Thirty

Happy Birthday to... me! Today is my 30th birthday and I'm excited! Nope; I am definitely not one of those women who like to conceal their age. After all, with age comes wisdom and I'm all about that!

In fact, this morning after a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" from my dad (get this man a record deal!), I wisely decided to enjoy Nutella on my toast. Truth be told, it's not the first time I've made a wise decision to have Nutella, so this just shows that I'm retaining knowledge.

Yesterday, however, might have been a more well rounded course as I enjoyed brunch with a few friends at Lavagna in Capitol Hill. The menu is farm to table and delicious. I had Eggs Florentine (their take on Eggs Benedict) with a side of bacon (not my fav in the way it was prepared) and two Americanos (necessary!). To top it off, my friends sang Happy Birthday to me before I blew out a candle on a melt-in-your-mouth delicious Tiramisu cake!

Brunch was perfect because I was surrounded by great company to fellowship, delicious food to eat, and this fabulous blanket poncho to keep me warm. This poncho was made especially for me by my best friend, dré. About a month ago dré confirmed with me which fabric I would like, then she spent an afternoon creating the garment. Upon arriving home on Saturday from Indianapolis, I saw the package at my doorstep. I had already planned to wear it for my brunch, so the timing was perfect. Thank you, dré, for such a thoughtful gift! The time and detail that went into it has not gone unnoticed! (Really, though, I've received so many compliments!) Thanks, boo!

Today is also our blogiversary! Check out our official launch here. Then, visit our Facebook page for more birthday celebration updates!

What do you think of my blanket poncho?

xo | din

blanket poncho | dré
necklace | H&M
leather cuff | MetroPark
leggings | H&M
shoes | Jessica Simpson

photos | Maci P

3, 8, and a Little Bit of Faith

I woke up this morning on a mission. I had a couple errands to run, then make my way over to DC Metro for The Dream Team conference. It wasn't until I got a text from a friend that I looked at the phone realizing today's date: 8.

Coffee in hand (my free 12th drink from Starbucks!), I couldn't help but smirk. 3 years. It's been 3 years since I hopped on a plane and made my venture to the East coast. 

Of course it had been on my mind that this anniversary was coming up. I sincerely wasn't paying attention though. Nevertheless here it is. At times it has been bittersweet-- I miss my friends and the culture of Seattle (hi 12s!)!! Still, it has been rewarding and full of surprises. If you couldn't tell by now, I love a good adventure.

So cheers to 3 on this 8th day. I'm excited for what the Lord calls me to next!

xo | din

earrings | Aldo

tank | Vox Populi

cardigan | H&M

skinnies | LOFT

boots | Fergalicious

cuff | MetroPark

Roughin' It

The WV cabin I stayed at this past weekend had a lot of layers. Including this yoga studio (which could double as a dance hall for receptions) that looked out to the forest. The adjoining loft space was a hidden treasure, too. Not only was it a blissful way to sleep under the stars, it also gave access to a zip line! [ I didn't attempt more than a photo next to the end point. ]

Below are pictures of the view from the cabin, right outside of the yoga studio. We were blessed with great weather. It was chilly, but not enough to keep us indoors. Some hiked or took long walks, someone even went on a bike ride! None of us, fortunately, came across any bears. If we had, this might be a different post!

I love nature's beauty even though I'm not one to really go roughin' it out in the deserted woods somewhere. And, I love being able to detach and unwind sometimes. This place was great 'cus it gave me a little bit of both.

xo | din

knit cap | gift from my lil sis
faux fur vest | LOFT
scarf | LOFT
cuff | MetroParkUSA
dress | H&M
boots | Zigi soho

[ Arrowhead ]

Never underestimate what you might find on the clearance rack. That's where I found this skirt during one of our NYC shopping days this past May. Guess how much... 7 bucks! Yup, it must have been a lonesome piece or some poor misguided girl who shares my size returned it. Whatever, the circumstance, my keen eye found this faux leather snake skin skirt and the rest is history.

xo | din

tank | Vox Populi
skirt | H&M
clutch | vendor in French Quarters [ also seen here ]
cuff | MetroPark
nails | Tart Deco by Essie
heels | Stuart Weitzman

photos | Reflection Photography

[ Traveling Light ]

What was supposed to be an 8 hour trip from DC to Cincinnati, OH turned into a 10 hour road trip. Met up with my dad and a few family friends yesterday for a tour around the city. Hangin' out with my dad a bit this AM, then back on the road to DC.

Looong time to sit down to say the least, but to see my dad, I would've traveled a 100 more miles.

separates | Forever 21*
black leather cuff | MetroPark
metallic flats | AirWalk

xo | din

[ *fun fact: the tiger screen print glows in the dark! ]