January 28, 2018

Birthday Wishlist
As the powerful Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Maybe you have to let go of who you are to become who you will be.” I’ll be honest with everyonemy New Year resolutions start on my birthday, which is in early February. I tend to give myself a by-month before it’s time to start really getting my life together. With every New Year and every new candle that’s added to my cake, I can’t help but reflect on how I can become a better version of myself than the year before.

In order to better myself, I have to think about what makes me happy and what keeps me sane while everything else is going on around me. Like many others, I want to up my workout routine. I fell off track around the holidays, but who doesn’t? I also want to read and travel more this year. Reading is such an easy way to escape for a while, and on the other hand, it’s nice to travel and literally escape to a new place. These are just a few of my goals, but in general, focusing on doing things that make me happy and able to grow is my biggest priority.  Anyways, here's to getting older and wiser, well sort of. I've got my eye on a few items for my birthday and here they are!

One. Gold Tragus Earring // I have my tragus pierced and I've had the same black hoop in for years now. It's time for an upgrade. Except I'm highly allergic to "fake metals." So for a earring that I never take out will have to be either gold or stainless steel. I really want a tiny gold hoop that I can put there, plus it'll match most of my jewelry and won't stick out as much.

Two. Spa Day // I would love a day where I can get a facial, massage, my nails and eyebrows done... just all of it. At home spa kits are cool too!

Three. True Grit Sweater // All of the YouTubers and Bloggers I follow have this sweater and have nothing but good things to say about it. Plus, it looks so cozy!

Four. Gucci Belt //  I know I'm jumping on the bandwagon here, but I just really want one- okay?

Five. Car Supplies // One of my New Year's Resolutions was to keep my car clean and organized this year. I would love to get a gift card to a car wash and detailing place, or even get car cleaning supplies, boxes that hold my stuff in the trunk, and even a seat belt for Oliver (it's his birthday too guys!).

Six. Phone Case // My phone case is BEATEN UP. I would love a new phone case like this one, this one, or this one.

Seven. Gym Membership // I loved having a membership to LA Fitness before I moved and I would very much love it back. I just don't have the money for it right now, so that would be a very nice gift to receive.

Eight. Gift Cards // I haven't gone shopping and I mean really gone shopping for myself in quite some time. Gift cards are always a great idea because I can get some new clothes, makeup, or even start saving up for a new MacBook!

It's also Oliver's birthday! He would like treats, bones, toys or even a spa day for him as well.

xoxo, Michele

Exploring Philly
This past weekend I did something that I never thought I would do- I went to a Philadelphia Eagles game in Philadelphia. As a die-hard Washington Redskins fan, you can imagine the torture I went through watching a sea of green and white cheer for the Eagles. Aside from the fact that our rival team is heading to the super bowl, I realized how vibrant and lively Philadelphia is. I had never been there before and seeing that it was only a three-hour drive, I figured it would be a fun weekend trip.

Philadelphia reminds me a lot of Washington, D.C. Tall buildings, public transportation, and a lot of loud football fans. Omar impulsively bought NFC Championship tickets when the Eagles won a few weeks ago, but since they won, it was totally worth it. The game itself was crazy, and though I will never be an Eagles fan, I will admit they deserved to win. Though you can't see it in the pictures, I did wear a Redskins sweater underneath my jacket, HTTR baby!

Aside from the game, we decided to make get away just the two of us, which was much needed! Our first stop was in South Philly to try the two famous cheesesteak restaurants, Pat's and Geno's. Though I didn't eat either, Omar insisted the Pat's is the best. Then we checked into our hotels, washed up, and hit the town. We first started off with visiting Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell. I so badly wanted to link the Liberty Bell, but I'm guessing they keep it protected from crazy How I Met Your Mother fans, like myself. The whole area of Old Town Philadelphia was beautiful with the horse drawn carriages, the original stone roads, and the brick buildings. Around the corner were a handful of shops and places to eat. We decided to get dessert at the Happily Ever After Cafe. Throughout the cafe was a ton of movies and television shows memorabilia. We got the dessert called Dragon's Breath which was basically a caramelized puff (tasted very much like Cap'N Crunch). The liquid nitrogen was soooo cool though and we also shared a Butterbeer! Next we headed to the other side and newer side of town. It was so beautiful! The tall buildings, the pretty lights, and the weather wasn't too shabby either. We went in and out of shops until the stores started to close and then we went to Aston's Cigar Bar. Omar and I had some fancy cocktails, had a cigar (which was a first for me), and ate this increidble cheese and cracker plate. We felt very fancy and loved it!

On Sunday, we had time to kill before the 6:40 p.m. game. We started out having lunch at Luna Cafe. It was a very quaint diner and the loaded potatoes were really good. Next, we walked around Old Town Philly some more and found some really cool local comic book and old book stores. I scored the Annie Musical Vinyl for only $5! Then we headed to the infamous Rocky Steps! Of course we had to do the "Rocky Move" and jump up and down when we reached the top. Once you're at the top take a minute to view the city. It's beautiful. Before you know it, Omar and I were headed to the game where the Eagles annihilated the Vikings 38-7.

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Even though the Eagles won, it was an incredible trip with my favorite person. 10/10 would recommend visiting.

xoxo, Michele


January 03, 2018

What I Got For Christmas

I have played with this post for two years now because it seems so weird to write about the gifts I got for Christmas online. However, one of my favorite type of YouTube videos are the 'What I Got for Christmas' videos. It's essentially a haul video and I won't lie, things that I asked for are items that I saw in some of my favorite YouTubers past videos. I thought this year would be a good year to do it, because I've been doing a pretty good job of keeping up with my blog this year and also because I am able to link a lot of the things I got too. In the past, I've gotten items that are hard to find online, but I think I have a good amount that if you guys like the things that I got as much as I do then you can get one too!  I feel like I have to add this disclaimer that this is not a "bragging" post and I am genuinely grateful for everything that I got for Christmas. Consider this more of a haul post and a fun peak into the type of things that I like!

My family and friends always go above and beyond each year. I am extremely grateful for everyone who is in my group and just how generous everyone is. I got a wide range of gifts everything from new beauty products to clothes to home decor. I always get a handful of face masks, candles, socks, and candy, but even those seemed more personalized this year. Like the 5lb bag of gummy bears my dad got me! I swear, each Christmas just gets better and better! I'm not going to list every single thing I received, but rather some of the more bigger items so let's get started!


Himalayan Salt Lamp




Board Games



Shoes





Jewelry









Like I said, I am so so so grateful with everything I got for Christmas. I love everything and my family and friends seriously spoil me. Happy holidays everyone, until next year. To view the dress I'm wearing in this picture view this blog post.

xoxo, Michele

2018 Goals

January 02, 2018

Currently Reading: 'Scrappy Little Nobody' by Anna Kendrick
I love to read books by my favorite celebrities.  It's like another glimpse into their fabulous life somehow and it always intrigues me.  I picked up 'Scrappy Little Nobody' by Anna Kendrick about a year ago and I'm finally getting around to reading it.  I really enjoy this book so far, because I think Anna Kendrick is so funny and I love to see how hard someone has worked to get to where they are today.  It's actually quite inspiring.  If you like Anna Kendrick then you will love her story!

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