WRITER | PUBLICIST | MARKETER
I did it. I finished 30 entire days without alcohol, added sugars, bread, beans, and dairy. I ate healthy fats, animal-based protein and vegetables. While US News & World Report named Whole30 #37 on a list of 39 diets, it (mostly) worked for me. I figured the easiest way to share my experience is to answer …
Continue reading "Whole30: A love story? (and the one thing that surprised me the most)"
I actually read some books in 2016 and these are the four that I liked the most.
What better time to come back to blogging than to talk about the best (and most interesting) food in Baltimore in 201
After some pretty negative Stitch Fix experiences, I'm back with my 17th review to give it one more shot. AND NOW THERE'S VOTING!
Another day, another StitchFix (technically, it's two words -- Stitch Fix -- but pretty sure everyone under the sun spells it as one word). After the last one and sending back the shirt because it had a hole, I was feeling pessimistic but decided to give SF another chance. (Maybe I'm a masochist?) I asked …
Continue reading "StitchFix #16 (or the one where they didn’t listen to anything I asked)"
I've been doing a bit of eating and drinking around Charm City -- for you, of course.
I needed a change for my long run and texted a friend who had run the BWI Trail by the airport. With her report and a Google search with some in-depth info, I had a continuous loop to get in my 11-mile long run. I started at the Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. aircraft observation area …
Continue reading "Run Baltimore: 10.5 miles on the BWI Trail"
Restaurant: La Cuchara Neighborhood: Meadow Mill at Woodberry Architecture/Ambiance: La Cuchara means "the spoon" and there are awesome old spoons on the walls. There's whitewash wood to balance the dark colors of the mill, and, being an old mill, there are soaring ceilings. Service: Our server was very attentive and knew everything about the menu. She was able to …
Continue reading "Review: La Cuchara at Meadow Mill at Woodberry"
One of my goals in 2015 (and every year) is to read more, and I definitely stepped it up. I love sharing the ones that I enjoyed (and couldn't stop thinking about); here are my top 4 from 2015. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: The “girl on the train” is Rachel, who commutes into London …
Continue reading "My 4 favorite books that I read in 2015"
Restaurant: Iron Rooster Neighborhood: Canton (at Canton Crossing) Architecture/Ambiance: Iron Rooster occupies the former Farmstead Grill space, which is open with soaring beams and a nice whitewash. Service: It was a media event, so I'm sure it was turned up a notch, but they were quick, friendly, and up for a little bantering. Food, food, food: Pro tip: …
Continue reading "Review: Iron Rooster’s adult pop-tart and more"
You've been to Azumi in Harbor East, right? You'll want to after reading this, I promise. My friend, Tiffany, is the beverage director/sake sommelier and invited* me and Steve to dinner. We sat by the window to soak in the water views and allowed her to guide us through the menu. As we usually do, …
Continue reading "(Very belated!) Review: Azumi in Harbor East"
Things are happening in the Baltimore restaurant scene. Here's a little recap: New dinner/cocktail menu at B&O American Brasserie B&O Is one of my favorites for delicious food from the acclaimed Mike Ransom and amazing drinks from the mind of bartender extraordinaire, Brendan Dorr, so I was excited to check out the new menus at …
Continue reading "News & reviews of the Baltimore restaurants scene"
You know Eventbrite, right? It's basically where you buy tickets for pretty much anything. (You can create your own site to sell tickets to your own event, as well!) They're hosting a Hometown Hunt where bloggers get to share their favorite places in their hometowns. My favorite place isn't one place, but a whole street. When …
Continue reading "Eventbrite Hometown Hunt: Thames Street in Fells Point, Baltimore"
I'll say this about Stitch Fix (<-- referral link to fun!): They know how to keep a customer. I was getting a little frustrated after my last fix, but this one -- she's a beaut. I opened the box and ohhhh'd and ahhhh'd. (Read about my previous 13 SFs here.) How'd I get so many pretty, …
Continue reading "Review: Stitch Fix #14 (The one after the really bad one)"
Each time I get a Stitch Fix, my husband shares his witty opinions. He was on fire this time, so I decided to let him take over the review. Without farther ado ... Jazz Embroidery Detail Blouse ($58) "This looks like a top to go to Mad River. It's basically just asking people to look at your …
Continue reading "Review: Stitch Fix #13 (or the one where my husband writes the review)"
Airbnb (<-- $25 off your first stay!) is, in my humble opinion, by far the greatest travel invention aside from maybe the airplane. Rather than stay in a stuffy hotel, you can stay in unique spaces and connect with people who actually live where you're traveling. You get the inside scoop, a less expensive abode, and …
Continue reading "Airbnb review (aka Why aren’t you Airbnb’ing yet?)"
If you know me, you know that I don't enjoy cooking, but I really love food. Steve is a great cook, but we're both busy and don't have much time to make good, creative meals. My friend, Hallie, tried Hello Fresh and sent me an invite to try a box for free. In! Once we …
Continue reading "Review: Hello Fresh vs Plated vs Blue Apron"
I love Stitch Fix. You know it, I know it. It's an awesome service at a reasonable price. But WTF happened this time?!? I've done ELEVEN Stitch Fixes and have always kept at least one thing. I don't even need your opinions this time; I'm sending them all back. It's like it was my first …
Continue reading "Review: Stitch Fix #12 (or the WORST ONE EVER)"
I love it when I get six things in my Birchbox (<-- referral link)! 'Twas a good month in Birchbox world: Gilchrist & Soames London Collection shower gel: Ohh, I like this. I don't think that I could pay $16 for shower gel, but I really, really like this. It's definitely the kind of shower gel …
Continue reading "Review: February Birchbox"
I started with ClassPass last week and, while I didn't get to as many classes as I had hoped, it did at least get me off my butt. I started with Hot Vinyasa Express at Charm City Yoga in Fells Point. I like yoga for the occasional stretch, but if I am using it as a workout, I …
Continue reading "Review of ClassPass: Week 1"
I've been stalking ClassPass (<-- affiliate link) for awhile and am super jealous of those who live in NYC and DC and can use it. Guess what? It launched in Baltimore TODAY! Haven't heard of ClassPass? Here are the details: Located in cities throughout the US You can workout in ANY city with ClassPass Flex (read …
Continue reading "ClassPass is in Baltimore/Annapolis and I’m trying it!"
I've been a Birchbox devotee for about three years and get really excited when I find something that I love so much that I actually end up ordering it. Here are the 9 things that I've purchased after receiving Birchbox samples: Benefit The POREfessional I have massive pores and this is the only product that helps …
Continue reading "9 Birchbox finds that I’ve actually purchased"
Let's pretend it hasn't been exactly one month since I've posted and just dive into this Stitch Fix order. Laina 3/4 Sleeve Striped Tie-Waist Dress ($38) It's super soft, which is nice, and I love grey, but it's kind of a terry cloth material, which makes it feel more like a beach cover-up. Esten …
Continue reading "Review: Stitch Fix #11 (or the one after a very long break)"
Yep. I fail. I've been so crazy busy that I haven't taken the time to update over here, but here are some things that I've been loving: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts: I received these to review and have been tossing them in my yogurts. They're super crunchy and packed with protein and Omega 3s. Want to try …
Continue reading "Currently loving [“I haven’t posted in awhile” and 2 giveaways edition]"
B&O American Brasserie celebrates its 5th anniversary in August and invites the public to try its initial menu that started it all! I've frequented and written about B&O many times over the past five years and highly recommend that you check out this Baltimore gem. $5 Cocktails (Flight of all 3: $14) Horsecar (My favorite!!): Dorothy Parker …
Continue reading "Head to B&O American in August to try its throwback menu"
UPDATED: Includes my comments, your comments, and what I kept. I can't believe this is my 10th Stitchfix (<-- referral link). They still feel so new and exciting! (Want to read about my past nine Stitchfixes? Click here.) When I peeked online, I was excited to see three sleeveless tops and two dresses, which sounded …
Continue reading "UPDATED review: Stitchfix #10 (or the one where I can’t decide)"
For the past three years, around the 10th of each month, I anticipate the arrival of my new Birchbox. (If you don't know what Birchbox is, it's a small box full of sample- or full-size products for you to try. You fill out a profile with your likes, dislikes, hair color, eye color, etc. The team at Birchbox puts together …
Continue reading "Review: June 2014 Birchbox"
I know that no one likes to clean his/her house, but I really despise it. I feel like so much time is wasted scrubbing a bathtub, especially when it needs to be cleaned again two weeks later. Steve and I have been keeping an eye on Groupon and other deal sites for cleaning services and …
Continue reading "Review: Handybook home cleaning service (and $25 off!)"
It took me a little time to get to this Stitch Fix, so the photos were snapped this morning by my husband and I'm completely without makeup. You've been forewarned. My last Fix was less than stellar, which my stylist, Kate, noted. I'm glad that she acknowledged that because it made me feel like she …
Continue reading "Review: Stitch Fix #9 (or the one without makeup)"
Now that I've recapped the actual race, how about a recap of our visit to Charlottesville? Steve and I had never been there but heard great things from Katharine and everything that I read on KERF. We arrive in Charlottesville on Friday afternoon and checked into our airbnb rental. (If you've never used the site, I highly recommend …
Continue reading "3 days in Pleasantville — or Charlottesville, VA"
RLB Ink. 