Eastern Market DC.... FINALLY

Marathon Training Update (because I haven't said anything about it lately and I can't go too long without doing so :D):

Last week was a light week; my scheduled runs were 4-4-8. I ended up doing a 4 and a 8.5. I was short 4 miles but no sweat... I technically was only short about a mile. I set out to run on Thursday and ended up walking all the way home (about 3 miles). I just wasn't in the mood apparently but Alicia always reminds me "miles are miles". I do a good amount of walking anyway throughout the week.

At any rate, since I was off on Friday, I did my long run that morning which meant I was free the rest of the weekend! THAT, my friends, was awesome! I usually have to keep it together on Fridays so that I can wake up early on Saturday mornings and knock out my long run.

This Saturday morning, I lazied around in my bed until my good friends, Brittney and Jana (of The Jane Tales), invited me to hang out at Eastern Market! I exploded into produce and knick-knacks and culture because I have been wanting to go there for a couple years now. It's quite ridiculous that I hadn't been because 1) I'm from the area and 2) I currently live all of 10 minutes from the market.

At any rate, I went there with the intention of buying an amazing necklace for this Lilly Pulitzer dress that needs to be worn before the end of the season (which is basically tomorrow ::weeps uncontrollably:: I heart summer). Well, that didn't happen, not because I didn't see any necklaces but because I saw these pants that took my soul!

I basically died and went to Harem Heaven! 

 Yes, Brittany and I both snagged a pair and were so enamored that we changed right there in the parking lot. Best decision eveeeeeer! ::hi fives Brittany:: Our market adventure took off from there! 

As the euphoria of these great pants and Jana snagging an awesome vintage piece herself (that I covet and is not pictured but check her blog, I'm sure it will be debuted shortly) settled in, we headed to the indoor produce/meat/fish area of the market. Absolutely, amazing! 

EllE FACT: I love produce! It's basically all I buy when I go grocery shopping! My cart and budget are usually full by the time I leave the produce section and I'm fine with it. 

So, one can understand why I was in heaven. Everything was so fresh and beautiful! These grapes Brittany got are a small testament to all the tasty, fresh, natural goodness that filled this place! Cheeses, Olives, Flowers, Fish, Seafood, Pastries, Meats, Teas, Fruits, Veggies! I need to remember to skip the grocery store and head to the market next time. 

Great afternoon at the market with friends and my harems will be a staple for these last few weeks of summer! 

Do you have a wardrobe piece you want to wear everywhere?

Do you do your produce shopping at farmer's markets, etc? 

From "The EllE Epoque"

I wrote this piece a couple years ago during a very dark time in my life and a time when I realized I had to stop scrapping things or doubting myself because one thing didn't go my way. I titled it after a Lupe Fiasco song that inspires me that "even if they cut the lights out" (aka things do not go my way) the show goes on. The message to myself in this is still relevant to me each and every day of my life. Several people have suggested I get this printed and mounted somewhere in my home. Hopefully I remember to do that one day.

 "The Show Goes On"

Something went wrong.

Something did not go as planned.

Something happened unexpectedly.

Something did not happen at all.

Something happened too little.

Something happened too much.

Only ONE something is the variable.

However, it seems it was connected to everything.

Now what?

Knock everything down.

Empty everything out.

Cut everything off.

Turn everything upside down.

Forget about everything.

All bets are off.

Nothing makes sense.

Nothing is good enough.

Nothing works.

Nothing is right.

Nothing is wrong.

Nothing will do.

Enough is enough.

Maintain as much as you can.

Love as much as you can.

Live as much as you can.

Dream as much as you can.

Pray as much as you can.

Smiles as much as you can.

Do as much as you can.

Try as much as you can.

Brow Envy, get behind me!

I've been walking around thinking people had these magical unicorn-esque eyebrows that I sadly could not attain. Brow envy at it's finest. ::weeps uncontrollably::

I never, for once, thought "Oh, they probably use a brow pencil" because honestly when I think "brow pencil" I think of tacky people (IMO) with a line for brows. You can understand why I'd want no parts of that can't you?

 ::cringes::

Anyway, I was cruising through my favorite blogs and Krystal of The Feisty House had just posted about her daily make-up essentials and routine. She mentioned using the Wet n Wild brow pencil. Krystal assured her readers that despite it's low price point, this pencil did the trick perfectly.

Welp... that was my take home point! I decided I would add it to my daily make-up routine also.

A quick trip to CVS and exquisite brows were born

::shrieks:: 

I felt so complete and finished. Like I had the magical qualities the other ladies I've envied admired possessed.

Here are all my daily make-up essentials plus my new bestie: the brow pencil!

Tweezers to perfect my brows, toothbrush to brush them, brow pencil to make them magical.

Ambi facial moisturizer with SPF 15 (only 5 BUCKS!)

Nars "Taj" Blush

Nars "Laguna" Illuminator

I heart Sonya Kashuk make-up brushes (available at Target)

Random RIMMEL mascara 

I won't ever have an emergency again that drives me to purchase their mascara. I go back and forth between lux mascara and OTC mascara. My favorite lux mascara is MAC "Opulash" and when I'm doing OTC I usually go with Maybelline (which ever one interests me at the time).

Fun make-up fact about me:

If I was banished to a desolate island and could only take one beauty/make-up item I would take mascara. I do not leave the house without it. I used to be torn between mascara or lip balm but then I realized there are plenty of natural moisturizers so I'm totally packing my mascara!

What is your make-up routine? Do you have a "can't leave home without it" product?