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Brunch Review: Kellari Taverna - Washington, DC

As I mentioned here, Groupon is a great way to discover new brunch spots on a budget.

A few weeks back, I stumbled upon a great deal on Groupon for excellent brunch experience.

For $45, 2 people can enjoy a 3 course meal and bottomless mimosas or bloody marys.

What a deal right??

Kellari Taverna is right downtown on K Street and is known to serve some great Greek seafood.

Upon arriving, we received a prix-fixe menu with surprisingly quite a few options.

My friend and I decided to go outside our comfort zones and try some dishes we’ve never had before - I was very glad we did.

First let me start by saying : they serve THE best bread.

If for nothing else go for the bread. You will thank me.

Course 1:

kellari salad

A simple classic Greek salad with a feta dressing. Effortless, yet good.

The portion was large.

grilled calamari

I'm a big calamari fan but had only ever eaten it deep fried.

Even though it had great flavor, I think I just personally prefer the fried kind.

Course 2:

fish of the day

salmon benedict

I love eggs benedict but I have actually never had salmon benedict before.

If at a restaurant seafood is not typically my first choice but I decided to go with what the restaurant is known for.

I really liked it! I only have the standard benedict version to compare it to but I will definitely be eating this again.

Dessert:

yogurt cake

Delicious!

I don’t know what I was expecting when we ordered this but it was very very good.

I would say it has a slightly better texture than flan.

baklava

This was my first time trying baklava and it was to die for!

I have always heard about this traditional dish but have never tried it.

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how to not overpack for your summer getaway

With summer so close we can taste it, many of us are thinking about going on getaways! The options are unlimited when it comes to planning and embarking on a summer getaway. Some people choose to soak up the sun in a tropical destination, whereas others might want to see new cities and explore historical sites around the world. No matter where what your summer itinerary holds this year, it’s important that you pack accordingly.

Packing is the second worst part about taking a vacation, with unpacking obviously coming in first. It can be difficult to try to plan all your outfits for an extended period of time and then try to fit them all into a limited space otherwise known as a suitcase. Especially for fashionistas who like to have their options, it’s especially hard to make these decisions.

Luckily, there is one general rule of thumb for packing that can help you immensely:

Bring versatile pieces.

When you pack clothes that aren’t pigeonholed into only being useful for one outfit, you open up to possibilities for all kinds of stylish combinations without having to pay extra for your overweight suitcase.

What are some versatile things to bring on your summer vacation, you might ask? Here are some pointers…

Your favorite pair of shorts. Granted you’re not going to the Arctic Tundra or Australia, chances are pretty good that you’ll be wearing shorts. Like Lauren Conrad, whose cut-off denim shorts are favorites, most of us have our key go-to pair that fits perfectly and can go with just about anything. Usually, they are denim or a neutral color like white. Either way, definitely bring these.

A fun pair of heels. If you have a couple activities on the agenda that will warrant some dressier outfits, take a note from Lyst's shoes edit and bring a pair of statement high heels. If you stick to packing easily transitional items, you should have no problem putting together a chic nighttime outfit that’s basic enough to go with any funky pair of shoes. If you’re worried about things not matching, bring some nude pumps.

A pashmina scarf. Taking a page out of Ivanka Trump’s travel diary on Forbes, she says she takes a pashmina scarf everywhere she goes: “It can dress up even the most casual attire and offer some warmth on a colder evening and on planes. Plus, it’s easy to pack, won’t wrinkle and I make sure to pick a neutral color for versatility.”

In case you haven’t noticed, one of the most important factors of packing versatile outfits for your summer trip is to keep the color scheme generally neutral. A few pops of color here and there can be added with the use of jewelry, which takes up a lot less space than five pairs of shoes. With a neutral color palette, virtually everything you bring can be mixed and matched with one another to create infinite outfits, and you won’t feel like you forgot to “cover” a day or an activity.

The best part of all about not over-packing? Not having to unpack an over-packed suitcase when you come home from your fabulous summer getaway.

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2016 mother's day gift guide.

cheese board | face cream | necklace | candle | perfume | watch | coloring | bag

Mother's Day is around the right corner and it's time to figure out what
perfect gift is right for your mom.

Here are some great gift ideas for whatever you mom may be interested in or
whatever budgetyou have to work with.
Snagging your mom her signature scent is always a safe bet.
For my mom, she loves skincare so I may opt to pick up a different cream like
this Clarins Moisturizer for her to try.
She also really likes adult coloring so I may opt for an adult coloring book.
On top of these ideas a nice spa day or nice wine.are always great options as well.
Happy shopping :)

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spring outfit inspiration.

Spring always comes at the perfect time. 

Finally warmer weather emerges and you can break out your favorite pieces without the
bulk of a winter coat.

Here are a few of my favorite Spring outfits that I've already worn that can
hopefully give you a little inspiration for the season.

One thing that you may notice that all these outfits have in common is that layering is key.

Making sure you have classic lightweight jackets that you can throw over any outfit to make it.

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Brunch Review: El Tio Tex-Mex Grill - Columbia Heights, DC

Since I have been brunching more and more lately, I have had to find ways to eat-and-save.

One of the best ways to brunch on a budget is Groupon!

So a scoured the deals and picked this cute place in DC.

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill is in Columbia Heights and the Groupon was $35 for 1 entree and 

bottomless mimosas/bloody marys for 2.

So cheap!

The service was attentive (ie. the steady drinks) and the food was ready quickly.

(chilaquiles)

The food was great. 

I ordered the Huevos Rancheros (below) and my roommate ordered Chilaquiles(above).

I liked my dish and it was a great perfect portion but by the time we left I felt like I could have had another plate.

(huevos rancheros)

Without the Groupon, El Tio Tex-Mex offers a $15 flat rate for bottomless brunch 

which is a great deal too.

I can't wait to head back this summer and eat on their patio.

Click here to get the deal - happy brunching :)

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2016 beach essentials under $50

bathing suit | beach towel | hat | sunnies | sandals | beach bag | book | dress

I have a few beach trips planned this summer and have just been eyeing some new
goodies to renew my beach wardrobe.

There are so many affordable options for whatever you need and you can find a few of my favorites above.
Everything is under $50 so you have extra cash for an extra Mai Tai by the pool :) 

dress:

swimsuits:

sunnies:

sandals:

hats:

beach bags:

towels:

beach reads:

SPLURGE WORTHY:

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the zoo.

 | bomber: old navy (under $25!)| sweater: old navy | jeans: loft (only $40!)| flats: everlane | 

| bag: coach | necklace: stella&dot | brooch: vintage | sunglasses: rayban |

When I was little, my Mom would bring my sister and I to the National Zoo on a regular basis.
It was educational, it was fun, and it was free (thanks Smithsonian Institute!)

After brunch last Sunday, my roommate suggested that we make a pit-stop at the Zoo,

best.suggestion.ever.
A ton of the animals were still active as we walked from exhibit to exhibit.
We got a peek at the new baby Bald Eagles, not-so-little Bei Bei munching on bamboo, a pride of lions relaxing in the sun, and some very loud seals sliding into their pond.
It was a great afternoon.
Now, that I am living closer than ever to one of my favorite places I hope to get a few visits under my belt this year.

Make sure to follow me on Snapchat (@avizacard) to stay up to date with my daily happenings :)

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dress to impress.

| top & pants: zara | bag: coach | heels: rachel roy |

These pants & top are probably the best deals I've found in awhile.
I went into Zara a few weeks ago and found these 2 pieces in the end of the sale section for only $15.
Yep each piece was only $15.

Not only do I love the print of these pants but I really love the fit.
They hit my waist and ankle perfectly and the fabric makes them super comfortable.
The way the pink and mustard compliment each other adds an unexpected perfect spring feel perfect for the office.

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