Top Ten "Other" Favorites

Here are some of my "other" favorites:

1. Favorite Thing #99 - Nikon D40 - I looove my camera. It takes such amazing photos and I've been able to capture so many special moments with it.
   
2. Favorite Thing #188 - Georgetown Cupcake - AMAZING cupcakes! My favorite flavors are Salted Caramel and Vanilla 2.
   
3. Favorite Thing #76 - Rue La La -Do I really need to say anything about this favorite thing...I've gotten so many good deals on clothes, housewares, etc. I use it for myself and for gifts.
   
4. Favorite Thing #19, 52 and 57 - Emily Giffin Books - I've loved all of Emily Giffin's books. Great chic lit. And her first two books, Something Borrowed/Something Blue are being made into a movie.
   
5. Favorite Thing #58 - Sopapilla Cheesecake - One of the greatest and easiest desserts ever to make! It's heaven in your mouth.
   
6. Favorite Thing #195 - Washington Green Grocer - Hubby and I just started using this service and I love it. We get fresh, local fruits and vegetables. I've found since we started we are eating healthier and trying new things.
   
7. Favorite Thing #183 - Mexican Train Domino Game -Super fun game to play with family and friends.
   
8. Favorite Thing #179 - Honest Tea Peach White Tea -Such a refreshing drink for the spring and summer.
   
9. Favorite Thing #196 - Yankee Candle Harvest - This scent just reminds me of the fall season. I burn it all fall long...love it!
   
10. Favorite Thing #169 - Villa Cerrina Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio -One of my favorite wines. The perfect blend of chardonnay and pinot grigio...so refreshing.
    

Top Ten Blogs that I Follow

Here are my go-to must read blogs each week...in no particular order

1. Pretty in Pink Megan - Megan has amazing style and is a great resources for all things beauty and fashion. She frequently has online yard sales with great stuff.
   
2. Modestly Styled. Modestly Me - We have very similar senses of style and she photographers her outfits. We share a love of LOFT.
   
3. Life at the White House - We've never met but we just clicked after emailing back and forth about a few things. I know that if she lived in the DC area we'd be friends. She blogs about everything and anything.
   
4. Perez Hilton - My go-to for all celebrity gossip
   
5. Young House Love - A young couple with a newborn who have an amazing sense of home decorating sense. They can decorate/remodel on any budget. They've recently purchased a new home and I can't wait to see their new projects.
   
6. Fantabulously Frugal - I love a good deal and she blogs about the greatest deals.
   
7. Nicole's Guide to Style - A recently engaged, California girl whose style I would love to replicate if I had unlimited funds so I live vicariously through her posts.
   
8. The Chloe Conspiracy - Amazing sense of style and unique way of styling outfits. I owe her for my favorite brown Frye boots.
   
9. Gigi's Gone Shopping - She takes care of the "trying on" for me. Gigi visits all my favorite stores and tries on the latest trends, photographs the out
   
10. We Love DC - Since I live in the DC area, I love checking out this blog for everything that's going on in and around the city.
    

Top Ten Favorite "Household" Items

Here are my favorite, must-have home products -

1. Favorite Thing #191 - Keurig B60 Special Edition Coffee Maker - A recent favorite but for sure to be a long time favorite. This is the best coffee pot ever. I LOVE it and so do a lot of people I know - my parents, my MIL, both BIL/SIL and a few friends.
   
2. Favorite Thing # 150 - Dyson Animal Vacuum - BEST PURCHASE EVER! Thanks to all my readers advice, Hubby and I finally purchased this and it has made such a difference. Sucks up all my hair without a problem. Love it!
   
3. Favorite Thing #82 - Camelbak Water Bottle - I have this with my almost everyday. I find having one at my desk at work means that I will drink a lot of water during the day.
   
4. Favorite Thing #117 - Greeting Card Organizer - As many of you know I'm very type A, I like to be organized and prepared. This does both. I always have cards on file for births, weddings, birthdays, etc.
   
5. Favorite Thing #89 - Ornament Organizer -Another way for me to stay organized. Best way to keep all your ornaments organized.
   
6. Favorite Thing #117 - Mini Food Processor - I use this ALL the time. It is the perfect size for when I make spaghetti sauce and soup and need to chop onions, celery, etc. Definitely recommend.
   
7. Favorite Thing #4 - Misto - The perfect reusable Pam bottle. Hubby and I use this all the time when we cook and grill.
   
8. Favorite Thing #116 - WVU Sweatshirt Blanket - The perfect, cozy blanket to snuggle up in at home. Of course yours doesn't have to be WVU but it's better in blue and gold. :)
   
9. Favorite Thing #104 - Quartet Dinnerware - Registered for this favorite thing 4 years ago and still love it. We didn't register for china so this is our everyday and fancy dinnerware. Goes with anything.
   
10. Favorite Thing #3 - Garlic Peeler - A very handy tool to have in your kitchen to peel garlic...goodbye stinky fingers. I love giving this as a gift.
    

My Top Ten Favorite Pieces of Clothing and Accessories

1. Favorite Thing #194 - Louis Vuitton Neverful MM -I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag. I use this bag everyday. It's my bag for work, my bag for travel and my bag for shopping.
   
2. Favorite Thing #14 - Uggs - People either love them or hate them...I LOVE them. I have three pairs and I'm ready for more. They are the perfect weekend shoe!
   
3. Favorite Thing #39 - Hobo Clutch - This is my go to purse for going out, cocktail event, wedding, etc. It fits everything I need in a cute little clutch.
   
4. Favorite Thing #190 - White Fossil Resin Watch -This was a recent purchase (summer) but ever since I got it I've worn it ALL the time. This watch goes with everything...that's what I love about it!
   
5. Favorite Thing #199 - Wrap Dresses - You can't go wrong with a wrap dress...perfect for almost any occasion and a go-to in my closet.
   
6. Favorite Thing #94 - Nashelle Initial Charm Necklace - This was a very special gift from Hubby and I absolutely LOVE it!
   
7. Favorite Thing #113 - GAP Essential Perfect Pants - I live in these pants on the weekends. They are sooo comfortable. The sad thing is I don't think the GAP makes them anymore.
   
8. Favorite Thing #201 -Tory Burch Revas - Just posted about these. So comfortable and they go with almost any outfit. Love them!
   
9. Favorite Thing #154 - Hanky Panky - The perfect undergarment. Can't go wrong with these!
   
10. Favorite Thing #146 - Chanel Sunglasses - I've had these sunglasses for 5+ years and I love them. They are my Jackie O inspired glasses.
    

My Top Five Hair Favorites

Here are my can't live without, gotta have favorite hair products!

1. Favorite Thing #2 - Chi Flat Iron - This is my can't live without must have hair care product. I use my flat iron almost everyday and really don't think I could live without it. I've been using the basic Chi for 7 or 8 years now. It very reliable (on my second one) and it gets the job done.
2. Favorite Thing #33 - Bumble and Bumble Prep Spray - Another product I use daily. I've been using this product probably for as long as the Chi. It's the perfect product to protect your hair before blow drying and styling.
   
3. Favorite Thing #12 - Aveda Smoothing Fluid - This is my favorite finishing product. Just a few pumps after I'm done blow drying and my hair is smooth and flyaway free.
   
4. Favorite Thing #25 - Hot Sock Diffuser - This is the perfect tool for curly hair. It's a simple "sock" that goes over most hair dryers and gives you the hot air to dry your hair but not the "blowing" aspect that causes hair to straighten.
   
5. Favorite Thing #158 - Fredric Fekkai Luscious Curl Cream - In my opinion this is the BEST curl cream out there. I absolutely LOVE it! I can put it, let my hair air dry and I've got great curls.
   

There are a few hair care items that I still need to find favorites for and I need your help. I'm looking for a good dry shampoo. I've been using Oscar Blandi's and I like it but can't say its a favorite yet since I have nothing to compare it to. What are some of your favorites?

Tory Burch on Rue La La

Very excited that Tory Burch (one of my faves) is going to be a Rue La La boutique tomorrow. Make sure you check out all the goodies starting at 11am. Also, Hanky Panky will be on Friday.

For those of you new to the blog, Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

My Top Ten Favorite Beauty Products

To start the "top favorite things" week off I'm going to blog about my must-have, can't live without beauty products...not including hair products...they get their own category.

1. Favorite Thing #32 - Narciso Rodriguez for Her perfume - This is my signature scent. I wear it all year round and absolutely LOVE it!


2. Favorite Thing #182 - Clarisonic - I use this every night before I go to bed to really deep clean my skin. It was definitely worth every penny.


3. Favorite Thing #198 - Korres Quercetin & Oak Night Cream - A recent favorite thing but I can't live without it. I put it on my face every night and love the way my skin looks in the morning.


4. Favorite Thing #5 - Bubble Bath by OPI - This is my go-to nail polish for anytime of year. I love the light hue and it goes with any outfit.


5. Favorite Thing #115 - Lincoln Park After Dark - This is my go-to nail polish in the fall/winter months. Love this dark, dark color and it goes with most of my outfits.


6. Favorite Thing #197 - Urban Decay's Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Love, love this stuff. I put it on almost every day before I apply my eyeshadow. I recently picked up the the sample pack of Urban Decay's primers so stay tuned for a review of the other colors.


7. Favorite Thing #173 - Maybelline's Colossal Mascara - I've been hooked on this mascara ever since my sister-in-law Meghan introduce me to it. I've tried other mascaras both expensive and inexpensive and I always go back to this favorite.


8. Favorite Thing #178 - NARS Bronzer - This is my go-to bronzer in the spring/summer months. I haven't found a foundation that I'm absolutely in love with and most of the time I can use just this bronzer.


9. Favorite Thing #123 - NARS Blush in Orgasm - Love this color on my cheeks. Just the perfect amount of color.


10. Favorite Thing #133 - Cover Girl Clear Mascara - I don't use this as regular mascara, it's my go-to eyebrow taming product. It keeps my brows in place all day.

Perfect Blazer

When I was in Greensboro last weekend, I tried this blazer on from J.Crew and it fit me perfectly. I didn't get it because I had already bought a new suit and new jeans so I couldn't justify a $200 blazer purchase. This however is on my short list of things to buy soon.

My Top Favorite Things

Since I've hit 200+ favorite things, I've decided that next week I'm going to post about my "top" favorite things in the following categories - Clothing/Accessories, Beauty, Hair, Home, Blogs and Other. Are there any other categories that you would like to know my "top" favorites. Let me know!

Favorite Thing #201 - Tory Burch Revas

I absolutely love love love Favorite Thing #201 - Tory Burch's Revas! I bought my first pair last year couldn't believe I hadn't bought a pair sooner. I love my Revas so much that I bought a second pair a few months ago. They are so comfortable and go with almost any outfit. Currently I own the black with silver TB logo and black patent. I think after the new year I will pick up another pair...what color should my next pair be?

Starbucks Promotion

Starting tomorrow through Sunday, Starbucks are offering BOGO on select drinks from 2-5pm. The drinks included in this promotion are: Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread latte, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brulee Frappuccino, and the Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino.

Thanks to Fantabulously Frugal for the heads up!

Also you can get exclusive offers from Starbucks when you text 12DAYS to 29943 to sign up for the12 days of Sharing promotion!

Time for Friends and Family at LOFT

Starts today! Happy Shopping!

Weekend Recap - Wedding Festivities in Greensboro

This past weekend we headed down to Greenboro, North Carolina for a wedding. We stayed at the Proximity Hotel which was very nice, the rooms were very big and the hotel overall very chic. The weekend was fabulous and the wedding was gorgeous. Here are some highlights from the weekend -

• Took advantage of Give and Get and bought a new gray suit from Banana Republic.
  
• Got some fabulous earrings from Francesca's...post to come on these purchases.
• Met fellow blogger Virginia Belle. We both read each other's blog and were randomly sat at the same table.
  
• Found an ADORABLE boutique - Simply Meg's which is located at The Shops at Friendly Center. The owner, Meg, is so fashionable, super sweet and very helpful. Her store has the cutest things! I bought a pair of AG Skinny Jeans and my friend got an adorable gold BCBG wrap dress.
  

Here are a few pictures from the festivities -

Upcoming Rue La La Boutiques

The holiday season is fast approaching which means great boutiques from my favorite discount sites. Below are some of the upcoming sales on Rue La La that I'm looking forward to.

Tuesday - Diane von Furstenberg
Wednesday - Rock & Republic
Thursday - American Vintage
Friday - Vera Bradley (great Christmas gifts)

For those of you new to the blog, Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

New Fall Nail Color

I wanted to try something different on my my nails for a wedding we had this weekend. I picked up this purply, gray color from Sephora by OPI. I loove the color. It changes hues depending on the outfit I'm wear. It's the perfect fall nail color.

Here's a better picture courtesy of Positively Preppy in Pink.

Day at the Museum

This weekend Hubby and I took our niece to the Museum of Natural History. It was so fun to spend the day with her. We took the "choo choo" (metro) to the museum and walked around and saw dinosaurs, fish, all kinds of mammals and walked through the butterfly exhibit. I love being an aunt and spoil my nieces and nephews. Here are a couple of pictures from the day.

Really Loving from Banana Republic

I've had my eye on this super cute jacket from Banana Republic. It's exactly what I've been looking for in a new coat. I'm going to have to wait for one of the random 40% coupons I get online.

Favorite Thing #200 - My Niece and Nephew

For Favorite Thing #200 hundred I decided to pick three of my favorite little ones. My nieces and nephew. I know I'm biased but they are the cutest!!! This weekend Hubby and I are taking my oldest niece to the Museum of Natural History. I don't know who'd more excited me or her.

Favorite Thing #199 - Wrap Dresses

I have at least three wrap dresses in my closet (all from Banana Republic) and I just love them. They are the perfect dress for work or play and pretty much work with any season. My "collection" started with a simple black wrap dress from Banana Republic. I've had this dress for years and still looks good and works for most occasions. I wish I had it in a petite because it's a little long for me. Next came this orange number a couple years ago. The material is a little heavier so it really only works in the fall and winter.

You can't tell in the picture but it's got a ruffle detail around the trim which I love. This dress has an enormous tie and I'm taking it to the tailor to get shortened. I wear this dress all the time in the fall/winter.

The latest in my collection is this purple number. Picture quality sucks but the dress is available from Banana Right now. This is a faux wrap (which I prefer) with a three quarter length sleeve. I got a petite and the length/fit is perfect. Currently it is available in black, coal, teal and of course purple.

New Favorite Keurig Flavors

This is one of my go to coffees during the week. Most days I need a "wake up call" and this Coffee People blend does just the trick!

I picked this seasonal Autumn Harvest Blend because it got great reviews and I wanted something "fall" to drink on weekend mornings. This was the perfect pick!

I'm normally not a big fan of flavored coffee but I do love all things pumpkin so I thought I try Green Mountain's seasonal Pumpkin Spice. It's not as good as Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte but it's a good substitute.

My Fall/Winter Scents

There are two scents that I wear during the fall and winter months. First is my year-round, "signature scent" and Favorite Thing #32.

Narciso Rodriguez for Her is by far my favorite perfume ever! It's hard to describe the scent but I find it to be romantic and the perfect blend of floral and musk. If you haven't tried it, I definitely recommend it. I wear this scent all year round.


The second scent I wear is Thierry Mugler's Angel. This is a much stronger, muskier scent (too powerful for any other season in my opinion) and I love wearing it in the winter. I've been wearing it for years and get compliments from people all the time about how good I smell.

What are your fall/winter scents? I'd like to add a third to the rotation and need your recommendations.

Halloween Weekend

Here's a picture from the Halloween party we went to this weekend. Isn't the best picture of me but it's all I have. We had a great time at the party and Hubby's costume was a hit.

Favorite Thing #198 - Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiwrinkle Night Cream

I purchased this favorite thing a few weeks ago and I looove it! Favorite Thing #198 is Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiwrinkle Night Cream. I apply it every night after using Favorite Thing #182 and every morning I wake up and my skin feels refreshed and moisturize. The smell of the cream isn't that great but the results are so worth it. I'm debating on getting the serum as well. Another perk (and isn't a must for me but nice to know) is that these products are all natural. Anyone else use these products?

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful and amazing mother. Here's a picture of my sister and me with her at my cousin's wedding last year. I love you Mommy!