Tuesday, April 29, 2014

wearing: polka dots and lace

Pinterest gave me the one math equation we can all remember this spring:

                 floral + polka dots = a must! 

I'm down with it. Switch out the polka dots with stripes, and we have TWO things to work with!

It was just the inspiration I needed for a client party I went to for my Norfolk/VA Beach station last week. I wanted to be dressy without being too much. I dug though my skirt drawer and found this gem that I too often forget about.

Originally I left the shirt tucked in, but I ended up untucking the back half. It felt more casual. 

-crochet/lace skirt from Charlotte Russe clearance
-booties from F21 clearance [similar]
-simple gold studs
-light pink/nude lip gloss from Ipsy that I'm still getting used to


The necklace is actually a lot more pink/rose gold than pictured, I think... 

There's something I have to admit, though... Just as I was leaving the station to head down there, I ripped the freaking skirt! I ended up having to take the hooks from a pair of earrings in my car and "sewing" it back together so it wasn't flapping around. Hi ghetto fabulous. I'm really hoping I can figure out a way to sew and fix it for real. 

love,
elizabethany

Monday, April 28, 2014

look! i finally got my hair done!

It FINALLY happened! After 4.5 months of being terrified of trying a new salon, I finally found one, made an appointment, and did exactly what y'all told me to do

This was the winning hairstyle, with the colorful highlights: 


Not gonna lie... I wasn't happy about that cut being the winner. I felt like it was pretty similar to what I've done so many times, but I said I'd do what won. The only thing I really changed was instead of the main/base color of the hair being brown, I went red. I like red. Red is fun.

BOOM! Whaddaya think?!

I went to this amazing salon in DC [they also have a location in Alexandria] called Glynn Jones Salon. Truth is: They were pumped to work with me, and want to reward you for helping me out! But we'll get to those details later. 

I showed the winning pics to my stylist, Ryan, and told him to do it in a way that was also flattering to my face. We didn't cut the bangs too short for that reason, and we had to cut off some dead ends, but other than that I think it's dead on! 

Also, I'm beyond grateful because when I showed him the colors, he was super honest- telling me that if I wanted the purple and orange to be as bright, my hair would have to be fried. I don't want fried hair.. so we're going to gradually brighten them up. The orange and purple highlights are still pretty noticeable but are more cohesive. 

It looks so different in every picture I take. I have a love/hate relationship with that. 

I can't stop taking selfies. I'm beyond obsessed. I just hope I can re-create the same bangs-styling that he did once I get a round brush and some velcro curlers!

Even three days later and a little re-waving, I loved it. The colors shine bright in the sun.

Ya know how when you get a completely new haircut, you wanna know how people feel about it [but also secretly want them to just be nice so you don't cry about it]? I don't even care what people think right now. The fun colors feel so me. I feel less like a "typical white girl" and more like someone who should be standing out. It's not meant to look natural. I'm over looking natural. I wanted different, and I can't thank y'all enough for helping me make this decision!

If you're in need of a new look or even just a freshen-up, Glynn Jones is gonna hook up all my friends with a fantastic deal, and a contest to win free hair styling for a year! It'll be going on the entire month of May, and I'll give you all the details later this week. Trust me... I'm not just recommending them because they helped me out. I was so impressed with this salon and Ryan. I'm going to be forever thankful!

love,
elizabethany

influenster box review: all about mary kay!

I got another Influenster box and this has to be the best one yet!

All products are from Mary Kay, and it told me I was pretty when I opened it! SCORE.


There are already a few things that have made it into my daily routine: The bronzer, mascara, and gold eyeshadow. The bronzer is the perfect color, the mascara is great for daily wear, and who doesn't love a light gold eyeshadow?!

I'm also pretty pumped about the liquid lipstick. It's red with some sparkles and so far stays pretty well for at least a couple hours. The cream eyeliner is also clutch, but because I'm so hooked on my liquid liner, I probably won't use it daily.

The brushes are also top notch. I don't know where my brushes are from, but they're about to find the trash can. The blush brush they sent is soft and thick and everything it should be. I've never had a crease shadow brush like the one they sent, but it seems to be a bit of a life saver right now.

I'll post some pics of all of the products on me soon!

love,
elizabethany

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

my dinner: chili-garlic shrimp and quinoa

One look at Pinterest and you'd think the entire world is eating quinoa every night of their life. [BTW... if you're not familiar... it's pronounced keen-wah, which I embarrasingly learned after casually asking someone about kin-oh-uh.]

I decided to finally give it a whirl. I really should have come up with an easy dish to try first, but that's not my style. I had never even cooked raw shrimp before, but it was hella easy. So I found some plain quinoa [found by the rice, not the pasta] and this delicious recipe and went to work on a dinner for one.

Because I was too excited [/extremely flustered because reading and cooking is hard], I didn't get process-photos. Here's a look at the final dish, though!


The quinoa was a little undercooked but also burnt on the bottom of my pan, so I clearly need to read up on the proper ways to cook it, but the flavor was amazing! I didn't even use 1/4 of the butter sauce they recommended, and it was still one of the most flavorful things I've ever cooked.

Here is Pinch of Yum's recipe that feeds four, and a much better picture of a full dish.


YOU NEED: 
-1 tbs olive oil
-1 lb of raw shrimp [I used Nature's Promise frozen shrimp]. Leave only the tails on
-1/2 cup finely chopped onion
-5 teaspoons of minced garlic
-2 cups of uncooked quinoa
-4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
-6 tbs butter [they recommended salted, but I used unsalted and thought it was almost too salty]
-2 tsp chili powder
-fresh parsley for garnishing
-I also added 2 sliced green onions

YOU DO: 
1. Heat the oil and saute your onions until soft, about 3-5 minutes
2. Add in 2 tsp of garlic and saute for about a minute. 
3. Add in the uncooked quinoa, 1 tbs of chili power, salt and pepper [to taste] and stir for about a minute so the flavor really gets in there. 
4. Now add the broth and bring to a boil. Bring down the heat and cover... cook for 15 minutes stirring regularly. [And keep and eye on it... mine burnt pretty quickly after the broth was dried up.]
5. While the quinoa is cooking, cook the shrimp. Melt 1 tbs of butter in a skillet then add the shrimp. Sprinkle with 1 tbs of chili powder and saute until slightly browned. [When almost done, add 1 tsp of garlic to the pan.]
6. Melt 5 tbsp of butter and 2 tsp of garlic in the microwave. This will be drizzled on top. [Like I said, you could use about 1/2 of this and be good]
7. Put the shrimp on the quinoa, and drizzle the sauce on top and VOILA! 


When I made this, I thought the calorie count was going to be through the roof, but it's only 330 calories per serving! Take out some of that butter sauce and it's actually a pretty healthy meal! 

If you have any tips for cooking quinoa to perfection, I'd pay you in love for them!

love,
elizabethany

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

eTV: truth or dare with 5 seconds of summer

I finally found [or re-found, really..] something that seems to work and be fun and be "me" when it comes to visits from artists... a little Truth or Dare, duh!

Way back in the day, I played it with Raini and Rico Rodriguez [of Austin and Aly/Modern Family]... but now I've started doing it with the groups that come in while also getting their fans involved.

Yesterday we had 5 Seconds of Summer. They toured with One Direction and that's the same kinda fanbase they have. Imagine screaming girls showing up at 7am for a 3:00 event, then chasing the black cars into a major roadway or jumping into moving cars to chase them that way. Yeah. It's crazier than any stalking that I've done.

Watch as the guys have to do impressions of celebs, sing duets with listeners, and try to dodge truth questions like it's the okay thing to do.


It's fun, right?! I laugh a lot and die a little inside every time I watch the twerking and moonwalking... but we'll blame it on the carpet.. or... something.

Clearly I'll have to lay down some ground rules like "no trying to get out of answering a truth question, even if you can't think of one." I also wanna start getting everyone involved in picking out what the cards/options are... so start thinking!

love,
elizabethany

Monday, April 21, 2014

what you mighta missed 042114

No one likes starting a new week... so let's relive everything of last week so that you're all caught up.


That's all for now! Now back to the grind of a new week... sigh.

love,
elizabethany

Thursday, April 17, 2014

video: my interview with icona pop

Icona Pop came in to perform for some of my "DC VIPs" [AKA listeners who won] last week, and I got to ask a couple quick questions before they performed.

I took out all the awkward answers, but I would never omit my two favorite questions to ask: What it was like the first time they heard their song on the radio and when they've had a fangirling moment. We also talked about dongs, of course.


Somehow.. there weren't really any ridiculous screenshots than I came across! That's gotta be a first.

If you wanna see their full performance, and a more in depth interview with Toby, click here!

I was really impressed with their performance! And for only having about 10 people in the room, they were all having a great time! I was also impressed that I never had to ask them to repeat themselves because of their accents.

love,
elizabethany

PS I'm still very much in a transition period here. It's hard to find your niche in a legendary station! I've got some more ideas to try out [specifically talking about interviews here], but in the meantime I'm playing the role of extremely tough coach on myself. And this is probably one of those paragraphs I should normally leave out of a blog, but... well... here we are. So thank you for following me through so many transitions through the years. I freaking love you.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

what i've been wearing but not sharing

I've been pretty good about actually getting dressed and putting together outfits I'm proud of on a daily basis, but most of the time I never get a chance to take out the camera. Sometimes I get a quick selfie as I walk out the door, though.. and now I'm just going to do a round-up of a bunch of those!



This was a day I didn't have any time to plan anything out, but somehow it still worked! 
-gray tee with an open back exposing my red cami from Kohl's
-red jeans from Papaya
-flats from Charlotte Russe [I think]
-skull earrings from White Owl Boutique
-necklace from Charlotte Russe

This was before I got my new chambray shirt and I was pissed I didn't have one that fit cuz I really enjoyed this outfit otherwise. 
-arrow earrings from F21
-chambray shirt from Target
-green jeans from Charlotte Russe
-terrible gray boots from JustFab
-silver bar necklace from Charlotte Russe

When I need to look decent but don't wanna put in any effort, I reach for one of my three wrinkle-free [mostly] button downs. 
-shirt from Belk for $6!
-Express jeans from TJ Maxx
-booties from Target
-new favorite necklace from Charlotte Russe
-Kate Spade radio bracelet that a listener sent me! [still my favorite thing ever]

As you can see, Slutty Cat is not cool with me taking selfies without her involved... skank. 
-extremely versatile sweatshirt from Target
-green jeans from CR
-lace up boots from JustFab [also terribly uncomfortable but worth the wear]

All of my new go-to's from the past couple months in one outfit!
-tribal graphic tank from American Eagle
-Express jeans via TJ Maxx
-purple-ish leather jacket from Target

Loved this color-palette for Fall! Keep it in mind for later!
-camel tank from F21
-mustard cardi from Papaya
-green jeans from CR
-Steve Madden camel boots 
-leopard scarf from CR

YAY for meeting some Redskins Cheerleaders! And for that fab new shirt. 
-embroidered shirt from Target clearance
-purple jeans from F21
-lace up boots from JustFab

I felt terrible for not having any Nationals gear for the first game, but I have plenty red, white and blue!
-My first ever jean jacket from my clothing swap
-white burn-out tee from Kohl's
-red jeans from Papaya
-fake Keds from Target

The easiest shirt I own. Never wrinkles, covers up any bloating, and looks mostly decent. 
-shirt from F21
-Express jeans via TJ Maxx
-booties from Target clearance
-pink necklace from CR [I think]

And excited for the return of don't-have-to-shave maxi season!
-skirt from CR
-plain blue tee from F21
-necklace from CR
-had aqua sandals from Macy's


I've decided to leave my entire photoshoot set-up out in my living room 24/7 now so I can easily make things happen from now on. Wish me luck.

love,
elizabethany

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

photo diary: my trip to the dc cherry blossoms

Even though I grew up around DC, I never really began to experience the city until after I graduated college. I've never been in many of the monuments, and only experienced maybe two of the museums. Now that I live in the city, it's like I'm experiencing a whole new place I've never been to! 

So when it was the perfect weather and the cherry blossoms were in bloom, I was beyond excited to play tourist for a day with one of my favorite couples.

It's been a really long time since I've been out to play with my camera and really take pictures.... and trying to get creative when thousand and thousands of people are walking through your shot is extremely frustrating. I still managed to get a few that I think are worth sharing, and experimented with some in Photoshop as I'm still figuring out everything I can for true photo-editing. [But don't go critiquing cuz like... I know they're not perfect or professional, MMMMKAY?!] 













Unfortunately, most of the trees had already passed their peak, but we still managed to find some of the gorgeous pink trees in the less-traveled areas. We also learned pretty quickly that while climbing a tree for a picture may seem awesome, it's definitely not allowed.

If you ever decide to go to the blossoms during the festival, I'd recommend going towards the West Potomac Park/FDR Memorial/opposite side of the Tidal Basin as everyone else. It was so much less traveled, way more beautiful, and a lot more space to walk around beyond the small sidewalk that most people choose.

And if you've never been a tourist in your own city for any reason, get over that reason and do it. Do it a lot. Use Yelp. Wander around. You'll be surprised how much you'll discover about a city you thought you knew so well.

love,
elizabethany

Monday, April 14, 2014

my thoughts on real world: ex-plosion

It feels incredibly weird to be writing my first real post about a season of Real World after the finale has aired. Truth is, I didn't get a chance to put much effort into getting interviews. [And not to sound cocky, but I shouldn't have to beg and jump through a bunch of hoops for them at this point.] I definitely missed doing the podcasts and really wish I could have talked to a select few of them, but life happens.

THE BEST: Jenny. 
How can you not laugh hysterically at everything she did and said? I can't think of anyone who's been as funny [in all sorts of ways] as she was. I wanna be her friend just so I could actually sit back and watch someone else be entertaining for once.

Easily one of the best moments of the past 5+ seasons.


THE GOOD: The production becoming the final "roommate"
Showing the production laughing behind the camera, calling to interrupt something that would get them sued, and essentially tucking the cast into bed at night was a major win and step forward in being more real in reality TV... while also exposing the fake.


THE BAD: Confusion in character
It's hard to really get to know/get attached to everyone when there are so many people in the house, but I felt like they did a pretty decent job. I think Arielle's Ashley is the only one we didn't really get to know much about. BUT... during the reunion, did anyone else feel like the people they had seen all season weren't the real deal? Jay was called out big time, and Jenny not only ran back to Brian, but she broke her bond with Cory. This is a big reason why I wish I had gotten to talk to some of them. WHO THE EFF ARE THEY?! I feel like I'd never doubt anything that came out of Arielle's mouth, and Cory seems to keep it pretty real... so I'll go with what they say is true.


THE UGLY: Brian. 
BrianMeme4
I should maybe just call this the AWKWARD. It was awkward to see him try so hard to be friends with the guys. Awkward to see him throw his dignity away. Awkward to see him be so into himself. His "deep thoughts" and sentences were awkward... oof.


I wanna also mention Arielle. She was the refreshment of the season. She was a real friend for people, she helped out, seemed intelligent, but wasn't trying to play mommy of the house. There was nothing you couldn't like about her, and that deserves some props! [Plus, my blog had some pretty unfortunate first impressions of her based on what I had read and I need to recognize that and give another apology beyond a few tweets.]

Let me know how you felt about it all! Were all the changes enough to save the show?! What other twists can they come up with? Holler at ya girl cuz I miss having the convos about this!

love,
elizabethany

Friday, April 11, 2014

friday morning hangover 041114

For those paying attention, I'm terribly sorry about the lack of posts this week. All I can say about that is... TGIF. Can someone get me a drink?

And maybe a little fun on the Internet.
Now please forgive me for this week... and for that tat pic up there.



love,
elizabethany

Monday, April 7, 2014

what you mighta missed 040714

The last thing I want is for you to miss something really great, so here I am to help once again! This is everything I posted on my HOT blog last week, and some links I wanted to post for the Hangover but didn't get a chance to!

And from the rest of the world wide web: 
And also... make sure you check out the Nationals' new in-game host! AKA my little bro! 

love,
elizabethany

Thursday, April 3, 2014

wearing: yellow ray of maxi

That's like the lamest of all titles, but I can't believe it even popped into my head so I had to keep it.

Anyway... I've been spending an outrageous amount of time in the office lately and because I always sit in bizarre positions, something comfortable is necessary. Even though I work in radio and no one would give any s#!*s about me rolling straight outta bed and going, I feel the need to get dressed.

Enter maxi skirt season. Covering the [possibly hairy] legs and the most comfortable thing to wear next to leggings. I decided to break out my bright yellow one that I made last year. And now that I finally have a fitting chambray shirt, that was a must.


shirt from Old Navy
shoes from Target clearance
necklace from Charlotte Russe

Natural hair also happens when you're rushing to the office every morning. It's been having an extra curly moment and I'm not mad about it... but is scrunching still a thing?

Keep this in mind... Maxi [skirt OR dress] + Button down = easiest spring outfit ever.

love,
elizabethany