Velvet Bodysuit: Zara / Leather Skirt: Zara (Similar) /Tights: Spanx
Earrings: DFTI (Similar) / Booties: Sam Edelman
Today on this day, I am another year older and wiser. As I’ve said before, December is one of my favorite months out of the year. It’s always so wonderful to spend time with loved ones, sip on hot cocoa, attend holiday parties, warm cozy sweaters and wearing ugly Christmas sweaters… oh and My Birthday!
We kicked off my birthday celebrations over the weekend by hosting our closest friends at our home on Saturday for dinner and drinks (and the yummiest ice cream cake from Scoop DeVille). This was followed by some amazing karaoke in our private room at Lair KTV. Today we will be going to dinner at one of my favorite steak places in the city, Del Friscos. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by and I feel so blessed each and every single day.
I usually have a fun post for my blog on my birthday. Last year I did this post and told you guys 10 things you didn’t know about me. This year I wanted to do a Q&A where I asked my wonderful followers on Instagram about anything they wanted! So here is goes!
BIRTHDAY Q&A
PERSONAL
How long have you been married for? How did you and your husband meet?
The hubby and I have been married for 4 years and we’ve been together for a few years before that. We met many years ago when we were younger through our place of worship. We drifted apart for many years but reunited in Philadelphia through a mutual friend!
What’s been your favorite place that you have traveled too? Do you have any upcoming travel plans?
I love to travel and to explore new places. Honestly it gives me something to look forward too and just to experience new things in the world and see how others in the world live is such an amazing experience. This year we made two big trips - the first was to Santorini and Mykonos in Greece in May and then we went to India in October. Our next travel plans include a trip to Connecticut followed by Arizona where my in-laws live. I love going out there in the winter time because it’s so nice and warm! We will definitely have some amazing trips coming up next year so stay tuned!
What did you go to school for?
I attended the University of Connection (UCONN) - Go Huskies and I went to school for Accounting. I have both my Bachelor of Science and my Masters both in Accounting.
What book are you currently reading?
Currently I am reading the Alchemist. I also recently finished all three books in the Crazy Rich Asians series by Kevin Kwan - Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, and Rich People Problems. I highly recommend them!
What’s your favorite investment bag?
Hands down my favorite investment bag would be Chanel. Chanel in general really holds it value and is worth every penny. Their bags are also stunning and well made! You can read my review on the Chanel mini I got last year for my birthday here.
Will you be doing a home tour or a tour of your closet?
I am super flattered that you all want to see my home and closet! I currently don’t have any plans to do a home tour or closet tour but I did post about our living room last year which you can read here.
What is your favorite place to eat in Philadelphia?
There are so many awesome places! My favorites include -
Top Choice: Zahav
(This year on Valentine’s Day my husband surprised me and took me here. I also got to meet Michael Solomonov who was soo nice!)
Steaks: Del Friscos
Burgers: Dandelion and Pub & Kitchen
Sushi: Royal Izakaya
Salads: Sweetgreen
Dessert: Franklin Fountain
BEAUTY/STYLE
Who is your celebrity style inspiration?
There are so many that inspire! First off and foremost I would have to say my mother is a style inspiration to me! I would also have to say Natalie Portman, Victoria Beckham, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Obama - so timeless and classic, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor.
Where do you shop/what are your favorite stores?
Zara, Nordstrom, ASOS, Sephora
How do you curl your hair and what products do you use?
I use a 1 1/4 inch Hot Tools curling iron. I try not to use too many products on my hair. My everyday curls usually consist of brushing my hair out, curling, then using hairspray. I use Garnier for hair spray - I go through so much it doesn’t make sense to splurge on hair spray.
What are your staple makeup products?
I use the following products everyday:
Foundation - Lancome
Concealer - Tarte
Color Corrector - Becca
Setting Powder - Laura Mercier
Highlighter - Becca
Eyebrow Pencil - Anastasia Beverly Hills
Lip - Kat Von D
Mascara - Dior
Blush - Too Faced
Contour Palette - Smashbox
Eyeshadow - Stila
Do you have hair extensions? How do you keep your hair so healthy?
I don’t have hair extensions nor have I ever wore them. My hair is pretty healthy - or at least that’s what all the hair stylists tell me. I have never colored my hair nor have I gotten any chemicals put on my hair (no keratin treatment, etc). I don’t plan on doing that since it really damages your hair!
Will you be doing any beauty tutorials?
This is something I have been thinking about doing something for a while but have not yet gotten around to it! Keep a look out on my YouTube channel and make sure to subscribe!
BLOGGING
Why did you get into blogging?
I always wanted to have a job in the beauty and fashion industry but I went into business in college and received my Accounting degrees. Blogging is an outlet for myself to have a connection with that industry and I’ve truly enjoyed every minute of it.
What do you do for a living? Do you blog full time?
I am a full time Accountant in Philadelphia and I blog on the side!
Who takes all your blog photos?
My wonderful husband takes all my photos and this blog wouldn’t exist without him.
Thank you so much!!!
How long does a blog post usually take to write?
It takes a long time! There’s alot that goes into a blog post that people don’t see or know. From the initial brainstorming, getting ready and styling outfits, shooting content, editing photos to actually writing the post (which is probably my least favorite part). I usually see what’s coming up a few weeks before (vacations, holidays, birthday, etc) and start planning backwards from there.
What are the struggles that come with blogging?
With any business especially one that’s yours, you can’t ever really “turn it off.” I work full time and do blogging on the side so my “free time” is pretty much taken up! Also, with the weather it’s harder to take photos during the week during the winter months since it gets dark out so early. We’ve been taking photos during the weekends. Bloggers make things look so glamorous and portraying (and that just comes with the job) but there is soo much more that goes into it! Additionally, when you’re blogging you are sharing so much of your life with others and that can be hard to draw a line of what to share and what not to share. It’s also important not to get caught up with what others are doing and just do you!!
Whats your favorite thing about blogging?
One of my favorite things is meeting new people and attending events! I’ve made some wonderful connections through blogging especially here in Philadelphia!
I hope you all enjoyed this post! From the bottom of my heart thank you all so much for your support!
