Merry Belated Christmas!!!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas holiday. I sure did and was happy to have a few days off to celebrate. This year I was able to check out a new restaurant with a friend that doesn't have family in the area. We actually began this semi-tradition a few years back, and I was happy to hang out.

We started the night with a reservation at Succotash, a southern styled restaurant at the National Harbor. Now you all know that I know Southern food and this was nowhere near what I grew up on but still good. We started the meal with deviled egg appetizers. Now these eggs weren't your ordinary egg, I believe they had liverwurst in them. Different, but good all the same!!!

For our actual Christmas dinner we ordered burgers. Funny thing is, we hard burgers a previous Thanksgiving so I guess we are starting a few traditions. The burger we chose was topped with pimento cheese and bacon jam. Let me tell you, this burger was EVERYTHING!!!

We also treated ourselves to a bit of dessert which included a red velvet waffle and ice cream with a side of chicory coffee.

Since the night was young we decided to check out the new MGM and grab a drink. My fav lounge inside the MGM is Felt because of the grown and sexy vibe it gives off. If you're in the area, definitely check it out, its definitely LBD appropriate!!! My drink at the moment has to be the Moscow Mule with a splash of pineapple. Just give me those and a beach and you have my heart!!!

Moscow Mule equals perfection!!!

I hope you enjoyed you day as much as I did with friends, family, and food. Happy Holidays!!!

When Work Is Travel- Orlando

I remember in 2013 praying for a job, let alone praying for a job that allows travel. I didn’t get a full-time job that allowed travel until 2014. It was my first full-time job after my long layoff. Although I didn’t post about work travel associated with that job, nor my last job yes I’ve had three jobs since 2014 I plan on incorporating it.

My newest position started in September and last week was my first time traveling for work. Being ecstatic to travel someplace warm was a total understatement. Now I’ve been to Florida several times as it was prime vacation destination for a family in the South that didn’t fly lol. I’ve also visited Orlando several times but not in my ‘true adult years’. Being the foodie that I am, I created a Pinterest as well as a Yelp board to help me navigate the area. I knew I’d have to make a few exceptions to allow for budget as well as my cousin’s preference. Of course I had to invite someone to enjoy this mini vacay with me (actually this was nowhere near a vacay as I was in class from 8-5 and totally jetlagged on the day that I arrived lol). While I didn’t partake in any of the main Disney attractions, I did enjoy traveling with my cousin and we found a few things to get into, take a look. 

The pool view was beautiful

Blackened Salmon for the win

Couldn't help but get in the Disney spirit

My cousin posing with a poser

Nachos may be the new criteria in judging a restaurant

Got this shot free by checking in w/Yelp

I currently judge restaurants by calamari

Dream Car

We out!!!

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

In the beginning of the year, its hard to see December in sight. But when December arrives you just want to savor it. I'm not a huge Holiday person because it makes me miss my family dearly, especially the family members that are no longer here. However, I try my best to get in the Christmas spirit and what usually ushers that in is Holiday music. Below are a few of my favorite songs that make me feel festive and jolly.

1. I'll Go- Ledisi
2. All I Want For Christmas- Mariah Carey
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town- Jackson 5
4. Silent Night- The Temptations
5. White Christmas- Destiny's Child
6. What Christmas Means- CeeLo Green
7. Christmas In Hollis- Run-DMC
8. Santa Baby- Eartha Kitt
9. Gee Whiz, It's Christmas- Carla Thomas
10. Someday At Christmas- Stevie Wonder
11. Purple Snowflakes- Marvin Gaye
12. Kissin' By The Mistletoe- Aretha Franklin
13. Christmas Wrapping- The Waitresses
14. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee

These are just a few of my favorite songs, what else should I add to my Holiday playlist?

Ujamaa Box 2nd Anniversary

Guess who’s addicted to subscription boxes? You guessed it, me. I remember jumping on the Birchbox wagon twice and unfortunately was disappointed twice. Next was my love for Curlbox. I thought this was genius, someone who looked like me making it happen. And the exclusivity of the box being sold out added to me wanting it more. While I still share that same love for Curlbox and think that Myliek is a big sister in my head, I became a serious product junky and had to end my subscription. Currently I’m subscribed to the Walmart Beauty box which comes quarterly as well the Sephora Play Box. As you see, subscription boxes and I have and have had history. 

After stalking my favorite Instagram page, I saw that Ujamaa Box would be celebrating their 2^nd Year Anniversary in DC. Second year, like where was I two years ago when this box came out. In case you haven’t heard about Ujamaa Box, it’s a curated collection of distinctive product samples and special promotional offers, exclusively from Black-owned businesses. The founder Ebony Costain featured over 150 Black-owned businesses in just 2 years with the goal of cooperative economics amongst black business owners. Of course I was quick to put it on my calendar and purchase a ticket to attend. 

The Anniversary took place at the Anacostia Arts Center, which is a location that’s totally F.U.B.U old heads will get that reference.Honestly, what I had in mind was actually surpassed. The venue was dimmed, there was an area off to the right where a musical selection would take place, and the entire line of Ujamaa goodies were set up to the left. After being at the event for about 10 minutes, I was greeted by Ujamaa box founder Ebony Costain and she was gorgeous. Her outfit, hair, and personality were all on point!!! Included in the ticket price was an actual station to make our own Ujamaa box. There were sooo many kool items to choose from, including t-shirts. Where they do that at?

Ebony Costain

Repost from @UjamaaBox

Aside from the awesome products, there were also small bites of catfish/hushpuppies and crab cakes from Capitol Hill Crab Cakes. Now they’ve been on my radar for quite some time and the little bites that I had was a major teaser so expect me to visit them sometime soon. Aside from the small bites we were given a drink ticket and was able to grab beer/wine to sip throughout. A little later in the evening Candice Hoyes blessed us with her amazing jazz vocals. She is a phenomenal artist so definitely be on the lookout for her projects. And looking at her IG, she is no stranger to the art of slaying. After Candice’ performance I went around to the many shops that are located in the Anacostia Arts Center. If you’ve never visited this venue, it’s definitely worth checking out. The mere fact that it’s a space that houses businesses of color is pretty remarkable. I was able to snatch up Black Card Revoked from Nubian Hueman without having to pay shipping charge. That’s definitely winning and I know my family and I will enjoy it over the holidays. 

Candice Hoyes

The night ended with ice-cream from Ruby Scoops. They brought three different flavors with them and I chose a vanilla and sweet potato pie combination. Yes you read that right, sweet potato pie ice-cream and it was beyond delicious. All in all, I am sooo happy that I was able to support this wonderful milestone of Ujamaa Box. I look forward to starting my own subscription and you should do so as well. 

If you like to see what I chose for my box keep scrolling.

Let me know in the comments if you're subscribed to any subscription boxes.