May 29, 2018

How To Detox Your Life
It’s so important to take a day or two to refresh and clear your mind. We can so easily get caught up being on the go, go, go but we never take time to just stop. Even when we go on vacation, we’re constantly thinking about what we’re doing, where we’re going, and the best picture to post online. I love to getaway to the lake and take a weekend to disconnect from the buzz back home and simply relax.

Whenever I’m feeling a bit tightly wound and need a breather I like to escape to the lake. It’s the most peaceful area where I get to go on the boat, go in the water, and make s’mores by the fireplace. It’s also the worst place to cell phone reception so it’s very easy to LITERALLY disconnect from the Internet and social media.

We are always doing things at the lake, but it’s a relaxing type of “doing things.” We start out morning with a hot cup of coffee and sit outside looking at the sun through the trees and the birds chirping above us. It’s honestly the most relaxing mornings. Then we’ll start packing food for the boat while the boys get the boat ready. After the boat is ready everyone loads up and hits the water. I LOVE BOAT RIDES! So does Oliver, he will just sit there and let the water hit his face. He gets very confused though when it’s my turn to drive the boat because he doesn’t understand why I’m not sitting next to him. After we spend all day on the boat getting a sun tan and jumping off the rope swing we’ll head back to the lake house. This is the unwinding part of the day, because even though you’re just tanning on a boat all day you’re in the sun and that can take a lot out of you. After taking a much needed shower I love to relax and put a facemask on and curl up with a good book while my mom starts dinner. This unwinding part is so important because it allows you to not only catch up on your beauty routine but also forces you to pick up a book instead of going online.

After we eat dinner we will usually goof around on the golf cart or walk the dogs. I love how quite and peaceful the lake is. It makes for the perfect getaway weekend. Aside from finding the perfect place to getaway too, it’s important to really try to put your phone away. Leave your phone behind when you go for a walk or a boat ride. Make sure to really disconnect from it, because it’s so healthy to take a break from technology now and then. It’s also important to refocus on your beauty routine. I know we tend to skip a step or two but this is the time where you don’t need to focus on anything else but yourself. If you need to get a workout in or do some stretches this is the perfect time to do so.
Refocus on physical activities versus the computer screen. I tend to write a lot at work and in my personal time, but when is the last time I actually wrote with pen and paper versus on a Word document? I love to take out a notebook and jot down ideas I have for my blog. Maybe drawing or sketching is your thing. Head outside and sit in the sun while we do this. Get some fresh air and just take a deep breath. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as it’s relaxing for you. Reading, writing, drawing, or even doing some yoga in the fresh air can help you to calm down and detox.
Even though I may not be checking my Instagram every two seconds, doesn’t mean I’ve stopped my creative juices from flowing. I love to break out my camera and take some really nice photos. Especially since the lake is such a beautiful and unique location. I also like to fine tune some of my skills so for this weekend the “study” book I packed was a Photoshop and Lightroom guide. So after the photoshoot I was able to take some of the photos we took from that day and I worked on some new things in Photoshop and Lightroom while dinner was being made. I gave myself a time frame though so I wasn’t working on it all night long as I typically do.

Finally, my last suggestion is to get a good night’s rest. I am an advent sleeping pill taker. My body just doesn’t function like a normal person’s when it’s tired. I could be exhausted and still not fall asleep because my insides are still wired. It’s honestly very refreshing when I can drift off to sleep without any medicine and I always get a good night’s sleep at the lake.

How To Detox Your Life
How To Detox Your Life
How To Detox Your Life
How To Detox Your Life
How To Detox Your Life

xoxo, Michele

May 28, 2018

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation + Concealer Review
I have never had the best of luck when it comes to trying out new foundations.  Every time I think I like a new foundation it only works a handful of times on me then tends to be a disappointment.  That was until I picked up the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation and Concealer and the game changed.  This is hands down the best foundation and concealer duo I have ever used and is my new must-have beauty products.

The one thing I love the most about the foundation and concealer is that it doesn't clump up.  It stays right where I put it all day long.  Usually I have issues where products dry up around acne or pores, but these products don't do that at all.  Sure, throughout the day I'll have some natural oils appear, but those can be corrected with setting powder or oil blotting sheets.  It's not the foundation making it worse though, it's just my skin.  I love when I can see that at the end of my day, my foundation still looks flawless and in tact.

I also love how perfect the color is.  I've used this product through the summer and winter now and I haven't had to mix it with anything.  It's the undertone of the foundation that helps to match it to my skin color perfectly.  I also really love the matte finishing of these products.  I have combination skin and a moisturizing and dewy finished foundation and concealer just don't work well with my skin.  Not to mention, I haven't had any breakouts using this product! 

Now, some of the basics.  This foundation is a medium to full coverage, meaning you probably only need a dot and a half to cover your whole face.  It's oil-free, which again is great for people with oily or combination skin.  It doesn't dry the skin out either, so you can use a face lotion or primer underneath it.  However, you don't really need it, because the foundation has coconut water infused into it.  "This oil-free foundation masterfully diffuses the line between makeup and skin for coverage so undetectable and skin so naturally radiant, they'll think you were Born This Way."  The Born This Way Concealer helps to brighten and boost the skin's radiance and it's also oil-free!  It's a buildable coverage, so a little goes along way, but if you need more you can easily apply it.  It blends nicely to the skin and it's the perfect finishing touch on your everyday look.  "An oil-free, buildable, hydrating concealer that provides undetectable coverage and helps to hide the appearance of dark circles, lines and wrinkles."

I am OBSESSED  with this duo and you will be too.  I would definitely suggest getting the sample version of anything before buying a full bottle, but I promise you won't be disappointed.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation + Concealer Review
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation + Concealer Review


What are some of your favorite foundation and concealers?  Let me know by leaving a comment down below.

xoxo, Michele


May 26, 2018

A Non-Tourist Day In D.C.

This past weekend I was busy planning the ultimate birthday weekend for Omar. For Saturday I had planned a whole day in D.C! Washington, D.C. is such a beautiful place, but if you’re a local then you know how hectic a nice Saturday afternoon can be in that city. I wanted to find some unique and different places for us to go. If you’re a local and looking for some different sights, things to do or places to eat then check out my list down below.


Things To See:

Technicolor Church
700 Delaware Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.

Watergate Steps
620 Ohio Dr, SW, Washington, D.C.

Darth Vader @ The National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.

Exorcist Stairs
Georgetown, M St & Canal Rd

Dupont Underground
1527-1583 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
*Entrance at 19th St between Dupont CafƩ and Starbucks

Secret Entrance to the White House
H St, NW, Washington, D.C

National Archives Building
700 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.

Srgt. Stubby Statue
Smithsonian Museum, 1300 Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.

Spanish Steps
1725 22nd St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Things To Do:

Rock Creek Horse Center - $42/ea
5100 Glover Rd, Washington, D.C.

Escape Room - $20/ea (8 people)
3345 M St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Atlas Brew Tour – ($, Every two hours, starts at 12 p.m.)
2052 W Virginia Ave, NE, Ste 102, Washington, D.C.
Places To Eat:

Red Derby ($$, Brunch, Cash Only Bar or $5 Minimum on Card)
3718 14th St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Sprinkles (Dessert, Bakery)
Georgetown, 3015 M St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Chicken + Whiskey ($, Food & Drinks)
1738 14th St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Thomas Sweet (Dessert, Ice Cream)
3214 P St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Places To Drink:

The Gibson – Speakeasy ($, 4.4/5 Stars, Opens at 6 p.m., Prohibition-Era Themed)
2009 14th St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Harold Black – Speakeasy ($, 4.7/5 Stars, Opens at 5:30 p.m., Secret Sliding Wall)
212 7th St, SE, Washington, D.C.

2 Birds 1 Stone – ($$$, 4.2/5 Stars, Opens at 6 p.m.)
1800 14th St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Dan’s CafĆ© – (4.2/5 Stars, Mix your own drinks using squeeze bottles, Cash Only, Dive Bar, Opens at 7 p.m.)
2315 18th St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Handsome Cock – ($$, 3.5/5 Stars, Throwback Music, Beer Pong Tables, Mario Kart and Board Games, Dive Bar)
1334 U St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Shelly’s Back Room Cigar Bar
1331 F St, NW, Washington, D.C.

Places To Shop:

Maine Ave Fish Market – (Seafood Market)
1100 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, D.C.

City Center DC – (High-end Shopping, Milk Ice Cream)
825 10th St, NW, Washington, D.C.


Meeps – (Vintage)
2104 18th St, NW, Washington, D.C.

What are some of your favorite spots in DC? Let me know by commenting down below.

xoxo, Michele


May 25, 2018

Links I Love

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone! I'm headed to the lake this weekend for a nice detox and I can't wait. I always love going to the lake especially when work starts to become a little too stressful. I'll be working hard this summer to rebrand and finalize some things that I have in store for Feline By Katsaris, so stay tuned. In the mean time enjoy this awesome pictures of me and Waffles the giraffe from the Reston Zoo and another round of Links I Love.



LMDC TOUR //  LEA MICHELE IS GOING ON TOUR! I literally screamed when this got announced. I have been waiting for her to go on tour and my friend Krysta and I got VIP tickets. That’s right, in less than two weeks I will be meeting my freaking idol!!!!!

This Shirt // Since I won Caps tickets last week, Omar and I felt that it was okay to spend money on NHL gear since the tickets were free. I have been wearing this shirt basically everday since. It’s extremely comfortable and yet it’s light weight. Plus, it’s super cute! 

Avengers Read Mean Tweets // I always love these videos, but since we just saw Avengers this one was just too perfect. Try to watch this without crying of laughter.

Dream Machine Exhibit // I’m just speechless…. This place looks magical. Plus, they’re totally right, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. 

Cheesetique // Omar surprised me for our 4 year anniversary by taking me to a restaurant based around cheese. Cheese is my favorite food and I was beyond excited to eat my way through this menu. It's as awesome and mouth watering as it sounds!

Demi Lovato Documentary // I’ve never been a Demi fan to be honest, but after watching this I have a new found respect and appreciation for her. Her songs Tell Me You Love Me and Don’t Do It For Me Anymore are just hauntingly beautiful.   

Kylie Cosmetics Collabs // Kourtney is hands down my favorite of the Kardashians and her Kylie Cosmetics collar is just as cheeky and chic as she is. However, Kris Jenner takes the win on all of these collaborations, because her marketing and packaging for this product was perfect! Get $10 off your first order now!
xoxo, Michele


May 23, 2018

Next Time I Visit Los Angeles
I am always seeing cool restaurants, shopping centers or even locations that look great for pictures but it's usually in a different city. It's these hidden little gems that you really have to take am minute to look for when you visit somewhere. So, whenever I start to plan a trip.  I like to sit down and list out places that I want to visit. I'll take screen shots of them on Instagram or Facebook then I'll map out how far away it is from where I'm staying. Now, I've actually only been to Los Angeles twice, but I loved it more and more every time. Especially now that Instagram is so huge, it's easy to save things that I know I want to visit. There are even things that I want to do again (like Rodeo Dr.). Here's the places that I want to visit the next time I'm in Los Angeles.


Sur
606-614, N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood,CA 90069
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

8948 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, CA
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

8350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

2018 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

1005 Chick Hearn Ct., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

8500 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

861 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

8428 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

3465 W 6th St., Ste. 120, Los Angeles, CA 90020


https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/270836010030747/snow-monster-los-angeles/

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

3400 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91522
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

7924 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

240 N. Virgil Ave, Unit 12, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

8134 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 90067
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

528 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

8420 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

Saved By The Max - Save By The Bell Pop Up Restaurant
7100 Santa Monica Blvd #185, West Hollywood CA
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles
Canyon Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
Next Time I Visit Los Angeles

I even want to be in a live studio audience, that just seems like a really unique experience! I’d also like to add Tom Tom by Lisa Vanderpump to that list, but since it’s not open, I guess I’ll just have to wait. Do you have any other recommendations for me?

xoxo, Michele

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