#DBThruhike in Richmond with Devils Backbone

Last night, I attended the #DBthruhike Trail Magic event at the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Va and if you follow me on Instagram, you saw behind the scenes on my @cathclaire instastories. This event was beer dinner but if you ask me, that doesn't begin to give the event justice! This beer dinner was a 5 course delish meal accompanied by a view of the James River where each course was paired with not only a beer from Devils Backbone but also an enlightened explanation from the companies head brewmaster, Jason Oliver.

My husband was looking forward to attending with me but when he relayed the news that he got tied up with work, I did what any girl with 7 brothers would do and began "going down the line." This is what I like to refer to as my infallible backup plan and involves asking each brother until someone agrees.

Did I mention that it is one of my favorite things about having an army (or baseball team) for a family?

How many did I have to ask to accompany this beer dinner? You guessed it, one. The first brother I asked, Evan  (- who is graduating from VCU in a few days - eek!, ) rearranged his plans and said yes on the spot. Guys, we had the best time! Our dad brews beer (and is pretty damn good at it, ask anyone who has tried it) and he can make any beer we ask him to with out fail. In fact, Evan has helped my dad brew several beers over the past couple of years so hearing Jason Oliver tell his stories about how he became and how he is a brewmaster was that much more interesting.

7 Beauty Products I Actually Ran Out Of

While there is nothing worse than running out of a beauty product you fell in love with, there is something to be said about the products that we repurchase. I have always been intrigued by other peoples/ bloggers makeup bags so I wanted to share with you guys what I've been repurchasing as of late. Shoot me a message with any beauty products I need to try, I am what you would call -addicted- to trying all of the beauty things! x

1. Creme de La Mer: It's no secret how big of a fan I am of Creme de La Mer. I am a sucker for the miracle broth (more details about that here) and for the ultra-rich consistency of this cream. I have dry skin with occasional breakouts and you would think wearing a heavy cream throughout the year would be a no no - but this jar of magic balances my skin. I always have a pot of it handy, regardless of what products I am trying for the blog and The Crystal Press! Side note: I also love the way it mixes with my go-to Tarte foundation.

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hr Foundation: I love the way this Tarte foundation lays on my skin. It looks better the longer you leave it on your face, riddle me that? The Amazonian clay that is in this foundation is said to be "skin-smart" and has the ability to adjust to your skin type regardless of whether yours is dry, oily, or a combination of the two.  I recommend this foundation religiously and I have yet to get a bad review in response to this recommendation!

3. Dessange Paris California Brass Color Correcting Cream: I cannot stand any bit of yellow in my hair so I am addicted to this Dessange color correcting cream. It is a super concentrated treatment with lots of blue & purple tones to cover up that icky brassiness that happens to blondes in between hair appointments. The best part? It doesn't smell like shimmering lights or whatever that purple shampoo is. lol

4. Becca Shimmering Pressed Highlighter: This creamy powder is from the heavens. I use it whenever I put makeup on and CAN NOT finish my face without it. I love the way it applies and creates the perfect shimmer on your face. I highly recommend this highlighter!

5. OPI "Alpine Snow" Nail Polish + Seche Vite fast drying top coat: I am sure you guys are surprised by this one but hey, I am just being honest. I paint my nails white like it is going out of style and it has been a consistent staple in my look for over a year now. I love the way it pops in photos and the contrast it provides to my usual black outfits!

6. NYX color corrector in yellow: Color correcting concealers are all of the hype right now and while color correctors come in every shape, size, and price point - this NYX one has been a staple in my makeup bag for 5+ years. I use it as a concealer under my eyes to cancel out purple tones in my dark circles. I love this NYX formula because it is emollient and a light texture, which I prefer for the delicate skin under eyes. I always have a pot in my purse for touchups between meetings and events and whatever else is on my schedule!

PS: You guys are lucky because they sell this elusive color corrector at Target now. I used to have to go to ULTA exclusively for this pot of gold!

7. Exfolikate by Kate Somerville: I have dry skin like I mentioned in my love for La Mer earlier in this blogpost and that being said, one of my saving graces is this exfoliator by Kate Somerville. Exfoliators are usually something you can't use too close to an event due to harshness but this exfoliator gives you that glow in a record amount of time. I carry a small size of exfolikate with me whenever I travel and I make a point to use it before events. Products sink in better and my skin loves me so much more when I am using this Kate Somerville product regularly. They don't call it the "Hollywood 2-Minute Facial" for nothin' kids.

My Workout Routine with Crunch Fitness

 This post was sponsored by Crunch fitness.

Fitness means something different to everyone and if I am being completely honest, it has meant wildly different things to me as my tastes and schedule change. Although there have been different workout routine obsessions that have come and gone in the life of cathclaire, there have been several aspects of my workout that have remained constant. When Crunch offered me a membership to their gym with #NOJUDGEMENTS, I was elated to see that all of my work out priorities were easily accommodated with their facility in Scott’s Addition in Richmond. Crunch fitness is an inspiring company that makes working out fun and diverse with room for everyone. Who doesn’t love working out at a gym with this kind of manifesto?

Growing up as a dancer and a cheerleader, one of my priorities when working out has always been stretching. I have been taught time and time again the importance of flexibility and I always feel my best when I am making an effort to stretch regularly day in and day out. Whether I am taking a Yoga or Barre class at Crunch, I always make a point to do an extra stretch before or after my class in one of their stretching areas surrounded by mirrors. No, not because I’m vain, but because I like to make sure my form is correct, duh!

Sidenote: Sometimes when I finish stretching, it is easy for me to let myself leave the gym before even working out. How do I avoid this? Priming myself with some good motivation before getting to the gym (a few picture of my dream bod will do) and equipping my phone with a bomb playlist. Whether that includes music or a lecture from one of my favorite gurus, this will keep me focused during any workout. Follow me on Spotify here.

Another constant throughout my workout routine has been 3lb weights for arm workouts. I will never forget when I learned that Tracy Anderson, LA based trainer to celebs and beyond, recommended no heavier than 3 lb weights to get toned arms. Maybe it was more relief that I didn’t have to 
continue to strain on 10lb weights to have Gwyneth Paltrow arms but whatever, I usually stick 
around the 2-3 lbs consistently for arm 
workouts!

Visit Richmond: 6 Best Things to Do in RVA Right Now

For those of you that don't have Instastories, I decided I would do a full roundup of things I am loving in Richmond, VA right now. Whether you are a new visitor or a local Richmonder looking to expand your Richmond palette a bit, here are some things I have tried lately and loved! Shoot me a message with your favorites, I'd love to hear!

1. The Jasper:  My favorite drink on the menu right now at this Richmond bar is the Moscow 75. Every cocktail on this menu is pretty phenom, however this one is my drink of choice as the warm weather approaches. Vodka, lemon, cinnamon, and sparkling wine. It is a dream in a cup!

2. Tazza Kitchen: Right now I am gushing over the Bacon & Apple Salad. (I sub the gorgonzola for goat cheese) However, this salad from Tazza is only avail at lunch. Can't make lunch?  No worries because I am obsessed with their happy hour. If you haven't gone, visit their location in Scotts Addition. You will probably see me there, wearing a hat, sipping on some sort of elixir. Say hi!

3. North End Juice Co Poke Bowl: I am very picky about Poke. I know it is a super trendy dish but I have had it a million times and TBH, I haven't always been enthused. In fact, I made the assumption that Poke wasn't for me....that is until my husband brought home this poke bowl from North End Juice Co. on Cleveland street in the Museum District. I can't say no to the perfect combination of foods in this bowl, especially the avocado and mango or this cute sidewalk (more than) juice bar!

4. Hot Barre at The Hot Yoga Barre: If you want a good playlist, good posture, and a good sweat - this place is for you. I am addicted to hot barre! See The Hot Yoga Barre Richmond schedule here.

5. Goatocado Mexican Ramen: Yes, it sounds a good as it tastes.  (add boiled egg and ask for a side of cheese. Is that weird to ask for cheese for a ramen dish? Oh well, its a nice addition for my taste) AND it is available on Grubhub. Check out Goatocados menu here.

6. Blade + Lash: A luxury that I have come to appreciate to the millionth degree is lash extensions. My first experience a couple of years ago with lash extensions in Richmond was not good but man, is my experience with Jade from Blade + Lash in RVA is SUCH a contrasting experience. Not only is she a cool lady that I never want to stop talking to but she is the lash (and micro blade) QUEEN. Go check here out on Instagram here. PS How bomb are her cards? #brandingonpoint

Saks Fifth Avenue Richmond Event

I love traveling everywhere, who doesn't? One specific thing I look forward to when traveling is coming home to Richmond, VA. I am in love with this city: the people, the food, the places, the shopping, my home, and SO many more things I can't think of right now because I am a little hungover from too much snow day fun. Honesty is the best policy, right?

That being said, I wanted to let you guys in on a really cool perfume event tonight happening at Saks Fifth Avenue Richmond at the Stony Point Fashion Park. I know I am always talking about perfume on here because well, I'm effing obsessed with it. I love shopping for it, trying perfume on my own skin, and I ESPECIALLY love admiring my collection of perfume when I add a new one. I can't help this perfume obsession peeps, I was born this way.

If you love perfume as much as I do, you will be happy to hear that Bond No. 9 New York is hosting a happy (see what I did there?) hour from 6-8 tonight, March 22, with champagne. Not just champagne but also CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES. I am already giving myself permission to break my beach bod diet for this event. Who is with me?

Hope to see you lovely people there and if you can't make it, I've got you covered with my absolute favorite Bond No. 9 perfumes linked below!  xo Cath

My Morning Routine with Bulletproof Coffee

I have implemented a lot of new habits in 2018 (yes, I know we are only 15 days in..) and I am so excited to share them with you guys.

First up: my new morning routine with bulletproof coffee. 

I have become addicted to this bulletproof coffee recipe...so much so that yesterday morning I woke up to make it (I look forward to it every morning) and realized my husband had used the last of the butter for it. Solution? Head to Saadia's Juicebox in Jackson Ward to grab some! She has it on the menu, along with all kinds of delicious concoctions. (I also ordered a wellness shot and it was the perfect addition to my Sunday morning!)

I have always been a person who considers their mornings sacred (working out, meditation, and journaling with coffee are a must) but adding bulletproof coffee to the dock has been a game changer that I am very excited to tell you guys about in hopes that it can be just as much of a game changer for you as well. 

If you're like me, you have probably heard the words bulletproof coffee tossed around over the past couple of years..but let me tell you - throwing MCT Oil, grass-fed unsalted butter, and your favorite coffee into a blender to start your morning is nothing short of magical. The crash that coffee usually comes with? Forget it. Starting your day off with pesky cravings that distract you from what you need to get done? Forget that ish as well. 

As if it can't get any better, bulletproof coffee is just as frothy as your favorite latte and it doesn't have the dairy that goes along with it! This frothy, energy igniting concoction is a must-try and something that I have really enjoyed adding to my daily routine.

How do you do it? Here are some directions I got from the BYRDIE website:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. filtered water

• 2 1/2 heaping tbsp. freshly ground Bulletproof Upgraded Coffee beans (or, if you don’t want to buy the Bulletproof brand of low-mold beans, just make an 8 oz. cup of regular coffee, ideally using fresh-roasted beans)

• 1 tsp. MCT Oil (coconut oil can work as a substitute)

• 1 tbsp. grass-fed, unsalted butter (or ghee)*

*Asprey recommends graduating to two tbsp. once you acquire the taste for it.  

Directions:

Combine the brewed hot coffee, teaspoon of MCT oil, and tablespoon of grass-fed, unsalted butter or ghee in a blender to get a frothy, creamy mixture like that of a latte. If you just stir the butter and oil into the hot coffee, the oil won’t blend and will sit on the surface of the drink. Then drink up! Just remember, due to the calories and fat content, bulletproof coffee is intended to be your breakfast, not to be consumed in addition to your usual breakfast.

P.S Can we talk about how hard it is to look fierce when it's freezing out? I am so excited about this Lovers + Friends coat from Revolve because it does the trick WHILE keeping you oh-so-warm. Also, silver goes with anything, like literally anything. I see myself wearing this coat constantly, especially with the way the forecast is looking. What do you guys think? xo

Zippered High-Waist Jeans: Forever 21 / Silver Ankle Boots: Saint Laurent (sold out, similar here) / Tommy Jeans Collegiate T-shirt: Tommy Hilfiger  / Calla Lily Belted Matte Silver Puffer: Lovers + Friends via Revolve / Cafe Racer Mirrored Sunglasses in White: Quay  / Belt: Gucci (backordered, similar here )

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98 Degrees at Christmas Tour Review with Cathclaire

If you all the sudden feel like you are the most obsessed-with-Christmas person in the room like me this season  (and by all the sudden I mean I didn't always used to be like this) - you have GOT to go see 98 Degrees on their Christmas tour.

Even if you aren't obsessed with holiday cheer and think you MIGHT enjoy this beautiful performance or are the least bit curious about how Nick Lachey's face looks lately IRL, don't think twice. Don't think twice and go get yourself a ticket if they are touring anywhere near you.  You will thank me later because the whole time you will feel like dancing (and you will dance) AND you will feel like you are drinking a cup of the best hot coco you have ever had (in reality, it's a Bud Light.) See the video proof below:

A little recap:

Last night I went to this concert with a bunch of my girlfriends and sister for the ideal night on the town during the holiday season: drinks + best friends + live Christmas pop music. We all met at Juleps on Grace Street in Richmond to catch some happy hour cocktails (yes, this lovely restaurant has happy hour from 5-7!) within walking distance of the Carpenter Center, where the 98 degrees concert was. I ordered the Champagne Julep that wasn't on happy hour because I couldn't resist it and I was very thrilled with my drink of choice. It was a concoction of mint, bubbles, and fresh berries. Highly recommend.

My Favorite High Waisted Jeans from ASOS

Whether you were blessed with Victoria Secret Angel long legs or blessed with shorter ones like myself (notice I called them both a blessing, it is Thanksgiving week after all..), the majority of people love a silhouette that elongates their legs. When it comes to dressing, I have found myself grabbing for my high-waisted jeans more than any other style lately! I can't get enough of how easy high waisted jeans are to lounge in and of course, I love how much length they give to my little legs.

Whether I am grabbing brunch with my husband for our 6 month anniversary around Richmond (yes it was yesterday, I can't believe it. Wedding photos here) or trying to hide how much food I will be eating this Thanksgiving week with family and friends, high-waisted jeans are your friend for all of the occasions!

Whether you need to add to your collection or get your first pair, I've got you covered with all kinds of price points from ASOS below in this blog post.

Girls Who Lunch

So, I guess I should announce that I am getting married in 7 months, May 20th. (WTF!, so much to do, so little time!) 

After visiting a couple of venues and making some wedding related decisions, I popped over to Lunch for some post-decision-making grub. Whether you are visiting the river city or live in Richmond, I would highly recommend sitting on their patio as the months grow colder. It is perfectly instagramable and dressed up with open fires and string lights. 

If you're anything like me, picking a restaurant is a timely task when I am home. This is the ultimate Richmond-er struggle but for good reason: we are blessed to be living in a city with too many awesome restaurants. I will be the last to complain, but the next time you can’t decide where to eat, let this be your reminder to eat at Lunch or Supper for the meal of your choice, as the title suggests.

PS: I’m am en route to Ole Miss for the Ole Miss Auburn game this weekend. No, I am not betraying Virginia Tech, I am just seeing how the SEC does things. And yes – I will be trading in my signature black attire for red, apparently.

Follow along on snap for all of the fun : @cathclaire

5 Date Night Restaurants in Richmond, VA

I don’t know about you guys - but between working, freelancing, blogging on The Crystal Press, blogging some more here, and exercising, cooking is the last thing on my list time wise. I feel like a failure in the eyes of many people (my mother being one of them, she is a saint from another Universe who cooked for 11 people growing up. Yes, a reminder that I have 7 siblings) saying that out loud but it’s the damn truth, you know? By the time I prep the ingredients, cook the meal, eat the meal, clean up the meal, the next thing I know - it’s been hours and a bottle of wine. That being said, I do cook and I’m sure I will get better at doing it more efficiently and when I do I will share it here, but I so look forward to date nights with my new hubby! We frequent lots of the restaurants around Richmond because let’s be honest, the food scene is popping in RVA and it is impossible to stay away - even when you plan on being a good wife + cooking on a Friday night.

For those of you that are in the mood for a good date night spot, I’ve got you covered with some of Kev + I’s favorites and the secret sauce aka my go-to orders. Eat your heart out, literally.

1. The Roosevelt: The Burger. While I have no idea what rooster sauce is, I do know that it tastes phenomenal on their already phenomenal burger. Hands down best one in town and I’d go as far to say best one outside of town.
2. Heritage: 2 Orders of Pimento Croquettes and whatever tickles my fancy. The menu is always changing here, but you can’t go wrong with anything. This is one of those places where I feel comfortable closing my eyes, pointing at a random spot on the menu, and ordering. SO good.
3. Bacchus on Main: Tomatoes + Cream Pasta with Fried Goat Cheese Salad sans beets. Yes, I know beets are good for you but I don’t like them touching my goat cheese. PS This meal is vegetarian-friendly and the pasta is enough to split or take home and munch on for dayyyyys. Heats up very well if I do say so myself, and that is saying a lot because I loathe leftovers.
4. Rappahannock: Oyster Bourride. This is more like a stew but regardless of the temperature outside, I can always eat a bowl of this. The egg, oysters, and billy bread over broth is a delightful combination that I hope they keep on the menu forever and ever.
5. The Daily Kitchen: Quinoa Salad, mic drop. This salad is so refreshing and filling! I feel like the green goddess when I eat this and you want to feel like that too, trust me.

Doing the Unstuck

Nothing says Happy Hump Day quite like a good ole soliloquy on feeling stuck, because let's face it: everyone has times when this blah feeling creeps into their life.  There are different remedies depending on the stickiness of the situation, and if I had to make a comparison between concrete, quicksand (a phobia of mine since The Jungle Book), and mud - I would compare my recent sticky situation to being stuck in the mud.

That being said, I did what any person stuck in said metaphorical mud would do, and flooded all of my friends'/family members' phones with questions asking for advice. While said advice was awesomely insightful, the conversations ended with me, myself, and that still very much stuck feeling (kind of like after a shopping therapy session at Barney’s).  After a couple of tries at the getting-advice-game, I came to the realization that I was trying to get someone or something to pull me out of the mud. However, this time, I needed to use my own muscles to pull myself out.

Whiplash

 

Is it just me, or is Richmond weather giving you whiplash this fall? Waking up to 40 degree temperatures in dire need of a hot cup of joe this morning was a stark contrast to the past weekend's comfortable warm weather and cold brew coffee. In addition to changing up my coffee preferences, layering my outfits is another way that I safeguard against the weather whiplash of fall. In the name of layering, I scooped this LA Made denim button up & 360 Cashmere asymmetrical sweater from Bliss 5812. Bliss has all kinds of ring-me-up-please pieces in their boutique that are perfect for fall layering & those unpredictable weather days! My favorite layering piece is this denim button up because it can be thrown on for just about any occasion and the zipper detailing on the back quite the eye-catcher. Posted while listening to "Something About You" ODESZA remix by Hayden James.

Halloween Costume: Brandon Flowers from The Killers

Disclaimer: this post reveals a Nordstrom giveaway at the very end!

Halloween is hands down my all time favorite holiday. Ever since I was little, deciding what I was going to be for Halloween was always a decision I took very seriously and seemed to make way earlier than other kids. Yes, I was the girl asking what my friends were going to be for Halloween seven months in advance. From a 50s girl, to Chipper Jones (tomboy phase, don't ask), to Mary Kate Olsen, I'd like to think I was a pretty well rounded (prepared) Halloween dresser upper.

The unforgettable person that inspired my love of Halloween (and fashion, for that matter) was my Aunt Mary. If there was ever a queen of Halloween, she was it. She always helped me with my costume growing up and sent me Halloween care packages when I was away at college. My aunt made Halloween care packages a thing.. a very much anticipated thing at that. She loved the idea of dressing up in costume and her Halloween spirit was infectious. She passed away a couple of years ago, and to this day - I get a little more outrageous on Halloween in her honor.

I decided to dress up as the lead singer of The Killers, Brandon Flowers. Rebecca and I saw him in concert this summer and I pretty much fell head over heels for him (don't judge until you see him live.) Anyways, Brandon's thing was feather epaulettes and lets be real, who turns down an excuse to unapologetically wear feather epaulettes? When I went down one of my I'm-obsessed-with-Brandon-Flowers rabbit holes via google, I found this quote in regards to his feelings on his signature feathery Dior blazer:

"The feather epaulettes were my most fabulous style statement. When I get into the jacket I feel good and very triumphant. It's the old cliche of putting the mask on. I don't know if I could get up in front of 70,000 people at festivals without my feathers on."

Brandon, if you're reading this - I feel pretty triumphant in my blazer adorned with feather epaulettes too and don't mind switching out your festival-ocassion for my Halloween celebration. Thanks for the inspo, bud. If you are getting into costume this Halloween, you will be excited to hear about the contest The Crystal Press is hosting this year. In order to qualify, share a picture of your costume via social media tagging @thecrystalpress and #TCPHalloween. The best costume will win a $50 gift card to Nordstrom! Reb and I can not wait to see all of your entries!

Posted while listening to "This is Your Life" - The Killers

PS: This costume consisted of feathers from a local craft store attached with fabric glue, a sheer white button up from H&M, the darkest Urban Decay black eye makeup, and a fo-hawk courtesy of my multi-talented roommate & great friend, Meg Decker. Follow her on insta here: @megeliza02.