Follow The Trip On Instagram!

The Blogger app isn't working too well over here with the European networks, so follow the trip on Instagram for pics and updates :) Coucou de France!

Bon Voyage!

I'm all packed and ready to go! I don't think it's really sunk in that the trip is finally here, but I couldn't be more excited :) My blogging may be sparse over the next couple of weeks (gotta live in the moment, right??) but be sure to check back for pictures here and there.

Au revoir, mes amis!

Marva-Lash!

Last month, I wrote about how I won eyelash extensions in a silent auction at the JLW Tossed & Found event, and this past weekend, I finally had them done! I wanted to save them for my trip so that I wouldn't have to bother with mascara while I'm traveling (and let's be honest, so that I was looking good for B!)

My gift certificate was with Lily Springs at Arthur Christine Salon in Vienna. First of all, Lily is AMAZING and secondly, I'm so happy with the way my lashes turned out, so it was well worth the trip out to Vienna. 

So...how did they turn out? Check out the before and after pic below! 

As you can see, my lashes are remarkably longer, thicker and more voluminous. (Also keep in mind that I'm wearing mascara on my top lashes in the before picture and I'm NOT in the after pic!) It's a striking difference. I'm hoping to get 4 weeks of wear out of these bad boys and then head back for refills. I'm so happy with the results, I want to keep them up post-vacay!

Thank you, Lily!!!

Restaurant Rave: Mari Vanna

I don't know what's taken me so long to make my way over to Mari Vanna, which opened in my 'hood (Dupont) this past January, but this place is freakin' adorable. Stepping into this restaurant, you feel transported into a quaint Russian home, and the predominantly Russian staff couldn't be friendlier. It's a visually stunning restaurant, down to the menus. And there's even a (very animated!) accordion player who comes around about once an hour to serenade the restaurant. It's a ton of fun! 

The cocktails were pretty good, but I'd recommend sticking to the flavor-infused vodkas, they have quite the selection. I opted for my blackcurrant vodka mixed with soda water, but the shots are certainly flowing in this joint!

I'd never had Russian food before, but we all loved our dishes! Every table starts with a bread plate {1} which includes sunflower oil and sea salt for dipping. Can't say I've had a bread plate like that before, but I couldn't get enough of it! {2} I had at least had pierogies before, so I played it safe and ordered vereniki, a Russian-style pierogie, stuffed with beef and pork. They were served with dill and sour cream, and tasted amazing! {3} Theresa opted for a salmon salad and a side of vegetable ragout (she loved both!) and {4} Meg chose blinis with ground beef and sour cream, another delicious choice, apparently. Doesn't seem like you can go wrong at this delightfully charming restaurant!

Added bonus: if you check-in on Facebook, you get a free shot of vodka!

Facelift!

You may have noticed things look a little different around here today! That's all thanks to Maree over at Grey Loves Design! My blog really needed a sprucing up, but since I'm just getting started and still figuring out the direction/personality/life of this little blog, I'm not ready to break the bank on a customized design just yet. Luckily, Maree offers Blogger templates at a very affordable price. Not to mention, she e-mailed me my template remarkably fast and it was so easy to install. 

Be sure to check out her Etsy Shop! Thanks, Maree!

Casually Chic

I'm officially less than one week away from heading back to Europe and final outfit planning is in full-swing. B is a casual guy, but of course I still like to dress up a bit when we're going out. So for the night-time, I'm looking for outfits that won't make me feel totally over-dressed, but still have a little feminine flair to them.  

{1} As I've said many times before, I love the unique, yet affordable pieces over at Modcloth. And I died over this pink chevron top ($38). And the best part? This sexy little open back, that flutters ever so delicately in the wind!

{2} When traveling, you gotta be resourceful with those clothes! I'll be putting those day-time distressed jeans to night-time use. 

{3} Love these greek-inspired Michael Kors sandals ($135). I opted for the tan colored pair, but I was really torn between those and the cream colored pair above. 

{4} I like the look of a simple gold cross and the outfit pairing options are practically endless. This River Island cross ($9) is dirt cheap, but a staple piece like this would be worth an investment.

{5} Along with #2 above, I'll be re-cycling my jewelry! 

Weekend Wrap-Up April 26-28

I'm a little late on the weekend post this week and it was a low-key weekend with not much to report on, but here were my highlights, nonetheless:

{1} We had a girls night on Saturday and I finally go to try the new French restaurant on 14th St, Le Diplomate.  Everyone enjoyed their meals (I got an omellette in an attempt to go low carb, but after they brought out the delicious bread basket, all bets were off the table!) and the decor was gorgeous. Reservations are hard to come by but luckily there are plenty of places to grab a drink around there while you wait. Also, I really like that they take your cell phone number and text you when your table is almost ready so you can close your tab and head on back! Bonus: they also have lots of outdoor seating.
{2} Tried out my new Face Stockholm polish from J.Crew! Love, love, love this beautiful blue hue.
{3} Got a little touch up on my hair color and cut on Saturday before the big trip! And my fav new Target top made its debut! (Please ignore the spring cleaning going on in the background!)