Scandal “Head Games” Recap

ABC titled this episode “Head Games” when it should have been called “What’s in the box?!” a la Brad Pitt:

Mellie (Bellamy Young) is finally taking the oval with Frankie’s widow by her side. For her professional photos, she donned an orange blazer, which looked great on her. I found this Brooks Brothers Stretch Wool One-Button Blazer ($198) and this Harve Benard Knit Blazer ($67.99) to recreate her look:

Olitz is back on! These two just can’t stay away from each other. Fitz’s (Tony Goldwyn) focus on his last days in office are on presidential pardons. Olivia (Kerry Washington) can’t help but get involved and takes the stack back to OPA. She wore a Bell Sleeve Colorblock Blouse by Antonio Berardi ($1,345). This is such a unique piece making it hard to recreate but I found a few things that will work. This Lafayette 148 New York Marisa Blouse ($345), Calvin Klein Women’s V-Neck Bell Sleeve Blouse ($79.50):

Abby (Darby Stanchfield) is still on the outs with the President after her betrayal with Peus. She wore the Hugo Boss
Jadela Asymmetric Wool Jacket ($437.50). This Calvin Klein Two-Button Jacket ($59.99) is similar:

Olivia brings the team at OPA a new case – select a candidate for a high profile government pardon. She comes in hot rocking a power cape coat. I found this Choies Black Wool Blend Cape Coat ($29.90) if you want this look for yourself:

Olivia uses this as a test to see if Quinn is ready to take over OPA while she serves on Mellie’s staff. 

Meanwhile David Rosen (Joshua Malina) has brought a box with “Samantha’s” head to Abby’s apartment. He hopes that Jake (Scott Foley) can use it to figure out who she was. Rowan/Eli (Joe Morton) gave it to him and he wasn’t about to argue.

This leads them to discover that Marie Wallace (Khandi Alexander) is back in the picture and ultimately running Peus’ operation. Olivia wore a Cushnie Et Ochs Shawl-Collar Long Coat ($1,197). This Cupcakes and Cashmere Abria Drape Front Coat ($87.50) is similar:

What do you think about Olivia’s mother getting back in the game?

If you missed this episode, you can still watch it here.

For more Scandal recaps click here.



Wine of the Week: Justin Cabernet Sauvignon

I stumbled on this wine randomly, via Facebook. I follow my husband’s fraternity (Delta Sigma Phi) on social media and one day they posted an alumni profile, which just happened to be Justin Baldwin, whose vineyards were named 2015 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. I told John he was holding out on me – who knew they had a winemaker in the organization and how had we never heard of Justin before?!

The following interview is a few years old, but I thought it gave a great overview of how Justin got started and what sets his wines apart from others. What you need to remember about this wine is that it is a Bordeaux style wine in Paso Robles, which is unique to this area. In 1981, when Justin started the winery, Zinfandel was wildly popular and this was a departure from the norm.

I was excited to find the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon at a wine bar and since then I’ve seen it at a number of wine stores in the area. It is classic Cabernet, clear with a dark ruby purple core. It has notes of ripe black cherry, blackcurrant and berry fruit with vanilla, cinnamon and subtle dried fall leaf accents. It is smooth and supple with a clean finish. This is a go-to choice for any food from pizza to steak.

The 2015 version of the Cabernet Sauvignon runs for $26.25 or $21 at the Wine Society price. If I decide to join another wine club I would definitely choose this one. It would be fun to have these on hand for gifts and housewarming parties for our fraternity friends.

If you ever make it to Paso Robles, Justin has a restaurant, an inn called the “Just Inn,” and tasting room to enjoy.

Have you tried any Justin wines before? Let me know your favorites.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.



Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

I love all things pirates! Every year I try to do something fun or silly to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day. You can even see this post on my favorite pirate items. I’m also a big fan of rum…maybe I’m actually a pirate… You probably won’t be surprised to hear that I love Johnny Depp’s character in Pirates of the Caribbean.

I am excited for the next installment of the franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales opening on May 26, 2017. To celebrate I’m giving away eight pairs of tickets to an advance screening of the movie on May 22 at the MJR Troy Grand Digital Cinema 16 at 7 p.m.

The movie starts out with Jack Sparrow on the run again and as you can see from this clip, he is still up to his old tricks. I’m looking forward to a movie marathon this week (complete with some rum) to get ready for this screening:

If you would like to join me for the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales screening for you and a guest, enter the Rafflecopter below and I will announce and contact the winners on late Friday night/Saturday morning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For previous movie reviews, click here.



May 2017 Pinspired

I bought these BCBG Pretia Pumps ($49.95) a while back and still haven’t worn them. Everytime I go to put them on I think that they’re a little much. So then I started wondering what I should wear them with. Pinterest to the rescue! I found a few looks that I loved and wanted to recreate.

I loved this look with the bright cobalt blue and peplum top:

I also found a number of photos of Reese Witherspoon rocking her red pumps:

These tops are inspired from the above looks and would make for a great recreation:

Tommy Hilfiger Polka-Dot Tiered Peplum Top ($59.50)

Lulu’s Keeping it Classy Navy Blue Peplum Top ($29)

Joie Iva Cap-Sleeve Silk Blouse ($64.50)

These Washwell Mid Rise Sculpt True Skinny Jeans ($99) are perfect to highlight the pumps:

To add a little sparkle try this Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace ($79.99):

So now I have no reason not to break in these shoes. How would you style red pumps?

For more Pinspired looks, click here.



Brunch Bites: A Taste of Royal Oak

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Royal Oak Brunch Bites. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had a blast at last year’s Brunch Bites, so I was excited when the event coordinator reached out with tickets to this year’s event. I live in the Royal Oak area, so this is a fun opportunity to get out downtown and explore 12 different brunch destinations for food and drinks.

We kicked it off again at Bigalora with a Bigalora Waffle, house made peanut butter, banana and fresh whip cream with a Gordon Bombay Loves Brunch (Honeydew infused Bombay Sapphire, hibiscus/rose syrup, lime, soda). This was probably my favorite food item – SO GOOD!

Our second stop was at The Morrie where we chowed down on a Nashville hot chicken and waffle paired with the Lola (a Sugar Island Coconut Rum, coconut milk-bourbon vanilla simple, cold brew coffee). I don’t even like the coffee, but this was amazing. I will go on record and say this is the only coffee I will drink. The Morrie was new to brunch bites this year and I was happy to visit again.

Bastone Brewery is up next and they were another new addition this year. They served us corned beef hash with bell peppers, skillet potatoes and cheddar cheese along with a Tropical Mimosa (pineapple, orange juice, passionfruit and grenadine).

Lockhart’s BBQ is always a treat and they didn’t disappoint this year with a smoked brisket mess including smoked sausage, potatoes, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese and eggs all scrambled together. Their Poor Man’s Bloody Mary was to die for (a mix of their house made bloody mary mix combined with craft lager beer).

I had just been to Andiamo for Easter brunch so I was excited to what they were offering for Brunch Bites. They didn’t disappoint with Eggs Wellington: soft scrambled eggs, prosciutto and imported cheeses in crisp phyllo pastry with creamed leeks. They topped it off with a white sangria with fresh fruit.

No brunch would be complete without chorizo and Mesa Tacos and Tequila did not disappoint with their chorizo hash taco and Violet Beauregarde (Reposado Tequila, fresh blueberry compote, fresh squeezed lime juice, sparkling wine).

New this year was Rebel Cafe, which I hadn’t been to before. They served a mini cinnamon roll sandwich and these AMAZING brownie cheesecake bites along with a Beermosa. It was so delicious!

I was enamored with Blackfinn Ameripub’s Sea Breeze Mimosa (grapefruit, cranberry and champagne). They served a southern skillet with southern fried chicken, scrambled eggs, tasso cream, hollandaise sauce and green onions stacked on a bacon and goat cheese grit.

Pronto! served a decadent stuffed French Toast with blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cream cheese filling and caramel maple sauce. It was to die for! Their Oiu il (Yes Please!) drink included cinnamon spiced Khalua, Chambord, coffee and whipped cream.

I took a time out at Cafe Muse due to their exotic mushroom and Boursin scramble. I cannot handle anything with mushrooms so my friend got two. They served an Aperol spritz with muddled blueberries which made up for it.

Lily’s Seafood Grille & Brewery let me customize my shrimp & grits with no shrimp so I was happy. They served a Hefemosa with Whitefish Bay Wheat Beer and orange juice.

By the time we made it to Gayle’s Chocolates, they must have been out of the advertised cookies, but we got truffles and Gayle’s Homemade Haute Cocoa so all was well.

Did you attend this year’s Brunch Bites? What was your favorite pairing? This is one of my favorite events and I can’t wait until next year!

To see last year’s Brunch Bites post, click here.



Five on Friday: Sixth Anniversary

On Sunday, John and I are celebrating our sixth anniversary. It’s rather fitting that the sixth anniversary is the Iron Anniversary because at this point our relationship has evolved into something so much deeper. After you go through so much together, the other person really becomes your constant and a source of strength in times of adversity. More than our fifth anniversary, this one seems like much more of a milestone as I feel like we’ve overcome a lot in the past year.

Every year of our marriage, I’ve always given John a traditional gift:

Here are a few of my gift ideas for the iron anniversary:

1. Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand ($49.95)

This is so adorable! I could either get my husband’s initials or you can also do a one-initial brand.

2. Le Creuset Cast-Iron Heart-Shaped Dutch Oven ($149.95)

This is too perfect not to include. A pink heart-shaped dutch oven?! What more can you ask for?

3. Hampton Bay Marshall Patio Chaise Lounge with Textured Silver Pebble Cushion ($159)

I’ve decided I want a chaise lounge for our backyard. I have no idea where I would put it or where it would even fit, but I’m envisioning myself lounging outside reading a book all summer and I want one.

 

4. Endless Summer Fire Pit ($181.99)

John and I have wanted a fire pit for the longest time and I love that this is a propane one making it easy to use. You could also replace the lava rocks with fireglass.

5. Fire Pit Cookout Kit ($49.99)

Once we have a fire pit, we’re going to want to make s’mores and hobo pies!

If you have any other ideas for the iron anniversary, I would love to hear them:

For more Five on Friday/Friday Favorites posts, click here.

If you would like to join the Five on Friday with Smidge of ThisThe Good Life BlogHello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

You can join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Friday Favorites



Step It Up in April with Sephora PLAY!

I’ve finally succumbed to subscription box mania (besides Barkbox for Sport). I’ve resisted signing up for other beauty boxes because I’m pretty particular about my makeup products. I felt that I would rather spend the money on a full size product. I changed my mind when I saw that Sephora had their own version called PLAY! for just $10/month! You cannot beat that price for what you get.

Sephora PLAY! is in demand so you do have to sign up and be accepted to start receiving your box. I got accepted right away so I guess it depends how demand is when you decide to sign up. It includes five skin care, makeup or hair care samples and a fragrance. Everyone gets something a little different depending on the answers you provide when you set up your profile. Each box comes with an adorable bag that has a different theme. You also get a PLAY! Pass that you can redeem in the store for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points and a free tutorial. You get a ton of other tutorials and instructions along with your box as well.

April’s box was themed “Step it Up” to focus on stepping up your beauty routine. I received five great products and lots of tips.

Philosophy Made Simple Face Cleanser ($24)

I’ve never tried the Philosophy cleanser before, but it’s so gentle you can even use it to clean your makeup brushes!

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($11)

The extra bonus in this eye makeup remover is a lash-strengthening complex full of flavonoids and olive wood extracts. So you can get rid of that pesky mascara while building your lashes at the same time. Win-win.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream ($52)

This moisturizer contains 30 percent hyaluronic acid, which I discovered constantly attracts and retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the atmosphere. It also include ceramides to lock in moisture, ProHyal+ to improve hydration and elderberry to curb aging with antioxidants. It packs a lot of punch for one product.

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36)

This has been one of my long-time staples. I like to test out new primers but always come back to this one. I normally prefer the light version. Fun fact: This is the first product that Smashbox ever created.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner ($21)

This eyeliner is an Allure Best of Beauty Winner which always makes me take notice. The reviews seem pretty negative about it staying put on the waterline, but I will have to try it out and let you know.

MIU MIU L’eau Bleue ($68)

This is a fun take on the original Miu Miu perfume and updates the bottle using a glittering transparent glass. Scent notes include lily of the valley, wild rose and akigalawood. I LOVE fragrance commercials, I could probably watch them all day, and I especially love this song from Dirty Dancing!

Did you get a PLAY! box this month and get something different? I’m curious to know what you purchased with your PLAY! pass. I got a refill of Dior’s Fix It 2-In-1 Concealer that I was out of.

For more beauty posts, click here.



Bachelorette 13 – Rachel Lindsay

The new promos for The Bachelorette are here and I am pumped for a new season to start on May 22! Rachel Lindsay has received the Cary Fetman (Bachelor/Bachelorette stylist) treatment and looks fabulous:

I don’t have the ID for her actual jumpsuit, but this Kyara Tux Jumpsuit from Diane von Furstenberg ($219.20) is a great match:

Rachel’s dress is custom designed by Randi Rahm and it’s a shame that she can’t wear this more places. It would be awesome if she wore this on night one. If you want to get the look for yourself, try this Bustle Up Exposed Back Ball Gown by Terani Couture ($495):

Now on to the main event, this promo. Rachel is ON FIRE!

First of all, the song is Fifth Harmony’s “That’s My Girl.” Second of all, those shoes! Cary Fetman tells me they’re Dolce & Gabbana so I did some searching and discovered the Dolce & Gabbana Climbing Rose Sandals ($1,395). You can also find them with a pink flower for $1,995:

To get this look for yourself might require a little arts and crafts. Take these Steve Madden Strappy Sandals ($99.95) and then head out to the craft store to get some flowers and attach with your glue gun. Easy peasy.

Who’s excited for a new season of The Bachelorette?!

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.



Weekend Recap: I’m a Godmother

This past weekend was one of the busiest I’ve had in a while. It was also one of the most memorable. I think I mentioned a number of times to people that I felt like I was living the life of a Sex and the City character with all of the events that I was booked for. It all started on Thursday night, when I was invited to the Spring Launch Party of TBD Magazine.

TBD Magazine Spring Launch Party

TBD is a new magazine launched by Bedrock to feature the unique people, places, organizations and culture of Detroit. The Spring ebdition just came out and we celebrated with a special release party at El Club.

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I attended with my boss, Tina, and wore the Connected floral-print faux-wrap dress from my Spring Favorites post.

Frame Dinner Featuring Katoi

This was a last minute opportunity for me. My boss had tickets to go and had an event come up at the last minute so I was the lucky one who got to take her spot. Frame is a secret restaurant located in the back of JoeBar in Hazel Park. They just launched on March 31st with a month long residency with Katoi. They are going to feature different headliners for various lengths of time after Katoi. This was SO much fun! I hadn’t been to JoeBar which just opened in March either and will have to go back. Here are some of the foodie highlights for you. It seemed like coconut was the theme of the menu and I wasn’t complaining!

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Spring Fever Beer Fest

On Saturday John and I met some friends at the Spring Fever Beer Fest hosted at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. My favorite beer of the night was (at least I’m fairly certain this was it) the St. James Ale from the Paw Paw Brewing Company. It tasted like a smooth milkshake – I was sad when they ran out of it.

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Allison’s Baptism

I was honored when my dear friend Carolyn asked me to be her daughter, Allison’s, godmother. On Sunday we participated in her baptism and it was such a great day! Just thinking of what the future holds for Allison Elizabeth gets me all emotional. Celebrations, graduation and someday even her wedding. I’m glad I get to be part of it all. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day:

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I was on a high for the rest of the day, one of my most memorable moments by far. If any of you have godchildren I would love to hear what kinds of things you do in the comments.



The Miracle Morning – 90 Days

I am thrilled to share that I recently hit 90 days in my Miracle Morning journey! In case you missed my introduction post, you can see it here and my 60 days post here. Since I started doing the Miracle Morning, I have been more on track and focused on my goals than ever before. I can see a number of positive changes already happening in my life which makes me even more determined. If you still aren’t convinced that getting up early is a good thing, take a look at this article from Business Insider on all of the successful CEOs that are incorporating parts of The Miracle Morning into their routines. I never considered myself a morning person, but if I can do it, so can you!

If you’ve been following along, I’m going to share a few insights and tips I have learned or added to the morning routine for each of the SAVERS.

Silence

I am still loving the Headspace app more than ever! Now that it has warmed up and I’m walking the dog again, I’ve been using the Walking Meditation available in the Singles section. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but after the first 30 days I wanted to add some devotions to my silence. We had a copy of Jesus Lives in our guest room and I have been doing that every day after my meditation.

Affirmations

I’m still loving the ThinkUp App for my affirmations and I recently discovered that you can categorize them. So I could have a set that I listen to in the morning and some on the way to work, etc. Over the past 30 days, I have hit two of the goals that I have been saying daily affirmations for. I can’t tell you how exciting it was to do that. One was a money goal that I set a specific time limit to (end of Q1) and the other was my water goal. Ever since I got the Hidrate Spark, I went from barely getting in 8 ounces a day to exceeding 100 ounces everyday! Both were HUGE accomplishments for me. Stay tuned for a full review of the Hidrate Spark in an upcoming post. I also want to create a group of bedtime affirmations that are specifically targeted for the next day and start a night routine as well. I’m sharing this video just for fun – you have to own your affirmations people!

Visualization

This is the area I have the most trouble with. I am still using my HayHouseVB app but think I need to step it up a bit. Someone in the Miracle Morning Facebook Community suggested YouTube visualization videos and I am just starting to incorporate them into my morning. For example, one of the things I am visualizing is taking a trip to Paris, so I found this video which is 100 times better than just looking at photos:

Exercise

Now that it has warmed up again, Sport and I are back at our morning walks. I try to get 10,000 steps each day which is hard to do without our walk. About a month ago I accidentally flushed my Fitbit Zip down the toilet so I couldn’t track my steps anymore. This was the perfect reason to upgrade to the FitBit One, which I love! This added a sleep tracker and the ability to set an alarm. So I now have an alarm set on my Fitbit to vibrate and wake me up in the morning. How cool is that?

Reading

I finally finished Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. That one was a harder read just because of the outdated language, but the principles are great. I took a short stop to my next book to read Michael Ellsburg’s manifesto What Does it Mean That Your Life is Perfect? This was recommended in one of Hal Elrod’s podcasts and it is a free download and only about 40 pages.

Scribing

This is another SAVER that I am still working on. One thing I want to incorporate into this next round is adding one thing that I’m grateful for each day.

How are you sticking to The Miracle Morning?

For more Be the Best You posts, click here.



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