lacquer (but I used Formula X base and top coat). The first thing that attracted me was the packaging followed by the  color. I chose Blue Velvet which was a iridescent deep ocean blue. It looked amazing at first but the next day there were chips, and it got worse. As much as I want to love this lacquer, I wish it would have looked just as good on, as it does in the packaging. Totally not worth the $18 price tag. Initially I wanted a YSL lippie but there were sooo many options and I couldn't choose, so I used my Sephora gift and purchased Dior's lip glow. 

Take a look at my morning smokie eye and bold red lip as well as all of the fun I had being a plus one!!!