espresso: (/esˈprɛsso/)- "pressed out", expressed
espressofied: (/ɛˈsprɛsoʊˌfīd/)- expressive, bold, balanced, beautiful, strong
I had never before been to Rhode Island nor heard of Block Island, so I jumped at the opportunity to get out of town and take a mini-vacation to Champlin’s Marina and Resort, New England’s largest resort and marina. I didn’t know what to expect, nor did I realize how much I really needed this trip…
Winter in the northeast is always brutal. Although I was born and raised in the DC area, I am still not accustomed to freezing temps and am always looking for ways to escape the cold. Miami is always a hot spot for doing so, so this year I decided to check out Wynwood! Wynwood is a neighborhood in Miami that is vibrant, colorful, alive, and…
Maialino Mare offers delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am-2 pm. It’s located in the Yards Park area of DC on the ground level of one of my favorite hotels, The Thompson DC. Their Italian-inspired menu is delightful. Our🥂food and drinks were perfectly prepared and scrumptious, the service is outstanding, tables are spread out nicely, and natural light floods the dining area during the daytime (big, beautiful windows)…
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we talked to Carlos Mateos Sr., owner/operator of MCD Mateos which owns 20 McDonalds locations in the DMV region. He and his team are always looking for ways to support their community and their philanthropic work knows no boundaries. Check out this Q&A!
A globally-inspired new twist in the white-hot canned beverages category has finally arrived: Smoothsail, the world’s first premium, canned sparkling sake brand boasting natural flavors, clean ingredients, zero sugar, and a superior taste profile, hits the market August 14.
The Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel recently renovated its entire property and it’s glorious. Marble and quartz floors, mixed metal accents, gem tone furnishings, herringbone wood flooring, charming decor, stunning balcony views, and luxury bedding await you. From the noise of the busy NYC streets and into the calm of this gorgeously renovated hotel, you’ll be transported into elegance as soon as you walk through The Westgate’s doors.
This past Sunday, we enjoyed a most scrumptious brunch at Moon Rabbit by Chef Kevin Tien located at the Intercontinental DC Wharf. Moon Rabbit offers waterfront patio views, perfectly balanced cocktails, first-class service, and delicious dishes featuring modern Vietnamese cuisine as well as east-meets-west...
Here to inject the D.C. cocktail scene with a sense of fun and whimsy comes Never Looked Better (130 Blagden Alley), a new, nostalgic homage to the bars -- and the dive-bar cocktails -- of the 1990s and early 2000s. It opened to the public on June 4, 2021.
“I baked once or twice before I was a teen. I started baking a bit more in my early 20s. I never thought I’d be baking professionally, but I’ve invested so much in Sugar Defined, that I feel the need to see it through to how far I can go. I learned how to bake as an expression of love many years ago.…”
It's that time of year: Flowers are flourishing and you can capture them at their peak bloom times now in the DC area. Here’s where to go, and when. Which one of these gardens will you be headed to first? Most allow you to enjoy picnics on their grounds and/or take flowers home with you…
My heart started to beat a little faster and tears welled up in my eyes as I typed, "About to receive my new organ transplants at Fairfax Hospital! Just in case, I love you all!", and put the phone down. Never before had I indicated that I was sick publicly, nor had I felt like putting that on my page. Letting everyone know how I felt at that instant was more important than anything…
Valentine’s/Galentine’s is around the corner! Here are 8 unique DC restaurant experiences and activities that you, your partner, and/or your Galentine will remember for years to come! From scrumptious sips + bites in stunning atmospheres to renewing your vows to luxury gifts to painting-the-town-red… there’s something unique for you to do in the DC area.
We binge-watched Emily in Paris (Season 1) on Netflix last holiday season and loved how adorably provocative the show was. I couldn’t wait for more. From the fashion-forward outfits to the clever French clap-backs to our American ways, I was thrilled that Season 2 was released just two days before Christmas again this year! Again, we binge-watched the entire season and now I can’t wait until Season 3 is released! Netflix, please don’t…
Saks Fifth Avenue today celebrates the launch of its holiday campaign in support of the Obama Foundation's Girls Opportunity Alliance. The campaign kicks off with the unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue's iconic holiday window display and ten-story-tall theatrical light show at its New York flagship, featuring a special appearance by former First Lady…
In September 1991, my mom, who spoke no English, brought me from China to Illinois to reunite with my father. At five-and-a-half, I was in complete awe of the new experience and “meeting” my father for the first time— and equally oblivious to what this change would mean for my future. Exactly thirty years ago to the month, the dichotomy of what was to be the rest of my life began…
Being a woman in the workplace can come with a unique set of challenges, but it can also come with some serious rewards if you play your cards right. Look through these tips and resources, and connect when you need professional expertise…
Having clean, fresh-smelling clothing can make all the difference in how one feels. I am LOVING the new Ensueño® complete laundry solution (the new Liquid Laundry Detergent, Scent Booster Dryer Sheets, and Fabric Softener) and can tell that my family is preferring this brand, too. Here are my 4 tips for boosting confidence through clothing…
Washington, D.C. and its surrounding metropolitan areas have so many locations to take amazing photographs. Whether taking them with your phone or via a professional photographer, here are 5 easy-to-find locations in the DC area that I recommend.
National Landing transformed the park at 101 12th Street, Arlington VA! Now you'll find colorful, summer-themed displays, and Instagrammable work-from-anywhere essentials like WiFi, standing desks, and more for a completely FREE go-to summer destination.
"Sometimes you're the hammer; sometimes you're the nail." My husband says this from time to time after he competes in a jiujitsu competition and we laugh. But it resonates with me. One week, I was running around with friends, trying on wedding dresses for fun, & sipping champagne. Within 10 days, I ended up septic in the hospital…
The historic "Bedford Baths" is a beauteous experience. I wish I could do this regularly. Native Americans taught us about the curative power of natural spring/mineral waters and bath rituals. This is a modern-day version of this. The spa features a mineral deluge, large whirlpool, cool spring water plunge, & aromatic steam. This is a must-do! I felt…
To this day, I keep thinking that maybe strangers near me might be the nurses who took care of me. Or maybe my organ donor's family. Or maybe the nurses' relatives-- so I treat everyone as if they are. My thank-yous couldn't reach them directly, but maybe the energy of my gratitude through my actions does.
I am a goddess. If you're mumbling, "what makes her a goddess?!?", there is trauma that needs to be addressed (and needs healing). When we judge one another, we are usually condemning our own selves at the same time. Society has caused a lot of harm and has created a lot of noise around who they believe you are and how you should act, look, be, etc. See yourself as a goddess. A whole…
Meet Liz (me) and Yana B.: Kidney Transplant Warriors with different stories but the same determination to live life out loud. March is National Kidney Awareness Month and we're here to spread awareness and to let others know they're not alone. When someone finds out their kidneys are failing…
It’s the FEBRUARY 2021 Edition of “Treat Yourself Because You Deserve It”! We have to take care of ourselves: the basics… and then some. I don’t need to tell you about how important self-care is; I gave to remind MYSELF that it’s important often, too. And I’m sure you need reminders sometimes as well. Here are the ways to...
Begin the new year without looking back! Introducing Awakeish’s "Burn & Begin" box! Inside this Awakeish box, you'll find everything you need: specially curated items to burn 2020 + begin 2021. This symbolizes an overdue goodbye to 2020 and, more importantly, it brings us to the light of what's next! Intention-setting is everything. Are you ready to…
Supplementing vitamins/nutrients with your body needs is not a "one size fits all" solution. What works for one person may not work for another. How many times have you tried a supplement or vitamin because it’s “supposed” to be good for you? We could spend so much time in our local pharmacy or vitamin shop to try and figure out what works and what might now
Ladies, I found a shelf-stable probiotic supplement that supports our digestive-health needs specifically and it addresses the needs of a woman’s body with eight premium strains of beneficial bacteria. These provide healthy bacteria for a balanced digestive system. 80% of our immunity comes from our gut. If you've ever taken an antibiotic or medication, it can deplete the good bacteria in your gut, so it's important to replenish those.
Feeling like the world is upside down? Or like life is just feeling really "off"? Do you feel like, especially given quarantine/COVID-19, that you’ve lost some aspect of time and space? Do you feel disconnected from who you usually are? You're not alone. Time for some grounding. Here are 5 practical ways to ground yourself to get back to feeling more like you…
Silver Mirror Facial Bar is bringing glowing skin to Navy Yard with the launch of its second D.C. location this summer near the Yards, at 1355 3rd Street SE. “D.C. was the first market we launched outside of our flagship in New York”…
This unique blazer is one of my hero pieces as it can change my look as well as elevate any casual outfit. It adds warmth, versatility, excitement, & personality when I wear it with different outfits. One can wear it with jeans + a t-shirt, workwear, a dress, or an elegantly cropped knit top + trouser shorts for an elevated day/night look-- this is the wonderful feature of…
Hold yourself close to your heart. You don't need a reason to spoil yourself. But, after all we go through, and out of respect for all the work we've done-- we certainly deserve it. I was lucky enough to have been spoiled by an amazing friend who gave me this beautiful "L" script initial necklace. It's…
With things feeling heavy and lackluster for far too long, it looks as though this Fall will showcase bright, spicy, beautiful colors and trends. From soft nudes to bold brights—- let’s get to expressing ourselves this season, shall we Here are the Fall 2021 makeup trends as stated by 3 of the top beauty magazines/publications…
One shade of "nude" does not suit all. Meet The Nude Suite: A beautifully designed line of convertible heels in nude shades by Pashion Footwear. Pashion Footwear created this inclusive line and it's currently available in The D’Orsay in four shades: Sand, Latte, Walnut, & Cocoa.
The Red Yao Tribe women have been caring for their hair naturally via an ancient ritual passed down from mother to daughter for centuries. Haircare is a ceremony and the heart of Red Yau culture. The women have long, thick, strong, healthy hair without the slightest hint of gray. They use their nutrient-rich…
I’m 41 and trying to undo all of the years of fun-in-the-sun, sans skincare, sans beach umbrella. I didn’t think it was all that necessary to slather on the thick mineral creams that would create a white cast on my skin until I started realizing that no one is immune from the damaging rays of the sun. It doesn’t matter what you do in your skincare regimen if you don’t…
I had the honor of being featured on Mestiza New York and wanted to share this short article with you. Mestiza NY’s dresses are absolutely gorgeous and I wore their stunning new release, the Georgiana Gown in Jade Chinoiserie. This gown is light-weight enough to spin in and heavy enough to feel like a queen in her robe.
I used to dream of being something of a "Devil Wears Prada" CEO (envision a Miranda Priestly-type, only MUCH kinder) working in an NYC skyscraper as a luxury goods writer. I imagined myself walking around in the highest black patent-leather heels. This particular pair caught my eye and came up in multiple articles…
Many find boudoir photography intriguing, others think it’s “too sexy”, some are afraid to try, some think their bodies are not “good enough” to be photographed in an intimate way, etc. I can understand why. I’ve never considered myself as someone who has a photographic body, I have many scars, my skin is a constant work in progress, I was raised very conservatively but…
If you have not made your way to Governors Island or you are ready to level up your next weekend trip, the curators behind FAD Market have extensive knowledge of all the hotspots (especially hot eats) of Governors Island to make sure you, your friends, and your family can have an easy, breezy weekend escape from the city. This weekend’s forecast calls for…
This weekend, FAD Market – fashion, art, and design pop-up marketplace – is thrilled to kick off its 2022 season with a specially curated market that features Brooklyn’s finest emerging artists and makers.
FAD Market, a curated fashion, art, and design pop-up marketplace, is bringing the spirit of the holiday season in New York to Brooklyn’s BoCoCa neighborhood (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens) with two holiday market locations…
The Emmy Award-winning Netflix Original documentary series “Our Planet” has been transformed into OUR PLANET LIVE IN CONCERT, a 60-city U.S. tour that will travel to Washington D.C. on April 15, 2023. Presented by GEALive, Silverback Films, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), OUR PLANET LIVE IN CONCERT fuses breathtaking cinematography projected…
The Best Actor and Actress winners each received a $2,000 scholarship and a trip to NYC where they will represent the DC region at The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) taking place in New York City in June.
Washington D.C. (April 18, 2022) – Broadway at The National is delighted to announce that tickets for the electrifying new musical phenomenon SIX by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will go on sale tomorrow, April 19 at 10:00 am for performances from July 5, 2022, to September 4, 2022.
Tickets for Blippi The Musical go on sale April 1, 2022, with a presale beginning March 30, 2022. For tickets and additional information, visit BroadwayAtTheNational.com. “There’s a very clear demand and excitement for Blippi The Musical, as tickets to 2022 performances are selling out,”…
The sixth annual National Cannabis Festival, the East Coast’s largest ticketed cannabis gathering, returns to Washington’s RFK Campus on April 23 with performances from Wiz Khalifa and Ghostface Killah, a wide range of exhibitors, and a brand-new culinary pavilion complete with cooking demonstrations led by top chefs, talks and eating contests, among many other attractions.
Single tickets are now on sale for ALTON BROWN LIVE: BEYOND THE EATS at D.C.’s National Theatre, located on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps from the White House. The production is a season special for Broadway at The National and will play two performances only on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 2:30pm and 7pm.
The National Theatre is excited to announce the inaugural Brandon Victor Dixon Awards for excellence in high school musical theatre, the newest regional partner of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), also known as The Jimmy Awards®.
Nightlife will meet picture-perfect views and culture at HEIST Summer Series, a reimagined pop-up concept beginning June 26 on the rooftop of the Kennedy Center. Conceived as a joyous return to DC life after more than a year of isolation, the HEIST Summer Series elevates Washington nightlife by bringing the unique aesthetic of…
Broadway at The National will present an eight-show 2021/2022 season this fall when the celebrated subscription series returns to D.C.’s National Theatre – the nation’s oldest venue still presenting touring Broadway.
Cerdafied Dance Studios is ready to get the DMV moving at the Takeoff to Takeover pop-up workshop on Saturday, April 25 at Clarendon Pop-Up Bar. D.C.-area native and Billboard-charting recording artist Jason Cerda and co-founder Rahna Faddoul are bringing together an exclusive...
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"Sometimes you're the hammer; sometimes you're the nail." My husband says this from time to time after he competes in a jiujitsu competition and we laugh. But it resonates with me. One week, I was running around with friends, trying on wedding dresses for fun, & sipping champagne. Within 10 days, I ended up septic in the hospital…
Editor's Pick
Iconic, luxurious, exceptional, legendary: The Jefferson DC… This is where you stay in Washington, D.C., for a most relaxing, carefree, glorious experience. Before I had even arrived, The Jefferson had already anticipated my needs and delivered a beautifully personalized experience for my birthday staycation. I am in awe of the level of service and the careful attention to detail that this boutique hotel provides. The Jefferson offers luxury as a standard.
Iconic, luxurious, exceptional, legendary: The Jefferson DC… This is where you stay in Washington, D.C., for a most relaxing, carefree, glorious experience. Before I had even arrived, The Jefferson had already anticipated my needs and delivered a beautifully personalized experience for my birthday staycation. I am in awe of the level of service and the careful attention to detail that this boutique hotel provides. The Jefferson offers luxury as a standard.