Dry Bar's Triple Sec

Earlier this week I was treated to an amazing blowout at Dry Bar in Georgetown. I always go with the Cosmo, and it has never failed to give me the smoothest hair with voluminous curls. During my trip there I got to try their latest product the Triple Sec, it's a three in one product that texturizes, amplifies, and refreshes so your hair can last even longer and look like when you first did it even days later. Think of it as a dry shampoo, hair spray, and teaser all in one. Plus it smells amazing with Madagascar vanilla and coconut reminding me of a tropical destination. I have very thick and generally larger hair, but this made it out of control big and bouncy (note the selfie). Good news about this amazing product it's finally in stores starting today. So ask for it to be used during your next blow out to try it yourself, or pick up a bottle and give it a go.

Poached eggs with mushroom eggplant hash

I've really become the poaching expert, and I can't wait to host a benedict party to show off my skills. I've been a miso paste advocate for some time. I used to just make miso soup with it, but slowly I've been using it on my salmon and now to roast vegetables. Miso is so flavorful, and it's so good for you (fermented). Trader Joes now carries it so super easy to access.

Serves one
1 egg
1 small eggplant cubed (I used a local Pandora striped rose one)
5 small mushrooms sliced
Grated hard cheese
2 tbsp. miso paste
1 tsp. Soy sauce
Sesame oil (a drop)
1 tsp. Coconut oil 
Dried parsley
Dried garlic
Red chili flakes
White vinegar

1. Turn on your oven to 350 F. Mix the miso paste, coconut oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil and apply to your eggplant and mushrooms. It'll be a thicker paste so be sure to spread evenly.
2. Add dried garlic and parsley to the vegetables.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet with enough room so they're not touching and can evenly roast. Allow to roast in the oven for about 15 minutes.
4. While the vegetables are roasting grate your cheese.
5. Check on your vegetables and flip or move if necessary. You want the eggplant to be on the softer side.
6. Once the vegetables are closer to being done prepare your poached egg.
7. While you're waiting for the egg to finish in the water act quickly and remove the vegetables and transfer to a dish for serving. Remove your egg and place on top of the vegetables.
8. Finish with the cheese and chili flakes.

Peach leather and some big changes

Palak chaat at Rasika

Dripping candles on the bathroom wall at Red Hen

Sweet corn burrata at Red Hen

Top- Zara, skirt- Zara, shoes- Zara, bag- DVF (sold out but same shade with different style), watch- Burberry men's Old Classic (old but similar style here or here)

A lot of exciting things have happened/are happening/will be happening this week. Big steps for me professionally/personally/Avis-ly. With those changes comes time for celebrating, which calls for an all leather (faux) peach two-piece and the best cocktails and food in DC. The Gibson's patio only can be used on flawless days like the not humid sunshine we had after a few days of sticky swamp. For food, Friday I got a James Beard winner Chef Vikram Sunderam sighting at Rasika. Yelp is filled with the same picture of the palak chaat, but there's a reason: it's one of the most delicious dishes I've ever had. These days everyone is trying to make kale a thing, but this dish celebrates the classic spinach and in the best way possible. Saturday called for catching up with my girl Hafsa at the Red Hen. I loved watching Chef Mike Friedman running the kitchen so calm and collectedly, and even spotted him taking off his white chef jacket to reveal a pink Faconnable shirt. Their menu is seasonal, but make sure you start with whatever they have with their burrata. Their summer menu uses corn, but the burrata steals the show literally melting in your mouth. For the record, their team was the most courteous and cautious about food restrictions out of any other dining experience I have ever had. A+

So now for the other c-word besides celebrate, change. Keep checking my Instagram and Twitter for more updates as things unravel this week. I'm about to take a big leap of faith, and do something that most people would never do. And to be honest I'm scared, but I've always been a dreamer. I believe in following your big dreams no matter what that means sacrificing. So I'll need your support as I follow my childhood dreams, and I hope you'll follow me along and join me on this new adventure.

Lastly, I want to thank ALL of you. From my closest friends and family who have showed me what unconditional love really is, to those unexpected readers who catch me by surprise, and to those of you I haven't met. Thank you.

Union Market.. and less familiar grounds

 Shorts- JCrew, t-shirt- Madewell, chambray- Madewell (similar here), booties- ecote (similar here)

Disclaimer: You  might read this and think pretentious, but some people feel relaxed and comfortable in the outdoors or on a beach. I on the other hand feel most comfortable when I'm in the middle of absolute chaos about to get run over by a cab. Call me crazy, but to each her own.

I'm convinced I'm allergic to the suburbs. I always say that I was misled before I moved to DC that I was moving to a "city," when in reality more people have cars than use public transportation. There are the perks like no skyscrapers so you can see the Washington Monument from different points all over the city, but I digress. Back to the suburbs, I get this weird feeling like I'm suddenly lost.

So on a Saturday when I was in need of adventure, I somehow ended up off to the nearby big mall in the suburbs with the only other person I know that gets emotional at the sight of vintage Hermès. It was one of those we need to be around a Bloomingdales moments, but after getting lost with no help from Google Maps we arrived exhausted and stressed. Long story short, we ended up not buying anything and were more eager to get back into a more familiar urban environment than browse through the racks of clothes. Finally catching sight of the city, we headed into Union Market. We browsed the different vendors including Goshen the vegan, raw stand. We were drawn in by their juices, but Nathaniel later explained they also specialize in healthy food as well. Definitely get the kale juice. The only way to end the day is with a Dolcezza copetta with espresso hairbender gelato, biscoff crumbles, ground espresso beans, and fresh whipped cream.

I posed in the suburbs (plan, muted background) and back in the city (Zebra mural!!!), which I think  represents how I feel. At least for now, the exciting striped and hot pink environment is the only one I belong in.

Pitaya superfoods bowl

I almost paid $10 for a single pitaya in Chinatown a month ago, but my better judgment advised me otherwise. They're one of my favorite fruits, and I rarely come across them. Still deprived I was over the moon when I found them at my new favorite go-to market. Usually when we think of pitaya we think of that beautiful hot pink flesh on the inside, but there's three varieties including the more commonly found white flesh type. The color of this bowl isn't as vibrant as when you order a pitaya bowl/smoothie, but it still has that tart taste that I love.

Serves 1
1/2 pitaya flesh
Handful of frozen berries or any other fruit you want
1/4 cup of spinach
Coconut milk
Hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seed, shredded coconut, nuts to top

1. Throw everything except the toppings into a blender. If you want it to be chunkier try adding ice or frozen coconut water.
2. Mix up everything.
3. Put in a bowl to eat with a spoon or a glass with a straw. Top with whatever toppings you want.

Balanced even in all white

I spent four years living near a beach where there was definitely a heavy bohemian influence. It has definitely played a part in my style, but I've always been sure to balance it with preppy or grungy elements. The flowy maternity like top is awesome for the humid heat, but the more structured shorts and sandals clean it up a little.

Paris for the Day

Skirt- Uniqlo (similar here), shirt- vintage, shoes- Sam Edelman

Outdoor markets, old book stores, and a perfectly rolled omelet on a Sunday really are all the elements of a beautiful day spent in Paris. Too bad we weren't actually in Paris, but if I'm going to pretend, I only want to do it with someone who loves Paris as much as I do. Pleated skirts, polka dots, and Way-farers are a cliche combo that I envision someone wearing while spending an afternoon with a good book at Cafe de Flore enjoying a glass of Sancerre. Side note: if you haven't been to Le Diplomate yet, get yourself to the beautiful patio for brunch or dinner this weekend. That's a command.