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Looking for a salon in DC to get both your nails and hair styled? Check out One80 Salon's "Mani Blowout Bar", a simultaneous blowout and manicure experience.


One80 Salon in downtown DC treated me to complimentary service at their "Mani Blowout Bar" for my baby shower. It was the perfect solution to a time constrained morning. Each service, blowout and manicure, normally takes about 45 minutes, but the "Mani Blowout Bar" experience is a total of 45 minutes for both. Since my hair is thick, I was there for about an hour - still fast enough to make it back for my shower before noon.

Before being introduced to One80 Salon's "Mani Blowout Bar", I would have needed to make time to get a manicure the day before and then scheduled an appointment for my hair at a different location that morning. The "Mani Blowout Bar" at One80 Salon saves time and stress.

The cost for both services is $65 (if you want shellac polish, it's an additional $15). It's an excellent gift idea for family and friend and is a service I will definitely take advantage of again after my baby arrives - when time will be even more fleeting.

In addition to their hair services, One80 Salon also offers spa services, including signature facials, waxes, massages, and collagen eye treatments.

For more details on the "Mani Blowout Bar" visit One80 Salon at 1275 K Street NW, online at http://www.one80salon.com, or call them at (202) 842-9113.

Thank you so much to Alanea (hair), Marina (nails), and One80 Salon for pampering this mom-to-be! Both ladies did an excellent job and made me feel beautiful.

My girlfriends (Julien, Natalie, Cheralee) and I met up in the Mosaic District last weekend for some Christmas shopping and girl time. Mosaic is quickly becoming one of my favorite shopping destinations outside of DC. There are so many unique shops and restaurants there that you could easily spend an entire day. An ideal day for me would be to start with small breakfast at Dolcezza in the Park (I recommend the almond croissants), then get a blowout and mani-pedi at Salon Nordine (with Rachel Wetsel or Diana Rivera), lunch at True Food Kitchen or Cava Mezze Grill, then shop at Anthom, Take Five Boutique, South Moon Under, the Sophie Blake & Erika Shrieber Pop Up Shop, Target..., get dinner at Gypsy Soul (on my to-try list), and then watch a movie at Angelika. Doesn't that sound amazing?

Have you checked out Mosaic District yet? What are your favorite places there?

Wearing: H&M Cape & Bag, Zara Top & Booties, Chilli Beans sunglasses, Faux Fur Collar via T.J. Maxx

SHOP MY LOOK \\

LOOK #1: MLM Label Dress, Size XS, $48.99 \\ Rachel Zoe Platform Pumps, Size 7.5, $98.99 \\ Stuart Weitzman Bag, $98.99 \\ Necklace $35.00 \\ DVF Sunglasses $68.00



LOOK #2: Alexander Wang Dress, Size 4, $98.99 \\ A/X Armani Exchange Jacket, Size S, $78.99 \\ Boutique 9 Heels, Size 6.5, $28.99 \\ Innue Handbag, $76.99 \\ Susan Hanover Cuff\Bracelet $58.99 \\ Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses $111.99

Last Friday, I attended my first 'blogger crawl' in Old Town Alexandria hosted by Carlis Sanchez of Spicy Candy DC Agency and Jessica Hoy of NeuProfile. It was a fun opportunity to visit local boutiques (some for the first time), meet the owners, and learn about the products they carry. If you're not from the DC area but feel like Old Town sounds familiar, it may be from the CobbleStone Runway Lookbook or from all the jewelry I wear from She's Unique, my favorite jewelry store in Old Town. As a part of the crawl, I was partnered with Current Boutique to share more about the store and give a closer look at the clothing and accessories they carry. Along with the store in Old Town Alexandria, Current Boutique is also located in Bethesda, Arlington, DC, and online (they ship for FREE!).

I've been a customer and consignor of Current Boutique's DC location on 14th Street for several years. Every season I do a closet edit and pull out pieces that are still in great condition but just don't seem to make it into my rotation. Since I've consigned before, I'll go in with a few bags of clothing and will shop as they sort through my clothes. The process is super quick and simple. You can either take back what they don't think will sell or leave it with them to donate. After 90 days, I'll call them or swing in to check on my account and then cash in my check! It's that easy! If you're a first time consignor, you'll need to sign the Consignor Agreement. Visit their site for full details on their consigning process.

With a growing bump, It's been challenging to put together 'going-out' looks that make me feel fun and flirty and not like I've put on 20+ pounds. Aside from a few pairs of maternity jeans, I've held off buying anything maternity specific. Current Boutique carries carefully curated, gently worn clothing and also a line of brand new clothing and accessories making them a great resource to experiment with my look and find amazing designer items. With help from their lovely manager on 14th Street, Meghan, I put together two beautiful, bump friendly 'going out' looks. Which look is your favorite? All pieces are still on sale in the store (but not for long)! Visit a Current Boutique near you to put together your head-to-toe look for the weekend!

Also, *mark your calendars* Current Boutique will be having a HUGE Black Friday sale on 11/28 with doors opening at 6 AM!! and all items marked 30% OFF!

Want more? Follow Current Boutique on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Not lucky enough to live near one of Current Boutique's four locations or need another size?

SHOP THE LOOK \\

Working out is a big part of my life. It's been even more important to me in my pregnancy, and I'll credit it as the main reason why I've felt so good so far. Working out gives me energy, clears my mind, de-stresses me, adds structure to my day, and helps me feel good in my clothes.

I'd heard from friends that the local YMCA, Anthony Bowen, was really nice (it was renovated and recently reopened in September 2013), and I had been wanting to check it out. I was invited to try the place out for a week and was pleasantly surprised with the facility and amenities they offer.



Here are the 10 reasons (in no particular order) why I cancelled my previous gym membership to join the Y:
1. There's a 2-story rock climbing wall

I haven't rock climbed since college, and I'm not going to actually try it again until after the baby is born, but it's nice to know the option is there. I used to do this 1-2 times a month. If it's a been a while for you too, don't worry, they have people there to supervise you and show you proper technique and customized climbing routes for your level.

2. Membership includes a plethora of Fitness Classes (yoga, spin, barre, weight-training, etc.)

The main reason I have a gym membership is for classes. I like to do a variety of classes each week. Otherwise, I get really bored and come up with a dozen excuses not to run on the treadmill or get on the elliptical machine. I never thought the Y would provide everything I wanted, but they do and more. They have 3 Group Exercise Studios offering more than 100 classes a week, and one of the DC's largest Cycling Studios

3. It's affordable!
Odds are, a membership at the Y is less expensive than what you're currently paying at your gym. For me, a membership at the Y is $40/month less than what I was paying at my previous gym!! That's a $480 savings a year (aka a nice weekend getaway)! Give your local Y a call for price details.

4. They have a Culinary Studio that offers Cooking Classes

The Y understands that fitness and good nutrition go hand-in-hand, and that many people don't know where to start when it comes to eating what's good for their body. They offer nutrition and cooking classes with tips on how to cook on a budget and eventually classes like knife skills (I cannot wait for this!).

5. Robust selection of cardio machines, weights, and fitness equipment

For the days I just feel like hopping on a machine to watch The Real Housewives of (insert any city), the YMCA Anthony Bowen offers 100 pieces of cardiovascular and strength equipment to chose from.

6. A rooftop terrace plus locker rooms with showers, steam rooms, and saunas

At the YMCA Anthony Bowen there's a rooftop terrace for classes (such as sunrise yoga and sunset cycling), seminars, social events and relaxation in addition to really nice locker rooms for men and women with steam rooms, saunas, and towel service.

7. Includes Child Care

The "Child Watch & Cool Kids Club" programs obviously appeal to me as I look forward to continuing my workout routine after my baby is born.

8. Aerial Yoga

Aerial yoga has been on my must-try list for several months, and the Y is the closest location to me in DC that offers it. Like rock climbing, I will have to wait until post baby to try it but love that the option is there! See the class schedule for when aerial yoga is offered.

9. Indoor Swimming Pool

I took a water aerobics class thinking it would be 'no sweat' and was completely shocked at how tiring it was and how sore I was the next couple of days. During class, the instructor offered varying levels of intensity, and because I like to challenge myself, I, of course, went for the highest intensity. By the end of class, I had to take a break at the edge of the pool... remember my guppy reference on Instagram? I loved it, and it's the best fitness class I've taken this year.

10. Community Involvement
The best part of Ys everywhere is how actively involved they are in community improvement. "The Y addresses the most pressing needs in our community by making sure that everyone—regardless of age, income or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. YMCA Anthony Bowen uses financial gifts to help individuals and families in need participate in programs such as: summer camp, health and wellness, child care, <...> and more <...> In 2012, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington’s Caring for Community fund provided $2.4 million in scholarships and subsidies to more than 10,000 local children and families who turned to the Y for help." Can you say the same for your gym?


The facility at YMCA Anthony Bowen is the new standard for all YMCAs. So you may also be surprised to learn that the YMCA near you fu!fills all of your fitness needs. If you live in DC, stop by Anthony Bowen for a tour or contact your local YMCA to give the Y a try.